A Mini Review on Abies Webbiana Lindl.: A Medicinally Important Plant of India

Abstract

Abies webbiana is an ayurvedic medicinal plant used in various herbal formulations. Plant commonly known by name Talispatra, is an important component of Talisadi churna. A. webbiana leaves have been reported as antibacterial and antifungal, mast cell stabilizing, anxiolytic, antitumor, anti-inflammatory, anti-tussive, female antifertility, febrifuge, antispasmodic properties, central nervous system (CNS) depressant actions and are effective against hyperglycemia. Its leaves are mainly used in ayurvedic preparations used for respiratory disorders. A number of phytoconstituents including Monoterpenes (from essential oil), flavonoids, biflavonoid glycosides, phytosterols, amino acids, saponins, tannins, alkaloids, lipids, triterpenoids, steroids and diterpene glycosides are presnt in plant. The plant morphology resembles very much to T. baccata, an important source of taxanes, Even though the medicinal properties and chemical constituents of selected plants are different, their common name and morphology causes confusion in their identity.