Avartaki

Avartaki Latin Name: Cassia auriculata. Linn. English Name: Tanner's cassia. Sanskrit Name: Avartaki. Hindi Name: Tarwar.

Morphology: A hairy herb about 1 to 3 metersis tall. Leaf- Sessile, compound, 7 to 10 meters long. Leaflets - 8 to 12 pairs. Persistent, broad and big bracts. Flowers - Attractive yellow colored big inflorescence. Fruit - Dark brown 10 to 12 cm. long, straight pod, with 6 to 10 seeds, used for dying clothes. Flowering from October to January and fruition from Jan. to March Habitat: Particularly in Maharastra, Gujarat, Rajasthan and M.P. Parts used: Bark, Flower, Seed, Roots, Fruits. Description: The root is used in decoctions against fevers, diabetes, diseases of urinary system and constipation. The leaves have laxative properties. The dried flowers and flower buds are used as a substitute for tea in case of diabetes patients. It is also supposed to improve the complexion in women .The powdered seed is also used in diabetes and applied to the eye, in case of chronic purulent conjunctivitis .The bark and seeds are said to give relief in rheumatism, eye diseases, gonorrhea, diabetes and gout. Useful in following diseases: Conjunctivitis-powdered seed is applied to the eyes. Constipation-powder of the leaves is taken in a dose of 2 Gms twice a day. Gonorrhea, Gout, Diabetes- powdered seeds are taken in a dose of 2 Gms twice a day. Churna, Decoction: Avartaki churna & decoction Chemical composition: This plant is said to contain a cardiac glucoside (sennapicrin) and sap, leaves and bark contain oxymethylanthraqunone while the latter contains tannins.