3 Introduction of the project Tradition of medicinal plants use in India is about 4000 years old.

In the Ayurveda, about 1400 plants are documented in various texts. In Charaka Samhita, Sushruta Samhita and Ashtang Hridaya we can find more than 600 plants. Rig Veda (4500 to about 1600 BC) is perhaps the oldest document where medicinal plants have been described. Atharva Veda, also describes medicinal uses of large number of plants. Similarly, Unani and other systems of medicine practiced in India are largely dependent on medicinal plants. Even spices are being found to have medicinal properties. For example, capsicum, garlic, turmeric, onion, ginger, black pepper, cinnamon, curry leaf etc. have been found to protect against various health problems as well provide cure from certain diseases. Contributions made by the Indian systems of medicines and folk traditions have been acknowledged by the WHO (World Health Organization) as well. As per estimates India has about 15000 species of plants with medicinal properties. Presently about 8000 of these are in use as follows: Ayurveda -1769 species Siddha - 1121 species Unani - 751 species 4 Objectives of the project This project is about the medicinal plants. Every plant has some medicinal property. Medicinal Plants / Herbs show good result on disease cure. Ayurveda is the medical / Health care system which uses this as treatment base with theoretical principles. We need to research many things to find out the pharmacological action of it. The main objectives this project are1. To get known how better the medicinal plants are than the modern medicines that are available in the form of tablets and syrups. 2. How much important is the study of medicinal plants? 3. Get known the uses of common medicinal plants that we see in our surroundings. 4. Deep study of medicinal plants. 5 Planning of the project As this project is about the medicinal plants the proper planning of the project is very important. Firstly, observing the plants with medicinal properties. Then writing down them. Also the visit to the nursery where we can a variety of medicinal plants has been done for this project. Taking an interview of the doctor to get known important medicinal plants which are used in curing many serious diseases. Proper arrangement of points for the presentation of the project has been also done. Taking the guidance of the teacher for the project. Making a raw copy of the project and then preparing the original project. Use of internet has played important role to collect information for the project.

6 Importance of the project Medicinal plants can play important part of any persons life. Medicinal plants can save life of any person if it is given in proper time, quantity. Indian people were using medicinal plants before the modern technology came into being. But the everyone cannot afford this treatment as it was costly. The medicinal plants are cheap as well as there is no side effect on the body. The project has certain useful information about different medicinal plants. 7 8 9 Graph of the project Resources of the project Remedies of the project

New Research According to National Institute of Industrial Research (NIIR). Nearly, 500 plants were screened for antitubercular activity, among which 40 plants have been formulated in the systems of Ayurveda and Siddha. Besides, nearly 55 plants having folklore claims are attributed efficacy for the treatment of tuberculosis. Research work has been conducted on the leaf extract of Pithecellobium dulce to prove the efficacy of the plant against Mycobacterium tuberculosis. In the near future, this plant's extracts would help conquer tuberculosis and save lives. To cure swine flu: In the increasing spread of diseases such as swine flu, dengue and chikungunya, greater part of the people are leaning towards natural cure thereby opting for medicinal plants that boost their immunity system and thus brace themselves to fight the diseases. One of the most sought after medicinal plants is Amrutaballi or Tinospora Cordifolia also known as Gudichi, Madhuparni, Amruta or Kundalini especially after yoga guru Baba Ramdev and Sri Sri Sri ravishankar of Art of Living exhorted its use to cure swine flu. Herbal remedy for leprosy: Thankuni (Thol-kuri) is a very popular small herbaceous plant belonging to the Umbelliferae, and comprising about 70 species which are found in wet places in temperate and tropical regions, more especially of the Southern hemisphere. The plant is considered a useful alterative and tonic in diseases of the skin, nerves, and blood. The people are in the habit of taking the powdered dried leaves with milk for improving their memory, and as an alterative tonic. The leaves are said to be useful in syphilitic skin diseases both externally and internally; and on the Malabar Coast, the plant is one of the remedies for leprosy. 10 Presentation of the subject

