Amarkand: A comprehensive review on its ethnopharmacology, nutritional aspects, and taxonomy.
In India, the term "Amarkand" is commonly used for around 30 different plant species belonging to genus Eulophia (Orchidaceae). This single local name Amarkand to different taxonomical species creates uncertainty about its ethnomedical and nutritional claims. In the present article, we have reviewed available literature regarding ethnopharmacology, phytochemistry, taxonomy, nutritional, and pharmacological studies of different Amarkand species. The literature was searched using Google Scholar, PubMed, Scopus, and Web of Science databases. Some textbooks and reference books were also used to collect information about traditional and ethnopharmacological records. Amarkand species have been used as a remedy for the treatment of various diseases such as diarrhea, stomach pain, rheumatoid arthritis, cancer, asthma, bronchitis, sexual impotency, tuberculosis, and so on. Nutritionally, Amarkand is considered as an excellent food for children and convalescents. Recent studies confirm antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, anti-diarrheal, and so forth activities to Amarkand species. These species are reported to possess various phytoconstituents such as flavonoids, terpenoids, and phenanthrene derivatives. The present review will help to understand overall ethnopharmacology, nutritional aspects, and taxonomy of Amarkand species.
Department of Herbal Medicine, Interactive Research School for Health Affairs, Bharati Vidyapeeth Deemed University, Pune, Maharashtra, India.
Aarti Nilesh
AN
Narkhede
Department of Plant Molecular and Metabolic engineering, School of Biotechnology, Yeungnam University, Gyeongsan, Gyeongbuk 712-749, Republic of Korea.
Deepak Mahadeo
DM
Kasote
Department of Herbal Medicine, Interactive Research School for Health Affairs, Bharati Vidyapeeth Deemed University, Pune, Maharashtra, India.
Aniket Arun
AA
Kuvalekar
Department of Herbal Medicine, Interactive Research School for Health Affairs, Bharati Vidyapeeth Deemed University, Pune, Maharashtra, India.
Abhay Madhukar
AM
Harsulkar
Department of Herbal Medicine, Interactive Research School for Health Affairs, Bharati Vidyapeeth Deemed University, Pune, Maharashtra, India.
Suresh Dyandeo
SD
Jagtap
Amarkand; ethnobotanical uses; pharmacology; phytochemistry