Swertia spp: a source of bitter compounes for medicinal use
Journal name: Ancient Science of Life
Original article title: Swertia spp: a source of bitter compounes for medicinal use
The ANSCI is a peer-reviewed, open-access journal focused on Ayurveda and traditional medicines. It publishes original research, reviews, and literary studies linking traditional knowledge with modern science, covering disciplines like botany, ethnomedicine, pharmacology, and clinical research.
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Original source:
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Bhupender Dutt, L.J Srivastava, J.M Singh
Ancient Science of Life:
(A quarterly multi-disciplinary scientific research journal in Ayurveda)
Full text available for: Swertia spp: a source of bitter compounes for medicinal use
Year: 1996
Copyright (license): CC BY-NC-SA
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Summary of article contents:
Introduction
The genus Swertia Linn, belonging to the family Gentianaceae, comprises about 90 species with significant medicinal applications, particularly in Indian medicine. Primarily found in mountainous regions of tropical Asia, Europe, America, and Africa, approximately 40 species are recorded in India, where Swertia chirayita is noted for its medicinal properties. This article offers a comprehensive review of Swertia species, focusing on their distribution, identification, active constituents, and uses in traditional medicine.
Medicinal Uses of Swertia Chirayita
Swertia chirayita, commonly known as chirata, is the most commercially important species used for its bitter principles, which have made it a staple in traditional medicine. The whole plant, collected during its flowering stage, is dried and used in various medicinal forms. Chirata is renowned as a tonic and a digestive aid, possessing properties that promote bile secretion without causing constipation. In the Indian system of medicine, it is used for treating chronic fevers, anemia, bronchial asthma, and liver disorders, among other ailments. The pharmacological properties of chirata align closely with those of gentian, allowing it to effectively serve as a substitute. However, due to over-exploitation and high annual demand, chirata is becoming increasingly threatened in its natural habitat.
Conclusion
The extensive medicinal uses and growing demand for Swertia chirayita highlight the need for sustainable cultivation practices to ensure the species' survival. Current imports fail to meet the local demand, necessitating an expansion in its cultivation to alleviate pressure on wild populations. The Himalayan regions of India, including Kashmir, Himachal Pradesh, Punjab, and Uttar Pradesh, are identified as suitable areas for such cultivation. To preserve this valuable medicinal plant and maintain its availability in traditional medicine, standardized cultivation techniques must be developed and implemented.
FAQ section (important questions/answers):
What is the significance of the Swertia genus in medicine?
The Swertia genus, particularly Swertia chirayita, is significant in Indian medicine for its medicinal properties, especially its bitter principles. It's used as a tonic and remedy for various ailments including chronic fevers and liver disorders.
Where does Swertia chirayita typically grow?
Swertia chirayita is commonly found in temperate Himalayas, particularly at altitudes ranging from 1200 to 3000 meters, from Kashmir to Bhutan, and in the Khasi hills of Meghalaya.
What active constituents are found in Swertia species?
Swertia species contain various active constituents such as amarogentin, gentiocrucine, and swertisin. Swertia chirayita is noted for its high concentration of these bitter principles, crucial for its medicinal efficacy.
What challenges does Swertia chirayita face regarding its availability?
Swertia chirayita faces threats due to over-exploitation. The high annual demand is partially met through imports as indigenous resources become insufficient, emphasizing the need for expanded cultivation.
Glossary definitions and references:
Scientific and Ayurvedic Glossary list for 鈥淪wertia spp: a source of bitter compounes for medicinal use鈥�. This list explains important keywords that occur in this article and links it to the glossary for a better understanding of that concept in the context of Ayurveda and other topics.
1) Bitter:
Bitter refers to the taste profile associated with certain compounds found in plants, particularly those in the Swertia genus. The bitter principles in Swertia species, such as swertisin and amarogentin, are crucial for their medicinal properties, especially in traditional medicine practices where they are used as tonics and digestive aids.
