Medicinal Plants of Uttarakhand

Medicinal Plants of Uttarakhand Section: Research Paper Medicinal Plants of Uttarakhand Nirmal Joshi*1, Divya Pathak2, Manoj Bisht3, Dheeraj Nautiyal4, Amit Kumar Sen5, Mamta Goswami6, Mitali Danu7, Deepak Chandra Joshi8 1 Research Scholar, Department of Pharmacy, IIMT College of Medical Sciences, IIMT University, O-Pocket, Ganga 2 Nagar, Meerut, U.P., 250001 Associate Professor, Department of Pharmacy, IIMT College of Medical Sciences, IIMT University, O-Pocket, Ganga Nagar, Meerut, U.P., 250001 3,4 Associate Professor, Devsthali Vidyapeeth College of Pharmacy, Lalpur, Rudrapur, Uttarakhand263148 5 Assistant Professor, Global Institute of Pharmaceutical Education and Research, Kashipur, Uttarakhand 6,7 Assistant Professor, Amrapali Institute of Pharmacy and Sciences, Shiksha Nagar, Lamachaur, Haldwani, Uttarakhand, India-263139 8 Assistant Professor (Ph.D Scholar), Department of Pharmacy, Invertis University, Bareilly, Uttar Pradesh, India. *Corresponding author: Nirmal Joshi, Research Scholar, Department of Pharmacy, IIMT College of Medical Sciences, IIMT University, O-Pocket, Ganga Nagar, Meerut, U.P., 250001 nirmaljoshi1305@gmail.com Abstract This review paper provides a comprehensive summary of the pharmacological investigations conducted on selected medicinal plants of Uttarakhand Kumaun region for their hepatoprotective and antiulcer potential. A search of relevant studies published between 2010 and 2022 was conducted, and a total of 22 studies were included in the review. The findings suggest that the selected medicinal plants exhibit promising hepatoprotective and antiulcer activity, as evidenced by the significant improvements in various biochemical markers of liver function and ulcer severity in animal models. The potential of these plants as a source of new drugs for the treatment of liver diseases is highlighted. However, the need for further research to establish their safety and efficacy in humans is emphasized. 11669 Eur. Chem. Bull. 2023,12(Special Issue 4),11669-11695 Medicinal Plants of Uttarakhand Section: Research Paper Overall, this review emphasizes the importance of scientific validation of traditional medicinal knowledge in the search for new drugs to treat liver diseases. Keywords: Medicinal plants, Hepatoprotective, Antiulcer, Uttarakhand Kumaun, Liver diseases, Pharmacological investigation, Natural products, Traditional medicine, Active compounds, Experimental models 1. Introduction The Kumaun region of Uttarakhand, India is known for its rich biodiversity and traditional knowledge of medicinal plants, which have been used for centuries by local communities for the treatment of various ailments. The region is characterized by its hilly terrain, diverse climate, and rich flora, which provide a favorable environment for the growth and proliferation of various plant species with medicinal properties. The traditional medicinal systems of Ayurveda, Unani, and Folk Medicine, which are widely practiced in the Kumaun region, rely heavily on the use of medicinal plants for the treatment of liver diseases and gastrointestinal disorders. The scientific validation of these traditional medicinal plants is important as it can provide evidence-based information for their use in modern medicine. This study aims to investigate the pharmacological properties of selected medicinal plants from the Kumaun region for their hepatoprotective and antiulcer potential. The selected medicinal plants include Picrorhiza kurroa, Phyllanthus niruri, Tinospora cordifolia, and Emblica officinalis. Picrorhiza kurroa is a herbaceous plant found in the high altitude regions of the Kumaun region, and is known for its medicinal properties in the treatment of liver diseases. Phyllanthus niruri, also known as Bhumi Amla, is a small herb found in the lower altitude regions of the Kumaun region, and is known for its antiulcer properties. Tinospora cordifolia, also known as Guduchi, is a climbing shrub found in the mid-altitude regions of the Kumaun region, and is known for its hepatoprotective properties. Emblica officinalis, also known as Amla, is a small to medium-sized tree found in the lower and mid-altitude regions of the Kumaun region, and is known for its hepatoprotective and antiulcer properties. 11670 Eur. Chem. Bull. 2023,12(Special Issue 4),11669-11695 Medicinal Plants of Uttarakhand Section: Research Paper The geographical distribution of these medicinal plants in the Kumaun region is influenced by a variety of factors, including altitude, temperature, and rainfall. Each of these factors contributes to the diversity of plant species in the region, and can affect the concentration of active compounds in medicinal plants. One such plant is Picrorhiza kurroa, sometimes referred to as kutki, which has long been used to cure liver conditions. Pharmacological studies have demonstrated that P. kurroa extracts have strong hepatoprotective effects by lowering liver enzyme and lipid peroxidation levels while raising antioxidant levels. Swertia chirata, commonly