1. Ashwagandha Plant:
An erect branched under shrub up to 1.25 m in height, minutely stellate tomentose. Root fleshy, tapering, whitish brown. Leaves ovate, flower greenish. It grows in dried parts in

subtropical regions. 1 Ashwagandha as Medicinal Herb Ashwagandha is considered to be one of the best rejuvenating agents in Ayurveda. Its roots, seeds and leaves are used in Ayurvedic and Unani medicines. Ashwagandha root drug finds an important place in treatment of rheumatic pain, inflammation of joints, nervous disorders and epilepsy. Dried roots are used as tonic for hiccup, cold, cough, female disorders, as a sedative, in care of senile debility, ulcers, etc. Leaves are applied for carbuncles, inflammation and swellings. Leaf juice is useful in conjunctivitis. Bark decoction is taken for asthma and applied locally to bed sores. Ashwagandha and its extracts are used in preparation of herbal tea, powders, tablets and syrups. Ashwagandha has anti-inflammatory, anti-tumor, anti-stress, antioxidant, mind-boosting, immune-enhancing, and rejuvenating properties. Ashwagandha root has also been noted to have sex-enhancing properties. Ashwagandha is mentioned in the ancient Kama Sutra as an herb to be used for heightening sexual experience. Ashwagandha has the ability to restore sexual health and improve overall vitality while promoting a calm state of mind. A 2002 laboratory study indicates ashwagandha stimulates the growth of axons and dendrites. A 2001 study in rodents showed ashwagandha had memory boosting ability. A 2000 study with rodents showed ashwagandha to have anti-anxiety and anti-depression effects. The plant has been used as an aphrodisiac, liver tonic, anti-inflammatory agent, and more recently to treat asthma, ulcers, insomnia, and senile dementia. Clinical trials and animal research support the use of ashwagandha for anxiety, cognitive and neurological disorders, inflammation, and Parkinson's disease. Incorporation of ashwagandha in the diet may prevent or decrease the growth of tumors in human. It helps in providing progressive, long lasting results for various health concerns like aging, anemia and slow growth, arthritis, fatigue, waning memory, sports fitness and stressdisorders. Pharmacological studies and research so far have indicated that Ashwagandha has anti-tumour, anti-stress, antioxid boosting, haemopoeitic and rejuvenating properties. It is also an exceptional nerve tonic and nourishes the nerves and improves nerve function to maintain calm during stressful conditions. It also nourishes crucial mind and body connection and psychological immune response.

2. Common Name:
Hindi Asgandh English winter cherry Latin WITHANIA somnifera Sanskrit - Ashwagandha Tamil Amukira Kannada Keramaddinagaddi Telgu - Vajigandha, Pennerugadda Malayalam- Amukkuram, Trittavu. Marathi Askandha

1.2 ALOE In India, the plant is known as Ghritkumari (Hindi/Sanskrit nor Gheekvar and in Pakistan, the plant is known as Quargandal and is used in Ayurvedic medicine Aloe vera has proved its efficiency from the simplest allergies to the treatment of wounds and skin infections and even to its usage in alleviating more serious afflictions. With the help of this herb a wide

variety of internal and external afflictions are controlled, like: asthma, virosis, arthritis, arthrosis, gingivitis, bronchitis, pharyngitis, intestinal inflamations, constipations, obesity, sprains, muscle strains, cutaneous inflamations. The efficiency of the herb was also proven in the cases of anemia, deficiency illnesses, insomnia and depressions and the B-sisterole from the Aloe vera brings about the lowering of the cholesterol level. Also, this herb is used for controlling the side effects of chemotherapy and radiation therapy, diabetes, hepatitis and pancreatitis and multiple sclerosis. Mixtures A wide array of products with curative and therapeutic effects is obtained from aloe vera. This herb is one of the main attractions of the pharmaceutical and cosmetic industries and also the most widely used ingredient - starting from vitamins and laxatives to face creams and body care lotions. Aloe vera gel contains B-sisterole, powerful anti-inflammatory and anti-cholesterol formulas and lupeol - a strong antiseptic tranquilizer. The aloe-based lotions and gels are used as protections against the powerful sunlight and as a remedy against sunburns. Ointments having aloe as a main ingredient moist the skin and protect it against bug stings and scratches. Furthermore, the aloe-based ointment is efficient in treating acne. Owing to its proprieties, Aloe vera was incorporated in the composition of deodorants. What should be noted is the fact that this herb can be also administrated internally due to its high nourishing influence. When mixed with other fruits, aloe vera can be ingested as an excellent natural beverage rich in vitamins and minerals. Also, it is recommended that it is ingested during travels to prevent dehydration. Description Aloe vera is a stem less or very short-stemmed succulent plant growing to 60100 cm (2439 in) tall, spreading by offsets. The leaves are thick and fleshy, green to grey-green, with some varieties showing white flecks on the upper and lower stem surfaces.[7] The margin of the leaf is serrated and has small white teeth. The flowers are produced in summer on a spike up to 90 cm (35 in) tall, each flower pendulous, with a yellow tubular corolla 23 cm (0.81.2 in) long.[7][8] Like other Aloe species, Aloe vera forms arbuscular mycorrhizaa symbiosis that allows the plant better access to mineral nutrients in soil.[9]