2) Himalaya (Him膩laya, Hima-alaya):
Himalaya denotes the geographic region where many Swertia species, including Swertia chirayita, thrive. The mountainous terrains provide the specific climatic and ecological conditions necessary for their growth. This region is central to the study and utilization of these plants in traditional medicine, particularly within Indian herbal practices.
3) Medicine:
Medicine refers to the field of science and practice that involves the diagnosis, treatment, and prevention of diseases. The Swertia species are integral to traditional medicine, especially in India, where they are utilized for their therapeutic properties, including their action as tonics and treatments for various ailments.
4) Drug:
Drug in this context is defined as a substance used for medicinal purposes, specifically derived from plants like Swertia. The genus Swertia produces several bioactive compounds that function as drugs, impacting the body's systems to treat conditions such as fevers, digestive issues, and liver disorders.
5) Bronchial asthma:
Bronchial asthma is a chronic condition affecting the airways, characterized by difficulty in breathing. Swertia chirayita is recognized for its effectiveness in treating respiratory ailments, including bronchial asthma, in traditional Indian medicine, showcasing its role in symptomatic relief and respiratory health improvement.
6) Candraprabha (Candraprabh膩, Candra-prabha):
Chandraprabha refers to a traditional Ayurvedic formulation containing chirata and other herbal ingredients. It is known for various therapeutic properties and is prescribed for conditions like urinary disorders and metabolic issues, highlighting the use of Swertia in comprehensive Ayurvedic medicine formulations.
7) Debility:
Debility denotes a state of weakness or lack of energy, often due to illness or nutrition. Swertia chirayita is prescribed to alleviate debility, acting as a tonic to improve vitality and overall health in individuals, thereby highlighting its value in restorative medicinal practices.
8) Science (Scientific):
Science in this context represents the systematic study of natural phenomena and the properties of substances like those found in Swertia. Understanding the chemical profiles and pharmacological effects of Swertia species is critical to validating their uses in traditional medicine within a scientific framework.
9) Sharman (艢arma, Sarm膩, Sarma, Sharma, 艢arman):
Sharma refers to an author cited in the article, contributing to the documentation and understanding of the medicinal properties of Swertia species. Such references are vital for substantiating the claims regarding the efficacy and uses of these plants in herbal medicine.
10) Lauha:
Lauha refers to an Ayurvedic formulation containing iron, often used in treatments for anemia. Its inclusion with Swertia chirayita highlights the importance of combining herbal ingredients to enhance therapeutic efficacy, particularly in traditional medicines targeting specific health issues like iron deficiency.
11) Aroma (A-roma):
Aroma pertains to the fragrance or scent of a substance. In the context of Swertia chirayita, it is noted that this herb lacks aroma, distinguishing it from other medicinal plants. This property may influence its acceptance and preference in traditional medicine formulations.
12) Lemon:
Lemon is mentioned as a component in the preparation of specific medicinal infusions, like chirata infusion. Its presence enhances the palatability and therapeutic profile of the mixture, showcasing the practice of combining different herbs and fruits to optimize health benefits in traditional medicine.
13) Cina (C墨na, C墨n膩, Ci峁塧, Ci峁壞�, C墨峁壞�, Cin膩):
China is referenced in the context of the distribution of certain Swertia species. This geographical relevance signifies the broader ecological range of these plants, emphasizing the potential for varied traditional medicine practices across different cultures, thereby expanding the knowledge and application of Swertia in herbal remedies.
Other Science Concepts:
Discover the significance of concepts within the article: 鈥�Swertia spp: a source of bitter compounes for medicinal use鈥�. Further sources in the context of Science might help you critically compare this page with similair documents:
Himalaya, Swertia chirayita, Bronchial asthma, Active principle, Medical treatment, Indian medicine, Therapeutic application, Flowering and Fruiting, Pharmacopoeia of India, Indigenous systems of medicine, Ancient Science of life, Bitter tonic, Over exploitation, Temperate Himalaya, Gentianaceae family.