Cleome gynandra Linn. [C. pentaphylla Linn. OR Gynandropsis gynandra] (TILAPARNI)

Caraka and  Sushruta have mentioned it under Sakavarga. Dalhana commented that Tilaparnika = Coraka.  However, couraka is mentioned as a variety of leafy vegetable (after tilaparni) in madanapala nighantu.

Tilaparni is identified as G. gynandra which is a annual herb growing upto 1m and possesses white flowers. Another plant Cleome viscosa Linn (C. isocandra) with yellow flowers is also considered as Tilaparni by some scholars.

Note – Author is of the opinion that this is just a repition of ajagandha or tilaparni described in the earlier chapters of madanapala nighantu.  Owing to its significance as a leafy vegetable it is mentioned once again under the saka varga again.  Therefore, the description is limited to one line.

Major Chemical Constituents– Seed- β sitosterol, Kaempferol, Glucocibrine, glucocapparine, glucobrassicin, luteolin, centauridin.

Part Used– Seeds, leaf, root

Dosage– Seed powder 1-2; Root powder 1-3g; leaf juice 5-10ml