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Quince
Root, bark, leaves,
fruits and root-bark.
DESCRIPTION :
Bilva is a medium to
fairly large sized deciduous and glabrous tree with auxiliary spines and
usually tri- foliate leaves. The fruit is round. The root-bark, stem
bark and other parts of the plant have been studied in detail for
macroscopic, microscopic details and cell contents. The distinguishing
features between the root and stem bark have been described. The root
bark powder has a violet fluorescence unlike the brownish yellow colour
given by the stem bark.
PHYTOACTIVE :
The dry pulp of
fruit contains chiefly mucilagepectin like substance. The root, stem and
leaves have been shown to contain tannins. Alkaloids, sterols, coumarin
and aromatic components have been isolated. Aegelin, marmelosine,
marmelin, o-methyl hayordinol, alloimperatorin methyl ester, o-isopentanyl
hayordinol and linoleic acid have been identified
DIRECTIONS FOR USE :
Antimicrobial
activity has been shown in the seed oil against bacteria and fungi.
Antiprotozoal activity has also been shown by Henry and Brown.
Hypoglycaemic activity of fruits has been reported
In chronic
dysenteric conditions, accompanied by loose stools alternating with
occasional constipation, the ripe fruit is widely used in different
formulations. Chronic diarrhoea or dysentery responds well to bilva,
this therapeutic effect being included in the British Pharmacopoeia. It
is also been used for treating giardiasis. The bark and leaves are used
in medicated retention enema. The root improves appetite and relieves
nausea. It is also used as a mild sedative. The extract of leaves is
used in diabetes mellitus. The root is administered with other plants
during post-partum period. The oil is used as ear drops.
CONTRAINDICATION :
Bilva has been used
very widely for thousands of years in India. Occasionally constipation
has been reported with larger doses of root bark. The extract of leaves
has shown inotropic effects on the heart in experimental animals.
Hypoglycaemic effects have been reported
FORMULATION AND
DOSAGE :
Bilva - Taila : Oil
drops 2 -3 in the ear b.i.d.
Bilva - Gum : 1
tablespoon full b.i.d. or t.i.d.
Root bark powder : 1
- 2 gms b.i.d. or t.i.d.
Fresh juice of
leaves : 10 - 20 ml b.i.d.
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