An Overview of Selinum vaginatum – A Medicinal Plant Species: Broad Features, Phytochemical Constituents, and Pharmacological Action

Abstract

In this review, we have studied about Selinum vaginatum. We studied about the essential oil which was extracted from the roots of this plant and also we know about the medicinal uses of S. vaginatum. This plant is found in Northwest Himalayan region including the Kashmir, also in Kailash Parvat and in Himachal. This plant particularly found in specific region of Himachal including the Parvati Valley and also in Lahaul district. We performed the extraction of essential oil using gas chromatography technique, which was also examined through flame ionization detector and a capillary column. We also performed the mass spectroscopy technique using which the molecular weight is obtained. In macroscopic study, we studied about the organoleptic properties, which include color, taste, and odor. In microscopy, we performed T.S of a part of the drug in which we observed that its bark contains 4–8 layers. It contains terpene, coumarin, volatile, and other compounds included valerenic acid. The pharmacological actions of S. vaginatum are antibacterial, antioxidants, antifungal, anticonvulsant, anticarcinogenic, antiviral, and vasodilator action. This herb was used traditionally in the treatment of various neurological disorders including mental weakness, epilepsy, convulsions, and hysteria. It is used to treat painful toothache, and according to tribal people, the entire plants were kept in houses to get rid of any evil spirit.