Herbs as Health Foods| Pharmacognosy | Pharmacy. List of some herbs as health foods: Alfalfa, Apricot pits, Ginkgo biloba, Spirulina, Arnica, Garlic, Onion, Ginseng, Fenugreek, Sassafras, Honey. Prepared by Md. Shakil Sarker Student Department of Pharmacy Mawlana Bhashani Science and Technology University Santosh, Tangail-1902

1. Mawlana Bhashani Science and Technology University
Santosh, Tangail-1902
Department of Pharmacy
Assignment No: 02
Assignment
on
Herbs as Health Foods
Course Code: PHAR 2201
Course Tittle: Pharmacognosy III
Submitted By Submitted To
Md. Shakil Sarker
Student ID: PHA-20008
2nd
Year, 2nd
Semester
Session: 2019-2020
Department of Pharmacy
Mawlana Bhashani Science and Technology
University
Santosh, Tangail-1902
Sayema Arefin
Assistant Professor
Department of Pharmacy
Mawlana Bhashani Science and Technology
University
Santosh, Tangail-1902
Date of Submission: October 10,2022

2. Herbs as Health Foods
Herbs: Herb is a plant whose leaves, flowers, or seeds are used to flavor food, in medicines, or for
their pleasant smell.
Health Foods: The food that is believed to be good for you because it does not contain artificial
chemicals or much sugar or fat.
Alfalfa
Synonyms: Lucerne or purple medic, Buffalo herb
Biological source: lt is the dried whole herb of Medicago sativa; Family: Fabaceae
Chemical constituents: lt contains saponins, coumarins, flavonoids, phytosterols, phytoestrogens,
and alkaloids. It also contains calcium, potassium, phosphorous, iron, and vitamins A, C, E, and K,
Asparagine, Coumestrol, Estrogens, Fructose, Malonic acid, Myristic acid, Stigmasterol, Triacontanol,
Amino acids,
Oxalic acid, Sucrose, Malic acid, Morphine, Palmitic acid, Salicylic acid
Uses: It is often eaten as a garnish. It is used in the treatment of high cholesterol, diabetes,indigestion;
asthma, arthritis (osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis), upset stomach, excessive production of urine
(diuresis), and excessive bruising or bleeding. It is used as flavouring agent, bactericidal, cardiotonic,
diuretic, emetic, emmenagogue and oestrogenic.
Apricot pits
Synonyms: Amygdaloside, Apricot almonds, Apricot kernel oil, Apricot seed, Armeniaca vulgaris,
Bitter almonds, Bitter apricot kernel, Chinese almond
Biological source: It is the dried kernel of Prunus armeniaca; Family: Rosaceae
Chemical constituents: It contains amygdalin, Malic and citric acids. It also contains Vitamin A,
Vitamin C, Pantothenic Acid (B5), Vitamin E, Beta-carotene, Potassium, Lutein, fixed oil (Olein),
Linolic acid, Volatile oil etc.
Uses: Apricot is used for asthma, cough, constipation, bleeding, infertility, eye inflammation, spasm,
and vaginal infections. In manufacturing, apricot oil is used in cosmetics.
Ginkgo biloba
Synonyms: Ginkgo, Kew tree, Maidenhair tree, Fossil tree
Biological source: It is consist of leaves obtained from Ginkgo biloba; Family: Ginkgoaceae

3. Chemical constituents: It contains flavonol and flavone glycosides, lactone derivatives (ginkgolides),
bilobalide, ascorbic acid, catechin, iron-based superoxide, 6-hydroxykinuretic acid, protocatechuic
acid, shikimic acid, sterols and vanilic acid.
Uses: It is used to treat altitude sickness, cerebral vascular insufficiency, cognitive disorders,
dementia, dizziness/vertigo, intermittent claudication, macular degeneration/glaucoma, memory loss,
premenstrual syndrome, SSRI-induced sexual dysfunction, and as a vasodilator.
