Abstract

THERAPEUTIC POTENTIAL OF ORCHIDS

L. K. Attri*

ABSTRACT

Background: The present paper deals to review recent advances to place the orchids as therapeutically important plants. As, the orchids have been used in medicine from millennia but the therapeutic potential of orchids on sound scientific ground as yet to be achieved. Conclusion: Out of estimated 250 000 to 350 000 plant species identified so far, about 35, 000 are used worldwide for medicinal purposes. A wide range of chemical compounds including alkaloids, bibenzyl derivatives, flavonoids, phenanthrenes and terpenoids have been isolated recently from orchid and extracts and metabolites of these plants, particularly those from flowers and leaves, possess useful pharmacological activities. Particular attention has been given to diuretic, antirheumatic, anti-inflammatory, anti-carcinogenic, hypoglycemic activities, antimicrobial, anticonvulsive, relaxation, neuroprotective, and antivirus, activities. A large number of orchids have been empirically used for treatment of different diseases. Conclusively, Traditional plant medicine will become an area of ever-increasing importance in the health-care system in the future.

Keywords: Diuretic, antirheumatic, anti-inflammatory, anti-carcinogenic, hypoglycemic activities, antimicrobial, anticonvulsive, relaxation, neuroprotective, and antivirus, activities.