37 | P a ge International Standard Serial Number (ISSN): 2319-8141 International Journal of Universal Pharmacy and Bio Sciences 5(1): January-February 2016 INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF UNIVERSAL PHARMACY AND BIO SCIENCES IMPACT FACTOR 2.093*** ICV 5.13*** Pharmaceutical Sciences REVIEW ARTICLE …………!!! “A REVIEW-PHARMACOLOGY OF MEDICINAL PLANTS” 1S. Senthilkumar and 2K.Vijayakumari 1Research and Development, Bharathiar University, Coimbatore, Tamil Nadu, India. 2Head, Department of Botany, Govt. Arts College for Women, Salem, Tamil Nadu, India. KEYWORDS: ABSTRACT Pharmacology, Pharmacological industries have produced a number of new Medicinal plants, antibiotics in the last three decades, in spite of that resistance to Diseases. these drugs by microorganisms has also been increased. In For Correspondence: general, bacteria have the genetic ability to transmit and acquire S. Senthilkumar * resistance to drugs, which are utilized as therapeutic agents. The Address: world is now looking towards India for new drugs to manage Research and Development, Bharathiar various challenging diseases because of its rich biodiversity of University, Coimbatore, medicinal plants and abundance of traditional knowledge such as Tamil Nadu, India. siddha, Ayurveda etc. Full Text Available On www.ijupbs.com 38 | P a ge International Standard Serial Number (ISSN): 2319-8141 INTRODUCTION: The use of plants with pharmaceutical properties has received increased interest nowadays from both homeopathic and allopathic branches. These medicinal plants play an important role in public health, especially in developing countries, where it is belived that the intense utilization of plants with therapeutic action does not lead to intoxication. The cost of drugs in use today is too expensive for the majority of the population in the third world countries and therefore the search for some cheap sources of antimicrobial substances in nature become inevitable. Plants are good sources for new safe, biodegradable and renewable drugs. The use of plants as therapeutic agents in addition to being as food is age long. India is a country rich in indigenous herbal resources which grow on their varied topography and under changing agro climatic conditions permitting the growth of almost 20,000 plant species, of which about 2,500 are of medicinal value. The use of plant extracts and phytochemicals, both with known antimicrobial properties, can be of great significance in therapeutic treatments. In the last few years, a number of studies have been conducted in different countries to prove such efficiency. Phytochemical are analyzed qualitatively using various tests. Plant essential oils and their components have been known to exhibit biological activities especially antimicrobial, since ancient time. Pharmacology of medicinal plants Abies pindrow docoction of the dried shoots and fresh leaves is used in cough, asthma and other chest infection. Abrus preacatorium seed used as purgative, emetic, tonic, aphrodisiac, nervous disorder and cattle poisoing, abortion. Acacia arabica leaves are astringent; fruit coagulant; gum astringent, colling and healing. It stops bleeding and cures dysentery, and diarrhoea. Bark extract mixed with honey is used in eyes to relieve conjunctivitis. Bark is good for gums an dulcers. Acacia catechu head wood used as astringent, diarrhea, demnicent. Acacia chundra during dysentery concentrated bark extract is given twice a day for 2-3 days. Acacia modesta dried gum is crushed, mixed in flour, sugar is added and then it is roasted in ghee and given to pregnant and lactating women as tonic. This is usually. It is also used for backache and weakness. Acacia nelotica stem bark used as astringent, demulcent, diarrhea, dysentery, diabetes melliturs. Achranthes aspera cures eye disorders, cough, worms and indigestion. Used in snakebite. Full Text Available On www.ijupbs.com 39 | P a ge International Standard Serial Number (ISSN): 2319-8141 Achillea millefolium a simulative tonic and carminative that helps expel gas from the stomach and intestines. It has a very healing and soothing effect on the mucous membranes. Aqueous extracts are used for thinning hair. Achillea millefolium the aerial parts of the plant are used to treat inflammation, especially in the intestinal and female reproductive tracts as well as to help the stop of