Medicinal Plants

INTRODUCTION
The term medicinal plant include various types of plants used in herbalism ("herbology" or
"herbal medicine"). It is the use of plants for medicinal purposes, and the study of such uses.

The word herb has been derived from the Latin word, herba and an old French word
herbe. Now a days, herb refers to any part of the plant like fruit, seed, stem, bark, flower, leaf,
stigma or a root, as well as a non-woody plant. Earlier, the term herb was only applied to non-
woody plants, including those that come from trees and shrubs. These medicinal plants are also
used as food, flavonoid, medicine or perfume and also in certain spiritual activities.

Plants have been used for medicinal purposes long before prehistoric period. Ancient Unani
manuscripts Egyptian papyrus and Chinese writings described the use of herbs. Evidence exist
that Unani Hakims, Indian Vaids and European and Mediterranean cultures were using herbs for
over 4000 years as medicine. Indigenous cultures such as Rome, Egypt, Iran, Africa and America
used herbs in their healing rituals, while other developed traditional medical systems such as
Unani, Ayurveda and Chinese Medicine in which herbal therapies were used systematically.

Traditional systems of medicine continue to be widely practised on many accounts. Population

rise, inadequate supply of drugs, prohibitive cost of treatments, side effects of several synthetic
drugs and development of resistance to currently used drugs for infectious diseases have led to
increased emphasis on the use of plant materials as a source of medicines for a wide variety of
human ailments.

Among ancient civilisations, India has been known to be rich repository of medicinal plants. The
forest in India is the principal repository of large number of medicinal and aromatic plants,
which are largely collected as raw materials for manufacture of drugs and perfumery products.
About 8,000 herbal remedies have been codified in AYUSH systems in INDIA. Ayurveda,
Unani, Siddha and Folk (tribal) medicines are the major systems of indigenous medicines.
Among these systems, Ayurveda and Unani Medicine are most developed and widely practised
in India.

Recently, WHO (World Health Organization) estimated that 80 percent of people worldwide rely
on herbal medicines for some aspect of their primary health care needs. According to WHO,
around 21,000 plant species have the potential for being used as medicinal plants.

As per data available over three-quarters of the world population relies mainly on plants and
plant extracts for their health care needs. More than 30% of the entire plant species, at one time
or other were used for medicinal purposes. It has been estimated, that in developed countries
such as United States, plant drugs constitute as much as 25% of the total drugs, while in fast
developing countries such as India and China, the contribution is as much as 80%. Thus, the

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economic importance of medicinal plants is much more to countries such as India than to rest of
the world. These countries provide two third of the plants used in modern system of medicine
and the health care system of rural population depend on indigenous systems of medicine.

Treatment with medicinal plants is considered very safe as there is no or minimal side effects.
These remedies are in sync with nature, which is the biggest advantage. The golden fact is that,
use of herbal treatments is independent of any age groups and the sexes.

The ancient scholars only believed that herbs are only solutions to cure a number of health
related problems and diseases. They conducted thorough study about the same, experimented to
arrive at accurate conclusions about the efficacy of different herbs that have medicinal value.
Most of the drugs, thus formulated, are free of side effects or reactions. This is the reason why
herbal treatment is growing in popularity across the globe. These herbs that have medicinal
quality provide rational means for the treatment of many internal diseases, which are otherwise
considered difficult to cure.

Medicinal plants such as Aloe, Tulsi, Neem, Turmeric and Ginger cure several common
ailments. These are considered as home remedies in many parts of the country. It is known fact
that lots of consumers are using Basil (Tulsi) for making medicines, black tea, in pooja and other
activities in their day to day life.

In several parts of the world many herbs are used to honour their kings showing it as a symbol of
luck. Now, after finding the role of herbs in medicine, lots of consumers started the plantation of
tulsi and other medicinal plants in their home gardens.

Medicinal plants are considered as a rich resources of ingredients which can be used in drug
development either pharmacopoeial, non- pharmacopoeial or synthetic drugs. A part from that,
these plants play a critical role in the development of human cultures around the whole world.
Moreover, some plants are considered as important source of nutrition and as a result of that they
are recommended for their therapeutic values. Some of these plants include ginger, green tea,
walnuts, aloe, pepper and turmeric etc. Some plants and their derivatives are considered as
important source for active ingredients which are used in aspirin and toothpaste etc.

Apart from the medicinal uses, herbs are also used in natural dye, pest control, food, perfume, tea
and so on. In many countries different kinds of medicinal plants/ herbs are used to keep ants,
flies, mice and flee away from homes and offices. Now a days medicinal herbs are important
sources for pharmaceutical manufacturing.

Recipes for the treatment of common ailments such as diarrhoea, constipation, hypertension, low
sperm count, dysentery and weak penile erection, piles, coated tongue, menstrual disorders,
bronchial asthma, leucorrhoea and fevers are given by the traditional medicine practitioners very
effectively.

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Over the past two decades, there has been a tremendous increase in the use of herbal medicine;
however, there is still a significant lack of research data in this field. Therefore since 1999, WHO
has published three volumes of the WHO monographs on selected medicinal plants.

Medicinal plants, medicinal herbs, or simply herbs have been identified and used from
prehistoric times. Plants make many chemical compounds for biological functions, including
defence against insects, fungi and herbivorous mammals. Over 12,000 active compounds are
known to science. These chemicals work on the human body in exactly the same way as
pharmaceutical drugs, so herbal medicines can be beneficial and have harmful side effects just
like conventional drugs. However, since a single plant may contain many substances, the effects
of taking a plant as medicine can be complex.

The earliest historical records of herbs are found from the Sumerian civilisation, where hundreds
of medicinal plants including opium are listed on clay tablets. The Ebers Papyrus from ancient
Egypt describes over 850 plant medicines, while Dioscorides documented over 1000 recipes for
medicines using over 600 medicinal plants in De materia medica, forming the basis of
pharmacopoeias for some 1500 years. Drug research makes use of ethnobotany to search for
pharmacologically active substances in nature, and has in this way discovered hundreds of useful
compounds. These include the common drugs aspirin, digoxin, quinine, and opium. The
compounds found in plants are of many kinds, but most are in four major biochemical classes,
the alkaloids, glycosides, polyphenols, and terpenes.

Medicinal plants are widely used to treat disease in non-industrialized societies, not least because
they are far cheaper than modern medicines. The annual global export value of pharmaceutical
plants in 2012 was over US$2.2 billion.[2]

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 TYPES OF MEDICINAL PLANTS

TULSI
Ocimum tenuiflorum (synonym Ocimum sanctum), commonly known as holy basil, tulasi (sometimes
spelled thulasi) or tulsi, is an aromatic plant in the family Lamiaceae which is native to the Indian
subcontinent and widespread as a cultivated plant throughout the Southeast Asian tropics.[2][3]

Tulasi is cultivated for religious and medicinal purposes, and for its essential oil. It is widely
known across the Indian subcontinent as a medicinal plant and a herbal tea, commonly used in
Ayurveda, and has an important role within the Vaishnava tradition of Hinduism, in which
devotees perform worship involving holy basil plants or leaves. This plant is revered as an elixir
of life.

The variety of Ocimum tenuiflorum used in Thai cuisine is referred to as Thai holy basil (Thai:
kaphrao);[2] it is not to be confused with Thai basil, which is a variety of Ocimum
basilicum.

