Dr Asha Kabir Assistant Profeesor Department of Botany

Dr Asha Kabir Assistant Profeesor Department of Botany Bilasa Girls Govt PG College

Medicinal Plants

Allium cepa Linn. Family: Liliaceae; Eng. Onion; Hindi- Piyaz Description: This is a bulbous biennial herb. Onion thrives best in cool moist regions with a sandy soil. It is native of South Asia or Mediterranean region. It is widely cultivated throughout India as a food crop. Ethnobotanical importance: The use of onion is very old, going back over 4, 000 years. It has long been used in India and China. The bulbs are used as food and condiment. The bulb or onion is stimulant, diuretic, and expectorant. Its juice is used for piles. The decoction is given in cough; cooked with vinegar the bulb is given in jaundice, spleenic enlargement and dyspepsia; taken with salt it is a common remedy for colic and scurvy. It is also used in obstruction of the intestine, prolapse of the anus and as a sedative.

Allium sativum Linn. Family: Liliaceae; Eng. Garlic; Hindi- Lasun, Lasan Description: It is a strong smelling, glabrous, bulbous rooted, perennial herb about 1 feet of height. Garlic is easy to grow and can be grown year-round in mild climates. It is cultivated throughout the country. Ethnobotanical importance: Garlic has been used as both food and medicine in many cultures for thousands of years, dating as far back as the time that the Egyptian pyramids were built. Garlic is widely used around the world for its pungent flavour, as a seasoning or condiment. Medicinally, it is given in fever, cough, flatulence, disorder of nervous system, pulmonary phthisis, whooping cough and dilated bronchitis. It is diuretic. A decoction of garlic made with milk and water is given in small doses in hysteria, flatulence, sciatica, etc. As syrup, it is a remedy for asthma and disorders of chest and lungs. It has anthelmintic properties. Garlic is also alleged to help regulate blood sugar levels. Regular and prolonged use of therapeutic amounts of aged garlic extracts lower blood homocysteine levels, and has shown to prevent some complications of diabetes mellitus. Externally it is used as rubefacient, vesicant and

Aloe vera Mill. Family: Liliaceae; Eng. Indian Aloe; Hindi- Ghrita kumari Description: The plant is about 2 -3 feet in height. Fleshy leaves tapering to a blunt point, smooth, pale green, having horny prickles on their margins. The species requires well-drained sandy potting soil in moderate light such as the sun. The plant is native to northern Africa. The plant is found throughout country. Ethnobotanical importance: Aloe vera has a long history of cultivation throughout the drier tropical and subtropical regions of the world, both as an ornamental plant and for herbal medicine. Aloe vera has been used by the ancient Greek and Egyptian civilization for more than 3000 years ago for wound healing and repair of skin damage by burning. The leaf juice is given in fevers, liver enlargement, spleen enlargement and other glands enlargements. It is also useful in the treatment of skin diseases, gonorrhoea, constipation, piles, jaundice and rheumatic affections. The juice of roasted leaf is being given with honey for cough and cold. Cosmetic companies add sap or other derivatives from Aloe vera to products such as makeup-tissues, moisturizers, soaps, sunscreens, shampoos and lotions. In Japan Aloe vera is commonly used as an ingredient in commercially available yogurt. There also many companies which produce Aloe vera beverages

Azadirachta indica A. Juss Family: Meliaceae; Eng. Neem tree, Margosa tree; Hindi- Neem Description: A large tree 40 to 50 feet in height, common, wild or more often cultivated. Neem grows extensively in Gujarat, Rajasthan, Uttar Pradesh, Chattisgarh, Uttarakhand, Punjab, Haryana, Madhya Pradesh, West Bengal, Orissa, Bihar, Maharashtra, Andhra Pradesh, Kerala, Karnataka, and Tamil Nadu. Ethnobotanical importance: Neem is considered as a ‘divine tree’ and great gift of nature and as an ‘all cure’ for human problems. Seeds are used in skin diseases, and in chronic rheumatism. Bark and leaf juice is useful in chronic malarial fever. The bark is also a bitter tonic, astringent, alterative, anthelmintic, antispasmodic, and stimulant. The leaves are carminative, expectorant, anthelmintic, antidotal, diuretic, and insecticidal. The fruits recommended for urinary diseases, piles, leprosy, intestinal worms, etc. Dry fruits are used in tonic and stomachic. Tender twigs are used as tooth-brush. Seeds possess good insecticide property also. The Neem products and the biopesticides are ecofriendly and are widely used due to its wide range against many pests. Neem kernel oil is used as an ingredient in bio-pesticides and also in soap, pharmaceuticals and cosmetics. The tree is also produces a gum, which is used for making dye.

