A.

Introduction
India is known for its traditional medicinal systems- Ayurveda, Siddha, and
Unani. Medical systems are found mentioned even in the ancient Vedas and other
scriptures. The Ayurvedic concept appeared and developed between 2500 and 500 BC
in India [1]. The literal meaning of Ayurveda is "science of life," because ancient Indian
system of health care focused on views of man and his illness. It has been pointed out
that the positive health means metabolically well- balanced human beings. Ayurveda is
also called the "science of longevity" because it offers a complete system to live a long
healthy life. It offers programs to rejuvenate the body through diet and nutrition. It
offers treatment methods to cure many common diseases such as food allergies, which
have few mod- ern treatments. However, one should be aware that Ayurvedic nutrition
is not a "magic bullet" system but requires the full participation of the patient to
succeed. It is an interactive system that is user-friendly and educational. It teaches the
patient to become responsible and self-empowered.
Food is the major source for serving the nutritional needs, but with growing
modernization some traditional methods are being given up (Table 1). Hence, the
modern food habits are affecting the balanced nutrition [2]. There is an ever widening
gap in nutrient intake due to which normal life is no longer normal. However, affluence
of working population with changing lifestyles and reducing affordability of sick care,
in terms of time and money involved, are some of the forces that are presently driving
people towards thinking about their wellness.
 TABLE 1: Impact of modern food concept in required nutrition.

Nutrients Intake by traditional ways Intake by modern ways Effect on nutrient intake

Water soluble vitamins Loss of ascorbic acid, water

Vegetables used for cooking Freezing and packaging of the
(vitamins B and C) and soluble vitamins, and
were/are fresh cut vegetables
minerals minerals
Proteins, minerals, and Manual processing of cereals, Milling and polishing of Reduces protein, minerals,
vitamin B complex without polishing cereals and vitamin B complex
Calcium, iron, thiamine Heavy milling and poor Loss Calcium, iron, thiamine
Fresh grinding at home
and niacin storage conditions and niacin
The benefit of organic iron
Food generally cooked in
from the conventional iron
Iron Cooking in iron pot cookware like nonstick and
pot is not obtained by using
Teflon-coated utensils
modern cookware
Copper required in minor
amount which is not gained
from modern utensils used
today. Deficiency is known
Storing of water and cooking Stainless steel utensils and
Copper to cause chronic diarrhea,
use of copper vessels plastic wares
malabsorption problems, and
reduce immunity. Use of
plastic containers is also
harmful

B. Medicinal Plants Used in Alternative/Traditional Medicines

Alternative medicines are being used by about 60 percent of the world's
population. These medicines are not only used by the rural masses for their primary
health care in developing countries but are also used in developed countries where
modern medicines dominate [3]. The Indian subcontinent is a vast repository of
medicinal plants that are used in traditional medical treatments. The alternative
medicines in the traditional systems are derived from herbs, minerals, and organic
matter, while for the preparation of herbal drugs only medicinal plants are used. Use
of plants as a source of medicine has been an ancient practice and is an important
component of the health care system in India. In India, about 70 percent of rural
population depends on the traditional Ayurvedic system of medicine. Most
healers/practitioners of the traditional systems of medicine prepare formulations by their
own recipes and dispense to the patients. In the Western countries, approximately 40 per
cent of people are using the herbal medicine for the treatment of various diseases. This
interest in traditional medicines is growing rapidly due to the attention being given to it
by the governmental agencies and different NGO's comprising of general public and
researchers as well as the increased side effects, adverse drug reactions, and cost factor
of the modern medicines
India is the largest producer of medicinal plants. There are currently about
250,000 registered medical practitioners of the Ayurvedic system, as compared to
about 700,000 of the modern medicine. In India, around 20,000 medicinal plants have
been recorded; however, traditional practitioners use only 7,000-7,500 plants for curing
different diseases. The proportion of use of plants in the different Indian systems of
medicine is Ayurveda 2000, Siddha 1300, Unani 1000, Homeopathy 800, Tibetan 500,
Modern 200, and folk 4500. In India, around 25,000 effective plant-based formulations
are used in traditional and folk medicine. More than 1.5 mil- lion practitioners are
using the traditional medicinal system for health care in India. It is estimated that more
than 7800 manufacturing units are involved in the production of natural health products
and traditional plant-based formulations in India, which requires more than 2000 tons
of medicinal plant.
 Table 2: Some common medicinal plants having nutraceutical potential and their
primary use in traditional medicine

