Therapeutic significance of Navadurga- nine divine medicinal plants: An insight of mythology-based potential leads to healing

India is a rich treasure of mythology, culture and traditional healing. In each aspect, there is science behind if look insight. Navadurga factually indicates nine forms of Maa Durga (Hindu Goddess), which are the characteristics of dynamism. During Navaratri (Hindu festival), the nine forms of Durga are worshipped for nine days. There are also nine herbs that represent the essence of Navadurga, which is referred to as carrying essential characteristics of the Goddess Durga. These are also called ‘Durga Kavach’, i.e. the safeguard that saves from ill health. The present review aimed to analyze the clinical significance of these nine herbs. Data on each of the nine herbs were searched from Pubmed, Scopus, Google Scholar and other online databases available in the public domain. Overall, 379 published studies were screened, out of which 55 clinical studies were found to be recent and relevant. Among the 55 clinical studies, 11 are on Haritaki, 12 are on Brahmi, one on Chandrasoor, 22 on Atasi, five on Tulasi and four on Shatavari, discussed in this review. The review, the first of its kind, highlights the scientific basis of these Navadurga plants behind their mythology. There is scope for further research as data for much clinical evidence is still awaited.