Chemical Constituents and Uses of Anantmula

Source and Distribution of Anantmula

Anantmula consists of the dried roots of the plant Hemidesmus indicus, belonging to the family Asclepladaceae. It is also known as anantmool, sariva and Indian sarsaparilla.

Hemidesmus indicus var. pubescens (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

It is distributed throughout the India. Roots are yellowish brown in colour with vanilline like taste and aromatic, sweetish odour.

Chemical constituents of Anantmula:

Roots contain volatile oil and glycosides like b-sitosterol, a & b amyrins, lupeol, tannins and saponins. The volatile oil contains p-methoxy salicylic aldehyde as a major constituent. Roots also contain coumarino-lignoids, hemidesminine and hemidesmin 1.

English: Chemical structure of lupeol (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

Medicinal Uses and Health Benefits of Anantmula:

• Syrup of the root is used as a flavouring agent
• This syrup is used in the preparation of herbal tea
• Blood purifier
• Used in the treatment of rheumatism
• Anti-inflammatory tonic in urinary disorders
• Powdered roots are useful for pre and post natal care
• Used to increase lactation in cows

The drug should be protected from the attack of insects and rodents. It should be kept away from heat and moisture.