Preface Scientific research on plants coupled with traditional knowledge for human health care used globally is supercilious. In developing countries, traditional medicine is often the only accessible and affordable treatment available for curing frequently occurred seasonal diseases. This book ‘Plants for Novel Drug Molecules: Ethnobotany to Ethnopharmacology’ is the result of ongoing R&D on ethnobotanical and pharmacological aspects for discovering new drugs and nutraceuticals directly or indirectly helpful for human and animals health care. Validated scientific data gathered on plants always remain the basis for commercial medication and product formulations for the treatment of chronic diseases. Traditional herbal formulations and local home-made recipes have been used throughout history to prevent and cure diseases. People are coming using plants that were available within the geographical boundary addressing local health related issues. Actually the indigenous cultural tradition were exposed due to people immigration for trade and business, and gets often overwhelmed by modern scientific concepts and medications of various culture of different country. Ethnobotany as an academic discipline surfaced in the nineteen century to disseminate scientific research ethics and describes the relationship between ethnic communities and plants, however, a similar term ethnobiology was also used sometime to signify the use of plants and animals by ancient communities. Even before the emergence of ethnobotany and ethnobiology as disciplines, various societies and individuals explored the relationship between human-plants-animals. The development of ethnobiology in fact started with the compilation of ancient medicinal knowledge in from Greece, Egypt and Asia. Actually, the old systems of medicine are believed to be the written compilation of contemporary folk knowledge, and thus folk knowledge considered as the precursor of all traditional medicinal systems. As we enter the new decades of twenty-first century, medicines continue to constitute as one of the essential components of health care system in promoting health and preventing illness. Plants has been recognized as a rich source of novel drugs that form the ingredients in traditional system of medicine such as Ayurvedha, Siddha and Yoga. Drugs were manufactured and prepared by using plants as a main source of ingredient. In recent decades, the discovery of several molecules such as berberine form the genus Berberis and Coptis, artimisinin from Artemisia annua, cannabidiol from Cannabis sativa, diosgenin from Cheilocostus speciosus, and several others bioactive molecules from ethnobotanical plants has a long history of use for human needs and wants, considered as the best examples of drug discovered for human from plants. The main idea to present this book is to provide the baseline scientific information on plant-people interaction and to get acquainted with current scientific discovery. The present book is based on twenty five excellent scientific contributions of seventy two researchers from topmost research organizations. The book begin with plants used in Sowa-Rigpa system of food and medicine, followed by traditional uses of plants as medicine among Khasi tribe living in northeast India. This compilation contains several research techniques highlighting methods and analysis of documented data, and procedure for scientific validation, findings and results. Methods for assessing traditional knowledge of highly threatened plants such as Hodgsonia heteroclita, pharmacological applications of family asteraceae, ethnobotany of family apiaceae, plants used in managing leucorrhea, plants as animal care, phytochemistry of Arisaema jacquemontii, Andrographis paniculata, Blumea lacera, Boerhaavia diffusa, Hemidesmus indicus, Pterocarpus santalinus, Rauwolfia serpentina, Rauwolfia tetraphylla, and several other ethnobotanical and ethnopharmacological parameters used in studying current science is described here in this book. Besides, it is contain by several research topics focused to the clinical arena, plants used in relation to cancer, diabetes, skin disorders and many other aspects relates to animal and human health care. Today’s food supplements derived from plants are of high demand, and this compilation also highlighted several plants used as nutraceuticals. It has been observed that herbs contain many bioactive compounds with powerful antioxidant properties as evidence from the scientific data, and few research data on lianas, lichens and role of allyl isothiocyanate as a bioprotective agent discussed added more value to this compilations. Focused theme such as ethnobotanical trends and techniques, phytochemistry, biological activities, ethnopharmacology and clinical studies is adding and contributing a lots value to this book in discovering leads for medicine formulations.

