Botanical Name - Aloe barbadensis
Category - Medicinal
Form - Fresh/Dry
Part Used - Leaves
General Information - The Aloe vera plant has been known and used for centuries for its health, beauty, medicinal and skin care properties. The name Aloe vera derives from the Arabic word Alloeh meaning shining bitter substance, while vera in Latin means true. 2000 years ago, the Greek scientists regarded Aloe vera as the universal panacea. The Egyptians called Aloe the plant of immortality. Today, the Aloe vera plant has been used for various purposes in dermatology. The botanical name of Aloe vera is Aloe barbadensis miller. It belongs to Asphodelaceae (Liliaceae) family, and is a shrubby or arborescent, perennial, xerophytic, succulent, pea- green color plant. It grows mainly in the dry regions of Africa, Asia, Europe and America. In India, it is found in Rajasthan, Andhra Pradesh, Gujarat, Maharashtra and Tamil Nadu.
Phytochemicals- Aloe vera contains 75 potentially active constituents: vitamins, enzymes, minerals, sugars, lignin, saponins, salicylic acids and amino acids. The plant has triangular, fleshy leaves with serrated edges, yellow tubular flowers and fruits that contain numerous seeds. Each leaf is composed of three layers: 1) An inner clear gel that contains 99% water and rest is made of glucomannans, amino acids, lipids, sterols and vitamins. 2) The middle layer of latex which is the bitter yellow sap and contains anthraquinones and glycosides. 3) The outer thick layer of 15 - 20 cells called as rind which has protective function and synthesizes carbohydrates and proteins.
Acacia Arabica is one of the species that has been effectively utilized in folk medicine. The bark, root, gum, leaves and flowers have found use for skin diseases, diarrhea, dysentery, cough, diabetes, eczema, wound healing, burning sensation and as an astringent, demulcent, anti-asthmatic. The tender twinges are used as toothbrushes.
Botanical Name - Ferula asafoetida
Category - Spices/Medicinal
Form - Dry
Part Used - Gum resin
General Information - Ferula asafoetida is herbaceous plant of the umbelliferae family. It is oleo gum resin obtained from the rhizome and root of plant. This spice is used as a digestive aid, in food as a condiment and in pickles. It is used in modern herbalism in the treatment of hysteria, some nervous conditions, bronchitis, asthma and whooping cough. It was at one time employed in the treatment of infantile pneumonia and flatulent colic. The gum resin is antispasmodic, carminative, expectorant, laxative, and sedative. The volatile oil in the gum is eliminated through the lungs, making this an excellent treatment for asthma. The odor of asafoetida is imparted to the breath, secretions, flatus, and gastric eructations. Its properties are antispasmodic, expectorant, stimulant, emmenagogue and vermifuge. Asafoetida has also been used as a sedative. It also thins the blood and lowers blood pressure. It is widely used in India in food and as a medicine in Indian systems of medicine like ayurveda. Asafoetida has been held in great esteem among indigenous medicines, particularly in Unani system from the earliest times.
Phytochemicals - An analysis of asafoetida shows it to consist of carbohydrates 67.8% per 100 gms, moisture 16.0%, protein 4.0%, fat 1.1%, minerals 7.0% and fiber 4.1%. Its mineral and vitamin contents include substantial calcium besides phosphorus, iron, carotene, riboflavin and niacin. Its calorific value is 297, contains 40-64% resinous material composed of ferulic acid, umbel-liferone, asaresinotannols, farnesiferols A, B, and C etc., about 25% gum composed of glucose, galactose, l-arabinose, rhamnose, and glucuronic acid and volatile oil (3-17%) consisting of disulfides as its major components, notably 2-butyl propenyl disulfide (E- and Z-isomers), with monoterpenes (�±- and �²-pinene, etc.), free ferulic acid, valeric acid, and traces of vanillin (LAF). The disagreeable odor of the oil is reported to be due mainly to the disulphide C11H20S2.
Botanical Name - Mucuna prurita/Mucuna pruriens
Category - Medicinal
Form - Dry
Part Used - Seeds
General Information - The genus Mucuna, belonging to the Fabaceae family, sub family Papilionaceae, includes approximately 150 species of annual and perennial legumes. Among the various under-utilized wild legumes, the velvet bean Mucuna pruriens is widespread in tropical and sub-tropical regions of the world. Mucuna pruriens (Fabaceae) is an established herbal drug used for the management of male infertility, nervous disorders, and also as an aphrodisiac. It has been shown that its seeds are potentially of substantial medicinal importance. The ancient Indian medical system, Ayurveda, traditionally used M. pruriens, even to treat such things as Parkinson's disease. M. pruriens has been shown to have anti-parkinson and neuroprotective effects, which may be related to its anti-oxidant activity.
Phytochemicals - "Mucuna spp. have been reported to contain the toxic compounds L-dopa and hallucinogenic tryptamines, and anti-nutritional factors such as phenols and tannins . Due to the high concentrations of L-dopa (4 - 7%), velvet bean is a commercial source of this substance, used in the treatment of Parkinson's disease. The toxicity of unprocessed velvet bean may explain why the plant exhibits low susceptibility to insect pests. Velvet bean is well known for its nematicidic effects; it also reportedly possesses notable allelopathic activity, which may function to suppress competing plants.
Despite its toxic properties, various species of Mucuna are grown as a minor food crop. Raw velvet bean seeds contain approximately 27% protein and are rich in minerals. During the 18th and 19th centuries, Mucuna was grown widely as a green vegetable in the foothills and lower hills of the eastern Himalayas and in Mauritius. Both the green pods and the mature beans were boiled and eaten. In Guatemala and Mexico, M. pruriens has for at least several decades been roasted and ground to make a coffee substitute; the seeds are widely known in the region as Nescafe in recognition of this use."
Botanical Name - Amomum subulatum
Category - Spices
Form - Dry
Part Used - Fruit
General Information - Amomum subulatum Roxb (Zingiberaceae) is a perennial herb which is cultivated in Sikkim and neighbouring areas. Its fruits are used to treat abdominal disorders, vomiting, problems of throat, liver and lungs and rectal disease.
Phytochemicals - Phytochemical investigation of the methanolic extracts of the fruits led to the isolation of three new chemical constituents characterized as n-hexatriacont-16,18-diene, 3-methoxybenzyl octadec-9,12,15 trienoate, and 1,4-naphthoquinone-2-olyl--d-arabinopyranosyl-2-(2,6,10,14 -tetramethylhexadecane)-1-oate along with a glyceride identified as glyceryl-1-linoleate-2,3-dioleate.
Botanical Name - Centratherum Anthelminticum
Category - Spices/Medicinal
Form - Dry
Part Used - Seeds
General Information - "Kalijiri, Ban jira, Vanyajiraka, Somraji, Bitter cumin are few common names of the seeds of a plant, Centratherum anthelminticum. The word anthelminticum in scientific name, clearly suggests the medicinal usage of the plant, which is to treat parasites.
Due to hot, sharp, bitter taste, and strong bad odour, Kalijiri is not used in preparation of food but mainly as medicine. In Ayurveda, they are especially used in the treatment of intestinal parasites, and diseases of the skin. They are also used in the treatment of fever, cough, and diarrhea.
In India, the seeds of three plants are known as Kalajiri or Black cumin viz. Nigella sativa (Ranunculaceae), Bunium persicum (Umbelliferae), and Centratherum anthelminticum (Asteraceae).
Also, there are two species of the plant which are known as Somraji, one is Psoralea corylifolia, and other is Centratherum anthelminticum. Both are used in the treatment of the skin diseases, and leukoderma. In Bengal, mainly Centratherum anthelminticum is referred as Somraji or Bakuchi / Babchi."
Phytochemicals - "The major classes of chemical constituent present are glycosides, carbohydrates, phenolic compounds, and tannins, flavanoids, proteins, saponins, sterols, lipids, and fats.
The seeds contain about 14.7% carbohydrates, 21.4% fat, 22.5% protein, 29.3% fiber, and 4.9% moisture. The seeds contain fatty acids viz. linoleic acid (50 %), palmitic acid, palmitoleic acid, stearic acid, and oleic acid.
The main active principle of seeds are Delta-7-avenasterol. They also contain demanolide lactone, vernasterol, Sterols, avenasterol, and vernosterol, a bitter principle, essential oil, resins, and fixed oil consisting of myristic, palmitic, stearic, oleic, linoleic, and vernolic acids."
Botanical Name - Nigella Sativa
Category - Spices/Medicinal
Form - Dry
Part Used - Seeds
General Information - Seeds of Nigella sativa (black cumin), a dicotyledonof the Ranunculaceae family, have been used for thousandsof years as a spice and food preservative. Black cumin is anannual herbaceous plant widely grown in the Mediterraneancountries, Middle East, Eastern Europe and Western Asia.The seeds have been added as a spice to a variety of Persianfoods such as bread, yogurt, pickles, sauces and salads. In the Middle East, NorthernAfrica and India, it has been used traditionally for centuriesfor the treatment of asthma, cough, bronchitis, headache,rheumatism, fever, influenza and eczema and for itsantihistaminic, antidiabetic and anti-inflammatory activities.
Phytochemicals - The oil and the seed constituents, in particular thymoquinone (TQ), have shown potential medicinalproperties; they exhibit potent anti-inflammatory effectson several inflammation-based models including experi-mental encephalomyelitis, colitis, peritonitis, oedama,and arthritis through suppression of the inflammatory mediators prostaglandins and leukotriens. The oil and active ingredient of TQ showed beneficial immunomodulatory properties, augmenting the T cell andnatural killer cell-mediated immune responses. Most importantly, both the oil and its active ingredients expressed anti-microbial and anti-tumor properties toward different microbes and cancers. Coupling these beneficialeffects with its use in folk medicine, Nigella sativa seed isa promising source for active ingredients that would bewith potential therapeutic modalities in different clinicalsettings. More than 150 studies have been conducted andconfirmed the pharmacological effectiveness of igellasativa seed constituents. Though, Nigella sativa seed is acomplex substance of more than 100 compounds, some ofwhich have not yet been identified or studied.
Botanical Name - Trachyspermum ammi
Category - Spices/Medicinal
Form - Dry
Part Used - Seeds
General Information - Ajwain (Trachyspermum ammi L. Sprague) is an annual aromatic and herbaceous plant of the family Apiaceae. It is an erect annual herb with a striate stem and originated in the eastern regions of Persia and India. Its fruits are small, and grayish-brown in color. Ajwain has several other common names in English, including carom, Ethiopian cumin, wild parsley, and bishopâ??s weed.
Phytochemicals - Trachyspermum ammi (L.)commonly known as ajwain or caraway is native to Egypt and widely grown all over Iraq, Iran, Afghanistan, Pakistan, and India. The seeds of T. ammi (L.) are widely used in India and eastern Asia, both in diet and in traditional medicine. They contain fiber (11.9%), carbohydrates (38.6%), tannins, glycosides, moisture (8.9%), protein (15.4%), fat (18.1%), saponins, flavone, and mineral matter (7.1%). Essential oil prepared from seeds contains thymol (50 - 60%), -terpinene, and p-cymene, along with and pinenes, -thujen, myrcene, 1,8-cineole, and carvacrol.
Botanical Name - Trachyspermum ammi
Category - Spices/Medicinal
Form - Dry
Part Used - Seeds
General Information - Ajwain (Trachyspermum ammi L. Sprague) is an annual aromatic and herbaceous plant of the family Apiaceae. It is an erect annual herb with a striate stem and originated in the eastern regions of Persia and India. Its fruits are small, and grayish-brown in color. Ajwain has several other common names in English, including carom, Ethiopian cumin, wild parsley, and bishop;s weed.
Botanical Name - Salvia hispanica
Category - Medicinal
Form - Dry
Part Used - Seeds
General Information - Chia (Salvia hispanica L.) is a small seed that comes from an annual herbaceous plant, Salvia hispanica L. In recent years, usage of Chia seeds has tremendously grown due to their high nutritional and medicinal values. Chia was cultivated by Mesopotamian cultures, but then disappeared for centuries until the middle of the 20th century, when it was rediscovered. Today, chia has been analyzed in different areas of research. Researches around the world have been investigating the benefits of chia seeds in the medicinal, pharmaceutical, and food industry. Chia oil is today one of the most valuable oils on the market. Different extraction methods have been used to produce the oil.
Phytochemicals- Chia seeds contain healthy 3 fatty acids, polyunsaturated fatty acids, dietary fiber, proteins, vitamins, and some minerals. Besides this, the seeds are an excellent source of polyphenols and antioxidants, such as caffeic acid, rosmarinic acid, myricetin, quercetin, and others.
Botanical Name - Salvia hispanica
Category - Super Food
Form - Dry
Part Used - Seed
General Information - Salvia hispanica L. is mainly grown for its seeds and produces white and purple flowers. Chia seeds are generally very small, oval-shaped, 2 mm long, 1 to 1.5 mm wide, and less than 1 mm thick. The color of the seed varies from black, grey, or black spotted to white. Salvia hispanica L. was used beside corn, bean, and amaranth by ancient Mesoamerican cultures.
Botanical Name - Syzygium aromaticum
Category - Aromatic/Medicinal
Form - Dry
Part Used - Flower Buds
General Information - Syzygium aromaticum (S. aromaticum) (synonym: Eugenia cariophylata) commonly known as clove, is an median size tree (8-12 m) from the Mirtaceae family native from the Maluku islands in east Indonesia. For centuries the trade of clove and the search of this valuable spice stimulated the economic development of this Asiatic region. The antioxidant and antimicrobial activity of clove is higher than many fruits, vegetables and other spices and should deserve special attention. Clove (S. aromaticum) is one of the most valuable spices that have been used for centuries as food preservative and for many medicinal purposes.
Phytochemicals - Syzygium aromaticum plant represents one of the richest source of phenolic compounds such as eugenol, eugenol acetate and gallic acid and posses great potential for pharmaceutical, cosmetic, food and agricultural applications. Clove represents one of the major vegetal sources of phenolic compounds as flavonoids, hidroxibenzoic acids, hidroxicinamic acids and hidroxiphenyl propens. Eugenol is the main bioactive compound of clove, which is found in concentrations ranging from 9 - 381.70 to 14 - 650.00 mg per 100 g of fresh plant material
Botanical Name - Coriandrum sativum
Category - Spices
Form - Dry
Part Used - Leaves
General Information - Coriander (Coriandrum sativum L.) is a glabrous, aromatic, herbaceous annual herb belonging to the family Apiaceae1. It is commonly known as Dhaniya in Hindi, Dhanya in Sanskrit and Kotthamalli in Tamil. Coriander is one of the oldest spices mentioned in recorded history, with evidence of its use more than 5000 years ago. Its use was mentioned in Egyptian, Sanskrit and Roman literature. Egyptians called this herb the spice of happiness2. The coriander seeds are one of the most important spices in the world and are regularly used in the Indian Kitchen. The herb as young plants is used to prepare curry, soups, salads, and sauces, whereas the fruit is mainly used as a seasoning for pickles, cold meats, confectionery products and seasoning mixtures3,4. It is the most widely consumed popular ingredient in the world as a domestic spice, a traditional medicine, and a flavoring agent5. Coriander is available throughout the year providing a fragrant flavor that is reminiscent of both citrus peel and sage. Its essential oil is used in pharmaceutical recipes and as a fragrance in cosmetics6,7. In addition to culinary value, coriander is known for its wide range of healing properties. It is generally used in gastrointestinal complaints such as anorexia, dyspepsia, flatulence, diarrhea, griping pain and vomiting. Coriander fruit is also reputed as refrigerant, tonic, diuretic, and aphrodisiac, while, its essential oil is considered useful in flatulent colic, rheumatism, neuralgia, etc. Coriander is also used as antiedemic, anti-inflammatory, antiseptic, emmenagogue, antidiabetic, antihypertensive, lipolytic and myorelaxant, and possess nerve- soothing property8. Coriander is used to flavour several alcoholic beverages like gin9
Phytochemicals - The chemical composition of coriander revealed that the linalool was 72.3 and 77.7 %, while �±-pinene was 5.9 and 4.4 %, �³-terpinene 4.7 and 5.6 %, camphor 4.6 and 2.4 %, limonene 2.0 and 0.9 %, in Argentinean and European coriander, respectively44. The essential oil from New Zealand contained linalool, �±-pinene, �³-terpinene, camphor and limonene in the concentration of 65.8, 6.8, 6.1, 5.1, and 2.7 %, respectively45. In Russian coriander seed essential oil, linalool constitutes about 68.0 % of oil46. Hence we can conclude that linalool was the main compound in the coriander seed essential oil.
Botanical Name - Coriandrum sativum
Category - Spices
Form - Dry
Part Used - Seeds
General Information - Coriander (Coriandrum sativum L.) is a glabrous, aromatic, herbaceous annual herb belonging to the family Apiaceae1. It is commonly known as Dhaniya in Hindi, Dhanya in Sanskrit and Kotthamalli in Tamil. Coriander is one of the oldest spices mentioned in recorded history, with evidence of its use more than 5000 years ago. Its use was mentioned in Egyptian, Sanskrit and Roman literature. Egyptians called this herb the spice of happiness2. The coriander seeds are one of the most important spices in the world and are regularly used in the Indian Kitchen. The herb as young plants is used to prepare curry, soups, salads, and sauces, whereas the fruit is mainly used as a seasoning for pickles, cold meats, confectionery products and seasoning mixtures3,4. It is the most widely consumed popular ingredient in the world as a domestic spice, a traditional medicine, and a flavoring agent5. Coriander is available throughout the year providing a fragrant flavor that is reminiscent of both citrus peel and sage. Its essential oil is used in pharmaceutical recipes and as a fragrance in cosmetics6,7. In addition to culinary value, coriander is known for its wide range of healing properties. It is generally used in gastrointestinal complaints such as anorexia, dyspepsia, flatulence, diarrhea, griping pain and vomiting. Coriander fruit is also reputed as refrigerant, tonic, diuretic, and aphrodisiac, while, its essential oil is considered useful in flatulent colic, rheumatism, neuralgia, etc. Coriander is also used as antiedemic, anti-inflammatory, antiseptic, emmenagogue, antidiabetic, antihypertensive, lipolytic and myorelaxant, and possess nerve- soothing property8. Coriander is used to flavour several alcoholic beverages like gin9
Phytochemicals - The chemical composition of coriander revealed that the linalool was 72.3 and 77.7 %, while �±-pinene was 5.9 and 4.4 %, �³-terpinene 4.7 and 5.6 %, camphor 4.6 and 2.4 %, limonene 2.0 and 0.9 %, in Argentinean and European coriander, respectively44. The essential oil from New Zealand contained linalool, I±-pinene, I-terpinene, camphor and limonene in the concentration of 65.8, 6.8, 6.1, 5.1, and 2.7 %, respectively45. In Russian coriander seed essential oil, linalool constitutes about 68.0 % of oil46. Hence we can conclude that linalool was the main compound in the coriander seed essential oil.
