A review on medicinal plants in north region of India: traditional use in Vedic culture and their pharmacological properties

Sonal Verma ,Sunita Arya ,Robina Aman

1Department of Chemistry,S.S.J.Campus,Almora,263601,Uttarakhand,India.

Abstract Medicinal plants are widely employed for healing reasons in many native systems of medicine and are becoming increasingly popular in modern culture as alternatives to manufactured medications.The current study is a descriptive review in which papers were searched from several databases such as Springer,Wiley,Taylor and Francis,Elsevier,etc.It is time to rethink the way we improve our immune systems and seek evidence-based treatments that best use plant-based medicines to benefit patients.Bioactive principles are responsible for medicinal plants’ therapeutic actions and give limitless chances for novel drug leads because of their exceptional availability of chemical variety.The chemical characteristics of the included bioactive components determine whether standardized plant extracts are beneficial or poisonous.A summary of research papers on plants such as garlic,aloe vera,stinging nettle,saffron,clove,holy basil,turmeric,cinnamon,giloe,liquorice,and aloe vera having bioactive molecules and cures for several diseases such as influenza virus,gastrointestinal cancer neurodegenerative disorder,cardiovascular diseases,urinary disorder,diabetes,skin disease,obesity,and respiratory disorder is included in this overview.

Keywords: Ayurveda;medicinal plants;bioactive;saffron;garlic;aloe vera;stinging nettle;pharmacological properties

Introduction

Ayurveda,Siddha,and Unani are three of India’s traditional medical systems.In India,between 2500 and 500 BC,the Ayurvedic philosophy emerged and evolved [1].Ayurveda means “science of life” or “science of longevity” because it provides a comprehensive approach to living a long and healthy life.It offers programs to restore youthful vigour in the body through diet and nutrition.It also provides therapeutic options for various common disorders,such as food allergies,for which few current remedies exist [2].In India,where plants and trees are still admired,it is no wonder that this concept has been part of the country’s history since the Vedas were written.Rigveda and Atharvaveda are two of the four Vedas (Rigveda,Yajurveda,Samaveda,and Atharvaveda),which describe the history of plants and their usage from age-old civilizations [3].It is worth noting that the Vedas mention a lot of herbs and plants concerning sacrifices.

In the Upanishads (500-700 Before Common Era),the Hawana is mentioned as a yajna around the fire (Hawana is an Indian tradition that used herbs (Hawana samagri) to be given in a fire of medicinal wood to eliminate harmful germs,viruses,and other microbes) [4].It is the act of surrendering something to fire for general beneficial results [5].For cleaning the air and eradicating disease-causing chemicals(such as germs of T.B.,measles,smallpox,cowpox,bacteria,fungi,etc.),seers used to propose Hawana in the ancient period.The people of Wuhan,China’s Hubei province,were infected with the fatal“SARS-CoV-2”-like pneumonia in December 2019,which was eventually dubbed coronavirus illness Coronavirus Disease of 2019(COVID19) by the World Health Organization (WHO) [6].Fever,sneezing,diarrhoea,dry cough,malaise,and shortness of breath are among the COVID19 symptoms,first labelled a public health emergency of worldwide concern and then a pandemic by the WHO[7].Medicinal plants and vitamins have been shown to help and improve the health of COVID19 patients in several recent scientific studies [8].

Therefore,the objective of this article is to expound on the benefits of using medicinal plants: Garlic (Allium sativum),Ginger (Zingiber officinale),Turmeric (Curcuma longa),Mulethi (Glycyrrhiza glabra),Amla (Phyllanthus emblica),Cinnamon (Cinnamomum verum),Giloya (Tinospora cordifolia),Tulsi (Ocimum tenuiflorum),Clove(Syzygium aromaticum),Bichu (Urtica dioica),Aloe vera (Aloe barbadensis mille),Peepal (Ficus religiosa),and Ashwagandha(Withania somnifera) that possess the phytochemistry,traditional use,and pharmacological activities.A summary of research papers on medicinal plants having bioactive molecules and cures for several diseases such as influenza virus,gastrointestinal cancer,neurodegenerative disorder,cardiovascular diseases,urinary disorder,diabetes,skin disease,anaemia,obesity,allergic condition,rheumatism,jaundice,helminthiasis,heart diseases,leprosy,rheumatoid arthritis,anti-periodic,chronic fever,eye disease,analgesic,antiemetic,antispasmodic,radioprotective properties and respiratory disorder is included in this overview.