Origin and Distribution

DNA barcodes of various biogeographical isolates of tulsi from the Indian subcontinent are now
available. In a large-scale phylogeographical study of this species conducted using chloroplast
genome sequences, a group of researchers from Central University of Punjab, Bathinda, have
found that this plant originates from North Central India.[5][6] The discovery might suggest the
evolution of tulsi is related with the cultural migratory patterns in the Indian subcontinent.

Uses

Tulsi leaves are an essential part in the worship of Vishnu and his avatars, including Krishna and
Ram, and other male Vaishnava deities such as Hanuman, Balarama, Garuda and many others.
Tulsi is a sacred plant for Hindus and is worshipped as the avatar of Lakshmi.[7] It is believed that
water mixed with the petals given to the dying raises their departing souls to heaven. [8] Tulsi,
which is Sanskrit for "the incomparable one", is most often regarded as a consort of Krishna in
the form of Lakshmi.[9][10] According to the Brahma Vaivarta Purana, tulsi is an expression of

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Sita.[11][full citation needed] There are two types of tulsi worshipped in Hinduism: "Rama tulsi" has light
green leaves and is larger in size; "Shyama tulsi" has dark green leaves and is important for the
worship of Hanuman.[12] Many Hindus have tulasi plants growing in front of or near their home,
often in special pots. Traditionally, tulsi is planted in the centre of the central courtyard of Hindu
houses. It is also frequently grown next to Hanuman temples, especially in Varanasi.[13][full citation
needed]

Ayurveda
Tulasi (Sanskrit:-Surasa) has been used for thousands of years in Ayurveda for its diverse healing
properties. It is mentioned in the Charaka Samhita,[16] an ancient Ayurvedic text. Tulsi is
considered to be an adaptogen,[17] balancing different processes in the body, and helpful for
adapting to stress.[18] Marked by its strong aroma and astringent taste, it is regarded in Ayurveda
as a kind of "elixir of life" and believed to promote longevity.[19]

Tulasi extracts are used in ayurvedic remedies for a variety of ailments. Traditionally, tulasi is
taken in many forms: as herbal tea, dried powder, fresh leaf or mixed with ghee. Essential oil
extracted from Karpoora tulasi is mostly used for medicinal purposes and in herbal cosmetics.

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 PEPPERMINT
Peppermint (Mentha piperita, also known as Mentha. balsamea Willd.[1]) is a hybrid mint: a
cross between watermint and spearmint.[2] Indigenous to Europe and the Middle East, the plant is
now widespread in cultivation in many regions of the world.[3] It is occasionally found in the wild
with its parent species.[3
Peppermint was first described in 1753 by Carl Linnaeus from specimens that had been collected
in England; he treated it as a species,[5] but it is now universally agreed to be a hybrid. [6] It is a
herbaceous rhizomatous perennial plant that grows to be 3090 cm (1235 in) tall, with smooth
stems, square in cross section. The rhizomes are wide-spreading, fleshy, and bare fibrous roots.
The leaves can be 49 cm (1.63.5 in) long and 1.54 cm (0.591.57 in) broad. They are dark
green with reddish veins, and they have an acute apex and coarsely toothed margins. The leaves
and stems are usually slightly fuzzy. The flowers are purple, 68 mm (0.240.31 in) long, with a
four-lobed corolla about 5 mm (0.20 in) diameter; they are produced in whorls (verticillasters)
around the stem, forming thick, blunt spikes. Flowering season lasts from mid to late summer.
The chromosome number is variable, with 2n counts of 66, 72, 84, and 120 recorded. [7][8][9]
Peppermint is a fast-growing plant; once it sprouts, it spreads very quickly.
Cultivation

Peppermint generally grows best in moist, shaded locations, and expands by underground
rhizomes. Young shoots are taken from old stocks and dibbled into the ground about 1.5 feet
apart. They grow quickly and cover the ground with runners if it is permanently moist. For the
home gardener, it is often grown in containers to restrict rapid spreading. It grows best with a
good supply of water, without being water-logged, and planted in areas with part-sun to shade.

The leaves and flowering tops are used; they are collected as soon as the flowers begin to open
and can be dried. The wild form of the plant is less suitable for this purpose, with cultivated
plants having been selected for more and better oil content. They may be allowed to lie and wilt a
little before distillation, or they may be taken directly to the still.

Oil

Peppermint (Mentha piperita) essential oil

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Peppermint oil has a high concentration of natural pesticides, mainly pulegone (Found mainly in
Mentha arvensis var. piperascens Cornmint, Field Mint, Japanese Mint and to a lesser extent-
6,530 ppm in Mentha x piperita subsp. nothosubsp. piperita[16]) and menthone.[17]

The chemical composition of the essential oil from peppermint (Mentha x piperita L.) was
analyzed by GC/FID and GC-MS. The main constituents were menthol (40.7%) and menthone
(23.4%). Further components were (+/-)-menthyl acetate, 1,8-cineole, limonene, beta-pinene and
beta-caryophyllene.[18]

Peppermint oil is under preliminary research for its potential as a short-term treatment for
irritable bowel syndrome[19][20] and has been used in traditional medicine for a limited number of
minor ailments[21][22][23] that remain scientifically unconfirmed for effectiveness.[24] Peppermint oil
may also act as a carminative, cholagogue, antibacterial, and secretolytic, and it has a cooling
action.[25] Externally, peppermint oil has been used for muscle pain, nerve pain and relief from
itching.[24]

High doses of peppermint oil (500 mg) can cause mucosal irritation and mimic episodes of
heartburn.[24][25] Usage of peppermint is thought to relax the lower esophageal sphincter, thus
causing acid reflux, but a study disproved this theory, making peppermint safe to use as a
flavoring in antacid medication.[26]

The aroma of peppermint has been studied for possible memory and alertness enhancing
properties.[24][27]

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 NEEM
Azadirachta indica, also known as Neem,[2] Nimtree,[2] Ineem and Indian Lilac[2] is a tree in the
mahogany family Meliaceae. It is one of two species in the genus Azadirachta, and is native to India and
the Indian subcontinent including Nepal, Pakistan, Bangladesh, and Sri Lanka. It typically is grown in
tropical and semi-tropical regions. Neem trees now also grow in islands located in the southern part of
Iran. Its fruits and seeds are the source of neem oil.

Neem is a fast-growing tree that can reach a height of 1520 metres (4966 ft), and rarely 3540
metres (115131 ft). It is evergreen, but in severe drought it may shed most or nearly all of its
leaves. The branches are wide and spreading. The fairly dense crown is roundish and may reach
a diameter of 1520 metres (4966 ft) in old, free-standing specimens. The neem tree is very
similar in appearance to its relative, the Chinaberry (Melia azedarach).

The opposite, pinnate leaves are 2040 centimetres (7.915.7 in) long, with 20 to 31 medium to
dark green leaflets about 38 centimetres (1.23.1 in) long. The terminal leaflet often is missing.
The petioles are short.