Botanical Name - Cuminum cyminum
Category - Spices
Form - Dry
Part Used - Seeds
General Information - Cumin (Cuminum cyminum L.) is an aromatic herb (Figure 50.1) of the Apicaceae family, and its dried seeds are used as a spice. In India it is commonly known as cumin or zeera, and is called kummel, comino, zirech-e sabz, cumino, kemon, zira, and kamun in various other parts of the world. It is native to India, Iran, the Mediterranean, and Egypt. Cumin is a mixture of united and separated mericarps, yellowish green/brown in color, elongated ovoid, and 3-6 mm in length. Cumin is widely used as a spice for its strong characteristic flavor in various ethnic cuisines around the world.
Phytochemicals - The major compounds present in cumin oil include cuminal, I-pinene, I-myrcene, I-cymene, I-terpinene, and I-mentha-1,4-dien-7-ol. Cumin possesses many nutraceutical properties with many biological activities.
Botanical Name - Elwendia persica/Bunium persicum
Category - Spices
Form - Dry
Part Used - Seeds
General Information - "Elwendia persica, synonym Bunium persicum, is a plant species in the family Apiaceae. Bunium persicum (Boiss.) B. Fedtsch is a plant of Apiaceae family called wild caraway. It is a perennial aromatic plant with small white or pink fowers and small brown beans growing wild in areas with Mediterranean climate such as central and western Asia including Iran, Turkey, Syria, Pakistan, Tajikistan, Afghanistan, North India (Kashmir and Pamir), China, some parts of Europe, Northern Africa and South America.
This plant is called with diferent names throughout the world as Great pignut, Black zire, Black caraway, Carum carvi, Persian Cumin, Zire kuhi, Shah zira, Kala Zeera, Jira, Wild caraway and wild cumin. B. Persicum (BP) has small (30 cm) to tall (80 cm) varieties which squeezed or expanded with large or small branches. B. persicum (BP) is used for culinary intentions as a spice and flavoring agent in foods and beverages such as bread cooking, rice, yoghurt, cheese and in confectionery products. It has a strong earthy aroma is sharpened by frying and cooking it. This plant is also used in the perfume and cosmetics."
Phytochemicals - Phytochemical profile of Bunium persicum (Boiss.) has shown flavonoids, phenolic acids, and aldehydes as well as a high content of mono-terpenes and sesquiterpenes contained in the essential oil and extracts of this plant. In recent years, application of natural compounds particularly medicinal plants has increased in food due to their potential to increase the food safety and shelf life.
Botanical Name - Murraya koenigii
Category - Spices/Medicinal
Form - Dry
Part Used - Leaves
General Information - Murraya koenigii (L.) Spreng or its common name curry leaf tree is a small strong smelling perennial shrub commonly found in forests as undergrowth. It was originally cultivated in India for its aromatic leaves and for ornament is normally used for natural flavoring in curries and sauces. Originated in Tarai regions of Uttar Pradesh, India. It is now widely found in all parts of India and it adorns every house yard of southern India and also it is now cultivated and distributes throughout the world.
Phytochemicals - This plant is known to be the richest source of carbazole alkaloids. It has been reported by authors that carbazole alkaloids present in M.koenigii (L.) Spreng and display various biological activities such as anti-tumor, anti-oxidative, anti-mutagenic and anti-inflammatory activities. The fresh leaves of Murraya koenigii contain 61.77- 66.2% of moisture, 2.1-12.5%of protein, 14.6-18.97% of total sugar, 9.7-13.06% of total ash, 1.35-1.82% of acid insoluble ash, 1.35-1.82% of alcohol soluble extractive and water extractive value ranges between 27.33-33.45%.
Botanical Name - Murraya koenigii
Category - Spices/Medicinal
Form - Dry
Part Used - Leaves
General Information - Murraya koenigii (L.) Spreng or its common name curry leaf tree is a small strong smelling perennial shrub commonly found in forests as undergrowth. It was originally cultivated in India for its aromatic leaves and for ornament is normally used for natural flavoring in curries and sauces. Originated in Tarai regions of Uttar Pradesh, India. It is now widely found in all parts of India and it adorns every house yard of southern India and also it is now cultivated and distributes throughout the world.
Phytochemicals - This plant is known to be the richest source of carbazole alkaloids. It has been reported by authors that carbazole alkaloids present in M.koenigii (L.) Spreng and display various biological activities such as anti-tumor, anti-oxidative, anti-mutagenic and anti-inflammatory activities. The fresh leaves of Murraya koenigii contain 61.77- 66.2% of moisture, 2.1-12.5%of protein, 14.6-18.97% of total sugar, 9.7-13.06% of total ash, 1.35-1.82% of acid insoluble ash, 1.35-1.82% of alcohol soluble extractive and water extractive value ranges between 27.33-33.45%.
Botanical Name - Foeniculum vulgare
Category - Spices/Medicinal
Form - Dry
Part Used - Seeds
General Information - Foeniculum vulgare Mill. is a biennial medicinal and aromatic plant belonging to the family Apiaceae (Umbelliferaceae). It is a hardy, perennial umbelliferous herb with yellow flowers and feathery leaves. It grows to a height of up to 2.5 m with hollow stems. The leaves grow up to 40 cm long; they are finely dissected with the ultimate segments filiform (thread like) of about 0.5 mm wide. The flowers are produced in terminal compound umbels. The fruit is a dry seed 4â??10 mm long. It is generally considered indigenous to the shores of Mediterranean Sea but has become widely naturalised in many parts of the world especially on dry soils near the sea coast and on the river banks. Some authors distinguish two sub-species of fennel, piperitum and vulgare: sub-species piperitum has bitter seeds, while sub-species vulgare has sweet seeds which are used as flavouring agents in baked goods, meat and fish dishes, ice creams, alcoholic beverages, etc due to their characteristic anise odour. Foeniculum vulgare (Apiaceae) commonly known as fennel is a well known and important medicinal and aromatic plant widely used as carminative, digestive, lactogogue and diuretic and in treating respiratory and gastrointestinal disorders. Its seeds are used as flavourings in baked goods, meat and fish dishes, ice cream, alcoholic beverages and herb mixtures. Phenols, phenolic glycosides and volatile aroma compounds such as trans-anethole, estragole and fenchone have been reported as the major phytoconstituents of this species. Different pharmacological experiments in a number of in vitro and in vivo models have convincingly demonstrated the ability of F. vulgare to exhibit antifungal, antibacterial, antioxidant, antithrombotic and hepatoprotective activities, lending support to the rationale behind several of its therapeutic uses.
Phytochemicals- F. vulgare has been reported to contain 6.3% of moisture, 9.5% protein, 10% fat, 13.4% minerals, 18.5% fibre and 42.3% carbohydrates. The minerals and vitamins present in F. vulgare are calcium, potassium, sodium, iron, phosphorus, thiamine, riboflavin, niacin and vitamin C.
Botanical Name - Trigonella foenum-graecum
Category - Spices/Medicinal
Form - Dry
Part Used - Seeds
General Information - Fenugreek (Trigonella foenum-graecum) belongs to the family fabaceae. Fenugreek is used both as a herb (the leaves) and as a spice (the seed). It is cultivated world wide as semi-arid crop. In Sudan the seeds have many uses especially in folk medicine. Whole seeds are swallowed as antiacid and against dysentery and stomach disturbances. Also a special porridage (madidat-hilba) is made from wheat flour to which whole or ground fenugreek seeds are added for fattening women. It is also used by lactating women in a form of thin porridge. Seeds of fenugreek spice have medicinal properties such as hypocholesterolemic, lactation aid, antibacterial, gastric stimulant, for anorexia, antidiabetic agent, galactogogue, hepatoprotective effect and anticancer.
Phytochemicals- Fenugreek contains a number of chemical constituents including steroidal sapogenins. Diosgenin component has been found in the oily embryo of fenugreek. There are two furastanol glycosides, F-ring opened precursors of diosgenin that have been reported in fenugreek also as hederagin glycosides. Alkaloids such as trigocoumarin, nicotinic acid, trimethyl coumarin and trigonelline are present in stem.
Botanical Name - Trigonella foenum-graecum
Category - Spices/Medicinal
Form - Dry
Part Used - Seeds
General Information - Fenugreek (Trigonella foenum-graecum) belongs to the family fabaceae. Fenugreek is used both as a herb (the leaves) and as a spice
(the seed). It is cultivated world wide as semi-arid crop. In Sudan the seeds have many uses especially in folk medicine. Whole seeds are swallowed as antiacid and against dysentery and stomach disturbances. Also a special porridage (madidat-hilba) is made from wheat flour to which whole or ground fenugreek seeds are added for fattening women. It is also used by lactating women in a form of thin porridge. Seeds of fenugreek spice have medicinal properties such as hypocholesterolemic, lactation aid, antibacterial, gastric stimulant, for anorexia, antidiabetic agent, galactogogue, hepatoprotective effect and anticancer.
Phytochemicals - Fenugreek contains a number of chemical constituents including steroidal sapogenins. Diosgenin component has been found in the oily embryo of fenugreek. There are two furastanol glycosides, F-ring opened precursors of diosgenin that have been reported in fenugreek also as hederagin glycosides. Alkaloids such as trigocoumarin, nicotinic acid, trimethyl coumarin and trigonelline are present in stem.
Botanical Name - Linum usitatissimum
Category - Medicinal
Form - Dry
Part Used - Seeds
General Information - Linum usitatissimum (Linn.), commonly known as flaxseed or linseed, belongs to the family Linaceae. The flax plant is not a new crop and is native to West Asia and the Mediterranean coastal lands, Asia Minor, Egypt, Algeria, Tunis, Spain, Italy, and Greece; in all these areas, only fiber flax is cultivated. In south-west Asia, including Turkestan, Afghanistan, and India, only oil types are grown. In North America, flaxseed is the preferred term for flax used for human consumption, whereas Europeans use the term linseed for edible flax. Historical records indicate that flaxseed dates back to around 9000â??8000 BC in Turkey, Iran, Jordan, and Syria. Flaxseed is grown in approximately 50 countries, most of which are in the Northern hemisphere. In 2002, Canada was the largest producer of flaxseed, accounting for approximately 33% of the 2 million metric tons produced, followed by China (20%), United States (16%) and India (11%).
Phytochemicals - Flaxseed is well-known for the content of chemical compounds with specific biological activity and functional properties: polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFA) omega-3 family, soluble dietary fibers, lignans, proteins and carbohydrates. However, it is constituted by few levels of adverse health compounds such as Cadmium, protease inhibitors and cyanogenic compounds. Flaxseed is emerging as an important functional food ingredient because provides oil rich in omega-3, digestible proteins, and lignans. In addition to being one of the richest sources of �±-linolenic acid oil and lignans, flaxseed is an essential source of high quality protein and soluble fiber and has considerable potential as a source of phenolic compounds. Flaxseed has nutritional and functional properties. In fact the content of compounds such as polyunsaturated fatty acids, essential amino acids, vitamin E, lignans and dietary fibers makes flaxseed a source to satisfy basic needs in the human diet and health maintenance. Healthy properties are related to anti-inflammatory, anti-oxidant, anti-carcinogenic activities and to the lowering of cholesterol, the decrease of cardiovascular disease and the prevention of diabetes.
Botanical Name - Linum usitatissimum
Category - Super Food
Form - Dry
Part Used - Seed
General Information - "Common flax is thought to be one of the oldest domesticated plants. Flax is grown in 64 countries of the world. Canada, China, India and the USA have the highest shares in the global flaxseed production. Flax is a plant that provides raw material for the food, chemical and pharmaceutical industries. Consumers are increasingly interested in the use of
flaxseed in daily diet.
Botanical Name - Momordica charantia
Category - Medicinal
Form - Dry
Part Used - Fruit
General Information - Momordica charantia (MC), a member of the Cucurbitaceae family, is also known as bitter melon, bitter gourd, balsam pear, pare, or karela. It is a widely grown and consumed vegetable in Asia, East Africa, India, and South America. The potential for MC to modulate blood glucose has received the most attention from investigators searching for natural foods or compounds that may be useful in the treatment of diabetes.
Phytochemicals - The main constituents of bitter melon which are responsible for the antidiabetic effects are triterpene, proteid, steroid, alkaloid, inorganic, lipid, and phenolic compounds. Several glycosides have been isolated from the M. charantia stem and fruit and are grouped under the genera of cucurbitane-type triterpenoids. In particular, four triterpenoids have AMP-activated protein kinase activity which is a plausible hypoglycaemic mechanism of M. charantia.
Botanical Name - Allium sativum
Category - Spices/Medicinal
Form - Fresh/Dry
Part Used - Cloves
General Information - Garlic has a long history of usage by mankind for food seasoning. Undoubtedly, garlic has also tremendous health benefits when used as medicine, nutraceutical or simply food as medicine. Furthermore, it has also been proposed as one of the richest sources of total phenolic compounds, among the usually consumed vegetables, and has been highly ranked regarding its contribution of phenolic compounds to human diet.
Phytochemicals - Garlic (Allium sativum L.) is a widely consumed spice in the world. Garlic contains diverse bioactive compounds, such as allicin, alliin, diallyl sulfide, diallyl disulfide, diallyl trisulfide, ajoene, and S-allyl-cysteine. Substantial studies have shown that garlic and its bioactive constituents exhibit antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, antibacterial, antifungal, immunomodulatory, cardiovascular protective, anticancer, hepatoprotective, digestive system protective, anti-diabetic, anti-obesity, neuroprotective, and renal protective properties.
Botanical Name - Allium sativum
Category - Spices/Medicinal
Form - Fresh/Dry
Part Used - Cloves
General Information - Garlic has a long history of usage by mankind for food seasoning. Undoubtedly, garlic has also tremendous health benefits when used as medicine, nutraceutical or simply food as medicine. Furthermore, it has also been proposed as one of the richest sources of total phenolic compounds, among the usually consumed vegetables, and has been highly ranked regarding its contribution of phenolic compounds to human diet.
Phytochemicals - Garlic (Allium sativum L.) is a widely consumed spice in the world. Garlic contains diverse bioactive compounds, such as allicin, alliin, diallyl sulfide, diallyl disulfide, diallyl trisulfide, ajoene, and S-allyl-cysteine. Substantial studies have shown that garlic and its bioactive constituents exhibit antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, antibacterial, antifungal, immunomodulatory, cardiovascular protective, anticancer, hepatoprotective, digestive system protective, anti-diabetic, anti-obesity, neuroprotective, and renal protective properties.
Botanical Name - Allium cepa
Category - Spices/Medicinal
Form - Fresh/Dry
Part Used - Bulb
General Information - The onion (Allium cepa L., from Latin cepa "onion"), also known as the bulb onion or common onion, is a vegetable that is the most widely cultivated species of the genus Allium. Its close relatives include the garlic, scallion, shallot, leek, chive and Chinese onion. Onions are cultivated and used around the world. As a food item, they are usually served cooked, as a vegetable or part of a prepared savoury dish, but can also be eaten raw or used to make pickles or chutneys. They are pungent when chopped and contain certain chemical substances which irritate the eyes.
Phytochemicals- "Considerable differences exist between onion varieties in phytochemical content, particularly for polyphenols, with shallots having the highest level, six times the amount found in Vidalia onions. Yellow onions have the highest total flavonoid content, an amount 11 times higher than in white onions. Red onions have considerable content of anthocyanin pigments, with at least 25 different compounds identified representing 10% of total flavonoid content.
Onion polyphenols are under basic research to determine their possible biological properties in humans.
Some people suffer from allergic reactions after handling onions. Symptoms can include contact dermatitis, intense itching, rhinoconjunctivitis, blurred vision, bronchial asthma, sweating, and anaphylaxis. Allergic reactions may not occur when eating cooked onions, possibly due to the denaturing of the proteins from cooking."
Botanical Name - Rosa Damascena
Category - Aromatic/Medicinal
Form - Fresh/Dry
Part Used - Petals
General Information - Rosa damascena mill L, commonly known as Damask rose. It is one of the most important species of Rosaceae family. Rosaceae are well- known ornamental plants and have been referred to as the king of flowers. At present time, over 200 rose species and more than 18000 cultivars form of the plant have been identified. Apart from the use of R. damascena as ornamental plants in parks, gardens, and houses, they are principally cultivated for using in perfume, medicine and food industry. However, R. damascena is mainly known for its perfuming effects. The rose water were scattered at weddings to ensure a happy marriage and are symbol of love and purity and are also used to aid meditation and prayer.
Phytochemicals- Several components were isolated from flowers, petals and hips (seed-pot) of R. damascena including terpenes, glycosides, flavonoids, and anthocyanins. This plant contains carboxylic acid, myrcene, vitamin C, kaempferol and quarcetin. Flowers also contain a bitter principle, tanning matter, fatty oil and organic acids.
Botanical Name - Rosa Damascena
Category - Aromatic/Medicinal
Form - Fresh/Dry
Part Used - Petals
General Information - Rosa damascena mill L, commonly known as Damask rose. It is one of the most important species of Rosaceae family. Rosaceae are well- known ornamental plants and have been referred to as the king of flowers. At present time, over 200 rose species and more than 18000 cultivars form of the plant have been identified. Apart from the use of R. damascena as ornamental plants in parks, gardens, and houses, they are principally cultivated for using in perfume, medicine and food industry. However, R. damascena is mainly known for its perfuming effects. The rose water were scattered at weddings to ensure a happy marriage and are symbol of love and purity and are also used to aid meditation and prayer.
Phytochemicals- Several components were isolated from flowers, petals and hips (seed-pot) of R. damascena including terpenes, glycosides, flavonoids, and anthocyanins. This plant contains carboxylic acid, myrcene, vitamin C, kaempferol and quarcetin. Flowers also contain a bitter principle, tanning matter, fatty oil and organic acids.
Botanical Name - Emblica officinalis/Phyllanthus emblica
Category - Medicinal
Form - Dry
Part Used - Fruit
General Information - Indian gooseberry or amla, scientifically known as Emblica officinalis Gaertn or Phyllanthus emblica Linn, is arguably the most important medicinal plant in the Indian traditional system of medicine, the Ayurveda, and in various traditional folk systems of medicine in the Southeast Asia. The fruits are a rich source of vitamin C and are of dietary and culinary use in India. In the traditional system of medicine, amla is used to treat a variety of ailments such as anemia, hyperacidity, diarrhea, eye inflammation, leucorrhea, jaundice, nervine debility, liver complaints, cough, and anomalies of urine. Scientific studies have shown that amla possesses antibacterial, antifungal, antiviral, antidiabetic, hypolipidemic, antiulcerogenic, free radical scavenging, antioxidant, antimutagenic, antiinflammatory, immunomodulatory, antipyretic, analgesic, antitussive, antiatherogenic, adaptogenic, snake venom neutralizing, gastroprotective, antianemia, antihypercholesterolemia, wound healing, antidiarrheal, antiatherosclerotic, nephroprotective, neuroprotective, and hepatoprotective properties. In this update, we emphasize on the hepatoprotective effects of amla by emphasizing on the scientific studies that have validated the property.
