TABLE OF CONTENT

This is to certify that the project work entitled “MEDICINAL

PLANTS” is the Bonafide Record of work done by: _______, Exam

No: ___________under the guidance of Mrs. Poornima

and Mr.V. Raja Sekhar, Post Graduate Teachers in biology in

partial fulfillment of the requirement for the award of 12th

standard during the Acadamic Year 2022-2023. This project is

absolutely genuine and does not indulge in plagiarism of any kind.

The references take in making this project have been declared at

the end of this report.

INTERNAL EXAMINER PRINCIPAL

EXTERNAL EXAMINER
 DECLARATION

I, the undersigned, -----------------, Exam No ___________ of std XII,

hereby declare that the project work entitled “MEDICINAL
PLANTS”, submitted to the Department of Biology, Saratha
International Sr. Sec. School, Gobichettipalayam, is my own work
and has been carried out under the supervision of Mrs.Poornima
and Mr. V. Raja Sekhar, Post Graduate Teachers in Biology, of
Saratha International Senior Secondary School.

CLASS XII
 ACKNOWLEDGEMENT
The successful completion of any task would be incomplete without
mentioning the name of those persons who helped us to make it
possible.
I thank my God for providing me with everything that I required in
completing this project.
It is our humble pleasure to acknowledge our deep sense of gratitude to
our Biology teacher, Mrs. Poornima and Mr. V. Raja Sekhar, Post
Graduate Teachers in Biology for his valuable support, constant help and
guidance as well as for providing necessary information regarding this
project without which the project would have not come forth.
We also register our sense of gratitude to our beloved principal Mr. Geo
John for her encouragement, and for providing me library references, and
computer lab for internet reference etc., that has made this project
successful.
I would like to express my gratitude towards my parents for their kind
cooperation and encouragement which helped me in the completing of
this project.
We also thank our School Management for encouraging us during the
project.
My thanks and appreciations also go to my classmates in developing the
project and to people who have willing helped out with their abilities.
We would like to convey our sincere thanks to the CBSE Board for giving
us this opportunity.
 INDEX
Serial.no Content Page no.
1. Introduction
2. Classification of Medicinal Plants
i. Alkaloids
ii. Flavonoids
iii. Terpenoids
iv. Polyphenols
v. Glycosides
3. Cultivation and Preparation
4. Chemistry in Medicinal Plants
i. Thulsi (Ocimum sanctum linn)
ii. Rhaponticum carthamoides
5. Endangered Medicinal Plants:
Conservation and Sustainable
Harvesting
6. Tropical medicinal plants
i. Rauvolfia serpentina
ii. Datura metel
iii. Asparagus racemosus
iv. Catharanthus roseus
v. Abelmoschus moschatus
 INTRODUCTION
Medicinal plants have been discovered and used in traditional medicine practices since prehistoric times. A
medicinal plant is any plant that contains substances in one or more of its organs that can be used for
therapeutic purposes or are precursors to the synthesis of effective drugs. Medicinal plants have been used in
healthcare since time immemorial. Studies have been carried out globally to verify their efficacy and some of
the findings have led to the production of plant-based medicines. Medicinal plants play vital roles in disease
prevention and their promotion and use fit into all existing prevention strategies.

Over three-quarters of the world population relies mainly on plants and plant extracts for health care. More
than 30% of the entire plant species, at one time or other, were used for medicinal purposes. It is estimated
that world market for plant derived drugs may account for about Rs.2,00,000 crores. Presently, Indian
contribution is less than Rs.2000 crores. Indian export of raw drugs has steadily grown at 26% to Rs.165 crores
in 1994-’95 from Rs.130 crores in 1991-’92. The annual production of medicinal and aromatic plant’s raw
material is worth about Rs.200 crores. This is likely to touch US $1150 by the year 2000 and US $5 trillion by
2050.

A number of plants have been used in traditional medicine for many years. Plants, especially used in Ayurveda
can provide biologically active molecules and lead structures for the development of modified derivatives with
enhanced activity. About 121 (45 tropical and 76 subtropical) major plant drugs have been identified for which
no synthetic one is currently available (table 1). The scientific study of traditional medicines, derivation of
drugs through bioprospecting and systematic conservation of the concerned medicinal plants are thus of great
importance.
 Table 1. Some plant drugs for which no synthetic one is currently available