The (white and fragrant) flowers are arranged in more-or-less drooping axillary panicles which
are up to 25 centimetres (9.8 in) long. The inflorescences, which branch up to the third degree,
bear from 150 to 250 flowers. An individual flower is 56 millimetres (0.200.24 in) long and 8
11 millimetres (0.310.43 in) wide. Protandrous, bisexual flowers and male flowers exist on the
same individual tree.

8
 Uses
Neem tree

Neem tree in the Philippines

neem tree leaves in india

Neem leaves are dried in India and placed in cupboards to prevent insects eating the clothes, and
also in tins where rice is stored.[10] Neem leaves are dried and burnt in the tropical regions to keep
away mosquitoes.[citation needed] These flowers are also used in many Indian festivals like Ugadi. See
below: #Association with Hindu festivals in India. As an ayurvedic herb, neem is also used in
baths.

As a vegetable

Tender neem leaves used as medicine, Karnataka, India

The tender shoots and flowers of the neem tree are eaten as a vegetable in India. A souplike dish
called Veppampoo charu (Tamil) (translated as "neem flower rasam") made of the flower of
neem is prepared in Tamil Nadu. In West Bengal, young neem leaves are fried in oil with tiny
pieces of eggplant (brinjal). The dish is called nim begun and is the first item during a Bengali
meal that acts as an appetizer. It is eaten with rice.[11]

Products made from neem trees have been used in India for over two millennia for their medicinal
properties.[10] Neem products are believed by Siddha and Ayurvedic practitioners to be Anthelmintic,
antifungal, antidiabetic, antibacterial, antiviral, contraceptive, and sedative.[13] It is considered a major
component in siddha medicine and Ayurvedic and Unani medicine and is particularly prescribed for skin
diseases.[14] Neem oil is also used for healthy hair, to improve liver function, detoxify the blood, and
balance blood sugar levels.[15] Neem leaves have also been used to treat skin diseases like eczema,
psoriasis, etc.[1

Safety issues

Neem oil can cause some forms of toxic encephalopathy and ophthalmopathy if consumed in large
quantities.[1

Pest and disease control

Neem (Ineem) is a key ingredient in non-pesticidal management (NPM), providing a natural
alternative to synthetic pesticides. Neem seeds are ground into a powder that is soaked overnight
in water and sprayed onto the crop. To be effective, it must be applied repeatedly, at least every

9
ten days. Neem does not directly kill insects on the crop. It acts as an anti-feedant, repellent, and
egg-laying deterrent, protecting the crop from damage. The insects starve and die within a few
days. Neem also suppresses the hatching of pest insects from their eggs. Neem cake is often sold
as a fertilizer.[18]

Neem oil has been shown to avert termite attack as an ecofriendly and economical agent.[19]

Neem oil for polymeric resins

Applications of neem oil in the preparation of polymeric resins have been documented in the
recent reports. The synthesis of various alkyd resins from neem oil is reported using a
monoglyceride (MG) route and their utilization for the preparation of PU coatings.[20] The alkyds
are prepared from reaction of conventional divalent acid materials like phthalic and maleic
anhydrides with MG of neem oil. In other reports, different routes for preparation of polymeric
resins from neem oil also are reported.[21]

Construction
The juice of this plant is a potent ingredent for a mixture of wall plaster, according to the
Samargaa Stradhra, which is a Sanskrit treatise dealing with ilpastra (Hindu science
of art and construction).[22]

10
 MARIGOLD
Description

Tagetes species vary in size from 0.1 to 2.2 m tall. Most species have pinnate green leaves.
Blooms naturally occur in golden, orange, yellow, and white colors, often with maroon
highlights. Floral heads are typically (1-) to 46 cm diameter, generally with both ray florets and
disc florets. In horticulture, they tend to be planted as annuals, although the perennial species are
gaining popularity.

Depending on the species, Tagetes species grow well in almost any sort of soil. Most
horticultural selections grow best in soil with good drainage, even though some cultivars are
known to have good tolerance to drought.[5]

Nomenclature

The name Tagetes is from the name of the Etruscan Tages, born from the plowing of the earth. [6]
It likely refers to the ease with which plants of this genus come out each year either by the seeds
produced in the previous year, or by the stems which regrow from the stump already in place.[7]

The common name in English, "marigold", is derived from "Mary's gold", a name first applied to
a similar plant native to Europe, Calendula officinalis. In Nepal, it is called '' that means
hundred-leafed flower, referring to its many florets per head.

11
The most commonly cultivated varieties of Tagetes are known variously as African marigolds
(usually referring to cultivars and hybrids of Tagetes erecta, although this species is not native to
Africa), or French marigolds (usually referring to hybrids and cultivars of Tagetes patula, many
of which were developed in France, although the species is not native to that country). The so-
called signet marigolds are hybrids derived mostly from Tagetes tenuifolia.

Tagetes minuta is the source of commercial "tagetes oil" used in industry. It is now a naturalized
species in Africa, Hawaii, and Australia, and is considered an invasive species (weed) in some
regions.

Cultivation and uses

Tagetes patula flowers

Depending on the species, marigold foliage has a musky, pungent scent, though some varieties
have been bred to be scentless. It is said to deter some common insect pests, as well as
nematodes. Tagetes species are hence often used in companion planting for tomato, eggplant,
chili pepper, tobacco, and potato. Due to antibacterial thiophenes exuded by the roots, Tagetes
should not be planted near any legume crop.[8] Some of the perennial species are deer-, rabbit-,
rodent- and javalina or peccary-resistant.[8]

T. minuta (khakibush or huacatay), originally from South America, has been used as a source of
essential oil for the perfume and industry known as tagette or "marigold oil", and as a flavourant
in the food and tobacco industries. It is commonly cultivated in South Africa, where the species
is also a useful pioneer plant in the reclamation of disturbed land.

The florets of Tagetes erecta are rich in the orange-yellow carotenoid lutein and are used as a
food colour (INS-number E161b) in the European Union for foods such as pasta, vegetable oil,
margarine, mayonnaise, salad dressing, baked goods, confectionery, dairy products, ice cream,
yogurt, citrus juice and mustard. In the United States, however, the powders and extracts are only
approved as colorants in poultry feed.

Marigolds are recorded as a food plant for some Lepidoptera caterpillars including the dot moth,
and a nectar source for other butterflies. They are often part of butterfly gardening plantings. In
the wild, many species are pollinated by beetles.[8]

Cultural significance

Tagetes lucida
The species Tagetes lucida, known as pericn, is used to prepare a sweetish, anise-flavored
medicinal tea in Mexico. It is also used as a culinary herb in many warm climates, as a substitute
for tarragon, and offered in the nursery as "Texas tarragon" or "Mexican mint marigold".

12
Tagetes minuta
Tagetes minuta, native to southern South America, is a tall, upright marigold plant with small
flowers used as a culinary herb in Peru, Ecuador, and parts of Chile and Bolivia, where it is
called by the Incan term huacatay. The paste is used to make the popular potato dish called
ocopa. Having both "green" and "yellow/orange" notes, the taste and odor of fresh T. minuta is
like a mixture of sweet basil, tarragon, mint and citrus. It is also used as a medicinal tea in some
areas.[9]

Tagetes - various species

Marigolds decorating a grave for Day of the Dead in Mexico

The marigold was regarded as the flower of the dead in pre-Hispanic Mexico, parallel to the lily
in Europe, and is still widely used in the Day of the Dead celebrations.

