Abstract

A LITERARY REVIEW OF NYCTANTHES ARBORTRISTISLINN (PARIJATHA) LINN IN AYURVEDIC CLASSICS

Dr. Madhuri Thokala*

Abstract

Ayurveda is a sea of knowledge. It explains not only curative aspect but also preventive aspect of health. Majority of the medicines mentioned in Ayurveda are plants based. While viewing this traditional knowlege we come across a number of wonderful herbal drugs beneficial in various ailments. Parijatha is one among this which holds greater importance in Ayurvedic classics. It is popularly called as night jasmine as well as Harsinghar in various regions. Broad spectrum medical use of the plant and it’s different parts are described in various Ayurvedic literatures. It has been reported to posses pharmacological actions like anti-inflammatory[8], anti-diabetic[12], antifungal, antimicrobial,[11] Hepatoprotective[13], anti-pyretic,[9] anti-malarial[10], and anti-allergic[14] activities. The various Phytochemical constituents like flavanol glycoside, oleanic acid, essential oils, tannic acid, carotene, friedelin, lupeol, glucose, stearic, palmic, myristic acids[15] and many others were identified in various parts of plant. Nyctanthes arbortristis is easily available plant, well known by common people and no special conditions are required for its collection and cultivation, hence I selected this plant for the literary review which will help the researchers of Ayurveda as well as in other field of bio-medical sciences to explore more therapeutic value of the said plant for the benefit of the public in larger extent.

Keywords: Nyctanthes arbortristis Linn., Parijatha, Ayurveda, Phytochemicals, Pharmacological actions.