TAST E O F L I FE
administer this orally for expelling intestinal worms in children. The leaf decoction is helpful in cases of malaria and dysentery. The leaf juice is applied externally on ringworm and other skin diseases. Three fresh leaves of Parijata with five pepper grains are traditionally taken orally to overcome several gynecological problems. The flat, compressed, heartshaped fruits of Parijata have two compartments, each having a seed. A decoction of seeds is useful as a hair tonic and also to get rid of dandruff and lice. A paste of the seeds is used in the treatment of piles. A decoction of the roots helps to deal with enlargement of the spleen. In case of gout, a flower decoction (which has a wonderful yellow color and mild fragrance) is taken as a remedy. It is used in the following Ayurvedic medicines: Manasa Mitra Vatakam: Treatment of epilepsy, autism, psychiatric conditions, and to improve intelligence and speech problems.
A paper published in the International Journal of Herbal Medicine in 2016 throws light on anti-pyretic, antibacterial, anti-viral, anti-inflammatory, hepatoprotective, antihistaminic, anti-filarial, anti-oxidant, immune-protective activities of phyto-chemicals found in the Parijata tree. According to a study published in Phytopharmacology in 2012, the bark has bronchodilation and mast cell stabilizing properties and, hence, can be used in the treatment of asthma.
Arthrella Ointment: Treatment of rheumatic disorders.
A study published in the Journal of Ethnopharmacology in 1984 confirms anti-inflammatory property of the leaves. Another paper published in the same journal in 2013 provide some evidence for its effectiveness in the treatment of fevers related to malaria and protozoan diseases.
Ashwagandharishta: General debility, piles, low digestive power, loss of memory.
A research work published in the Brazilian Journal of Botany in 2016 says that the ethanolic
Bala Taila: Treatment of bloating wounds, spleen diseases, epilepsy and asthma.
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Chemical and phyto-chemical analyses reveal that Parijata, with its many active principles and different bio-markers, is recognized as one of the most versatile medicinal plants, having a wide spectrum of biological activities.
H eart f u l n es s
extract of the flower was most potent in antioxidant activity, and recommends that the same can be used as an inexpensive natural source of antioxidants. A paper published in Applied Biology & Biotechnology in 2020 makes a comprehensive review on Parijata’s pharmacological, antioxidant, and anti-cancer activities and maintains that each part of Parijata may have some