Phytochemicals - "Emblica officinalis primarily contains tannins, alkaloids, phenolic, amino acids and carbohydrates. Its fruit juice contains the highest amount of vitamin C (478.56 mg/100 mL). The fruit when blended with other fruits boosted their nutritional quality in terms of vitamin C content. Compounds isolated from Emblica officinalis were galic acid, ellagic acid, 1-O galloyl-beta-D-glucose, 3,6-di-Ogalloyl- Dglucose, chebulinic acid, quercetin, chebulagic acid, corilagin, 1,6- di-O -galloyl beta D glucose, 3 Ethylgallic acid (3 ethoxy 4,5 dihydroxy benzoic acid) and isostrictiniin.
Phyllanthusemblica also contains flavonoids, kaempferol 3 O alpha L (6'' methyl) rhamnopyranoside and kaempferol 3 O alpha L (6''ethyl) rhamnopyranoside. A new acylatedapigenin glucoside (apigenin 7 O (6'' butyryl beta glucopyranoside) was isolated from the methanolic extract of the leaves of Phyllanthus emblicatogether with the known compounds; gallic acid, methyl gallate, 1,2,3,4,6-penta-O-galloylglucose and luteolin-4'-Oneohesperiodoside were also reported"
Botanical Name - Pterocarpus santalinus
Category - Aromatic/Medicinal
Form - Dry
Part Used - Heartwood
General Information - Pterocarpus santalinus Linn.f., commonly known as Red sanders, belongs to the family Fabaceae. It is endemic to India and considered globally endangered, with illegal harvest being a key threat. The plant is renowned for its characteristic timber of exquisite color, beauty, and superlative technical qualities. The red wood yields a natural dye santalin, which is used in coloring pharmaceutical preparations and foodstuffs. In the traditional system of medicine, the decoction prepared from the heartwood is attributed various medicinal properties. It has been used in inducing vomiting and treating eye diseases, mental aberrations, and ulcers. The heartwood of Red sanders is known to have antipyretic, anti-inflammatory, anthelmintic, tonic, hemorrhage, dysentery, aphrodisiac, and diaphoretic activities. It has also been used as a cooling agent. Ethanol extract of stem bark was reported to possess anti-hyperglycaemic activity. The wood in combination with other drugs is also prescribed for snake bites and scorpion stings.
Phytochemicals - Phytochemical investigations of aqueous and ethanol extracts of stem bark revealed the presence of alkaloids, phenols, saponins, glycosides, flavonoides, triterpenoides, sterols, and tannins. The heart wood contains isoflavone glucosides and two anti-tumour lignans, viz., savinin and calocedrin.
Botanical Name - Citrullus lanatus
Category - Super Food
Form - Dry
Part Used - Seed
General Information -
Phytochemicals-
Botanical Name - Punica granatum
Category - Super Food
Form - Dry
Part Used - Seed
General Information - Punica granatum (Pomegranate) is a small tree which measures between five and eight meters tall and mainly found India, China, USA and throughout the Mediterranean region. The Pg can be also divided into several anatomical compartments including seed, juice, peel, leaf, flower, bark, and root with each possessing interesting pharmacological and toxicological activities.
Botanical Name - Elettaria cardamomum
Category - Aromatic/Spices
Form - Dry
Part Used - Pods
General Information - Green cardamom (Elettaria cardamomum) is an aromatic spice cultivated mainly in southern India, Sri Lanka, Southeast Asia, Guatemala, the Malabar coast and in Ceylon. It is a native crop of India. Also known as lesser or true cardamom, the spice is very important in world trade. Cardamom belongs to the Zingiberaceae family. It has well-established culinary value and is used in a wide range of sweets and confectionery. Cardamom is an important ingredient of garam masala, a combination spice for many vegetarian and non-vegetarian dishes. In traditional medicine, cardamom seeds are used for the treatment of a variety of ailments including acute respiratory disorders, stomach complaints, bad breath, sore throat, colds, fever, bronchitis, gallbladder problems, flatulence, and colic.
Phytochemicals - Cardamom is a rich source of the compound 1,8-cineole, which is present in most oils used by aromatherapists to treat various ailments and relieve tension. The oil extracted from cardamom seeds is a unique gift of nature, containing combinations of terpene, esters, flavonoids and other compounds. Cineole, the major active component of cardamom oil, is a potent antiseptic that kills the bacteria in bad breath and treats other infections and is also known to have expectorant activity for clearing breathing passages.
Botanical Name - Lawsonia inermis
Category - Cosmetic/Medicinal
Form - Dry
Part Used - Leaves
General Information - Lawsonia inermisLinn (Lythraceae) is a perennial plant commonly called as Henna, having different vernacular names in India viz., Mehndi in Hindi, Mendika, Rakigarbha in Sanskrit, Mailanchi in Malayalam, Muruthani in Tamil, Benjati in Oriya, Mayilanchi in Kannada and Mehedi in Bengali. In several countries it is cultivated on a large scale toobtain leaves to dye hands and hair. It is a glabrousbranched shrub with greyish brown bark. Its leavesare elliptic, acute and often mucronulate with smallwhite or rose-colored fragrant flowers. The seeds areapproximately pea size with numerous pyramidal andsmooth shapes. Traditionally, a paste of leaves isused to prevent skin inflammation, cure ulcersand wounds. Its leaves have also been used as anexpectorant, constipating, haematinic, febrifuge,cough, burning sensation, hemicranias, cephalagia,diarrhoea, dysentery, leucoderma, leprosy, boils,scabies, hepatopathy, anemia, hemoptysis, fever andopthalmia.
Phytochemicals - The plant has wide range of phytochemicals including lawsone, isoplumbagin lawsoniaside, lalioside, lawsoniaside B, syringinoside, daphneside, daphnorin, agrimonolide 6-O-�²-D-glucopyranoside, (+)-syringaresinol O-�²-D-glucopyranoside, (+)-pinoresinol di-O-�²-D-glucopyranoside, syringaresinol di-O-�²-D-glucopyranoside, isoscutellarin3�², hennadiol, (20S)-3�², 30-dihydroxylupane, lawnermis acid, 3-methyl-nonacosan-1-ol, laxanthones I, II, III and lacoumarin etc. The various studies of L. inermis reported the plant to have antibacterial, antifungal, antiparasitic, antiviral, anticancer, antidiabetic, tuberculostatic, anti-inflammatory, antifertility and wound healing properties. This review discusses on the botany, traditional use, phytochemistry and pharmacological data of the plant. Lawsone (2-hydroxy-1,4-naphthoquinone), also known as hennotannic acid, is a red-orange dye present in the leaves of the henna plant (Lawsonia inermis) as well as in the flower of water hyacinth (Eichhornia crassipes). Humans have used henna extracts containing lawsone as hair and skin dyes for more than 5000 years. Lawsone reacts chemically with the protein keratin in skin and hair, in a process known as Michael addition, resulting in a strong permanent stain that lasts until the skin or hair is shed.
Catechu Bark
Catechu is used for diarrhea, swelling of the nose and throat, dysentery, swelling of the colon (colitis), bleeding, indigestion, osteoarthritis, and cancer.
Botanical Name - Acacia catechu
Category - Medicinal
Form - Dry
Part Used - Bark
General Information - "Catechu is an herb. The leaves, shoots, and wood are used to make medicine. Catechu is used for diarrhea, swelling of the nose and throat, dysentery, swelling of the colon (colitis), bleeding, indigestion, osteoarthritis, and cancer.
People apply catechu directly to the skin for skin diseases, hemorrhoids, and traumatic injuries; to stop bleeding; and for dressing wounds. Catechu is included in mouthwashes and gargles used for gum disease (gingivitis), pain and swelling inside the mouth (stomatitis), sore throat, and mouth ulcers.
In foods and beverages, catechu is used as a flavoring agent."
Phytochemicals - Acacia catechu heartwood are rich source of catechin and epicatechin (gallic acid derivatives), with smaller amounts of flavonoids.
Botanical Name - Coriandrum sativum
Category - Super Food
Form - Dry
Part Used - Seed
General Information - Coriander (Coriandrum sativum L.) is a plant from the family of Apiaceae. Seeds and the herb of coriander, both of which are used as spice or a medicinal plant. It contains flavoring compounds such as linalool, geraniol, pinen, limonene, geranylacetat, terpinen, and borneol.
Phytochemicals-
Botanical Name - Artemisia annua
Category - Medicinal
Form - Dry
Part Used - Leaves
General Information - Artemisia annua belongs to the plant family of Asteraceae and is an annual short-day plant. Its stem is erect brownish or violet brown. The plant itself is hairless and naturally grows from 30 to 100 cm tall, although in cultivation it is possible for plants to reach a height of 200 cm. The leaves of A. annua have a length of 3 - 5 cm and are divided by deep cuts into two or three small leaflets. The intensive aromatic scent of the leaves is characteristic.[8] The artemisinin content in dried leaves is in between 0% and 1.5%.[9] New hybrids of Artemisia annua developed in Switzerland can reach a leaf artemisinin content of up to 2%.[10] The small flowers have a diameter of 2-2.5 mm and are arranged in loose panicles. Their color is green-yellowish. The seeds are brown achenes with a diameter of only 0.6-0.8 mm.
Phytochemicals- "The major active constituent of Artemisia annua, Artemisia apiacea, and Artemisia lancea is artemisinin. Derivatives of this compound include arteether, artemether, artemotil, artenimol, artesunate, and dihydroartemisinin, which, along with artemisin, are currently being used to treat drug-resistant and non-drug resistant malaria. The aerial parts of Artemisia annua contain 0.01-0.8 % of artemisinin per dry weight. Other constituents of Artemisia annua include deoxyartemisinin, artemisinic acid, arteannuin-B, stigmasterol, friedelin, friedelan-3 beta-ol, artemetin, and quercetagetin 3',4'-tetramethyl ether.
The essential oil of Artemisia annua aerial parts contains 44% camphor, 16% germacrene D, 11% trans-pinocarveol, 9% beta-selinene, 9% beta-caryophyllene, and 3% artemisia ketone."
Botanical Name - Azadirachta indica
Category - Medicinal
Form - Dry
Part Used - Leaves, Seeds, Bark
General Information - Neem (Azadirachta indica), a member of the Meliaceae family, has therapeutics implication in the diseases prevention and treatment. But the exact molecular mechanism in the prevention of pathogenesis is not understood entirely. It is considered that Azadirachta indica shows therapeutic role due to the rich source of antioxidant and other valuable active compounds such as azadirachtin, nimbolinin, nimbin, nimbidin, nimbidol, salannin, and quercetin.
Phytochemicals - Leaves contain ingredients such as nimbin, nimbanene, 6-desacetylnimbinene, nimbandiol, nimbolide, ascorbic acid, n-hexacosanol and amino acid, 7-desacetyl-7-benzoylazadiradione, 7-desacetyl-7-benzoylgedunin, 17-hydroxyazadiradione, and nimbiol. Quercetin and -sitosterol, polyphenolic flavonoids, were purified from neem fresh leaves and were known to have antibacterial and antifungal properties and seeds hold valuable constituents including gedunin and azadirachtin.
Botanical Name - Bacopa monnieri
Category - Medicinal
Form - Dry
Part Used - Whole Plant
General Information - Bacopa monnieri (BM), a medicinal Ayurvedic herb. BM is traditionally used for various ailments, but is best known as a neural tonic and memory enhancer. Numerous animal and in vitro studies have been conducted, with many evidencing potential medicinal properties. There is also evidence for potential attenuation of dementia, Parkinson's disease, and epilepsy.
Phytochemicals - The main nootropic constituents of BM are believed to be dammarane types of triterpenoid saponins known as bacosides, with jujubogenin or pseudo-jujubogenin moieties as aglycone units. Bacosides comprise a family of 12 known analogs. Novel saponins called bacopasides Iâ??XII have been identified more recently. The alkaloids brahmine, nicotine, and herpestine have been catalogued, along with d-mannitol, apigenin, hersaponin, monnierasides IIII, cucurbitacins and plantainoside B. The constituent most studied has been bacoside A, which was found to be a blend of bacoside A3, bacopacide II, bacopasaponin C, and a jujubogenin isomer of bacosaponin C. These assays have been conducted using whole plant extract, and bacoside concentrations may vary depending upon the part from which they are extracted.
Botanical Name - Beta vulgaris
Category - Medicinal
Form - Dry
Part Used - Tuberous rhizomes
General Information - Beta vulgaris (beet) is a plant which is included in the subfamily Betoideae of the family Amaranthaceae. It is the economically most important crop of the large order Caryophyllales.[2] It has several cultivar groups: the sugar beet, of greatest importance to produce table sugar; the root vegetable known as the beetroot or garden beet; the leaf vegetable known as chard or spinach beet; and mangelwurzel, which is a fodder crop. Three subspecies are typically recognised. All cultivars fall into the subspecies Beta vulgaris subsp. vulgaris. The wild ancestor of the cultivated beets is the sea beet
Phytochemicals - Red beetroot (Beta vulgaris), as a naturally occurring root vegetable and a rich source of phytochemicals and bioactive compounds, is known for its beneficial roles in the improvement of several clinical and pathologic outcome. Chronic and acute beetroot juice supplementation, as a cost-effective strategy, is proposed to hold promises in controlling diabetes and insulin hemostasis, blood pressure and vascular function, renal health and the possible effect on microbiome abundance. The secondary outcome and physiological response of microbiome abundance modulation included the non- significant fluctuation of systolic and diastolic blood pressures. Also, some studies have suggested a reno-protective property of beetroot juice that is associated with the reduction of mortality rate and favorable changes in kidneys functional parameters among patients with renal disorders.
Botanical Name - Eclipta alba/Eclipta prostrata
Category - Medicinal
Form - Dry
Part Used - Whole Plant
General Information - Eclipta alba (L.) is an annual herbaceous plant, commonly known as false daisy. It is an erect or prostrate, much branched, roughly hairy, annual, rooting at the nodes; the leaves are opposite, sessile and lanceolate. Belonging to family Asteraceae. it is also known as Bhringaraj and Karisilakanni, which is found a common weed throughout India ascending up to 6000 ft. The genus name comes from the Greek word meaning "Deficient," with reference to the absence of the bristles and awns on the fruits. The specific Eclipta alba means white which refers to the color of the flowers. Main active principles consist of coumestans like wedelolactone, desmethylwedelolactone43, furanocoumarins, oleanane & taraxastane glycosides
Phytochemicals - Eclipta alba (L.) contains wide range of active principles which includes coumestans, alkaloids, flavonoids, glycosides, polyacetylenes, triterpenoids. The leaves contain stigmasterol, a-terthienylmethanol, wedelolactone, demethylwedelolactone and demethylwedelolactone-7-glucoside. The roots give hentriacontanol and heptacosanol. The roots contain polyacetylene substituted thiophenes.The aerial part is reported to contain a phytosterol, P-amyrin in the n-hexane extract and luteolin-7-glucoside, P-glucoside of phytosterol, a glucoside of a triterpenic acid and wedelolactone in polar solvent extract. The polypeptides isolated from the plant yield cystine, glutamic acid, phenyl alanine, tyrosine and methionine on hydrolysis.
Botanical Name - Hibiscus rosa-sinensis
Category - Medicinal
Form - Dry
Part Used - Flower
General Information - Hibiscus rosa-sinensis, the probable origin of the plant was tropical Asia, It was cultivation in China, Japan and the Pacific islands for an equally long time, it was generally thought that it was originated in South China. The plant with deep-red flowers is believed to have an Asian origin, hence the name rosa-sinensis meaning 'rose of China. Now it is widely cultivated. In medicine, the red flowered variety was preferred. Roots and leaves, were anodyne and emmenagogue. They were used to regulate menstruation and stimulate blood circulation. Leaves were also used as abortifacient and to stimulate expulsion of placenta after childbirth. Flower were used for regulation of menstrual cycle, for liver disorders, high blood pressure as antitussive, in stomach pain, for eye problems, as abortifacient and as an aphrodisiac. Young leaves and flowers were used in headache. Decoction of leaves, root and fruits were helpful in treatments of arthritis, boils and coughs. Fruits were employed externally in cases of sprains, wounds and ulcers. The flowers have been reported in the ancient Indian medicinal literature with beneficial effects in heart diseases. They were refrigerant, emollient, demulcent, aphrodisiac and emmenagogue. Petals were used to stimulate thicker hair growth and to prevent premature graying, hair loss and scalp disorders. It considered as a natural emollient hair conditioner and was used in hair washes, treatments and vinegar rinses for the hair.
Phytochemicals - Quantitative phytochemical evaluation of the flowers of Hibiscus rosa-sinensis revealed that the amount of flavonoids was 0.171 mg/g, total phenolics 0.092 mg/g, tannins 0.073 mg/g, carbohydrates 0.356 mg/g, protein 0.247 mg/g, thiamine 0.072 mg/g, niacin 0.075 mg/g, ascorbic acid 0.0339 mg/g, riboflavin 0.087 mg/g, calcium 0.0127%, phosphorus 0.4113% and iron 0.771%. The flower extract of Hibiscus rosa-sinensis (Red) contained 0.678±0.14% phenols, 0.51±0.16 % alkaloids and 7.5±0.20 % tannins. While , the flower extract of Hibiscus rosa-sinensis (White) contained 0.680±0.11% phenols, 0.50±0.18 % alkaloids and 8.9±0.21 % tannins, and the flower extract of Hibiscus rosa-sinensis (Yellow) contained 0.678±0.16% phenols, 0.48±0.16 % alkaloids and 8.5±0.20% tannins.
Botanical Name - Matricaria Chamomilla
Category - Aromatic/Medicinal
Form - Dry
Part Used - Flower
General Information - Chamomile (Matricaria chamomilla L.) is one of the important medicinal herb native to southern and eastern Europe. It is also grown in Germany, Hungary, France, Russia, Yugoslavia, and Brazil. It was introduced to India during the Mughal period, now it is grown in Punjab, Uttar Pradesh, Maharashtra, and Jammu and Kashmir. The essential oil present in the flower heads contains azulene and is used in perfumery, cosmetic creams, hair preparations, skin lotions, tooth pastes, and also in fine liquors. The dry flowers of chamomile are also in great demand for use in herbal tea, baby massage oil, for promoting the gastric flow of secretion, and for the treatment of cough and cold. The use of herbal tea preparations eliminated colic in 57% infants. Because of its extensive pharmacological and pharmaceutical properties, the plant thus possesses great economic value and is in great demand in the European countries.
