2.8.2.4 Bacopa
Synonyms Herpestis;
Brahmi.
Biological Sources It
comprises of the fresh stems and the fresh leaves of Bacopa monnieri Linn.,
Pennell or Bacopa monnniera Wettst., or Herpestis monniera Linn.,
H.B. & L., belonging to family Serophulariaceae.
Geographical Sources The
plant is grown extensively throughout the marshy places in India, Ceylon and
Singapore. The plant is glabrous, succulent and creeping herb.
Preparation The leaves
along with stems are collected from the fully grown plant and are dried preferably
in shade. The leaves are separated from the stems and packed separately in
polybags.
Description
Colour : Green
Odour : None
Taste : Bitter
Size : Length = 1.2-1.8
cm; Breadth = 2.5-10 mm
Shape : Leaves sessile,
broad, entire, ovate-oblong or spathulate with black spots.
Chemical Constituents The
leaves contain saponin glycosides known as bacoside A and bacoside
B which on acid hydrolysis give rise to triterpenoid aglycone termed
as bacogenin A and bacogenin B respectively. It also contains asiatic
acid and brahmic acid as depicted below:
Uses
1. It is used in the treatment
of insanity and epilepsy
2. It is also employed as a
potent nervetonic, cardiotonic and diuretic
3. It is mostly used in the
treatment of asthma and as an aperient ie; acts as a mild laxative.
Source: Pharmacognosy And Pharmacobiotechnology By Ashutosh Kar
Source: Pharmacognosy And Pharmacobiotechnology By Ashutosh Kar
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