The fruits of this plant when ripe might look enticing, but they are not to be consumed. This plant is very potent and holds great promise, however caution needs to be exercised while using it and its best to do so under the guidance of an expert. Summary of Clinical Significance: Anticancer Lead:  The plant, especially its seeds, is a valuable source for isolating potent cucurbitacins for modern oncology drug development. Traditional Medicine for Inflammation & Diabetes: Wh

1. Taxonomic insights Species: Berberis aristata Family: Berberidaceae Genus: Berberis Related Herbs from the same family: Berberis lycium  (Indian Berberry, Kashmal) - Native to the Himalayas and used interchangeably in Ayurveda with B. aristata  for its potent bitter and anti-inflammatory properties. Berberis vulgaris (European Barberry) - While not native to the Indian subcontinent, it is a well-known member of the family and shares similar alkaloid profiles and medicinal

Quick Summary: This plant possesses powerful Anti-inflammatory properties. It helps reduce swellings, heal abscesses, haemorrhoids, acts as a decongestant, enhances blood circulation and also helps prevent fever. Like its cousin Holy Basil it is an excellent antibacterial and antifungal herb that not only inhibits microbial growth, but also helps improve the immune response; and perhaps that is why it could also work as a potent antiviral. This plant smells good in part due t

Species:   Annona squamosa Family:  Annonaceae Genus:   Annona Related Herbs from the same family: Annona reticulata  (Custard Apple), Annona muricata  (Soursop), Cananga odorata  (Ylang-Ylang), and Uvaria narum  are all from the Annonaceae family. Polyalthia longifolia  (Ashoka Tree/False Ashoka) and Miliusa tomentosa are other members of this family found in India, often used in traditional medicine for fever and skin diseases. The family is known for producing bioactive c

(Mother of Millions) Taxonomic insights Species: Kalanchoe delagoensis  (Syn. Bryophyllum delagoense , Kalanchoe tubiflora ) Family: Crassulaceae Genus: Kalanchoe Related Herbs from the same family: Kalanchoe pinnata  (Air Plant, Patharchatta) - A widely used Pan-Indian medicinal plant for kidney stones, wounds, and inflammation. Kalanchoe laciniata  - Used similarly in traditional medicine for burns and inflammation. The genus Kalanchoe  is known for its "viviparous" reprodu

Terminalia bellirica  (Bibhitaki or Baheda) 1. Taxonomic insights Species: Terminalia bellirica Family: Combretaceae Genus: Terminalia Related Herbs from the same family: Terminalia chebula (Haritaki): A cornerstone of Ayurvedic medicine, used as a primary rejuvenative and purifying herb. It is one of the three fruits in Triphala . Terminalia arjuna  (Arjuna): Primarily used for its profound cardioprotective and heart-tonic properties. The Combretaceae family is of immense i

1. Taxonomic insights Species: Kalanchoe daigremontiana Family: Crassulaceae Genus: Kalanchoe Related Herbs from the same family: Kalanchoe pinnata (Patharchatta, Air Plant) - A widely used medicinal plant in India and across the world for kidney stones, wounds, and inflammation. It is the most referenced Kalanchoe  in traditional medicine. Kalanchoe laciniata  - Used in traditional medicine systems in India and Africa for similar purposes as K. pinnata , particularly for tr

(Thorn Apple) Warning: This plant is very toxic and hence no attempt should be made to use it. The information presented in this blog is for educational purposes only. 1. Taxonomic insights Species: Datura stramonium Family: Solanaceae Genus: Datura Related Herbs from the same family: Atropa belladonna (Deadly Nightshade) - A highly toxic plant from Europe used in extremely controlled doses in homeopathy and modern medicine for its tropane alkaloids. Hyoscyamus niger  (Henba

1. Taxonomic insights Species: Priva cordifolia Family: Verbenaceae Genus: Priva Related Herbs from the same family: Vitex negundo (Nirgundi) - A cornerstone of Ayurvedic medicine, widely used across India for its potent anti-inflammatory and analgesic properties, especially for joint pain and respiratory conditions. Clerodendrum serratum (Bharangi) - A well-known Ayurvedic herb from the Indian subcontinent, primarily used for respiratory disorders like asthma and bronchiti

1. Taxonomic insights Species: Ricinus communis Family: Euphorbiaceae Genus: Ricinus Related Herbs from the same family: Phyllanthus amarus  (Bhumyamalaki) - A key herb in Ayurveda and Siddha for liver disorders, with diuretic and antiviral properties. Emblica officinalis  (Amla, Indian Gooseberry) - A fundamental rasayana (rejuvenating) herb, rich in Vitamin C. Croton tiglium  (Jamalgota) - A powerful purgative, highlighting the prevalence of drastic-acting herbs in the Euph

(Grape Vine) 1. Taxonomic insights Species: Vitis vinifera Family: Vitaceae Genus: Vitis Related Herbs from the same family: Cissus quadrangularis  (Hadjod, Asthisamharaka) - A quintessential Ayurvedic herb of South Indian origin, famous for its bone-healing properties. Leea indica (Bandicoot Berry) - A plant found in the Indian subcontinent whose leaves and roots are used in traditional medicine for skin diseases and diarrhea.The Vitaceae family is characterized by climbing

