Abstract

REVIEW ON PLANTS WITH ANTISEPTIC ACTIVITY

Mary Reena S.* and Kingsly A.

ABSTRACT

Siddha system of medicine is one of the oldest traditional systems of medicine, which has been originated from India and it is practiced mostly in the southern part of this country for treating various diseases including chronic conditions. It consists lots of herbs to treat diseases by their vast activities. Antiseptic property of an medicine are those which prevents the growth of disease - causing microorganism. In siddha literatures antiseptic activity is mentioned in the term "Azhugalagatri". Many parts of plants are very effective in management of putrefaction and inhibiting the growth of microorganisms by their antiseptic activities. The leaves, seeds, oils, wood, flower, resin, fruit, roots of trees are used as antiseptics. Mainly leaves and seeds of the plants are widely used as a raw drug in siddha medicine to prevent putrefaction. It has a wide variety of medicinal uses based on their aromatic properties. This work explains various Antiseptic activity of plants and its phytoconstituents responsible in management of putrefaction. This review work also helps in enlisting the Indian plants having antiseptic activity.

Keywords: Antiseptic, Putrefaction, Azhugalagatri, Herbals, Siddha Medicines.