Medicinal plants with phytochemistry, traditional and pharmacological properties

Chemical elements present naturally in all medicinal plants are known as phytochemicals which may be present in different parts of plants such as flowers,stems,bark,leaves,vegetables,and roots.These phytochemicals can prevent us from disease-causing agents while also boosting our immune system.Phytochemicals may be divided into two main categories: (1) Primary-Chlorophyll,protein,and common sugars,(2) Secondary-Terpenoid,alkaloids,phenolic compounds,etc[9].

Plant-based natural treatments include many phytochemicals and essential oils,indicating their therapeutic value for humans [10,11].According to the literature,medicinal plants have been used in traditional medicine for over 1000 years [12].Books on the Ayurvedic medicine system explain techniques written during the Vedic period(3500-1600 Before Christ),like the use of medicinal herbs that formed the foundation of all modern medical sciences created on the Indian subcontinent [13].Every part of a medicinal plant has its bioactive constituents,traditional use,and pharmacological properties which are outlined in the following section.

O.sanctum is from the family Lamiaceae (also known as Tulsi and holy basil).Many Hindu religious traditions link Tulsi with a Goddess figure.In Sanskrit,the name Tulsi means “the incomparable one”.Ayurveda has employed O.sanctum for its many medicinal benefits for thousands of years.Tulsi,the sacred basil,is cherished for its religious and spiritual significance and its significance in the East region of ancient Ayurvedic and Unani methods of holistic health and herbal therapy[14].

Saponins,flavonoids,triterpenoids,and tannins are among the biological constituents of O.sanctum stem and leave that may have bioactivity [15].The volatile leaf oil contains eugenic acid,eugenol,ursolic acid,carvacrol,linalool,limatrol,caryophyllene,and estragole while the seed oil is abundant in fatty acids,triglycerides,sitosterol [16,17].Some chemical compositions identified in the holy basil plants are flavonoids,sesquiterpenoid,steroid,phenolic acid,phenylpropanoid,coumarin,cerebroside,neolignane,acetone oligomer and triglyceride[17-19].

Traditionally,O.sanctum is consumed in various forms,including herbal tea,powdered form,and fresh leaf.Tulsi leaves have been combined with stored grains for millennia to keep insects away [20].Ayurveda and Siddha medicine employ several portions of the plant for the prevention and treatment of a variety of diseases and disorders,including cough,cold,headache,leg swelling,fever,blood purification,dysentery,diabetes,an antidote for snake and scorpion bite,skin disease,and so on [21].Holy basil is also used to sharpen memory,inhibit the growth of HIV,and cure ulcers and mouth infections[22].

Tulsi has antioxidant,anticancer,antifertility,antifungal,antidiabetic,analgesic,antilipidemic,antibacterial,eye disease,mosquitocidal,antimicrobial,cardioprotective,antispasmodic,adaptogenic actions,antiseptic,analgesic,anti-inflammatory,antistress,immunomodulatory,hypoglycaemic,hypotensive,and antileishmanicidal properties [23,24].

In Ayurveda Emblica officinalis (of the family Phyllanthaceae) holds a sacred place.According to Indian mythology,E.officinalis was the first tree planted on the planet [25].P.emblia is commonly known as Indian gooseberry,amla,and amlika.Indian gooseberry is a plant that has been examined extensively and is a good source of vitamin C.This vital vitamin level in amla is higher than in oranges,tangerines,or lemons but lower than in the Barbados cherry [26].Chinese and Indian traditional medical systems have utilized various portions of the amla plant,mainly its fruit,as folk cures for various diseases[27].

According to reports,amla consists of tannins,alkaloids,and phenols [28].Fruits contain 28% of the total tannins in the plant.Bioactive compounds and the chemical constituents of Indian gooseberry are alkaloids,amino acids,organic compounds,vitamins carbohydrates,flavonoids,sterols,tannins,triterpenes and some essential oils [29-34].

