Traditionally Occurring Therapeutic Plants in India

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Plant-derived medicinal products are the most widely accepted and recognized form of medicine in modern human civilization. Secondary metabolites are bio-synthetically produced by plants from primary metabolites, and these phytocompounds are the primary sources of herbal, pharmaceutical, and nutraceutical formulations. The medicinal and nutritional needs of these plants are found in various phytomolecules that have specific biological actions on the human organ system. Various traditional medicinal plants would be the best alternative source to obtain quality and vital herbal formulations for treating and protecting against a variety of diseases. The therapeutic plants of India possess a profound historical significance in addressing a variety of health issues. Ethnobotanicals, along with their derivatives, have demonstrated promising efficacy in the management of various diseases. The intake of fruits, vegetables, and ethnomedicinal plants, as well as their derivatives, offers substantial protection against these health conditions. This is attributed to the high concentration of phytochemicals found in medicinal plants, including flavonoids, tannins, terpenoids, polyphenols, steroids, alkaloids, glycosides, chlorophyll, carotenoids, proteins, minerals, vitamins, and other vital nutrients, all of which exhibit potent antioxidant properties and various biological activities. It is estimated that numerous Indian ethnic communities utilize over 7,500 distinct plant species for medicinal purposes.