Abstract
Aristolochia L. (Aristolochiaceae) is widely used throughout South-East Asia for the treatment of several diseases. Different species of this genus are known by similar local names in Assam. This review aims to provide up-to-date information on Aristolochia species distributed in Assam, including its traditional uses, phytochemical and pharmacological properties, in exploring future therapeutic and scientific potentials. The information on ethnobotany, phytochemistry and pharmacological aspects were collected by performing literature searches. Assam hosts a total of six species of Aristolochia. The taxonomy and distribution are presented. Traditionally the tubers are used by the local people to treat stomach pain, malaria, dysentery, high blood pressure, body pain, urinary tract infections, headache, impotency etc. It has considerable pharmacological properties including antimicrobial, antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, anti-cancer, anti-diabetic, anti-fertility, anti-venom, anti-diarrhoeal, anti-pruritic, anti-feedant and toxicological activities. Approximately a total of 200 compounds have been isolated from these species. So far, pharmacological investigations are only done on three Aristolochia species, whereas the other three are simultaneously used for the same purposes. Most of the medicinal properties attributed to these Aristolochia, have not yet been investigated and proven under a scientific study. This highlights the importance of Aristolochia as a valuable candidate for future studies.
Highlights
Medicinal plants serve humans as a great source of therapeutics and pharmaceutical manufacturing
The plants of the genus Aristolochia have always been recognized as plants of high medicinal importance by the people of Northeast India
The genus Aristolochia L. has been recognized globally for possessing remarkable medicinal value and is reportedly used by people throughout the Indian sub-continent against various diseases and illnesses such as snake bites, muscular ailments, lung, liver and gastrointestinal disorders etc. In this present study, we have comprehensively reviewed the traditional knowledge on six species of Aristolochia found in the northeastern state of Assam along with the various phytoconstituents present in those species
Summary
Medicinal plants serve humans as a great source of therapeutics and pharmaceutical manufacturing. The practices of using medicinal plants in the treatment of common diseases are part of the traditional knowledge among the different communities throughout the world. The dependencies of the traditional communities on the naturally occurring herbs are due to better cultural acceptability, compatibility and adaptability of the Received: 13 Jul 2021. Received in revised form: 04 Aug 2021. From Volume 13, Issue 1, 2021, Notulae Scientia Biologicae journal uses article numbers in place of the traditional method of continuous pagination through the volume. The journal will continue to appear quarterly, as before, with four annual numbers
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