Indo-Pak Medicinal Plants and Their Endophytes: An Emphasis on Nutraceutical and Bioactive Potential

Abstract

The Indo-Pak region has deep historical roots of traditional medicine. In both Pakistan and India, the local population has relied upon the Unani-Tibb (Graeco-Arabic) and Ayurveda medicinal systems for centuries. With the increase in our understanding of ethnobotany and endophytes, the significance of the traditional plants in the region has also increased. The traditional Indo-Pak plants such as Neem and Tulsi have been studied not only for their wide array of pharmaceutical activities but also for their endophytes. Extracts of different parts of neem have been used as antimicrobial, antiviral, antimalarial, anti-carcinogenic, antipyretic, anti-ulcer and anti-inflammatory agents, whereas its seeds are a rich source of proteins and fatty acids. Latest researches have proved the nutraceutical potential of plants such as imli, amla and soanjna in the Indo-Pak region. Further understanding of these plants can lead to unbeatable bioactive and nutraceutical sources. In this chapter, we will focus on the traditional plants of the Indo-Pak region, their endophytes particularly the genus actinomycetes and the recent studies done on their diverse metabolites.

Eco-friendly bio-dyeing of bio-treated nylon fabric using Esfand (P. harmala) based yellow natural colorant

“…1,2 Their utilization as the pharmaceuticals has played an essential role in the introduction of world-famous medicines systems such as Chinese, Greek, and Indian Ayurvedic. 3 Because these green products have such potent isolates which contains not only biological characteristics beneficial for the global community but also have the ability to color the matrices such as textile, perfume, flavors, food, pharmaceuticals etc. 4,5 Many plants have been introduced in the world of medicines which has such functional moieties that has the ability to protect the global community from evil diseases such as cholera, flu, plague, dengue, typhoid, swine flu, bird flu, etc., of these plants.…”

“…4,5 Many plants have been introduced in the world of medicines which has such functional moieties that has the ability to protect the global community from evil diseases such as cholera, flu, plague, dengue, typhoid, swine flu, bird flu, etc., of these plants. 3…”

“…4,5 Many plants have been introduced in the world of medicines which has such functional moieties that has the ability to protect the global community from evil diseases such as cholera, flu, plague, dengue, typhoid, swine flu, bird flu, etc., of these plants. 3 Esfand (Peganum harmala L.) commonly known as Harmal belongs to the family of Zygophyllaceae. 6 Its seeds extract (Figure 1(a)) contains specific alkaloids such as harmol, harmaline, and harmine (Figure 1(b)) which not only have good efficacy to cure various diseases but also exhibit antioxidants, antibacterial, antiviral, anti-tumor, and antiinflammatory effects.…”