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Botanical Name Plant's Common Name Plant Family   

    TOTAL NUMBER OF MEDICINAL PLANT RECORDS FOR LAXATIVE IN MPDB : 64

    AQUATIC : 0     BAMBOO : 1     CLIMBERS : 9     GRASSES : 0     HERBS : 28     ORCHIDS : 0     SHRUBS : 11     TREES : 15

 Sr. No.   Medicinal Plant's Name   Plant's Family   Plant category   Medicinal Uses 
1 Bambusa arundinacea (Retz.) Willd. Poaceae Bamboo The root (burnt root) is applied to ringworm, bleeding gums, painful joints (Khare, 2007). Seeds are acrid, laxative, said to be beneficial in strangury and urinary discharges (Chopra et al., 1958). Bark is used for skin eruptions (Khare, 2007). Leaf is emmenagogue, antileprotic, febrifuge, bechic, used in haemoptysis (Khare, 2007). anti-inflammatory, anti-ulcer, anti-diabetic, anti-oxidant, Anthelmintic, Astringent, Emmengogue activity
2 Diplocyclos palmatus Cucurbitaceae Climbers In Kenya the roots are used as an antivenin and fruits and leaves to cure stomach-ache. In Thailand stems are used as an expectorant and fruits as a laxative, and in Nepal seeds as a febrifuge. The roots are used as an antivenom.
3 Pergularia daemia (Forssk.) Chiov. Asclepiadaceae Climbers Traditionally it has been used as an elmintic, laxative, anti-pyretic and expectorant, besides treatment of infantile Diarrhea, malarial intermittent fevers, toothaches and colds. Studies have shown Hepatoprotective, anti-fertility, anti-diabetic, analgesic, anti-pyretic and anti-inflammatory properties of substances in its aerial parts. Used for uterine and menstrual troubles and to facilitate parturition. Juice of the leaves is considered useful in asthmatic affections and infantile Diarrhea; along with lime and ginger applied to rheumatic swellings. Pulp of fresh leaves are used as a stimulating poultice in carbuncle with good effect. Root bark is given as an anthelmintic; mixed with cow’s milk as a purgative in rheumatic cases (Yusuf et al. 2009).
4 Ipomoea nil (L.) Roth Convolvulaceae Climbers in the treatment of elephantiasis; purgative; seeds are diuretic, anthelminthic and laxative and are prescribed for oedema and constipation, to promote menstruation or cause abortion (abortifacient).
5 Merremia turpethum (L.) Rendle Convolvulaceae Climbers It is actually not a purgative but a mild laxative. It is useful in fevers, edema, ascites, anorexia, constipation, hepatosplenomegaly, hemorrhoids, cervical lymphadenitis, fistulas, constipation, chronic gout, fever, bronchitis, ulcers, hemorrhoids, tumors, obesity, jaundice, herpes, induce lacrimation, and other skin disorders.
6 Gloriosa superba L. Liliaceae Climbers Anti venome(snake), anthelmintic, laxative, alexiteric, abortifacient; Flame lily also used as a tonic, anti-periodic, anti-helminthic. The tuber has commonly been used as a suicidal agent among women in rural areas. tubers are tonic, stomachic and anthelmintic; useful in colic, chronic ulcers and piles; gout; abortifacient;
7 Merremia tridentata (L.) Hallier f. Convolvulaceae Climbers Maceration of the leaves is drunk as an anti-venom after snake bites. A decoction of a mixture of plants, drunk against candida infections of mouth, digestive tract or anus. In India the plant is one of the sources of the Ayurvedic medicine ‘Prasarini’, which is attributed with astringent, aphrodisiac, laxative and bitter properties. The aerial parts are used in treating haemorrhoids, swellings, rheumatic affections and urinary infections. anti-inflammatory; Anti-arthritic
8 Ipomoea fistulosa Mart. ex Choisy Convolvulaceae Climbers Sedative, Anti-convulsant, Anti-carcinogenic and oxytoxic. Medicinal (Roots have laxative effects and are boiled and used to provoke menstruation, and are traditionally a treatment for skin diseases. Milky sap of plant has been traditionally used to treat Leucoderma and other related skin diseases (only external applications have been recommended due to the plant's poisonous nature). Plant has depressant effect on central nervous system and also shows muscle relaxant properties. )
9 Operculina turpethum (L.) Silva Manso CONVOLVULACEAE Climbers In the Philippines the root, either pulverized or in alcoholic tincture, is employed as a drastic purgative. The dried and powdered root-bark is considered cathartic and laxative, resembling jalap in its action. It is a drastic purgative of phlegmatic humors and bile. With ginger, it is particularly beneficial in rheumatic and paralytic affections. In India the fresh bark of the root is rubbed with milk and employed as a purgative.
10 Getonia floribunda Roxb. Combretaceae Climbers The leaves are bitter, astringent, laxative, anthelmintic, depurative, diaphoretic and febrifuge. They are useful in intestinal worms, colic, leprosy, malarial fever, dysentery, ulcers and vomiting. The fruits are useful in jaundice, ulcers, pruritus and skin diseases.