Plant name Common name Uses

A potent Ayurvedic rejuvenative. It supplies many
female hormones and mostly recommended for
Asparagus racemosus Willd Shatavari those women who have hysterectomies. It also helps
to maintain urinary tract and strengthens the
immune system and also purifies the blood.
A major ingredient in joint and immunocare and
regarded as a remedy in Ayurvedic medicine; it
increase white blood cell count to possess strong
immuno-modulating properties. It also protects
Commiphora mukul Engl. Guggul
against the common cold as well as used in various
other conditions like lower cholesterol and
triglycerides, while maintaining the HDL to LDL
ratio
Useful in supporting healthy genitourinary system
Cyperus scariosus Br. Nagarmusta
and have hepatoprotective properties
Fruits contain biologically active compounds
(−)hydroxycitric acid, which is known to inhibit the
synthesis of lipids and fatty acids. HCA inhibits the
enzyme ATP-citrate lyase that leads to reduce
production of acetyl CoA, which is a key substance
in fat and carbohydrate metabolism. Therefore,
Garcinia cambogia Dr Garcinia
formation of LDL and triglycerides is very low. It
also suppresses appetite by promoting synthesis of
glycogen. That way the brain gets signals of fullness
and satisfaction sooner. Garcinia contains
significant amounts of vitamin C and used as a heart
tonic
It is a versatile medicine in India and China, for
gastrointestinal health. It is a mild laxative, soothes
and tones the mucous membranes, and relieves
muscle spasms. It is an antioxidant, cancer
Glycyrrhiza glabra L. Yashtimadhu, Licorice
protecting, botanical boosting, and certain immune
functions such as interferon production. Its mode of
action is as an antimutagen, preventing damage to
genetic material that can eventually result in cancer
Its Sanskrit name means literally “sugar destroyer,”
has a glycolytic action, and reduces the strength of a
glucose solution. It has been used in Ayurveda to
regulate sugar metabolism for several centuries. It
Gymnema sylvestre R. Br. Gurmarar increases insulin production, regeneration of
pancreas cells, and the site of insulin production.
Another property is abolishing the taste of sugar, so
that Gurmarar has been effective to suppress and
neutralize the craving for sweets
It has strong health alleviating activity, used as a
tonic and astringent that promotes healing. The
Melia azadirachta L. Nimba, Neem extract has antispasmodic action. Its usage in
Ayurvedic medicine for thousands of years has
proved its detoxifying properties. It has shown most
 beneficial effects for the circulatory, digestive,
respiratory, and urinary systems.
Karela has been widely used in Ayurvedic
medicine. It contains Gurmarin, a polypeptide
Momordica charantia L. Karela, Bitter melon considered to be similar to bovine insulin, and has a
strong sugar regulating effect by suppressing the
neural responses to sweet taste stimuli
Shigru contains physiologically active principles
Moringa pterygosperma that is effective in a broad range of health needs. It
Shigru, Horseradish tree
Gaertn contains “Pterygospermin,” an antibiotic-like
substance.
It is a good natural source of L. dopa. In the
Ayurvedic system it is reported as an effective tonic
Kiwanch, Kapikachchhu,
Mucuna pruriens Baker for nervous system. Studies have demonstrated its
Cow-itch plant
usefulness maintaining optimum performance of the
nervous system
Jatamansi is a relaxing plant, effectiveness for
mental health. It is used in various Ayurvedic
Nardostachys jatamansi DC. Jatamansi, Musk root formulations as a potent ingredient. It has been
shown effective in maintaining a restful sleep and
with many menopausal symptoms
Pippali is a powerful stimulant for both the digestive
and the respiratory systems and has a rejuvenating
effect on lungs. It plays an important role in release
of metabolic heat energy. This effect is the result of
Piper longum L. Pippali, Indian Long Pepper
increased thyroid hormone level in the body. Pippali
a typical Ayurvedic complementary component
whose benefit is to increase the bioavailability and
enhance absorption of the other active ingredients.
The black pepper is one of the most important
spices which is widely used to amplify the body’s
Piper nigrum L. Maricha, Black pepper
ability to absorb nutrients contained in the food and
aid the digestive process
It has the unique property like diuretic action with
optimum urinary tract health. This important drug
Bergenia ligulata Wall Pas anavheda
supports bladder by acting on the crystalloid-colloid
balance and keeping calcium salts in solution.
Haritaki is a safe and effective purgative,
expectorant, and tonic. It is an important ingredient
of the classical Ayurvedic formulation “Triphala”
which has a combination of three fruits. Tiphalpha
Terminalia chebula Retz. Haritaki is an important Ayurvedic medicine, which
promotes health through successive steps of
purification and detoxification. It is known to have
strong antimutagenic activity, because of its very
rich content vitamin C
Guduchi is a rich source of natural vitamin C and
effective in inhibiting the growth of bacteria and in
building up the immune resistance and has immune-
Tinospora cordifolia Miers Guduchi
boosting ability. Use of this plant increases white
blood cells the killing ability of macrophages, the
immune cells responsible for fighting invaders
In Ayurvedic medicines Ashwagandha holds a place
similar to Ginseng in traditional Chinese medicinal
Withania somnifera (L.) Dunal Ashwagandha therapies. It is also called the “Indian Ginseng.” It
has been used for thousands of years as a popular
remedy in Ayurvedic systems for many conditions.
 It is one of the best health tonics and restorative
agents that have been used to treat general debility.
Ginger is considered an adjuvant in many
Ayurvedic formulas in which it enhances absorption
and prevents gastrointestinal side effects. It is a very
Zingiber officinale Rosc Sunthi, Ginger common spice which is used in Ayurvedic medicine
to improve digestion and to prevent nausea. These
properties help bowel movements and relax the
muscles which control the digestive system