ABSTRACT
In India, the heritage of traditional knowledge on medicinal plants is diverse and has deep roots. Ancient medicinal systems have already identified the potential of various medicinal plants and incorporated them for the treatment of various diseases over the years. Herbal medicines are known to act as good alternatives to current synthesized medications. Herbal medicines are economical and have minimal side effects. Two of the plants traditionally being used in medications are Plantago ovata and Rauvolfia serpentina. P. ovata has been commonly used to treat a wide range of medical conditions. Psyllium is a fiber obtained from this plant and is used to treat diarrhea, inflammatory bowel disease (IBD, like ulcerative colitis), obesity, diabetes, and hypercholesterolemia, etc. It is also being used in cosmetics. Seeds of isabgol (psyllium) have anticancer and antimicrobial properties. R. serpentina has been used to treat snake and insect bites, malaria, abdominal pain, dysentery, and insomnia. It is also used as a uterine stimulant, febrifuge, a treatment against insanity, as well as an antipsychotic drug and tranquilizer. Reserpine is a major alkaloid found in the roots of Indian snakeroot and effective against hypertension. R. serpentina also has anticancer, antimicrobial, and antidiabetic activities and is effective against coronaviruses.
