Medicinal Potential of Six
Different Plant Species of Dehradun District, Uttarakhand
Rahul
Vikram Singh*, Prabhakar Semwal and Taranjeet Kapoor
Department of Biotechnology, Graphic Era
University, 566/6, Bell Road, Clement Town, Ehradun, Uttarakhand, India -248002
*Corresponding Author E-mail: rahul.negi121@gmail.com
ABSTRACT:
Medicinal plants play a fundamental role in traditional medicine.
In India, the use of plants as medicines predates written human history. Ethnobotany (the
study of traditional people uses of plants) is recognized as an effective way
to discover future medicines with low cost and low side effects. Our finding
focuses documentation of some medicinal plants (Aegle marmelos L.(Beal), Saraca asoca, Syzygium cumini (Jamun),
Ginkgo biloba,
Camellia sinensis (Green tea) and Withania somnifera
(Aswagandha) which have used in our traditional
folk medicine and these species has some other medicinal property which is
promising for researcher for the future. There are still various medicinal
plant species that need to be examined for their medicinal potential. These
approaches hold promise for treatment of several disease.
KEYWORDS: Traditional medicine, Ethnobotany,
Aegle marmelos, Saraca asoca, Syzygium
cumini, Ginkgo biloba
INTRODUCTION:
Nature has
bestowed upon us a very rich botanical wealth and a large number of diverse
types of plants grow wild in different parts of our country. In India, herbal
medicines have been the basis of treatment and cure for various diseases
physiological conditions in traditional methods practiced such as Ayurveda, Unani and Siddha.[1]
Nature is the best combinatorial chemist and possibly has answers to all diseases
of mankind. Failure of some synthetic drugs and its side effects have prompted
many researches to go back to ancient healing methods which use herbal
medicines to give relief. Many of the thousands of plant species growing
throughout the world have a direct pharmacological action on the body. Herbal
treatment is a natural form of healing or alternative therapy where herbs and
plants are used in the form of extracts, pills, syrup or powder to cure
ailments or diseases of human beings and in some cases animals too.
The use of herbs
to treat disease is almost universal among non-industrialized societies, and is
often more affordable than purchasing expensive modern pharmaceuticals.
The World health
organization (WHO) estimates that 80 percent of the population of some Asian
and African countries presently uses herbal medicine for some aspect of primary
health care. Studies in the United States and Europe have shown that their use
is less common in clinical settings, but has become increasingly more in recent
years as scientific evidence about the effectiveness of herbal medicine has
become more widely available.
Dehradun is a district
in the state of Uttarakhand, situated between latitudes 29 ° 58' N and 31° 2' N and
longitudes 77° 34' E and 78° 18' E. The
district contains RAJA JI NATIONAL PARK which is home to several elephants. The
Doon valley has the Terai
and Bhabar forests within it as well as the Shiwalik hills and Lesser Himalayan Range containing hill
stations such as Mussoorie and Chakrata. This district is divided into two major
parts: the main city Dehradun surrounded by Shivalik and the Himalayas, and Jaunsar
Bavar, which is in the foothills of Himalayas. In the
north and northwest it borders on the district of Uttarakashi
and in the east by Tehri and Pauri.
In the west, it is bordered by Sirmaur district of Himanchal Pradesh and the Tons and Yamuna rivers. To the south are Haridwar
and Uttar Pradesh’s Saharanpur district.
Uttarakhand is the very rich in
the forest diversity, it is also known as Aayus
Pradesh (Herbal State). The
climate of Dehradun is generally temperate, although
it varies from tropical: from hot in summers to severely cold, depending upon
the season and the altitude. The nearby hilly regions often get snowfall during
winter. Although the temperature in Dehradun
can reach below freezing during severe cold waves. Agriculture benefits
from fertile alluvial soil, adequate drainage and plentiful rain. Mountain areas are also used for
agriculture. Dehradun is known internationally for
its variety of Basmati rice and Leeches.
Aegle . Aegle marmelos
(Linn.)
/ (Bael)Taxonomy
|
Kingdom |
Plantae |
|
Class |
Mgnoliopsida |
|
Order |
Sapindales |
|
Family |
Rutaceae |
|
Genus |
Aegle |
|
Species |
Aegle marmelos |
|
Hindi
Name |
Bael |
Figure- 1. Aegle marmelos
Bael, a
sacred tree of India belongs to Rutaceae,
family commonly known as bael/ bilva
(Hindi) and golden apple (English). Bael is a medium sized, armed, deciduous tree; it is found
throughout India and is known from pre-historic time. Aegle
marmelos have been used from time
immemorial in traditional systems of medicine for relieving constipation, diarrhoea, dysentery, peptic ulcer and respiratory
infections. [2] Several studies on different parts of Aegle marmelos showed
that the plant possesses antidiarrhoeal,[3] antidiabetic
[4] anti-inflammatory, antipyretic, analgesic,[5] anticancer,[6]
radioprotective,[7] and antimicrobial activities [8,9] It is a good source of vitamin C and proteins.