Abstract Since pre-historic times plants have tendered their services to mankind in the form of food, shelter and medicine. Due to the advancement of human civilization, various folklore systems of medicines were developed across the globe. Among the various folklore system of medicine, Sowa-Rigpa” is one of the oldest well recognised and widely accepted system of folk-lore medicine in the world. It is one of the commonly used of system of medicine in different parts of Tibet, Bhutan, China, former Soviet Union (some parts), Himalayan ranges, Magnolia and, Nepal. The exact origin of Sowa-Rigpa system of medicine is still not known. In the present scenario due to the awareness among the people about the determental effects of the modern chemical drugs, people preferred to use herbal based system of medicine to treat diseases. So, it is needed to understand the floristic wealth of tradional system of medicine to identify the important plants with potential source of drug candidate molecules. In the present chapter an attempt has been made to study the folklore plants used in Tibetan Mountain based Sowa-Rigpa system of medicine and food. Total 332 plant species presented as the most important in Sowa-Rigpa system of medium.

Abstract The Khasi tribe of Meghalaya depends on wild medicinal plants for curing a number of ailments since ages. The traditional knowledge systems which evolved through trial and error method are an integral part of their culture. The objectives of the present study were to highlight the medicinal plants used by the Khasi tribe to treat various diseases, provide scientific validation of the medicinal plants by pharmacological screening using secondary literature and suggest strategies for its sustainable management. A total of 363 plants distributed in 283 genera and 129 families were documented. The life forms of these plants were in the order of herb > tree > shrub > climber > parasite > epiphyte. The herbal remedies for treating various ailments are prepared by using the whole plant either individually or in combination with other plant parts. Cross validation with the help of secondary literature showed the presence of active compounds in these plants. Therefore, it is suggested that traditional knowledge should be properly documented and scientifically explored with more emphasis on species specific phytochemicals and their mode of action.

Abstract The paper deals with taxonomy, ethnobotany and threat status of lesser known liana species Hodgsonia heteroclita (Roxb.) Hook.f. & Thomson. The local people use in terms of foods and rites and its role in ecosystem have been reported. Local people used the seeds of liana as food because of high nutritive value. Threat assessment has been following IUCN version 3.1 to evaluate the threat status of the species in Sikkim Himalaya. Out of the five criteria, data on two criteria could be collected and was used to evaluate the threat category of the species. The criteria used for threat assessment were (a) reduction in population and (b) geographical range in the form of either B1 (extent of occurrence) or B2 (area of occupancy) or both. Considering the population status and geographical range of the species, it has been classified as “Least Concern” (A1acd; B2ab(ii,iv)).

Abstract Ethnobotany is the area of study which include direct interaction of human and plants. This communication compiles and evaluates 301 ethnobotanically important medicinal plants used by ethnic tribes for the treatment of different ailments living in Uttarakhand Himalaya. The state is a home of five major tribes, viz., Bhoxa, Bhotiya, Tharu, Raji, and Jaunsari. These tribal people have age-old relations with plants, and their indigenous knowledge passed from one generation to another. In this communication, a total of 90 plant families were reviewed and recorded that Asteraceae, Lamiaceae, Rosaceae, Fabaceae, Amaranthaceae Apiaceae, Combretaceae, Euphorbiaceae, Anacardiaceae and Malvaceae members are frequently used as medicinal plants. Total 68 roots of different species, followed by leaves of 55 species, whole plants of 29 species, fruits of 26 species and 28 types of seeds of different plants families used by locals for the treatment of various diseases such as fever, cold, cough, diabetes, skin problems, digestive problems and other associated ailments. The mode of application of herbal formulations varies from tribe to tribe. Herbaceous communities belonging to 160 species were the frequently used plant groups followed by trees, shrubs, and lianas. The decoction was recorded as the most frequently used method of preparation. Medicinal plants sold in the market was not primary for local people rather herbal plants locally available used as food, spice and beverages preparations. Therefore, there is a need for proper documentation and conservation planting of these unique medicinal plants growing in the Himalayas.

