Pharmasaathi

Explore the World of Medicinal Plants

Classification of Medicinal Plants

Alkaloids

Example: Morphine (Papaver somniferum)

Use: Pain relief, anesthesia

Learn more about Alkaloids

Glycosides

Example: Digoxin (Digitalis lanata)

Use: Heart conditions

Learn more about Glycosides

Terpenoids and Essential Oils

Example: Menthol (Mentha piperita)

Use: Aromatherapy, topical pain relief

Learn more about Terpenoids

Phenolics

Example: Resveratrol (Vitis vinifera)

Use: Antioxidant, anti-inflammatory

Learn more about Phenolics

Tannins

Example: Green tea catechins (Camellia sinensis)

Use: Antioxidant, astringent

Learn more about Tannins

Saponins

Example: Ginseng saponins (Panax ginseng)

Use: Adaptogenic, immunomodulatory

Learn more about Saponins

Gums and Mucilages

Example: Psyllium (Plantago ovata)

Use: Digestive health, laxative

Learn more about Gums and Mucilages

Lipids

Example: Omega-3 fatty acids (Linum usitatissimum)

Use: Cardiovascular health, anti-inflammatory

Learn more about Lipids

Featured Example: Turmeric

Botanical Name

Curcuma longa

Other Names

Haldi, Indian Saffron

Chemical constituents

Curcumin, Demethoxycurcumin, Bisdemethoxycurcumin

Plant Source

Rhizome

Dosage Forms

Powder, Capsules, Tablets, Extracts

Applications

Anti-inflammatory, Antioxidant, Digestive aid, Wound healing

Adverse Effects

Gastrointestinal discomfort, Potential blood-thinning

Extraction

Solvent extraction (e.g., ethanol), Steam distillation

Featured Example: Ginger

Botanical Name

Zingiber officinale

Other Names

Fresh Ginger, Dried Ginger, Zingiber

Chemical constituents

Gingerol, Shogaol

Plant Source

Rhizome

Dosage Forms

Fresh, Dried, Powder, Extracts

Applications

Nausea relief, Anti-inflammatory, Digestive aid

Adverse Effects

Heartburn, Diarrhea, Stomach upset

Extraction

Solvent extraction, Steam distillation

Featured Example: Aloe Vera

Botanical Name

Aloe barbadensis miller

Other Names

Aloe, Barbados Aloe

Chemical constituents

Vitamins, Amino acids, Enzymes, Polysaccharides

Plant Source

Leaf gel

Dosage Forms

Gel, Juice, Capsules, Creams

Applications

Skin hydration, Wound healing, Anti-inflammatory

Adverse Effects

Skin irritation, Allergic reactions

Extraction

Cold-pressing, Solvent extraction

Featured Example: Echinacea

Botanical Name

Echinacea purpurea

Other Names

Purple Coneflower

Chemical constituents

Alkamides, Cichoric acid, Polysaccharides

Plant Source

Roots and aerial parts

Dosage Forms

Tinctures, Capsules, Tea

Applications

Immune support, Anti-inflammatory, Cold and flu relief

Adverse Effects

Allergic reactions, Stomach upset

Extraction

Alcohol extraction, Water extraction