The tree is valued for its dried rind which is rich in acids and possesses marked antiseptic properties. It contains tartaric acid reducing sugars and phosphoric acid (as calcium triphosphate). It limits the synthesis of fatty acids in the muscles and liver lipogenesis (production of fat) by inhibiting the enzyme ATP-citrate lyase. The fruits contain about 30% acid (calculated as citric acid) on the dry basis which is essentially (-)-hydroxy-citric acid. A decoction of the fruit rind is given in rheumatism and bowel complaints. The resin possesses purgative properties.

A much-branched evergreen, aromatic shrub.

The volatile oil obtained by the steam distillation of the leaves of G. fragrantissima is identical to Wintergreen oil, obtained from G. procumbens.

The principal constituent of the oil is methyl salicylate. It is stimulant, carminative and antiseptic. It is applied externally in the form of liniment or ointment in rheumatism, sciatica and neuralgia.

Gloriosa superba is a striking tuberous climbing plant with wavy-edged yellow and red flowers found throughout India. The cylindrical rhizomes usually bifurcate to 'V' shape. The acuminate tips of the leaves spiraled and serve as tendrils for climbing. The perianth lobes are brightly colored and wavy margined. Colchicine is the major compound isolated from the rhizomes. They have abortifacient, antipyretic, anti-inflammatory and antileprotic properties.

In Ayurveda, the tuber is anthelmintic and abortifacient. Kalahari is cultivated mainly in south India.

Glycyrrhiza glabra is a perennial herb in the subtropical and warm temperate regions. None of the liquorice species occurs in India in the wild. But its use has been reported for a long time in traditional literature.

The principal constituent of licorice is glycyrrhizin. Licorice is used for the treatment of asthma, acute and chronic bronchitis and chronic cough. It modulates the immune system and has shown remarkable immuno-stimulant properties. It has an antioxidant activity. It is a mild anti-inflammatory for arthritis and rheumatism and is used to treat gastric, duodenal and esophageal ulceration or inflammation, heartburn and mouth ulcers. The plant contains phytoestrogens in the form of isoflavones such as formononetin; glabrone, neoliquiritin and hispaglabridin A & B.

It alleviates irritable conditions of the mucus membrane, and strengthens the immune system and provides resistance in recurring infections.

An unarmed tree, with a smooth, whitish gray bark which contains traces of an alkaloid.

The bark is a bitter tonic and stomachic, and is considered useful in fever and indigestion.

It is a natural form of calcium that helps to maintain healthy bone structure.

Small shrubs with thick and rigid stems, the flowers are medium-sized, yellow with a purple center.

Cotton seed is demulcent, laxative, expectorant and galactogogue. It is used as a nervine tonic in headaches and brain affections, and decoctions of the seed are given in dysentery and intermittent fevers.

Gymnema sylvestre is a large, woody climber.

Its principal constituent is gymnemic acid which has anti-diabetic properties. The plant is stomachic, stimulant, laxative and diuretic. It abolishes the taste of sugar and is believed to neutralize excessive sugar present in the body in diabetes mellitus. The leaf extracts contain gymnemic acid which is said to inhibit hyperglycemia. It has also been shown to have a regenerative effect on pancreatic beta cells and is insulinotropic.