Scientific Name Paris polyphylla Smith
Family Liliaceae
Used Part Tuber
Distribution Area A glabrous erect herb, 30-45 cm. high, with thick, creeping rootstock found in the temperate Himalayas at altitudes of 1,500-3,000m. from Simla to Bhutan, and in Lushai and Aka hills.
Common Uses . The rhizome possesses anthelmintic properties; its powder taken with hot water is used as a tonic. The plants of P. polyphylla var. chinensis and var. yunnanensis are credited with sedative and analgesic properties and form one of the constituents of the Chinese medicine `Chonglou'..
Chemical Constituent A glycoside, pennogenin, has been isolated from the seeds of P. polyphylla var. yunnanensis.
Pharmacological Effect The rhizome of P. polyphylla exhibited, in vitro, anti-bacterial activity; it also showed haemostatic action following oral administration in mice.
The rhizome of the plant contains sugars (7.9%) and two glucosides, viz. a-paridin (m.p. 244-46°) and a-paristyphnin (m.p. 147-49°), which produce a tingling sensation on the tongue. a-Paristyphnin. which is pharmacologically more active, has a depressant action on carotid pressure, yocardium and respiratory movements. It produces vasoconstriction in kidney, but vasodilatation in the spleen and limbs, and stimulates isolated intestines; these actions are not modified by atropine or ergotoxine.
