Coptis teeta

[C. Richter]

Has anyone heard of the Indian plant called "titha" (_Coptis teeta_)?  I am 
not sure whether it is an ayurvedic plant or not, but it apparently grows 
in the state of Arunchal Pradesh.  According to a government publication, 
exports of the root and seeds are "virtually banned," so it is likely to  
be a threatened species (although it is not on the CITES list). 
 
According to a recent Indian magazine article, the tribals of A.P. regard 
it as an "excellent" medicinal herb; but the article gives no clue as to 
what it is used for.  
 
There is a North American species _Coptis trifolia_ ("goldthread") which 
is has well known medicinal properties. 
 
 

-- 
Conrad Richter                     richter at gpu.utcs.utoronto.ca
Richters Herbs                     71550.3411 at compuserve.com
Goodwood, ON L0C 1AO Canada        Tel 416-640-6677 / Fax 416-640-6641