Phytochemicals- German chamomile is a natural source of blue oil (essential oil). The flowers and flower heads are the main organs of the production of essential oil. It is remarkable that chamomile flower oil mainly consists of sesquiterpene derivatives (75 - 90%) but only traces of monoterpenes. The oil contains up to 20% polyynes. The principal components of the essential oil extracted from the flowers are (E)-�²-farnesene (4.9 - 8.1%), terpene alcohol (farnesol), chamazulene (2.3 - 10.9%), �±-bisabolol (4.8 - 11.3%), and bisabolol oxides A (25.5 - 28.7%) and �±-bisabolol oxides B (12.2 - 30.9%), which are known for their antiinflammatory, antiseptic, antiplogistic, and spasmolytic properties. Among the various major constituents,-bisabolol and chamazulene have been reported to be more useful than others. Chamazulene is an artifact formed from matricine, which is naturally present in the flowers during hydrodistillation or steam distillation. The color of the oil determines its quality. Blue color of the oil is due to sesquiterpene. The chamazulene content of the various chamomiles depends on the origin and age of the material. It decreases during the storage of the flowers.
Botanical Name - Mentha spicata
Category - Medicinal
Form - Dry
Part Used - Leaves, Stem
General Information - Mentha spicata, spearmint is a hybrid commercially cultivated aromatic plant, characterized by high amount essential oil, but it is still wild species. Leaf of wild growing flowering plants of Mentha spicata L. during flowering stage. The leaves of Mentha spicata were shade dried (15 days) at room temperature. Air-dried leaf of Mentha spicata were submitted to hydrodistillation.
Phytochemicals- The most abundant compound in M. spicata essential oil is carvone that gives to essential oil distinctive smell. Both groupes of supstances possess powerful antimicrobial and antioxidant properties. The essential oil of M. spicata is used as a flavoring in the perfume production, food and pharmaceutical industry. In addition, essential oil of spearmint shows strong antifungal, fumigant and antioxidant activity
Botanical Name - Ocimum americanum
Category - Medicinal
Form - Dry
Part Used - Leaves
General Information - Ocimum basilicum (O. basilicum), Ocimum gratissimum (O. gratissimum) and Ocimum sanctum (O. sanctum), commonly known as holy basil, clove basil (wild basil/East India basil) and sweet basil, respectively, are frequently cultivated in several countries of East Asia, Europe, America and Australia for the production of essential oils. Ocimum americanum (O. americanum) formerly known as Ocimum canum (O. canum), includes wild species in India, but is cultivated in Indonesia for its essential oil for commercial purposes. Ocimum kilimandscharicum (O. kilimandscharicum), a variety species of O. basilicum, commonly called African blue basil is known for its camphor like scent of its essential oil. Similarly, Ocimum minimum and Ocimum citriodorum also include variety species of O. basilicum popular in Indonesia, Mexico and Africa for their naturally occurring essential oils as in perfumery and cosmetic applications. Likewise, Ocimum tenuiflorum (O. tenuiflorum) includes variety species of O. sanctum. Traditionally, these Ocimum species have been extensively utilized in food and perfumery industries. The aerial parts of the plants are considered as antispasmodic, stomachic and carminative in native medicine
Phytochemicals - Ocimum plant part are complex mixtures of natural organic compounds which are predominantly composed of terpenic hydrocarbons (myrecene, pinene, terpinene, limonene, p-cymene, �?�±- and �?�²- phellandrene) and terpenoids (oxygen containing hydrocarbons) like acyclic monoterpene alcohols (geraniol, linalool), monocyclic alcohols (menthol, 4-carvomenthol, terpineol, carveol, borneol), aliphatic aldehydes (citral, citronellal, perillaldehyde), aromatic phenols (carvacrol, thymol, safrol, eugenol), bicyclic alcohol (verbenol), monocyclic ketones (menthone, pulegone, carvone), bicyclic monoterpenic ketones (thujone, verbenone, fenchone), acids (citronellic acid, cinnamic acid) and esters (linalyl acetate).
Botanical Name - Ocimum basilicum
Category - Medicinal
Form - Dry
Part Used - Leaves
General Information - Ocimum basilicum (O. basilicum), Ocimum gratissimum (O. gratissimum) and Ocimum sanctum (O. sanctum), commonly known as holy basil, clove basil (wild basil/East India basil) and sweet basil, respectively, are frequently cultivated in several countries of East Asia, Europe, America and Australia for the production of essential oils. Ocimum americanum (O. americanum) formerly known as Ocimum canum (O. canum), includes wild species in India, but is cultivated in Indonesia for its essential oil for commercial purposes. Ocimum kilimandscharicum (O. kilimandscharicum), a variety species of O. basilicum, commonly called African blue basil is known for its camphor like scent of its essential oil. Similarly, Ocimum minimum and Ocimum citriodorum also include variety species of O. basilicum popular in Indonesia, Mexico and Africa for their naturally occurring essential oils as in perfumery and cosmetic applications. Likewise, Ocimum tenuiflorum (O. tenuiflorum) includes variety species of O. sanctum. Traditionally, these Ocimum species have been extensively utilized in food and perfumery industries. The aerial parts of the plants are considered as antispasmodic, stomachic and carminative in native medicine
Phytochemicals - Ocimum plant part are complex mixtures of natural organic compounds which are predominantly composed of terpenic hydrocarbons (myrecene, pinene, terpinene, limonene, p-cymene, and phellandrene) and terpenoids (oxygen containing hydrocarbons) like acyclic monoterpene alcohols (geraniol, linalool), monocyclic alcohols (menthol, 4-carvomenthol, terpineol, carveol, borneol), aliphatic aldehydes (citral, citronellal, perillaldehyde), aromatic phenols (carvacrol, thymol, safrol, eugenol), bicyclic alcohol (verbenol), monocyclic ketones (menthone, pulegone, carvone), bicyclic monoterpenic ketones (thujone, verbenone, fenchone), acids (citronellic acid, cinnamic acid) and esters (linalyl acetate).
Botanical Name - Picrorhiza kurroa
Category - Medicinal
Form - Dry
Part Used - Roots, Rhizomes
General Information - Picrorhiza kurroa Royle ex Benth. commonly known as Kutki, belongs to family Scrophulariaceae. It is found in the Himalayan regions of China, Pakistan, India, Bhutan and Nepal. It is considered as an important medicinal plant which is mostly used in the traditional medicinal system for asthama, jaundice, fever, malaria, snake bite and liver disorders Different pharmacological activities of P. kurroa include anti-microbial, anti-oxidant, anti-bacterial, anti-mutagenic, cardio-protective, hepato-protective, anti-malarial, anti-diabetic, anti-inflammatory, anti-cancer, anti-ulcer and nephro-protective activities were recorded from this plant.
Phytochemicals - P. kurroa include anti-microbial, anti-oxidant, anti-bacterial, anti-mutagenic, cardio-protective, hepato-protective, anti-malarial, anti-diabetic, anti-inflammatory, anti-cancer, anti-ulcer and nephro-protective activities were recorded from this plant.
Botanical Name - Plantago ovata
Category - Spices/Medicinal
Form - Dry
Part Used - Seeds, Husk
General Information - Psyllium, scientifically known as plantago ovata has gained a reputation as a natural medicinal plant. Psyllium is the common name used for several members of the plant genus Plantago and Plantago ovata, Psyllium husk and Ispaghula husk are other generic name for this imperative plant. The genus Plantago has more than 200 species, which is grown all over the world but P. ovata and P. psyllium are produced commercially in several, American, South Asian and European countries as a major seasonal crop due to its seed mucilage, pharmaceutical, cosmetics and food grade properties.
Phytochemicals - Blond psyllium husk consists of the ground husk of the psyllium seed (Plantago ovata), a mixture of polysaccharides composed of pentoses, hexoses, and uronic acids. Psyllium is a predominantly soluble fiber, and numerous adult clinical studies have evaluated the effect of psyllium in subjects with constipation.
Botanical Name - Ocimum gratissimum
Category - Medicinal
Form - Dry
Part Used - Leaves
General Information - Ocimum basilicum (O. basilicum), Ocimum gratissimum (O. gratissimum) and Ocimum sanctum (O. sanctum), commonly known as holy basil, clove basil (wild basil/East India basil) and sweet basil, respectively, are frequently cultivated in several countries of East Asia, Europe, America and Australia for the production of essential oils. Ocimum americanum (O. americanum) formerly known as Ocimum canum (O. canum), includes wild species in India, but is cultivated in Indonesia for its essential oil for commercial purposes. Ocimum kilimandscharicum (O. kilimandscharicum), a variety species of O. basilicum, commonly called African blue basil is known for its camphor like scent of its essential oil. Similarly, Ocimum minimum and Ocimum citriodorum also include variety species of O. basilicum popular in Indonesia, Mexico and Africa for their naturally occurring essential oils as in perfumery and cosmetic applications. Likewise, Ocimum tenuiflorum (O. tenuiflorum) includes variety species of O. sanctum. Traditionally, these Ocimum species have been extensively utilized in food and perfumery industries. The aerial parts of the plants are considered as antispasmodic, stomachic and carminative in native medicine
Phytochemicals - Ocimum plant part are complex mixtures of natural organic compounds which are predominantly composed of terpenic hydrocarbons (myrecene, pinene, terpinene, limonene, p-cymene, - and - phellandrene) and terpenoids (oxygen containing hydrocarbons) like acyclic monoterpene alcohols (geraniol, linalool), monocyclic alcohols (menthol, 4-carvomenthol, terpineol, carveol, borneol), aliphatic aldehydes (citral, citronellal, perillaldehyde), aromatic phenols (carvacrol, thymol, safrol, eugenol), bicyclic alcohol (verbenol), monocyclic ketones (menthone, pulegone, carvone), bicyclic monoterpenic ketones (thujone, verbenone, fenchone), acids (citronellic acid, cinnamic acid) and esters (linalyl acetate).
Botanical Name - Ocimum sanctum/Ocimum tenuiflorum
Category - Medicinal
Form - Dry
Part Used - Leaves
General Information - Ocimum basilicum (O. basilicum), Ocimum gratissimum (O. gratissimum) and Ocimum sanctum (O. sanctum), commonly known as holy basil, clove basil (wild basil/East India basil) and sweet basil, respectively, are frequently cultivated in several countries of East Asia, Europe, America and Australia for the production of essential oils. Ocimum americanum (O. americanum) formerly known as Ocimum canum (O. canum), includes wild species in India, but is cultivated in Indonesia for its essential oil for commercial purposes. Ocimum kilimandscharicum (O. kilimandscharicum), a variety species of O. basilicum, commonly called African blue basil is known for its camphor like scent of its essential oil. Similarly, Ocimum minimum and Ocimum citriodorum also include variety species of O. basilicum popular in Indonesia, Mexico and Africa for their naturally occurring essential oils as in perfumery and cosmetic applications. Likewise, Ocimum tenuiflorum (O. tenuiflorum) includes variety species of O. sanctum. Traditionally, these Ocimum species have been extensively utilized in food and perfumery industries. The aerial parts of the plants are considered as antispasmodic, stomachic and carminative in native medicine
Phytochemicals - Ocimum plant part are complex mixtures of natural organic compounds which are predominantly composed of terpenic hydrocarbons (myrecene, pinene, terpinene, limonene, p-cymene, �±- and �²- phellandrene) and terpenoids (oxygen containing hydrocarbons) like acyclic monoterpene alcohols (geraniol, linalool), monocyclic alcohols (menthol, 4-carvomenthol, terpineol, carveol, borneol), aliphatic aldehydes (citral, citronellal, perillaldehyde), aromatic phenols (carvacrol, thymol, safrol, eugenol), bicyclic alcohol (verbenol), monocyclic ketones (menthone, pulegone, carvone), bicyclic monoterpenic ketones (thujone, verbenone, fenchone), acids (citronellic acid, cinnamic acid) and esters (linalyl acetate).
Botanical Name - Aquilaria agallocha
Category - Medicinal
Form - Dry
Part Used - Heart Wood
General Information - "This plant is a large evergreen tree about 20 meters tall and 1.5-2.4 meters in girth with somewhat straight and fluted bole.
Leaves are alternate 0.5-10 cm by 2-5 cm, oblong, lanceolate or elliptic, caudate, acuminate and glabrous with slender nerves.
Venation is parallel and petiole is 0.3-0.5 cm long.
It is commercially used as fragrant and in prepation of drugs.
The tree contains plenty of oleoresin and has irregular dark patches.
The wood burns with a bright flame giving off pleasant smell.
"
Phytochemicals - The chemical constitutes of agarwood originating from the genus Aquilaria, include 2-(2-phenylethyl)-4H-chromen-4-one derivatives, terpenoids, flavonoids etc., in which 2-(2-phenylethyl)-4H-chromen-4-one derivatives and sesquiterpenes are the two predominant constituents in agarwood.
Botanical Name - Balanites aegyptica/Balanites roxburghii
Category - Medicinal
Form - Dry
Part Used - Leaves, Seed, Bark, Fruit
General Information - Balanites aegyptiaca Del., also known as Desert date in English, a member of the family Zygophyllaceae, is one of the most common but neglected wild plant species of the dry land areas of Africa and South Asia. This tree is native to much of Africa and parts of the Middle East. In India, it is particularly found in Rajasthan, Gujarat, Madhya Pradesh, and Deccan. This is one of the most common trees in Senegal. It can be found in many kinds of habitat, tolerating a wide variety of soil types, from sand to heavy clay, and climatic moisture levels
Phytochemicals - "Leaves
It contains saponin, furanocoumarin, and flavonoid namely quercetin 3-glucoside, quercetin-3-rutinoside; 3-glucoside, 3-rutinoside, 3-7-diglucoside and 3-rhamnogalactoside of isorhamnetin.[40,41]
Fruit
Mesocarp of fruit contains 1.2 to 1.5% protein and 35 to 37% sugars, 15% organic acids, other constituents like 3-rutinoside and 3-rhamnogalactoside,[42] diosgenin;[43]
Root
It is reported to contain steroidal saponin about 1% glycosides and major sapogenin is yamogenin"
Botanical Name - Boerhaavia diffusa
Category - Medicinal
Form - Dry
Part Used - Roots
General Information - Boerhaavia diffusa, commonly known as punarnava in Sanskrit, is a herbaceous plant of the family Nyctaginaceae. The whole plant or its specific parts (leaves, stem, and roots) are known to have medicinal properties and have a long history of use by indigenous and tribal people in India. The medicinal value of this plant in the treatment of a large number of human ailments is mentioned in Ayurveda, Charaka Samhita, and Sushrita Samhita. It has many ethnobotanical uses (the leaves are used as vegetable; the root juice is used to cure asthma, urinary disorders, leukorrhea, rheumatism, and encephalitis), and is medicinally used in the traditional, Ayurvedic system. Besides, the B. diffusa plant is reported to posses many pharmacological, clinical, and antimicrobial properties.
Phytochemicals- Pharmacological studies have demonstrated that punarnava possesses punarnavoside, which exhibits a wide range of properties â?? diuretic; anti-inflammatory; antifibrinolytic; anticonvulsant; antibacterial; antistress agent; antihepatotoxic; anthelmintic febrifuge, antileprosy, anti-asthmatic, antiscabies, and anti-urethritis; and antinematodal activity. An aqueous extract of thinner roots of B. diffusa at a dose of 2 ml kg-1 exhibited marked protection of various enzymes such as serum glutanicoxaloacetic transaminase, serum glutanic-pyruvic transaminase, and bilirubin in serum against hepatic injury in rats.
Botanical Name - Catharanthus roseus
Category - Medicinal
Form - Dry
Part Used - Leaves, Flower
General Information - Catharanthus roseus is a tropical hardy plant grown as a pot ornamental plant for its rosy or white flowers. It is popularly known as Madagascar periwinkle. It is small in size perennial herbaceous evergreen plant that was native to the Madagascar island. The plant has very good tolerance against heat, grows one or two feet high, have glossy, dark green leaves (1-2 inches long) and flowers even in the hot weather. The blooms of the natural wild plants are pale pink with a purple "eye" in their centers, but horticulturists have developed varieties with colors ranging from white to pink to purple. The plant has immense medicinal importance for its alkaloids. All parts of the plant including leaf, root, shoot and stem contains more than 200 alkaloids, which are used for therapeutic purposes against several diseases. The most important alkaloids vinblastine and vincristine are derived from leaves and they exhibits anti-cancer and anti-diabetic property. Another alkaloid rubacine derived from roots is used as hypotensive and anti-arrhythmic agent.
Phytochemicals - A wide range of alkaloids has been discovered from C. roseus. More than 130 alkaloids of the indole and the dihydro-indole groups have been isolated and characterized from different plant organs. Vinblastin is very important alkaloid extracted from leaf part of C. roseus.
Botanical Name - Cymbopogon martinii
Category - Aromatic
Form - Fresh/Dry
Part Used - Leaves
General Information - Cymbopogon martinii is a species of grass in the genus Cymbopogon (lemongrasses) native to India and Indochina, but widely cultivated in many places for its aromatic oil.[3][4] It is best known by the common name palmarosa (palm rose) as it smells sweet and rose-like. Other common names include Indian geranium, gingergrass, rosha, and rosha grass.
Phytochemicals - The essential oil of this plant, which contains the chemical compound geraniol, is valued for its scent and for a number of traditional medicinal and household uses. Palmarosa oil has been shown to be an effective insect repellent when applied to stored grain and beans, an antihelmintic against nematodes, and an antifungal and mosquito repellent.
Botanical Name - Eucalyptus citriodora/Corymbia citriodora
Category - Aromatic/Medicinal
Form - Dry
Part Used - Leaves
General Information - "The name Eucalyptus was coined by L. Fleritier, a French B otanist in tlie year 1789. Eucalyptus is formed by eu means well and kalyptus meaning I cover ; thus referring to the lid of operculum which seals the flower till it blooms. Eucalyptus was first introduced to India in the Naiidi hills of Karnataka by Tippu Sultan between 1782 to 1790. Later in 1843 its plantation was extended to the Nilgiri hills in southern India. Nearly 170 species have been tried in India out of which only five species, viz. E. tereticornis, E. ccmaldensis, E. grandis, E. citriodom , and E. globulus have received wide acceptance, E, citriodom is among the economically important species of eucalyptus available worldwide. Its main utility is in the perfume industry due to it's highest citronellal content (>70 % ). The wood o f the plant is also an important timber and firewood.
"
Phytochemicals - "The essentia! oil o f Eucalyptus is obtained by hydrodistillation o f the fresh leaves. It is colourless or pale-yellow liquid. It has an arom atic and cam phoraceous odour: a
pungent, cam phoraceous taste followed by a sensation o f cold. T he yield o f oil varies from species to species, place to place and w ith the season. Eucalyptus oil can be
classified under three m ain categories depending on the principal constituents present, viz: -
1) Medicinal oils or Cineol containing oils.
2) Perfum ery oils or Citronellal containing oils.