11 Argemone mexicana L. Papaveraceae Herbs Root - Skin diseases, relieve kidney pain; Seeds - Laxative, Anti-cancer(Elisa et al., 2015)
12 Corchorus fascicularis Lam. Malvaceae / Tiliaceae Herbs Anemia, Improving memory, Intelligence, Aphrodisiac, Laxative etc. Anti-cancer(Wozniak et al., 2015)
13 Smithia conferta Sm. Fabaceae Herbs anti-microbial, anti-ulcer, regulating fertility, biliousness, rheumatism, uterine trouble, sterility problem in women, laxative and used as tonic, the powered form of leaves mixed with honey was prescribed for cholera, its ointment is used to cure eliphanteasis, treat stomach ache and ulcers
14 Cucumis melo L. Cucurbitaceae Herbs diuretic, chronic or acute eczema, fruit is cooling, fattening, tonic, laxative, aphrodisiac and diuretic; cures biliousness, insanity, ascites and allays fatigue. The seeds are lachrymatory, diuretic, cooling, tonic and nutritive; used in ophthalmia, liver and kidney troubles, bronchitis, burning of the throat, chronic fever, painful discharges and supression of urine. They are also beneficial to the enlargement of prostate gland.
15 Mollugo pentaphylla L. Molluginaceae Herbs The plant is anti-pyretic, anti-septic, appetizer, emmenagogue, laxative and stomachic. The plant is a component of an important folk medicine in Taiwan, which is used as an anti-cancer, anti-toxic and diuretic agent. The leaves are used to make a soup that is said to promote the appetite. They are also used to treat sprue and mouth infections. A decoction of the roots is used to treat eye diseases.
16 Dentella repens J.R. Forst. & G. Forst. Rubiaceae Herbs poulticing sores, blood pressure, blood purification, improve eyesight damaged by high blood sugar, laxative, leaves are used for poulticing sores.
17 Sphaeranthus indicus L. Asteraceae / Compositae Herbs Warmicide, Hair tonic, According to Ayurveda, this herb is hot, laxative, digestible, tonic, fattening, alterative, anthelmintic and alexipharmic. It is used in insanity, tuberculosis, indigestion, bronchitis, spleen diseases, elephantiasis, anaemia, pain in uterus and vagina, piles, asthma, leucoderma, dysentery, vomiting, hemicrania, etc.
18 Xanthium strumarium L. Asteraceae / Compositae Herbs analgesic, anti-inflammatory, antiarthritic, cytotoxic, anti-angiogenesis and anti-viral; used in Traditional Chinese Medicine to treat nasal sinusitis, headache, urticaria and arthritis (Committee, 2010); The whole plant, specially root and fruit, is used as medicine. According to Ayurveda, X. strumarium is cooling, laxative, fattening, anthelmintic, alexiteric, tonic, digestive, anti-pyretic, and improves appetite, voice, complexion, and memory. It cures leucoderma, biliousness, poisonous bites of insects, epilepsy, salivation and fever.
19 Convolvulus arvensis L Convolvulaceae Herbs Leaves are used in medicine for spider bites and intestinal stimulant. Leaves and roots are considered to be laxatives. Traditionally it is used to treat skin ulcers, reducing wounds, inflammation and swelling. abdominal pain, abdominal worms, immunostimulant, diuretic,leaves have been used in asthma , jaundice and as antihemorrhagic.
20 Nicandra physaloides (L.) Scop. Solanaceae Herbs Diuretic, sedative, cough, amoebiasis, anti-pyretic, constipation, laxative, analgesic, anthelmintic, anti-biotic, anti-inflammatory, toothache; Leaf juice given in amoebic dysentery (Bhogaonkar and Devarkar 2002).
21 Solanum surattense Burm. f. Solanaceae Herbs Panchang (whole herb including roots) and berries, have anthelmintic property, useful in bronchitis, asthma, fever relieving, thirst and given in urinary concretions. The leaves have good application for piles. The fruit is laxative. Fumigations with the vapour of the burning seeds of this plant are found useful for the cure of toothache. Plant used as diuretic, in dropsy, leaves applied locally to relieve pain in rheumatism.
22 Bacopa monnieri (L.) Pennell. Scrophulariaceae Herbs Epilepsy, Asthma, ulcer, tumors, ascites, enlarged spleen, inflammations, leprosy, anemia and gastroenteritis, anti-oxidant. Famed in Ayurvedic medicine, brahmi has anti-oxidant properties. It has been reported to reduce oxidation of fats in the blood stream, which is a risk factor for cardiovascular diseases. It has been used for centuries to help benefit epilepsy, memory capacity, increase concentration, and reduce stress-induced anxiety. It is listed as a nootropic, a drug that enhances cognitive ability. According to Ayurveda, it is bitter, pungent, heating, emetic, laxative and useful in bad ulcers, tumours, ascites, enlargement of spleen, indigestion, inflammations, leprosy, anaemia, biliousness etc. According to Unani system of medicine, it is bitter, aphrodisiac, good in scabies, leucoderma, syphilis etc. It is a promising blood purifier and useful in Diarrhea and fevers.