1.3 Alma Common Name: Hindi Amla English - Gooseberry , Emblic Myrobalam Latin Emblica offcinalis Gaerte Sanskrit - Amalki, Dhatri Tamil Nelli Kannada - Nellaka Telgu - Usirikaya MalayalamNellimaram Marathi - Anwla Bangla - Aamalki Amala Plant: A small to medium sized deciduous tree, 8-18m. in height with crooked trunk and spreading branches. Leaves simple, sub sessile; flower greenish-yellow; fruit nearly spherical pale yellow with 6 vertical furrows. Amla is one of the richest natural sources of vitamin C, its fresh juice containing nearly twenty times as much vitamin C as orange juice. Clinical tests on patients suffering from pulmonary tuberculosis have shown that this high concentrate is more quickly assimilated then the synthetic vitamin. It is an ingredient of many Ayurvedic medicines and tonics, as it removes excessive salivation, nausea, vomiting, giddiness, spermatorrhoea, internal body heat and menstrual disorders. Because it is also cooling, it increases sattwa, and is an excellent liver tonic. Ayurveda recommends taking a tonic made from the fruit throughout the winter months. The

fresh fruit is a diuretic and a laxative. A cooling and refreshing drink can be made from it. Ayurvedic doctors ( Vaidya) recommend drinking The dried Amla fruit is astringent and useful in cases of diarrhoea and dysentery. It is also a very important ingredient in the famous Chyavanaprash, and a constituent of Triphala (three fruits) powder. The application of a small quantity of Amla oil to the head before bathing removes diseases of the eyes, night blindness and bilious giddiness. Amla confection is used in syphilis, flatulence, bronchitis, asthma and consumption. A series of clinical tests on the Amla have found that the fruit contains elements that are anti-viral, raise the total protein level in the body, activate the adrenaline response, and protect against tremors and convulsions. The Amla is also said to bestow beauty. Unlike other preserves Amla does not lose its properties over time but retains its curative power and quality. Dried Amla is an excellent digestive, which can be consumed after food. According to Ayurveda the traditional medicine system of India Amla fruit is one of the strongest rejuvenators. Amla rebuilds new tissues and increases the red blood cell count. It cleanses the mouth, strengthens the teeth, stops the bleeding of gums and improves eyesight. it nourishes the bones and promotes the growth of healthy, lustrous hair and strong nails. It is considered acrid, cooling, astringent, diuretic and laxative. Amla has most anti-diabetic property. To prevent or cure diabetes take a fresh one-fourth cup of Amla or a tea spoon of Amla powder with a tea spoon of turmeric powder everyday.

1.4 Neem

Neem derivatives neutralise nearly 500 pests worldwide, including insects, mites, ticks, and nematodes, by affecting their behaviour and physiology. Neem does not normally kill pests right away, rather it repels them and affects their growth. As neem products are cheap and non-toxic to higher animals and most beneficial insects, they are well-suited for pest control in rural areas. Besides its use in traditional Indian medicine the neem tree is of great importance for its antidesertification properties and possibly as a good carbon dioxide sink. Practitioners of traditional Indian medicine recommend that patients suffering from chicken pox sleep on neem leaves. Neem gum is used as a bulking agent and for the preparation of special purpose food (for diabetics). Aqueous extracts of neem leaves have demonstrated significant antidiabetic potential. Traditionally, slender neem branches were chewed in order to clean one's teeth. Neem twigs are still collected and sold in markets for this use, and in India one often sees youngsters in the streets chewing on neem twigs. A decoction prepared from neem roots is ingested to relieve fever in traditional Indian medicine. Neem leaf paste is applied to the skin to treat acne. Neem blossoms are used in Andhra Pradesh, Tamilnadu and Karnataka to prepare Ugadi pachhadi. Actually, "bevina hoovina gojju" (a type of curry prepared with neem blossoms) is common in Karnataka throughout the year. Dried blossoms are used when fresh blossoms are not available. In Tamilnadu, a rasam (veppam poo rasam) made with neem blossoms is a culinary speciality. A mixture of neem flowers and bella (jaggery or unrefined brown sugar) is prepared and offered to friends and relatives, symbolic of sweet and bitter events in the upcoming new year.