[10] All parts of this tree, viz. root, leaf, trunk, fruit and seed
are useful in several ailments. The root is an important ingredient of the 'Dasmula' (ten roots) recipe. [11]
Bilva tree
is held sacred by Hindus and offered with prayers to deities Lord Shiva and Parvati and thus the tree is also known by the name Shivaduma (the tree of Shiva). Hindus also
believe that goddess Lakshmi resides in Bael leaves. It is therefore widely
cultivated and commonly found in the vicinity of temples.
Story behind the
birth of bilva tree is.
“Lakshmyaascha stana utpannam, Mahaadeva sadaa priyam.
Bilva
vriksham prayachchhaami, eka bilvam Shivaarpanam..
Darshanam bilva vrikshasya,
sparshanam paapanaashanam.
Aghorapaapasamhaaram, eka bilvam
shivarpanam..”
(Born from the
breasts of Goddess Lakshmi, the Bilva
tree is ever dear to Mahadeva. So I ask this tree to
offer a Bilva leaf to Lord Shiva. To have darshan of
the Bilva tree, and to touch it, frees one from
sin. The most terrible karma is
destroyed when a Bilva leaf is offered to Lord Shiva.
Adapted from Bilva Shtakam)
The fruit of A.
marmelos possess high nutritional value. The
fruit is used to make juice, jam, sirup, jelly,
toffee and other products. The pulp is reported to contain water, sugars,
protein, fiber, fat, calcium, phosphorus, potassium, Iron, minerals and
vitamins (Vitamin A, Vitamin B1, Vitamin C and Riboflavin). The leaves and the
shoot of the plant are used as green vegetable in Indonesia. [12, 13] It shows antidiabetic
activity, anti proliferative activity, cytoprotective
effect, hepatoprotective effect, antifertility
effect, insect controlling properties, analgesic activity, antiarthritis
activity.[14] A study was done
to evaluate the anti-fertility potential of Aegle
marmelos. [15] Antimicrobial,
antibacterial and anti parasitic. [16] Anti cancer, [17]
anti malaria, [18] hepatoproctective,
[19] and cardioprotective
[20] potentials.
2. Saraca asoka /(Ashoka) Taxonomy
|
Kingdom |
Plantae |
|
Class |
Mgnoliopsida |
|
Order |
Fabales |
|
Family |
Caesalpinaceae |
|
Genus |
Saraca |
|
Species |
Saraca asoca |
|
Hindi Name |
Ashoka |
Figure-2. Saraca asoka
Ashoka is
the most ancient tree of India, generally known as “Ashok briksh”,
botanist known as Saraca asoca (Roxb.), De.wild. It is a
multipurpose tree species in agriculture and ethno pharmacology. The tree is used as folk medicine for the
treatment of various diseases. Saraca asoca is highly regarded as a universal panacea in the ayurvedic medicine. It is one of the universal plant having
medicinal activities. This versatile plant is the source of various types of
compounds. In the present scenario many plants are used to treat many diseases.
But Ashoka is ancient and reliable source of
medicine so Ashoka is used in many pharmacological
activities like anti cancer, anti hemorrhagic, anti oxytoxic,
anti – microbial activity and have extend the uses in ayurveda,
unani and homeopathy. It has many uses like to treat
skin infections, CNS function, genitor-urinary
functions .As the global scenario is now changing towards the use of nontoxic
plant product having a traditional medicine use, development of modern drug
from Saraca asoca
should be emphasized for the control of various diseases (Pradhan, 2009). But scientific information of these
medicinal plants and side effects is however lacking.
Ashoka
tree has been mentioned in some of the oldest Indian literature apart from Ayurveda. This tree can be found all over the Indian
subcontinent. Across India, Ashoka tree is believed
to be sacred and apart from Ramayana, Ashoka tree is
mentioned in Buddhism and Jainism as well. Charaka
Samhita which is believed to have been composed
in 1000 BC describes about Ashoka tree and its
medicinal benefits. The stem bark is
chiefly used in medicines and it has been reported to contain chemicals such as
glycoside, flavanoids, tannins, saponins,
alkanes, esters and primary alcohols. The alcoholic
extracts present in the bark have showon on a
significant action against a wide range of bacteria.
