Medicinal plants

1. Some Common Medicinal Plants
Dr. Krishna R. Rajput.
Lec. in Biology
KBS Commerce & NATARAJ Professional
Sciences College, Vapi.
VNSGU, Surat.

2. INTRODUCTION
45000 medicinal plant species in India.
About 2000 species appear in the literature.
500 species commonly used in indigenous system.
90% of species available for screening.
4000 species screened for activity.
Phyto-therapy (Herbal medicine), the natural
therapies, by contrast, aims not to ‘cure’ disease by a
technological fix.

3. Medicinal HerbsMedicinal Herbs
The Whole better than partThe Whole better than part
 Powerful ingredients.
 Only 15% of estimated plant species on earth have been
investigated for possible medicinal uses.
 The World Health Organization estimates that 80% of the
earth population today depends on plants to treat common
ailments.
 Traditional Healers are good resources for scientific based
research.

4. BIOACTIVE COMPOUNDSBIOACTIVE COMPOUNDS
Biologically active compounds / Phytochemicals present
in biological systems
Phytochemicals are non-nutritive plant chemicals that
have protective or disease preventive properties.
There are more than thousand known phytochemicals.

Produced by plants for natural defence and can protect
humans against diseases.

Well-known phytochemicals are lycopene in tomatoes,
flavones in soy flavonoids -fruits.

5. Functions of PhytochemicalsFunctions of Phytochemicals……

Antioxidant – protection against oxidative damage and
reduce the risk of developing certain types of cancer. (Allyl
sulfides ,Carotenoids , Flavonoids, Polyphenols )
Hormonal action - Isoflavones, in soy, imitate human
estrogens help to reduce menopausal symptoms and
osteoporosis.
Stimulation of enzymes - Indoles, in cabbages, stimulate
enzymes that make the estrogen less effective and reduce the
risk for breast cancer.
Anti-bacterial effect - The phytochemical allicin from garlic
has anti-bacterial properties.
Physical action - Some phytochemicals bind physically to cell
walls thereby preventing the adhesion of pathogens to
human cell walls. (Proanthocyanidins)


6. Tulsi (Ocimum sanctum)
Common cold,
inflammation, malaria,
heart disease, headaches,
stomach disorders,
kidney stones, heart
disorders.
 In the purification of
atmosphere.
To cure sore throat.
Remove stones via the
urinary tract.

7. Lowering the level of cholesterol in blood.
Itching of the skin over the abdomen and the breasts of
a pregnant woman is relieved by the application paste
of Tulsi.
Breast milk will improve in quality if the woman is
given a mixture of 20 gms of Tulsi juice, 20 gms of the
juice of maize leaves, 10 gms of the juice-or extract-
`Of asgandh (ashwagandha), and 10 gms of honey, for
seven days following delivery.
Crushed Tulsi seeds taken with honey will cure all
abnormalities of the genital system

8. Teeth Disorder: leaves+ dried in the sun and powdered+
mixed with mustered oil. It is also useful in pyorrhea and
other teeth disorders.
Headaches: leaves paste + sandalwood paste can also be
applied on the forehead for getting relief from heat,
headache, and for providing coolness in general.
Mouth Infections: A few leaves chewed will cure the
ulcer and infections in the mouth.

9. Aloe vera (Aloe barbadensis )
Aloe vera gel has anti-
fungal, anti-bacterial and
anti-viral effects and
helps to heal minor
wounds.
Liver disorders - Aloe
juice with turmeric
powder should be taken
twice a day.

10. Difficult urination - Continuous diluted aloe juice should
be taken time to time to alleviate this condition.
In wounds - Boil aloe leaves and take the fleshy part of
the leaves over wounds.
 As a cosmetic - Aloe is one of the best known
moisturizers and used in creams and shampoos.
Jaundice - A few drops of aloe juice is installed in the
nostrils to control jaundice.

11. Hibiscus rosa-sinensis
Hair care: curd + powder
of amla + 3-4 cursed
petals flower keep it over
night and apply on hair.
It is used to make
gulkand i.e layers of
petals +sugar (khadi
sakar) & kept in sunlight
for 1-2 week.

12. Tea: petals of Hibiscus flowers + boiled water +
cinnamon + lemony flavor and a very attractive
burgundy color.
The fibre is used for coarse of fabrics, nets and paper.
Traditional use of the flowers: leaves + burning them in
ghee to produce a black dye which was used to blacken
eyes and eyebrows.

13. Ginger (Zingiber officinale)
Ginger is stimulating to
the heart, helping to
regulate its function.
Ginger is excellent in
reducing nausea caused
by pregnancy.
Drink ginger tea with or
without honey three to
four times a day to
relieve sore throat.

14. Eating a little powder of dry ginger mixed with sesame
seed oil is helpful in getting rid of foul smell of
perspiration.
Take a teaspoon of ginger root juice with honey for
lowering your cholesterol. This also prevents the
formation of blood clots.
 Mixture of ginger and lemon juice helps in indigestion
and all other stomach problems.

