Hidden Treasures: A review of Untouched Medicinal Plants in Kumaon Region
Abstract
Bharat Pandey, Kamal K Pande and Raveesh Tripathi
Medicinal plants have been used for centuries to treat various ailments and diseases. The Kumaon region of Uttarakhand, India is known for its rich biodiversity, including a variety of medicinal plants. However, many of these plants have been overlooked and remain untouched. This review aims to explore the untapped potential of medicinal plants in the Kumaon region and highlight their traditional uses, phytochemical properties, and pharmacological activities. A comprehensive literature search was conducted using various electronic databases, including PubMed, ScienceDirect, and Google Scholar. The results showed that the Kumaon region has a diverse range of medicinal plants with potential therapeutic properties. Some of the commonly used plants include Aconitum heterophyllum, Berberis aristata, and Valeriana jatamansi. Phytochemical analysis of these plants has revealed the presence of various secondary metabolites, such as alkaloids, flavonoids, and terpenoids. Pharmacological studies have also demonstrated their anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial, and antioxidant activities. However, despite their potential, many of these plants remain unexplored and their therapeutic potential remains untapped. Therefore, further research is warranted to explore the full potential of these hidden treasures.