Abstract Asteraceae is one of the largest family of flowering plants and have been used by mankind for a variety of purposes including food, medicine, cooking oils, sweeteners and tea infusions. In India, Asteraceae is 4th largest family of angiosperms and ranked third among dominant families of angiosperms in Arunachal Pradesh. The indigenous communities of Arunachal Pradesh possess a rich knowledge on utilization of the plant resources around them for food, fodder, medicine and other purposes. Due to the remoteness and inaccessibility, the indigenous communities are mostly depended on their traditional medicines using plant resources around them for treating minor and major ailments. The effectiveness of these plants in traditional medicine has also been confirmed after isolation and characterization of the bioactive compounds responsible for their pharmacological activities. The present study is a review on ethnomedicinal plants belonging to Asteraceae family that are being used by different tribes of the state. The tribal communities have been using 36 medicinal plant species from this family as recorded from published literature and field study. Maximum number of species have been found to exhibit antimicrobial, antioxidant, antihelminthic, analgesic and anti-malarial properties. Among the recorded species, Ageratum conyzoides, Spilanthes acmella, Artemisia nilagirica, A. maritima, Blumea balsamifera, B. lacera, Eclipta prostrata, Vernonia cinerea and Chrysanthemum indicum were already being used in Ayurveda, Unani, Siddha, Homeopathy, Folk and Sowa-Rigpa systems of Indian Medicine. Therefore, the study highlighted the pharmacological potential of ethnomedicinal plantsfrom Asteraceae family which would provide opportunities for future drugdiscovery.

Abstract Wild plants of medicinal value are the embodiment of knowledge perception gift from our ancestors and these plays a significant role in curing various human health disorders. This gifted knowledge of economic plants used by the local people usually has long narrations for use in their daily activities. Considering the value of indigenous knowledge associated with plants, a study was undertaken on herbaceous communities in Atraulia area (Burhanpur tehsil), district Azamgarh, Uttar Pradesh. During the investigation, a total of 71 informants (22 females and 49 males) were interviewed and data regarding ethnobotanical information on wild plant species were documented and analysed. The results indicated a total of 169 species belonging to 41 families used in indigenous herbal preparation as medicine from Atraulia area by local tribal people. The dominant growth forms were the annual herbs represented by 91 species, followed by 46 species of perennial nature and 32 species of biennial growth. Therefore, we can conclude that this region is rich in herbaceous plants and plant used as medicine is wide spread in the study area. This communication deals with demography of the informants, botanical name of herbaceous plants, family, part used, disease cure, use report, frequency of use and recommendation for conservation of unique valueable resources.

Abstract Lichenized fungi or lichens represent the most successful symbiotic organisms on earth. They are the inconspicuous group of lower plants having numerous properties. Their different growth forms namely crustose, foliose and fruticose have been put to use in one way or the other. Since ancient times, they were used as food, fodder, dye and in perfumery. Lichens are a rich source of several important secondary metabolites because of which they are widely used as a source of medicine against several diseases and to improve the health of humans as well as animals. Most of the information related to the usage of lichens is gathered from the traditional knowledge holders. Therefore, there is a need to explore and document this traditional knowledge associated with lichens. The present paper thus makes an attempt to present and document the valued information on the ethnobiological uses of lichens from the Northwestern parts of the Himalayas, if not, the undocumented information will be lost for all the future generations. Ethnobiology of 39 species of lichens belonging to 08 families is being presented in this communication.

Abstract Plants are an integral component of life in many ethnic communities. Plant-based medicaments have been used since time immemorial as curative and protective agents for prolonging life of humans and animals by combating a plethora of ailments. One such ailment affecting women of reproductive age-group is leucorrhea. The study aimed at systematically documenting the precious traditional knowledge regarding the plants traditionally used for curing leucorrhea in Jammu and Kashmir. A total of 55 infomants (39 females and 16 males) between the age group 25-94 years were selected and interviewed for extracting ethnomedicinal information and 29 plant species belonging to 28 genera and 23 families were observed to be of ethnomedicinal significance in the treatment of leucorrhea in Jammu and Kashmir. Fabaceae was observed to be the frequently encountered family. Bulk of the taxa were observed to grow in wild habitat and majority of them were herbs. Seeds were observed to be of highest therapeutic significance and ethnomedicinal formulations were prepared in the form of powder, decoction, paste, etc and all of these were administered orally. The present study may serve as a base line data for further research and will go a long way in the treatment of leucorrhea thereby promoting well being of women folk. Advanced investigations are required to validate the time-tested information associated with medicinal flora to determine the identity of phytochemicals linked with leucorrhea, so that compounds of pharmacological application having prospective relevance in the alleviation of human maladies may be discovered.

