An epiphytic orchid. The dried herb was found to contain an active-constituent of glucosidic
nature. It has anti-inflammatory property. The herb also contains a bitter principle, tannins, resin, saponin, ß-sitosterol,
g-sitosterol, fatty oil and coloring-matter.
The leaves are pounded and the paste is applied to the body to bring down fever; their juice is dropped
in the ear for the treatment of otitis and other inflammatory conditions. The roots are used in dyspepsia, bronchitis rheumatism,
and also in fever; they are reported to possess antibacterial and antitubercular properties. The roots enter into the preparation
of medicated oils, used externally in rheumatism and nervous troubles. The herb is also used for sciatica.
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History |
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Rasna was
said to be bitter and useful in treating rheumatism. It was an ingredient in oils prepared for rheumatism. |
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Habitat |
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It grows from
Uttar Pradesh to West Bengal and extends to the south of India. |
Morphology Description (Habit)
It is an epiphytic
orchid with special whitish grey coloured velamen roots for the absorption of water. The leaves are thickly coriaceous, recurved,
complicate obtusely keeled, and 15-20 cm. x 1.3-2.0 cm in size. The flowers are in 6-10-flowered racemes. Sepals are tessellated
with brown lines and white margins. Petals are yellow with brown lines and yellow margins, shorter than the sepals. Lips are
bluish, dotted with purple and side lobes are rising from the mouth of the spur. The spur is straight and conical. The capsules
are narrowly clavate-oblong, with acute ribs and a short pedicel.
Principal Constituents
Heptacosane
(C27H56) containing traces of the higher homologue (C29H60) and octacosanol (C28H58O)
containing traces of higher homologue (C30H62O), (C32H66O) were identified.
Pharmacology
Heptacosane
and octacosanol show anti-inflammatory activity. The observations are interesting as the anti-inflammatory activity of the
long-chain alkanes and alkanols range from C27 to C32 which are ubiquitous in plants1.
Toxicology
No adverse
effect was reported on usage of this plant as drug.
Indications
The roots
are used in bronchitis and rheumatism. It enters into the preparation of medicated oils, used externally in rheumatism and
nervous troubles.
Product Range
Reosto, Muscle & Joint Rub.
