Traditional Uses of Timur (Zanthoxylum Armatum Roxb.) in Uttarakhand - Past and Future Prospects

Abstract

Zanthoxylum armatum Roxb. is a vulnerable medicinal plant known for its medicinal activities for long globally. It has been widely described in different traditional systems of world like Ayurveda, Chinese, etc. The plant is edible and has been in use since ancient times in cough, cholera, fever, itching, piles, leucoderma, rheumatism, tonic, indigestion, tooth complaints, etc. Research is going on different medicinal aspects of this plant but only few properties have been scientifically proved as antibacterial effect against Bacillus subtilis, Staphylococcus aureus, Escherichia coli, Enterobactor aerogenes, etc., larvicidal, antiinflammatory, analgesic, antinociceptive, antioxidant, antibiotic, hepatoprotective, antiplasmodial, cytotoxic, antiproliferative, anthelminthic, antiviral,anticonvulsant and antifungal (Bipolaris sorokiniana). Not even half of the medicinal properties have been explored. Plant frequency is decreasing drastically due to its slow growth, poor germination of seeds, illegal harvesting and local ignorance. Instant measures should be taken immediately to prevent extinction of this plant