It is also used for Alzheimer's disease, memory loss, headache, mood disturbances, and hearing
disorders, Raynaud's syndrome, thinking disorders, diabetic eye disease, amacular degeneration
(AMD), attention deficit-hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), autism, heart disease and heart
complications, high cholesterol, premenstrual syndrome (PMS), and bloody diarrhea,chronic fatigue
syndrome (CFS), schizophrenia, winter depression, mountain sickness and aging, asthma, allergies,
bronchitis, and for disorders of the central nervous system.
Spirulina
Synonyms: Blue-green algae, Cyanobacteria, Klamath
Biological source: Spirulina is a cyanobacterium that can be found from two species of
cyanobacteria: Arthrospira platensis and Arthrospira maxima; Family: Phormidiaceae
Chemical constituents: It contains protein phycocyanin, sulfated polysaccharides, and γ-linolenic
acid. It also contains Protein and Amino Acids, Carbohydrates, Minerals, Fats.
Uses: It has Antioxidant, Anticancer, Immunomodulation and Anti-viral effects. It is used as food,
source of dietary protein, B-vitamins, and iron. It is used for anemia, weight loss, attention
deficit-hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), hay fever, diabetes, stress, fatigue, anxiety, depression, and
premenstrual syndrome (PMS), menopause, boosting the immune system, improving memory,
increasing energy and metabolism, improving exercise performance, lowering cholesterol, preventing
heart disease, healing wounds, and improving digestion and bowel health; high blood pressure,
HIV/AIDS, cancer, fatty liver disease, hepatitis C, and arsenic poisoning, gum disease.
Arnica
Synonyms: Mountain daisy, Arnica flos, Leopard's bane, Mountain snuff, Mountain tobacco,
Sneezewort.
Biological source: The dried flower head of Arnica montana; Family: Asteraceae
Chemical constituents: It contains essential oils, fatty acids, thymol, pseudoguaianolide
sesquiterpene lactones (helenalin) and flavanone glycosides (luteolin, quercetin). It also contains
2,5-dimethoxy-p-cymene, cumene, thymol methyl ether, phenolcarbonic acids (chlorogenic acid),
alkaloids (tussilagine).
Uses: It is used in the treatment of sore mouth and throat, pain such as insect bites, bruising, muscle
pain; vision problems, stroke, and for causing abortions; arthritis, muscle and cartilage pain, chapped

4. lips, and acne. It is used as flavouring agent. In manufacturing, arnica is used in hair tonics and
anti-dandruff preparations. The oil is used in perfumes and cosmetics.
Garlic
Synonyms: Allium, Lasan (Hindi), Stinking rose, Poor man's treacle and heal-all, Rashoon, Ajo
Biological Source: Garlic is the ripe bulb of Allium sativum; Family: Liliaceae
Chemical Constituents: It contains allicin. It also contains allin, volatile and fatty oils, mucilage and
albumin, essential oil (allyl propyl disulphide), amino acids (leucine, methionine, arginine, glutamic
acid, asparagic acid), enzymes like-allinase.
Uses: lt is used as carminative, aphrodisiac, expectorant, stimulant, antibacterial, antifungal, antiviral,
antitumor, and antidiabetic. It used in the treatment of fevers, coughs, respiratory diseases such as
chronic bronchitis, bronchial asthma, whooping cough, and tuberculosis. It is also used in
hypertension. killing worms, roundworm, heart and blood disorder; high cholesterol, heart attack,
atherosclerosis; colon cancer, rectal cancer, stomach cancer, breast cancer, prostate cancer, multiple
myeloma, and lung cancer; prostate cancer and bladder cancer; enlarged prostate, cystic fibrosis,
diabetes, osteoarthritis, hayfever, flu, and swine flu; tick bites, mosquito repellant. Garlic is also used
for earaches, chronic fatigue syndrome, menstrual disorders, abnormal cholesterol levels, hepatitis,
shortness of breath, stomach ulcers, fibrocystic breast disease, scleroderma. Other uses include
treatment of headache, stomach ache, sinus congestion, gout, joint pain, hemorrhoids, shortness of
breath, low blood sugar, snakebites, diarrhea, bloody urine, diphtheria, stomach inflammation
(gastritis), scalp ringworm, vaginal trichomoniasis.
