Scientific Name Paris polyphylla Smith.
Family Liliaceae
Used Part Rhizome
Distribution Area It is found throughout Nepal from 1800 to 3000 m, and also in temperate Himalayas at altitudes of 1,500-3,000m. from Simla to Bhutan, and in Lushai and Aka hills.
Common Uses .The Rhizome possesses antihelmintic properties.
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'. The rhizome possesses anthelmintic properties; its powder taken with hot water is used as a tonic.
Chemical Constituent A glycoside, pennogenin, has been isolated from the seeds of P. polyphylla var. yunnanensis.
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.
Pharmacological Effect The rhizome of P. polyphylla exhibited, in vitro, anti-bacterial activity; it also showed haemostatic action following oral administration in mice. a-Paristyphnin. which is pharmacologically more active, has a depressant action on carotid pressure, myocardium 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.
