Oldenlandia umbellata

Oldenlandia umbellata
Scientific classification
Kingdom:	Plantae
(unranked):	Angiosperms
(unranked):	Eudicots
(unranked):	Asterids
Order:	Gentianales
Family:	Rubiaceae
Genus:	Oldenlandia
Species:	O. umbellata
Binomial name
	Oldenlandia umbellata; L.

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.

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.

Notes

"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.

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[1] "chay root". thefreedictionary. Retrieved 15 January 2007.

[2] "The in vitro antibacterial activity of Hedyotis Umbellata - Short Communication". Indian Journal of Pharmacological Sciences. Retrieved 15 January 2007.