It is mentioned in Sushrut Samhita,Charak Samhita,and Ayurveda that the P.emblica plant is the greatest among revitalizing herbs (used in skin conditions calming,antiaging,and increasing longevity) and is also helpful in digestion,absorption,purifying blood,cough,fever,improving vision,hair growth,hyperacidity,diarrhoea,asthma and enhancing intellect[35,36].Amalika is an essential component of many polyherbal Ayurvedic medicines,such as Panchatika guggulu Ghritam,Thriphala Churnam,Dhatryarista,Amlakyadi Churna and many more [36].A few traditional uses of amla are as a vermifuge,appetizer,febrifuge,for painful respiration,to stop vomiting,in retention of urine,and so on[37,38].For centuries,amla has been used as a domestic treatment for various diseases such as a stabilizer of sugar blood,a natural remedy for cough,cholesterol,anaemia,treat white spots on the nails,and many more[38].

Amla show several pharmacological properties such as antioxidant,antimutagenic,antimicrobial,antitumor,immunomodulatory,carminative,antitussive,cytoprotective,anti-atherogenic,anti-anaemic,antirheumatic,nervine tonic,haemorrhoids,menorrhagia,antiepileptic,antiviral,anticonvulsant,antileucorrhoea,antijaundice,antidyslipidemic,memory enhancer,anti-cataleptic,antiapoptotic,stomachic,hair tonic,antidiabetic,hepatoprotective,hypolipidemic,antidepressant,antiulcerogenic,and anti-inflammatory [39,40].

Giloe belongs to the family Menispermaceae [41].It is a Hindu mythical name of T.cordifolia that relates to the heavenly elixir that has protected celestial beings from ageing and kept them forever youthful.Guduchi (Sanskrit name) and amrita are the other names of T.cordifolia.Guduchi means “whole-body protector” and the term amrita refers to T.cordifolia to transmit youthful appearance,energy,and longevity [42].

T.cordifolia contains many chemicals,including alkaloids,diterpenoid lactones,glycosides,steroids,sesquiterpenoid,phenolics,aliphatic compounds,and polysaccharides the leaves of this plant are abundant in protein (11.2%),calcium,and phosphorus [43].Some of the essential bioactive constituents of giloy are terpenoids,alkaloids,lignans-3,steroids,glycosides,aliphatic compounds and some other bioactive constituents such as giloin,tinosporan acetate,tinosporal acetate,tinosporidine,heptacosanol,octacosanol,sinapic acid,and tinosponone[41,42,44-51].

Ayurveda may not be possible without the plant of giloy,as it is a critical component of many ayurvedic medications.Ayurveda claims that Guduchi has both bitter and astringent tastes (tikta rasa and kashaya rasa,respectively).It promotes human tissue moistness (Snigdha),has a warm potency (ushna veerya),and is heavy to digest (Guru) [52].T.cordifolia is helpful in treating diseases such as fever,insect bites,bone fracture,diabetes,cancer,wounds,Karna Shula,and balashosha[53,54].

Its pharmacological uses are antioxidant,antifungal,antimicrobial,antibacterial,antistress,anti-diabetic,hypolipidemic effect,hepatic disorder,antidiabetic,antipyretic,antispasmodic,anti-inflammatory,anti-arthritic,anti-allergic,anti-stress,anti-leprotic,antimalarial,hepatoprotective,antineoplastic anticancer,anti-HIV potential,antiosteoporotic effects,antitoxic effects,wound healing,anticomplementary,immunomodulating,systemic infection and Parkinson’s disease [55,56].

For many years,the rhizome of Z.officinalis plant of the Zingiberaceae has been used as a spice worldwide.It is commonly known as ginger and adrak.Ginger was one of the most widely utilized herbs in Chinese,Ayurvedic,European,and American traditional medicinal systems [57].Ginger can be administered orally,intramuscularly,or topically [58].

Ginger is high in bioactive molecules and chemicals such as phenolic groups,alkaloids,and steroids that have therapeutic properties [59,60].The major constituents of ginger are aromatic agents and terpenes (a significant source of essential oil in ginger) [61-63].Raw fibre,ash,protein,phytosterols,amadaldehyde,paradole,gingerdiols,gingerdiacetates,gingerenones,6-gingersulfonic acid,diterpenes,gingerglycolipids A,B,and C,amino acids,vitamins (e.g.,nicotinic acid and vitamin A),and minerals are also found in ginger [64,65].The distinctive odour and flavour of ginger are caused by the combination of volatile oils such asshogaols and gingerols [66].