Extract of neem leaves is thought to be helpful as malaria prophylaxis despite the fact that no comprehensive clinical studies are yet available. In several cases, private initiatives in Senegal were successful in preventing malaria.[3] However, major NGOs such as USAID are not supposed to use neem tree extracts unless the medical benefit has been proved with clinical studies. Neem is a fast-growing tree that can reach a height of 1520 m (about 5065 feet), rarely to 3540 m (115131 feet). It is evergreen, but in severe drought it may shed most or nearly all of its leaves. The branches are wide spread. The fairly dense crown is roundish or oval and may reach the diameter of 15 20 m in old, free-standing specimens. 1.5 In Ayurvedic practices, turmeric has many medicinal properties and many in South Asia use it as a readily available antiseptic for cuts, burns and bruises. It is also used as an antibacterial agent. It is taken in some Asian countries as a dietary supplement, which allegedly helps with stomach problems and other ailments. It is popular as a tea in Okinawa, Japan. Pakistanis also use it as an anti-inflammatory agent, and remedy for gastrointestinal discomfort associated with irritable bowel syndrome, and other digestive disorders. In Afghanistan and northwest Pakistan, turmeric is applied to a piece of burnt cloth, and placed over a wound to cleanse and stimulate recovery. Indians, in addition to its Ayurvedic properties, use turmeric in a wide variety of skin creams that are also exported to neighboring countries. Turmeric is currently used in the formulation of some sunscreens.[citation needed] Turmeric paste is used by some Indian women to keep them free of superfluous hair. Turmeric paste is applied to bride and groom before marriage in some places of India, Bangladesh, and Pakistan, where it is believed turmeric gives glow to skin and keeps some harmful bacteria away from the body. Turmeric is widely used as a spice in South Asian and Middle Eastern cooking. Kingdom Family: Genus: Species: Plantae Zingiberaceae Curcuma C. longa Binomial name Curcuma longa Linnaeus[1]

11 Conclusion of the project Medicinal plants slowly going extinct Medicinal plant resources in the country are threatened by over exploitation to meet the demand of herbal industries. As per the information received from the Ministry of Environment and Forests, about 95% of medicinal plants used by the herbal industries are harvested from the wild primarily from forests. The total annual demand of botanical raw drugs in the country for the year 2005-06 has been estimated as 3,19,500 MT with corresponding trade value of Rs. 1,069 crores as per the collaborative study conducted by the Department of AYUSH with the assistance of the

Foundation for Revitalization of Local Health Traditions (FRLHT). In addition to above, rapid threat assessment exercises for the wild medicinal plants species occurring in different states have also been taken up. These assessments have involved conducting Conservation Assessment and Management Prioritization using International Union for Conservation of Nature and Natural Resources (IUCN) Red List Categories. These exercises have involved undertaking assessments for a total of 359 prioritized wild medicinal plant species. Some of the rare medicinal plants reported to be threatened have been relocated during the last decade including Utleria salicifolia and Hydnocarpus pentandra in Western Ghats, Gymnocladus assamicus and Begonia tessaricarpa from Arunachal Pradesh and Agapetes smithiana in Sikkim by the Botanical Survey of India. National Medicinal Plants Board which was constituted on 24th November, 2000 has been implementing a Central Sector scheme for development and cultivation of medicinal plants since the year 2000-01. This scheme was revised and renamed as Central Sector Scheme for Conservation, Development and Sustainable Management of Medicinal Plants during 2008-09. Projects for setting up of 29 Medicinal Plants Conservation Areas (MPCAs) have also been implemented in the states covering mainly the medicinal plants viz. Asoka, Guggal and Dashmool varieties. The scheme is being implemented with an outlay of Rs. 321.30 crores during the 11th Plan. In addition to above, a new Centrally Sponsored Scheme of National Mission on Medicinal Plants with a total outlay of Rs. 630 crores is being implemented since 2008-09 by the National Medicinal Plants Board. A total number of 24 states viz. Andhra Pradesh, Arunachal Pradesh, Assam, Bihar, Chhattisgarh, Gujarat, Haryana, Jammu & Kashmir, Jharkhand, Karnataka, Kerala, Madhya Pradesh, Maharashtra, Manipur, Meghalaya, Mizoram, Nagaland, Orissa, Rajasthan, Sikkim, Tamil Nadu, Uttar Pradesh, Uttarakhand and West Bengal have been covered so far under the scheme. Since the implementation of the Mission started only in the year 2008-09, it is too early to make any impact assessment. This information was given by Minister for Health & Family Welfare, Shri Ghulam Nabi Azad in written reply to a question raised in Rajya Sabha on March 09, 2010 12 13 Dedication of the project Vote of thanks 14 Certificate