Oldenlandia umbellata
| Oldenlandia umbellata | |
|---|---|
| |
Scientific classification 
| |
| Kingdom: | Plantae |
| Clade: | Tracheophytes |
| Clade: | Angiosperms |
| Clade: | Eudicots |
| Clade: | Asterids |
| Order: | Gentianales |
| Family: | Rubiaceae |
| Genus: | Oldenlandia |
| Species: | O. umbellata
|
| Binomial name | |
| Oldenlandia umbellata | |
Oldenlandia umbellata (called chay root or choy root, from its Tamil name, chaaya ver) is a low-growing plant native to India.[1] A colour-fast red dye can be extracted from the root bark of (preferably) a two-year-old plant. Chay root dye was once used with a mordant to impart a red colour to fabrics such as calico, wool, and silk.[2]
It is grown on the Coromandel Coast in India.[3]
Medicinal use
This plant is well known in Siddha Medicine for its styptic property. It is also a drug that can be administered for bronchial asthma, as a decoction of the entire plant, a decoction made from its root and liquorice in the ratio-10:4, or the powdered root is given either with water or honey.
A decoction of the root also is a febrifuge.
References
- ^ "chay root". thefreedictionary. Retrieved 15 January 2007.
- ^ "The in vitro antibacterial activity of Hedyotis Umbellata - Short Communication". Indian Journal of Pharmacological Sciences. Retrieved 15 January 2007.
- ^ "Chay Root Dye". Asia Research News. 31 July 2022. Retrieved 7 October 2024.