A Review on Elaeocarpus Sphaericus (Rudraksha)
Abstract
The demand of herbal products is now increasing tremendously in whole across the World especially in India. Elaeocarpus sphaericus (rudraksha), belonging to the family Elaeocarpeaceae is popular in indigenous system of medicine including Ayurveda, Siddha and Unani. Traditionally rudraksha is used for the treatment of various diseases like stress, anxiety, depression, palpitation, nerve pain, and epilepsy, and migraine, lack of concentration, asthma, hypertension, arthritis and liver diseases. Phytochemical study of rudraksha reveals that it contains indolizidine type of Alkaloids. Aqueous extract of leaves contains glycosides also. It also contains minerals, vitamins, steroids, flavanoids. Ethanolic extract of leaves contains gallic acid, ellagic acid & quercetin. This plant has also been proved to be a very good centre for researches for scientists. In the field of research, rudraksha has been found to possess various biological activities like anti-hypertensive, anti-depressant, anti-inflammatory, anti-microbial, analgesic, anti-diabetic and antioxidant activity. In view of its wide pharmacological and biological activities, it seems to behaving a great therapeutic potential. The present review aims to present current knowledge of major phyto-constituents, clinical studies with major emphasis on traditional and pharmacological activities.