23 Sesamum indicum L. Pedaliaceae Herbs The leaves and seed are astringent. The leaves are rich in a gummy matter and when mixed with water they form a rich bland mucilage that is used in the treatment of infant cholera, Diarrhea, dysentery, catarrh and bladder troubles. The seed is diuretic, emollient, galactogogue, lenitive and tonic, and acts as a tonic for the liver and kidneys. It is taken internally in the treatment of premature hair loss and greying, convalescence, chronic dry constipation, dental caries, osteoporosis, stiff joints, dry cough etc. It has a marked ability to increase milk production in nursing mothers. Externally it is used to treat haemorrhoids and ulcers. The seed is very high in calories and so should be used with caution by people who are overweight. The oil is laxative and also promotes menstruation. It is used to treat dry constipation in the elderly. Mixed with lime water, the oil is used externally to treat burns, boils and ulcers. A decoction of the root is used in various traditions to treat asthma and coughs. Sesamum mulayanum: The oil used for massage and also given internally in arthritis. Oil is supposed to have abortifacient property (Bhogaonkar and Devarkar 2002).
24 Justicia procumbens L. Acanthaceae Herbs The plant is alterative, anthelmintic, antiphlogistic, depurative, diaphoretic, diuretic, expectorant, febrifuge and laxative. A decoction or an infusion is used in the treatment of asthma, cough, backache, flatulence and many skin conditions. anti-HIV; anti-viral; anti-cancer;
25 Stachytarpheta jamaicensis (L.) Vahl Verbenaceae Herbs used traditionally by the elderly as a cure for allergies and respiratory conditions, cough, cold, fever, constipation, digestive complications, and dysentery and promotes menstruation; also known to demonstrate antacid, analgesic, anti-inflammatory, hypotensive, antihelminthic, diuretic, laxative, lactagogue, purgative, sedative, spasmogenic, vasodilator, vulnerary, and vermifuge properties
26 Alternanthera sessilis (L.) R.Br. ex DC. Amaranthaceae Herbs the plant has diuretic, cooling, tonic and laxative properties. It has been used for the treatment of dysuria and haemmorrhoids. The plant is also believed to be beneficial for the eyes, and is used as an ingredient in the making of medicinal hair oils and Kajal (kohl). skin diseases and ulcers
27 Chrozophora prostrata Dalzell & A.Gibson Euphorbiaceae Herbs The pounded stems or whole plants are applied to wounds to improve healing. The plant is also used in the treatment of jaundice and to purify the blood. An infusion of the seeds and leaves is taken as a laxative.
28 Chrozophora rottleri (Geiseler) A.Juss. ex Spreng. Euphorbiaceae Herbs cough and colds; Wound healing; Jaundice and to purify blood; Laxative, Antihelmintic activity;
29 Euphorbia neriifolia L. Euphorbiaceae Herbs laxative, purgative, rubefacient, carminative and expectorant as well as in treatment of whooping cough, gonorrhea, leprosy, asthma, dyspepsia, jaundice, enlargement of the spleen, tumours, stone in the bladder, abdominal troubles and leucoderma.
30 Euphorbia thymifolia L. Euphorbiaceae Herbs The leaves, seeds and fresh juice of whole plant are used in worm infections, as stimulant, astringent. its actions involving laxative, aromatic, sedative, blood purification, anti-viral, antihelminthic, anti-inflammatory, anti-spasmodic, anti-fungal, anti-bacterial, anti-microbial, diuretic properties;
31 Phyllanthus fraternus G.L.Webster Euphorbiaceae Herbs The leaves are strongly diuretic. A decoction is drunk to facilitate childbirth, and against oedema, costal pain and fever. In Sudan the leaves are given against dysentery. The young leaves are given to children as a treatment for coughs and hiccups. A plant extract is reported to be strongly diuretic and is taken to allay spasms, such as griping in dysentery. The plant is also used as a laxative and to treat gonorrhea, dropsy, Diarrhea and malaria. The plant extract is applied externally to treat skin infections. The plant sap is applied to treat bruises, sores and ulcers, and mixed with oil against ophthalmia and conjunctivitis. The fruits are used in the treatment of ulcers, wounds, sores, scabies, ringworm and other skin problems.
