Arnebia euchroma

Physical Characteristics

Arnebia euchroma is a PERENNIAL growing to 0.3 m (1ft). It is in flower from June to August, and the seeds ripen from July to September. The species is hermaphrodite (has both male and female organs) and is pollinated by Insects. Suitable for: light (sandy) soils, prefers well-drained soil and can grow in nutritionally poor soil. Suitable pH: mildly acid, neutral and basic (mildly alkaline) soils. It cannot grow in the shade. It prefers dry or moist soil.

Distribution

E. Asia - Himalayas from Afghanistan to C. Nepal.

Habitats

Cultivated Beds; South Wall. In. West Wall. In.

Edible Uses

None known

Medicinal Uses

Antibacterial Antipyretic Cancer Contraceptive Eczema Emollient Vulnerary The root is antipyretic, cancer, contraceptive, emollient and vulnerary[176]. It is used in the treatment of measles, mild constipation, burns, frostbite, eczema, dermatitis etc[176, 218]. Experimentally it has shown contraceptive action on rats, inhibiting oestrus, the fertility rate and the release of pituitary gonadotrophin hormone and chorion gonadotrophin hormone[176]. It inhibits the growth of cancer cells on the chorion membrane[176]. The root contains shikonin, an antitumour and bactericidal compound[218]. It inhibits the growth of E. coli, Bacillus typhi, B. dysenteriae, Pseudomonas and Staphylococcus aureus[218]. Shikonin also promotes the healing of wounds on topical application[176].

Known Hazards

None known