3. Syzygium cumini L. /(Jamun) Taxonomy
|
Kingdom |
Plantae |
|
Class |
Magnoliopsida |
|
Order |
Myrtales |
|
Family |
Myrtaceae |
|
Genus |
Syzgium |
|
Species |
Syzgium cumini |
|
Hindi Name |
Jamun |
Figure-3. Syzygium cumini
Syzygium cumini L. also known as Jamun
is an important member of this family widely distributed all over the Indian
sub-continent. The fruits and seeds of S. cumini have
been to treat diabetes mellitus for several centuries in folklore medicine of
south Asia. The seeds are used as astringent and diuretic. They have Hypoglycaemic, anti inflammatory, antipyretic, psycho pharmacological,
hypolipidaemic, antioxidant and anticancer activity. [22]
The seed is also
used in various alternative healing systems like Ayurveda,
Unani and Chinese medicines for digestive aliments. The
leaves and bark are used for controlling blood pressure and gingivitis, its
fruit also used for wine and vinegar preparation. It contains a high source of
vitamin A and C. The leaves have served as fodder for livestock and as food for
tassar silkworms in India. Jamun shoots used in Zanzibar and
Pemba, for cleaning their teeth. Its essential
oil is used for the preparation of soap and perfume. The folkloric use of this species to treat
infectious disease and investigate antimicrobial potential against Gram
positive and Gram negative bacteria.[23] Kannabiran kavitha 2011, reported its preliminary phytochemical
screening, anthelmintic activity of methanoloic and water extract of S. cumini
bark. [24]
4. Ginkgo biloba / (Ginkgo) Taxonomy
|
Kingdom |
Plantae |
|
Class |
Ginkgoopsida |
|
Order |
Ginkgoales |
|
Family |
Ginkgoacece |
|
Genus |
Ginkgo |
|
Species |
Ginkgo biloba |
|
Hindi Name |
Ginkgo |
Figure-4. Ginkgo biloba
Ginkgo biloba L.
attracts considerable attention as an ornamental tree and as a source of
numerous chemical substances with pharmacological properties termed ginkgolides. Since its sexual reproduction shows some
difficulties such as dioecy of species and low germinability of its seeds, which are recalcitrant and not
able to maintain germinability for a long time. [25]
Ginkgo biloba
is one of the oldest living fossil tree species and its leaves are among the
most extensively studied herbs in use today. In Europe and the United States,
ginkgo supplements are among the best-selling herbal medications. It
consistently ranks as a top medicine prescribed in France and Germany. Ginkgo has been used in traditional medicine
to treat blood disorders and enhance memory. Scientific studies throughout the
years have found evidence that supports these claims. Although not all studies
agree, Ginkgo may be helping treat dementia (including Alzheimer's disease) and
intermittent claudication, or poor circulation in the
legs. It also shows promise for enhancing memory in older adults. Laboratory
studies have shown that ginkgo improves blood circulation by dilating blood
vessels and reducing the stickiness of blood platelets. It contains mainly Ginkgolides
A, B and other secondary metabolites.
Ginkgo biloba
leaves have been used for the treatment of respiratory system disease for
hundreds of years in China. In recent,
pharmacological action of EGb 761, standardizes
extract of Ginkgo biloba leaves, were widely
studied for cognitive deficits and memory enhancer. [26, 27, 28] It improves cerebral circulation,
it works by increasing blood flow throughout the body, so increase the
efficiency of brain. [29] Ginkgo
biloba extract and its effect on synaptic
plasticity, age related effects and induced enhancement of special learning and
memory. [30]
5. Camellia sinensis / (Green tea) Taxonomy:
|
Kingdom |
Plantae |
|
Class |
Magnoliopsida |
|
Order |
Theales |
|
Family |
Theaceae |
|
Genus |
Camellia |
|
Species |
Camellia sinensis
(L.) |
|
Hindi Name |
Green tea |
Figure-5. Camellia sinensis
Tea (Camellia
sinensis) is consumed worldwide and is second to
water in its popularity as a beverage and has ascribed many health benefits
such as reduction in cholesterol and protection against cardiovascular disease.
[31] Most important active components present in green tea are alkaloid,
flavonoids, steroids and terpinoids,
which is responsible for its medicinal properties. Green tea is generally safe, nontoxic and has
no side effects after consumption. [32] It shows strong antioxidant
properties due to phenolic compounds. Green tea generally is used for different
purposes like, edible, medicinal, dye essential oil, and perfumes. [33]
It also contains
a variety of enzymes, amino acids, carbohydrates, lipids, steroids, vitamins,
caffeine etc.