32 Cyathula prostrata (L.) Blume Amaranthaceae Herbs A decoction of the aerial parts of the plant are drunk as a treatment for cough. An infusion of the whole plant is taken as a remedy for fever and dysentery. A decoction is used as a wash for relieving headache. The sap of the plant is used as ear drops to treat otitis and headache[310. The plant is pulped and applied as a poultice on sores, burns and fractures, where it acts as a haemostatic and cicatrizant. The ash of the burnt plant, mixed with water, is rubbed on the body as a remedy for scabies and other skin ailments. The roots are used as an abortifacient. A decoction of the roots is used as a remedy for dysentery, colds and cough, rheumatism and dropsy. The roots are used in the treatment of abnormal and frequent urination. The root is used as a plaster to treat caterpillar itch, around the neck for cough and on the belly for intestinal worms or shingles. The leaves, mashed with water, are a remedy for cholera. The stem and leaves are a mild laxative. The leaves are used to ease irritations of the throat. A decoction of the leaves is applied to snake bites. The juice from macerated leaves is applied to cuts and bruises as an anti-septic. Macerated leaves are applied to wounds to stop bleeding. The juice of the stem is used as an abortifacient. A decoction is taken as a diuretic and to increase menstrual discharge. The flowers as an expectorant.
33 Commelina benghalensis L. Commelinaceae Herbs diuretic, febrifuge, anti-inflammatory, leprosy, demulcent, emollient, hypotensive, CNS depressant, diuretic, refrigerant, laxative and astringent.
34 Commelina paludosa Blume Commelinaceae Herbs The plant is refrigerant and laxative; useful in strangury and costiveness. The root is useful in vertigo, fevers and bilious affections. The leaf juice is taken by Chakmas for the treatment of dysentery.
35 Chenopodium album L. Chenopodiaceae Herbs The leaves may be taken in the form of an infusion or decoction as a laxative and anthelminthic. It has also been recommended by Hindu physicians as a treatment for hepatic disorders and splenic enlargement. Seeds are used traditionally to improve the appetite and as an anthelmintic, laxative, aphrodisiac and a tonic. They have also been used to treat biliousness, stomach pains, eye and throat problems, piles, and diseases of blood, heart and spleen. hypoglycemic, anti-bacterial, spasmolytic, anti-pruritic, anti-inflammatory, Hepatoprotective, anti-oxidant, anti-cancer.
36 Agave americana L. Agavaceae Herbs The sap can also be taken internally in the treatment of diarrhoea, dysentery. The sap is antiseptic, diaphoretic, diuretic, emmenagogue and laxative. An infusion of the chopped leaf is purgative and the juice of the leaves is applied to bruises. The plant is used internally in the treatment of indigestion, flatulence, constipation, jaundice and dysentery. The sap has disinfectant properties and can be taken internally to check the growth of putrefactive bacteria in the stomach and intestines. Water in which agave fibre has been soaked for a day can be used as a scalp disinfectant and tonic in cases of falling hair. A gum from the root and leaf is used in the treatment of toothache. The roots are steeped in water, and the water ingested for treating various ailments such as stomach pain, painful and difficult urination, scurvy, swollen and bleeding pulp of teeth, swollen bones, constipation, and poor appetite or loss of appetite.
37 Amaranthus cruentus L. Amaranthaceae Herbs The plant is diuretic. Water from the macerated plants is used as a wash to treat pains in the limbs. The roots are boiled with honey and then used as a laxative for infants. The ash from the stems is used as a wound dressing. The heated leaves are applied externally on tumours.
38 Argemone ochroleuca Sweet Papaveraceae Herbs The whole plant is analgesic, antispasmodic, depurative, emetic, emmenagogue, possibly hallucinogenic, sedative and vulnerary. It has been used in the treatment of cancer and epilepsy. A decoction of the leaves is drunk as a treatment for ailments of the spleen and liver, and for jaundice or whooping cough. An infusion of the young leaves or flowers is taken to relieve fever, cough and asthma. The latex is slighly corrosive, diuretc. It has been taken internally in the treatment of dropsy and jaundice. The fresh yellow, milky, acrid sap contains protein-dissolving substances and has been used topically in the treatment of warts, cold sores, cutaneous affections, skin diseases, itches etc, and has been rubbed onto the body for the relief of rheumatic pain. The root is alterative and has been used in the treatment of chronic skin diseases. The flowers are expectorant and narcotic. The seed is antidote, cathartic, demulcent, emetic, expectorant and laxative. An infusion, in small quantities, is used as a sedative for children, but caution is advised since the oil in the seed is strongly purgative. They are useful in the treatment of coughs and catarrhal affections of the throat and pulmonary mucous membrane, and in pertussis and asthma. Though they do not appear to possess any antispasmodic property, they have a distinct effect on asthma, apparently from their combined actions as nauseant, emetic, expectorant and demulcent. As their use is often accompanied by some degree of vomiting and nausea, as a laxative medicine they are more suited to some pulmonary affections than to other diseases. The seed has also been used as an antidote to snake poisoning.