15. Mix a pinch of salt in a table spoon of ginger juice and
drink it to get cure from diarrhea.
Dried ginger powder mixed with butter milk is very
effective for dysentery.
Mixture of green ginger and jaggery cures tongue
ailments and mouth ulcers.

16. Neem (Azadirachta indica)
Traditionally neem is used against a wide variety of
diseases which include heat-rash, boils, wounds, jaundice,
leprosy, skin disorders, stomach ulcers, chicken pox, etc.
The timber of neem tree is very durable and is used for
house building and carpentry work.
Dried leaves are placed among clothes to keep moths
away.
It is usually rubbed directly on the infected skin

17. Neem seeds are useful in treating tuberculosis .
It kills germs and cleanses the atmosphere.
The neem leaves can help to reduce swelling and purify
blood.
Neem should not be taken by anyone who is pregnant or
trying to conceive.
It must never be used to treat children with fevers.
Neem oil should not be taken internally.

18. Turmeric (Curcuma longa)
It acts as an anti-aging
agent.
Turmeric is currently
being investigated for
possible benefits in
cancer ,arthritis.
Turmeric can also be
used to deter ants.

19. Uses of turmeric acts as a powerful medicine in jaundice,
menstrual difficulties, bloody urine, haemorrhage, toothache,
chest pain.
Scientific researches confirm that regular use of turmeric can
cure host of chronic diseases.
 Taken internally or used externally, turmeric acts as an anti-
viral, anti-bacterial, anti-fungal and anti-parasitic.
Turmeric is a powerful anti-inflammatory and antiseptic,
useful for bronchial asthma, chronic cough.
Turmeric has an anti-coagulant action, keeping the blood
thin.

20. It is believed that regular bathing in water containing
turmeric reduces growth of body hair.
Paste of turmeric + curd if used regularly make the skin
fair, soft and smooth.
The turmeric paste is used in medicine for snakebites.
The leaves of turmeric are said to act as mosquito
repellents.
The juice of raw turmeric also acts as a blood purifier,
hyper acidity and indigestion.

21. Shatavari
(Asparagus racemosus)
Shatavari supports
reproductive health by
toning and nourishing the
female reproductive
organs.
 Shatavari can enhance
production of breast milk
in nursing females.

22. Shatavari supports normal function of the immune and
digestive system.
It is useful for infertility, threatened miscarriage,
menopause and has the ability to balance pH in the
cervical area.
Shatavari is also quite effective for stomach ulcers,
hyperacidity diarrhea and bronchial infections.
It has the ability to balance pH in the cervical area.

23. Green Tea ( Camellia sinensis)
The variety of health
benefits, including cancer
prevention, promotion of
oral health, easing
rheumatoid arthritis and
antibacterial activity.

Green tea is also gaining
fame for reducing
cholesterol.

24. A common use of green tea as a disinfectant is for gargling.
Gargling with green tea helps to prevent illness and to
maintain oral health.
 It can help to promote the burning of fat in the body, as well
as help to regulate blood sugar and insulin levels.
Green tea's many beneficial actions are considered to be anti-
viral, antioxidant, diuretic, expectorant, caridiotonic etc.
Green tea contain catechin which helps in weight loss.
Tea and skin care: The tannins in tea are great for your skin,
add a few teabags to your bathwater, or add loose leaf green
tea to your favorite herbal bath blend.

25. Green tea is rich in vitamins and minerals, especially
zinc, manganese, potassium, folic acid, and Vitamin C. In
fact, one cup of tea has more vitamin C than an orange.
All these vitamins and minerals present in green tea
helps in maintaining immune system.
Warning
Green tea does contain caffeine and it is not
recommended for people who are sensitive to
caffeine such as pregnant or nursing women.

26. Peppermint (Mentha piperita)
Peppermint can be used
for cold, fever,
indigestion, gas,
stomachache, headache,
morning sickness (anti-
nauseant), nervous
tension and insomnia.

27. Peppermint can provide relief from the common cold,
congestion, and to reduce pain.
Peppermint is often used to soothe an upset stomach or to
aid in digestion.
Peppermint gives a subtle numbing effect that is why it
often used to treat many pains from headaches, menstrual
cramps.
It is also used to treat skin irritations, nausea, and
diarrhea.

28. Peppermint relaxes the muscles that struggle with
digestive gas and improve the flow of bile, which the
body uses to digest fats.
It is used to cure several common ailments including
aches and pains, skin infections like acne, and even tooth
and gum problems. Peppermint also cures digestive
disorders.
Extracts are experimentally effective against viruses such
as herpes simplex. Peppermint oil is an anti-inflammatory
and shows anti-ulcer activity.

29. CONCLUSION
Use nature in a positive
way.
Proven effective.
Do not contain
contaminants.
.

30. THANK YOU