Abstract
Orchids are the largest and most diverse group among the angiosperms. They are cultivated for beautiful flowers. They are widely known for their economic importance but less for their medicinal value. Some plants like Dendrobium crumenative, Eulophia campestris, Orchis latifolia, Vanda roxburghii and Vanda tessellata have been documented for their medicinal value. Phytochemically some orchids have been reported to contain alkaloids, triterpenoids, flavonoids and stilbenoids. Ashtavarga (group of eight medicinal plants) is vital part of Ayurvedic formulations like Chyvanprasha and four plants viz, Riddhi, Vriddhi, Jivaka and Rishbhaka have been discussed as possible members of family Orchidaceae. Recently there has been tremendous progress in medicinal plants research; however orchids have not been exploited fully for their medicinal application. The article reviews medicinally important orchids along with recent pharmacological investigations.
Recommended Citation
Singh, Amritpal and Duggal, Sanjiv
(2009)
"Medicinal Orchids: An Overview,"
Ethnobotanical Leaflets: Vol. 2009:
Iss.
2, Article 11.
Available at:
https://opensiuc.lib.siu.edu/ebl/vol2009/iss2/11