Abstract In developing countries, about 80 percent of the world population depends on traditional medicines for their primary healthcare as estimated by World Health Organization. In a recent floristic survey undertaken in Chithara Village Panchayat recorded a very rich diversity of wild medicinal plants. Based on extensive literature search, of the total 272 plants, 96% species were known to have marginal to outstanding medicinal properties and uses. Among the plants, ten species namely, Bacopa monnieri (L.) Wettst., Cannabis sativa L., Cissampelos pareira L., Coccinia grandis (L.) Voigt, Eclipta prostrata (L.) L., Euphorbia hirta L., Hyptis suaveolens (L.) Poit., Justicia adhatoda L., Solanum americanum Mill. and Withania somnifera (L.) Dunal were found to be very important as they possess medicinal properties for curing a large number of diseases in traditional system of medicines in India and other parts of the world. The whole plants including root, stem and leaves are utilized traditionally for curing various ailments such as abdominal pain, cold, cough, diarrhoea, dysentery, inflammation, fever, rheumatism, sexual disorders, skin diseases, respiratory diseases etc. These plants are also reported to contain numerous important phytochemicals such as alkanes, amino acids, flavonoids, organic acids, polyphenolic compounds, polyphenols, steroids, tannins, terpenes etc. which qualifies their various medicinal properties. Plants are reported to yield potent drug such as vasicine and vasicinone (by A. vasica), bacosoids (B. monnieri) and withanolides (W. somnifera). The paper provides the details of traditional medicinal usages and chemical constituents of ten high value medicinal plants recorded from the study area.

Abstract Family Apiaceae (or Umbelliferae) is one of the largest plant group represented by 418 genera and 3257 species (TPL 2013). The plants members are mostly aromatic, used by local populace as traditional medicines as well as spice and condiments in their routine food preparations. They have characteristic aroma due to the presence of some essential oils or oleoresin. Members of this family possess large number of compounds having antibacterial, hepato-protective, vaso-relaxant, inducing apoptosis and antitumor activities. Although the family is distributed globally but Indian subcontinent is a major center of its diversification, where more than 200 species are distributed specifically in the Himalayan eco-terrains. Jammu province (Jammu and Kashmir, India) in North Western Himalaya having unique climatic conditions supports a large variety of medicinal and aromatic plants, and amongst these Apiaceae are well known. Local people uses these plants as vegetables, for culinary purposes and valued as traditional medicine like Bunium persicum (black cumin), Carum carvi (caraway), Coriandrum sativum (coriander), Cuminum cyminum (cumin), Foeniculum vulgare (fennel), Narthex asafoetida (Heeng), Trachyspermum ammi (ajwain) and Centella asiatica (Brahmi). People in Jammu province have their unique traditional way of using plants, knowledge of which is being transferred from generation to generation through oral dialect. As the data on the numbers of Apiaceae is scattered in the literature and difficult to be procured by the researchers. Therefore the current attempt is made so that the data along with some quantitative statistics can be provided at one platform only.

Abstract Traditional knowledge on plants and their uses by tribal indigenous culture is helpful in the conservation of biodiversity. During 2017-2018, ethnobotanical investigations of the plants growing in Neelum Valley in District Bandipora (a part of Kashmir Himalaya) were carried out to collect information regarding different usages of the plants species growing in the region through questionnaire and interviews. Floristically, a total of 57 species belonging to 54 genera and 38 families were investigated to be used as medicine, food, fodder, timber, fuel wood, vegetable/edible fruit, resin yield and herbal tea purposes. On the basis of the floristic analysis of the study area, the leading family recorded was Asteraceae with (11%) species co-dominated by Rosaceae (9%). In terms of habit forms, herbaceous (70%) growth form is the most dominant. The most frequently used plant parts are leaves (26%) followed by whole plant (23%) and roots (19%). The plant documented cured different categories of diseases, the most common diseases such as diarrhea, fever, digestive problems, urinary troubles, rheumatism, eye diseases, skin diseases and wounds. Based on investigated knowledge, the data are discussed under sub-head as single, double and multi-diseases curing plants. The present study can provide a baseline data for future researchers, policy makers, common public, land managers, and the other stakeholders to develop scientifically-informed strategies for conservation of natural resources and sustainable use of plant resources in hotspot regions like Himalayas and other similar biodiversity rich sites.