Emblica officinalis Gaertn. Family: Euphorbiaceae; Eng. Emblic; Hindi- Amla Description: A moderate-sized deciduous tree, found throughout tropical India. The tree possesses smooth, greenish grey, exfoliating bark; leaves feathery with small, pinnately arranged leaflets; fruits depressed globose and fleshy. Ethnobotanical importance: This is one of the sacred trees of India. “Kartik Mahatma orders the worship of this tree, and that a Brahmin couple should feed under it, whereby all their sins are washed off”. In Vrat Kaumudi, the vrat (fast) and worship of this tree are ordered. In folk medicine, dried and fresh fruits of the plant are used. All parts of the plant are used in various Ayurvedic herbal preparations, including the fruit, seed, leaves, root, bark and flowers. According to Ayurveda, amla fruit is sour and astringent in taste, with sweet, bitter and pungent secondary tastes. Its qualities are light and dry, the post-digestive effect is sweet, and its energy is cooling. According to Ayurveda, amla is specific to pitta due to its sweet taste and cooling energy. It may be used as a rasayana (rejuvenative) to promote longevity, and traditionally to enhance digestion, treat constipation, reduce fever, purify the blood, reduce cough, alleviate asthma, strengthen the heart, benefit the eyes, stimulate hair growth, enliven the body, and enhance intellect. The dried fruit is given in diarrhoea, dysentry and haemorrhage. The infusion of seeds is a useful eye wash in ophthalmic diseases. The fruit is also used in the preparation of cosmetics. It is helpful to cure dandruff and premature grey hairs.

Mentha arvensis Linn. Family: Labiateae; Eng. Field Mint; Hindi- Pudina Description: This is a perennial erect herb, 10 to 15 cm in height. It can be grown in all tropical and subtropical regions under proper irrigation. It is cultivated mainly in western Himalayas, Kashmir, Punjab, Kumaun and Garhwal. Ethnobotanical importance: The plant is of ethnobotanical importance since ages. The leaves are used for flavouring food stuffs. An infusion of leaves is a remedy for indigestion and rheumatism. The essential oil obtained from the leaves by steam distillation is used in the preparation of certain kind of cigarettes and pharmaceuticals. It is also used medicinally as a carminative, refrigerant and stimulant. The use of plant in cosmetics is also appreciating.

Ocimum sanctum Linn. Family: Labiateae; Eng. Holy basil; Hindi- Tulsi Description: This is an erect softy hairs aromatic herb or undershrub. It is found throughout India. Ethnobotanical importance: The Tulsi is the most sacred plant in the Hindu religion. In traditional systems of medicine, different parts (leaves, stem, flower, root, seeds and even whole plant) of Ocimum sanctum Linn (known as Tulsi in Hindi), have been recommended for the treatment of bronchitis, bronchial asthma, malaria, diarrhoea, dysentery, skin diseases, arthritis, painful eye diseases, chronic fever, insect bite etc. the leaf juice is also used to check vomiting. The Ocimum sanctum has also been suggested to possess antifertility, anticancer, antidiabetic, antifungal, antimicrobial, hepatoprotective, cardioprotective, antispasmodic, analgesic, adaptogenic and diaphoretic actions. Eugenol (1 -hydroxy-2 -methoxy-4 -allylbenzene), the active constituent present in Ocimum sanctum, has been found to be largely responsible for therapeutic potentials of Tulsi.

Piper nigrum Linn. Family: Piperaceae; Eng. Black pepper; Hindi- Kalimirch, golmirch Description: A branching, climbing perennial shrub. Pepper thrives best on virgin soil rich in humus and other plant nutrients. Naturally well drained, red laterite soil or alluvial soils rich in humus seem to be highly suitable. It is mostly cultivated in the hot and moist parts of India, Ceylon and other tropical countries. Ethnobotanical importance: Piper nigrum is very common and used practically all over India as condiments. The fruit has been in use in various ways by tribal eg. its fruit powder with tulsi kept below the teeth soother toothache; in cold effects is useful; mixed with honey cures cough; for headache due to cold its powder in pure ghee is applied; in chest pain 8 to 10 fruits are pounded with small cardamom and taken with water. In modern Indian medicine, it is much employed as an aromatic stimulant in cholera, weakness following fevers, coma, etc. , as a stomachic in dyspepsia, as an antiperiodic in malarial fever.