Onion
Synonyms: Piaz, Oignon, Basal
Biological source: The bulb of the Allium cepa; Family: Amaryllidaceae
Chemical constituents: It contains allicin, quercetin, fisetin. Other sulphurous compounds diallyl
disulphide and diallyl trisulphide. It also contain carbohydrates, proteins, amino acids, polyphenols,
kaempferol, vitamin B and C, saponin, phenolic acids and minerals, cyaniding glycosides,
prostaglandins, catechol, diosgenin
Uses: Onion is used for treating digestion problems (loss of appetite, upset stomach, and gallbladder
disorders), for treating heart and blood vessel problems chest pain (angina) and high blood pressure,
atherosclerosis; sore mouth and throat, whooping cough, bronchitis, asthma, dehydration, intestinal
gas, parasitic worms, and diabetes; insect bites, wounds, light burns, boils, warts, and bruises. In
foods, onion is used in many recipes.

5. Ginseng
Synonyms: Devil’s shrub, Hedera senticosa, Man-root, Siberian ginseng, , Wild pepper, Korean
ginseng, South China ginseng, American ginseng
Biological source: It is the dried root of Eleutherococcus senticosus, Panax ginseng, Panax
notoginseng, Panax quinquefolius; Family: Araliaceae
Chemical constituents: It contains ginseng saponins, ginsenosides, gintonin, amino acids and
peptides, essential oil, vitamins (B1, B2, B12, and C), folic acid, sterols, fatty acid, mineral
substances, and trace elements, ginseng oils and phytosterol, carbohydrates and sugars, organic acids,
nitrogenous substances, and certain enzymes.
Uses: It has adaptogenic effect. It is used for heart and blood vessels disorders (high blood pressure,
low blood pressure, atherosclerosis and rheumatic heart disease). It is also used for kidney disease,
Alzheimer's disease, attention deficit-hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), chronic fatigue syndrome,
diabetes, high cholesterol, peripheral neuropathy, fibromyalgia, rheumatoid arthritis, flu, colds,
chronic bronchitis, and tuberculosis. In manufacturing, Siberian ginseng is added to skin care products
(soaps, cosmetics). It is also used for HIV/AIDS, dysentery, gastritis, Anemia, diabetes, insomnia,
nerve pain, erectile dysfunction (ED), fever, hangover symptoms, breast cancer, dizziness,
headaches, convulsions, memory loss, schizophrenia, neurasthenia; premature ejaculation, breast
cancer and prevent ovarian cancer, liver cancer, lung cancer, and skin cancer; swine flu, hangover;
bleeding disorders, loss of appetite, vomiting, gallstones, bad breath, fibromyalgia, joint pain, hearing
loss, convulsions, hot flashes due to menopause, wrinkled skin, and to slow the aging process.
Fenugreek
Synonyms: Greek hay. Alholva, Bird's foot, Chandrika, Egypt fenugreek, Greek clover, Greek hay,
Medhika, methini, methi, menthe
Biological source: It consists of dried seeds of Trigonella foenum-graecum; Family: Fabaceae
Chemical constituents: It contains steroidal saponins (Trigofoeno-side A, B, C, D, E, F, and G.
trigonelloside C, tenugrin B, trigogenin, yemogenin, diosgenin, and gitogenin), glycosides of
diosgenin (graecunins A, B, C, H, I, J, K, L, M, and N), flavonoid compounds (quercetin, luteolin,
vitexin, isovitexin, vicenin-1, and vicenin-2.), amino acids (4-hydroxyisoleucine). Coumarin
derivatives (trigocoumarin, trigoforin, p-coumaric acid), alkaloids (trigonelline, carpaine).