1. Taxonomic insights Species: Spinacia oleracea Family: Amaranthaceae Genus: Spinacia Related Herbs from the same family: Amaranthus viridis  (Chaulai, Green Amaranth) - A common leafy vegetable across India, used for its nutritive and cooling properties. Chenopodium album (Bathua, Lamb's Quarters) - A popular winter leafy vegetable in North India, known for its digestive and anthelmintic properties. Beta vulgaris  (Chukandar, Beetroot) - Cultivated for its root and leaves,

(Beetroot) 1. Taxonomic insights Species: Beta vulgaris Family: Amaranthaceae Genus: Beta Related Herbs from the same family: Amaranthus spinosus (Prickly Amaranth, Tanduliya) - A common leafy vegetable (shaak) across India, used in Ayurveda for its diuretic, cooling, and blood-purifying properties. Amaranthus viridis  (Slender Amaranth, Chauli) - Another widely consumed green, valued for its nutritive and digestive benefits. Spinacia oleracea  (Spinach, Palakya) - A well-kn

Embelia ribes  (False Black Pepper or Vidanga) 1. Taxonomic insights Species: Embelia ribes Family: Primulaceae Genus: Embelia Related Herbs from the same family: Lysimachia vulgaris (Yellow Loosestrife): While not native to the Indian subcontinent, it is a member of the Primulaceae family and has been used in European traditional medicine for its astringent and expectorant properties. Anagallis arvensis (Scarlet Pimpernel): Found in various regions, including parts of Indi

(Sweet Potato) 1. Taxonomic insights Species: Ipomoea batatas Family: Convolvulaceae Genus: Ipomoea Related Herbs from the same family: Ipomoea aquatica  (Water Spinach, Kalambi) - A popular aquatic green vegetable in South India, used for its cooling and digestive properties. Ipomoea mauritiana  (Giant Potato, Kiribadu Ala) - The tubers are used in traditional medicine as a demulcent and laxative. Convolvulus pluricaulis (Shankhapushpi, Shankhahuli) - A renowned Ayurvedic m

Cicer arietinum  (Chickpea) 1. Taxonomic insights Species: Cicer arietinum Family: Fabaceae Genus: Cicer Related Herbs from the same family: Glycyrrhiza glabra  (Licorice/Mulethi): A key Ayurvedic herb for respiratory and adrenal health. Trigonella foenum-graecum  (Fenugreek/Methi): A common spice and medicine for diabetes and lactation. Medicago sativa  (Alfalfa): A highly nutritive herb and forage crop. The Fabaceae family is crucial for both nutrition and medicine globally

A taxonomic view Analysis of Daily Food Items in North India Families that predominate our diet. Fabaceae : The legume family, foundational for proteins. Includes all dals (Chana, Masoor, Toor, Moong, Urad), Rajma (kidney beans), fresh Peas, and the spice Fenugreek seeds. Poaceae : The grass family, providing staples and sweeteners. Includes Wheat for breads, Rice, Corn, Millets (Bajra, Jowar), and Jaggery from sugarcane. Solanaceae: The nightshade family, essential for veget

A taxonomic view Analysis of Daily Food Items in South India Families that predominate South Indian diet. Fabaceae : All Dals, Tamarind, Fenugreek, Groundnut, Cluster Beans. Poaceae : Rice, Ragi, Jowar, Bajra, Jaggery (Sugarcane). Solanaceae : Brinjal, Tomato, Potato, Chillies. Cucurbitaceae : Snake Gourd, Bitter Gourd, Ivy Gourd, Ash Gourd, Pumpkin. Apiaceae: Coriander, Cumin, Asafoetida. Zingiberaceae: Turmeric, Ginger, Cardamom. Arecaceae: Coconut, Palm Jaggery. Amaryllida

Scientific Name:   Solanum nigrum Family:  Solanaceae Genus:   Solanum Related Herbs from the same family: Withania somnifera  (Ashwagandha)  - A premier Rasayana (rejuvenative) tonic. Solanum xanthocarpum  (Kantakari)  - A key herb for respiratory health. Solanum trilobatum  (Thoodhuvalai)  - A highly esteemed herb in Siddha medicine for respiratory ailments and as an immunomodulator. Datura metel  (Dhattura)  - A toxic plant used for asthma and pain in controlled settings.

1. Taxonomic insights Species: Digera muricata Family: Amaranthaceae Genus: Digera Related Herbs from the same family: Amaranthus tricolor  (Lal Shaak, Thandu Keerai) - A very popular leafy vegetable across India, used for its high nutritional value and cooling properties. Achyranthes aspera  (Apamarga) - A potent medicinal herb from the same family used for a wide range of conditions from asthma to facilitating childbirth. 2. Common Names: Scientific Name: Digera muricata  |