According to the Ayurvedic reference for Z.officinalis,“A small piece of fresh ginger with 1 pinch of rock salt powder at the start of every meal is always beneficial for our health.This improves digestion,enhances food flavour,and detoxifies the tongue and throat [67].” For thousands of years,ginger has been used to heal various diseases like hypertension,cold,nausea,morning sickness,and heartburn,and to improve digestion [68,69].Aside from these benefits,ginger has been used to treat arthritis,muscular aches,chest discomfort,low back pain,stomach pain,and menstruation pain[70].

Ginger shows several therapeutic activities such as antioxidant,antiviral,anti-inflammatory,antimutagenic,antiulcer,analgesic,antifungal,antibacterial,antitumor,anticonvulsant,gastric,antisecretory,antiobesity,anticancer,antimicrobial,neuroprotective,respiratory protective,antidiabetic,antinausea,antiemetic,and cardiovascular protective[71,72].

Curcuma (belonging to the family Zingiberaceae) gets its name from the Arabic word kurkum (yellow) or the Hebrew word karkom(yellow),and the term longa refers to the rhizome’s elongated form.It is also widely known as turmeric and haldi.The rhizome of turmeric has a distinctive dark orange-yellow colour and is frequently used as a colouring and flavouring agent in curry [73].

The compound of Curcuma longa consists of carbohydrates (69.4 %),protein (6.3%),fat (5.1%),minerals (3.5%),and moisture (13.1 %) [74].Turmeric is a rich source of bioactive compounds such as terpenoids (a major source of essential oil in turmeric),curcuminoids (main component form C.longa),and the products conjugating curcuminoids with monoterpenes or sesquiterpenes,phenolic compounds,β-pipene,flavonoids,organic acids,eugenol,camphene,polysaccharides,steroids,fatty acids,and alkaloids[75,76].

Turmeric has been widely used for medical treatments of many ailments in Asian nations for at least 2500 years,and it has numerous advantages in Ayurveda and traditional Chinese medicine for the prevention and treatment of many diseases such as cough,cardiovascular disease,jaundice,and other liver infections [73,77-79].It is mentioned in shlokas that turmeric has a high potency,helps to balance the kapha and pitta doshas,and can improve skin tone.Haridra could heal skin conditions,diabetes,edema,anaemia,and ulcers[80].

Medicinal uses of turmeric are antiproliferative,anti-inflammatory,anticancer,antidiabetic,hypocholesterolaemia,antithrombotic,antihepatotoxic,antidiarrheal,carminative,diuretic,antirheumatic,hypotensive,antimicrobial,antiviral,antioxidant,larvicidal,insecticidal,anti-venomous,and antityrosinase effects[81,82].

The whole and powdered form of S.aromaticum(also known as clove)is commonly used in curry powders and spices to improve the flavour of meat and rice meals [83].S.aromaticum belongs to the family of Myrtaceae.

The main component of clove oil is eugenol,with β-caryophyllene and minor quantities of other components such as benzyl alcohol.The other components are gallotannins,resin,vanillin,terpenic acid,α,and β caryophyllenes,traces of alcohols,esters and ketones,fibres,resins,and gum [84,85].

According to the ayurvedic reference of clove,“Sanskrit names for Laung include Lavang,Devkusum,Shrisangaya,and Shirparsunak.It has a pungent and bitter flavour,is light,healthy for the eyes,has a cool potency,aids digestion,and improves flavour.Cough,pitta,blood problems,thirst,vomiting,discomfort,hiccups,and abdominal distention are all treated with laung [86].” In Indian and Chinese traditional medicine,cloves are utilized as a warming and stimulating ingredient [87].It has been used for centuries to treat various diseases,including indigestion,stress,blood impurity,nausea,stomach disorder,controlling blood levels,depression,and filling dental cavities [88].Clove oil is also used as a mosquito repellent [89].

Clove is used in India as antimicrobial,analgesic,antioxidant,anticancer,anthelmintic,antiulcer,anti-inflammatory,antidepressant,bone preserving,antipyretic,antithrombotic,antitumor,antiapoptotic,aesthetic,antileishmanial,antibiotic,cardioprotective,antifungal,antinociceptive and acaricidal [90,91].

C.zeylanicum (cinnamon or daalchini) is a spice derived from the bark of the cinnamon tree and belongs to the family of Lauraceae[92].This plant has been used in various civilizations for millennia,primarily for culinary purposes.Cinnamon is well-known for its fragrance.It is used in perfumery to create a unique scent [93].

