A Comprehensive Review on Onosma bracteata Wall.: A Controversial Medicinal Herb in Ayurveda

Onosma bracteata Wall., a perennial herb explicitly found in North-Western Himalayas at altitudes of 3500-4500 m, is considered the official species of Gojihva in Ayurveda and is one of the species considered as Unani Gaozaban. The current review highlights the correlation of traditional uses with pharmacological activities, phytochemistry, formulations, and patents associated with the plant. The review is prepared from information retrieved through electronic and library searches. Additionally, traditional medicines and ethnopharmacology books and journals were referred to get customary records of the plant. The plant is used traditionally for heart problems, respiratory problems, urinary problems, fever, toxicity, and other related diseases. Preliminary pharmacological studies revealed anti-asthmatic, anticancer, anxiolytic, smooth muscle relaxant, antiageing activities, and heavy metal absorbent characteristics. The plant is rich in various macro and micro-elements, having mucilaginous content with a high swelling index. Forty-five compounds have been reported so far, including six new compounds. Though used in various traditional and marketed polyherbal formulations, no formulations and patents exist mentioning plant or plantderived extract or compounds as sole ingredients. The detailed data analysis revealed some correlations between traditional knowledge and current scientific investigations. However, detailed pharmacological studies are required to thoroughly evaluate traditional uses scientifically and discover their mechanisms of action. The review article stipulates a vast commercial and intellectual potential to explore the plant through scientific investigations.