This study documents the medicinal uses of Astavarga, a group of eight medicinal herbs, used in traditional medical knowledge (TMK) of the Himalaya region and in the traditional medical system (TMS) in India. Field surveys were conducted during 2006–2008 to collect data on the availability and uses of Astavarga across 21 diverse localities. During the surveys, information was collected on types of ailments treated and plant parts used in different therapies in TMK using semi-structured questionnaires. Overall, information was gathered from 92 informants in the study area. These herbs are mostly used to treat sexual problems, physical disability, respiratory problems, different types of pain, fever and urinary problems, as well as anti-ageing agents. Information on medicinal properties of these plants was also collected from secondary sources, i.e. the traditional medical system (Ayurveda) and through a literature survey. This revealed that Astavarga in TMS is mostly used to treat sexual disorders, physical weakness, to strengthen the immune system, body pain and as a tonic. Analysis of TMK in the Himalaya reveals some new medicinal properties of Astavarga while the literature survey indicates that some of the plants, viz. Habenaria and Malaxis species, are not explored so far for their chemical constituents and biological activity. New medicinal uses, as recorded by this study, will provide insights for further investigation of pharmacology and phytochemical constituents of these species.

Aegle marmelos (Bilva) is being used in Ayurveda for the treatment of several inflammatory disorders. The plant is a member of a fixed dose combination of Dashamoola in Ayurveda. However, the usage of roots/root bark or stems is associated with sustainability concerns. The present study is aimed to compare the anti-inflammatory properties of different extracts of young roots (year wise) and mature parts of Bilva plants collected from different geographical locations in India, so as to identify a sustainable source for Ayurvedic formulation. A total of 191 extracts (petroleum ether, ethyl acetate, ethanol and aqueous) of roots, stems and leaves of A. marmelos (collected from Gujarat, Maharashtra, Odisha, Chhattisgarh, Karnataka and Andhra Pradesh region) were tested for anti-inflammatory effects in vitro on isolated target enzymes cyclooxygenase-1 (COX-1), cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2) and 5-lipoxygenase (5-LOX), lymphocyte proliferation assay (LPA), cytokine profiling in LPS induced mouse macrophage (RAW 264.7) cell line and in vivo carrageenan induced paw edema in mice. Of 191 extracts, 44 extracts showed COX-2 inhibition and 38 extracts showed COX-1 inhibition, while none showed 5-LOX inhibition. Cytokine analysis of the 44 extracts showing inhibition of COX-2 suggested that only 17 extracts modulated the cytokines by increasing the anti-inflammatory cytokine IL-2 and reducing the pro-inflammatory cytokines like IL-1β, MIP1-α and IL-6. The young (2 and 3 years) roots of Bilva plants from Gujarat and young (1 yr) roots from Odisha showed the most potent anti-inflammatory activity by suppressing the pro-inflammatory cytokines and inducing anti-inflammatory cytokines. These three extracts have also shown in vivo anti-inflammatory activity comparable to that in adult stem and root barks. The present study reveals that young roots of Bilva plants from Gujarat and Odisha region could form a sustainable source for use in Ayurvedic formulations with anti-inflammatory activities. The present study also indicates that the region in which the plants are grown and the age of the plants play an important role in exhibiting the anti-inflammatory effect.

Field survey conducted to understand habitat, distribution, population structure and conservation status of Lilium polyphyllum. Three populations (total 649 individuals) are in decline because of habitat degradation, agriculture invasion and over exploitation. Our finding confirmed critically endangered status of the species, although with new criteria. We recommended integrated conservation plan.

Mushroom: Nature’s Treasure in Ethiopia