Common Name: Gandhapura Oil,
English Name: Indian Wintergreen, Fragrant Wintergreen
Botanical Name: Gaultheria fragrantissima Wall
Family: Ericaceae
Description: Fragrant wintergreen is an evergreen shrub growing about 1 metre tall. The species is highly variable in the size and shape of leaves. In general these varieties are the result of habitat differences.
Chemical Constituents: The main constituent of the oil is methyl salicylate. It is obtained by the hydrolysis of the glycoside gaultherin in the presence of the water and the enzyme gaultherase. The oil also contains an ester which gives enanthic alcohol and an acid. The characteristic odour is due to the presence of enanthic alcohol. The natural gaultheria oil is laevo rotatory.
Properties: The essential oil obtained from the leaves is antiseptic, aromatic, carminative and stimulant. It is used in the treatment of rheumatism, scabies and neuralgia. The juice of the leaves is used in the treatment of coughs. The unripe fruits are chewed or made into a juice to treat stomach trouble.
Used in the following MATXIN products: