Traditional Use, Phytochemistry and Pharmacological Potential of Crocus sativus and Emblica officinalis: High Value Medicinal Plants from North Western Himalayan Mountains
摘要
One of the 36 worldwide biodiversity hotspots, the Himalaya is well-known for its benefits on both an ecological and financial basis. Indian Himalayan region covers about 16.2% of India’s land area, 100% of the alpine cover, and roughly 32.1% of the nation’s forests. India is one of the world’s largest exporters of raw herbal medications, and the Himalayas are renowned for their vast variety of medicinal plants. Jammu & Kashmir, located in the North-Western Himalayas, is gifted with a remarkable array of medicinal plants. Among the many plants found in this beautiful state, Emblica officinalis and Crocus sativus have been used for thousands of years in traditional medical systems. The fruit of Emblica officinalis is rich in tannins, flavonoids, pectin, gallic acid, quercetin, and other polyphenolic compounds. Numerous phytochemicals, including tannins, alkaloids, flavonoids, terpenoids, and carbohydrates, have been shown to produce beneficial biological effects. On the other hand, the stigmas of Crocus sativus have been widely used due to their diverse chemical components, including crocetin, crocin, and other flavonoids. These components offer a range of medicinal benefits, such as anticancer, antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, anticonvulsant, anti-Alzheimer’s, and antitussive properties, which help treat various ailments. This chapter focuses on the traditional uses, phytochemistry, and pharmacological properties of these medicinal plants.