A Review On Ethnomedicinal And Traditional Uses Of Elaeocarpus Ganitrus Roxb. (Rudraksha)

Abstract

The word Rudraksha, literally derived from two  Sanskrit words –„rudra‟, a synonym for Lord Shiva and  „aksha‟ meaning eyes. Elaeocarpus ganitrus Roxb. is an evergreen tree, ripe  fruits of which contain a hard and highly ornamental stony  endocarp known as bead or nut ,and is commonly termed as  Rudrakasha in India.It holds popular belief reinforced by  experiments that it has confirmed medicinal uses apart from  its attractive stones. Traditionally the plant is used to treat  various diseases such as mental diseases ,hypertension  ,epilepsy etc. In the present review, an attempt has been made  to congregate the botanical, phytochemical, ethno medicinal,  pharmacological information on Elaeocarpus ganitrus Roxb.  belongs to family Elaeocarpaceae. It is prevalent for its  fascinating fruit stones and medicinal properties. It procures a  remarkable position in Hinduism and Ayurveda, the indigenous system of medicine