S.No Drug Plant Use

1. Vinblastine Catharanthus roseus Anticancer

2. Catechin Acacia catechu Antiulcer
3. Cocaine Erythroxylum coca Topical anaesthetic
4. Reserpine Rauvolfia serpentina Tranquilizer
5. Quinine Cinchona sp. Antimalarial
6. Nimbidin Azadirachta indica Antimicrobial
7. Morphine Papaver somniferum Painkiller
8. Atropine Atropa belladona Spasmolytic, cold
9. Cardiac Glycosides Digitalis sp For congestive heart failure
10. Magnolol Magnolia bark Peptic ulcer
11. Allicin Allium sativum Antifungal, amoebiasis
12. Berberine Berberis For leishmaniasis
13. Quassinoids Ailanthus Antiprotozoal
14. Pilocarpine Pilocarpus jaborandi Antiglucoma
15. Thevenerin Thevetia Cardio tonic

A definition of medicinal plants should include the following:

a) plants or plant parts used medicinally in galenical preparations (e.g. decoctions, infusions, etc.) e.g.
Cascara bark;

b) plants used for extraction of pure substances either for direct medicinal use or for the hemi-synthesis
of medicinal compounds (e.g. hemi-synthesis of sex hormones from diosgenin obtained
from Dioscorea yams);

c) food, spice, and perfumery plants used medicinally, e.g. ginger;

d) microscopic plants, e.g. fungi, actinomycetes, used for isolation of drugs, especially antibiotics.
Examples are ergot (Claviceps purpurea growing on rye) or Streptomyces griseus; and
 e) fibre plants, e.g. cotton, flax, jute, used for the preparation of surgical dressings.

The growing importance of medicinal plants can be appreciated from the economic stand point when the
following facts are considered:

 Global trade in herbs is over USD 100 Billion per annum

 India and China's medicinal plant trade is about two to five billion US dollars annually

 China trades in 7,000 species and 700,000 tons of medicinal plants per annum

 India trades in 7,000 species of medicinal plants

 Morocco exports 58.7 tons of medicinal plants annually

 In the last 5 years, sales of medicinal plants doubled in China, tripled in India and grew by 25% in
Europe.

Among ancient civilizations, India has been known to be rich repository of medicinal plants. The forest in
India is the principal repository of large number of medicinal and aromatic plants, which are largely
collected as raw materials for manufacture of drugs and perfumery products. About 8,000 herbal remedies
have been codified in Ayurveda. The Rigveda (5000 BC) has recorded 67 medicinal plants, Yajurveda 81
species, Atharvaveda (4500-2500 BC) 290 species, Charak Samhita (700 BC) and Sushrut Samhita (200 BC)
had described properties and uses of 1100 and 1270 species respectively, in compounding of drugs and
these are still used in the classical formulations, in the Ayurvedic system of medicine. Unfortunately, much
of the ancient knowledge and many valuable plants are being lost at an alarming rate. With the rapid
depletion of forests, impairing the availability of raw drugs, Ayurveda, like other systems of herbal
medicines has reached a very critical phase. About 50% of the tropical forests, the treasure house of plant
and animal diversity have already been destroyed. In India, forest cover is disappearing at an annual rate
1.5mha/yr. What is left at present is only 8% as against a mandatory 33% of the geographical area. Many
valuable medicinal plants are under the verge of extinction. The Red Data Book of India has 427 entries of
endangered species of which 28 are considered extinct, 124 endangered, 81 vulnerable, 100 rare and 34
insufficiently known species.
 CLASSIFICATION OF MEDICINAL PLANTS
All plants produce chemical compounds which give them an evolutionary advantage, such as defending
against herbivores or, in the example of salicylic acid, as a hormone in plant defenses. These
phytochemicals have potential for use as drugs, and the content and known pharmacological activity of
these substances in medicinal plants is the scientific basis for their use in modern medicine, if
scientifically confirmedClassifying medicinal plants based on their chemical composition can be
complex, as plants contain a wide variety of bioactive compounds. This classification can be based on
various chemical groups, such as alkaloids, flavonoids, terpenoids, glycosides and phenolic compounds.
For instance, daffodils (Narcissus) contain nine groups of alkaloids including galantamine, licensed for
use against Alzheimer's disease. The alkaloids are bitter-tasting and toxic, and concentrated in the
parts of the plant such as the stem most likely to be eaten by herbivores; they may also protect against
parasites

i. Alkaloids:
Alkaloids are bitter-tasting chemicals, very widespread in nature, and often toxic, found in
many medicinal plants. Medicines of different classes include atropine, scopolamine, and
hyoscyamine (all from nightshade), the traditional medicine berberine (from plants such as
Berberis and Mahonia), caffeine (Coffea), cocaine (Coca), ephedrine (Ephedra), morphine
(opium poppy), nicotine (tobacco), reserpine (Rauvolfia serpentina), quinidine and quinine
(Cinchona), vincamine (Vinca minor), and vincristine (Catharanthus roseus).
ii. Flavonoids:
Flavonoids represent a diverse group of polyphenolic compounds widely distributed in the plant
kingdom. Flavonoids are antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and antiviral.
Plants rich in flavonoids include Ginkgo biloba, known for its neuroprotective effects, and green
tea (Camellia sinensis), which contains catechins with potential health benefits.