3 ) industrial oils or Phellandrene containing oils.
The leaves o f E.cilriodora yield an essential oil (0.5-2.0) containing citronellal (65-80% ), citronellol (15-20 % ) and esters (W ealth o f India, 1952). O ils poor in citronellal
are reported to contain guaicol. The Kino obtained from E. cilriodora contains 4H.2 % tannin. The chem ical com position o f the essential oils obtained from the leaves o f 12 species
o f eucalyptus including E. citiodora growing in Eithiopia were exam ined by capillaryGC and CjC-MS. The oil of Cilriodora was found to l->e rich in citronellal (73.3 %), and citronellol (16.2 %). "
Botanical Name - Eucalyptus citriodora/Corymbia citriodora
Category - Aromatic/Medicinal
Form - Dry
Part Used - Leaves
General Information - "The name Eucalyptus was coined by L. Fleritier, a French B otanist in tlie year 1789. Eucalyptus is formed by eu means well and kalyptus meaning/ cover ; thus referring to the lid of operculum which seals the flower till it blooms. Eucalyptus was first introduced to India in the Naiidi hills of Karnataka by Tippu Sultan between 1782 to 1790. Later in 1843 its plantation was extended to the Nilgiri hills in southern India. Nearly 170 species have been tried in India out of which only five species, viz. E. tereticornis, E. ccmaldensis, E. grandis, E. citriodom , and E. globulus have received wide acceptance, E, citriodom is among the economically important species of eucalyptus available worldwide. Its main utility is in the perfume industry due to it's highest citronellal content (>70 % ). The wood o f the plant is also an important timber and firewood.
Phytochemicals - "The essentia! oil o f Eucalyptus is obtained by hydrodistillation o f the fresh leaves. It is colourless or pale-yellow liquid. It has an arom atic and cam phoraceous odour: a pungent, cam phoraceous taste followed by a sensation of cold. T he yield o f oil varies from species to species, place to place and w ith the season. Eucalyptus oil can be classified under three m ain categories depending on the principal constituents present, viz: -
1) Medicinal oils or Cineol containing oils.
2) Perfum ery oils or Citronellal containing oils.
3 ) industrial oils or Phellandrene containing oils.
The leaves o f E.cilriodora yield an essential oil (0.5-2.0) containing citronellal (65-80% ), citronellol (15-20 % ) and esters (W ealth o f India, 1952). O ils poor in citronellal are reported to contain guaicol. The Kino obtained from E. cilriodora contains 4H.2 % tannin. The chem ical com position o f the essential oils obtained from the leaves o f 12 species of eucalyptus including E. citiodora growing in Eithiopia were exam ined by capillaryGC and CjC-MS. The oil o f Cilriodora was found to l->e rich in citronellal (73.3 %), and citronellol (16.2 %). "
Botanical Name - Matricaria Chamomilla
Category - Aromatic/Medicinal
Form - Dry
Part Used - Flower
General Information - Chamomile (Matricaria chamomilla L.) is one of the important medicinal herb native to southern and eastern Europe. It is also grown in Germany, Hungary, France, Russia, Yugoslavia, and Brazil. It was introduced to India during the Mughal period, now it is grown in Punjab, Uttar Pradesh, Maharashtra, and Jammu and Kashmir. The essential oil present in the flower heads contains azulene and is used in perfumery, cosmetic creams, hair preparations, skin lotions, tooth pastes, and also in fine liquors. The dry flowers of chamomile are also in great demand for use in herbal tea, baby massage oil, for promoting the gastric flow of secretion, and for the treatment of cough and cold. The use of herbal tea preparations eliminated colic in 57% infants. Because of its extensive pharmacological and pharmaceutical properties, the plant thus possesses great economic value and is in great demand in the European countries.
Phytochemicals - German chamomile is a natural source of blue oil (essential oil). The flowers and flower heads are the main organs of the production of essential oil. It is remarkable that chamomile flower oil mainly consists of sesquiterpene derivatives (75- 90%) but only traces of monoterpenes. The oil contains up to 20% polyynes. The principal components of the essential oil extracted from the flowers are (E)-Ã?-farnesene (4.9- 8.1%), terpene alcohol (farnesol), chamazulene (2.3- 10.9%), -bisabolol (4.8 - 11.3%), and bisabolol oxides A (25.5 - 28.7%) and -bisabolol oxides B (12.2- 30.9%), which are known for their antiinflammatory, antiseptic, antiplogistic, and spasmolytic properties. Among the various major constituents, Ã?-bisabolol and chamazulene have been reported to be more useful than others. Chamazulene is an artifact formed from matricine, which is naturally present in the flowers during hydrodistillation or steam distillation. The color of the oil determines its quality. Blue color of the oil is due to sesquiterpene. The chamazulene content of the various chamomiles depends on the origin and age of the material. It decreases during the storage of the flowers.
Botanical Name - Phyllanthus niruri/Phyllanthus amarus
Category - Medicinal
Form - Dry
Part Used - Leaves
General Information - Phyllanthus species are being in constant used in traditional medications to cure an array of human diseases (constipation, inhalation related, arthritis, loss of appetite, injuries, conjunctivitis, diarrhoea, running nose, common cold, malaria, blennorrhagia, colic, diabetes mellitus, dysentery, indigestion, fever, gout, gonorrheal diseases of males and females, skin itching, jaundice, hepatic disorders, leucorrhea, vaginitis, menstrual irregularities, obesity, stomach pains, and tumors), confectionaries, food industry, and in some pesticides.
Phytochemicals - Phyllanthus species are rich in diversity of phytochemicals e.g., tannins, terpenes, alkaloids, glycosidic compounds, saponins, and flavones etc. More in depth studies are a direly needed to identify more compounds with specific cellular functions to treat various ailments.
Botanical Name - Plectranthus Amboinicus
Category - Spices/Medicinal
Form - Fresh/Dry
Part Used - Leaves
General Information - Plectranthus amboinicus (Lour) Spreng belongs to family Lamiaceae, known as country borage in English. It is large succulent aromatic perennial herb, shrubby below, hispidly villous or tomentose. It is found throughout India, Ceylon and Moluccas. The leaves of the plant are bitter, acrid and were being widely used traditionally for various purposes. The plant has been worked out very well and isolated several chemical constituents and had shown various biological properties.
Phytochemicals - CHEMICAL CONSTITUENTS includes Butylaniside, -caryophyllene, carvacrol, 1-8-cineole, p-cymene, ethylsalicylate, eugenol, limonene, myrcene, and -pinenes, -selenene, -terpinene, terpinen-4-ol, thymol, verbenone (essential oil), apigenin, chrysoeriol, 5,4-dihydroxy-6,7-dimethoxy-flavone (cirsimaritin), eriodictyol, 6-methoxy-genkawanin, luteolin, quercetin, salvigenin, taxifolin, oxaloacetic acid, crategolic, euscaphic, 2 -3 -dihydro-olean-12-en-28-oic, pomolic, oleanolic, tormentic, 2 ,3 ,19 ,23-tetrahydroxyurs-12-en-28-oic, ursolic acids, -sitosterol- -D-glucoside isolated from the leaves.
Botanical Name - Rauwolfia serpentina
Category - Medicinal
Form - Dry
Part Used - Leaves, Roots
General Information - Rauwolfia (Rauwolfia serpentina), also spelled ravolphia, is a medicinal shrub in the milkweed family. Its root is ground into a powder and packaged in this form or sold in tablets or capsules. It is a compound commonly used in Asian medicine, including traditional Ayurveda medicine native to India.
Phytochemicals - Its active components are alkaloids and about 50 have been identified, although the primary psychoactive components appear to be reserpine, rescinnamine, and deserpidine. The primary effect of these alkaloids is the blockage of vesicular storage of monoamines, ultimately leading to greater degradation of these neurotransmitters by the MAO enzyme and an overall decrease in neuronal activity in monoamine pathways. Thus, the overall effect is inhibitory and sedative.
Botanical Name - Rubia cordifolia
Category - Cosmetic/Medicinal
Form - Dry
Part Used - Stem, Roots
General Information - ubia cordifolia (Indian Madder) is growing most often near streams and rivers along the upper Ghats in evergreen forests up to 3750m above sea level. It is a perennial, prickly or scabrous, climbing herb belongs to rubiaceae. Leaves variable, arranged four in a whorl, cordate-ovate to ovate-lanceolate, base slightly cordate, petioles are quadrangular, sometimes prickly on the angles, glabrous and shining. Stipules are absent. Stems is slender, rough, four angled with sharp recurved prickles on the ridges, which are often many yards long, becoming slightly woody at the base. Flowers are in cymes, greenish white. Fruits are didymous or globose, smooth, shining and purplish black when ripe. In ancient world, manjistha is reputed as an efficient blood purifier and hence is extensively used against blood, skin and urinary diseases. The root is sweet, bitter, acrid, astringent, thermogenic, antidysenteric, anti-inflammatory, antipyretic, analgesic, anodyne, anthelmintic, antiseptic, constipating, diuretic, galacto-purifier, febrifuge, rejuvenating and tonic. It is useful in vitiated conditions of kapha, the body fluid principles relates to mucus and pitta, an energy principle which uses bile to direct digestion. In modern pharmacopoeia, the plant has been used to treat variety of ailments. The root extract has wide range of pharmacological properties thus used against ailments such as arthralgia, arthritis, cephalalgia, cough, diabetes, discolouration of the skin, dysmenorrhoea, emmenagogue, general debility, hemorrhoids, hepatopathy, intermittent fevers, jaundice, leucorrhoea, neuralgia, pectoral diseases, pharyngitis, ophthalmopathy, otopathy, splenopathy, strangury, slow healing of broken bones, tubercular conditions of the skin and mucous tissue, tuberculosis and urethrorrhoea. Besides, the roots are used for laxative, analgesic, rheumatism, dropsy, paralysis and intestinal ulcers. The dried stem is used in blood, skin and urinogenital disorders, dysentery, piles, ulcers, inflammations, erysipelas, skin diseases and rheumatism. The roots were used in Ayurvedic (traditional Indian system of medicine) medicine as a coloring agent in medicated oils. Root derived powder has been used in many Asian countries as a natural dye, for imparting shades of red, scarlet, brown and mauve to cotton and other fabrics.
Botanical Name - Hibiscus sabdariffa
Category - Medicinal
Form - Dry
Part Used - Flower
General Information - Hibiscus sabdariffa L. (roselle) belongs to the family Malvaceae. It exists as herbs or shrubs, often with fibrous stems, (Eno, 2000). The leaves are deeply three- to five-lobed, 8-15 cm long, arranged alternately on the stems. Vernacular names, in addition to roselle, in English-speaking regions are rozelle, sorrel, red sorrel, and Florida cranberry. In North Africa and the Near East Hibiscus sabdariffa is called karkad or carcad. Hibiscus sabdariffa is believed to have originated from India and Malaysia, where it is commonly cultivated, and must have been carried at an early date to Africa. Two main types of Hibiscus sabdariffa L. exist. The more important economically is Hibiscus sabdariffa variety altissima Wester, an erect, sparsely branched annual plant which is cultivated for its jute-like fiber in India, the East Indies, Nigeria and to some extent in tropical America. The other distinct type of roselle, Hibiscus sabdariffa variety sabdariffa.
Phytochemicals- Citric and malic acids are the major organic acids in aqueous extracts of the flowers of Hibiscus sabdariffa. Most of the chemical investigations of the flower constituents have been directed towards characterization of their pigments. Isolated an anthocyanin, to which they assigned the structure, cyanidin-3-glucoside this was later changed to delphinidin-pentoside-glucoside. Delphinidin and cyanidin were reported as major constituents of plants grown in Trinidad. Pigment also isolated delphinidin-3-sambubioside (major component), delphinidin-3-monoglucoside and cyanidin-3-monoglucoside
Botanical Name - Lavendula
Category - Aromatic
Form - Dry
Part Used - FLower
General Information - "Lavandula (common name lavender) is a genus of 47 known species of flowering plants in the mint family, Lamiaceae. It is native to the Old World and is found in Cape Verde and the Canary Islands, and from Europe across to northern and eastern Africa, the Mediterranean, southwest Asia to southeast India.
Many members of the genus are cultivated extensively in temperate climates as ornamental plants for garden and landscape use, for use as culinary herbs, and also commercially for the extraction of essential oils. The most widely cultivated species, Lavandula angustifolia, is often referred to as lavender, and there is a color named for the shade of the flowers of this species. Despite its use over centuries in traditional medicine and cosmetics, there is no high-quality clinical evidence that lavender has any effects on diseases or improves health."
Phytochemicals - Some 100 individual phytochemicals have been extracted from lavender oil, including major contents of linalyl acetate (30-55%), linalool (20-35%), tannins (5-10%), and caryophyllene (8%), with lesser amounts of sesquiterpenoids, perillyl alcohols, esters, oxides, ketones, cineole, camphor, beta-ocimene, limonene, caproic acid, and caryophyllene oxide. The relative amounts of these compounds vary considerably among lavender species.
Botanical Name - Cymbopogon citratus
Category - Aromatic
Form - Fresh/Dry
Part Used - Leaves
General Information - Cymbopogon is a genus of about 55 species, which are indigenous in tropical and semi-tropical areas of Asia and are cultivated in South and Central America, Africa and other tropical countries. These are tufted perennial C4 grasses with numerous stiff stems arising from a short, rhizomatous rootstock as with citrus flavor, and can be dried and powdered or used fresh. The name Cymbopogon is derived from the Greek words kymbe (boat) and ogon (beard), referring to the flower spike arrangement. Cymbopogon citratus, Stapf (Lemongrass) is commonly used in teas, soups and curries. It is also suitable for poultry, fish and seafood.
Phytochemicals - Cymbopogon citratus, Stapf (Lemon grass) is a widely used herb in tropical countries, especially in Southeast Asia. The essential oil of the plant is used in aromatherapy. The compounds identified in Cymbopogon citratus are mainly terpenes, alcohols, ketones, aldehyde and esters. Some of the reported phytoconstituents are essential oils that contain Citral , Citral , Nerol Geraniol, Citronellal, Terpinolene, Geranyl acetate, Myrecene and Terpinol Methylheptenone. The plant also contains reported phytoconstituents such as flavonoids and phenolic compounds, which consist of luteolin, isoorientin 2-O-rhamnoside, quercetin, kaempferol and apiginin.
Botanical Name - Glycyrrhiza glabra
Category - Medicinal
Form - Dry
Part Used - Root
General Information - Glycyrrhiza is derived from the ancient Greek term glykos, meaning sweet, and rhiza, meaning root. Glycyrrhiza glabra is known as mulaithi in north India. Glycyrrhiza glabra, also known as licorice and sweet wood, is native to the Mediterranean and certain areas of Asia. A number of traditional healers have claimed the efficacy of Glycyrrhiza species for a variety of pathological conditions as a diuretic, choleretic, used as insecticide, and indicated in traditional medicine for coughs, colds, and painful swellings . The roots are unearthed in the autumn of the fourth season. It is grown in India, Spain, Iran, Russia, China and Italy.
Phytochemicals - A number of components have been isolated from the roots of Glycyrrhiza glabra, including a water-soluble, biologically active complex that accounts for 40-50% of total dry material weight. This complex is composed of triterpene, saponin, flavonoids, polysaccharides, pectins, simple sugars, amino acids, mineral salts, asparagines, bitters, essential oil, fat, female hormone estrogen, gums, mucilage (rhizome), protein, resins, starches, sterols, volatile oils, tannins, glycosides, and various other substances. Glycyrrhizin, a triterpenoid compound, accounts for the sweet taste of licorice root. This compound represents a mixture of potassium-calcium-magnesium salts of glycyrrhizic acid that varies within a 2-25% range. Among the natural saponin, glycyrrhizic acid is a molecule composed of a hydrophilic part, two molecules of glucuronic acid, and a hydrophobic fragment, glycyrrhetic acid. The yellow color of licorice is due to the flavonoid content of the plant, which includes liquiritin, isoliquiritin (a chalcone) and other compounds. The isoflavones, glabridin and hispaglabridins A and B have significant antioxidant activity and both glabridin and glabrene possess estrogen-like activity.
Botanical Name - Myristica fragrans
Category - Spices/Medicinal
Form - Dry
Part Used - Flower
General Information - Myristica fragrans Houtt. (Myristicaceae) commonly known as nutmeg is a well-knownaromatic evergreen tree found in India, Indonesia, Sri Lanka and South Africa. Nutmeg mace is well known all over the world as an important spice. Nutmeg has beenshown to possess analgesic, antifungal, antimicrobial, antiin�ammatory as well as hepatoprotective activities. With regard to itsmedicinal and commercial value, the dried kernel (seed) and mace/aril are the most exploitedparts.
Botanical Name - Myristica fragrans
Category - Spices/Medicinal
Form - Dry
Part Used - Flower
General Information - Myristica fragrans Houtt. (Myristicaceae) commonly known as nutmeg is a well-knownaromatic evergreen tree found in India, Indonesia, Sri Lanka and South Africa. Nutmeg mace is well known all over the world as an important spice. Nutmeg has beenshown to possess analgesic, antifungal, antimicrobial, antinammatory as well as hepatoprotective activities. With regard to itsmedicinal and commercial value, the dried kernel (seed) and mace/aril are the most exploitedparts.
Botanical Name - Mangifera indica
Category - Medicinal
Form - Dry
Part Used - Fruit
General Information - Mangifera indica, commonly known as mango, is a species of flowering plant in the sumac and poison ivy family Anacardiaceae. It is native to the Indian subcontinent where it is indigenous. Hundreds of cultivated varieties have been introduced to other warm regions of the world. It is a large fruit-tree, capable of growing to a height and crown width of about 30 metres (100 ft) and trunk circumference of more than 3.7 metres (12 ft). The species domestication is attributed to India around 2000 BCE. Mango was brought to East Asia around 400â??500 BCE, in the 15th century to the Philippines, and in the 16th century to Africa and Brazil by Portuguese explorers. The species was assessed and first named in botanical nomenclature by Linnaeus in 1753. Mango is the national fruit of India, Pakistan and the Philippines and the national tree of Bangladesh.
Phytochemicals- Mango fruit has a high nutritional value and health benefits due to important components. Mango components can be grouped into macronutrients (carbohydrates, proteins, amino acids, lipids, fatty, and organic acids), micronutrients (vitamins and minerals), and phytochemicals (phenolic, polyphenol, pigments, and volatile constituents). Mango fruit also contains structural carbohydrates such as pectins and cellulose. The major amino acids include lysine, leucine, cysteine, valine, arginine, phenylalanine, and methionine. The lipid composition increases during ripening, particularly the omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids. The most important pigments of mango fruit include chlorophylls (a and b) and carotenoids. The most important organic acids include malic and citric acids, and they confer the fruit acidity. The volatile constituents are a heterogeneous group with different chemical functions that contribute to the aromatic profile of the fruit. During development and maturity stages occur important biochemical, physiological, and structural changes affecting mainly the nutritional and phytochemical composition, producing softening, and modifying aroma, flavor, and antioxidant capacity. In addition, postharvest handling practices influence total content of carotenoids, phenolic compounds, vitamin C, antioxidant capacity, and organoleptic properties.
