A Preliminary Note on the Pharmacology and Therapeutics of Adhatoda Vasica (Basak)

called Arusha, in Bengali Bakas or Vasaka, in Northern India it is known by the name of Bhekkar or Basuti and in Persian it is called Bansa. The name Adhatoda is of Tamil origin. The plant has minutely pubescent entire leaves arising from swollen nodes; the flowers are white or purple in colour. It is well known to the people throughout the country and a yellow dye is commonly obtained from its leaves. The leaves, the root and the flowers are extensively used in indigenous medicine as a remedy for colds, cough, bronchitis and asthma. It is often given in the form of juice extracted from the leaves, mixed up with ginger or honey, in doses of | to 1 ounce. A decoction is also made from the leaves, and dried leaves are administered in powder form in doses of 30 grains. Both the decoction and powder form constituents of many preparations used in the Ayurvedic medicine for various affections of the respiratory tract. In chronic bronchitis and asthma it is said to be