iii. Terpenoids

Terpenes and terpenoids of many kinds are found in a variety of medicinal plants, and in resinous
plants such as the conifers. They are strongly aromatic and serve to repel herbivores. Their scent
makes them useful in essential oils, whether for perfumes such as rose and lavender, or for
aromatherapy.

Some have medicinal uses: for example, thymol is an antiseptic and was once used as a vermifuge
(anti-worm medicine)
iv. Glycosides
Anthraquinone glycosides are found in medicinal plants such as rhubarb, cascara, and Alexandrian
senna. Plant-based laxatives made from such plants include senna, rhubarb and Aloe.
The cardiac glycosides are powerful drugs from medicinal plants including foxglove and lily of the
valley. They include digoxin and digitoxin which support the beating of the heart, and act as
diuretics

v. Polyphenols
Polyphenols of several classes are widespread in plants, having diverse roles in defenses against
plant diseases and predators. They include hormone-mimicking phytoestrogens and astringent
tannins. Plants containing phytoestrogens which is used for gynecological disorders, such as
fertility, menstrual, and menopausal problems.
 CULTIVATION AND PREPARATION
Cultivation

Most of medicinal plants, even today, are collected from wild. The continued commercial exploitation of these
plants has resulted in receding the population of many species in their natural habitat. It is necessary to
initiate systematic cultivation of medicinal plants in order to conserve biodiversity and protect endangered
species.

In the pharmaceutical industry, where the active medicinal principle cannot be synthesized economically, the
product must be obtained from the cultivation of plants. Systematic conservation and large-scale cultivation of
the concerned medicinal plants are thus of great importance. Efforts are also required to suggest appropriate
cropping patterns. There are at least 35 major medicinal plants that can be cultivated in India and have
established demand for their raw material or active principles in the international trade or the incorporation
of these plants into the conventional agricultural and forestry cropping systems.

In order to initiate systematic cultivation of medicinal and aromatic plants high yielding varieties have to be
selected (table 2). In the case of wild plants, their demonstration would require careful development work.
Sometimes high yielding varieties have also to be developed by selective breeding or clonal micropropagation.
The selected propagation materials have to be distributed to the farmer either through nurseries or seed
banks. Systematic cultivation needs specific cultural practices and agronomical requirements. These are
species specific and are dependent on soil, water and climatic conditions. Hence research and development
work has to be done to formulate Good Agricultural Practices (GAP) which should include proper cultivation
techniques, harvesting methods, safe use of fertilizers and pesticides and waste disposal.

Taking into consideration the requirements of the plants selected, an agrotechnological package has to be
developed to suit the infrastructural facilities available. Research and development work have also to be
carried out in the following areas (Silva, 1997).

1. Optimization of agronomical conditions for cultivation

2. Training in safe fertilizer and pesticide use
3. Development of fast-growing varieties with disease resistance
4. Determination of maturity and time of harvesting
5. No. of economically viable harvests
Table 2. New varieties of medicinal plants developed in India

Crop Variety Characters (Institution where developed)

Psyllium Plantago Gujarat High seed yield (1t/ha) with synchronous maturing
ovata Isabgol-1 of seed (GAU, Anand)
Gujarat Seed yield of 1t/ha, moderately resistant to downy
Isabgol-2 mildew disease (GAU, Anand)
(GI-2)
Opium poppy Papaver Jawahar White flowered with serrated petals, produces oval capsules
somniferum Aphim-16 maturing early at 105-110 days for lancing. Yield 66kg of latex
(JA-16) averaging 10% of morphine (JNKVV, Mandsur)
Medium dwarf, pink flowered, serrated petals. Produces large
bumble-shaped capsules, high latex and morphine content.
Trishna (over JA-16) (NBPGR, Delhi)
(IC-42) High latex yield in Rajasthan tract (58kg/ha) with high morphine
content (12.3%) and high seed yield (1.2t/ha) (RU, Udaipur)
High latex yield in central and eastern UP. Latex yield 47-
57.54kg/ha. (NBRI, Lucknow)
Udaipur Latex yield 45.84kg/ha, morphine content 11.94% in eastern
Opium U.P. Moderately resistant to downy mildew (NDUA & T,
(UO-285) NRBI-3 Faizabad)
With pale white peduncle, produces 66.5kg latex/ha with 18%
morphine (CIMAP)
Kirtiman Foliage erect and incised, bears black flowering stalk. Produces
(NOP-4) 78.1% latex with 15.5% morphine (CIMAP).

