An Insight into Antioxidant and Antimicrobial Activities of Ethnotherapeutically Important Trans Himalayan Medicinal Plants: A Review

Abstract

The high altitude of the Himalayan cold desert represents a valuable habitat of natural resources. The extreme climatic condition manifested by intense mutagenic UV-radiation, physiological drought, desiccation and strong winds, makes the survival of plants really difficult. As a consequence of this atmospheric stressor, the plants produce unique metabolites which play a preventive role in intrinsic mechanism of sustenance. Many plant species of this region have been investigated in search of novel antioxidants and antimicrobials. Plants synthesize several antioxidants that aid in antioxidant defense system, thereby protecting plants against damage caused by active ROS. These compounds include chlorophyll derivatives, alkaloids, essential oils, phytosterols, phenolics and polyphenolics. Some of the antioxidants that have been isolated from plants include curcumin, quercetin, ascorbic acid, resveratrol amongst many other compounds. Additionally, the emergence of resistance to multiple antimicrobial agents has become a major threat to public health. Hence, fresh efforts towards new drug identification and development are greatly needed. Plants have long been used in traditional Indian medicine for numerous therapeutic benefits and low toxicity. Considering the growing interest in quest for search of plant based antimicrobials and antioxidants; an effort has been carried to systematically record the antioxidants and antimicrobial potential of plants of Himalayan region.