Abroma augusta Jacq.

Synonym:

Ambroma augusta Linn. f.

Family:

Sterculiaceae.

Habitat:

Throughout the hotter and moister parts of India, from Punjab and Uttar Pradesh, eastwards to Arunachal Pradesh, Assam, Meghalaya and Tripura, ascending to 1,200 m, southwards in Peninsular India.

English:

Perennial Indian Hemp, Devil's Cotton.

Ayurvedic:

Pishaacha Kaarpaasa, Pivari.

Unani:

Ulat-kambal.

Siddha/Tamil:

Sivapputtuti.

Folk:

Kumal, Sanukapaasi.

Action:

Rootbark—emmenagogue (used for dysmenorrhoea, amenorrhoea), abortifacient, galactotrophic.

The root contains abromine (betaine), friedelin, abromasterol, abromasterol A, choline, beta-sitosterol, stigmasterol and octacosanol. Leaves, reported to be useful in treating uterine disorders, contain taraxerol, its acetate and lupeol.

Dosage:

Leaf juice—10–20 ml. Rootbark powder—3–6 g. (CCRAS.)