39 Cocculus hirsutus (L.) Diels Menispermaceae Shrubs An aqueous extract of the leaves has shown diuretic and laxative properties. An infusion of the leaves is used to treat stomach-ache. A decoction is drunk to remedy female sterility. The leaf sap is used to treat nervous illnesses. The cooked leaves are eaten to treat night blindness. A jelly prepared by soaking leaves in cold water is taken to check spermatogenesis. Applied externally, the leaves are used to treat skin infections and itchy skin including eczema, rheumatism and gonorrhea. The roots are alterative, diuretic, laxative and tonic. A decoction is applied against fever, rheumatism and severe weight loss. The plants are reported to have anti-oxidant, cytotoxic, Hepatoprotective, anti-cancer, and hypotensive. It is used traditionally as alterative, laxative, demulcent, prurigo, eczema, dyspepsia tonic, diuretic, antiperiodic in fever, in malaria, joint pains and in skin diseases.
40 Abutilon indicum (L.) Sweet Malvaceae Shrubs Snake bite, Urinal diseases, Anti-cancer (leaf): Kaladhar et al., 2014; The juice of the leaves is demulcent and diuretic. A decoction of the leaves is used to treat fever, colic, and for cleaning wounds and ulcers. A paste made of the leaves or seeds is applied to wounds, boils and ulcers. The seeds are laxative and are useful in cases of haemorrhoids and cough. An infusion of the root is used as a treatment for leprosy. It is taken internally as a cooling remedy for coughs and fevers. A decoction of the flowers is used to treat fever, colic, and for cleaning wounds and ulcers. anti-inflammatory; Anti-proliferative activity; Anti-Arthritic activity; Analgesic; Sedative property; Antioxidant; Antimicrobial activity; Hepatoprotective activity; Anti diabetic; Anti cancer; Anti Diarrheal; Anti-convulsant; Larvicidal; Wound healing; Anti asthmatic; Diuretic; Immunomodulatory; Anti-estrogenic activity;
41 Tephrosia purpurea (L.) Pers. Fabaceae Shrubs Anthelmintic, alexipharma, diuretic, deobstruent, laxative, bronchitis, bilious, febrile attacks, boils, pimpls and bleeding piles. Decoction of leaves mixed with 1-2 cloves is used against dysentery.
42 Caesalpinia decapetala (Roth) Alston Fabaceae Shrubs Anthelmintic, antiperiodic, astringent, febrifuge. The leaves are emmenagogue and laxative. They are applied externally to burns. The root is purgative. Anti-cancer (Ogunwande et al., 2010)
43 Ludwigia octovalvis (Jacq.) P.H. Raven Onagraceae Shrubs The plant is carminative, laxative and vermifuge. It is used in the treatment of Diarrhea, dysentery, nervous diseases. It is considered to have analgesic properties and, together with other herbs, is used as a treatment for rheumatic pains. The mucilaginous leaves are used as a poultice to treat a variety of complaints, including headaches, orchitis and swollen glands in the neck. The plant is sometimes used as a treatment against ulcerations of the nose.
44 Securinega leucopyrus (Willd.) Müll.Arg. Euphorbiaceae Shrubs Treatment of wound healing. It is also useful in vitiated conditions of Pitta, burning sensation, strangury, seminal weakness and general debility and is used as a wonderful medicine in menstrual disorders. The plant has been used in preparations in traditional medicine for the treatment of cough, hay asthma, bowel complaints, disinfections, laxatives, for Diarrhea, gonorrhea, constipation and mental illness and kidney stones.
45 Rotula aquatica Lour. Boraginaceae Shrubs The roots possess astringent,sudorific, bitter and antiurolithiatic properties. Traditionally roots are used in renal and vesicle calculi, hemorrhoids, veneral diseases and diabetes.The roots also used for the treatment of piles and as a laxative. It exhibits cooling, bitter and astringent properties. Diuretic and cardiotonic properties.
46 Nyctanthes arbor-tristis L. Oleaceae Shrubs The bitter leaves are useful as a cholagogue, laxative, diaphoretic and diuretic. An extract is given to children for the expulsion of roundworms and threadworms. An anti-inflammatory activity of the leaves has been recorded recently.
47 Phyllanthus maderaspatensis L. Phyllanthaceae Shrubs The plant sap and leaf decoction are credited with emetic and purgative activities. Plant sap is used as nose drops to treat toothache. Ground leaves are rubbed on the skin with lemon juice as treatment for rheumatism. The seeds are carminative, diuretic and laxative. The plant is used as an aphrodisiac. The plant is widely used in India to treat headache, bronchitis, earache and ophthalmia. Powder from dried plant material mixed with milk is drunk to treat jaundice. The whole plant is pounded and boiled, then the solution used for washing areas of the body affected by scabies. A root decoction is taken to cure constipation, Diarrhea, lack of appetite, intestinal pain, menstrual problems, gastrointestinal disorders, testicular swelling, chest complaints and snake bites.
48 Oxystelma esculentum (L. fil.) R. Br. Asclepiadaceae Shrubs vital importance in curing the diseases of the modern world like cancer, hepatitis, kidney disorders, stress-related disorders and microbial infections. The plant is hot, bitter, tonic, expectorant, pungent, dry and indigestible; causes flatulence, diuretic, laxative, aphrodisiac, anthelmintic, useful in leucoderma and bronchitis. The juice is used in gleet, gonorrhea, pain in the muscles, cough and given to children as an astringent. The milky sap forms a wash for ulcers.