Botanical Name - Cassia auriculata
Category - Medicinal
Form - Dry
Part Used - Leaves
General Information - Linn commonly known as Tanners Senna, is also known as Avaram tree. It is distributed throughout hot deciduous forests of India. Wild in dry regions of Madhya Pradesh, Tamil Nadu Rajasthan and other parts of India.
Phytochemicals- The chemical composition of the leaves of Cassia auriculata having presence of 3-O-Methyl-d-glucose (48.50%), ±-Tocopherol-I-D mannoside (14.22%), Resorcinol (11.80%), n- Hexadecanoic acid (3.21%), 13-Octadecenal, (Z)- (2.18%) and 1,2,3,4-Tetrahydroisoquinolin-6-ol-1-carboxylic acid (1.98%) An antibacterial compound - Oleanolic acid could derived from the leaves of Cassia auriculata.
Botanical Name - Pterocarpus santalinus
Category - Aromatic/Medicinal
orm - Dry
Part Used - Heartwood
General Information - Pterocarpus santalinus Linn.f., commonly known as Red sanders, belongs to the family Fabaceae. It is endemic to India and considered globally endangered, with illegal harvest being a key threat. The plant is renowned for its characteristic timber of exquisite color, beauty, and superlative technical qualities. The red wood yields a natural dye santalin, which is used in coloring pharmaceutical preparations and foodstuffs. In the traditional system of medicine, the decoction prepared from the heartwood is attributed various medicinal properties. It has been used in inducing vomiting and treating eye diseases, mental aberrations, and ulcers. The heartwood of Red sanders is known to have antipyretic, anti-inflammatory, anthelmintic, tonic, hemorrhage, dysentery, aphrodisiac, and diaphoretic activities. It has also been used as a cooling agent. Ethanol extract of stem bark was reported to possess anti-hyperglycaemic activity. The wood in combination with other drugs is also prescribed for snake bites and scorpion stings.
Phytochemicals - Phytochemical investigations of aqueous and ethanol extracts of stem bark revealed the presence of alkaloids, phenols, saponins, glycosides, flavonoides, triterpenoides, sterols, and tannins. The heart wood contains isoflavone glucosides and two anti-tumour lignans, viz., savinin and calocedrin.
Botanical Name - Vitex negundo
Category - Medicinal
Form - Dry
Part Used - Whole Plant
General Information - Vitex negundo Linn., belonging to family Verbenaceae (which comprises 75 genera and nearly 2500 spe-cies), commonly known as Five leaved chaste tree (Eng), Nirgandi (Hindi), Nirgundi (San-skrit), is a deciduous shrub, occur in tropical to temperate region. The leaves have five leaflets in a palmately arrangement, which are lanceolate, 4 - 10 cm long, hairy beneathand pointed at both ends. The bluish purple flowers are numerous. The fruit is succulent, black and rounded when ripehaving about 4 mm in diameter. Vitex negundo (Linn.) is one of the common plants used in traditional medicine and reported to have variety of pharmacological activities. Although, all parts of V. negundo are used as medicine in theindigenous system of medicine, the leaves are the most potent for medicinal use. The decoction of leaves is used fortreatment of inflammation, eye-disease, toothache, leucoderma,enlargement of the spleen, ulcers, cancers, catarrhal fever,rheumatoid arthritis, gonorrhea, sinuses, scrofulous sores,bronchitis and as tonics, vermifuge, lactagogue, emmenag-ogue, antibacterial, antipyretic, antihistaminic, analgesic, in-secticidal, ovicidal, feeding deterrence, growth inhibition and morphogenetic agents.
Phytochemicals - V. negundo have several types of compounds,such as volatile oils, lignans, flavonoids, iridoids, terpenes (triterpenes, diterpenes, sesquiterpenes), andsteroids.
Botanical Name - Tribulus terrestris
Category - Medicinal
Form - Dry
Part Used - Fruit
General Information - Tribulus terrestris (family Zygophyllaceae), commonly known as Gokshur or Gokharu or puncture vine, has been used for a long time in both the Indian and Chinese systems of medicine for treatment of various kinds of diseases. It has diuretic, aphrodisiac, antiurolithic, immunomodulatory, antidiabetic, absorption enhancing, hypolipidemic, cardiotonic, central nervous system, hepatoprotective, anti-inflammatory, analgesic, antispasmodic, anticancer, antibacterial, anthelmintic, larvicidal, and anticariogenic activities.
Phytochemicals - Tribulus terrestris's various parts contain a variety of chemical constituents which are medicinally important, such as flavonoids, flavonol glycosides, steroidal saponins, and alkaloids.
Botanical Name - Aconitum heterophyllum
Category - Medicinal
Form - Dry
Part Used - Roots and Seeds
General Information - Aconitum Heterophyllum (A. Heterophyllum) is an indigenous medicinal plant of India and belongs to the family Ranunculaceae. A. Heterophyllum is known to possess a number of therapeutic effects. For very ancient times, this plant has been used in some formulations in the traditional healing system of India, i.e., Ayurveda. It is reported to have use in treating patients with urinary infections, diarrhea, and inflammation.
Phytochemicals - Aconitum Heterophyllum having Chemical constituents like 12-secohetisan-2-ol, N-succinoylanthranilate, Atesinol 6-benzoylheterastine, N-diethyl-N-formyllaconitine, Methyl aconitine. Aconitine, Anthorine
Botanical Name - Acorus calamus
Category - Medicinal
Form - Fresh/Dry
Part Used - Tuberous rhizomes
General Information - Acorus calamus, a semiaquatic herb with creeping rhizomes, shows diverse pharmacological properties including antibacterial, insecticidal, antiulcerative, etc. It is a very potent adaptogenic drug.
Phytochemicals- bioactive compounds present in Acorus calamus are flavonoid, monoterpene, quinone, sesquiterpene, and phenylpropanoid
Botanical Name - Nardostachys jatamansi
Category - Medicinal
Form - Dry
Part Used - Roots, Rhizomes
General Information - Nardostachys jatamansi DC. is an endangered, primitive and therapeutic herbal agent belonging to family Valerianaceae. The rhizomes of this hairy, perennial, dwarf and herbaceous plant are used for therapeutic effect in ayurvedic and unani system of medicine. Nardostachys jatamansi has been reported to have many therapeutic activities like antifungal, antimicrobial, antioxidant, hepatoprotective and cardio protective properties. It is used in the treatment of insomnia and CNS disorders. The vasodilator, bronchodilator, spasmolytic and platelet aggregation inhibition activities of the plant have also been reported. Jatamansone, nardostachone and actinidine are the major secondary metabolites present in the plant.
Phytochemicals - Nardostachys jatamansi consist of chemical constituents Alpha-patchoulenese, angelicin, beta-eudesemol, beta-patchoulenese, beta-sitosterol, calarene, calarenol, elemol, jatamansin, jatamansinol, jatamansone, n-hexacosane, n-hexacosanol, n-hexacosanyl arachidate, n-hexacosanyl isolverate, nardol, nardostechone, norsechelanone, oroselol, patchouli alcohol, seychelane, seychellene, valeranal, valeranone. Volatile essential oil, resins, sugar, starch, bitter extractive matter, gum, ketone, sesqueterpin ketone, spirojatamol etc. Other sesquiterpenes include nardin, nardal, jatamnsic acid, b-maline and patchouli alcohol.
Botanical Name - Plantago ovata
Category - Spices/Medicinal
Form - Dry
Part Used - Seeds, Husk
General Information - Psyllium, scientifically known as plantago ovata has gained a reputation as a natural medicinal plant. Psyllium is the common name used for several members of the plant genus Plantago and Plantago ovata, Psyllium husk and Ispaghula husk are other generic name for this imperative plant. The genus Plantago has more than 200 species, which is grown all over the world but P. ovata and P. psyllium are produced commercially in several, American, South Asian and European countries as a major seasonal crop due to its seed mucilage, pharmaceutical, cosmetics and food grade properties.
Phytochemicals - Blond psyllium husk consists of the ground husk of the psyllium seed (Plantago ovata), a mixture of polysaccharides composed of pentoses, hexoses, and uronic acids. Psyllium is a predominantly soluble fiber, and numerous adult clinical studies have evaluated the effect of psyllium in subjects with constipation.
Botanical Name - Tinospora cordifolia
Category - Medicinal
Form - Fresh/Dry
Part Used - Stem
General Information - Tinospora cordifolia commonly named as Guduchi in Sanskrit belonging to family Menispermaceae is a genetically diverse, large, deciduous climbing shrub with greenish yellow typical flowers, found at higher altitude. In racemes or racemose panicles, the male flowers are clustered and female are solitary. The flowering season expands over summers and winters.
Phytochemicals - A variety of active components derived from the plant like alkaloids, steroids, diterpenoid lactones, aliphatics, and glycosides have been isolated from the different parts of the plant body, including root, stem, and whole plant. Recently, the plant is of great interest to researchers across the globe because of its reported medicinal properties like anti-diabetic, anti-periodic, anti-spasmodic, anti-inflammatory, anti-arthritic, anti-oxidant, anti-allergic, anti-stress, anti-leprotic, anti-malarial, hepatoprotective, immunomodulatory and anti-neoplastic activities.
Botanical Name - Acacia concinna
Category - Medicinal
Form - Dry
Part Used - Pod
General Information - Acacia concinna has been used traditionally for hair care in the Indian Subcontinent since ancient times. It is one of the Ayurvedic medicinal plants. It is traditionally used as a shampoo [6] and it is also added in synthetic Ayurvedic shampoos. It is widely known as Shikakai.
Phytochemicals - In commercial extracts, when the plant is hydrolyzed it yields lupeol, spinasterol, acacic acid, lactone, and the natural sugars glucose, arabinose and rhamnose. It also contains hexacosanol, spinasterone, oxalic acid, tartaric acid, citric acid, succinic acid, ascorbic acid, and the alkaloids calyctomine and nicotine.
Botanical Name - Andrographis paniculata
Category - Medicinal
Form - Dry
Part Used - Whole Plant
General Information - The whole herb is bitter in taste and is source of several diterpenoids of which a bitter water soluble lactone andrographolide is important. The plant is acrid, cooling, laxative, antipyretic, antiperiodic, anti-inflammatory, expectorant, sudorific, anthelmintic, digestive and stomachic. It is useful in burning sensation, chronic fever, malaria and intermittent fever, inflammation, cough, bronchitis, skin diseases, intestinal worm, dyspepsia, flatulence, colic, diarrhoea, dysentery, haemorrhoids and vitiated condition of pitta. The plant is often used as a substitute for Chirayita (Swertia chirayita).
Phytochemicals - A number of diterpenoids and diterpenoid glycosides of similar carbon skeleton have been isolated from Andrographis, mainly the most bitter compounds among them are andrographolide, neoandrographolide, deoxyandrographolide. Other such phytochemicals amassed by the plant are 14-deoxyandro -grapholide, 14-deoxy-11,12-didehydroandrographolide, andrographiside, deoxyandrographiside, homoandrogra-pholide, andrographan, andrographon, andro-graphosterin and stigmasterol. The leaves of Andrographis contain the highest amount of andrographolide (2.39%), the most medicinally active phytochemical in the plant, while the seeds contain the lowest. Andrographolide has highly bitter taste, is colorless crystalline in appearance, and possess a "lactone function". Both growing region and seasonal changes have a strong impact on formation of the diterpene lactones. The highest concentration of the active components is found just before the plant blooms, making early fall the best time to harvest.
Botanical Name - Chlorophytum borivilianum
Category - Medicinal
Form - Dry
Part Used - Roots
General Information - Safed musli (Chlorophytum borivilianum), a herb belongs to family Liliaceae. It was originally grown in thick forests of India,1 is a promising medicinal plant with great economic potential. The appreciation of medicinal value of safed musli tubers has been made in ancient Indian medicine literature right from the 11th century AD.
Phytochemicals - The tubers contain saponins and have aphrodisiac, adaptogenic, antiaging, health restorative and health promoting properties. Its root contains steroidal and triterpenoidal saponins, sapogenins and fructans which act as therapeutic agents and play vital role in many therapeutic applications. It is a rich source of over 25 alkaloids, vitamins, proteins, carbohydrates, steroids, saponins, potassium, calcium, magnesium, phenol, resins, mucilage, and polysaccharides and also contains high quantity of simple sugars, mainly sucrose, glucose, fructose, galactose, mannose and xylose.
Botanical Name - Cinnamomum camphora
Category - Medicinal
Form - Dry
Part Used - Leaves
General Information - Cinnamomum camphora is a species of evergreen tree that is commonly known under the names camphor tree, camphorwood or camphor laurel. The leaves have a glossy, waxy appearance and smell of camphor when crushed. In spring, it produces bright green foliage with masses of small white flowers. It produces clusters of black, berry-like fruit around 1 cm (0.39 in) in diameter. Its pale bark is very rough and fissured vertically.
Phytochemicals - "The species contains volatile chemical compounds in all plant parts, and the wood and leaves are steam distilled for the essential oils. Camphor laurel has six different chemical variants called chemotypes, which are camphor, linalool, 1,8-cineole, nerolidol, safrole, and borneol. In China, field workers avoid mixing chemotypes when harvesting by their odour.[5][6] The cineole fraction of camphor laurel is used in China to manufacture fake ""eucalyptus oil"".[7]
The chemical variants (or chemotypes) seem dependent upon the country of origin of the tree. e.g., C. camphora grown in Taiwan and Japan is normally very high in linalool, often between 80 and 85%. In India and Sri Lanka, the high camphor variety/chemotype remains dominant. C. camphora grown in Madagascar, though, is high in 1,8-cineole (averaging between 40 and 50%). The essential oil from the Madagascar trees is commercially known as ravintsara.["
Botanical Name - Pelargonium graveolens
Category - Medicinal
Form - Dry
Part Used - Leaves
General Information - "Commonly known as Geranium, Pelargonium graveolens, is an aromatic, perennial and flowering plant which belongs to Geraniaceae family in the order of Geraniales that contains about 230 genera and more than 2500 species4. Pelargonium species probably originates from South Africa and introduced to Europe in the 17th century and have since been hybridized all over the world5. Nowadays the major production of geranium takes place in China and Middle East especially in Egypt and Morocco6. Pelargonium genus has 750 species scattered widely around the world growing as annuals. P. graveolens has been known as â??Shamdani Atriâ?? in Iran. P. graveolens is a shrubby perennial plant growing to a height of 1 m if left unpruned. In the tropical areas it is grown as an annual. The leaves are lobed and contain essential oil. The plant has typical small, pink flowers. Leaves and stalks are the essential parts of this plant. The essential oil is extracted from fresh plant material mainly using steam distillation. P. graveolens essential oil is largely utilized in the perfumery, cosmetic and aromatherapy industries all over the world. It has since become indispensable aromatherapy oil. Geranium oil responds well to the balancing effects of constipation, insomnia, restlessness, nervousness, anxiety, worry, high blood pressure, anger, frustration, emotional upsets, hypercholesterolemia, slow to lose weight and low metabolic forces.
"
Phytochemicals - "Many chemical constituents such as volatile substances, terpenoids, flavonoids, phenolics, coumarins, cinnamic acids and tannins have been isolated from the plant. Citronellol (29.90%), trans-geraniol (18.03%), 10-epi-�³- eudesmol (8.27%), isomenthone (5.44%), linalool (5.13%), geranyl acetate (4.52%), �³- Cadinene (2.89%), geranyl
butyrate (2.53%), geranyltiglate (2.50%) and gemacrene D (2.05%) were identified as the major constituents of the P. graveolens aerial parts essential oil. Phytochemical investigations in 1996 resulted in characterization of the indole alkaloids, elaeocarpidine, and its 20-H isomer epielaeocarpidine in the leaves of geranium.
"
Botanical Name - Plectranthus Amboinicus
Category - Spices/Medicinal
Form - Fresh/Dry
Part Used - Leaves
General Information - Plectranthus amboinicus (Lour) Spreng belongs to family Lamiaceae, known as country borage in English. It is large succulent aromatic perennial herb, shrubby below, hispidly villous or tomentose. It is found throughout India, Ceylon and Moluccas. The leaves of the plant are bitter, acrid and were being widely used traditionally for various purposes. The plant has been worked out very well and isolated several chemical constituents and had shown various biological properties.
Phytochemicals - CHEMICAL CONSTITUENTS includes Butylaniside, -caryophyllene, carvacrol, 1-8-cineole, p-cymene, ethylsalicylate, eugenol, limonene, myrcene, and -pinenes, -selenene, -terpinene, terpinen-4-ol, thymol, verbenone (essential oil), apigenin, chrysoeriol, 5,4-dihydroxy-6,7-dimethoxy-flavone (cirsimaritin), eriodictyol, 6-methoxy-genkawanin, luteolin, quercetin, salvigenin, taxifolin, oxaloacetic acid, crategolic, euscaphic, 2 -3 -dihydro-olean-12-en-28-oic, pomolic, oleanolic, tormentic, 2 ,3 ,19 ,23-tetrahydroxyurs-12-en-28-oic, ursolic acids, -sitosterol- -D-glucoside isolated from the leaves.
Botanical Name - Rheum emodi
Category - Medicinal
Form - Dry
Part Used - Roots, Rhizomes
General Information - Rheum emodi or Himalayan rhubarb is a perennial herb belongs to family Polygonaceae. It has been used in various traditional systems as laxative, tonic, diuretic and to treat fever, cough, indigestion, menstrual disorder since antiquity. This paper consists of literature of Rheum emodi regarding its ethno botany, folkloric uses, chemical properties and pharmacological studies.
Phytochemicals - The most common constituents of Rheum emodi are anthraquinone (rhein, chrysophanol, aloe-emodin, emodin, physcion, and their glycosides) and stilbene (picetannol, resveratrol and their glycosides). Studies have shown that Rheum emodi possess anticancer, antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial, antifungal, antidyslipidemic, ant platelet, ant diabetic, antiulcer, hepatoprotective, immunoenhancing and nephroprotective activities. These studies raised the therapeutic efficacy of rhubarb in diverse ailments.
Botanical Name - Swertia chirayita
Category - Aromatic/Medicinal
Form - Dry
Part Used - Whole Plant
General Information - Swertia chirayita (Gentianaceae), a popular medicinal herb indigenous to the temperate Himalayas is used in traditional medicine to treat numerous ailments such as liver disorders, malaria, and diabetes and are reported to have a wide spectrum of pharmacological properties. This ethnomedicinal herb is known mostly for its bitter taste caused by the presence of different bioactive compounds that are directly associated with human health welfare. The increasing high usage of Swertia chirayita, mostly the underground tissues, as well as the illegal overharvesting combined with habitat destruction resulted in a drastic reduction of its populations and has brought this plant to the verge of extinction.
