Review on some plants of Indian traditional medicine with antioxidant activity.
Scartezzini P., Speroni E.
Author Affiliation: Department of Pharmacology, University of Bologna, Via Irnerio, 48, 40126 Bologna, Italy.
Journal of Ethnopharmacology 71 : 23-43
Abstract : Many medicinal plants are used in a group of herbal preparations of the Indian traditional health care system (Ayurveda) named Rasayana. Historical, etymological, morphological, phytochemical and pharmacological aspects of 7 plants (Phyllanthus emblica, Curcuma longa, Mangifera indica, Momordica charantia, Santalum album, Swertia chirata, Withania somnifera), present in Rasayana formulations, are reviewed. The plants described contain antioxidant principles, which explain and justify their use in traditional medicine.