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| Latin Names |
English Names |
Sanskrit Name |
Hindi Name |
Ipomoea digitata
Linn. /
I.paniculata (Linn.) R.Br. |
Aligator Yam, Giant Potato, Milky Yam |
Vidari |
Vidaarikand |
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| History |
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The early
Sanskrit writers mentioned it under the names 'Vidari'
and 'Bhumi-Kushmanda'. In the Nighantas, it has several
synonyms. It was part of the composition of several diuretic
and demulcent mixtures. In the Konkan region of India,
the root was peeled, cut in to small pieces and dried
for use as an aphrodisiac. The 'Susruta' gave several
prescriptions for its use as an aphrodisiac.s
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| Habitat |
It is found in India in the east including
Bihar, Orissa, West Bengal, Assam, and the west coast from Konkan
to Kerala. It grows mostly in moist areas, monsoon forests and
in coastal tracts. The plant is also grown for ornamental purposes
and trained against trellises and pillars.
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| Morphology
Description (Habit) |
An extensive perennial
climber with large, ovoid and tuberous roots. The leaves are large,
palmately 5-7 lobed, ovate, lanceolate, acute or acuminate, glabrous
and with prominent nerves beneath. Flowers are widely campanulate
and few to many in the axillary corymbose cymes. Corolla is purple
and campanulate-infundibuliform. Ovary 4-celled. Capsules are small
and ovoid. Seeds 4 in each fruit, black and woolly.
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| Principal
Constituents |
b
-sitosterol was identified1. Taraxerol and sitosterol were
also identified2.
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| Pharmacology |
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It showed stimulant
as well as depressant actions on different organ systems3.
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| Toxicology |
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There is no adverse effect reported
on the use of this plant.
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| Indications |
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The root has alterative, aphrodisiac,
tonic, stimulant properties and used in male infertility and inflammations.
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| Product
Range |
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Mentat (MindCare),
Mentat syrup, Anxocare.
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| References |
- Indian J. Appl. Chem., 1964, 27, 155.
- Phytochemistry, 1972, 11, 2621.
- Indian J. Med. Sci., 1969, 23, 479.
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