Abstract

MEDICINAL BENEFITS OF ELAEOCARPUS GANITRUS (RUDRAKSHA) - A DIVINE HERB

P. Krishna, N. Rachana Kumari, V. Manisree, K. Sandhya Rani, B. V. P. Deepthi* and Dr. JVC Sharma

Abstract

Elaeocarpus ganitrus (syn: Elaeocarpus sphaericus) is a large evergreen big-leaved tree is prominent for its natural electromagnetic seed frequently known as Rudraksha. It is belonging to the family Elaeocarpeaceae is popular in indigenous system of medicine including Ayurveda, Siddha and Unani. Rudraksha (Elaeocarpus Ganitrus Roxb.) shows multielemental composition by virtue of which it is used to make the medicines, cosmetics, spiritual gems etc. The use of Rudraksha is increasing with passage of time and its cultivation is started in plains. This plant is inhabitant to India, Nepal and Indonesia, Australia, Java and other countries. The species belong to genus Elaeocarpus have been claimed to exhibit antiageing, antianxiety, antidepressant, antidiabetic, anti-inflammatory, sedative, anticonvulsive, antihypertensive and antifungal properties. Ethanolic extract of leaves contains gallic acid, ellagic acid & quercetin. This plant has also been proved to be a very good centre for researches for scientists. Present review has been focuses mainly on the botanical, ethnomedicinal, pharmacological information and therapeutic utility of Elaeocarpus ganitrus on the basis of current science.

Keywords: Elaeocarpus ganitrus, Elaeocarpus sphaericus, Rudraksha, Pharmacological activity.