A Review on Phyto-Pharmacological Potentials of Juniperus recurva -

Abstract

Juniperus recurva is a small tree or spreading shrub distributed from Afghanistan eastward through the Himalayas to southwest China. It is predominant in woodlands of the wetter areas of Himalayas (altitude of 1800 m to 3900 m), with moist and well-drained soils. It holds great potential as a medicinal plant. It has been traditionally used as anti-rheumatic, antiseptic, antispasmodic, antitoxic, aphrodisiac, astringent, carminative, rubificant and stomachic. However, very few authentic pharmacological studies on medicinal benefits of this plant have been conducted thus far. In a first of its kind, we review this plant for its chemical constituents, pharmacological activity and medicinal benefits. Keeping in view its success record as a traditional medicine to cure different ailments, it would be of interest to look for various bioactive natural products that might have therapeutic potential.