minor bleeding and to treat wounds. In Bulgarian folk medicine the herb is applied in hepatic and urinary diseases, jaundice. Chemical analyses of Achillea millefolium show the presence of essential oil, tannins, flavonoids, sesquiterpene lactones, alkamides, inulin and ascorbic acid. Essential oil of Achillea millefolium possesses antioxidant and antimicrobial properties in vitro against Streptococcus pneumoniae, Clostridium perfringens, Candida albicans, Mycobacterium smegmatis, Acinetobacter lwoffii and Candida krusei while water-insoluble parts of the methanolic extracts exhibited slight or no activity. Achillea millefolium flowers and leaves are used to treat wounds, ulcers, diarrhoeae, skin injuries, gastrintestinal disorder, flu, fever and urinary afections. Achillea mellefolium whole plant is used as antipyretic, stimulant and tonic, diaphoretic and diuretic. Decoctions are used to treat inflammations, such as hemorrhoids, and headaches. Decoction of flowering tops is used in cold, in-fluenza and allergic mucus problems. Flowers infusion used for upper respiratory phlegm and used externally as a wash for eczma. Fresh leaves are uses to clot nose bleeding. Acorus calamus is used for treatment of Memory loss, anxiety, bronchitis, mental fatigue sinusitis, tension, headache and joint pains. Achillea millefolium a simulative tonic and carminative that helps expel gas from the stomach and intestines. It has a very healing and soothing effect on the mucous membranes. Aqueous extracts are used for thinning hair. Achyranthes aspera root used as astringent in hydrophobia, purgative, diuretic, in dropsy, piles, boils, skin eruption, colic, snake bite. Achyranthus aspera the leaves extract are used for all skin problem in combination with sesame oil. Seed powdered are used for strengthen and whiting of teeth. The smoke of root and seed are used to relive cough and asthma. The powder of whole plant when mixed with sugar are used for relive of phlegm, breathlessness, continued cough, heaving etc. the leaves are also used in fever, piles and dog biting. Root extract are used in anemia, improving digestive system and constipation. Acorus calamus the powder rhizome is used in diarrhea and dysentery. The rhizome is thought to be a powerful aphrodisiac, stimulant and mild tonic. Powder the dried root and put this up the nose to cure a runny nose. Roasted fruits are grinded and are used as expectorants. Juice of leaves and roots are used as anthelmintic. It has wonderfully tonic powers of stimulating and normalizing the Full Text Available On www.ijupbs.com 40 | P a ge International Standard Serial Number (ISSN): 2319-8141 appetite. An infusion of the root can bring about an abortion whilst chewing the root alleviates toothache. Aconitum chasmanthm about 200 gram of fresh rhizome is fried in synthetic ghee and used before going to bed for body tonic. Aconitum heterophyllum the dried tuberous roots and rhizome are used along with mutton for enhancing growth and weight. Adhatoda vasica expectorant used in asthma, bronchitis, cough and dysmenorrhea. Adhatoda vasica used in diarrhoea and dysentery, checks bleeding, throat emollient. Flowers are used in eye disorders. Root extract is used in stiffness of nect. Adiantum capillus root juice is applied for snake bite, migraine, and scorpion sting. Whole plant extract posses hypoglycaemic activity. It showed potent antimicrobial activity against Escherichia coli, Trichophyton rubrum and Aspergillus terreus. Plant extract is potential elicitor of phytoalexins in sorghum and soybean. Adiantum capillus veneris the infusion of fronds is used as diuretic, expectorant, in coughs, headache and toothache. The entire plant is used for its cooling effects, for diabetes, in lowering blood pressure, and externally it is used for boils, eczema, and wounds. Adiantum incisum are used for skin diseases, cough and cold. Adiantum venustum are used as astringent, diuretic, expectorant and tonic. The plant is used in the treatment of headaches and scorpion stings. A paste made from rhizomes is used to treat cuts and wounds. The plant is also used in combination with other plant species as expectorant, hypothermic, diuretic and in stomachache. Aegle marmelos used as diarrhea, gastritis and adult onset diabetes (Chopra et al., 2002). Aegle marmelos used in dysentery; root checks vomiting; leaves cure fever, piles and