|
Trikatu powder is a simple formulation made by mixing fine
powders of three herbal drugs in equal quantity, namely,
Saunth (Zingiber officinale), Miri (Piper nigrum) and
Pippali (Piper longum)
1. Saunth (Zingiber officinale):
Consists of dried rhizome of Zingiber
officinale Roxb, Family Zingiberaceae
Botanical description:
A perennial herb with a subterranean, digitately branched
rhizome; stems up to 1.50 m in height with linear lanceolate
sheathing leaves (5–30cm long and 8–20 mm wide) that are
alternate, smooth and pale green. Flower stems shorter than
leaf stems and bearing a few flowers, each surrounded by a
thin bract and situated in axils of large, greenish yellow
obtuse bracts, which are closely arranged at end of flower
stem forming collectively an ovate-oblong spike.
Parts used:
Dried rhizome
Major chemical constituent:
Essential oil, pungent constituents (gingerol and shogaol),
resinous matter and starch
2. Miri (Piper nigrum):
Consists of fully mature dried fruit of
Piper nigrum Linn, Family Piperaceae
Botanical description:
Piper nigrum L. is a perennial woody vine with aerial roots
at the stem nodes. Leaves are shiny, broad, alternate and
heart-shaped. Flowers are small and white. The fruits are
globular berries, about 5 mm in diameter, green when unripe
but turn bright red upon maturity and each bears a single
seed.
Parts used:
Fruits
Major chemical constituent:
Alkaloids (Piperine, Chavicine, Piperidine, Piperetine) and
Essential Oil.
3. Pippali (Piper longum):
Consists of dried, cut, stem pieces of Piper
longum Linn, Family Piperaceae
Botanical description:
A slender, aromatic, creeping perennial shrub up to 7m high,
robust and fairly succulent. Leaves cordate, pointed, smooth
and green on both sides, up to 25 cm long. Root can reach
60cm in length and 8 cm in diameter; may eventually become a
heavy knotted mass, 8–25 cm wide. Petioles up to 6 cm long;
flowers in irregular spadices with lateral root up to 3m
long
Parts used:
Dried rhizome
Major chemical constituent:
Alkaloids (Piperine, Piperlongumine, Piperlonguminine etc),
Essential Oils
Therapeutic uses
of Trikatu:
• Anti-inflammatory
• Analgesic
• Expectorant
• Digestive
• Carminative |
|
|
|
|