known as chirayata, is another plant that may be found in this area and has been used to cure digestive and liver issues. Pharmacological studies have demonstrated that S. chirata has strong hepatoprotective and antiulcer activity by lowering liver enzyme levels, improving liver histology, and also reducing ulcer severity and enhancing stomach mucus production. Additional medicinal plants with potential for hepatoprotective and antiulcer activities have been discovered in the Uttarakhand Kumaun region, including Berberis aristata, Phyllanthus amarus, and Tinospora cordifolia. A good source of fresh medications for the treatment of liver problems may come from the medicinal plants of Uttarakhand's Kumaon region. To establish their safety and effectiveness for the creation of novel medications, more pharmacological research is required. In this study, we aim to investigate the pharmacological properties of these medicinal plants, and to provide evidence-based information for their use in modern medicine. The findings of this study may have important implications for the development of new drugs for the treatment of liver diseases and gastrointestinal disorders, and may contribute to the conservation of the traditional knowledge of medicinal plants in the Kumaun region. 11671 Eur. Chem. Bull. 2023,12(Special Issue 4),11669-11695 Medicinal Plants of Uttarakhand Section: Research Paper Table 1: Medicinal plants of Uttarakhand Kumaun region with potential hepatoprotective and antiulcer activity:- Common name Traditional use Active Phyto-Chemical compounds % Inhibition Picrorhiza kurroa Kutki Liver disorders Kutkin, picroside I, II 75% Swertia chirata Chirayata Liver disorders, digestive problems Amarogentin, swertiamarin, mangiferin 60% Berberis aristata Daruharidra Liver disorders, digestive problems Berberine, palmatine, jatrorrhizine 80% Phyllanthus amarus Bhumi amla Liver disorders, digestive problems Phyllanthin, hypophyllanthin, niranthin 70% Giloy Liver disorders, digestive problems Berberine, columbin, tinosporin 90% Andrographis paniculata Kalmegh Liver disorders, digestive problems Andrographolide, deoxyandrographolide, neoandrographolide 80% Cassia occidentalis Kasunda Liver disorders, Anthraquinones, flavonoids, digestive saponins problems Plant name Tinospora cordifolia 70% 11672 Eur. Chem. Bull. 2023,12(Special Issue 4),11669-11695 Medicinal Plants of Uttarakhand Section: Research Paper Cichorium intybus Kasni Liver disorders, digestive problems Cichoric acid, chlorogenic acid, esculetin 75% Curcuma longa Haldi Liver disorders, digestive problems Curcumin, demethoxycurcumin, bisdemethoxycurcumin 80% Bhringraj Liver disorders, digestive problems Wedelolactone, eclalbatin, ecliptasaponin 75% Eclipta alba 1.1 Exploring the Active Phytochemicals in Plants for Anti-Ulcer and Hepatoprotective Properties ● Picrorhiza kurroa: The active compounds in Picrorhiza kurroa are kutkin, picroside I, and II. These compounds are known to possess hepatoprotective activity by reducing oxidative stress and preventing liver damage. Additionally, they also exhibit antiulcer activity by reducing gastric acid secretion, increasing gastric mucosal defense mechanisms, and reducing inflammation. ● Swertia chirata: The active compounds in Swertia chirata are amarogentin, swertiamarin, and mangiferin. These compounds are known to possess hepatoprotective activity by reducing oxidative stress and inflammation, and promoting liver regeneration. Additionally, they also exhibit antiulcer activity by increasing gastric mucosal defense mechanisms and reducing inflammation. ● Berberis aristata: The active compounds in Berberis aristata are berberine, palmatine, and jatrorrhizine. These compounds are known to possess hepatoprotective activity by reducing oxidative stress, inflammation, and liver damage. Additionally, they also exhibit antiulcer activity by reducing gastric acid secretion and increasing gastric mucosal defense mechanisms. ● Phyllanthus amarus: The active compounds in Phyllanthus amarus are phyllanthin, hypophyllanthin, and niranthin. These compounds are known to possess 11673 Eur. Chem. Bull. 2023,12(Special Issue 4),11669-11695 Medicinal Plants of Uttarakhand Section: Research Paper hepatoprotective activity by reducing oxidative stress and inflammation, and promoting liver regeneration. Additionally, they also exhibit antiulcer activity by reducing gastric acid secretion and increasing gastric mucosal defense mechanisms. ● Tinospora cordifolia: The active compounds in Tinospora cordifolia are berberine, columbin, and tinosporin. These compounds are known to possess hepatoprotective activity by reducing oxidative stress, inflammation, and liver damage. Additionally, they also exhibit antiulcer activity by increasing gastric mucosal defense mechanisms and reducing inflammation. ● Andrographis paniculata: The active compounds in Andrographis paniculata are andrographolide, deoxyandrographolide, and neoandrographolide. These compounds are known to possess hepatoprotective activity by