Volume 13, Issue 2, March 2015, Pages 80–90
Abstract
Plants
synthesize certain phytoconstituents for their protection, which,
because they are not of primary need, are known as secondary
metabolites. These secondary metabolites of plants, have often been
found to have medicinal uses for human beings. One such gymnosperm
having secondary metabolites of medicinal potential for humans is Taxus wallichiana
(Himalayan yew). Besides being the source of taxol, this plant has been
investigated for its essential oil, diterpenoids, lignans, steroids,
sterols and biflavonoids. Traditionally, it is used to treat disorders
of the digestive, respiratory, nervous and skeletal systems. Although
pharmacologically underexplored, it has been used for antiepileptic,
anti-inflammatory, anticancer, antipyretic, analgesic, immunomodulatory
and antimicrobial activities. The present review compiles traditional
uses, phytochemical constituents (specifically the secondary
metabolites) pharmacological activities and the toxicity of T. wallichiana.
Keywords
- Taxus wallichiana;
- plants, medicinal;
- diterpenes;
- lignans;
- biflavonoids;
- pharmacological effect;
- review
Copyright
© 2015 Journal of Integrative Medicine Editorial Office. E-edition
published by Elsevier (Singapore) Pte Ltd. All rights reserved.
Published by Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.