About the
history of green tea discovery, a book written by Lu Yu and is called the “Tea
Classic” or Cha Jing”. It was written
between 600 to 900 AD, writer says how and where one could enjoy a fine cup of
green tea.[34] Last few decades green tea has been subjected
to many scientific and medical studies to determine the extent of its
long-purported health benefits, with some evidence suggesting that regular
green tea drinkers may have a lower risk of developing heart disease and
certain types of cancer. [35, 36] It improves concentration and idea
production. It contains caffeine, theanine and theophylline which act as a C.N.S. stimulant and also
reduce stress and anxiety condition. [37]
Green tea has
been shown to possess physiological and pharmacological effects. [38, 39] It shows effectiveness in skin damages, oral
health, helps combat obesity, good vision, prevent hair loss, antibacterial
activity, effective in renal failures, protects against cardiovascular
diseases, antiviral potentials, therapeutic potential against Parkinson’s and
Alzheimer disease and anticarcinogenic activity etc. [40]
6. Withania somnifera / (Aswagandha) Taxonomy
|
Kingdom |
Plantae |
|
Class |
Dicotiledoneae |
|
Order |
Tubiflorae |
|
Family |
Solanaceae |
|
Genus |
Withania |
|
Species |
Withania somnifera |
|
Hindi Name |
Aswagandha |
Figure-6. Withania somnifera
Withania somnifera is an important medicinal plant, a small,
woody shrub 60–200 cm high, in the Solanaceae family,
which is described under many common names such as Ginseng and Ashwagandha. It can be found growing in Africa, the
Mediterranean, and India. The roots are the main portions of the plant used
therapeutically. [41, 42] Withanolides are the major active constituents of Withania somnifera that
are isolated from its root and leaves. Recently, the plant was investigated to
be effective against treatment of some bacterial infection and tested for
serious antibacterial properties. [43, 44]
It has been
reported that all of the major parts of Aswagandha
such as the roots, fruits and leaves provide potential benefits for human
health because of their high content of polyphenols
and antioxidant activities. [46] Withania
somnifera proved beneficiary in the prevention
and treatment of many stress induced diseases like arteriosclerosis, premature
ageing, arthritis, diabetes, hypertension and malignancy. [47, 48, 49] The herb is also traditionally used to treat
inflammatory conditions, such as arthritis. Nicotine is reported to be present
in Withania somnifera
root. The presence of nicotine may explain the reputed activity of Withania somnifera
in Ayurvedic medicine, considering that nicotine has
been associated with cognitive enhancement and protection against AD
development. [50, 51] There
have been numerous studies regarding the cognitive enhancing activities of Withania somnifera. Its regular use helps in increasing the sense
of well being and enhances sexual performance.
Values of
Medicinal Plants in folk Medicinal as well as Modern:
In ancient
times, people used the gifts of nature found in their surrounding environments
to treat their illnesses. Medicinal plants were of great significance, and the
utilization of various plants in folk medicine has a very long history. As far
back as 3000 BCE, herbs such as poppy, rhubarb, ginseng, etc., were well known.
Hippocrates listed around 200 different medicinal herbs. In the first century, Dioscorides described about 400 medicinal plants, and the Avesta, the holy book of the Zoroastrians, included
a thousand plants. In the eleventh century, Al-Beruni and Avicenna, two great scholars of Central Asia,
made important contributions to the science of medicinal plants. Al-Beruni conceived a new area of science concerning medicinal
herbs, now called pharmacognosy, and classified and
described numerous plant species. In the year 1025, Avicenna gave the world The
Canon of Medicine, where he described the herbs that were most widely
researched and used in medical practice of the time. For the last few years,
contributions of traditional medicine to modern medicine have begun to see the
respect that should be shown to them. And even “products derived from
traditional knowledge have benefited the pharmaceutical companies greatly and
indigenous knowledge of plants has played a significant role. These companies
are interested because of the cost of screening. Out of 10 000 molecules only
one will emerge as a new drug” Therefore traditional medical data is very
important for modern pharmaceutical companies. Because the discovery of a new
drug, in addition to its research cost, also requires a fairly long-term
research. Traditional knowledge facilitates this long and laborious process.
CONCLUSION:
Although
scientific reports has been proved that these species have much more medicinal
potential to cure the several diseases, but there is some region which is
untouched like Alzheimer diseases, anticancer,
antiallergic etc. On the other-hand some of
them species being endangered (Aswagandha, Ginkgo)
due to habitat degradation and over exploration/anthropogenic activities, which
seems to be a critical issue. There is a need to continue conservation of these
medicinal plants. Documentation of the uses of these plant species may draw the
attention of the researchers to conserve these plants. This article might be
helpful for future references on the species grown in Dehradun
District.
ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS:
The
author’s thanks full to Graphic Era University Dehradun
for technical support and lab facilities.
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Received on 07.07.2014 Accepted on 02.08.2014
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