Abstract

A REVIEW ARTICLE ON CHIRAYITA

Dr. Pratibha Shahi*, Dr. O. P. Sharma and Dr. Nikita Panwar

.

Abstract

Swertia chirayita is also known as Chirata. It is a herb that is found in Himalayas, and used as traditional medicine in various ailments like Liver disorders, malaria, and diabetes and are reported to have a wide spectrum of pharmacological properties. It comes under Gentianaceae family. Its medicinal usage is well-documented in Indian pharmaceutical codex, the British, and the American pharmacopeias and in different traditional medicine such as the Ayurveda and other conventional medical systems. This herb is known mostly for its bitter taste caused by the presence of different bioactive compounds that are directly associated with human health. The increasing high usage of Swertia chirayita, mostly the underground tissues, as well as the illegal overharvesting with habitat destruction results in this plant to the verge of extinction. The increasing national and international demand for Swertia chirayita has led to unscrupulous collection from the wild and adulteration of supplies.

Keywords: medicinalplant, Swertiachirayita.