Cinnamon is made up of various chemicals with bioactive compounds that affect its properties.Procyanidin type-A polymers,cinnamic acid,cinnamaldehyde,and coumarin are the primary cinnamon constituents [94,95].The presence of cinnamaldehyde in cinnamon causes a spicy flavour and smell,which occurs as a result of oxygen absorption.Cinnamon darkens in colour as it ages,enhancing the resinous components [96].The presence of essential oils has also been observed [97,98].

For several years cinnamon has also been used as a tooth powder to treat toothaches,dental disorders,flavouring agents,reduce colon cancer risk,remove bad breath,and enhance tissue generation [99,100].Its Sanskrit names include Tvak,Svadvi,Tanutvak,and Darusita.It is bitter,smells good,and manages Vata and Pitta.Shukardhatu benefits the body and complexion and relieves mouth dryness and thirst [101].

Antimicrobial,hepatoprotective,neuroprotective,cardioprotective,immunomodulatory,anticancer,antioxidant antimicrobial activities,anti-inflammatory,and anti-diabetic pharmacological properties of C.zeylanicum [102,103].

A.sativum (also known as garlic or lehsun) from the family of Amaryllidaceae is one of the world’s most essential vegetables,eaten either raw (fresh leaves or dried cloves) or processed in the form of garlic oil,garlic extracts,and garlic powder [104,105].The unique flavour of garlic cloves is garlic products’ most crucial qualitative feature[106,107].

Garlic has therapeutic qualities due to approximately 2000 biologically active compounds.The main constituents of A.sativum are organosulphur compounds [108,109].Apart from organosulphur compounds,garlic also contains saponins phenolic compounds),vitamins,flavonoids,antioxidants,minerals (P,K,and Se),polysaccharides,amides,and proteins[110-112].

Garlic is widely consumed in China and has a long history of use as a traditional medicine [113].It has many pharmacological properties such as antioxidant,cardiovascular protective,anti-cancer,anti-inflammatory,immunomodulatory,antidiabetic,antiobesity,antibacterial,antiviral,anti-fungal,antithrombotic,antibiotic,anticancer,and hypoglycaemic effect [114,115].

Mulethi/liquorice (sweet wood,family-Leguminosae),the root of G.glabra,is one of the most frequently utilized herbs in ancient medical history,both as a medicinal and a flavouring herb.

Mulethi consists of many organic constituents such as steroids,terpenoids,resins,flavonoids,carbohydrates,starch,proteins,saponin (triterpene saponin is the principal constituent of mulethi),as well as inorganic constituents such as iron,strontium,calcium,magnesium,potassium,and sodium[116].The yellow colour of G.glabra is caused by isoliquiritin.Glycyrrhizin,saponin,flavone,isoflavones,coumarins,glabridin,glabrene,glabrol,and glycyrrhizic acid are found in the root of mulethi plant [117,118].

Liquorice has been used for over 4000 years.Code Humnubari has the oldest evidence of its usage in medicine (2100 BC).It was also one of the most significant plants described in the Assyrian herbal (400 BC),which noted its use as an ulcer treatment and a thirst quencher [119].Mulethi’s benefit includes respiratory disorder,digestive disorder,reduce stress,control of cholesterol,cough,skin disorder,reduce depression,boosting immunity,weight management,and keeping the liver healthy [120].

Liquorice contains several therapeutic activities such as antioxidant,antiviral anti-inflammatory,anti-tussic,expectorant,anti-ulcerative,antimicrobial,sedative,oestrogenic,hepatoprotective,anticarcinogenic,antimutagenic,neuroprotective,anti-depressive,and androgenic [121].

U.dioica belongs to the family Urticaceae,commonly known as stinging nettle (bichu) and is a wild edible plant that may be found worldwide.Nettle leaves are widely eaten raw or blanched,gently steamed,or fried in various dishes such as soups,sauces,biscuits,gelatines,jams,and others [122].Furthermore,nettle fibre was used to make up 85% of German uniforms during World War I[123].

