Drimia indica

Drimia indica, commonly known as the Indian Squill, is a bulbous medicinal herb belonging to the Hyacinthaceae family. Native to various regions in India, it is highly valued in traditional medicine for its potent bioactive compounds, particularly used to treat respiratory ailments, inflammation, and various skin conditions effectively.

  • Scientific name: Drimia indica
  • Family: Asparagaceae
  • Native range: Asia-Tropical

Taxonomical Classification

This plant, known scientifically as Drimia indica, belongs to the kingdom Plantae and the phylum Streptophyta. It is classified under the class Equisetopsida and the subclass Magnoliidae, falling within the order Asparagales. Finally, it is a member of the family Asparagaceae within the genus Drimia.

Rank Classification Source
Kingdom Plantae WCVP
Phylum Streptophyta WCVP
Class Equisetopsida WCVP
Subclass Magnoliidae WCVP
Order Asparagales WCVP
Family Asparagaceae WCVP
Genus Drimia WCVP

Common Names

This plant, known scientifically as Drimia indica, is referred to by various common names across different languages and regions. In Myanmar, it is called ပဒိုင်းကြက်သွန်, while in Malayalam, it is known as നരിവെങ്കായം. It is also called জংলি পিয়াজ in Bengali and நரி வெங்காயம் in Tamil. Additionally, in Chinese, the plant is identified as 印度银桦百合.
Language Common Name Source
my ပဒိုင်းကြက်သွန် Wikidata
ml നരിവെങ്കായം Wikidata
bn জংলি পিয়াজ Wikidata
ta நரி வெங்காயம் Wikidata
zh 印度银桦百合 Wikidata
zh-cn 印度银桦百合 Wikidata
zh-tw 印度銀樺百合 Wikidata
ta காட்டு வெங்காயம் Wikidata
ta காட்டு வெள்ள வெங்காயம் Wikidata
ta கோழி வெங்காயம் Wikidata

Distribution

This plant is widely distributed across several regions within the Indian Subcontinent. It can be found growing in the diverse landscapes of India and its neighboring countries. Specifically, its range extends through the mountainous terrains of the East Himalaya and the country of Nepal. Furthermore, the species is also documented to inhabit the territory of Bangladesh. Finally, its geographical presence reaches as far as Pakistan, showcasing its broad regional spread.

Region Area Source
Indian Subcontinent Bangladesh WCVP
Indian Subcontinent East Himalaya WCVP
Indian Subcontinent India WCVP
Indian Subcontinent Nepal WCVP
Indian Subcontinent Pakistan WCVP
Indian Subcontinent Sri Lanka WCVP
Indian Subcontinent West Himalaya WCVP
Indo-China Myanmar WCVP
Indo-China Thailand WCVP
Indo-China Vietnam WCVP

Plant Parts

This plant, Drimia indica, is a geophyte characterized by its unique underground storage structures. The most significant medicinal components are found within its bulbs, specifically the fleshy, specialized bulb that allows the plant to survive dormant periods. These bulbs are connected to a system of roots that anchor the plant and facilitate nutrient uptake from the soil. Above the ground, the plant produces distinct leaves that are essential for photosynthesis, providing the energy necessary to develop the nutrient-rich bulb and the expansive root system.
Total parts
4
Scientific sources
5
Plant Part Sources Confidence
leaves 2 ★☆☆☆☆
roots 1 ★☆☆☆☆
bulbs 1 ★☆☆☆☆
bulb 1 ★☆☆☆☆

Chemicals

Drimia indica has 3 reported phytochemicals identified across 3 scientific publications and several other databases. The most consistently reported chemicals include flavonoids, phytosterols, steroids.

Total chemicals
3
Scientific sources
3

Most Reported Compounds

Compound Sources Confidence
flavonoids 1 ★☆☆☆☆
phytosterols 1 ★☆☆☆☆
steroids 1 ★☆☆☆☆

Activities

Drimia indica has 8 reported activities identified across 10 scientific publications and several other databases. The most consistently reported activities include Anticancer, Antimicrobial, Anthelmintic, Antiangiogenic, Antidiabetic.

Total activities
8
Scientific sources
10

Most Reported Activities

Activity Sources Confidence
Anticancer 2 ★☆☆☆☆
Antimicrobial 2 ★☆☆☆☆
Anthelmintic 1 ★☆☆☆☆
Antiangiogenic 1 ★☆☆☆☆
Antidiabetic 1 ★☆☆☆☆
Antioxidant 1 ★☆☆☆☆
Laxative 1 ★☆☆☆☆
Stomachic 1 ★☆☆☆☆

Medicinal Uses

Drimia indica has 10 reported medicinal uses identified across 10 scientific publications and several other databases. The most consistently reported uses include anthelmintic, antidiabetic, antioxidant, asthma, cardiac diseases.

Total uses
10
Scientific sources
10

Most Reported Uses

Use Sources Confidence
anthelmintic 1 ★☆☆☆☆
antidiabetic 1 ★☆☆☆☆
antioxidant 1 ★☆☆☆☆
asthma 1 ★☆☆☆☆
cardiac diseases 1 ★☆☆☆☆
dropsy 1 ★☆☆☆☆
indigestion 1 ★☆☆☆☆
leprosy 1 ★☆☆☆☆
rheumatism 1 ★☆☆☆☆
wound healing 1 ★☆☆☆☆