Rauvolfia serpentina Benth. Family: Apocynaceae; Eng. Serepentine; Hindi- Sarpagandha Description: A large, climbing or twinning shrub, found in the tropical Himalayas and plains near the foot of the hills from Sirhind and Moradabad to Sikkim. It occurs also in Assam (up to 4, 000 m) and in south India Peninsula along the ghats to Travancore and Kerala. The genus is distributed in the tropical countries. Ethnobotanical importance: The plant has been used from ancient times. In ancient literature like Ayurveda, Charak samhita, the medicinal properties of the plants has been mentioned. The plant has been in use in India since long time (4000 years) for the treatment of insanity. The roots of the plant is valued as an antidote for snake bite and stings of insects, also as a febrifuge, and as a remedy for dysentery and other painful affections of the intestinal canal. Now a days, the plant is using by pharmaceutical industries in a large scale for its role in hypertension, neuropsychiatric and other pharmacodynamics. The drug is also reported to be useful in certain gynaecological problems such as menstrual, moliminia, frigidity and women complaining of menopausal syndrome.

Withania somnifera Dunal. Family: Solanaceae; Eng. Withania, Indian ginseng, Winter cherry; Hindi- Ashwagandha Description: The wild plants are generally erect branching shrub up to 1 meter in height. The cultivated plants are morphologically distinct from wild plants. The plant is cultivated throughout drier parts of India. Ethnobotanical importance: It is official Indian Pharmacopoeia. It is popularly known as Indian Ginseng. It is a tonic, abortifacient, astringent, deobstruent, nervine, aphrodisiac and sedative. It gives vitality and vigour and helps in building greater endurance. It has been used in diseases such as rheumatism, leprosy and arthritis. All parts of the plant are used in herbal medicine. In Ayurveda, the fresh roots are sometimes boiled in milk, prior to drying, in order to leach out undesirable constituents. . The species name somnifera means "sleep-bearing" in Latin, indicating it was considered a sedative, but it has been also used for sexual vitality and as an adaptogen. Some herbalists refer to ashwagandha as Indian ginseng, since it is used in Ayurvedic medicine in a way similar to that ginseng is used in traditional Chinese medicine. The product called "ashwagandha oil" is a combination of ashwagandha with almond oil and rose water designed to be used as a facial toner, therefore should not be consumed.

Zingiber officinale Rosc. Family: zingiberaceae; Eng. Ginger; Hindi- Adark Description: This is a perennial herb; the root stock is horizontal, tuberous and aromatic. It is native to South East Asia. In India, it is now cultivated in Kerala, Uttar Pradesh, West Bengal, Maharashtra, Himachal Pradesh and Andhra Pradesh. Ethnobotanical importance: It is clinically proved as prophylactic of nausea and vomiting associated with motion, sickness, sea sickness and pregnancy. It is also known for its gastrointestinal benefits and as an anti inflammatory and carminative. The rhizome is used as a stimulant, carminative and flavouring agent. It is given in dyspepsia and flatulent colic. It makes a valuable drug for disorders of the digestive system, rheumatism, piles, pulmonary and catarrhal diseases, dropsy, febrile diseases, neuralgia, etc. The fresh juice of rhizome, mixed with honey is a remedy for cough and asthma.

Cassia fistula Linn. Family: Caesalpinaceae; Eng. Indian laburnum, Golden shower Tree; Hindi- Amaltas Description: A moderate-sized, deciduous tree of the sub-Himalayan tracts, and common throughout India ascending to 3, 000 feet. Growth is best in full sun on welldrained soil; it is drought and salt tolerant, but will be damaged by even short spells of freezing weather. Ethnobotanical importance: Cassia fistula was traditionally used for the treatment of constipation and as anthelmintic. In Ayurvedic medicine, Golden Shower Tree is known as aragvadha ("disease killer"). Its fruit pulp is used as mild luxative, against fevers, arthritis, vatavyadhi (nervous system diseases), all kinds of rakta-pitta (bleeding, such as hematemesis or hemorrhages), as well as cardiac conditions and stomach problems such as acid reflux. The root is considered a very strong purgative. Leaves and flowers are used in ringworm and other skin infections. Roots cure fever. Pulp is purgative and used in all intestinal disorders. Bark is luxative and astringent. It is also used for tannin extraction, and in treating leprosy, jaundice, syphilis, and cardiac ailments.