Sweta
(GS-24)

Shyama
(IS-34)
Sarpagandha RS-1 High seed germination (50%). Root yields 2.5t/ha in 18 months.
Rauvolfia serpentina Roots carry 1.45-1.80% of total alkaloids; half of it yields
reserpine + serpentine combined (JNKVV, Indore)
Dioscorea floribunda FB(C)-1 A composite culture, produces fast growing vines relatively free
from diseases and pest attack; produces 50t/ha of fresh tubers
in 2 years containing 3.5% diosgenin (IIHR, Bangalore)
Selection through hybridization, producing 60t of fresh tubers
containing 3.5-4.0% diosgenin (IIHR, Bangalore)
Arka-Upkar
Khasi-kateri Solanum Glaxo IIHR 2n-11 Plants devoid of spines, produces high berry yield at high
viarum density planting containing 2.5-3.0% solasodine (Glaxo, India).
Completely devoid of spines, produces high berry yield at high
density planting containing 2.5-3% solasodine (IIHR, Bangalore)
Kangaro kateri EC-113465 Long duration crop (300 days) suitable for temperate regions.
Solanum laciniatum High solasodine content in leaves (1.8%) and mature berries
(4%) (YSPHU, Solan)
 Henbane IC-66 Short duration (100 days), early rabi crop in plains. Yields
Hyocyamus niger 2.5t/ha of dry herb with minimum 0.05% total alkaloids (NBPGR,
Delhi)
Aela A mutant characterized by yellow flower petals, produces
7.5t/ha dry herb or 23kg total alkaloids/ha (CIMAP)
Japanese mint MAS-1 Yields fresh herb of 37.2t/ha in 2 cuttings; containing 0.8-1.0%
Mentha arvensis var. oil with high leaf/stem ratio. Matures 10-15 days early. Oil yield
piperascens 290kg/ha containing 83% menthol (CIMAP)
MAS-2 Fresh herb yield 69t/ha, oil 348kg/ha (CIMAP)
Hyb-77 A tall vigorous, compact growing type, cross of MAS-2 x MA-2.
Produces 78.2t/ha fresh herb, oil yield 486kg/ha with 81.5%
menthol. Highly resistant to leaf spot and rust diseases (CIMAP)
Siwalik Introduced from China, produces compact bushy growth with
thick leathery leaves, high herb and oil yield.
EC-41911 A progeny selection of interspecific cross between M. arvensis
and M. piperita in USSR. High herbage yield with high oil content
(0.8-1%); oil contains 70-80% menthol (YSPHU, Solan).
Senna ALFT-2 Late flowering type, tailored to produce purely leaf crop in one
Cassia harvest at 100 days. Foliage sennoside content (6.0%) (GAU,
angustifolia Anand)

Preparation

Medicinal plants are often tough and fibrous, requiring some form of preparation to make them convenient to
administer. According to the Institute for Traditional Medicine, common methods for the preparation of
herbal medicines include decoction, powdering, and extraction with alcohol, in each case yielding a mixture of
substances. Decoction involves crushing and then boiling the plant material in water to produce a liquid
extract that can be taken orally or applied topically. Powdering involves drying the plant material and then
crushing it to yield a powder that can be compressed into tablets. Alcohol extraction involves soaking the plant
material in cold wine or distilled spirit to form a tincture.

Traditional poultices were made by boiling medicinal plants, wrapping them in a cloth, and applying the
resulting parcel externally to the affected part of the body.

When modern medicine has identified a drug in a medicinal plant, commercial quantities of the drug may
either be synthesised or extracted from plant material, yielding a pure chemical. Extraction can be practical
when the compound in question is complex.
 CHEMISTRY OF MEDICINAL PLANTS

Thulsi (Ocimum sanctum linn)

Ocimum Ocimum sanctum is also called Holy Basil and referred to as Tulsi in Ayurveda. It is an aromatic
perennial plant and revered as an elixir of life for both its medicinal and spiritual properties. Tulsi is cultivated
for religious and traditional medicine purposes, and also for its essential oil. The Tulsi plant contains numerous
active compounds and the major compounds are linalol, eugenol, methylchavicol, methylcinnamat, linolen,
ocimene, pinene, cineol, anethol, estragol, thymol, citral, and camphor.35 Different parts of the O. SANCTUM
plant, mostly leaves, have a variety of pharmacological effects like antimicrobial, immunomodulatory, anti-
stress, anti-inflammatory, antiulcer, antidiabetic, antipyretic, diuretic, hepatoprotective, chemoprotective,
hypolipidemic, cardioprotective, antioxidant, antitussive, radioprotective, memory enhancing, antiarthritic,
antifertility, antihypertensive, anticoagulant, anticataract, anthelmintic, and antinociceptive effects and have
been used to treat gastritis, stomachache, flatulence, constipation, vomiting, and hiccup.

