Medicinal properties and uses of orchids : a concise review

From the primitive period medicinal plants have occupied a distinct place in human’s life. They have been the backbone of traditional herbal medicines and have been extensively studied because of their pharmacological importance. Orchids are one of the largest groups of Angiosperms belonging to the family Orchidaceae. A number of constituents obtained from different parts of orchid suggest biological activity. Alkaloids are nitrogenous organic heterocyclic molecules that have pharmacological effects on humans and other animals..In orchids, 214 species in 64 genera contain 0.1% or more alkaloids. Besides alkaloids, they also possess flavanoids, phenanthrenes, terpenoids, bibenzyl derivatives and other biologically active compounds. The present review deals with the phytochemicals present in orchids and their medicinal properties. © 2012 Elixir All rights reserved. ARTICLE INF O Artic le h istory: Received: 28 July 2012; Received in revised form: 19 November 2012; Accepted: 21 November 2012;