Phytochemicals - The whole plant of S. chirayita have been reported to be used for the treatment of antibacterial and antifungal activity. Anti-hepatitis B virus activity of S. chirayita extracts was also studied. The whole plant of S. chirayita has been reported for the anti-inflammatory and hypoglycemic activity. The wide-range biological activities of S. chirayita are attributed to the presence of a diverse group of pharmacologically bioactive compounds belonging to different classes such as xanthones and their derivatives, lignans, alkaloids, flavonoids, terpenoids, iridoids, secoiridoids, and other compounds such as chiratin, ophelicacid, palmitic acid, oleic acid, and stearic acid.
Botanical Name - Moringa oleifera
Category - Medicinal
Form - Dry
Part Used - Leaves, Pods
General Information - Moringa oleifera is a perennial tree, still considered as among underutilized plant and falls under Moringa ceae family. The plant is also known as Drumstick, Sahjan or Sohanjana in India. All plant parts are having remarkable range of some functional and nutraceutical properties (Singh et al, 2012) make this plant diverse biomaterials for food and allied uses. The leaves, flowers and fruits of this plant are used in the preparation of several delicacies in Indian subcontinent. Associated with high nutritional value of its edible portions pave a way in making this plant more popular as an important food source in order to combat protein energy malnutrition problem prevailed in most of the under developed and developing countries of the world.
Phytochemicals - All parts of the Moringa tree (leaves, seeds, roots and flowers) are suitable for human and animal consumption. The leaves, which are rich in protein, minerals, carotene and antioxidant compounds, are used not only for human and animal nutrition but also in traditional medicine. The seeds, instead, have attracted scientific interest as M. oleifera seed kernels contain a significant amount of oil (up to 40%) with a high-quality fatty acid composition (oleic acid > 70%) and, after refining, a notable resistance to oxidative degradation. The oil is known commercially as Ben oil or Behen oil. Its properties make it suitable for both human consumption and commercial purposes. Indeed, Moringa oil could be a good substitute for olive oil in the diet as well as for non-food applications, like biodiesel, cosmetics, and a lubricant for fine machinery. Moreover, after oil extraction, the seed cake can be used in waste water treatment as a natural coagulant or as an organic fertilizer to improve agricultural productivity.
Botanical Name - Brassica Alba
Category - Spices
Form - Dry
Part Used - Seeds
General Information - Brassica juncea L. belongs to the mustard family (Brassicaceae or Cruciferae) and has numerous common names, such as brown mustard, Chinese mustard, and oriental mustard. The leaves are ovate or obovate, simple and petioled; the flowers of the raceme inflorescences are bisexual, with four free sepals and four yellow petals, along with two longer and two shorter stamens. In China, brown mustard includes the hybrids of Brassica nigra and other Brassica species that have brown seeds, while oriental mustard has yellow seeds. This annual herb originates from the natural hybridization between black mustard (Brassica nigra L. Koch) and turnip mustard (Brassica rapa L.)
Phytochemicals- "Black mustard contains about 1% sinigrin (allylÂglucosinolate), a thioglycoside-like compound (a so-called glucosinolate) of ally isothiocyanate with glucose. By action of the enzyme myrosinase, allyl isothiocyanate, a pungent, lachrymatory and volatile compound, is liberated (0.7% of the dried seed). Besides allyl isothiocyanate, in Romanian Brown Mustard another related compound is found, namely crotonyl isothiocyanate (2-butenylisothiocyanate).
Isothiocyanates are also the main ingredients of white mustard, horseradish, wasabi, rocket and cress, all of which belong to the same plant family. The more distantly related capers similarly owe their pungency to an isothiocyanate."
Botanical Name - Brassica juncea/Brassica Nigra
Category - Spices
Form - Dry
Part Used - Seeds
General Information - Brassica juncea L. belongs to the mustard family (Brassicaceae or Cruciferae) and has numerous common names, such as brown mustard, Chinese mustard, and oriental mustard. The leaves are ovate or obovate, simple and petioled; the flowers of the raceme inflorescences are bisexual, with four free sepals and four yellow petals, along with two longer and two shorter stamens. In China, brown mustard includes the hybrids of Brassica nigra and other Brassica species that have brown seeds, while oriental mustard has yellow seeds. This annual herb originates from the natural hybridization between black mustard (Brassica nigra L. Koch) and turnip mustard (Brassica rapa L.)
Phytochemicals- "Black mustard contains about 1% sinigrin (allylÃ?Âglucosinolate), a thioglycoside-like compound (a so-called glucosinolate) of ally isothiocyanate with glucose. By action of the enzyme myrosinase, allyl isothiocyanate, a pungent, lachrymatory and volatile compound, is liberated (0.7% of the dried seed). Besides allyl isothiocyanate, in Romanian Brown Mustard another related compound is found, namely crotonyl isothiocyanate (2-butenylisothiocyanate).
Isothiocyanates are also the main ingredients of white mustard, horseradish, wasabi, rocket and cress, all of which belong to the same plant family. The more distantly related capers similarly owe their pungency to an isothiocyanate."
Botanical Name - Myristica fragrans
Category - Spices/Medicinal
Form - Dry
Part Used - Seeds
General Information - Myristica fragrans Houtt. (Myristicaceae) commonly known as nutmeg is a well-knownaromatic evergreen tree found in India, Indonesia, Sri Lanka and South Africa. Nutmeg mace is well known all over the world as an important spice. Nutmeg has beenshown to possess analgesic, antifungal, antimicrobial, antiin�ammatory as well as hepatoprotective activities. With regard to itsmedicinal and commercial value, the dried kernel (seed) and mace/aril are the most exploitedparts.
Botanical Name - Myristica fragrans
Category - Spices/Medicinal
Form - Dry
Part Used - Seeds
General Information - Myristica fragrans Houtt. (Myristicaceae) commonly known as nutmeg is a well-knownaromatic evergreen tree found in India, Indonesia, Sri Lanka and South Africa. Nutmeg mace is well known all over the world as an important spice. Nutmeg has beenshown to possess analgesic, antifungal, antimicrobial, antiinammatory as well as hepatoprotective activities. With regard to itsmedicinal and commercial value, the dried kernel (seed) and mace/aril are the most exploitedparts.
Botanical Name - Origanum vulgare
Category - Aromatic/Medicinal
Form - Dry
Part Used - Leaves, Flower top
General Information - Oregano (Origanum vulgare) is an aromatic herb belonging tothe Lamiaceae family, and commonly occurs throughout Asia,Europe, and northern Africa. In folk medicine, O. vulgare is usedto treat respiratory disorders, dyspepsia, painful menstruation,rheumatoid arthritis, scrofulosis and urinary tract disorders. It isalso used as a culinary herb in gastronomy.3Previous studiesreported the potential of oregano essential oil to preserve food,such as fresh chicken breast meat, swordfish and octopus.
Phytochemicals - Various chemicals found such as Phosphate buffer, trichloroacetic acid, ferric chloride, ascorbicacid, and 2,4,6-tris(2-pyridyl)-s-triazine (TPTZ) were purchasedfrom Fluka (Buchs, Germany); Folin Ciocalteu reagent, gallic acid,-diphenyl- picrylhydrazyl (DPPH), potassium hexacyanofer-rate(III), and dimethylsulfoxide, ferrous sulfate, sodium acetate, tryptic soy agar, andplate count agar, sodium car-bonate and butylated hydroxytoluene (BHT), sodium sulfate anhydrous.
Botanical Name - Origanum vulgare
Category - Aromatic/Medicinal
Form - Dry
Part Used - Leaves, Flower top
General Information - Oregano (Origanum vulgare) is an aromatic herb belonging tothe Lamiaceae family, and commonly occurs throughout Asia,Europe, and northern Africa. In folk medicine, O. vulgare is usedto treat respiratory disorders, dyspepsia, painful menstruation,rheumatoid arthritis, scrofulosis and urinary tract disorders. It isalso used as a culinary herb in gastronomy.3Previous studiesreported the potential of oregano essential oil to preserve food,such as fresh chicken breast meat, sword�sh and octopus.
Phytochemicals - Various chemicals found such as Phosphate buffer, trichloroacetic acid, ferric chloride, ascorbicacid, and 2,4,6-tris(2-pyridyl)-s-triazine (TPTZ) were purchasedfrom Fluka (Buchs, Germany); Folin Ciocalteu reagent, gallic acid,-diphenyl-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH), potassium hexacyanofer-rate(III), and dimethylsulfoxide, ferrous sulfate, sodium acetate, tryptic soy agar, andplate count agar, sodium car-bonate and butylated hydroxytoluene (BHT), sodium sulfate anhydrous.
Botanical Name - Piper nigrum
Category - Spices/Medicinal
Form - Dry
Part Used - Fruit
General Information - Pepper (Piper nigrum) belongs to the family piperaceae and is known as the king of spices. It requires a specific temperature and rainfall for growth. The part used is small grapelike berries and dried parts and fruits of the perennial pepper plant. Capsicums, chili peppers, and paprika are also included in this category. The dissimilarity amongst them is not only due to their color, there are also wide differences in their botanic names and attributes. Contrary to other peppers, red pepper can be used fresh, ground, or in powdered form. The dried pepper is washed to eliminate stalks, peels, and stem heads. The white pepper is the product obtained from berries that are fully ripened.
Phytochemicals - Piper nigrum (black pepper) is widely used in food industry due to its content of antioxidant and antimicrobial terpenoids (pinene,-pinene, 3-carene, limonene,-terpinene-4-ol, p-cymene) and alkaloids (piperine and related compounds).
Botanical Name - Piper nigrum
Category - Spices/Medicinal
Form - Dry
Part Used - Fruit
General Information - Pepper (Piper nigrum) belongs to the family piperaceae and is known as the king of spices. It requires a specific temperature and rainfall for growth. The part used is small grapelike berries and dried parts and fruits of the perennial pepper plant. Capsicums, chili peppers, and paprika are also included in this category. The dissimilarity amongst them is not only due to their color, there are also wide differences in their botanic names and attributes. Contrary to other peppers, red pepper can be used fresh, ground, or in powdered form. The dried pepper is washed to eliminate stalks, peels, and stem heads. The white pepper is the product obtained from berries that are fully ripened.
Phytochemicals- Piper nigrum (black pepper) is widely used in food industry due to its content of antioxidant and antimicrobial terpenoids (-pinene, pinene, 3-carene, limonene, terpinene-4-ol, p-cymene) and alkaloids (piperine and related compounds).
Botanical Name - Saraca asoca
Category - Medicinal
Form - Dry
Part Used - Bark, Seed, Flowers
General Information - Ashok or Ashoka (which is a Sanskrit term meaning one without sorrow or grief) also called Ashokbriksh and botanically known as Saraca asoca (Roxb.) W. J. de Wilde or Saraca indica L. is among the most ancient medicinal plants known in India. It belongs to the family Caesalpiniaceae. Saraca asoca (Roxb.) has been regarded as a universal panacea in old Indian Ayurvedic texts and has especially been used to manage gynaecological complications and infections besides treating haem-morhagic dysentery, uterine pain, bacterial infections, skin problems, tumours, worm infestations, cardiac and circulatory problems. Almost all parts of the plant are considered pharmacologically valuable. Extensive folkloric practices and ethnobotanical appli-cations of this plant have even lead to the availability of several commercial S. asoca formulations recom-mended for different indications though adulteration of these remains a pressing concern. Though a wealth of knowledge on this plant is available in both the classical and modern literature. The tree is found mainly throughout India, especially in West Bengal, Assam, Odisha, Tamil Nadu, Karnataka, Kerala, Andhra Pradesh, Meghalaya and Maharashtra9. It is also widely distributed across the Western Ghats (both South and Central), the Sahyadri region and throughout the Himalayas.
Phytochemicals- "Bark of S. asoca is the most important organ for its medicinal value. It is known to contain flavonoids, tannins, steroids, volatile oil, glycosides, steroidal gly-cosides such as Beta-sitosterol glucoside, reducing sugars, and many compounds of potassium, sodium, cal-cium, aluminum, strontium, calcium, iron, magnesium and phosphate. Powdered bark also carries cellular species such as tracheids, stone, parenchyma, sieve tubes and other cells.
leaves of S. asoca have remained the next best investigated plant tissue from the metabolic profile standpoint. They have been reported to contain alkaloids, steroids, flavonoids, tannins, saponins, terpenoids, poly-phenolics, glycosides and many car bohydrates.
The flower s of S. asoca have been shown to contain tan-nins, flavonoids, saracasin, saracadin, waxy substances, carbohydrates, proteins and steroids
Seeds of S. asoca have been reported to contain various fatty acids such as oleic, linoleic, palmitic and stearic acids; sterols such as catechol and epicatechol; and a fla-vonoid, leucocyanidin.
Fruits have been previously reported for the presence of various fatty acids such as oleic, linoleic, palmitic and stearic acids; sterols like catechol and epicatechol, and a flavonoid, leucocyanidin."
Botanical Name - Punica granatum
Category - Medicinal
Form - Fresh/Dry
Part Used - Root, Bark, Fruits, Rind of the fruit, Flowers
General Information -Pomegranate (Punica granatum L.) belongs to the Punicacea family. It is one of the important and commercial horticultural fruits which is generally very well adapted to the Mediterranean climate. It has been cultivated extensively in Iran, India and some parts in the U.S.A (California), China, Japan and Russia. Pomegranate fruits are consumed fresh or processed as juice, jellies syrup for industrial production. Different parts of its tree (leaves, fruits and bark skin) have been used traditionally for their medicinal properties and for other purposes such as in tanning.
Phytochemicals - It is proved to have high antioxidant activity and good potency for cancer cprevention. The edible part of the fruit contains considerable amounts of acids, sugars, vitamins, polysaccharides, polyphenols and important minerals.
Botanical Name - Punica granatum
Category - Medicinal
Form - Fresh/Dry
Part Used - Root, Bark, Fruits, Rind of the fruit, Flowers
General Information - Pomegranate (Punica granatum L.) belongs to the Punicacea family. It is one of the important and commercial horticultural fruits which is generally very well adapted to the Mediterranean climate. It has been cultivated extensively in Iran, India and some parts in the U.S.A (California), China, Japan and Russia. Pomegranate fruits are consumed fresh or processed as juice, jellies syrup for industrial production. Different parts of its tree (leaves, fruits and bark skin) have been used traditionally for their medicinal properties and for other purposes such as in tanning.
Phytochemicals - It is proved to have high antioxidant activity and good potency for cancer cprevention. The edible part of the fruit contains considerable amounts of acids, sugars, vitamins, polysaccharides, polyphenols and important minerals.
Botanical Name - Papaver somniferum
Category - Medicinal
Form - Dry
Part Used - Seeds
General Information - Poppy plants (Papaver somniferum, Papaver paeoniflorum, Papaver giganteum) are herbaceous annual plants that can grow almost anywhere. Of all the different species, P. somniferum is the most popular due to its beautiful flowers. Moreover, seeds are used for making muffins, breads, and other food. The stems and pods are often used for flower arrangements. Opium is found in the latex (a milky fluid) of unripe pods of poppy plants 1 - 3 weeks after flowering. The milky fluid is collected by incision of green seed pods.
Phytochemicals - More than 30 alkaloids have been isolated from P. somniferum out of which three alkaloids morphine, codeine, and noscapine (antitussive) are used directly in therapy. Thebaine is a biosynthetic intermediate of the morphine pathway which is used by the pharmaceutical industry for synthesis of oxycodone, oxymorphone, buprenorphine, and naloxone, an opiate antagonist.
Botanical Name - Cucurbita spp.
Category - Super Food
Form - Dry
Part Used - Seed
General Information - Cucurbita plants have been applied in different cultures as traditional medication. For instance, pumpkins for the treatment of intestinal worms and urinary ailments. Seeds are used as an anthelmintic, to treat issues of the urinary framework, high blood pressure, to prevent the development of kidney stones, to ease prostate disorders and even to improve the erysipelas skin contamination.
Botanical Name - Chenopodium Quinoa
Category - Medicinal
Form - Dry
Part Used - Seeds
General Information - Quinoa (Chenopodium quinoa Willd.), which is considered a pseudocereal or pseudograin, has been recognized as a complete food due to its protein quality. It has remarkable nutritional properties; not only from its protein content (15%) but also from its great amino acid balance.
Phytochemicals - It is an important source of minerals and vitamins, and has also been found to contain compounds like polyphenols, phytosterols, and flavonoids with possible nutraceutical benefits. It has some functional (technological) properties like solubility, water-holding capacity (WHC), gelation, emulsifying, and foaming that allow diversified uses. Besides, it has been considered an oil crop, with an interesting proportion of omega-6 and a notable vitamin E content.
Botanical Name - Capsicum frutescens
Category - Spices
Form - Dry
Part Used - Fruit
General Information - "Capsicum frutescens is a much-branched, erect, perennial plant growing from 1 - 2 metres tall. The stems can become more or less woody, at least near the base. This species is widely grown throughout the world, but especially in warm temperate to tropical climates for its edible fruit, which is used as a food flavouring, and also for its medicinal virtues.
Fruit - raw or cooked. Very hot and normally used as a flavouring. The fruit can be dried and ground into a powder for use as a flavouring. The fruit is up to 7.5cm long and 1cm wide. Seed - dried, ground and used as a pepper. Leaves - cooked as a potherb."
Phytochemicals- The fruit is also antihaemorrhoidal, antirheumatic, antiseptic, carminative, diaphoretic, digestive, sialagogue and stomachic. These pungent fruited peppers are important in the tropics as gastrointestinal detoxifiers and food preservatives. The fruits contain 0.1 - 1.5% capsaicin. This substance stimulates the circulation and alters temperature regulation. Applied to the skin it desensitizes nerve endings and so has been used as a local anaesthetic. The seed contains capsicidins. These are thought to have antibiotic properties.
Botanical Name - Rock Salt(Sendha Namak)
Category - Spices/Medicinal
Form - Dry
Part Used - Salt
General Information - Rock salt is a form of coarsely ground sodium chloride. Sodium chloride, or salt, is employed in many industries, as well as used in cooking. It helps set dyes in fabrics and is used in the process of producing detergent and soap as well as being used as grit on roads. Rock salt has a crystalline structure, is used as a desiccant and can also be used as an extinguishing agent.
