Importance of Astavarga plants in traditional systems of medicine in Garhwal, Indian Himalaya

Abstract

This study documents the medicinal uses of Astavarga, a group of eight medicinal herbs, used in traditional medical knowledge (TMK) of the Himalaya region and in the traditional medical system (TMS) in India. Field surveys were conducted during 2006–2008 to collect data on the availability and uses of Astavarga across 21 diverse localities. During the surveys, information was collected on types of ailments treated and plant parts used in different therapies in TMK using semi-structured questionnaires. Overall, information was gathered from 92 informants in the study area. These herbs are mostly used to treat sexual problems, physical disability, respiratory problems, different types of pain, fever and urinary problems, as well as anti-ageing agents. Information on medicinal properties of these plants was also collected from secondary sources, i.e. the traditional medical system (Ayurveda) and through a literature survey. This revealed that Astavarga in TMS is mostly used to treat sexual disorders, physical weakness, to strengthen the immune system, body pain and as a tonic. Analysis of TMK in the Himalaya reveals some new medicinal properties of Astavarga while the literature survey indicates that some of the plants, viz. Habenaria and Malaxis species, are not explored so far for their chemical constituents and biological activity. New medicinal uses, as recorded by this study, will provide insights for further investigation of pharmacology and phytochemical constituents of these species.