Acacia farnesiana (Arimeda)

Caraka mentioned it under Udarda prasamana and Sanjnasthapana groups. Sushruta & Vagbhata have not categorized it under any group. Vagbhata used the synonym ‘Ahimaraka’ to denote this plant. This plant has been mentioned as Arimajja and Ramaka by Dalhana. Later writeers named it as Vitkhadira (owing to its foul smell). Cakarapani also quoted it as Khadira bheda (a variety of Khadira).

Note– Some consider Acacia leucophloea (Roxb.) Willd. As Arimeda. It is a small tree with long white spines.

Botanical Description – It is a small tree attaining a height of about 7-8m. and the branches are spinous. Flowers are small and yellow in colour.

Major Chemical Constituents– Aromadendrin, naringenin, galloylglucose, Ethyl gallate etc.

Part Used– Stem bark, heart-wood

Dosage– Powder 1-3g; decoction 50-100 ml.

Research–

Glycosidal fraction of extract (2.0 to 10.0 g) showed increased outflow on perfused isolated guinea pig lung per se and also increased outflow after histamine-induced spasm. It showed vasodilator action in hind limb perfusion of dog in same doses by increased femoral venous outflow. It inhibited carrageenin and formaldehyde-induced inflammation. Thus, glycosidal fraction exhibited smooth muscle relaxant and anti-inflammatory effects (Ind. J. Physiol. Pharmacol, 1986, 30, 269).