The alcoholic aqueous extracts of different species of the Tulsi plant extract have shown reduction in tumor
growth and an increase in the survival rate of mice. This extract further inhibited radiation-induced
chromosomal damage and an elevation in GSH level and GST activity.43 In addition, ethanol extracts of O.
SANCTUM had antimetastatic activity through activation of antioxidative enzymes. It inhibited metastasis of
Lewis lung carcinoma (LLC) cells and reduced the tumor nodule formation in LLC-injected mice. This extract
also enhances activity of antioxidant enzymes such as SOD, CAT, and these studies indicate that the Tulsi plant
has potent antitumor, antimetastatic, and antioxidant properties.

.Eugenol (1-hydroxy-2-methoxy-4-allylbenzene), the active constituent present in Ocimum sanctum L., has
been found to be largely responsible for the therapeutic potentials of Tulsi. Although because of its great
therapeutic potentials and wide occurrence in India the practitioners of traditional systems of medicine have
been using Ocimum sanctum L. for curing various ailments, a rational approach to this traditional medical
practice with modern system of medicine is, however, not much available. In order to establish the
therapeutic uses of Ocimum sanctum L. in modern medicine, in last few decades several Indian scientists and
researchers have studied the pharmacological effects of steam distilled, petroleum ether and benzene extracts
of various parts of Tulsi plant and eugenol on immune system, reproductive systemic, central nervous system,
cardiovascular system, gastric system, urinary system and blood biochemistry and have described the
therapeutic significance of Tulsi in management of various ailments. These pharmacological studies have
established a scientific basis for therapeutic uses of this plant.

Rhaponticum carthamoides

Rhaponticum carthamoides (Willd.) Iljin is a perennial herb, commonly known as a maral root or Russian
leuzea, which has been used for centuries in eastern parts of Russia for its marked medicinal properties. This
review based on 117 literary sources, with many of them being originally published in non-English languages
(mainly in Russian), discusses the current knowledge of traditional uses, chemistry, biological effects and
toxicity of this species. Several different classes of compounds were previously isolated from various parts of
R. carthamoides of which the main groups are steroids, particularly ecdysteroids, and phenolics (flavonoids
and phenolic acids) accompanied with polyacetylenes, sesquiterpene lactones, triterpenoid glycosides and
terpenes (essential oil). Various types of preparations, extracts and individual compounds derived from this
species have been found to possess a broad spectrum of pharmacological effects on several organs such as the
brain, blood, cardiovascular and nervous systems as well as on different biochemical processes and
physiological functions including proteosynthesis, work capacity, reproduction, and sexual function. Moreover,
the extracts and preparations from the plant, which are hopefully safe, exhibited various additional biological
effects e.g. antioxidant, immunomodulatory, anticancerogenic, antimicrobial, antiparasitic and insect
antifeedant or repellent activities. The results of data analysis on the chemical, pharmacological and
toxicological characteristics of R. carthamoides support the view that this species has beneficial therapeutic
properties and indicate its potential as an effective adaptogenic herbal remedy.
 ENDANGERED MEDICINAL PLANTS:
CONSERVATION AND SUSTAINABLE
HARVESTING

Examples of Plant Species at Risk

Slippery elm (Ulmus rubra): The gummy lining of the bark of the slippery elm has long been used in North
America, especially Appalachia, as a soothing agent for coughs, gastrointestinal ailments, and skin irritations.

But now, slippery elm and other herbal products that were once used seasonally by locals are in demand by
millions. Slippery elm wood has no commercial value, so trees are stripped of bark and then left to die.
Approximately 12 trees are sacrificed for each 50 pounds of dried bark. Fifty-pound bags of bark can command
as much as $150.

American ginseng (Panax quinquefolius): Sales of wild and cultivated ginseng exceed $25 million each year in
North America, with wild ginseng seen as the more desirable type.

Wild ginseng is so much more profitable than cultivated ginseng that there is great concern about the decline
and imperilment of the species in the wild (U.S. Forest Service, 2001).

