Question

Which of the following is a medicinal plant?

• A. Poondu
• B. Vembhu
• C. Milagu
• D. All of the above

Answer 1

The correct option is D All of the above

• Poondu, vembhu and milagu are the Tamil terms for garlic, neem and black pepper respectively.
• All the 3 plants have their own medicinal uses. These are as follows -

1) Milagu- Black pepper is an important healthy food owing to its antioxidant, antimicrobial potential and gastro-protective modules.

• Dried fruits of black pepper are commonly used in gastrointestinal disorders

2) Poondu- Garlic contains abundant antibiotic and anti-fungal sulphur compounds including allicin, Allin and ajoene.

• The antibiotic components and its volatile oil help treat cold and cough.
• Eating raw garlic first thing in the morning stimulates digestion and appetite.

3) Vembhu - All parts of the neem tree- leaves, flowers, seeds, fruits, roots and bark have been used traditionally for the treatment of inflammation, infections, fever, skin diseases and dental disorders.

• Neem leaf and its constituents have been demonstrated to exhibit immunomodulatory, anti-inflammatory, anti-hyperglycaemic, anti-ulcer, antimalarial, anti-fungal, antibacterial, antiviral, antioxidant, anti-mutagenic and anti-carcinogenic properties.
• So the correct option is 'All of the above'.