A Review on Himalayan Pine Species: Ethnopharmacological, Phytochemical and Pharmacological Aspects

Abstract

Introduction:Ever since ancient times, medicinal plants recognized as major source of therapeutics, as rescue for human diseases and maintain health. There is an exponential increase in usage of green medicines due to less cost and fewer side effects. The family Pinaceae, is largest conifer in species diversity. Pinus is the largest genus of monoecious, resiniferous, evergreen trees commonly known as Pines. Three species of pines occur wild in Indian Himalayas Pinus roxburghii, Pinus wallichiana , Pinus gerardiana. In addition, the constituents present in these plants are beneficial for the purpose of treatment of various ailments. Methods: Information was collected from scientific journals, books, and reports via electronic search tools( Medline, Pubmed etc.) Results: This review summarizes the existing information on three species of Pinus in relation to their pharmacognostic properties, phytochemistry, ethanopharmacology and pharmacological activities.

A Review on Ethnobotanical, Phytochemical and Pharmacological Profile of Pinus wallichiana A.B. Jacks

“…The cone is erect, bluish green when young and becomes pendant, light brown at maturity. The apophysis is pale brown in colour 13 (Figures 1C & 1E). 12 The male cones are ovoid or globose, short lived, comprising of scales or microsporophylls each bearing a pair of pollen sacs on the lower surface.…”

Afghan Chehelghoza (Pinus gerardiana L.) Pine Nut Diet Enhances the Learning and Memory in Male Rats

“…8 Chehelghoza was found in 2000-3350 meter heights, [8][9][10] in India, Pakistan, China and Afghanistan. [8][9][10][11][12] In Afghanistan, chehelghoza trees are found especially in Paktia, Paktika, Laghman and Khost Provinces. 13 People consume this kind of pine nut in both raw and roasted forms.…”

“…It is used in combination with different loaves of bread, candies, desserts, cakes, and also in meat or vegetable foods. 8,14 Chehelghoza is known as an important and tasty dry fruit. 9 Generally, pine nuts are considered as a reservoir of different nutrients including proteins, carbohydrates, fibers, minerals, and especially oil substances.…”

“…9 Generally, pine nuts are considered as a reservoir of different nutrients including proteins, carbohydrates, fibers, minerals, and especially oil substances. 8 Chehelghoza pine nuts are a good reservoir of energy (628 kcal) 12 and contain unsaturated fatty acids, carbohydrates, 8 proteins, 11 minerals, vitamins, 12 antioxidants, 15 and phytosterols. 14 About 49.9% of chehelghoza is fat, mostly unsaturated fatty acids.…”

Pharmacological Evaluation of Bacopa monnieri Extract against Depressive like Behavior Induced by Ethanol Withdrawal in Rats

“…Herbal medicines are recognized as the major source of therapeutics and are the first choice in health care treatment nowadays as they are better compatible with the human body and have minimal side effects and desirable outcomes. [10][11] Bacopa monnieri commonly known as ''Brahmi, '' and also referred to as Bacopa monniera, Herpestis monniera and water hyssop is a perennial creeping plant which belongs to the family Scrophulariaceae and grows throughout…”