3.4.3 Substitution of Different Parts of the Same Plant
This type of substitution is observed in traditional medicines when the part of use is not mentioned in the codified text.
This generally happens for the herbs and shrubs used in the traditional system. The foundation of Sida cordifolia and the
entire plant of S. cordifolia can be considered. The root has synthetic constituents, for example, sitoindoside and acyl-
steryglycoside. While the entire plant has alkaloid, hydrocarbons, unsaturated fats, and ephedrine, different concentrates
of the entire plant demonstrate antibacterial, antioxidant, hypoglycemic, hepatoprotective, and cardiotonic properties. In
spite of the fact that it is the root which is specified as the official piece of S. cordifolia in the works of art, such as Balya,
Brimhana, Shothahara, and so forth, present day inquiries demonstrate that even the ethereal parts are also similarly suc-
cessful (
Table 3.5
).
3.4.4 Substitution Due to Same Action
Sometimes plant species demonstrating comparable activities are utilized as a substitute for other plants having the same
pharmacological activity, such as Embelica officinalis, which has antioxidant, hepatoprotective, antimicrobial, hypoglyce-
mic, and hypolipidemic properties. Semecarpus demonstrates antitumor, hypotensive, anticytotoxic, and anticancer prop-
erties. Both Amalaki and Bhallataka are Rasayana (rejuvenator) drugs. In several cases, the Rasayana plants are used as
an adjuvant treatment in chronic and also malignant illnesses. Amalaki can be utilized as Rasayana in chronic weakening
infections, such as bronchial asthma, diabetes, and so on, while Bhallataka would be a better decision in malignant condi-
tions, both in strong tumors and in leukemia.
