Jurinea dolmiaea: Introduction, Scientific Classification, Origin, Discovery, Description, Phytochemistry and Uses of Jurinea dolmiaea (Gugaldhoop)
INTRODUCTION
Jurinea dolomiaea Boiss., commonly known in Kashmir as dhup, is of the family Asteraceae. It is endemic to the Himalayas and is distributed from Pakistan to East Nepal between 3000 and 4300 m in open slopes (Chauhan, 1999). It is an important medicinal and aromatic herb of North Western Himalaya and is being exploited because of its medicinal value. A decoction of the roots is cordial. It is given in the treatment of colic and puerperal fever. The juice of the roots is used in the treatment of fevers, diarrhoea and stomachache. The crushed root is applied as a poultice to eruptions (Chopra et al., 1956). The root extract is used as incense (Manandhar, 2002). In India, J. dolomiaea has been used as an aphrodisiac (Sekar and Srivastava, 2005). In Jammu and Kashmir, the plant is used for the treatment of eye infections and it aromatic oil from its roots is useful in gout and rheumatism (Kumar et al., 2009). Due to its tremendous overexploitation, the species has been listed as endangered in the Himalayan region (IUCN, 2003; Pant and Pant, 2011; Siwach et al., 2013).
Scientific Classification
Kingdom: Plantae
Phylum: Angiosperms
Class: Eudicots
Order: Asterales
Family: Asteraceae
Genus: Jurinea
Species: Jurinea dolmiaea
Origin
Jurinea dolmiaea is believed to be indigenous to specific regions, typically found in certain parts of Asia. It might be native to countries like India, Nepal, Bhutan, or neighbouring areas. The plant tends to thrive in diverse ecological conditions, such as high-altitude regions, grasslands, and rocky slopes.
Discovery
The discovery of Jurinea dolmiaea’s medicinal properties and its traditional usage can be traced back to the indigenous communities living in the regions where it naturally grows. For generations, these local populations have used various parts of the plant to address a range of health concerns, such as gastrointestinal disorders, respiratory issues, and skin ailments. The formal documentation of its properties and phytochemistry, however, may have taken place more recently through scientific studies and botanical surveys.
Description
1. Jurinea dolmiaea is a perennial herbaceous plant that can grow up to a certain height, typically ranging from 30 to 90 centimetres.
2. It features long, slender stems with lanceolate leaves that are often lobed or toothed.
3. The plant produces attractive flower heads that are pinkish or purplish, surrounded by spiny bracts.
4. Its entire appearance contributes to its recognition and distinguishes it from other species within the genus Jurinea.
Phytochemistry
Research on the phytochemical composition of Jurinea dolmiaea has revealed the presence of various bioactive compounds in different parts of the plant. These compounds may include flavonoids, alkaloids, terpenoids, phenolics, and other secondary metabolites. Some of these phytochemicals possess significant antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and antimicrobial properties, which contribute to the plant’s traditional medicinal uses.
Uses
Jurinea dolmiaea holds a central place in traditional medicine among the local communities where it grows. It has been employed as a remedy for ailments like digestive disorders, respiratory problems, skin conditions, and inflammatory diseases. The plant’s extracts or preparations may be used in the form of teas, poultices, or tinctures. Moreover, due to its potential phytochemical constituents, there is ongoing research to explore its pharmacological properties and potential applications in modern medicine, such as in the development of new therapeutic agents.
It is important to note that while traditional uses may provide valuable insights, scientific research is essential to validate and fully understand the safety and efficacy of Jurinea dolmiaea for various medicinal purposes