MYSTIC MARVEL: A REVIEW ON BRAHMA KAMAL

Harshit Kumar and Komal Pathania*

ABSTRACT

Saussurea obvallata is also known as Brahma Kamal, is an endangered and spiritually important alpine herb of the Himalayan region, which is traditionally used to cure many illness. The review paper is an attempt to summarize currently available information on its ethno-botanical importance, phyto-chemical content, pharmacological interest, and conservation status. This plant have great cultural and therapeutic significance but it is still under-explore, and there are important knowledge gaps concerning its bioactive compounds, pharmacological action mechanism, and eco-friendly harvesting methods. The most important goals of this review are to (i) focus the medicinal and traditional significance of S. obvallata, (ii) review the existing studies on its biological activities such as antimicrobial, anti-inflammatory, and antioxidant activity, and (iii) reveal research gaps to inform future research. Important findings indicate that S. obvallata harbors a collection of flavonoids, alkaloids, and phenolics, which are responsible for its medicinal potential. It is negatively impacted by lacking conservation efforts, which compromise its existence and scientific discovery. This review highlights the existing studies on phyto-chemicals present in Saussurea obvallata. The significance of this investigation is to develop various policy for its conservation, and to identify their phyto-chemicals to understand their pharmacological roles.

Keywords: Saussurea obvallata, brahma kamal, medicinal plant, phyto-chemicals, Himalayan flora, traditional medicine.