Pharmacognostical and Phytochemical Study on the Leaves of Methanolic Extract of Blumea membranacea

Abstract

An oxidative stress causes large number of diseases which may affect tissue in cells. Antioxidants neutralized the oxidative stress and help in controlling diseases. However, they may enhance the immune systems’ so that cells defend themselves against the diseases caused by free radicals. There are numerous sources of antioxidants such as Vitamins A, C, and E. moreover, selenium protect against cancer, heart diseases as well. The substance having antioxidant property may obtain from both natural and synthetic sources. Synthetic antioxidants are useful and effective but they are harmful for us on the other hand natural sources are available in huge amount. Blumea membranacea is one of the medicinal plants which are widely grown in Asian counties including India is a major source of antioxidant. However, all parts (stem, roots and leave) of plant are used as a medicine leaves are more commonly used and they cures several diseases such as cancer, gynecological etc. in addition a recent study described that, it is a strong anti-viral and anti-fungal agent. The essential oils found in leaves of B. membranacea has being used in several industries such as pharmaceutical, food, and cosmetic. By this way, essential oil of this medicinal plant contributes an important part in growth in economy of developing countries like India. Hence use of B. membranacea based herbal medicine could be effective technology for treatment of several diseases and enhancement of antioxidant in humans.