diabetes; fruits as brain tonic. Aesandra butyracea oil cake is used to escape out snake, and it can be used as fish poisoning. Oil or ghee is taken to cure cracked heels and lips. Root juice is useful in dysentery. Betulin and quercetin of Butter tree are anti-infectivity and anti-inflammatory in properties. Aesculus indca powered seeds are traditionally administered to livestock as anthelmintic. Powered seeds are also used for jaundice. Wood used for turned articles. Ageratum conyzoides stem juice is useful in bleeding control. Embryotoxic, tannin is insecticidal, antidiarrhoeal, anti-inflammatory, anticoagulant, musclerelaxant, analgesic. Fumaric acid shows hepatoprotective properties. Caffeic acid is effective against viruses, bacterial and fungi. Ageratum conyzodes used in stomach disorder and as a tonic. Full Text Available On www.ijupbs.com 41 | P a ge International Standard Serial Number (ISSN): 2319-8141 Ainslea latifolia root juice is taken for stomach pain. Ethanolic extract plant roots is diuretic. Flavonoides are anti-inflammatory and anti-aggregant in properties. Ajuga bracteosa its fresh leaves decoction is used for curing jaundice, hypertension and very effective in sore throat. Aleo barbadensis leaf used as stomachic, purgative anathematic in piles and rectal fissures, constipation, menstrual, suppression. Alebezia lebbeck powdered bark is used in diarrhea and dysentery. The plant is also used as astringent, to treat boils, cough, to treat eye, flu, lung problems, tonic, and is used to treat abdominal tumors. Alkanna tinctoria the roots contain the naphthoquinone alkannin or shikonin (they are optics antipodes with common formula C H O ), alkanan and alkane’s esthers. The active compound 16 16 5 alkannin (Shikonin) has antiviral, antibacterial, anti-inflammatory activity and shows certain anticancer activity. Allium cepa the juice of fresh plant is mixed with honey and is used for treatment of flue, cholera and diabetes. The bulb is eaten and smelled along with sugar to avoid vomiting. Allium filidens fresh leaves are bitter in taste and are eaten raw or cooked along with other pot herbs for gastrointestinal disorders especially stomachache. Alchemilla vulgaris is used for treatment on inflammation on mouth cavity; hemorrhage from nose, furuncles as well as at gynecological disorders. It is a valuble remedy for the uterus, helping to regulate the glandular activity of the uterine lining and reduce excessive bleeding. The infusion of plant is used as astringent antidiarrhetic and inti-inflammatory agent. Alstonia scholaris reported analgesic and anti-inflammatory effects in ethanol extract of leaves; anti-diarrheal and spasmolytic activity of crude methanol extract of the plant; broad spectrum anti- bacterial activity of crude methanolic extracts of leaves, stems, and root barks of the plant. Allium sativum it is used for the treatment of cardiovascular atherosclerosis, HIV drug-indced lipid disorders, cancer prevention, colds and the flu, and tick bit prevention. It seems to be active against erythroleukemia as well as breast and prostate cancer cells. Amaranthus caudatus the decoction of shoots and leaves are used in cough and asthma, diuretic, sores, piles and other pulmonary diseases. The root is boiled with honey and is used as laxative. Amaranthus virdis used as blood purifier, in piles, as digestive agent. Amaranthus viridus it is eaten traditionally as a vegetable and the paste of leaves and roots are applied on boils and scorpion sting. Amaranthus spinosus used as anti-diarrheal plant in traditional medicine of Thailand; reported in vitro inhibition of the intestinal protozoa parasite Blastocystis hominis. Full Text Available On www.ijupbs.com 42 | P a ge International Standard Serial Number (ISSN): 2319-8141 Amorphophallus konjac used in reduction of serum cholesterol and inconstipation, control of blood glucose, found that glucomannan protected mice against clinically induced lung cancer Anacardium thisplant is used to treat gastrointestinal, respiratory and skin infection. Andrographis paniculata used to children’s bowel complaints, gastric acidity, viral hepatitis, liver congestion and flatulence. Angelica archangelica dried roots are anthelmintic and useful in gastric, and stomachache. Ethanol extract of root of this plant shows anti-trypanosomal activity. Anogeissus latifolia during vomiting