Phytochemistry for Indian Knowledge Systems

Authored by Dr.Sharatkumar Variyar . Published by,

Phytochemistry for Indian Knowledge Systems

Phytochemistry is an interdisciplinary scientific knowledge area which is a crucial aid for establishing the experimental and intuitive findings of Bharatiya Gnan Parampara in areas such as Ayurveda and Vrikshayurveda on modern scientifically acceptable norms. A knowledge of this field is invaluable to using modern analytical chemical methods such as HPLC - High performance Gas Chromatography, Gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC/MS) and liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry (LC/MS)

to bring credibility and wider acceptability to traditional health practices, medicines, diet and preparations.

Phytochemistry

This area consists of several sub-disciplines including

Phytochemicals

These are important chemical groups with linkages to the treatises pertaining to health, growth and disease mitigation in plants aligned with the the Indian system of Kapha, Pitha and Ratha.

Some of these are groups are

Phytoalexins

These are antimicrobial compounds involved in a complex defence system in plants

Phytotoxins

These are harmful plant based chemicals for animals/ humans and are

• poisonous to eat
• poisonous to touch ( upon contact)
• cause photosensitisation
• cause airbornee allergies

The specific classes of chemical substances found to be phytotoxic are vastly diverse and include alkaloids, polypeptides, amines, glycosides, oxalates, resins and toxalbumins.

Phytohormones

These are plant based chemicals that include the growth hormones such as auxins and gibberellins

Polyphenols

These group of phytochemical have several important controlling functions in plants and are classified as flavonoids, phenolic acid, polyphenolic amides and other polyphenols. These are beneficial plant-origin chemicals for humans and may cause:

• lowering blood sugar ( for example anthocyanines found in berries/ currants/ certain grapes)
• improving heart health ( for example (lignans found in flax seeds that help regulate cholesterol)
• improved resistance in cancer
• improved digestion
• improved brain functions

Biochemistry

Biochemistry is the study of chemical processes in living beings through a good understanding of the underlying structure, composition and reactions

Cellular and molecular biology and plant bio-technology

This is a modern area dealing with the molecular basis of activities in living beings. This field emerged after the development of equipment such as microscopes that aid in visualising and imaging at very small optical scales compared to normal human eyesight.

Plant Bio-technology is a recent area wherein molecular biology and plants are used to create products and new plant life-forms using genetics and tissue culture.