Indian Traditional Ayurvedic System of Medicine and Nutritional Supplementation

Table 2

Some common medicinal plants having nutraceutical potential and their primary use in traditional medicine.

Plant name	Common name	Uses
Asparagus racemosus Willd	Shatavari	A potent Ayurvedic rejuvenative. It supplies many female hormones and mostly recommended for those women who have hysterectomies. It also helps to maintain urinary tract and strengthens the immune system and also purifies the blood.
Commiphora mukul Engl.	Guggul	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 against the common cold as well as used in various other conditions like lower cholesterol and triglycerides, while maintaining the HDL to LDL ratio.
Cyperus scariosus Br.	Nagarmusta	Useful in supporting healthy genitourinary system and have hepatoprotective properties.
Garcinia cambogia Dr	Garcinia	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, 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.
Glycyrrhiza glabra L.	Yashtimadhu, Licorice	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 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.
Gymnema sylvestre R. Br.	Gurmarar	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 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.
Melia azadirachta L.	Nimba, Neem	It has strong health alleviating activity, used as a tonic and astringent that promotes healing. The 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.
Momordica charantia L.	Karela, Bitter melon	Karela has been widely used in Ayurvedic medicine. It contains Gurmarin, a polypeptide considered to be similar to bovine insulin, and has a strong sugar regulating effect by suppressing the neural responses to sweet taste stimuli.
Moringa pterygosperma Gaertn	Shigru, Horseradish tree	Shigru contains physiologically active principles that is effective in a broad range of health needs. It contains “Pterygospermin,” an antibiotic-like substance.
Mucuna pruriens Baker	Kiwanch, Kapikachchhu, Cow-itch plant	It is a good natural source of L. dopa. In the Ayurvedic system it is reported as an effective tonic for nervous system. Studies have demonstrated its usefulness maintaining optimum performance of the nervous system.
Nardostachys jatamansi DC.	Jatamansi, Musk root	Jatamansi is a relaxing plant, effectiveness for mental health. It is used in various Ayurvedic formulations as a potent ingredient. It has been shown effective in maintaining a restful sleep and with many menopausal symptoms.
Piper longum L.	Pippali, Indian Long Pepper	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 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.
Piper nigrum L.	Maricha, Black pepper	The black pepper is one of the most important spices which is widely used to amplify the body's ability to absorb nutrients contained in the food and aid the digestive process.
Bergenia ligulata Wall	Pasanavheda	It has the unique property like diuretic action with optimum urinary tract health. This important drug supports bladder by acting on the crystalloid-colloid balance and keeping calcium salts in solution.
Terminalia chebula Retz.	Haritaki	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 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.
Tinospora cordifolia Miers	Guduchi	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-boosting ability. Use of this plant increases white blood cells the killing ability of macrophages, the immune cells responsible for fighting invaders.
Withania somnifera (L.) Dunal	Ashwagandha	In Ayurvedic medicines Ashwagandha holds a place similar to Ginseng in traditional Chinese medicinal 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.
Zingiber officinale Rosc	Sunthi, Ginger	Ginger is considered an adjuvant in many Ayurvedic formulas in which it enhances absorption and prevents gastrointestinal side effects. It is a very 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.