Identification and anatomical characterisation of Yardan zeet

An indigenous medicinal plant growing in Myeik, Tanintharyi division whose bitter fruit commonly known as Yardan zeet is very similar to the vernacular name of the Chinese drug "Yadanzi" the ripe bitter fruit of Brucea javanica (L.) Merr. Due to the similarity in the common names, the specific name of Yardan zeet plant obtained from Myeik, was identified taxonomically. Yardan zeet fruit available in Yangon market as antidysenteric drug was also identified by comparing the macroscopic features and microscopic characters with that of the identified Yardan zeet from Myeik. Yandan zeet plant growing in Myeik was identified as Brucea javanica (L.) Merr., belonging to the family Simaroubaceae. The macroscopic features and microscopic characters of Myeik and market Yardan zeet fruits were identical. the findings from this study reveals that Yardan zeet fruits are of the same species as the Chinese drug "Yadanzi" the bitter fruit of Brucea javanica (L.) Merr., Simaroubaceae.

Screening of some medicinal plants reputed for anthelminthic activity on in vitro test models

Thirty three medicinal plants, traditionally claimed to be useful for purging human intestinal roundworms were evaluated experimentally for their anthelminthic action against Ascaris summ in vitro. On the basis of producing muscle paralysis of the worm within predetermined experimental periods, seventeen of the plants tested were found to possess anthelminthic activity. Urginea indica and Ananas sativa were most effective and a fungus, Hydnum repanda also showed good activity.