49 Dichrostachys cinerea (L.)Wight & Arn. MIMOSOIDEAE Shrubs The bark is astringent and vermifuge. It is used in the treatment of dysentery, headaches, toothaches and elephantiasis. The root is anthelmintic, purgative and strongly diuretic. Infusions are taken for the treatment of snake bites, leprosy, syphilis and coughs. A decoction of the root has been used as a contraceptive for women. The pounded roots and leaves are used to treat epilepsy. The roots or the leaves can be chewed and placed on the sites of snake bites and scorpion stings. The leaves are diuretic and laxative. Applied externally, they are believed to produce a local anaesthesia. They are used in treating gonorrhea, boils, sore eyes and toothaches. A powder from the leaves is used in the massage of fractures. A chloroform extract of the leaves has been shown to possess anti-bacterial and analgesic activites. A saponin extract of the leaves has been demonstrated to possess anti-inflammatory activity An aqueous extract of the leaves has been shown to possess analgesic and anti-inflammatory activities.
50 Sterculia urens Roxb. Sterculiaceae Tree Gum-tonic, Trees exude gum karaya used in foodstuffs as emulsifiers, stabilizers and thickeners. The gum is used as a bulk laxative. It is not absorbed by the body, but swells up inside the gut to provide a bulk of material that gently stimulates peristalsis. The gum is also used to treat throat infections.
51 Mangifera indica L. Anacardiaceae Tree The leaves are astringent and odontalgic. An infusion is drunk to reduce blood pressure and as a treatment for conditions such as angina, asthma, coughs and diabetes. Externally, the leaves are used in a convalescent bath. A mouthwash made from the leaves is effective in hardening the gums and helping to treat dental problems. The leaves are used to treat skin irritations. The charred and pulverized leaves are used to make a plaster for removing warts and also act as a styptic. The seed is astringent, antiDiarrheal; anthelmintic when roasted. It is used to treat stubborn colds and coughs, obstinate Diarrhea and bleeding piles. The pulverised seed is made into a sweetened tea and drunk, or taken as powders, for treating dysentery. The seeds are ground up and used to treat scorpion stings. The bark is astringent, homeostatic and antirheumatic. Used in the treatment of haemorrhage, Diarrhea and throat problems. When incised, the bark yields an oleoresin which is stimulant, sudorific and antisyphilitic. The stem is astringent. It is used to treat Diarrhea and to remedy stomach-ache. The roots are diuretic. The flowers are aphrodisiac. The fruit is antiscorbutic and antidysenteric.Various parts of plant are used as a dentrifrice, anti-septic, astringent, diaphoretic, stomachic, vermifuge, tonic, laxative and diuretic and to treat Diarrhea, dysentery, anaemia, asthma, bronchitis, cough, hypertension, insomnia, rheumatism, toothache, Leucorrhoea, haemorrhage and piles. All parts are used to treat abscesses, broken horn, rabid dog or jackal bite, tumour, snake bite, stings, datura poisoning, heat stroke, miscarriage, anthrax, blisters, wounds in the mouth, tympanitis, colic, Diarrhea, glossitis, indigestion, bacillosis, bloody dysentery, liver disorders, excessive urination, tetanus and asthma.
52 Bauhinia purpurea L. Fabaceae Tree Leaf vegetable; The root is carminative. The flowers are laxative. The bark, roots and flowers, when mixed with rice-water, are used in poultice form as a maturant.
53 Cassia fistula L. Caesalpiniaceae / Fabaceae / Leguminosae Tree Digestive, Paste of leaves and bark is applied in nose infection. Roots boiled with milk are used in acidity. Paste of leaves is used to treat skin diseases. Roots are used to cure fever. The pods are used as a remedy for malaria, blood poisoning, anthrax, diabetes and dysentery. The pods contain a sweet, sticky pulp. A decoction of this is taken as a cure for kidney stones, as a vermifuge and as a laxative.