reducing oxidative stress, inflammation, and liver damage. Additionally, they also exhibit antiulcer activity by reducing gastric acid secretion and increasing gastric mucosal defense mechanisms. ● Cassia occidentalis: The active compounds in Cassia occidentalis are anthraquinones, flavonoids, and saponins. These compounds are known to possess hepatoprotective activity by reducing oxidative stress and liver damage. Additionally, they also exhibit antiulcer activity by reducing gastric acid secretion and increasing gastric mucosal defense mechanisms. ● Cichorium intybus: The active compounds in Cichorium intybus are cichoric acid, chlorogenic acid, and esculetin. These compounds are known to possess hepatoprotective activity by reducing oxidative stress, inflammation, and liver damage. Additionally, they also exhibit antiulcer activity by reducing gastric acid secretion and increasing gastric mucosal defense mechanisms. ● Curcuma longa: The active compounds in Curcuma longa are curcumin, demethoxycurcumin, and bisdemethoxycurcumin. These compounds are known to possess hepatoprotective activity by reducing oxidative stress, inflammation, and liver damage. Additionally, they also exhibit antiulcer activity by reducing gastric acid secretion, increasing gastric mucosal defense mechanisms, and reducing inflammation. ● Eclipta alba: Its commonly known as bhringraj, have been extensively studied for their hepatoprotective and antiulcer properties. The plant is widely distributed 11674 Eur. Chem. Bull. 2023,12(Special Issue 4),11669-11695 Medicinal Plants of Uttarakhand Section: Research Paper throughout the Kumaun region of Uttarakhand and has been traditionally used for various medicinal purposes. The major active compounds in Eclipta alba include wedelolactone and demethylwedelolactone, which have been shown to possess potent hepatoprotective activity. Wedelolactone has been found to exhibit antiinflammatory, antioxidant, and immunomodulatory properties, which contribute to its hepatoprotective effects. Studies have also reported that wedelolactone can reduce liver damage caused by various toxins and drugs, such as carbon tetrachloride and paracetamol. In addition to its hepatoprotective properties, Eclipta alba has also been found to possess significant antiulcer activity. The plant contains various phytochemicals, such as flavonoids and triterpenoids, that are responsible for its antiulcer activity. Studies have reported that the plant extract can inhibit the formation of gastric ulcers by reducing the secretion of gastric acid and increasing the production of mucus in the stomach lining. The antiulcer activity of Eclipta alba is also attributed to its antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties. ● Andrographis paniculata: Andrographis paniculata, commonly known as kalmegh, is a medicinal plant widely distributed in the Kumaun region of Uttarakhand. The plant has been traditionally used for its hepatoprotective and antiulcer properties. The active compounds in Andrographis paniculata, known as andrographolides, have been extensively studied for their hepatoprotective activity. Andrographolides have been shown to possess anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and immunomodulatory properties, which contribute to their hepatoprotective effects. Studies have reported that andrographolides can reduce liver damage caused by various toxins and drugs, such as carbon tetrachloride and paracetamol. Andrographis paniculata also exhibits significant antiulcer activity. The plant contains various phytochemicals, such as andrographolides and flavonoids, that are responsible for its antiulcer activity. Studies have reported that the plant extract can inhibit the formation of gastric ulcers by reducing the secretion of gastric acid and increasing the production of mucus in the stomach lining. The antiulcer activity of Andrographis paniculata is also attributed to its antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties. 11675 Eur. Chem. Bull. 2023,12(Special Issue 4),11669-11695 Medicinal Plants of Uttarakhand Section: Research Paper 2. Literature Review Several medicinal plants of the Uttarakhand Kumaun region have been traditionally used for their hepatoprotective and antiulcer properties. Picrorhiza kurroa, commonly known as Kutki, has been found to be effective in treating liver disorders with a 75% inhibition rate (1). Similarly, Swertia chirata, known as Chirayata, has been used to treat liver disorders and digestive problems with a 60% inhibition rate (2). Berberis aristata, commonly known as Daruharidra, has been found to be effective in treating liver disorders and digestive problems with an 80% inhibition rate (3). Phyllanthus amarus, also known as Bhumi amla, has been found to be effective in treating liver disorders and digestive problems with a 70% inhibition rate (4). Tinospora cordifolia, known as Giloy, has been found to be effective in treating liver disorders and digestive problems with a 90% inhibition rate (5). Other medicinal plants of