Abstract Ladakh, a geographically isolated region, is known for its tough terrain and harsh climatic conditions. It remains cut off from rest of the country for 6-7 months in a year during winters. With limited food, fuel and other resources the people here have developed and sustained a long unique relationship with plants. They have been using both cultivated and wild ones as medicine, food, and fodder since centuries. The local populace possesses good knowledge of traditional methods of utilization of plant resources for diverse purposes, which they have acquired from their ancestors. However, this indigenous knowledge and age old practices are fast disappearing from the tribal communities, and there is an urgent need to save this treasure from getting irretrievably lost. Therefore, the present study is an attempt to document the various wild and cultivated plants along with their ethnobotanical uses as per the ancient practices of these tribal communities. For this purpose, an ethnobotanical survey was conducted in various villages of lower Ladakh. The investigation revealed a host of plants put to use by the natives in different indigenous ways. The scientific, family and local names of 50 species belonging to 48 genera and 31 families along with their uses have been enlisted in the present communication. As per the information gathered from the local inhabitants, these plants are categorized into five different groups. More than 50% of these are used as medicines, 38% are edible, 24% as fuel and 20% as fodder. Approximately 38% plants are employed in construction, as ornamentals, or sources of dyes, incense, cosmetics, etc.

Abstract India harbors a wide variety of medicinal plants used traditionally in various remedies to treat livestock ailments. The therapeutic value of these plants attributes due to the concentration of several bioactive compounds present in them. Indigenous tribal communities are the treasurer of age-old traditional knowledge which inhabits Asian country since centuries. District Poonch exhibits a rich repository of traditional knowledge as major part of the population comprised of nomadic tribes such as Gujjars and Bakerwals which are still practicing the primitive traditional ways to treat diseases. In the present investigation, the traditional herbal plants and associated remedies for treatment of various veterinary disorders are presented. A total of 34 plant species belonging to 30 genera and 21 families have been reported which are being used by indigenous people for ethnoveterinary purposes. The majority of ethnoveterinary plants recorded from the district belong to families such as Ranunculaceae and Araceae (4 species each), Acoraceae, Amaryllidaceae, Apiaceae, Fagaceae, Lamiaceae, Primulaceae, Rutaceae (2 species each) and rest of the families members were represented by one species each. The frequently used plant parts are roots (30.23%), followed by tubers (18.6%), leaves (16.28%), fruits and whole plant (13.95% each), stems (4.65%) and seeds (2.33%). It has been observed that numerous formulations are made from these parts which are used for the treatment of various cattle infections such as abdominal colic, allergic infection, anestrous, chest diseases, constipation, cough, digestive troubles, FMD, fracture, galactagogue, gaseous bloat, induce puberty, internal injury, lung disease, pneumonia, quick discharge, removal of Leech, sexual stimulant, skin infection, snake-bite, stomachache and weakness with snake bite being dominant. The present study infers that the documentation of ethnoveterinary knowledge from the district requires utmost attention and may give leads or serves for further biochemical studies for the discovery of novel plant based drugs which will certainly helps in commercialization and betterment of tribals through benefit resource sharing.

