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Gaultheria

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Synonyms: Wintergreen leaves, Teaberry leaves

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Biological source:

Botanical name: Gaultheria frangrantissima

Part used: fresh leaves

Family: Ericaceae

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Geographical source:

  • Occurs India between 1500 – 2500m altitude.
  • Also occurs in hilly region of Nepal.

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Macroscopical features (leaves)

    • Color: greenish
    • Odor: distinct and aromatic
    • Taste: aromatic and astringent
    • Shape: lanceolate
    • Size: upto 13 cm long
    • Other features: leathery, dotted with glands, dentate margin. Short petiole. Short fracture.

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Microscopical features (Leaves)

  • Both the epidermis are cuticalised and a number of stomata occuring on the lower surface.
  • Mesophyll differentiated into palisade parenchyma and spongy parenchyma.
  • Concentric vascular bundles are present at the midrib region.
  • Cluster of calcium oxalate crystals are present at several parenchymatous cells.

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Chemical constituents

Contain 1 % volatile oil

Principal constituent of the oil is methyl salicylate (not less than 98%). Other important constituent present in gaultherin.

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Pharmacological action / Uses

Stimulant, carminative, insecticide, flavoring agent.

Used for the treatment of various forms of rheumatism.

Its oil is added to certain ointments and liniments to counteract irritant effects.

It is useful to destroy hook worms.

Also useful for preventing different types of tumors.