54 Tamarindus indica L. Fabaceae Tree The bark is astringent and tonic and its ash may be given internally as a digestive. Incorporated into lotions or poultices, the bark may be used to relives sores, ulcers, boils and rashes. It may also be administered as a decoction against asthma and amenorrhea and as a febrifuge. Leaf extracts exhibit anti-oxidant activity in the liver, and are a common ingredient in cardiac and blood sugar reducing medicines. Young leaves may be used in fomentation for rheumatism, applied to sores and wounds, or administered as a poultice for inflammation of joints to reduce swelling and relieve pain. A sweetened decoction of the leaves is good against throat infection, cough, fever, and even intestinal worms. The filtered hot juice of young leaves, and a poultice of the flowers, is used for conjunctivitis. The leaves are warmed and tied to affected areas in order to relieve swellings and pains, particularly sprains. They are also used for bathing sores or to bathe persons suffering from measles or allergies. The leaves and flowers are used to make a sweetened tea that is drunk by children as a remedy for measles. They were also used in a preparation which was drunk in early Guyana as a malaria remedy. A decoction of the flower buds is used as a remedy for children's bedwetting and urinary complaints. The fruit is aperient and laxative. A syrup made from the ripe fruit is drunk in order to keep the digestive organs in good condition, and also as a remedy for coughs and chest colds. The flesh of the fruit is eaten to cure fevers and control gastric acid. The fruit pulp may be used as a massage to treat rheumatism, as an acid refrigerant, a mild laxative and also to treat scurvy. Powdered seeds may be given to cure dysentery and Diarrhea. The plant contains pyrazines and thiazoles. The seed contains polyoses. The bark yields proanthocyanidin and hordenine. It is used traditionally in abdominal pain, Diarrhea and dysentery, helminthes infections, wound healing, malaria and fever, constipation, inflammation, cell cytotoxicity, gonorrhea, and eye diseases.
55 Terminalia bellirica (Gaertn.) Roxb. Combretaceae Tree It is anthelmintic, astringent (especially when ripe), digestive, tonic and laxative (especially when unripe). The fruit is used internally principally in the treatment of digestive and respiratory problems. the ripe fruit is used in cases of Diarrhea and indigestion, whilst the unripe fruit is used as a laxative in cases of chronic constipation. The fruit is often used to treat upper respiratory tract infections that cause symptoms of sore throats, hoarseness and coughs. Externally, the fruit is used to make a lotion for sore eyes. The sour fruits are one of the ingredients of 'triphala', an Ayurvedic rejuvenative, laxative tonic based on this species plus the fruits of Phyllanthus emblica and Terminalia chebula.
56 Madhuca indica J.F. Gmel. Sapotaceae Tree The flowers are regarded as cooling, tonic and demulcent. They are used in the treatment of coughs, colds and bronchitis. The bark is used medicinally in the treatment of leprosy. A decoction of the bark is given to diabetic patients. The oil from the seeds is used in the treatment of skin diseases. t is used as Anti diabetic, anti-ulcer, anti-cancer, hepato protective, anti pyretic, anti fertility, analgesic, anti oxidant, swelling, inflammation, piles, emetic, dermatological, laxative, tonic, anti burn, anti earth worm, wound healing headache and many more problems.
57 Oroxylum indicum (L.) Kurz Bignoniaceae Tree Ear problems; anti-cancer, anti-oxidant, Hepatoprotective and immunomodulaory; The bitter bark of the root is astringent, blood purifier and tonic. It is used in the treatment of stomach complaints, Diarrhea and dysentery. An alcoholic maceration of the fresh bark is externally applied on allergic dermatitis. When mixed with turmeric, the bark is used for healing sores of animals. The root is credited with antirheumatic, antidysenteric and diuretic properties. The seeds and bark are used medicinally for alleviating body pain, especially during fevers, and as an antiphlogistic medicine. It is also applied to burns and wounds. The juice of the bark is taken internally to treat Diarrhea and dysentery. A decoction of the bark is refrigerant, used in the treatment of fevers and jaundice. A decoction of the leaves is drunk as a treatment for stomach-ache. Applied externally the leaves are employed in the treatment of cholera, fever, childbirth and rheumatic swellings. The boiled leaves are used as a poultice during and after childbirth, and in dysentery as well as for an enlarged spleen. Leaf poultices may be further applied for toothache and headache. The seed is expectorant and laxative. A decoction is used in treating coughs, bronchitis and gastritis. The seeds are applied externally to ulcers.
58 Gmelina arborea Roxb. Verbenaceae Tree The roots have great medicinal value as a blood purifier, laxative, stomachic, tonic and as an anti-dote to poisons. The leaf sap is used as a demulcent to treat gonorrhea and cough, and is also applied to wounds and ulcers. The flowers have been used to treat leprosy and blood diseases. The root and bark of Gmelina arborea are stomachic, galactagogue laxative and anthelmintic; improve appetite, useful in hallucination, piles, abdominal pains, burning sensations, fevers, ‘tridosha’ and urinary discharge. Leaf paste is applied to relieve headache and juice is used as wash for ulcers. Flowers are sweet, cooling, bitter, acrid and astringent. They are useful in leprosy and blood diseases. In Ayurveda it has been observed that Gamhar fruit is acrid, sour, bitter, sweet, cooling, diuretic tonic, aphrodisiac, alternative astringent to the bowels, promote growth of hairs, useful in ‘vata’, thirst, anaemia, leprosy, ulcers and vaginal discharge. The plant is recommended in combination with other drugs for the treatment of snake – bite and scorpion- sting. In snake – bite a decoction of the root and bark is given internally.