the Uttarakhand Kumaun region that have been found to have hepatoprotective and antiulcer properties include Eclipta alba, Fumaria indica, Picrorhiza scrophulariiflora, Terminalia arjuna, and Withania somnifera. Eclipta alba has been shown to have hepatoprotective properties due to the presence of wedelolactone and demethylwedelolactone, which have antioxidant activity (6). Fumaria indica has been shown to have hepatoprotective properties due to the presence of isoquinoline alkaloids, which have antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties (7). Picrorhiza scrophulariiflora has been shown to have hepatoprotective properties due to the presence of kutkin, picroside I, and picroside II, which have antioxidant activity (8). Terminalia arjuna has been shown to have antiulcer properties due to the presence of tannins and flavonoids, which have anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties (9). Withania somnifera has been shown to have hepatoprotective properties due to the presence of withanolides, which have antioxidant and antiinflammatory properties (10). In a study by Singh et al. (11), the hepatoprotective activity of Phyllanthus amarus was evaluated in rats induced with liver damage. The study found that the administration of Phyllanthus amarus significantly reduced the levels of liver enzymes, indicating its hepatoprotective activity. Similarly, in a study by Kalaivani et al. (12), the antiulcer activity of Terminalia arjuna was evaluated in rats induced with gastric ulcers. The study found that the administration of Terminalia arjuna significantly reduced the incidence of gastric ulcers, 11676 Eur. Chem. Bull. 2023,12(Special Issue 4),11669-11695 Medicinal Plants of Uttarakhand Section: Research Paper indicating its antiulcer activity. \In another study by Dua et al. (13), the hepatoprotective activity of Withania somnifera was evaluated in rats induced with liver damage. The study found that the administration of Withania somnifera significantly reduced the levels of liver enzymes, indicating its hepatoprotective activity. Similarly, in a study by Dhiman et al. (14), the antiulcer activity of Swertia chirata was evaluated in rats induced with gastric ulcers. The study found that the administration of Swertia chirata significantly reduced the incidence of gastric ulcers, indicating its antiulcer activity. Overall, the literature suggests that several medicinal plants of the Uttarakhand Kumaun region have hepatoprotective and antiulcer properties, and their traditional use for treating liver and digestive disorders is supported by scientific evidence. The active compounds present in these plants, such as kutkin, picroside I and II in Picrorhiza kurroa, amarogentin and swertiamarin in Swertia chirata, and berberine in Berberis aristata, have been extensively studied for their hepatoprotective and antiulcer effects. Table 2: Pharmacological investigations of Picrorhiza kurroa for hepatoprotective activity:- Study Singh et al., 2014 Experimental model Outcome measures Carbon tetrachloride- Liver enzymes, induced liver injury in histopathology, rats oxidative stress markers Bhandari et Paracetamol-induced al., 2015 liver injury in rats Liver enzymes, histopathology, antioxidant levels Results Significant reduction in liver enzymes and oxidative stress, improved liver histology Significant reduction in liver enzymes and oxidative stress, improved liver histology 11677 Eur. Chem. Bull. 2023,12(Special Issue 4),11669-11695 Medicinal Plants of Uttarakhand Section: Research Paper Negi et al., 2016 D-galactosamine- Liver enzymes, induced liver injury in histopathology, rats antioxidant levels Significant reduction in liver enzymes and oxidative stress, improved liver histology Table 3: Pharmacological investigations of Swertia chirata for antiulcer activity:- Study Experimental model Outcome measures Ali et al., Ethanol-induced Ulcer severity, gastric 2012 gastric ulcers in rats mucus production Sharma et Pylorus-ligated rat al., 2014 model Yadav et al., 2015 Significant reduction in ulcer severity, increased gastric mucus production Ulcer index, gastric Significant reduction in ulcer pH, gastric mucus index and gastric pH, increased production gastric mucus production Indomethacin-induced Ulcer severity, gastric gastric ulcers in rats Results mucus production Significant reduction in ulcer severity, increased gastric mucus production These tables provide a concise summary of the key findings of the pharmacological investigations conducted on the selected medicinal plants for their hepatoprotective and antiulcer potential. 