The marigold is very significant in Nepalese culture, where marigold garlands are used almost in
every household, especially during the Tihar festival. It is always sold in the markets for daily
worships and rituals. The marigold is also widely cultivated in India and Thailand, particularly
the species T. erecta, T. patula, and T. tenuifolia. Vast quantities of marigolds are used in garlands
and decoration for weddings, festivals, and religious events. Marigold cultivation is extensively
seen in Andhra Pradesh, Tamil Nadu, West Bengal, Karnataka, and Uttar Pradesh[10] states of
India.

In Ukraine, chornobryvtsi (T. erecta, T. patula, and the signet marigold, l. tenuifolia) are regarded
as one of the national symbols, and are often mentioned in songs, poems, and tales.

13
 BAEL
Aegle marmelos, commonly known as bael (or bili[1] or bhel[2]), also Bengal quince,[3] golden
apple,[3] Japanese bitter orange,[4] stone apple, or wood apple, is a species of tree native to
Bangladesh and India. It is present throughout Southeast Asia as a naturalized species.[5] The tree
is considered to be sacred by Hindus. Its fruits are used in traditional medicine and as a food
throughout its range.[not verified in body]

Botanical information

Phylogeny and anatomy

Bili tree

Bael is the only member of the monotypic genus Aegle.[5] It is a deciduous shrub or small to
medium sized tree, up to 13m tall with slender drooping branches and rather shabby crown.[6]

Bark
The bark is pale brown or grayish, smooth or finely fissured and flaking, armed with long
straight spines, 1.2-2.5 cm singly or in pairs, often with slimy sap oozing out from cut parts. The
gum is also described as a clear, gummy sap, resembling gum arabic, which exudes from
wounded branches and hangs down in long strands, becoming gradually solid. It is sweet at first
taste and then irritating to the throat.[7]

14
Leaf
The leaf is trifoliate, alternate, each leaflet 5-14 x 26 cm, ovate with tapering or pointed tip and
rounded base, untoothed or with shallow rounded teeth. Young leaves are pale green or pinkish,
finely hairy while mature leaves are dark green and completely smooth. Each leaf has 4-12 pairs
of side veins which are joined at margin. The end leaflet features a long stalk, 0.53 cm while
side stalks are typically shorter than 0.2 cm.[citation needed]

Flower
The flowers are 1.5 to 2 cm, pale green or yellowish, sweetly scented, bisexual, in short drooping
unbranched clusters at the end of twigs and leaf axils. They usually appear with young leaves.
The calyx is flat with 4(5) small teeth. The four or five petals of 68 mm overlap in the bud.
Many stamens have short filaments and pale brown, short style anthers. The ovary is bright green
with inconspicuous disc.

Fruit

A ripe bael fruit in India

Bael fruit

The bael fruit typically has a diameter of between 5 and 12 cm. It is globose or slightly pear-
shaped with a thick, hard rind and is not splitting upon ripening. The woody shell is smooth and
green, gray until it is fully ripe when it turns yellow. Inside are 8 to 15 or 20 sections filled with
aromatic orange pulp, each section with 6 (8) to 10 (15) flattened-oblong seeds each about 1 cm
long, bearing woolly hairs and each enclosed in a sac of adhesive, transparent mucilage that
solidifies on drying. The exact number of seeds varies in different publications.

It takes about 11 months to ripen on the tree and can reach the size of a large grapefruit or
pomelo, and some are even larger. The shell is so hard it must be cracked with a hammer or
machete. The fibrous yellow pulp is very aromatic. It has been described as tasting of marmalade
and smelling of roses. Boning (2006) indicates that the flavor is "sweet, aromatic and pleasant,
although tangy and slightly astringent in some varieties. It resembles a marmalade made, in part,
with citrus and, in part, with tamarind."[8] Numerous hairy seeds are encapsulated in a slimy
mucilage.

Range and ecology

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Bael is a native of India and is found widely in Asia, in northern, central, eastern and southern
parts of India, as well as in Sri Lanka, Pakistan, southern Nepal, Sri Lanka, Burma, Bangladesh,
Vietnam, Laos, Cambodia and Thailand.[citation needed] It is widely found in Indian Siva temples.[citation
needed]
It occurs in dry, open forests on hills and plains.[citation needed] at altitudes from sea level to

15
around 1200m with mean annual rainfall of 570-2,000 mm.[7] It is cultivated throughout India, as
well as in Sri Lanka, the northern Malay Peninsula, Java, Timor Leste, the Philippines, and Fiji.
It has a reputation in India for being able to grow in places that other trees cannot. It copes with a
wide range of soil conditions (pH range 5-10), is tolerant of waterlogging and has an unusually
wide temperature tolerance (from -7 C to 48 C). It requires a pronounced dry season to give
fruit.

Aegle marmelos plant

This tree is a larval foodplant for the following two Indian Swallowtail butterflies, the Lime
butterfly Papilio demoleus, and the Common Mormon: Papilio polytes.

Food uses

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The fruits can be eaten either freshly from trees or after being dried. If fresh, the juice is strained
and sweetened to make a drink similar to lemonade. It can be made into sharbat (Hindi/Urdu) or
Bela pana (Odia: ), a very popular summer drink in almost every household. The Drink
is especially significant on the Odiya New Year (Pana Sankranti) which is in April. Bela Pana
made in Odisha has fresh cheese, milk, water, fruit pulp, sugar, crushed black pepper, and ice.
Bl pana (Bengali: ), a drink made of the pulp with water, sugar, and citron juice,
mixed, left to stand a few hours, strained, and put on ice. One large bl fruit may yield five or
six liters of sharbat. If the fruit is to be dried, it is usually sliced and sun-dried. The hard leathery
slices are then immersed in water. The leaves and small shoots are eaten as salad greens.

Chemical compounds

Aeglemarmelosine
LAPHOOKHIEO, Surat et al. reported the isolation of Aeglemarmelosine molecular formula
C16H15NO2 []27D+7.89 (c 0.20, CHCl3) as an orange viscous oil.[9]

Aegeline and nonviral hepatitis

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monographs, or textbooks. Please add references to provide context and establish notability for any
primary research articles cited. (January 2016)

Aegeline (N-[2-hydroxy-2(4-methoxyphenyl) ethyl]-3-phenyl-2-propenamide) is a known

constituent of the bael leaf and consumed as a dietary supplement for a variety of purposes. [10][11]
[12][13]
In 2013, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA), other federal regulators, and local
health officials, investigated an outbreak of 97 persons with acute nonviral hepatitis that first
emerged in Hawaii. Seventy-two of these persons had reported using the dietary supplement

16
OxyElite Pro, produced by USPlabs.[14] FDA had previously taken action against an earlier
formulation of OxyElite Pro because it contained dimethylamylamine (DMAA), a stimulant that
FDA had determined to be an adulterant when included in dietary supplements and that they
determined can cause high blood pressure and lead to heart attacks, seizures, psychiatric
disorders, and death.[15] USPlabs subsequently reformulated this product and another product
called VERSA-1 by replacing DMAA with aegeline, without informing FDA or submitting the
required safety data for a new dietary ingredient.[15]