Ricinus communis Linn. Family: Euphorbiaceae; Eng. Castorbean, Castor oil plant; Hindi- Arand Description: It is a large shrub or tree. Although castor is probably indigenous to the southeastern Mediterranean region and Eastern Africa, today it is widespread throughout tropical regions. In India, it is chiefly cultivated in Andhra Pradesh, Maharashtra, Mysore and Orissa. Ethnobotanical importance: The use of castor seed oil in India has been documented since 2000 B. C. for use in lamps and in local medicine as a laxative, purgative, and cathartic in Unani, Ayurvedic and other ethnomedical systems. Castor seed and its oil have also been used in China for centuries, mainly prescribed in local medicine for internal use or use in dressings. The oil has undecylenic acid, a powerful chemical for dermal fungus. The oil is known to have been used as an instrument of coercion by the Fascist militia (Camicie Nere) under the regime of Italian dictator Benito Mussolini. Dissidents and regime opponents were forced to ingest the oil in large amounts, triggering severe diarrhoea and dehydration, which could ultimately cause death.

Terminalia arjuna Roxb. Family: Combretaceae; Eng. Arjun tree; Hindi- Arjuna Description: A large deciduous tree, commonly found in Madhya Pradesh, Bihar and Western Peninsula. It is also found throughout the Sub-Himalayan tracts. Ethnobotanical importance: The bark is astringent, aphrodisiac, heart tonic, anti-dysenteric, urinary astringent and expectorant. It is used in treating dysentery, diabetes, leucorrhea, anaemia, heart ailments, fatigue, bronchitis, tumours, asthma, serosis of liver, internal and external haemorrhages, inflammation and hypertension. The decoction is used for cleaning sores and ulcers.

CORIANDER Scientific Name : Coriandrum sativum L. Family : Umbelliferae / Apiaceae English name : Coriander Indian name : Dhania, Dhanya (Hindi), Coriander of commerce is the dried fruit of Coriandrum satiuum L. , an aromatic spice crop. The young plants are used as a spice in the preparation of chutneys, sausages, curries and soups for flavouring. The dried fruits are an important ingredient of curry powder, sausages and pickling spices. In the USA and Europe it is used for flavouring spirits and gin. In food industries, coriander is one of the important ingredients in the manufacture of bakery products, imitation flavours, pork, meat, fish and salads, soda and syrup, gelatin, dessert, candy, preserves, chocolates and liquors. The essential oil of coriander seeds is a valuable ingredient in perfumery industries. Coriander is also used as a carminative and flavouring agent and to correct the griping qualities of other medicines. A herbal tea of coriander with milk cures bleeding of piles. The fruit is antispasmodic, diuretic, aphrodisiac, refrigerant and stimulant. A decoction of the dried fruit is given for treating flatulence and colic.

TURMERIC Scientific Name : Curcuma domestica Val : Syn. Curcuma longa Family : Zingiberaceae, Turmeric is one of the important ancient sacred spice of Asian countries. Turmeric of commerce is the dried rhizome of curcuma domestica an herbaceous perennial plant. Curcumin the yellow colouring pigment present in rhizome, which has high medicinal value. Apart from it is used as a spice, it has other uses. It is good source of yellow dye used for dyeing cotton, silk or wool without a mordant. Turmeric powder and water are used as cosmetics. Turmeric is considered a carminative, tonic, blood-purifier, vermicide and an antiseptic. It is used in folk medicine for intestinal disorders, worms, anaemia, measles, asthma, sore throat, cough and cold, diabetes, sprains, skin disorders, etc. , both externally and internally. It is used as a colouring matter in the pharmacy, confectionery and the food industry.

FENNEL Scientific Name : Foeniculum vulgare Miller Family : Apiaceae English name : Fennel Indian name : Saunf, Sonp (Hindi), Pan Fennel (Foeniculum vulgare Miller), commonly known as Saunf or Badi saunf. It is cultivated mainly for its seeds from which the spice oil is obtained. The main constituent of the oil from the fruits is anethole. Fennel oil of good quality contains 50 -60% transanethole. Indian fennel oil contains over 70% anethole and 6% fenchone. The plant is pleasantly aromatic and is used as a pot herb. The leaves are used in fish sauces and for garnishing. The leaf stalks are used in salads. Medicinally, the leaves are regarded to have diuretic properties while the roots are purgative. The dried fruits are extensively used for flavouring soups, meat dishes and sauces, bread rolls, pastries and confectionery. They are also used for flavouring liquors and pickles. The fruits are aromatic, stimulant and carminative; they are considered useful in treating diseases of the chest, spleen and kidney. They are also employed as a corrective for less pleasant drugs, particularly senna and rhubarb.