Phytochemicals - Rock salt is a sedimentary rock, which is classified as an evaporate. Naturally occurring rock salt is formed from the evaporation of inland seas. The rock salt contains the minerals found in that particular body of water; mostly sodium, chloride, calcium, magnesium, potassium, and sulfate. These are the major elements found in rock salt. All of these substances are highly soluble in water. Shale is also a sedimentary rock: however, it is classified as a clastic rock layer. Clastic sedimentary rocks are composed predominantly of broken pieces of older weathered and eroded rocks and are classified based on grain size, clastic and cementing material (matrix) composition, and texture. Shale is a fine-grained, clastic sedimentary rock composed of mud that is a mix of flakes of clay minerals and tiny fragments (silt-sized particles) of other minerals, especially quartz and calcite. Many of the minerals that make up shale are insoluble in water. Marcellus Shale is black shale, which is dark, thinly laminated carbonaceous shale, exceptionally rich in organic matter and sulfide and often containing unusual concentrations of certain trace elements such as uranium, vanadium, copper, and nickel.
Botanical Name - Rock Salt(Sendha Namak)
Category - Spices/Medicinal
Form - Dry
Part Used - Salt
General Information - Rock salt is a form of coarsely ground sodium chloride. Sodium chloride, or salt, is employed in many industries, as well as used in cooking. It helps set dyes in fabrics and is used in the process of producing detergent and soap as well as being used as grit on roads. Rock salt has a crystalline structure, is used as a desiccant and can also be used as an extinguishing agent.
Phytochemicals - Rock salt is a sedimentary rock, which is classified as an evaporate. Naturally occurring rock salt is formed from the evaporation of inland seas. The rock salt contains the minerals found in that particular body of water; mostly sodium, chloride, calcium, magnesium, potassium, and sulfate. These are the major elements found in rock salt. All of these substances are highly soluble in water. Shale is also a sedimentary rock: however, it is classified as a clastic rock layer. Clastic sedimentary rocks are composed predominantly of broken pieces of older weathered and eroded rocks and are classified based on grain size, clastic and cementing material (matrix) composition, and texture. Shale is a fine-grained, clastic sedimentary rock composed of mud that is a mix of flakes of clay minerals and tiny fragments (silt-sized particles) of other minerals, especially quartz and calcite. Many of the minerals that make up shale are insoluble in water. Marcellus Shale is black shale, which is dark, thinly laminated carbonaceous shale, exceptionally rich in organic matter and sulfide and often containing unusual concentrations of certain trace elements such as uranium, vanadium, copper, and nickel.
Botanical Name - Rosmarinus officinalis
Category - Aromatic/Medicinal
Form - Fresh/Dry
Part Used - Leaves, Flowers, Twings
General Information - Rosmarinus officinalis (Rosemery-family Lamiaceae) is one of the oldest Mediterranean shrubs with powerful pungent aroma and dark green elongated leaves and white or purple flowers. The rosemary herb was used as a food seasoning and natural medicine for over a million years. The name Rosmarinus derives from the Latin term that translates to â??dew of the sea.â?? Rosemary is a symbol of remembrance, since ancient Greece and Rome. Greeks used the herb to help their memory, to expel negativity by placing the sacred herb under the pillow, and to prevent nightmares. Dioscorides, Theophanus and Conrad Gesner, and ancient healers recognized the beneficial effects of rosemary in dealing with brain, liver, heart, and eye problems. According to legend, when Mary, Joseph, and the baby Jesus were fleeing to Egypt, Mary laid her cloak on a rosemary bush, and since that time, rosemary bush was called the Rose of Mary in honor of the Virgin Mary.
Phytochemicals- R. officinalis leaves added to vinegar (marinade) make a great flavoring component in preparation of meat, shellfish, and vegetables. Rosemary plant is rich in vitamin A, vitamin C, thiamin, riboflavin, vitamin B6, and folate, as well as such important minerals like Ca, Mg, iron, phosphorus, potassium, and copper. Carnosic acid and carnosol (rosemary polyphenol) pose chemopreventive, antioxidant, and anticancer activities against prostate, skin, breast, leukemia, lung, urinary bladder, and colon cancers through genes that encode antioxidant phase II enzymes. As anti-inflammatory, carnosol has ability to reduce leukotrienes, inhibit 5-lipoxygenase, antagonize the intracellular Ca2 + mobilization, and inhibit the secretion of leukocyte elastase. Triterpenoid compound ursolic acid has been shown to have anti-inflammatory and even antidepressant effects.
Botanical Name - Rosmarinus officinalis
Category - Aromatic/Medicinal
Form - Fresh/Dry
Part Used - Leaves, Flowers, Twings
General Information - Rosmarinus officinalis (Rosemery-family Lamiaceae) is one of the oldest Mediterranean shrubs with powerful pungent aroma and dark green elongated leaves and white or purple flowers. The rosemary herb was used as a food seasoning and natural medicine for over a million years. The name Rosmarinus derives from the Latin term that translates to dew of the sea. Rosemary is a symbol of remembrance, since ancient Greece and Rome. Greeks used the herb to help their memory, to expel negativity by placing the sacred herb under the pillow, and to prevent nightmares. Dioscorides, Theophanus and Conrad Gesner, and ancient healers recognized the beneficial effects of rosemary in dealing with brain, liver, heart, and eye problems. According to legend, when Mary, Joseph, and the baby Jesus were fleeing to Egypt, Mary laid her cloak on a rosemary bush, and since that time, rosemary bush was called the Rose of Mary in honor of the Virgin Mary.
Phytochemicals- R. officinalis leaves added to vinegar (marinade) make a great flavoring component in preparation of meat, shellfish, and vegetables. Rosemary plant is rich in vitamin A, vitamin C, thiamin, riboflavin, vitamin B6, and folate, as well as such important minerals like Ca, Mg, iron, phosphorus, potassium, and copper. Carnosic acid and carnosol (rosemary polyphenol) pose chemopreventive, antioxidant, and anticancer activities against prostate, skin, breast, leukemia, lung, urinary bladder, and colon cancers through genes that encode antioxidant phase II enzymes. As anti-inflammatory, carnosol has ability to reduce leukotrienes, inhibit 5-lipoxygenase, antagonize the intracellular Ca2 + mobilization, and inhibit the secretion of leukocyte elastase. Triterpenoid compound ursolic acid has been shown to have anti-inflammatory and even antidepressant effects.
Botanical Name - Crocus sativus
Category - Spices
Form - Dry
Part Used - Flower Bud
General Information - Crocus sativus L. (Iridaceae), commonly known as saffron, is a perennial stemless herb that is widely cultivated in Iran and other countries such as India and Greece. Commercial saffron comprises the dried red stigma with a small portion of the yellowish style attached. The flowers are hermaphrodite (have both male and female organs) and are pollinated by bees and butterflies. The plant prefers light (sandy) and medium (loamy) soils, requires well-drained soil, and can grow in nutritionally poor soil. The flower has three stigmas, which are the distal ends of the plant's carpels. Together with the style, the stalk connecting the stigmas to the rest of the plant are often dried and used in cooking as a seasoning and coloring agent. Saffron blooms only once a year and should be collected within a very short duration. It is picked during 3-4 weeks in October-November.
Phytochemicals - Saffron contains more than 150 volatile and aroma-yielding compounds. It also has many non-volatile active components, many of which are carotenoids including zeaxanthin, lycopene, and various �±- and �²-carotenes. The volatiles with a very strong odor are consistent of more than 34 components that are mainly terpenes, terpene alcohols, and their esters. Non-volatiles include crocins that are responsible for the red or reddish brown color of stigmas together with carotenes, crocetin, picrocrocin (a glycosidic precursor of safranal), the bitter substance and safranal the major organoleptic principle of stigmas. However saffron's golden yellow-orange color is primarily due to -crocin. This crocin is trans-crocetin di-(I-D-gentiobiosyl) ester.
Botanical Name - Pterocarpus santalinus
Category - Aromatic/Medicinal
Form - Dry
Part Used - Bark
General Information - Pterocarpus santalinus Linn.f., commonly known as Red sanders, belongs to the family Fabaceae. It is endemic to India and considered globally endangered, with illegal harvest being a key threat. The plant is renowned for its characteristic timber of exquisite color, beauty, and superlative technical qualities. The red wood yields a natural dye santalin, which is used in coloring pharmaceutical preparations and foodstuffs. In the traditional system of medicine, the decoction prepared from the heartwood is attributed various medicinal properties. It has been used in inducing vomiting and treating eye diseases, mental aberrations, and ulcers. The heartwood of Red sanders is known to have antipyretic, anti-inflammatory, anthelmintic, tonic, hemorrhage, dysentery, aphrodisiac, and diaphoretic activities. It has also been used as a cooling agent. Ethanol extract of stem bark was reported to possess anti-hyperglycaemic activity. The wood in combination with other drugs is also prescribed for snake bites and scorpion stings.
hytochemicals- Phytochemical investigations of aqueous and ethanol extracts of stem bark revealed the presence of alkaloids, phenols, saponins, glycosides, flavonoides, triterpenoides, sterols, and tannins. The heart wood contains isoflavone glucosides and two anti-tumour lignans, viz., savinin and calocedrin.
Botanical Name - Santalum album
Category - Aromatic
Form - Dry
Part Used - Heartwood
General Information -"Sandalwood (Santalum album)
Sandalwood is a precious plant grown in India that yields fragrant sandalwood oil, which was among the first few items traded to Middle East and other countries. Sandalwood oil is an excellent base and fixative for other high-grade perfumes and, by itself, is an excellent, mild, long-lasting, and sweet perfume. There are several hundred products that use sandalwood and its oil. Sandalwood has antipyretic, antiseptic, antiscabetic, and diuretic properties. It is also effective in treatment of bronchitis, cystitis, dysuria, and diseases of the urinary tract."
Phytochemicals - The main ingredient of sandalwood oil is santalol that has many therapeutic properties. Sandalwood oil has been used in Indian Ayurvedic system for centuries. It is renowned for its sublime, aphrodisiac, diuretic, and urinary antiseptic properties. It has been found to help remove negative programming from the cells and increases oxygen around the pituitary and pineal glands. Santalol and santalol and santenone are main constituents of the sandalwood oil.
Botanical Name - Sesamum indicum
Category - Medicinal
Form - Dry
Part Used - Seeds
General Information - Sesame (Sesamum indicum L.) is herbaceous annual plant belonging to the Pedaliaceae family. Sesame seed is also known as benniseed (Africa), benne (Southern United States), gingelly (India), gengelin (Brazil), sim-sim, semsem (Hebrew) and tila (Sanskrit). It is one of the worldâ??s important and oldest oilseed crops and has been used extensively for thousands of years as a seed of worldwide significance for edible oil, paste, cake, confectionary purposes and flour due to its highly stable oil contents, nutritious protein (rich in methionine, tryptophan and valine) and savory nutty roasted flavor.
Phytochemicals- S. indicum contained significant amounts of flavonoids while the seeds possessed the highest flavonoids levels. Flavonoids belong to a group of polyphenolics compounds. Polyphenols are plant compounds with a high level of antioxidant activity. This activity is due to their ability to ad-sorb, neutralize and quench free radicals. The high content of flavonoids in this plant (4.98-16.12%) might be responsible for its usefulness as a food and herbal drug. Phenols are known as important plant constituents that protect plants from oxidant damage due to their hydroxyl group. The levels of phenol contents in all the parts of S. indicum (0.13-0.016%) were very low.
Botanical Name - Sesamum indicum
Category - Super Food
Form - Dry
Part Used - Seed
General Information - Sesamum indicum L., commonly known internationally as sesame, is one of the oldest oilseed crops. Worldwide, it is used for its nutritional, medicinal, and industrial purposes. It is called â??sesameâ?? internationally, while it is called benni seed in West Africa; simsim in East Africa and Till in India. Sesame is the seed of Sesamum indicum L. (Pedaliaceae). The seeds are yellowish white, brown, or gray to black, flat pyriform (2.5 - 3.5 mm by 1.2 - 2 mm by 1 mm), and finely punctate, with four delicate, longitudinal ridges at the edges of the flat faces.
Botanical Name - Stevia rebaudiana
Category - Medicinal
Form - Dry
Part Used - Leaves
General Information - The herb plant Stevia rebaudiana, a rhizomatous perennial shrub of the sunflower family Asteraceae (Compositae; tribe Eupatorieae), native to Paraguay and Brazil, produces a host of natural sweet-tasting diterpene compounds as secondary metabolites in its leaves. The leaves have been used by local Guaran� Indian tribes as a natural sweetener and as traditional medicine for centuries.
Phytochemicals - Stevia species are members of the family of Asteraceae (qv). Stevia rebaudiana contains steviol glycosides, such as stevioside and rebaudioside A, used as artificial sweeteners and 100- 300 times sweeter than sucrose. Steviol glycosides were approved as food additives in the USA, Australia, and New Zealand in 2008 and in Europe in 2011. Steviol glycosides are permitted in a large variety of foods and beverages over a wide range of maximum permitted levels. Apart from their sweetness, steviol glycosides, in higher doses and regular consumption, have been claimed to display important pharmacological/therapeutic activities, such as antioxidant, antibacterial, antifungal, antiviral, antitumor, diuretic, and gastroprotective (antidiarrheal) activities, and to have immunomodulatory effects and a positive influence on renal function, blood pressure, and blood glucose. They suppress neoplastic growth, improve cell regeneration, and strengthen blood vessels.
Botanical Name - Tamarindus indica
Category - Spices/Medicinal
Form - Fresh/Dry
Part Used - Fruit
General Information - Tamarindus indica is a member of multipurpose, tropical evergreen leguminous species of Caesalpiniaceae subfamily native to Africa and southern Asia. It grows well up to 1500 m above sea level where annual rainfall is above 1500 mm. It can grow in versatile soil conditions. T. indica is very popular for its delicious appetizing fruit. The soft, succulent, juicy ripened pulp usually is used in confectionery and household as an ingredient of chutnies, pickles, curries, preserves, beverages, and sherbets.
Phytochemicals - Tamarind fruits have several nutrient values, electrolytes, phytonutrients, vitamins, and minerals. Different components of essential elements, phenolic substances, volatile components, organic acids, fatty acids, antimicrobial activities, antibacterial activities, antioxidative activities, antisnake venom activities, antiinflammatory activities and antidiabetic activities exist with tamarind.
Botanical Name - Tamarindus indica
Category - Spices/Medicinal
orm - Fresh/Dry
Part Used - Fruit
General Information - Tamarindus indica is a member of multipurpose, tropical evergreen leguminous species of Caesalpiniaceae subfamily native to Africa and southern Asia. It grows well up to 1500 m above sea level where annual rainfall is above 1500 mm. It can grow in versatile soil conditions. T. indica is very popular for its delicious appetizing fruit. The soft, succulent, juicy ripened pulp usually is used in confectionery and household as an ingredient of chutnies, pickles, curries, preserves, beverages, and sherbets.
Phytochemicals - Tamarind fruits have several nutrient values, electrolytes, phytonutrients, vitamins, and minerals. Different components of essential elements, phenolic substances, volatile components, organic acids, fatty acids, antimicrobial activities, antibacterial activities, antioxidative activities, antisnake venom activities, antiinflammatory activities and antidiabetic activities exist with tamarind.
Botanical Name - Curcuma longa
Category - Spices/Medicinal
Form - Dry
Part Used - Tuberous rhizomes
General Information - Turmeric (Curcuma longa L. syn C.domes tic a Val.) be lon gs to fami lyZingiberaceae, which is extensively culti-vated for its rhizomes. It is a perennialherb distributed throughout tropical andsub-tropical regions of the world includ-ing India, Pakistan, Bangladesh and SriLanka. Its rhizomes are harvested, washedand boiled in mild alkaline water to softenand dried in sun or in electric driers. It is used as colouring agent in pharmacy,confectionery, food industry, for dyeingwool, silk, cotton and in combination withother natural dyes to get different shades. Rhizomes are used ascosmeceutical, expectorant, antiseptic,anthelmintic, blood purifier, in leprosy,spleen disorders, rheumatism, bronchitis,cough and cold, insecticide, spasmolytic,hypotensive, cholera and syphilis. It is a minor ingre-dient of Ayurvedic drug for malarial fever, Acne-n-pimple cream, anti-wrinkle cream,blood purifier capsules and syrup, footcare cr eam.
Phytochemicals - Curcumin, demethoxycurcumin andbisdemethoxycurcumin collectively knownas curcuminoids (3-6%) are major polyphe-nolic compounds in turmeric rhizomes. The main colouringprinciple of turmeric rhizome was isolatedin 19th century and named as Curcumin.Its chemical structure was determined byRoughley and Whiting (1973). Other phe-nolic compounds present in turmeric rhi-zome are 1-hydroxy-1, 7-bis (4-hydroxy-3-methoxyphenyl)-(6E)-6-heptene-3, 5-dione;1-(4- hydroxy-3, 5-dimethoxyphenyl)-7-(4-hydroxy-3-methoxyphenyl)-(1E, 6E)-1, 6-heptadiene-3, 4-dione; 1, 5-bis (4-hydroxy-3-methoxyphenyl)-penta-(1E, 4E)-1, 4-dien-3-one; 1-(4-hydroxy-3-methoxyphenyl-5-(4-hydroxyphenyl)-penta-(1E, 4E)-1, 4-dien-3-one; 1-(4-hydroxy-3-methoxyphenyl)-7-(3, 4-dihydroxyphenyl)-1, 6-heptadiene-3,5-dione and 1, 7-bis (4-hydroxyphenyl)-1,4, 6-heptatrien-3-one.
Botanical Name - Terminalia chebula
Category - Medicinal
Form - Dry
Part Used - Fruit
General Information - Terminalia chebula, commonly known as black- or chebulic myrobalan, is a species of Terminalia, native to South Asia from India and Nepal . Myrobalans are the dried fruits of Terminalia chebula (Combretaceae), a tree common in India. The immature fruits are black, ovoid and about 1 - 3 cm long. The seed of the fruit, which has an elliptical shape, is an abrasive seed enveloped by a fleshy and firm pulp. Seven types of fruit are recognized (vijaya, rohini, putana, amrita, abhaya, jivanti, and chetaki), based on the region where the fruit is harvested, as well as the colour and shape of the fruit. Generally speaking, the vijaya variety is preferred, which is traditionally grown in the Vindhya Range of west-central India, and has a roundish as opposed to a more angular shape. The fruit also provides material for tanning leather and dyeing cloth. Terminalia chebula is a main ingredient in the Ayurvedic formulation Triphala which is used for kidney and liver dysfunctions. The dried fruit is also used in Ayurveda as a purported antitussive, cardiotonic, homeostatic, diuretic, and laxative.
Phytochemicals - They contain about 20 - 40% of tannin, sitosterol, anthraquinones and a fixed oil containing principally esters of palmitic, oleic and linoleic acids. The tannin and anthraquinone constituents make the drug both astringent and cathartic in action. Several antiaging phenolic compounds were extracted from Terminalia chebula. It includes gallic acid, chebulinic acid, chebulagic acid, isoterchebulin, punicalagin, and 1,3,6-tri-O-galloyl--d-glucopyranosehave.