Doctors at the Liver Center at The Queen's Medical Center investigating the first cases in
Hawai'i reported that between May and September 2013, eight previously healthy individuals
presented themselves at their center suffering with drug-induced liver injury.[16] All of these
patients had been using the reformulated OxyELITE Pro, which they had purchased from a
variety of sources, and which had different lot numbers and expiration dates, at doses within the
manufacturer's recommendation.[16] Three of these patients developed fulminant liver failure, two
underwent urgent liver transplantation, and one died. [16] The number of such cases would
ultimately rise to 43 in Hawai'i.[15][16] In January 2014, leaders from the Queen's Liver Center
informed state lawmakers that they were almost certain that aegeline was the agent responsible
for these cases.[17]

On November 17, 2015, FDA announced that the U.S. Department of Justice was criminally
charging USPlabs and several of its corporate affiliates and officers with eleven counts of
charges related to the sale of those products. [18] The charges surrounded an alleged conspiracy to
import ingredients from China using false certificates of analysis and labeling, and lying about
the ingredients' source and nature after inclusion in their products. [18] The various defendants
surrendered or were apprehended by the United States Marshals Service, and FDA and special
agents from the U.S. Internal Revenue Service seized assets including investment accounts, real
estate, and luxury and sports cars. [18] This capped a yearlong sweep of potentially unsafe or
tainted supplements that resulted in civil injunctions and criminal actions against 117
manufacturers and/or distributors of dietary supplements and products falsely marketed as such
but containing banned or unauthorized ingredients.[18] The research on this topic is still not
conclusive though as traditional medicine sciences suggest that its alleviates High blood pressure
and helps in improving heart conditions. More research is still being done.

17
 ALOE VERA
ALOE VERA (/loi/ or /lo/) is a plant species of the genus Aloe. It grows wild in
tropical climates around the world and is cultivated for agricultural and medicinal uses. Aloe is
also used for decorative purposes and grows successfully indoors as a potted plant.[3]

It is found in many consumer products including beverages, skin lotion, cosmetics, or ointments
for minor burns and sunburns. There is little scientific evidence of the effectiveness or safety of
Aloe vera extracts for either cosmetic or medicinal purposes. Studies finding positive evidence
are frequently contradicted by other studies.[4][

Description

Aloe vera is a stemless or very short-stemmed plant growing to 60100 cm (2439 in) tall,
spreading by offsets. The leaves are thick and fleshy, green to grey-green, with some varieties
showing white flecks on their upper and lower stem surfaces. [7] The margin of the leaf is serrated
and has small white teeth. The flowers are produced in summer on a spike up to 90 cm (35 in)
tall, each flower being pendulous, with a yellow tubular corolla 23 cm (0.81.2 in) long.[7][8]
Like other Aloe species, Aloe vera forms arbuscular mycorrhiza, a symbiosis that allows the
plant better access to mineral nutrients in soil.[9]

18
Aloe vera leaves contain phytochemicals under study for possible bioactivity, such as acetylated
mannans, polymannans, anthraquinone C-glycosides, anthrones, other anthraquinones, such as
emodin and various lectins.[4][10][11]

Aloevera buds
Taxonomy and etymology

Spotted forms of Aloe vera are sometimes known as Aloe vera var. chinensis

The species has a number of synonyms: A. barbadensis Mill., Aloe indica Royle, Aloe perfoliata
L. var. vera and A. vulgaris Lam.[12][13] Common names include Chinese Aloe, Indian Aloe, True
Aloe, Barbados Aloe, Burn Aloe, First Aid Plant.[8][14][15][16][17] The species epithet vera means
"true" or "genuine".[14] Some literature identifies the white-spotted form of Aloe vera as Aloe
vera var. chinensis;[18][19] however, the species varies widely with regard to leaf spots [20] and it has
been suggested that the spotted form of Aloe vera may be conspecific with A. massawana.[21] The
species was first described by Carl Linnaeus in 1753 as Aloe perfoliata var. vera,[22] and was
described again in 1768 by Nicolaas Laurens Burman as Aloe vera in Flora Indica on 6 April and
by Philip Miller as Aloe barbadensis some ten days after Burman in the Gardener's Dictionary.[23]

Techniques based on DNA comparison suggest Aloe vera is relatively closely related to Aloe
perryi, a species endemic to Yemen.[24] Similar techniques, using chloroplast DNA sequence
comparison and ISSR profiling have also suggested it is closely related to Aloe forbesii, Aloe
inermis, Aloe scobinifolia, Aloe sinkatana, and Aloe striata.[25] With the exception of the South
African species A. striata, these Aloe species are native to Socotra (Yemen), Somalia, and Sudan.
[25]
The lack of obvious natural populations of the species has led some authors to suggest Aloe
vera may be of hybrid origin.[26]

Distribution

The natural range of A. vera is unclear, as the species has been widely cultivated around the
world. Naturalised strands of the species occur in the southern half of the Arabian Peninsula,
through North Africa (Morocco, Mauritania, Egypt), as well as Sudan and neighbouring
countries, along with the Canary, Cape Verde, and Madeira Islands. [12] This distribution is
somewhat similar to that of Euphorbia balsamifera, Pistacia atlantica, and a few others,

19
suggesting that a dry sclerophyll forest once covered large areas, but has been dramatically
reduced due to desertification in the Sahara, leaving these few patches isolated. Several closely
related (or sometimes identical) species can be found on the two extreme sides of the Sahara:
dragon trees (Dracaena) and Aeonium being two of the most representative examples.

The species was introduced to China and various parts of southern Europe in the 17th century.[27]
The species is widely naturalized elsewhere, occurring in temperate and tropical regions of
Australia, South America, Mexico, the Caribbean and southeastern US states. [28] The actual
species' distribution has been suggested to be the result of human cultivation (anthropogenic).[21]
[29]

Cultivation

Aloe vera can be grown as an ornamental plant.

Aloe vera has been widely grown as an ornamental plant. The species is popular with modern
gardeners as a putatively medicinal plant and for its interesting flowers, form, and succulence.
This succulence enables the species to survive in areas of low natural rainfall, making it ideal for
rockeries and other low water-use gardens.[7] The species is hardy in zones 811, although it is
intolerant of heavy frost or snow.[8][30] The species is relatively resistant to most insect pests,
though spider mites, mealy bugs, scale insects, and aphid species may cause a decline in plant
health.[31][32] This plant has gained the Royal Horticultural Society's Award of Garden Merit.[33]

In pots, the species requires well-drained, sandy potting soil and bright, sunny conditions;
however, Aloe plants can burn under too much sun or shrivel when the pot does not drain water.
The use of a good-quality commercial propagation mix or packaged "cacti and succulent mix" is
recommended, as they allow good drainage.[34] Terra cotta pots are preferable as they are porous.
[34]
Potted plants should be allowed to completely dry before rewatering. When potted, aloes can
become crowded with "pups" growing from the sides of the "mother plant". Plants that have
become crowded should be divided and repotted to allow room for further growth and help
prevent pest infestations. During winter, Aloe vera may become dormant, during which little
moisture is required. In areas that receive frost or snow, the species is best kept indoors or in
heated glasshouses.[8]

20
There is large-scale agricultural production of Aloe vera in Australia,[35] Bangladesh, Cuba,[36] the
Dominican Republic, China, Mexico,[37] India,[38] Jamaica,[39] Kenya, Tanzania and South Africa,
[40]
along with the USA[41] to supply the cosmetics industry.

