Ethnobotanical and Pharmacological Importance of Western Himalayan Fir Abies pindrow (Royle ex D. Don) Royle: A Review

Aims: Abies pindrow (Royle ex D. Don) Royle., colloquially known as the Western Himalayan fir, is a conifer that grows along the Himalayan mountains from Afghanistan to Nepal. The plant is extensively used by locals for the treatments of various ailments. Thus based on the available reports about its importance in traditional system of medicine, an attempt has been made to review this species in context of its medicinal and pharmaceutical importance.

Study Design: The review article has been designed based on literature survey. The article is grossly divided into four broad phases consisting of compiled information of Abies pindrow: (1) Ethnobotanical information (2) Chemical Constituents (3) Pharmacological activities (4) Discussion mainly highlighting the mode of action of the bioactive compounds in relation to its pharmacological activity.

Methodology: Extensive literature search have been performed in the web using PubMed, PubMed Central, google scholar as search platform. Efforts have also been taken to compile information from research papers and review articles not more than 10 years old. Information from old literatures were preferably avoided unless found to be very relevant to the subject.

Results: The literature survey revealed that the plant has been used to treat cough and cold, diabetes, cataract and bladder diseases. The plant is also considered to be carminative, astringent, antispasmodic, diuretic, tonic and anti-inflammatory. The plant is also rich in terpenes and terpene alcohols. Testing for antidiabetic, neuroprotective, anticataract and antixiolytic activities have been promising and the bioactive constituents and efforts are made to interpret the possible mechanism of action of bioactive compounds in bringing about the pharmacological activities.

Conclusion: It is concluded that the plant can be explored and bioprospected for an affordable source of drug and nutraceutical for better management of health related issues of people of Indian subcontinent.