PHYTOCONSTITUENTS AND THE OVERVIEW OF PHARMACOLOGICAL STUDY OF SHATAVARI, GARLLIC AND GUDUCHI AND EXTRACTED CONSTITUENT USES

Ayurveda, the ancient Indian system of medicine, extensively uses medicinal plants for their pharmacological actions to treat various diseases.These plants contain biologically active compounds that inhibit microbial growth and support drug development.Notable Ayurvedic herbs include garlic, turmeric, shatavari, ashwagandha, guduchi (giloy), haritaki, arjuna, manjishta, pepper, jatamansi, shigru, and yashtimadhu.While India records over 20,000 medicinal plant species, only 7,000-7,500 are commonly used.Giloy, in particular, exhibits significant therapeutic value with anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, antispasmodic, anti-allergic, anti-HIV, and anticancer properties.Some herbal drugs also demonstrate ulcer-healing effects by enhancing mucosal defense.The global demand for Ayurvedicphytopharmaceuticals is rising, especially in Western countries, due to the side effects associated with allopathic medicines.However, the over-commercialization and exploitation of herbal resources pose a serious threat to biodiversity and sustainable use.This review highlights the crucial role of bioactive compounds in Ayurveda and emphasizes the need for responsible use and conservation of medicinal plants in India.