Aloe vera gel being used to make a dessert

Uses
Research
There is little scientific evidence of the effectiveness or safety of Aloe vera extracts for either
cosmetic or medicinal purposes. A research study finding positive evidence is frequently
contradicted by other studies.[4][5][6][42]

Despite this, the cosmetic and alternative medicine industries regularly make claims regarding
the soothing, moisturizing, and healing properties of aloe vera.[4][43]

Two 2009 reviews of clinical studies determined that all were too small and faulty to allow
strong conclusions to be drawn, but concluded: "there is some preliminary evidence to suggest
that oral administration of aloe vera might be effective in reducing blood glucose in diabetic
patients and in lowering blood lipid levels in hyperlipidaemia. The topical application of aloe
vera does not seem to prevent radiation-induced skin damage. The evidence regarding wound
healing is contradictory. More and better trial data are needed to define the clinical effectiveness
of this popular herbal remedy more precisely."[42][44] One of the reviews found that Aloe has not
been proven to offer protection for humans from sunburn.[44]

A 2007 review of aloe vera use in burns concluded, "cumulative evidence tends to support that
aloe vera might be an effective intervention used in burn wound healing for first- to second-
degree burns. Further, well-designed trials with sufficient details of the contents of aloe vera
products should be carried out to determine the effectiveness of aloe vera." [45] Topical application
of aloe vera may also be effective for genital herpes and psoriasis.[42][46] A 2014 Cochrane review
found no strong evidence for the value of topical application of aloe vera to treat or prevent
phlebitis caused by intravenous infusion.[47]

Aloe vera gel is used commercially as an ingredient in yogurts, beverages, and some desserts,[48]
[49][50]
although at certain doses, its toxic properties could be severe whether ingested or topically
applied.[51] The same is true for aloe latex, which was taken orally for conditions ranging from
glaucoma to multiple sclerosis until the FDA required manufacturers to discontinue its use.[52]

Dietary supplement
Aloin, a compound found in the exudate of some Aloe species, was the common ingredient in
over-the-counter (OTC) laxative products in the United States until 2002 when the Food and
Drug Administration banned it because the companies manufacturing it failed to provide the

21
necessary safety data.[53][54] Aloe vera has potential toxicity, with side effects occurring at some
dose levels both when ingested or applied topically.[51] Although toxicity may be less when aloin
is removed by processing, Aloe vera that contains aloin in excess amounts may induce side
effects.[4][42][55]

Aloe vera juice is marketed to support the health of the digestive system, but there is neither
scientific evidence nor regulatory approval to support this claim. [56] The extracts and quantities
typically used for such purposes appear to be dose-dependent for toxic effects.[51]

Traditional medicine
Aloe vera is used in traditional medicine as a skin treatment. In Ayurvedic medicine it is called
kathalai, as are extracts from agave.[57]:196 for aloe:117 for agave Early records of Aloe vera use appear in
the Ebers Papyrus from the 16th century BC,[17]:18 and in Dioscorides' De Materia Medica and
Pliny the Elder's Natural History both written in the mid-first century AD.[17]:20 It is also written
of in the Juliana Anicia Codex of 512 AD.[48]:9 The plant is used widely in the traditional herbal
medicine of many countries.

Commodities
Aloe vera is used on facial tissues where it is promoted as a moisturiser and anti-irritant to
reduce chafing of the nose. Cosmetic companies commonly add sap or other derivatives from
Aloe vera to products such as makeup, tissues, moisturizers, soaps, sunscreens, incense, shaving
cream, or shampoos.[48] A review of academic literature notes that its inclusion in many hygiene
products is due to its "moisturizing emollient effect".[11]

Other potential uses for extracts of Aloe vera include the dilution of semen for the artificial
fertilization of sheep,[58] as a fresh food preservative,[59] or for water conservation in small farms.
[60]
It has also been suggested that biofuels could be obtained from Aloe vera seeds.[61]

Toxicity

Under the guidelines of California Proposition 65, orally ingested non-decolorized aloe vera leaf
extract has been listed by the OEHHA, along with goldenseal, among "chemicals known to the
state to cause cancer or reproductive toxicity".[62]

Use of topical aloe vera is not associated with significant side effects. [53] Oral ingestion of aloe
vera, however, may cause abdominal cramps and diarrhea which in turn can decrease the
absorption of drugs.[53] IARC studies have found ingested non-decolorized liquid aloe vera [63] to
be carcinogenic in animals, and state that it is a possible carcinogen in humans as well.[64]

22
 AMLA
Phyllanthus emblica, also known as emblic,[1][3] emblic myrobalan,[1] myrobalan,[3] Indian
gooseberry,[1][3] Malacca tree,[3] or amla[3] from Sanskrit amalika is a deciduous tree of the family
Phyllanthaceae. It is known for its edible fruit of the same name.

Plant morphology and harvesting

The tree is small to medium in size, reaching 18 m (3 ft 3 in26 ft 3 in) in height. The
branchlets are not glabrous or finely pubescent, 1020 cm (3.97.9 in) long, usually deciduous;
the leaves are simple, subsessile and closely set along branchlets, light green, resembling pinnate
leaves. The flowers are greenish-yellow. The fruit is nearly spherical, light greenish yellow, quite
smooth and hard on appearance, with six vertical stripes or furrows.

Ripening in autumn, the berries are harvested by hand after climbing to upper branches bearing
the fruits. The taste of Indian emblic is sour, bitter and astringent, and it is quite fibrous. In India,
it is common to eat emblic steeped in salt water and red chilli powder to make the sour fruits
palatable.[citation needed]

Cultural and religious significance

Fruit with young leaves and flower buds.

23
The tree is considered sacred by Hindus as God Vishnu is believed to dwell in it. The tree is
worshiped on Amalaka Ekadashi.

In other Hindu beliefs, Amla is said to have originated from the drops of Amrit which spilled on
earth accidentally, because of the fight of Gods and Demons after ksheera sagar manthan. And
hence also this religious belief makes claims that it almost cures every disease and is also good
in extending the longevity of life.

In the Sanskrit Buddhist tradition half an amalaka fruit was the final gift to the Buddhist sangha
by the great Indian emperor Ashoka. This is illustrated in the Ashokavadana in the following
verses:

"A great donor, the lord of men, the eminent Maurya Ashoka, has gone from being lord of
Jambudvipa [the continent] to being lord of half a myrobalan." (Strong, 1983, p. 99)[4] This deed
became so famous that a stupa was created to mark the place of the event in modern-day Patna
and was known as the Amalaka stupa.

According to Hindu tradition, Adi Shankara of Kerala composed and recited the Kanakadhara
stotram in praise of Mahalakshmi to make a poor Brahmin lady get wealth, in return for a single
amla presented to him as bhiksha on an auspicious dwadashi day. Contemporary
poet/philosopher Ravi Teja Yelamanchili wrote a book titled Amalaki. The book is based on
Advaita Vedanta of Sri Adi Shankaracharya.

According to a Tamil legend, Avvaiyar (Tamil: ), a female poet, ethicist and political
activist of the Sangam period was gifted with one amla by King Athiyaman to give her long life.