U.dioica is a wild edible plant that may be found worldwide.Flavonoids,tannins,volatile chemicals,proteins,vitamins,minerals,polysaccharides,and sterols are some of the most well-known phytochemicals found in U.dioica [124,125].The stinging action is due to the chemical liquids contained in nettle’s hairs which are acetylcholine,histamine,formic acid,leukotrienes,and serotonin which could be the cause of allergic reactions caused by the stinging nettle [126,127].The main phytoconstituents reported in U.diocia are flavonoids,phenolics,carotenes,essential oil,fatty acids and other constituents such as tannins,chlorophyll,carotenoids,vitamins (C,B,K) and minerals (calcium,iron,magnesium,phosphorus,potassium,and sodium) are also present [124,128-130].

In traditional medicine,approximately all parts of the U.dioica are utilized.The whole plant is used for diabetes,hypertension,headache,chills,kidney stones,relief of pain,stomach ache,vaginal discharge,and external bleeding [131].The leaves of stinging nettle have a high nutritional value,allowing them to be used as a tonic for strengthening the body and creating soups and other foods[132].

Some pharmacological properties of nettle are antioxidant,anti-inflammatory,antiviral,anticancer,antiulcer antibacterial,analgesic,antifungal,anti-infective,antiandrogenic,hypoglycaemic,antiulcerogenic,immunomodulatory,antiproliferative,anti-infectious,hypotensive,cardiovascular disease prevention,anti-colitis,hepatoprotective and antirheumatic [133,134].

Aloe Vera (Aloe barbadensis mille) is a plant (from the family Asphodelaceae) that is full of surprises and is also known as the“wonder plant”,“natural healer”,“the silent healer”,“desert cacti”and “the wand of heaven” [135,136].The Aloe vera plant has been known for its health,cosmetic,medical,and skincare benefits [136].

The inner gel of aloe vera contains more than 75 active substances,including vitamins (A,C,E,B12,folic acid),enzymes (lipase,carboxylase),minerals (calcium,potassium,zinc,copper),anthraquinones,fatty acids,hormones,saccharides,and amino acids [137].

Aloe vera(kumari) is found in every period of history,with numerous testimonials of its remarkable medical properties.The Bible mentions the removal of Christ from the cross and the wrapping of his body in aloe and myrrh [136].Traditionally Aloe vera has also been used for the digestive system,wound healing,burns,skin problems,hair gel,and immune system deficiency.Ancient shloka describes the herb Kumari’s properties and activities.It has a harsh flavour and a low potency.It is supposed to be beneficial to the eyes and has rejuvenating properties.Kumari strengthens the body and treats ailments such as splenomegaly,hepatomegaly,and abdominal cancer.It balances out the three doshas and can also be used to treat indigestion,allergies,and other ailments [138].

Aloe vera has several biological properties some of them are wound-healing effect,skin hydration effect,anti-ageing,anti-inflammatory,antibacterial,antifungal,antiviral,immunomodulating,antioxidant,antitumor,and laxative effect[135].

Family Moraceae contains the Peepal tree (F.religiosa),the world’s oldest medicinal plant and the most sacred tree in Hindu mythology[139,140].F.religiosa is a well-known sign of happiness,wealth,longevity,and good fortune.It was given the name “Sacred Fig”because followers of Hinduism,Jainism,and Buddhism regard it as sacred [141].

F.religiosa is rich in steroids,tannins,flavonoids,saponins,amino acids (isoleucine,phenylalanine),carbohydrates,protein,lipids,sodium,potassium,thujene,wax,and many more[142,143].

Traditionally F.religiosa is used to cure asthma,diabetes,diarrhoea,epilepsy,gastric problems,inflammatory disorders,ulcer,high fever,antiviral,jaundice,nose bleeding,ear problem,heart disease,paralysis,and sexual disorders [142,144].

Antibacterial,anthelmintic,immunomodulator,antioxidant,wound healing activity,anticonvulsant,hypolipidemic,hypoglycaemic,bronchoconstriction,anti-fertility,antiulcer,and antiparkinson are some of the pharmacological properties of peepal tree[142].

W.somnifera is commonly known as ashwagandha or Indian ginseng and from the opinion of the folk medicinal system,it is known as“winter cheery”.It belongs to the family Solanaceae.The plant has been utilized in India’s Ayurvedic and Unani medical systems for over 5000 years and has medicinal and therapeutic purposes[145].

The main chemical composition of W.somnifera are alkaloids,steroids,nitrogen-containing compounds,salts,flavonoids,and steroidal lactones [146,147].

