Exploring the cosmetic potential of important medicinal plants

India is called the home of medicinal plants due to the vast biodiversity of these plant species found almost everywhere. Around 8000 species of medicinal plants accounting for 50% of the total plant species have been reported in the country. There is probably no state or Union territory in India where one could not explore this wealth and the UT of Jammu and Kashmir is no exception. Certain plant species of high medicinal value are found only in the UT of J&K. The antioxidants present in medicinal plants viz. Echinacea purpurea, Tagetes minuta, Matricaria chamomilla and Hyssopus officinalis are used as an anti-aging therapy. The essential oil extracted from them has a good nutritional and medicinal value. Phytochemicals present in various parts of these plants are used as a remedy for various ailments. These medicinal plants possess anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, antirheumatic, antinematic, antifungal, antibacterial and insect-repellent properties that are beneficial for human beings as well as animals. In the modern system of medicine, these plants are effective in contracting the blood vessels thereby inhibiting the sagging of skin and preventing aging. The cultivation of these plants could revolutionize the Indian cosmetic industry. Furthermore, the cultivation of medicinal plants could play a main role in uplifting the condition of Indian farmers by largely increasing the economic status of the farmers in particular and the nation as a whole. Keywords: Anti-inflammatory compounds, Antioxidants, Echinacea purpurea, Hyssopus officinalis, Matricaria chamomilla, Medicinal plants, Tagetes minuta.