Ginseng may help stimulate physical and mental activity in people who feel weak and tired. One study Trusted
Source of 21 men and 69 women found that ginseng showed good results in helping people with chronic
fatigue. A 2014 study Trusted Source of people receiving cancer treatment found that ginseng helped reduce
cancer-related fatigue. However, researchers only documented the energy-boosting effects of ginseng in
people currently undergoing treatment. Ginseng did not show statistically significant improvements in people
who had already finished cancer treatment.

Yew (Taxus species): Yew trees, including the Pacific yew (Taxus brevifolia) and Chinese yew (Taxus chinensis),
are used to produce the popular, in profitable, and effective cancer drug taxol. CITES has identified several
yew species as in need of protection from overharvesting for international trade.

Conservation of medicinal plants

Various sets of recommendations have been compiled regarding their conservation, including the
establishment of systems for species inventorying and status monitoring, and the need for coordinated
conservation practices based on both in situ and ex situ strategies. For medicinal plants with increasingly
limited supplies, sustainable use of wild resources can be an effective conservation alternative. In China and
South Africa, the situation is particularly critical because of the high demands of large populations.
 TROPICAL MEDICINAL PLANTS
Tropical countries are a treasure house of a wide variety of medicinal plants. Some species are found wild,
while a number of species have been domesticated by the farmers. Many species have been grown in
homesteads and become part of traditional home remedies. A limited number of species are commercially
cultivated though a few more have potential for large-scale production.

SERPENTWOOD (Rauvolfia serpentina)

Introduction

Serpentwood is an erect, evergreen, perennial undershrub whose medicinal use has been known for 3000
years. Its dried root is the economical part which contains a number of alkaloids of which reserpine,
rescinnamine, deserpidine, ajamalacine, ajmaline, neoajmalin, serpentine, -yohimbine are pharmacologically
important. The root is a sedative and is used to control high blood pressure and certain forms of insanity. In
Ayurveda it is also used for the treatment of insomnia, epilepsy, asthma, acute stomach ache and painful
delivery. It is used in snake-bite, insect stings, and mental disorders. 'Serpumsil’ tablet for high blood pressure
is prepared from Rauvolfia roots. Reserpine is a potent hypotensive and tranquillizer but its prolonged usage
stimulates prolactine release and causes breast cancer. The juice of the leaves is used as a remedy for the
removal of opacities of the cornea.

Distribution

Rauvolfia serpentina is native to India. Several species of Rauvolfia are observed growing under varying
edaphoclimatic conditions in the humid tropics of India, Nepal, Burma, Thailand, Bangladesh, Indonesia,
Cambodia, Philippines and Sri Lanka. In India, it is cultivated in the states of Uttar Pradesh, Bihar, Tamil Nadu,
Orissa, Kerala, Assam, West Bengal and Madhya Pradesh. Thailand is the chief exporter of Rauvolfia alkaloids
followed by Zaire, Bangladesh, Sri Lanka, Indonesia and Nepal.
DATURA (Datura metel)

Importance

Downy datura or thorn apple is an erect branched under shrub whose intoxicating and narcotic properties
have been made use of by man from ancient time. The plant and fruit are spasmolytic, anticancerous and
anthelmintic. Leaves and seeds are inhaled in whooping cough, asthma and other respiratory diseases. Root,
leaf and seed are febrifuge, antidiarrhoeal, anticatarrhal and are used in insanity, cerebral complications and
skin diseases. Leaf is antitumour, antirheumatic and vermicide. Flower is antiasthamatic, anaesthetic and is
employed in swellings and eruptions on face. Fruit juice is used in earache and seed decoction in ophthalmia.
For the rheumatic swellings of joints, lumbago, sciatica and neuralgia, warm leaf smeared with an oil is used as
a bandage or sometimes the leaf is made into a poultice and applied. The root boiled with milk is used in
insanity. It is also an ingredient in the ayurvedic preparation Kanakasva used in bronchial troubles, and the
Unani formulations “Roghan dhatura” used as a massage oil for the paralysed part. The alkaloids of
pharmaceutical interest present in the plant are hyoscyamine, hyoscine and meteloidine. Datura is the chief
commercial source of hyoscine available from natural source. Hyoscine, in the form of hyoscine
hydrobromide, is used as a pre-anaesthetic in surgery, child birth, ophthalmology and prevention of motion
sickness. It is also employed in the relief of withdrawal symptoms in morphine and alcoholic addiction,
paralysis agitans, post-encephaletic parkinsonianism and to allay sexual excitement.

