MEDICINAL AND AROMATIC CROPS (2+1)

Importance and chemical composition

Ambrette (Abelmoschus moschatus Medic) known as 'Mushkdana' belongs to the family Malvaceae. The seeds of this plant are the source of the essential oil which is extensively used in perfumery, flavouring and cosmetic industries. The essential oil is present in the seed-coat. It is a mixture of farnesol and ambrettolide, present in the seed to the extent of 0.12 and 0.03%, respectively. The compounds responsible for its musk-like odour are acetic acid and ambrettolic acid and its lactone – ambrettolid. The seeds also contain a fixed fat and traces of a resinous substance which is noted for its rich, sweet, floral, musky, distinctly wine or brandy-like smell with an incredible tenacity of odour rarely found in any other perfume material. The seeds are used to impart a musky odour to sachets and hair-powder and in the manufacture of indigenous flavoured tobacco (Zarda). They are powdered with clove and other scented materials for use in body perfumes. It is also used as a substitute for kasturi or musk, an animal product. The essential oil present in the seeds blend exactly with rose, sandalwood oil, and aliphatic aldehydes. Ambrette restored in the form of extracts is used in perfume, creams, lipsticks, brilliantines, hair oil and in cosmetic products.

The seeds also possess medicinal properties and are employed in the treatment of diseases due to 'kapha', 'vata' and in stomach and urinary troubles, gonorrhoea, nervous debility, hysteria and skin diseases. They are a stimulant, antiseptic, stomachic, cooling, tonic, carminative and aphrodisiac.

The plant yields good quality fiber. The leaves are used for cleaning sugar. The tender leaves and shoots are reported to be used in soups and the green pods are sometimes used as vegetables. The seeds are also reported to possess insecticidal properties.