bark extract is given twice at the interval of 6-8 hrs. Annona triloba acetogenins of this herb have been found to be active aginst certain lung and breast cancer. This herb is also used to treat fever, vomiting, and oral inflammation. Anthocephalus chinensis fruits are used in urinary problems. Bark extract is astringent and useful in snake bite poison. Linalool exhibits significant antimutagenic and antioxidative properties. Aphanamixis polystachya hepatoprotective action of ethanol extract of leaves against carbon tetrachloride-induced liver injury in rats. Arachis hypogaea it is used to lower cholesterol, aid in weight loss, or prevent cardiovascular conditions and cancer. Argemone mexicana root powder mixed with sugar is taken with water for curing skin diseases. Argyreia speciosa the roots and seeds are used to support the nervous system, geriatric tonic and mild aphrodisiac. The whole plant is reported to have purifying properties. It has been given to help maintain healthy joints. Arisaema flavum fruit is eaten without chewing in cough and cold. Argyreia speciosa for the treatment of nervous system, geriatric tonic and mild aphrodisiac help maintain healthy joints. Artemisia nilagirica is used as anti-bacterial activity of leaf extracts against clinical and phytopathogenic bacteria. Artemisia spp the juice of leaves and inflorescence are used as anthelminitic. Asparagus officinalis young shoots are fed to livestock for promoting lactation. It is also used as a diuretic and laxative. Asteracantho longifolia whole plant used as diuretic, gonorrhea, in spermaterrhoea, jaundice, dropsy, rheumatism, anasarca, urinogenital tract. Artemisia indica is used in headache, fever and it is also used as insecticide. Leaves are used in skin itching and scabies. Root extracts possessed insignificant hypoglycaemic effects . Plant Full Text Available On www.ijupbs.com 43 | P a ge International Standard Serial Number (ISSN): 2319-8141 infusion is used to reduce the post operative blood loss and relieve purulent inflammatior. Artemisin and its derivative α-arteether are used as antimalarial. Astilbe rivularis root juice is used for easy delivery and control bleeding during child birth. It is valued for diarrhoea, dysentery and hemorrhage. Pharmacological experiments indicated the extracts from Astilbe chinensis had antineoplastic and immuno potentiating activities. Dried rhizome is used as substitute drug for Shengma. Astilbic acid is beneficial in regulating various inflammatory processes. Astragalus corniculatus are used by folk medicine as a diuretic for treatment of hypertension, renal disorder, nervous diseases and rheumatism. It is also used as a diaphoretic. Flavonoid mixture of some species revealed strong antioxidant activity. Asparagus officinalis leung and foster,(Leung and Foster, 1996) reported that this possess cancer preventing property. It also has a role in controlling urinary tract infections. Asparagus racemosus increases muscle strengh, stomach, lungs, and sexual organs, increases breast milk secretion during lactation and male impotence. Asparagus racemosus root-powder is used to increase vigour and strength. Asparagus racemosus it is useful in treating tumours, nervous disorders, dyspepsia, tuberculosis, cough, bronchitis, gleet, gonorrhoea, leucorrhoea, leprosy, epilepsy, fatigue, hyperacidity, colic haemorrhoids, hypertension, abortion, cardiac and general debility. Astragalus gummifera it inhibits cancer cell growth and used in treating the carcinogenesis. Atropa bella-donna used for narcotic, sedative, anodyne, antispasmotic and myriatic effect. In the beginning of this century the Bulgarian natural healer Ivan Raev has introduced this plant for treatment of Parkinson disease, in view of the fact the atropa bella-donna contains atropine. This method was later called “cura bulgara”. Today, Belladonna is still a very important plant in the scientific and medical communities because of its chemical constituents. Atylosia volubilis bark extract is used in dysentery and stomach pain. Azadirachta indica anti-bacterial activity reported in plant or plant part extracts, including seed oil; anti-viral and virucidal effects reported for methanol extract of leaves. Azadirachta indica seeds are used in skin diseases and rheumatism; bark in malarial fever; dry fruits are used as tonic and stomachic. Tender twigs are used as