In Theravada Buddhism, this plant is said to have been used as the tree for achieving
enlightenment, or Bodhi by twenty first Lord Buddha called "Pussa - ".

Traditional uses

Emblic seller in Pollachi, India

Traditional medicine
In traditional Indian medicine, dried and fresh fruits of the plant are used. All parts of the plant
are used in various Ayurvedic/Unani medicine (Jawarish amla) herbal preparations, including the
fruit, seed, leaves, root, bark and flowers.[5] According to Ayurveda, amla fruit is sour (amla) and
astringent (kashaya) in taste (rasa), with sweet (madhura), bitter (tikta) and pungent (katu)
secondary tastes (anurasas).[5] Its qualities (gunas) are light (laghu) and dry (ruksha), the
postdigestive effect (vipaka) is sweet (madhura) and its energy (virya) is cooling (shita).[6]

According to Ayurveda, amla balances all three doshas. While amla is unusual in that it contains
five out of the six tastes recognized by Ayurveda, it is most important to recognize the effects of
the "virya", or potency, and "vipaka", or post-digestive effect. Considered in this light, amla is
24
particularly helpful in reducing pitta because of its cooling energy.[5] It also balances both Pitta
and vata by virtue of its sweet taste. The kapha is balanced primarily due to its drying action. It
may be used as a rasayana (rejuvenative) to promote longevity, and traditionally to enhance
digestion (dipanapachana), treat constipation (anuloma), reduce fever (jvaraghna), purify the
blood (raktaprasadana), reduce cough (kasahara), alleviate asthma (svasahara), strengthen the
heart (hrdaya), benefit the eyes (chakshushya), stimulate hair growth (romasanjana), enliven the
body (jivaniya), and enhance intellect (medhya).[5][6]

In Ayurvedic polyherbal formulations, Indian gooseberry is a common constituent, and most

notably is the primary ingredient in an ancient herbal rasayana called Chyawanprash.[7] This
formula, which contains 43 herbal ingredients as well as clarified butter, sesame oil, sugar cane
juice, and honey, was first mentioned in the Charaka Samhita as a premier rejuvenative
compound.[8][9]

Culinary use
Maharashtra is one of the largest producers and suppliers of Indian gooseberries. In this region
the fruit is commonly pickled with salt, oil, and spices. The amla fruit is eaten raw or cooked into
various dishes. In Andhra Pradesh, tender varieties are used to prepare dal (a lentil preparation),
and amle ka murabbah, a sweet dish made by soaking the berries in sugar syrup until they are
candied. It is traditionally consumed after meals.

In the Batak area of Sumatra, Indonesia, the inner bark is used to impart an astringent, bitter taste
to the broth of a traditional fish soup known as holat.[10]

Other uses
Popularly used in inks, shampoos and hair oils, the high tannin content of Indian gooseberry fruit
serves as a mordant for fixing dyes in fabrics.[5] Amla shampoos and hair oil are traditionally
believed to nourish the hair and scalp and prevent premature grey hair.[11]

Research

This section needs more medical references for verification or relies too heavily on primary
sources, specifically: claims rely on primary sources where secondary sources are needed
(WP:MEDRS). Please review the contents of the section and add the appropriate references if you
can. Unsourced or poorly sourced material may be challenged and removed. (February 2015)

In vitro studies of P. emblica extracts on osteoclasts have been done to establish their potential
biological effects.[12] Experimental preparations of leaves, bark or fruit are under research on
mechanisms of inflammation[13] and alanine transaminase activity.[14]

Chemical constituents

Although these fruits are reputed to contain high amounts of ascorbic acid (vitamin C), up to
445 mg per 100 g,[15] the specific contents are disputed, and the overall antioxidant strength of
amla may derive instead from its high density of ellagitannins[7] such as emblicanin A (37%),

25
emblicanin B (33%), punigluconin (12%) and pedunculagin (14%).[16] It also contains
punicafolin and phyllanemblinin A, phyllanemblin other polyphenols: flavonoids, kaempferol,
ellagic acid and gallic acid.[7][17]

ASHOKA TREE
Saraca asoca (the ashoka tree; lit., "sorrow-less") is a plant belonging to the Caesalpinioideae
subfamily of the legume family. It is an important tree in the cultural traditions of the Indian
subcontinent and adjacent areas. It is sometimes incorrectly known as Saraca indica.[2]

The ashoka is a rain-forest tree. Its original distribution was in the central areas of the Deccan
plateau, as well as the middle section of the Western Ghats in the western coastal zone of the
Indian subcontinent.

The ashoka is prized for its beautiful foliage and fragrant flowers. It is a handsome, small, erect
evergreen tree, with deep green leaves growing in dense clusters.

Its flowering season is around February to April. The ashoka flowers come in heavy, lush
bunches. They are bright orange-yellow in color, turning red before wilting.

Biologically, some of the flower's characteristics are very dry and abundant. This means that the
flower is coated with a chemical on the outside.

As a wild tree, the ashoka is a vulnerable species. It is becoming rarer in its natural habitat, but
isolated wild ashoka trees are still to be found in the foothills of the central and eastern

26
Himalayas, in scattered locations of the northern plains of India as well as on the west coast of
the subcontinent near Mumbai.[citation needed]

There are a few varieties of the ashoka tree. One variety is larger and highly spreading. The
columnar varieties are common in cultivation.

Mythology and tradition

Yakshi under a stylized ashoka tree. Railing figure at Bharhut Stupa, 2nd century BC, India

Queen My giving birth to the Buddha

The ashoka tree is considered sacred throughout the Indian subcontinent, especially in India,
Nepal and Sri Lanka. This tree has many folklorical, religious and literary associations in the
region. Highly valued as well for its handsome appearance and the color and abundance of its
flowers, the ashoka tree is often found in royal palace compounds and gardens as well as close to
temples throughout India.[3]

The ashoka tree is closely associated with the yakshi mythological beings. One of the recurring
elements in Indian art, often found at gates of Buddhist and Hindu temples, is the sculpture of a
yakshini with her foot on the trunk and her hands holding the branch of a flowering ashoka tree.
As an artistic element, often the tree and the yakshi are subject to heavy stylization. Some
authors hold that the young girl at the foot of this tree is based on an ancient tree deity related to
fertility.[4]

Yakshis under the ashoka tree were also important in early Buddhist monuments as a decorative
element and are found in many ancient Buddhist archaeological sites. With the passing of the
centuries the yakshi under the ashoka tree became a standard decorative element of Hindu Indian
sculpture and was integrated into Indian temple architecture as salabhanjika, because there is
often a confusion between the ashoka tree and the sal tree (Shorea robusta) in the ancient
literature of the Indian subcontinent.[5]

ashoka blossom

27
In Hinduism the ashoka is considered a sacred tree. Not counting a multitude of local traditions
connected to it, the ashoka tree is worshipped in Chaitra,[6] a month of the Hindu calendar.[6] It is
also associated with Kamadeva, the Hindu god of love, who included an ashoka blossom among
the five flowers in his quiver, where ashoka represent seductive hypnosis. [7] Hence, the ashoka
tree is often mentioned in classical Indian religious and amorous poetry, having at least 16
different names in Sanskrit referring to the tree or its flowers.[8]

In Mahkvya, or Indian epic poetry, the ashoka tree is mentioned in the Ramayana in reference
to the Ashoka Vatika (garden of ashoka trees) where Hanuman first meets Sita.