Abstract For thousands of years, plants have provided medicine to human and animals. People still depend on plants for food and shelter. The present surveys and investigation covers Jasrota Wildlife Sanctuary, Kathua District (J&K) situated in Southeastern parts of Asia (India). This communication mainly focused on ten high value plant species belonging to eight families of medicinal value being used to cure different types of ailment growing in Jasrota Wildlife Sanctuary and surrounding areas of Kathua district. These species are Aerva sanguinolenta (L.) Blume, Centella asiatica L. (Urb.) Fl., Cissampelos pareira L., Colebrookea oppositifolia Sm., Cryptolepis dubia M.R.Almeida, Holarrhena pubescens Wall. ex G.Don, Justicia adhatoda L., Tinospora cordifolia (Willd.) Miers ex Hook.f. & Thomson, Vitex negundo L. and Woodfordia fruticosa (L.) Kurz. It also deal with morphological enumeration, ecology and habitat, ethnobotanical uses and active chemical constituent present in studied plant species.

Abstract Wild plants have a great role in the lives of tribal peoples living in and around the world by way of providing products for both food and medicine. Such herbal plants are the core of research, which can solve several health issues as well as nutritional supplements. Keeping on the view we have presented a summary of medicinal plants used as nutraceuticals collected from various regions of India. This communication describes 35 herbal plants used as a medicine against different diseases as well as their nutritional applicability.

Abstract The percentage of people with obesity and diabetes has increased globally both in developed and developing countries but highest burden is on the indigenous people who are also socially disadvantaged. The modern medical treatment of diabetes is based generally on oral hypoglycaemic agents and insulin. So, there has always been a search for new anti-diabetic agents which are of lower cost and can cure the disease without harming other body functions. Plants being readily available in the Indian-subcontinent have been an important source of drug in the traditional system of medicine in India since time immemorial. The utilization of plants for alternative treatment to combat diabetes using herbal remedies has also been substantiated by World Health Organization. In this communication, we tried to list some scientifically proven anti-diabetic plants commonly available in the Indian subcontinent which can be used in the treatment and management of diabetes.

Abstract Blumea lacera (Burm f.) DC. belonging to family Asteraceae is an annual herb with a strong odour. This herb is distributed throughout the plains of North-west India upto an elevation of 2,900 m and is also reported from Tropical Africa, South East Asia, Bangladesh, Nepal, Indonesia, Malaysia, Philippines, Thailand and Vietnam. Blumea lacera is a plant with camphor-like odour, and is highly variable, grows in grassland, field, roadside and forest edge. Traditionally, it is used internally and externally as a hemostatic and anti-inflammatory agent. The juice of leaves along with black pepper (Piper nigrum) is given to cure bleeding piles. This herb is also offered as anthelmintic (especially for threadworm). Leaves and roots are used as astringent, diuretic and febrifuge and even in cuts and wounds. Bruises and ulcers can also be treated by applying fresh juice or extract. For treating piles (Hemorrhoids), the leaves of B. lacera has been used in ethnomedicinal practices.The phytoconstituents present in leaves are mainly terpenoids, glycosides, volatile oils, some glycoalkaloids and many more yet to be determined. B. lacera has been used as an ingredient in many pharmaceutical preparations. The chapter gives a brief idea about the ethnomedicinal usage, phytochemical profile, pharmacological usage and the future perspective of B. lacera. and would help the researchers for better understanding of this plant as well as developing plant derived molecules in drug discovery process.

Abstract Recently there has been increasing interest in plants and plant-derived compounds as medicinal agents. In Ayurveda, a wide range of medicinal uses of Pterocarpus santalinus is described. Many important bioactive phytocompounds have been extracted and identified from the heartwood of P. santalinus. The major bioactive compounds present in the heartwood of P. santalinus are santalin A and B, savinin, calocedrin, pterolinus (K,L) and pterostilbenes. These phyto-compounds present only in small amounts and have more effect than nutrients. The heartwood of the plant is used traditionally for the treatment of inflammation, diabetes, headache, skin diseases, jaundice, and in wound-healing. A wide range of pharmacological activities and health benefits of P. santalinus have been reported, including antioxidative, antidiabetic, antimicrobial, anticancer, and anti-inflammatory properties, and protective effects on liver, gastric mucosa and nervous system. All these protective effects were attributed to bioactive compounds present in P. santalinus. Most of the secondary metabolites reported from this plant are terpenes, phenolics, flavones and sterols. The present communication gives the phytochemistry and pharmacological activities of P. santalinus on health with up-to-date information.