Since the beginning of Ayurveda about 6000 Before Christ,ashwagandha has been utilized as“Rasayana”.Ashwagandha was used as an antioxidant to reduce stress,cancer management,immunomodulator,polyarthritis,painful swelling,asthma,and ulcer [145].

In medicinal terms,ashwagandha has several uses such as an antioxidant,anticancer,anti-inflammatory,cytotoxic,cardioprotective,antimicrobial,apoptogenic,aphrodisiac,diuretic,pills,scorpion stings,boils,antistress,spermatogenic,antianxiety,antiulcer,snake venom,and nervous breakdown [145-147].

In old and classical Ayurvedic literature(Charaka-Samhita),P.kurrora(family-Plantaginaceae)(also known as katuki,tikta) is mentioned for its therapeutic use [148].The herb katuki is also known as Dhanwantary-grastya in Indian mythology since it is believed to have been administered by Dhanwantary,the God of medicine himself[149].

The principal chemical components include D-mannitol,kutkiol,kutkisterol,apocyanin,phenol glucosides,androsim,picein iridoid glycosides,resins,sugar,tannins;kutkin,picroside I,II,and III;kutkoside,minecoside,picrorhizin,and arvenin III.The main active component of P.kurroa is Kutkin [149-151].

Many traditional cultures employ Picrorhiza kurru L.to maintain good health.For instance,Kutki roots are used as an appetite stimulant by the Gaddi and Gujjar tribes of Himachal Pradesh.In order to purify the blood,they treat skin infections with kutki decoction and ajwain [152].In Uttarakhand,the traditional therapy for fever,dysentery,jaundice,and stomachaches is a decoction of dried kutki roots with black pepper and honey [153].As per Ayurveda,kutki can be used as Paachan sansthan,Rakatwah sansthan,Swashan sansthan,Taapkram and Saatmikaran [154].

Some of the therapeutic uses of katuki are hepatoprotective,digestive,anti-asthmatic,anti-cancer,antimicrobial,anti-diabetic,anti-oxidant and immunomodulatory activity [155-164].

C.sativus (saffron,family Iridaceae) is frequently used as a spice,colouring,and flavouring ingredient in the manufacture of several foods and cosmetics.It is primarily grown in the Indian states of Kashmir and Uttaranchal.The plant’s stigmas are mainly employed for medicinal purposes[165].

According to phytochemical studies,the carotenoid pigment crocin gives the spice its yellow-orange hue;safranal,a volatile molecule that produces the distinctive saffron aroma and smell,and picrocrocin,which imparts the saffron flavour and bitter taste [166].Anthocyanins,flavonoids,vitamins(particularly thiamine and riboflavin),amino acids,proteins,carbohydrates,mineral matter,gums,and other chemical components were also noted in saffron [167].

In traditional medicine and the Ayurvedic health system,saffron has been utilised as a sedative,expectorant,anti-asthma,emmenagogue,and adaptogenic agent.Throughout the 16th and 19th centuries,saffron was employed in various opioid painkiller formulations [168].

Anti-oxidant,anti-inflammatory,antibacterial,hepatoprotective,anti-hyperglycemic,antiobesity,anticonvulsant and anxiolytic properties are some of the pharmacological properties of C.sativus[169-173]

Conclusion

India has a long history of herbal medicine.Ancient medicinal systems(such as homoeopathy) and folk medicine (Ayurveda,Siddha,and Unani) play an essential role in India’s public health care system.People have been trying to discover drugs to relieve pain and treat various ailments since dawn.The curative qualities of specific medicinal plants were recognized,catalogued,and passed down to succeeding generations every consecutive century from the emergence of humans and great civilizations.The advantages of one civilization were handed on to another,which improved existing qualities and found new ones until the current day.People’s ongoing and unwavering interest in medicinal plants has resulted in today’s advanced and sophisticated processing and use of these plants.

All the plants in our review showed signs of bioactive compounds such as flavonoids,steroids,tannins,amino acids,and essential oil.These chemicals have a variety of biological impacts,including antioxidant,antimicrobial,anticancer,antiulcer,antistress,spermatogenic,antidiarrhea,epilepsy,gastric problems,anti-ageing,and anti-inflammatory.The finding of our study implies that medicinal plants with high levels of pharmacological properties are beneficial in ancient times as well as in the present day to cure numerous diseases.