Distribution

Datura is distributed throughout the world, particularly the warmer regions. Datura stramonium is indigenous
to India. Out of 15 species reported from different parts of the world, only 10 are known to occur in India.
They are found commonly in wastelands, gardens and roadsides. They are distributed in rich localities under
semi-arid and arid regions of Punjab, Haryana, Rajastan, and Gujarat; the Central Plateau of Andhra Pradesh
and Maharastra and the southern peninsular region of Tamil Nadu. Datura innoxia is indigenous to Mexico and
is distributed in Latin American countries. A wealth of genetic stock on genotypes and varieties are maintained
in several research institutes in Germany, Bulgaria, USSR and Poland.
ASPARAGUS (Asparagus racemosus)

Importance

Asparagus is a climbing undershrub with widespread applications as diuretic, cooling agent and an excellent
safe herbal medicine for ante-natal care. It is useful in nervous disorders, dyspepsia, diarrhoea, tumours,
inflammations, vitiated conditions of vata and pitta, burning sensation, hyperdipsia, ophthalmopathy,
nephropathy, hepatopathy, strangury, scalding of urine, throat infections, tuberculosis, cough, bronchitis,
gleet, gonorrhoea, leucorrhoea, leprosy, epilepsy, fatigue, hyperacidity, colic haemorrhoids, hypertension,
abortion, agalactia, cardiac and general debility (Warrier et al, 1993). Shatavari is described in Rigveda and
Atharvaveda. In Ayurvedic classics it is prescribed as a cooling agent and uterine tonic. It is the main ingredient
in ayurvedic medicines like shatavari gulam and shatavari ghrtam. Besides quenching thirst, its root juice helps
in cooling down the body from summer heat, curing hyper-acidity and peptic ulcer. It contains good amount of
mucilage which soothes the inner cavity of stomach. It relieves burning sensation while passing urine and is
used in urinary tract infections. It contains an anticancer agent asparagin which is useful against leukemia. It
also contains active antioxytocic saponins which have got antispasmodic effect and specific action on uterine
musculature. It is very good relaxant to uterine muscles, especially during pregnancy and is used to prevent
abortion and pre-term labour on the place of progesterone preparations. Its powder boiled with milk is
generally used to prevent abortion. It increases milk production in cows and buffaloes. Its preparations in milk
helps in increasing breast milk in lactating women. Its proper use helps in avoiding excessive blood loss during
periods. It clears out infections and abnormalities of uterine cavity and hence it is used to rectify infertility in
women. The leaves are used to prepare toilet soaps.

Distribution

The plant is found wild in tropical and subtropical India including Andaman and Nicobar Islands. It is
distributed from mean sea level up to 1500m in the Himalayas from Kashmir eastwards. The crop is cultivated
in Kerala, Tamil Nadu, Andhra Pradesh and northern states in India. However, most of the requirement of the
industry is met through wild collections from forests. It is also grown in gardens.
PERIWINKLE (Catharanthus roseus)

Importance

Periwinkle or Vinca is an erect handsome herbaceous perennial plant which is a chief source of patented
cancer and hypotensive drugs. It is one of the very few medicinal plants which has a long history of uses as
diuretic, antidysenteric, haemorrhagic and antiseptic. It is known for use in the treatment of diabetes in
Jamaica and India. The alkaloids vinblastine and vincristine present in the leaves are recognized as
anticancerous drugs. Vinblastine in the form of vinblastin sulphate is available in market under the trade name
"VELBE" and Vincristine sulphate as "ONCOVIN" (Eli Lilly). Vinblastine is used in combination with other
anticancer agents for the treatment of lymphocytic lymphoma, Hodgkin’s disease, testicular carcinoma and
choriocarcinoma. Vincristine is used in acute leukemia, lymphosarcoma and Wilm’s tumour. Its roots are a
major source of the alkaloids, raubasine (ajmalicine), reserpine and serpentine used in the preparation of
antifibrillic and hypertension-relieving drugs. It is useful in the treatment of choriocarcinoma and Hodgkin's
disease-a cancer affecting lymph glands, spleen and liver. Its leaves are used for curing diabetes, menorrhagia
and wasp stings. Root is tonic, stomachic, hypotensive, sedative and tranquilliser (Narayana and Dimri,1990).