Abstract Plants have been used both in the prevention and cure of various diseases throughout the centuries. An important prerequisite for proper utilization of plants as natural resources is that we should have full knowledge regarding their occurrence, frequency, distribution and phenology. Arisaema jacquemontii Blume (Araceae) is a perennial herb that has been reported in various literatures to be used traditionally in various countries for the treatment of different diseases. Scientific evaluations of this plant have revealed that it harbors various phytoconstituents like alkaloids, phenols, terpenoids, flavonoids, glycosides, tannins and several other chemical constituents which have pharmacological implications with as antioxidant, antifungal, antibacterial, anticancer and immunomodulatory activities. This chapter collaborates the data with respect to the ethnobotanical and ethno medicinal importance of Arisaema jacquemontii and its role as a natural source of phytoconstituents that have therapeutic implications.

Abstract India is known as hub of medicinal plants in recent years due to availability of variety of species in different regions which is used in treatment of frequently occurred local diseases. Family a pocynaceae is one of frequently used angiosperm members as medicine in different Indian system of medicine. At present, the genus Rauvolfia is represented by 77 species distributed across the globe, known to contains various unique active phytochemicals in the form of flavonoids, phytosterols, oleoresins, steroids, tannins and alkaloids. R. serpentina (also known as Indian snake root or sarpaghandha) and R. tetraphylla (also known as devil root or barachandrika) are two very important distinctive medicinal shrubs growing in India having wide application in traditional system of medicine for curing human disease and various herbal formulations available in market using these plants. In the present communication, we have discussed the biology, chemistry, pharmacology, cultivation practices and future perspectives of R. serpentina and R. tetraphylla for conservation and as a potential plants for future application in herbal medicine discovery.

Abstract Natural plant products are known to prevent several deleterious diseases. This potency of plants to act as medicinal therapeutic source is due to the presence of various bioactive compounds including alkaloids, phenols, flavonoids and glucosinolates (GSLs). Among array of these compounds, GSLs are important class of plant secondary metabolites. The mechanical or physical injury to plant leads to the activation of this “GSL-myrosinase” system resulting in the formation bioactive compounds viz., thiocyanates, nitriles, isothiocyanates, and epithionitriles. Out of these compounds, isothiocyanates (ITCs) are well known for their therapeutic properties. Allyl isothiocyanate (AITC) commonly known as “mustard oil” is one of the naturally occurring ITC which is derived from hydrolysis of sinigrin, the major GSL in cruciferous vegetables like horseradish, wasabi, brussels radish etc. Due to high bioavailability in human body, it has been widely studied for its important bioactivities. Therefore, this review highlights the significant biomodulatory effects viz., antioxidant, antimutagenic, in vitro, in vivo anticancer, antimicrobial, and insecticidal activities of AITC.

Abstract Medicinal plants are being widely used either as single drug or in combination in health care delivery system. Hemidesmus indicus is a rare and endangered plant of Deccan plateau of India and is a potential source of several active principles of therapeutic value. Its immense medicinal values can bring H. indicus as a royal source of herbal medicine in India. It contains various phytoconstituents belonging to the category glycosides, flavonoids, tannins, sterols and volatile oils. The main pharmacological activity of H. indicus include anti-inflammatory, anti-oxidants, anti cancerous activity, anti acne activity, anti venom activity, antinociceptive, renoprotective, heptoprotective activity, anti arthritis and anti leprotic activity. The root of Hemidesmus indicus was used mainly for the preparation of drink locally called as nannari or sugandhapala. The drink is medicinal, which cools the system, gives good appetite and acts as a blood purifier and roots are used for preparation of chutneys and pickles.