59 Ficus religiosa L. Moraceae Tree Asthama, The leaves and twigs are alterative, anti-dote, aphrodisiac, astringent, antigonorrheal and laxative. It is used as an anti-dote against bites of venomous animals, and for the treatment of haemoptysis and fistula. Fresh sap from the leaves is used to cure Diarrhea, cholera and for wound healing. An infusion of the bark is drunk as an anti-diabetic. A decoction of the bark is used as skin wash to treat scabies, ulcers and skin diseases. The aerial roots are diuretic. They are used in the treatment of ascites and are chewed by women to promote fertility. Used traditionally as anti-ulcer, anti-bacterial, anti-diabetic, in the treatment of gonorrhea and skin diseases.
60 Ehretia laevis (Rottler ex G. Don) Roxb. BORAGINACEAE Tree The leaves are febrifuge, haemostatic and laxative. Sap from the fresh leaves is used as a mild laxative for children. The leaves are commonly used in an infusion with other plants, taken orally and also used as a wash, to treat fevers, children's convulsions. Leaf poultices are applied to fractured bones to promote healing. The leaf, usually after pounding with that of Newbouldia laevis and a guinea pepper, is tied on the head as a remedy for headaches. The crushed roots, mixed in water, are taken as a treatment against stomach complaints. The root juice is applied to wounds. A decoction of the roots and leaves is used as a treatment for infantile tetanus and dysentery. A decoction of the bark is taken as a remedy for amenorrhoea, and the decoction when left to cool separates to a supernatant layer of oil which is applied to skin-affections.
61 Moringa oleifera Lam MORINGACEAE Tree The horseradish tree is a nutritious, diuretic, laxative herb that is expectorant, increases milk flow, controls bacterial infections and is rubefacient when applied topically. It contains a potent antibiotic. Ben oil, obtained from the seeds, has no taste, smell or colour and is exceptionally resistant to oxidation. The young leaves are taken internally to increase the milk flow in nursing mothers. The root is used as a vesicant. The root juice is used internally in the treatment of asthma, gout, rheumatism, enlarged spleen and liver, bladder and kidney stones, inflammatory conditions. xternally, the root is used to treat boils, ulcers, glandular swellings, infected wounds, skin diseases, dental infections, snake bites and gout. The roots and bark are used for cardiac and circulatory problems, as a tonic and for inflammation. The gum is demulcent, diuretic, astringent and abortifacient. It is used in cough syrups and in the treatment of asthma. The bark and gum are used in the treatment of tuberculosis and septicaemia. Flowers and immature fruits are said to be a good rubefacient. Oil of Ben is used for hysteria, scurvy, prostate problems and bladder troubles.
62 Prunus persica (L.) Stokes ROSACEAE Tree The leaves are astringent, demulcent, diuretic, expectorant, febrifuge, laxative, parasiticide and mildly sedative. They are used internally in the treatment of gastritis, whooping cough, coughs and bronchitis. They also help to relieve vomiting and morning sickness during pregnancy, though the dose must be carefully monitored because of their diuretic action. The dried and powdered leaves have sometimes been used to help heal sores and wounds. The leaves are harvested in June and July then dried for later use. The flowers are diuretic, sedative and vermifuge. They are used internally in the treatment of constipation and oedema. A gum from the stems is alterative, astringent, demulcent and sedative. The seed is antiasthmatic, antitussive, emollient, haemolytic, laxative and sedative. It is used internally in the treatment of constipation in the elderly, coughs, asthma and menstrual disorders. The bark is demulcent, diuretic, expectorant and sedative. It is used internally in the treatment of gastritis, whooping cough, coughs and bronchitis. The root bark is used in the treatment of dropsy and jaundice. The bark is harvested from young trees in the spring and is dried for later use.
63 Sapium sebiferum (L.) Dum.Cours. EUPHORBIACEAE Tree The leaves and the roots are depurative, diuretic and laxative. A decoction is used in the treatment of oedema, constipation, poisoning by two plants - Polygonum perfoliatum and Tripterygium wilfordii, skin diseases etc. The leaves are particularly useful for treating boils. The seed is anti-dote, emetic, hydragogue and purgative. In China it is taken internally, which is a rather questionable practice considering its toxic nature. The root bark is diuretic. It is used in the treatment of snake bites and skin ulcers. The juice of the tree (the sap is probably meant here) is acrid and vesicant.
64 Streblus asper Lour. MORACEAE Tree A decoction of the stem bark is used in the treatment of dysentery, Diarrhea and fevers. The bark is chewed as an anti-dote in snake poisoning. Water in which the bark of this tree has been boiled is used for disinfecting wounds. The powdered root bark is used to treat toothache and to cure peritonitis. The leaves are depurative and laxative. They are given, with a little added salt, to mothers who have just given birth. A decoction of the branchlets is drunk to relieve a swollen abdomen. The seed is considered tonic and carminative, as well as an appetizer. A decoction of the roots is used to treat diphtheria. The latex from the plant, rubbed on the temples, is considered effective in treating neuralgia.