Botanical Name: Operculina turpethum

Indian Name: Pithori

Origin, Distribution and Composition

Turpeth, also known as Indian jalap, is a large, stout twining perennial herb with sap. It has a many branched root and quadrangular, winged stems. Its leaves are egg-shaped and heart. shaped. Its white flowers are funnel-shaped in bunches. Its fruits are roundish with usually fourseeds to each. The herb is also called as Indian rhubarb or Indian jalap because of its purgative characteristic. The dried roots of the plant constitute the drug.

There are two varieties of this plant, with either white or black tuberous roots. The roots of the white variety has to be used. The trade name is based on its scientific name. The bark of the plant contains a glycosidic resin, which has ether insoluble glycoside turpethein and two ether soluble Glycosides. Besides, it also contains a small amount of volatile oil, glucose and fructose.

Healing Power and Curative Properties

Turpeth has long been used in India as a cathartic, that is, a drug which induces active movement of the bowels, but it was officially recognised in the list of Indian Pharmacopoeia only in 1946. Only the dried roots of the white variety with its bark intact finds its place there.

Chronic Constipation

Turpeth is used as a purgative. It has almost the same properties as the true jalap, botanically known as exogonium purga and can be used with advantage as its substitute. It is superior to the herb rhubarb. Its powdered roots are used as a purgative and to relieve any chronic constipation.

Arthritis

The drug is beneficial in treating rheumatic and paralytic diseases. A single dose of 3 to 4 grams should be taken daily.

Dropsy

Turpeth is a valuable drug in the treatment of dropsical affections. The tuberous roots in doses of 2 to 4 grams mixed with chebulic myroblan (harad) are especially beneficial in such disorders.

Gout

For the treatment of gout, it is administered in the same way as for dropsical affections.

Jaundice

In Ayurveda, turpeth is considered to be one of the two major drugs with which the treatment of jaundice should start, the other drug being kutuki. One or two teaspoon of the powder of each of the two drugs may be administered with hot water twice daily.

Other Diseases

Turpeth is also effective for other diseases like melancholoa. leprosy, enlargement of spleen and paralysis. Its efficacy increases, when mixed with chebulic myroblan.