A REVIEW ON THE EFFECT OF GEO-CLIMATIC CONDITIONS ON PHYTOCONSTITUENTS OF THE MEDICINAL PLANTS MENTIONED IN SAMHITAS

Ayurveda emphasizes the profound relationship between plants, geography, and therapeutic efficacy. Classical Ayurvedic Samhitas such as Charaka, Sushruta, and Ashtanga Hridaya provide detailed descriptions of medicinal plants, their habitats, and ideal regions for collection, highlighting the importance of ecological factors in drug quality. Plants are categorized based on desha (terrain) into Anoopa (marshy and water-abundant), Jangala (arid and dry), and Sadharana (moderate) regions. Each terrain possesses distinct soil composition, moisture, temperature, and climatic conditions that significantly influence plant growth and potency. Variations in geographical climate and environmental stressors directly affect phytochemical profiles, leading to qualitative and quantitative differences in active constituents of herbs and trees. Anoopa desha plants often show enhanced unctuous and cooling properties, while Jangala desha plants exhibit increased concentration and potency. Understanding these ecological and phytochemical variations is crucial for authentic drug selection, standardization, and effective clinical application in Ayurvedic research and practice.