tooth brush. Bacopa monniera the plant is anticancerous and improves learning ability. The plant is astringent, bitter, sweet, cooling, laxative, intellect promoting, anodyne, carminative, digestive, antiinflammatory, anticonvulsant, depurative, cardiotonic, bronchodialator, diuretic, emmenagogue, Full Text Available On www.ijupbs.com 44 | P a ge International Standard Serial Number (ISSN): 2319-8141 sudorfic, febrifuge and tonie. Bacopa monnieri used nervous exhausion, generalized fatigue, epilepsy, improves memory, anti-ageing and bronchitis, coughts. Baccharis trimera leaf are used for treatment of gastrointestinal and respiratory afections, fever and rheumatism. Barleria prienitis whole plant used as catarrhal affection of children, fever and much phlegmatic in cough, in anasarca, toothache, glandular swellings, in dropsy. Bauhinia vahlii is used in cuts, wounds, sprain and fracture. Root is tonic. Methanolic extract of the plant possesses activity against herpes simplex virus. Quercetin is effective in reducing infectivity. Betulinic acid is anti-inflammatory. Berberis vulgaris has been used to treat diarrhea, reduce fever, improve appetite, relieve upset stomach, and promote vigor as well as a sence of well being. Berberis vulgaris is used to ease inflammation and infection of the urinary, gastrointestinal, and respiratory tracts (such as pharyngitis (sore throat), sinusitis, rhinitis (nasal congestion), bronchitis and traditionally tuberculosis) as well as candida (yeast) infections of the skin or vagina. Barberry extract may also improve symptoms of certain skin conditions including psoriasis, but further studies are needed to confirm these findings. Berberies aristata stem used as deobstuent, in skin diseases, menorrhagia, jaundice and affection of eyes. Berberis aristata used in inflammation. Root bark extract is used to heal ulcer. Berberis lycium the powder bark of root is used as antiseptic, as remedy for swollen and sore eyes, broken bones, wounds, gonorrhea and curative piles. Leaves are given in jaundice. The plant is used for the treatment of internal injuries. An ointment made from root bark powder is mix with oil and applied on broken bones. The paste of powder bark is used in backache and as general body tonic. Bergenia ciliata juice or powder of the whole plant is used to treat urinary troubles. The juice of the leaves is used as drops to relive earaches. The rhizome is used in powder or paste form in diarrhea, stomach and duodenal ulcers, as tonic, helpful in relieving backache and muscular disorders. The root juice is used to treat coughs and colds, hemorrhoids, asthma and urinary problems. Bergenia ciliata rhizome used as tonic, used in fever, diarrhea, pulmonary, affections, anti scorbutic, bruised and applied to boils and ophthalmic. Betula utilis birch bark soaked until moist in water, and then formed into a cast for a broken arm. Bark is used in various recipes and for amulet. Full Text Available On www.ijupbs.com 45 | P a ge International Standard Serial Number (ISSN): 2319-8141 Bleekeria vitensis widely used in Europe in the treatment of advanced breast cancer. Elliptinium, a derivative of ellipticine, isolated from a medicinal plant Bleekeria vitensis A.C. Sm., is marketed in France for the treatment of breast cancer. Boerehaavia diffusa used to diuretic, laxative, expectorant used in asthma,, bronchitis, anemia and anti-inflammatory. Boswellia serrata gum and resin used as skin eruption, diaphoretic, diuretic, astringent, emmenagegue in rheumatism, nervous and skin disorders. Brassica oleracea used for gastrointestinal disorders, asthma, morning sickness, and preventing osteoporosis, individuals also use it to preven lung, stomach, colorectal, breast, and other cancers. Several studies reported that this may have anticarcinogenic properties. Brassica campestris seed used as antiscorbutic, embrocation, in muscular rhematism, stiff neck, dengue, fever, use on chest in bronchitis. Buchanania lanzan seed paste is rubbed over the infected body parts. Butea frondosa seeds are used to cure ringworm. Petioles are chewed during heat in urination. Calendula officinalis were considered beneficial for reducing inflammation, wound healing, and as an antiseptic. Calendula officinalis is used to treat various skin diseases, ranging from skin ulcerations to eczema. Internally, the soothing effects of Calendula