Polygonatum verticillatum: A Highly Valued “Astavarga Medicinal Herb of North West Himalaya

Astavarga group of eight medicinal plants, being an important constituent of Ayurvedic Pharmacy, was extensively used in the traditional system of medicine in India. Polygonatum verticillatum, a part of Astavarga group, had received much commercial attention for its high medicinal value. This plant is medicinally used as energizer, cardiotonic, diuretic, hypoglycemic, sedative, in gastric troubles, pulmonary problems, uterine tumour, and for healing wounds and cuts. In some part of India and China rhizome is also eaten as vegetable. Its high trade for medicinal purpose, habitat fragmentation has made it vulnerable in Northern part of India. Further study and conservation is required to protect this highly valuable medicinal plant from threat of extinction and further documentation is needful to preserve and transfer traditional medicinal knowledge to subsequent generations. This communication deals with the compilation of botanical, taxonomical, phytochemical and medicinal properties of P. verticillatum.