1Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Kumaun University, Nainital, Campus, Bhimtal, Uttarakhand, India
2High Altitude Plant Physiology Research Centre, H.N.B. Garhwal University, Srinagar Garhwal - 246 174, Uttarakhand, India
3Centre for Aromatic Plants, Industrial Estate, Selaqui - 248 197, Dehradun, Uttarakhand, India
Online published on 12 November, 2012.
Valeriana wallichii (Valerianaceae) is an indigenous medicinal and aromatic plant of Himalayan region and that is widely exploited for its roots and rhizomes which contain valepotriates and valerinic acids (with putative pharmacological activities). It is used as ethno medicine for the treatment of habitual constipation, insomnia, epilepsy, neurosis, anxiety, diuretic, hepatoprotective, analgesic and cytotoxic, antispasmodic, anticonvulsant, nematicidal, anti inflammatory, etc. Several phytoconstituent have been isolated from different parts of the plant belonging to the category volatile oils, iridoids, alkaloids and flavonoids. A review of biological activities of Valeriana wallichii is discussed in this article.
Valeriana wallichii, valepotriates, biological activity, valerinic acid, sedative, convulsant