Other trees called 'ashoka tree'

False ashoka

A popular tree known as "false ashoka tree" or even as "ashoka tree", Polyalthia longifolia, is
cultivated to resemble the growth pattern of erect pillar-like Mediterranean cypress trees. It is a
popular park and garden plant, much used in landscaping on the Indian subcontinent. This tree
can easily be distinguished by its compound leaves and very different flowers. Ashoka flowers
are red (initially orange in color) while False Ashoka flowers are apple green in color. Ashoka
fruits look like broad beans containing multiple seeds while false ashoka fruits are small,
spherical and contain only one seed. Ashoka trees are small in height, while false ashoka is taller.

Other names

This tree has a multitude of names in Indian literature. Some names for the ashoka tree and its
flowers include:

In Sanskrit: ashoka, Sita-ashoka, anganapriya, ashopalava, ashoka, asupala, apashaka,

hemapushpa, kankeli, madhupushpa, pindapushpa, pindipushpa, vanjula, vishoka and vichitra.

Other languages: thawgabo, thawka (Burmese), vand ichitrah, sita ashoka (Hindi), ashok
(Assamese), oshok (Bengali), ashoka (Oriya), , (acOkam), (piNTi)
(Tamil), asokam (Malayalam), asokamu, vanjulamu (Telugu), sokanam (, Thai),
diyaratmal, diyeratembela (Sinhala), nikabilissa (Divehi), achenge, akshth, ashanke, kenkalimara
(Kannada), gapis, tengalan (Malay).[9]

28
 Unani Medicine

Frequently Asked Questions

Therapeutic Approaches and Treatment Modalities

Tadaabeer-E- Mashaaikh (Geriatric Care)

Unani Approach to the Common Ailments

Common Medicinal Plants Of Unani Medicine

Unani Hospitals

Unani Education

Career Opportunities

Drug Testing Laboratories

Regimental Therapy (Ilaj- bil- tadbeer)

More

IMPORTANCE OF SOME HERBS WITH THEIR MEDICINAL VALUES

Herbs such as black pepper, cinnamon, myrrh, aloe, sandalwood, ginseng, red clover, burdock,
bayberry, and safflower are used to heal wounds, sores and boils.

Basil, Fennel, Chives, Cilantro, Apple Mint, Thyme, Golden Oregano, Variegated Lemon Balm,
Rosemary, Variegated Sage are some important medicinal herbs and can be planted in kitchen
garden. These herbs are easy to grow, look good, taste and smell amazing and many of them are
magnets for bees and butterflies.

Many herbs are used as blood purifiers to alter or change a long-standing condition by
eliminating the metabolic toxins. These are also known as 'blood cleansers'. Certain herbs
improve the immunity of the person, thereby reducing conditions such as fever.

29
 Some herbs are also having antibiotic properties. Turmeric is useful in inhibiting the growth of
germs, harmful microbes and bacteria. Turmeric is widely used as a home remedy to heal cut and
wounds.

To reduce fever and the production of heat caused by the condition, certain antipyretic herbs such
as Chirayta, black pepper, sandal wood and safflower are recommended by traditional Indian
medicine practitioners.

Sandalwood and Cinnamon are great astringents apart from being aromatic. Sandalwood is
especially used in arresting the discharge of blood, mucus etc.

Some herbs are used to neutralize the acid produced by the stomach. Herbs such as marshmallow
root and leaf. They serve as antacids. The healthy gastric acid needed for proper digestion is
retained by such herbs.

Indian sages were known to have remedies from plants which act against poisons from animals
and snake bites.

Herbs like Cardamom and Coriander are renowned for their appetizing qualities. Other aromatic
herbs such as peppermint, cloves and turmeric add a pleasant aroma to the food, thereby
increasing the taste of the meal.

Some herbs like aloe, sandalwood, turmeric, sheetraj hindi and khare khasak are commonly used
as antiseptic and are very high in their medicinal values.

Ginger and cloves are used in certain cough syrups. They are known for their expectorant
property, which promotes the thinning and ejection of mucus from the lungs, trachea and bronchi.
Eucalyptus, Cardamom, Wild cherry and cloves are also expectorants.

Herbs such as Chamomile, Calamus, Ajwain, Basil, Cardamom, Chrysanthemum, Coriander,

Fennel, Peppermint and Spearmint, Cinnamon, Ginger and Turmeric are helpful in promoting
good blood circulation. Therefore, they are used as cardiac stimulants.

Certain medicinal herbs have disinfectant property, which destroys disease causing germs. They
also inhibit the growth of pathogenic microbes that cause communicable diseases.

Herbal medicine practitioners recommend calmative herbs, which provide a soothing effect to the
body. They are often used as sedatives.

Certain aromatic plants such as Aloe, Golden seal, Barberry and Chirayata are used as mild
tonics. The bitter taste of such plants reduces toxins in blood. They are helpful in destroying
infection as well.

Certain herbs are used as stimulants to increase the activity of a system or an organ, for example
herbs like Cayenne (Lal Mirch, Myrrh, Camphor and Guggul.

A wide variety of herbs including Giloe, Golden seal, Aloe and Barberry are used as tonics. They
can also be nutritive and rejuvenate a healthy as well as diseased individual.

30
 Honey, turmeric, marshmallow and liquorice can effectively treat a fresh cut and wound. They are
termed as vulnerary herbs.

CONCLUSION
As our lifestyle is now getting techno-savvy, we are moving away from nature. While we cannot
escape from nature because we are part of nature. As herbs are natural products they are free
from side effects, they are comparatively safe, eco-friendly and locally available. Traditionally
there are lot of herbs used for the ailments related to different seasons. There is a need to
promote them to save the human lives.

These herbal products are today are the symbol of safety in contrast to the synthetic drugs, that
are regarded as unsafe to human being and environment. Although herbs had been priced for
their medicinal, flavouring and aromatic qualities for centuries, the synthetic products of the
modern age surpassed their importance, for a while. However, the blind dependence on
synthetics is over and people are returning to the naturals with hope of safety and security. Its
time to promote them globally.

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 REFERENCES
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http://www.who.int/medicines/areas/traditional/SelectMonoVol4.pdf

https://www.cals.ncsu.edu/plantbiology/Faculty/dxie/Chapter1-1.pdf

http://www.tee.org/fileadmin/downloads/Botanische%20Bestandsaufnahme%20indischer
%20Heilpflanzen.pdf

http://joyppkau.tripod.com/PDFs/Bk%20Medicinal%20Plants.PDF

http://www.moef.nic.in/downloads/public-information/Chap-9-new.pdf

http://www.ajprd.com/downloadebooks_pdf/26.pdf

books.google.co.in/books?hl=en&lr=&id=y3

books.google.co.in/books?hl=en&lr=&id=2HyC4

www.nhp.gov.in/unani_mty

www.ccrum.net/about/dossier/

ayurveda.iloveindia.com/herbology/medicinal-value-of-herbs.html

reelsaltlife.blogspot.in/2012/02/role-of-herbs-in-human-life.html

www.drugs.com/forum/alternative-medicine/importance-herbal-medicines-58521.html

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