Saussurea Obvallata (dc.) Sch.Bip. (Brahmakamal): A Rich Source of Bioactive Compounds and Therapeutic Applications

Abstract

Saussurea obvallata (DC.) Sch.Bip., commonly known as Brahmakamal, is native to the Indian Himalayan region, Tibet, north-eastern Myanmar, and Southwest China. It belongs to the Asteraceae family and grows perennially at high altitudes. This plant holds immense importance in Hindu and Buddhist traditions and has a rich history of being a revered state flower of Uttarakhand. In addition, it has been used for centuries as a remedy in traditional medicine for treatment of various ailments such as wounds, heart and mental diseases, cough, cold, stomach problems, paralysis and stroke. Modern phytochemical studies confirm that the plant is an excellent source of alkaloids, flavonoids, phenolics, tannins, saponins, terpenoids, proteins, and some trace elements. The crude extracts of the plant have been reported to possess antioxidant, antimicrobial, antifungal, anti-hypoxic, radioprotective, anti-urolithic, anti-cancerous, and healing properties against wounds, in-vitro and in-vivo models. Despite the great therapeutic potential, research on the plant has been limited, and its conservation status is threatened due to habitat loss, illegal collection, and grazing. Therefore, the current study aimed to summarize the existing information on various aspects of this species, as well as suggest future perspectives for research on Brahmakamal.