Distribution

The plant is a native of Madagascar and hence the name Madagascar Periwinkle. It is distributed in West
Indies, Mozambique, South Vietnam, Sri Lanka, Philippines and Australia. It is well adapted to diverse
agroclimatic situations prevalent in India and is commercially cultivated in the states of Tamil Nadu, Karnataka,
Gujarat, Madhya Pradesh and Assam. USA, Hungary, West Germany, Italy, Netherlands and UK are the major
consumers.
AMBRETTE (Abelmoschus moschatus)

Importance

Ambrette, also popularly known as musk or Muskmallow, is an erect annual herb which yields musk-like
scented seeds and woos everybody through its sensuous musky fragrance. Every part of this medicinal plant is
used in one or the other way. Seeds are effective aphrodisiac and antispasmodic, and used in tonics. They
check vomiting and cure diseases due to kapha and vata and are useful in treating intestinal disorders, urinary
discharge, nervous disorders, hysteria, skin diseases, snake bites, pruritus, leucoderma and general debility.
Flower infusion is contraceptive. The leaves and roots are used for gonorrhoea and to treat boils and
swellings.

Ambrette oil of commerce is extracted from the seeds and is used in perfumery, flavouring, cosmetic and
agarbathi industries. The essential oil is employed in nonalcoholic beverages, ice-creams, candies and baked
foods. The aromatic concrete and absolute, extracted from seeds are used as base material for preparing high
grade perfumes, scents and cosmetics. It is also known for exalting, amplifying and diffusing effects it imparts
to perfumes. It blends well with rose, neroli, and sandal wood oil and aliphatic aldehydes.

The flowers are in great demand for making ‘zarda’ a flavoured tobacco in India. The seeds are mixed with tea
and coffee for flavour. The seed is rich in essential amino acids and is used as cattle or poultry feed. The stem
bark yields a good quality fibre. Seeds are used to protect woollen garments against moth and it imparts a
musky odour to sachets, hair powder, panmasala and incense. Its tender shoots are used in soups, green pods
as vegetable and seed husk in flower arrangements. From perfumes to panmasalas and tonics, it is the musky
musk all the way.

Distribution

The musk plant is a native of India and it grows in the tropical subtropical and hilly regions of the country;
particularly in the states of Maharashta, Gujarat, Madhyapresh, 34 Tamil Nadu and Kerala. More than 50
collections of the plant are maintained by the National Bureau of Plant Genetic Resources (NBPGR), New Delhi
and its regional station in Akola, Maharashtra.
 CONCLUTION
Medicinal plants have been a crucial component of human healthcare for centuries, offering a vast array of
therapeutic compounds that contribute to the treatment and prevention of various ailments. The use of
medicinal plants is deeply rooted in traditional medicine practices across cultures, and in recent times,
scientific research has increasingly validated their efficacy.

The utilization of medicinal plants dates back to ancient civilizations, where traditional healers discovered the
healing properties of various plant species through trial and error. Over time, these empirical observations
evolved into structured systems of traditional medicine, such as Ayurveda in India and Traditional Chinese
Medicine. Today, modern science has validated many of these traditional claims, identifying active compounds
within medicinal plants and elucidating their mechanisms of action.

One of the key advantages of medicinal plants is their chemical diversity. Plants produce a vast array of
secondary metabolites. These compounds serve as the foundation for developing pharmaceutical drugs. For
instance, the anti-malarial drug quinine is derived from the bark of the Cinchona tree, while aspirin originated
from willow bark. The discovery of these natural remedies has not only alleviated human suffering but has also
inspired the synthesis of countless synthetic drugs.

In conclusion, the significance of medicinal plants lies in their potential to provide natural and often
sustainable alternatives to synthetic drugs. These plants contain a diverse range of bioactive compounds, such
as alkaloids, flavonoids, and terpenoids, which exhibit various pharmacological activities. From pain relief to
anti-inflammatory effects, antimicrobial properties, and even potential anti-cancer activities, medicinal plants
offer a rich source of compounds with therapeutic potential.

However, it is crucial to approach the use of medicinal plants with a balanced perspective. While they can be
valuable sources of medicine, proper scientific validation, dosage control, and understanding of potential side
effects are essential. Additionally, the conservation of medicinal plant species and sustainable harvesting
practices are critical to ensure their availability for future generations.

The integration of traditional knowledge and modern scientific methods in the study of medicinal plants is a
promising avenue for discovering new drugs and enhancing our understanding of their mechanisms of action.
As we continue to explore the potential of medicinal plants, collaboration between traditional healers,
scientists, and healthcare professionals becomes increasingly important to harness the full benefits of these
natural resources.
 BIBLIOGRAPHY
 https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3847409/
 https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Medicinal_plants
 https://www.researchgate.net/publication/284679150_Medicinal_Plants/link/579310e408aed51475b
9a5db/download
 https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC9357710/
 https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4967523/
 https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S0006320799001287
 https://worldwidescience.org/topicpages/e/endangered+medicinal+plant.html