Medicinal plants are an invaluable source of active ingredients in controlling various pathetic diseases. We are pursuing research on pinnacle properties of various medicinal herbs for diabetic and derma care.
Diabetic care is our prime focus and we are actively conducting research on the following herbs for anti-diabetic property.
1. Cassia auriculata– Avaram
Cassia auriculata is an evergreen shrub that grows in many parts of India and in other parts of Asia. The flower, leaves, stem, root, and unripe fruit are used for treatment, especially in Ayurvedic medicine. The root is used in decoctions against fever, diabetes, diseases of urinary system and constipation. The leaves have laxative properties. The dried flowers and flower buds are used as a substitute for tea in case of diabetes patients. It is also believed to improve the complexion in women. The powdered seed is also applied to the eye, in case of chronic purulent conjunctivitis. In Africa, the bark and seeds are said to give relief in rheumatism, eye diseases, gonorrhoea, diabetes and gout.
2. Psidium guajava – Guava
Guava is an important food crop and medicinal plant in tropical and subtropical countries. Guava leaf in African folk medicine has many uses, including treatment of diabetes mellitus, diarrhoea, cough, painful menstruation, and hypertension. It is also used to treat acne, tooth decay, gum infection and sore throat, as a disinfectant for wounds and as an antiseptic. Guava bark is used medically as an astringent and to treat diarrhoea in children, while the flowers have been used to treat bronchitis, eye sores and to cool the body. The fruit is used as a tonic and laxative, and for the treatment of bleeding gums. Guava is used in Africa and Asia to prevent and treat scurvy. Ethno-medicinal report documents the use of the plant in treating malaria.
Derma care research includes medicinal herbs such as,
1. Cassia alata – Vendukolli
Cassia alata L. or senna is a shrub, 2-3m high, widely distributed in the tropical countries. It has been planted widely for medicinal and ornamental purposes. It is known as ringworm shrub, winged senna, candle tree or ringworm Cassia, owing to its traditional use of the juice from fresh leaves or as leaf decoction against ringworm, eczema, pruritis, itching, scabies, ulcers and other skin diseases. The flowers are used in bronchitis, asthma and other respiratory ailments. Other uses of Cassia alata are as an anti-helminthic, anti-bacterial, laxative, and diuretic, for uterine disorders.
2. Centella asiatica– Vallarai
Centella asiatica, commonly known as centella and gotu kola, is a small, herbaceous, annual plant. It is used as a medicinal herb in Ayurvedic medicine, traditional African medicine, and traditional Chinese medicine. It is also known as the Asiatic pennywort or Indian pennywort. It is a rejuvenative nervine recommended for nervous disorders, epilepsy, senility and premature aging. As a brain tonic, it is said to aid intelligence and memory. It strengthens the adrenal glands and cleanses the blood to treat skin impurities. It is said to combat stress and depression, increase libido and improve reflexes. It has also been indicated for chronic venous insufficiency, minor burns, scars, scleroderma, skin ulcers, varicose veins, wound healing, rheumatism, blood diseases, congestive heart failure, urinary tract infections, venereal diseases, hepatitis and high blood pressure.
3. Ocimum sanctum– Tulsi
Apart from being a general tonic and vitalizer, basil has since ages been employed in hundreds of different formulations for the treatment of a range of ailments. It has been traditionally used to treat disorders of the mouth and throat, lungs, heart, blood, liver, kidney and the digestive, metabolic, immune, reproductive and nervous systems. It has been frequently used to treat coughs, colds, flu, head and ear ache, rheumatism and arthritis, malaria, fever, allergies and various skin diseases. It provides a rich supply of antioxidants and other nutrients. In addition, it has been found that basil is a premier adaptogen, helping the body and mind, adapt and cope with a wide range of physical, emotional, chemical and infectious stresses and trauma. It helps restore disturbed physiological and psychological functions to a normal healthy state.
