Medicinal properties of Pishacha Karpaasa – Abroma augusta Linn

Abroma augusta Jacq.

Synonym [1] Ambroma augusta Linn. f.

Family [1] Sterculiaceae.

Habitat [1] Throughout the hotter and moister parts of India, from Punjab and Uttar Pradesh, eastwards to Arunachal Pradesh, Assam,Meghalaya and Tripura, ascending to 1200 m, southwards in Peninsular India.

English [1] Perennial Indian Hemp, Devil’s Cotton.

Ayurvedic [1] Pishaacha Kaarpaasa, Pivari.

Unani [1] Ulat-kambal.

Siddha/Tamil [1] Sivapputtuti.

Folk [1] Kumal, Sanukapaasi.

Action [1] Rootbark—emmenagogue (used for dysmenorrhoea, amenorrhoea), abortifacient, galactotrophic.

The root contains abromine (betaine), friedelin, abromasterol, abromasterol A, choline, beta-sitosterol,

stigmasterol and octacosanol. Leaves, reported to be useful in treating uterine

Dosage [1] Leaf juice— 10-20 ml.

Rootbark powder—3-6 g. (CCRAS.)