have been used for stomach ulcers and inflammation. Infusion of Calendula officinalis is characterized with low toxicity and hypno-sedative properties. Flavonoids (isoquercitrin, narcissin, and rutin) found in high amounts in Calendula officinalis are thought to account for mush of its anti-inflammatory activity. Calendula’s high-molecular weight polysaccharides stimulate mimmune system activity. Organic extract from Calendula officinalis flowers caused a significant dose- and time-dependent reduction of the human immunodeficiency virus type 1 (HIV-1) reverse transcription (RT) activity. Caesalpinia decapetala Bark is poisonous and used in fish poisoing. Fruit extract shows inhibitory effect against Candida albicans and anthelmintic effect, however failure reports on inhibition had also been noted. Caesalpinia decapitala decoction of young shoots is used as analgesic and antipyretic. Caesalpinia bonducella powder for digestion. Calotropis procera root, leaf and stem bark used as in dysentery, ipecacuanha, diaphoretic, emetic intermittent fevers, cold, coughs, asthma, and indigestion. Calotropis procera used in boils and to remove the thorn from the body. Calotropis procera leaves are applied as poultice on dog bitten wounds. An infusion of bark powder is used in the treatment and cure of leprosy. Bark and wood stimulate lactation in cattle. Roots are applied for snakebite. Full Text Available On www.ijupbs.com 46 | P a ge International Standard Serial Number (ISSN): 2319-8141 Cajanus cajan root used as snake bite and applied over the mamme to check secretion of milk. Caltha alba the plant is used to stop pain and cramps, for menstrual disorders, bronchial inflammation, jaundice, and liver disorders. Flowering shoots is used as a laxative and diuretic. It is also used for cleaning skin lesions and sores. Cannabis sativa the decoction of flowering tops is used as sedative, anodyne and narcotic. Capparis spinosa are a hepatic stimulant that has been used for improving the functional efficiency of the liver histological architecture of the liver and its positive effect on liver glycogen and serum proteins. Carissa carandas root used as bitter, stomachic, anthelmintic, cooling, acidic. Cardiospermum halicacabum seeds are eaten as tonic. Carlina acanthifolia roots has been used as a diuretic and anti-inflammatory remedy for urinary tract. The diuretic activity may be connected to high content of unulin. The plant has also strongly express hypotensive effect. The water and water-ethanolic extracts are applied in gastrointestinal disorders and as antihemorrhoid agent. Externally it is used at skin rash. Sometimes the herb is given in case of faintness, overtired, brain-fag. Carica papaya used as digestive, anthelmintic, laxative, tonic, nutritive and diuretic. Carthamus lanatus which possesses sedative, antitumor and interferon-inducing activities. The ethyl acetate fraction of the metthanol extract appeared to possess promising natural antioxidant and cytotoxic activities. The dichloromethane extract of Carthamus lanatus and its water-alcoholic part exhibited the most significant anti-inflammatory action. The H O/MeOH fraction of the CH Cl 2 2 2 extract exhibited the highest rates of antibacterial activity; it was well demonstrated both against Staphyloccous aureus and Eschercia coli. Interestingly, the same fraction and the volatiles showed significant cytotoxic activity being in correlation with the observed antibacterial activity. Cassia tora reported anti-fungal activity of chloroform extract of seed against Botrytis cinerea, Erysiphe graminis, Phytophthora infestans, and Rhizoctonia solani. Camellia sinensis used to prevent prostate, colon, and gastric cancers. It is also used to prevent skin cancer or damage from ultraviolet radiation. It seems to reduce the risk of some cancers by preventing blood vessel growth in tumors. Capparis spinosa a hepatic stimulant that has been used for improving the functional efficiency of the liver. The recent experimental work also confirms its protective action on the histological architecture of the liver and its positive effect on liver glycogen and serum proteins. Carmona retusa commonly used as tea or tonic drink to treat stomach ailments and popular as antibacterial and have a high potential infighting the growth and multiplication of cancer cell. Full Text Available On www.ijupbs.com