Monograph on Rasana (Pluchea lanceolata): An Important Medicinal Plant

In Asian systems of medicines i.e., Ayurveda Siddha and Unani, Pluchea lanceolata is an important medicinal plant. In, Indian system of medicine i.e. Ayurveda, it is considered as 'Vata-samanam' (diseases involving nervous system) 'Rasayana' (herb for rejuvenation). Its use has been described as an antipyretic, analgesic, laxative, nervine tonic and uterine relaxant. P. lanceolata as a single herb in powder (Churna) for the management of any disease is not prescribed in Ayurveda. However its powder in ointment preparation for external application is well documented. It is used in more than 82 polyherbal Ayurvedic formulations for the management and cure of 'Amavata' (Arthritis). In this monograph, existing information of 80 years (1935-2015) on the phytochemicals, biological and pharmacological activities attributed to P. lanceolata, including anti-inflammatory, anti-arthritis, anticancer, muscle relaxant, CNS stimulant, anti-implantation, as well as immunosuppressant, contraceptive, and toxicological effects and their use in traditional system has critically been evaluated.