Lens CULINARIS Medik.
| Synonym : | Ervum lens L. Lens esculenta Moench Vicia lens (L.) Coss. & Germ. |
|---|---|
| Bangla Name : | Musur, Musuri, Masur. ,Ma kalai (Murong). |
| English Name : | Lentil. |
| Family : | Fabaceae |
| Disease : | Diuretic, tonic, laxative, astringent, bowels, ulcers, styptic and astringent. |
| Description : | An annual herb, branching from the base. Leaves pinnate, leaflets 4-6 pairs, sessile, lanceolate, often mucronate. Flower pale purple, in 2-4 flowered racemes. Pod rhomboid oblong, about 1.3 cm long. Seeds usually 2, compressed, grey, with minute spots. |
| Distribution : | Cultivated throughout the country. |
| Chemical Constituents : | Seeds are rich in protein (22-60%) and are a good source of B-vitamins and minerals. They are also rich in starch and fatty oil. Raw pulse also contains uric acid and arsenic. Seeds also contain kaempferol glycoside and 3,4? 7-trihydroxyflavone. Tricetin, |
| Uses : | Seeds are diuretic, tonic, laxative and astringent to the bowels, useful in constipation and other intestinal affections. Paste of the seeds is a useful cleansing application in cases of foul and indolent ulcers. Seeds coat is styptic and astringent. |
| Habit : | Herb |