ABSTRACT
The evolution and survival of the human race are highly attributed to his dependence on natural resources including plants. Medicinal systems [e.g., Ayurveda, Siddha, and Unani (Hindi)] have extensively used plants to provide health benefits to us. The advent of technology in the field of medicine in drug discovery has led to the decrease in the development of plant-based medicines. However, the increase in the incidence of subsidiary illness in the form of side effects of synthetic medicines combined with changes in lifestyle have prompted mankind to adopt plants as an alternative source of drugs. Therefore, extensive research is being conducted to unveil phytocompounds as natural drugs. This chapter focuses on four traditionally relevant plants (such as, Amorphophallus campanulatus, Curculigo orchioides, Gardenia gummifera, and Woodfordia fruticosa) for major phytocompounds and their pharmacological activities.
