Pharmacology

Valerian (Valeriana officinalis) belonging to valerianaceae family is a well-known herb and medicinal plant that has been widely used all over the world especially in Europe, China and Middle East. It is widely used as a sleep aid and sedative in many parts of the world but is also known to relax smooth muscle, hence used for treating  stomach and intestine cramps. Alkaloids, terpenes, organic acids and its derivatives, valepotriates and flavones are the known pharmacologically active compounds found in valerian extract. In general, it is accepted that the valepotriates are the compounds responsible for the sedative activity of the Valerianaceae. The present article aims at reviewing the recent reports on its constituents, traditional use, clinical use and scientific verification of pharmacological actions of valerian.

Plants have been an exemplary source of medicine. Ayurveda, traditional medicine, tribal medicine and other literatures mention the use of plants in the treatment of various human ailments. Researches conducted in the last few decades on  exploring crude drugs mentioned in ancient literature or used traditionally for treating diseases is increasing. The term ginseng refers to the species within Panax, a genus of 11 species of slow growing perennial plants with fleshy roots, in the family Araliaceae. These plants grown in eastern Asia, typically in cooler climates. The two major species are American ginseng (grown in the Midwest of America and exported to China) and Asian ginseng. Ginseng is known to be an adaptogen – adaptogens are substances that help the body to restore itself to health and to work without side effects. The present paper summarizes the traditional uses and pharmacological actions of the roots and rhizomes of ginseng.

Plants are known to be associated directly or indirectly with the needs of human since time immemorial. In addition to the basic needs, i.e. food, shelter and clothing, plants are utilized for fodder, fuel, timber, tannins, colors, oils and medicines etc. History reveals that uses of plants as medicine is known in different parts of  the world, especially in India there are evidences which suggest its therapeutic role since Rig Veda. There are 32 ethnic communities in Jharkhand, which constitute about 33% of total population. They have their own self-managed traditional system for primary health care (Horopathy).Women are traditionally using herbal medicines for the remedy of different types of gynecological problems. In the present investigation 30 plants species have been reported on the basis of ethno-medicinal information extracted from ethnic communities. All the parts of plants, like root, bark, leaf, flower, fruit and  tubers are used as medicines, either preparation from single plant is used as drug or in some cases decoction or paste are made with more than one herb.  There is very wide scope for the pharmacological studies of the reported plants in future.