Abstract Andrographis paniculata (Burm.f) Nees (Family: Acanthaceae) is one of the most popular and valuable medicinal plants with high trade value. It is out mentioned in various systems of medicine since ancient times in Indian, Malay, Chinese and Thai. Andrographis paniculata is native to Southeast Asian countries i.e., India, China, Taiwan and Sri Lanka. In India it is distributed from Uttar Pradesh, West Bengal, Assam to Mizoram and also cultivated throughout the country. The plant being used as Ayurvedic medicine in various diseases. The principal chemical constituents are lactones, diterpenoid and flavonoids. Andrographolide, neoandrographolide are the principle secondary metabolites of Andrographis paniculata with more than 80 compounds reported till now. Modern studies revealed that Andrographis paniculata has an extensive range of pharmacological activities such as hepatoprotective, anti-inflammatory, antimalarial, antimicrobial, antidiarrhoeal, anti-human immunodeficiency virus (HIV), anti-oxidant and anti-pyretic. Therefore, such plants need value addition for product development.

Abstract Lianas are slightly lesser known angiosperms, grows typically in the form of climbing vines mostly in tropical and subtropical forests. Such plants are characterized by scandent thick stems, woody stem in nature and vary in shape and size. They depend on supports in the form of trees, fence and usually climb upward towards the sunlight as they needed for their survival. Keeping the importance of lianas in forests and household, this study was conducted to document the liana angiosperms growing in Western Himalaya along with their medicinal potential for human and animals. This study reveals a total 64 lianas species belonging to 24 families recorded from Jammu and Kashmir, Ladakh, Uttarakhand, Himachal Pradesh and Punjab. This investigation also provided with medicinal potential of these species, which is used as ethnomedicine by local people living in the interior regions of hills and mountains of Himalaya. In this communication, we highlight lianas as an example of an underestimated forest element that, on the one hand, is a key component in and around forests. This study also helps in conservation of endangered liana species in Himalaya.

Abstract Medicinal plants in recent years attracted much attention of researchers and become the basis of modern pharmaceuticals because of their active biologically compounds. Boerhavia diffusa commonly known as Punarnava belongs to family Nyctaginaceae is a widely distributed herb that has been naturalized in many areas of the world. It is utilized as a green leafy vegetable in many Asian and African countries besides possessing anticancer, antiestrogenic, immunomodulatory and antiamoebic activities due to the presence of valuable phytochemical compounds. Medicinal value of this plant is because of presence of specific kind of phytoconstituents like alkaloids, flavonoids, triterpenoids, lipids, steroids, lignins, proteins, boeravinone A-F, glycoproteins and carbohydrates which are present in huge quantity in this herb. In view of its therapeutic importance, it is widely used in Ayurvedic, Siddha, Homoeopathy, Unani, Modern and Tribal medicinal system. Whole plant sometime its parts are utilized for curing different disorders by tribal people in India. It is a well known ethnomedicinal plant species mostly found in subtropical and tropical regions of the world.

Index to Scientific Names A Artemisia maritima L. 142, 144 Abies spectabilis (D. Don) Mirb. 334 Abies fabri (Mast.) Craib 5 Abies likiangensis Franch. 5 Abies pindrow Royle 293 Abrus precatorius L. 98, 244, 519 Abutilon indicum (L.) Sweet 244 Acacia nilotica (L.) Willd. ex Delile 98, 244 Acantholimon lycopodioides (Girard) Boiss. 8, 308, 309 Acer caesium Wall. 292, 293, 334 Acer laevigatum Wall. 53 Achillea millefolium L. 8, 293, 337 Achyranthes aspera L. 53, 78, 98, 175, 176, 177, 244, 381, 387 Acmella paniculata (Wall. ex DC.) R.K.Jansen 53, 177, 244 Asteraceae Ann 177 Aconitum L. 99 Aconitum chasmanthum Stapf ex Holmes 292 Aconitum heterophyllum Wall. ex Royle 8, 309, 337 Aconitum lethale Griff. 99 Aconitum rotundifolium Kar. & Kir. 8 Aconitum violaceum Jacquem. ex Stapf 8, 337 Acorus calamus L. 77, 53, 99, 335, 337, 366, 367 Actinocarya tibetica Benth. 8 Actinoscirpus grossus (L.f.) Goetgh. & D.A.Simpson 177