The Journal of Phytopharmacology 2024; 13(5):391-401 DOI:10.31254/phyto.2024.13508

Review Article

Ethnomedicinal plants used by the North Indian tribes in the management of urological diseases

Acharya Balkrishna^1,2 , Hemant Sharma¹ , Sakshi Nag¹ , Deepika Srivastava¹ , Nidhi Sharma¹

Acharya Balkrishna,Hemant Sharma,Sakshi Nag,Deepika Srivastava,Nidhi Sharma

1. Patanjali Herbal Research Department, Patanjali Research Foundation, Haridwar- 249405, Uttarakhand, India
2. Department of Allied Sciences, University of Patanjali, Haridwar- 249405, Uttarakhand, India

*Author to whom correspondence should be addressed.

Received: 3rd September, 2024 / Accepted: 21st October, 2024

Abstract

Traditional herbal medicinal practices hold profound significance within rural and tribal communities, particularly in addressing prevalent urological diseases. This comprehensive review seeks to elucidate the indigenous knowledge concerning medicinal plants, specifically employed for the treatment of urinary infections. The compilation of data integrates diverse sources, including 'PubMed,' 'PubMed Central,' 'Google Scholar,' and 'Lens.org' publications. The investigation identifies 103 ethnomedicinal plant species distributed across 91 genera and 47 families, acknowledged for their efficacy against urinary and renal ailments in regions such as Jammu and Kashmir, Himachal Pradesh, Uttarakhand, Uttar Pradesh, Rajasthan, and Ladakh. Notably, the Gujjar tribes, among 36 tribes studied, exhibit extensive proficiency in ethnomedicine and botanical knowledge. The systematic presentation of these plant species encompasses their scientific names, local nomenclature, associated tribes, utilized plant parts, modes of administration, and categorized diseases/ailments in a tabulated format. Predominantly utilized medicinal plants for urinary disorders encompass Bergenia ciliata (Haw.) Sternb., B. stracheyi (Hook.f. & Thomson) Engl., Tribulus terrestris L., Malva verticillata L., Chenopodium album L. Selected plant extracts, such as those from Bergenia ciliata, Chenopodium album, Asphodelus tenuifolius, and Betula utilis, have undergone scrutiny for their phytochemical and pharmacological attributes, showcasing promise for novel drug formulations against urological diseases. Ultimately, the findings of this study hold the potential to contribute substantively to the development of evidence-based alternative herbal interventions for urological diseases.