Uses: The seed and leaves are anticholesterolemic, anti-inflammatory, antitumor, carminative,
demulcent, emollient, expectorant, febrifuge, galactogogue, hypoglycaemic, laxative, parasiticide,
restorative, and uterine tonic. It is used in the treatment of inflammation and ulcers of the stomach and
intestines; cancer therapy; oral contraceptives and sex hormones; digestive problems (loss of appetite,
upset stomach, constipation, gastritis); diabetes, painful menstruation, polycystic ovary syndrome, and
obesity; atherosclerosis; kidney ailments, beriberi, mouth ulcers, boils, bronchitis, cellulitis,
tuberculosis, chronic coughs, chapped lips, baldness, cancer, Parkinson's disease, and exercise
performance; hernia, erectile dysfunction (ED), male infertility, improving sexual interest, promoting
milk flow; local pain and swelling (inflammation), muscle pain, pain and (lymphadenitis), pain in the

6. toes (gout), wounds, leg ulcers, and eczema; diabetes,hypercholesterolemia,hypertriglyceridemia. It is
also used as a flavoring agent, poultice. In manufacturing, fenugreek extracts are used in soaps and
cosmetics, spice blends.
Sassafras
Synonyms: Cinnamon wood, Mitten tree, Ague tree, Saloop
Biological source: It is the dried inner root bark of Sassafras albidum; Family: Lauraceae
Chemical constituents: It contains safrole, isosafrole, anethole, and eugenol. It contains isoquinoline
like boldine, isoboldine, norboldine; volatile oils like safrole, anethole, apiole; caryophyllene,
menthone, myristicin, pinene, phellandrene. Besides there are gum, mucilage, lignans, resin,
sitosterol, starch, tannins and wax.
Uses: It is also used as a tonic and blood purifier, flavouring agent, tea, repellent, pain killer,
antiseptic; used as a fragrance in perfumes and soaps, food and for aromatherapy. It is used for urinary
tract disorders, swelling in the nose and throat, syphilis, bronchitis, high blood pressure, gout,
arthritis, skin problems, and cancer. It is used to treat skin problems, achy joints (rheumatism),
swollen eyes, sprains, and insect bites or stings, killing germs and head lice.
Honey
Synonyms: Purified honey, Strained honey, Madhu
Biological Source: Honey is a sugary secretion deposited by the honeybees Apis mellifera; Family:
Apidae
Chemical constituents: It contains glucose (30-40%), fructose (40-50%) and small amounts of
sucrose (0.1-10%), dextrin, formic acid, volatile oil and pollen grains. In addition to these, traces of
enzymes, vitamins, proteins, maltose, gums, trace elements, amino acids.
Uses: Honey is used as sweetener, mild laxative, bactericidal, sedative, antiseptic and alkaline,
vermicide, source of carbohydrate, fragrance and moisturizer. It is used for cold, cough, fever, sore
eye and throat, tongue and duodenal ulcers, liver disorders, constipation, diarrhoea, kidney and other
urinary disorders, pulmonary tuberculosis, marasmus, rickets, scurvy and insomnia; skin
inflammation, pre-operative cancer, arteriosclerosis. Honey is an important ingredient of certain
lotions, cosmetics, soaps, creams, balms, toilet-waters and inhalations. It is used as a medium in
preservation of cornea. Honey is used for diabetes, cholesterol, asthma, and hay fever, tonsils, wound
healing, burns and sunburns, skin lesions
References
1. Text Book of Pharmacognosy by Mohammed All
2. Pharmacognosy by Varro E. Tyler - Lynn R. Brady - James E. Robbers
3. Trease and Evans Pharmacognosy by William C Evans
4. Internet sources: https://en.m.wikipedia.org/; https://www.britannica.com/;
https://www.webmd.com/; https://www.rxlist.com/