Abstract:
According to Nasir and Ali about a dozen species of Swertia are found scattered from 3,000 to 14,000 ft. in north-western Himalayan range passing form Pakistan. During such laymen collections, most of Swertia species are mixed together. Chirayetta is an important herbal drug. It contains two intensely bitter principles, ophelic acid and chiratin. The drug has bitter and tonic properties, is highly esteemed in Indo-Pak subcontinent and much used as a tonic. Out of twelve species found in Pakistan only S. chirayita, S. ciliata and S. angustifolia are used with the name of Charayata in Unani system of medicine. The last one is, however, described as Pahari Kiretta.
Page(s):
98-100
DOI:
DOI not available
Published:
Journal: Hamdard Medicus, Volume: 33, Issue: 4, Year: 1990