Karavir
- Botanical Name: Nerium indicum (also known as Nerium oleander)
- Family: Apocynaceae
- Synonyms: Asvamaraka, Hayamaraka, Chandataka, Pratihara
- Vernacular Name: Commonly known as “Kaner” in Hindi, “Indian Oleander” in English,
and “Arali” in Tamil.
- Classification: A toxic, evergreen shrub belonging to the Apocynaceae family.
- Habitat: Cultivated as an ornamental shrub in gardens across India. It is also found in the
Himalayas, southern India, and other tropical regions.
- Morphology: A large shrub with linear, lanceolate leaves that are dark green above. The
flowers are tubular and come in various colors, including white, pink, and red. The fruits are
cylindrical follicles containing numerous seeds.
- Useful Parts: Leaves, flowers, roots, and bark (used with caution due to toxicity).
- Chemical Composition: Contains cardioactive glycosides like oleandrin, neriodorin, and
adynerin. Other compounds include β-sitosterol, ursolic acid, and rutin.
- Pharmacological Action: Known for its cardiotonic, antimicrobial, anti-inflammatory,
and insecticidal properties. It is used externally for skin diseases and insect bites.
- Formulation: Used in Ayurvedic preparations for external applications and in very
controlled doses for specific treatments under medical supervision.
Rasa: Tikta , Katu
Guna: Laghu , Ruksha , Tikshna
Virya: Ushna
Vipaka: Katu