Phytochemical Screening and Pharmacological Potential of Medicinal Plants Used in Ayurveda
Keywords:
Ayurveda, phytochemicals, medicinal plants, Withania somnifera, pharmacological activities, bioactive compounds, herbal medicineAbstract
Ayurveda, the ancient Indian system of medicine, relies heavily on medicinal plants for treating various diseases. Recent advancements in phytochemistry have highlighted the therapeutic potential of these botanicals through the identification of bioactive compounds such as alkaloids, flavonoids, tannins, saponins, and glycosides. This paper investigates the phytochemical screening methods and pharmacological activities of select Ayurvedic plants, such as Withania somnifera (Ashwagandha), Tinospora cordifolia (Giloy), Azadirachta indica (Neem), and Ocimum sanctum (Tulsi). Through a comprehensive literature review and analysis of available experimental data, this study discusses their anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, antimicrobial, and anticancer properties. Furthermore, it evaluates traditional knowledge through a scientific lens and emphasizes the need for standardization and clinical validation to bridge the gap between traditional use and modern pharmacotherapy.
DOI: 10.8612/37.1.2022.1