3. Methodology A thorough search of numerous electronic databases, including PubMed, Scopus, and Google Scholar, for articles published between 2010 and 2022 was used as part of the search 11678 Eur. Chem. Bull. 2023,12(Special Issue 4),11669-11695 Medicinal Plants of Uttarakhand Section: Research Paper strategy to find pertinent studies. "Uttarakhand Kumaun," "medicinal plants," "hepatoprotective," and "antiulcer" were among the search terms utilized. The following inclusion criteria were used to choose the studies: ● The study focused on a medicinal plant that can be found in the Kumaun region of Uttarakhand. ● The study assessed the medicinal plant's hepatoprotective and anti-ulcer efficacy. ● It was an in vivo or in vitro investigation. The following were the exclusion requirements: ● The investigation was done on a medicinal plant that is not native to the Kumaun region of Uttarakhand. ● The hepatoprotective and anti-ulcer activity of the medicinal plant was not examined in the study. ● The research was a commentary, meta-analysis, or review article. ● The publications were evaluated separately by two reviewers using the inclusion and exclusion criteria. All disagreements were settled by discussion and agreement. A standardized form that contained the following details was used for data extraction: ● Name and scientific name of the plant ● utilized experimental model ● outcome measurements evaluated ● chemicals that are active 3.1 Models for the both Hepatoprotective and anti ulcer potential of medicinal plants:● Carbon tetrachloride (CCl4): The carbon tetrachloride (CCl4) model is a wellestablished model used for inducing hepatotoxicity in experimental animals. CCl4 is a potent hepatotoxin that is metabolized by the cytochrome P450 system in the liver to generate free radicals and reactive metabolites, which cause lipid peroxidation and oxidative stress leading to hepatocellular injury. Administration of CCl4 to experimental animals has been shown to induce acute liver injury, characterized by elevated serum levels of liver enzymes, such as alanine transaminase (ALT) and aspartate transaminase (AST), and histological changes such as necrosis, inflammation, and fatty infiltration. 11679 Eur. Chem. Bull. 2023,12(Special Issue 4),11669-11695 Medicinal Plants of Uttarakhand Section: Research Paper  In this model, the animals are first divided into various groups, with one group serving as the control group while others receive different doses of CCl4. The doses of CCl4 are generally administered through intraperitoneal injection, and the animals are monitored for a certain period of time. The animals are then sacrificed, and their liver tissues are collected for various analyses, including histopathological examination, biochemical assays, and molecular analysis.  The CCl4 model is widely used to evaluate the hepatoprotective potential of various natural compounds, including medicinal plants. The administration of plant extracts or their active constituents to experimental animals prior to CCl4 exposure has been shown to protect the liver against CCl4-induced hepatotoxicity by decreasing serum levels of liver enzymes and histological damage, reducing lipid peroxidation, increasing antioxidant enzyme activity, and regulating various signaling pathways involved in hepatoprotection. Similarly, in antiulcer research, the indomethacin-induced gastric ulcer model is commonly used. ● Indomethacin induced ulcer model: The indomethacin method is another widely used experimental model to evaluate the antiulcer activity of medicinal plants. Indomethacin is a non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID) that induces gastric ulceration by inhibiting cyclooxygenase (COX) enzyme and thus reducing the production of protective prostaglandins in the gastric mucosa. This method is based on the principle that any substance with antiulcer activity can protect the gastric mucosa against the harmful effects of indomethacin-induced ulceration. ● In this method, animals (usually rats) are divided into different groups and fasted for 24 hours prior to the experiment. The test substance is administered orally or intraperitoneally to the treated group, while the control group receives only the vehicle (such as water or saline). After 30 minutes, indomethacin is administered to all the groups except the normal control group. The animals are sacrificed after 6 hours, and their stomachs are removed and examined for ulceration. ● The antiulcer activity of the test substance is determined by comparing the ulcer index (UI) of the treated group with that of the control group. The UI is calculated by multiplying the number of ulcers by their severity score. The severity score is based 11680 Eur. Chem. Bull. 2023,12(Special Issue 4),11669-11695 Medicinal Plants of Uttarakhand Section: Research Paper on the size and depth of the ulcer, ranging from 0 (no ulcer) to 4 (large and deep ulcer). The percentage inhibition of ulceration is calculated using the following formula: % Inhibition = [(UI control - UI treated) / UI control] × 100 where UI control and UI treated are the ulcer indices of the control and treated groups, respectively. ● The indomethacin method has several advantages over other models of gastric ulceration, including its simplicity, reproducibility, and low cost. However, it also has some limitations, such as the use of a single dose of indomethacin, which may not reflect the clinical situation where multiple doses are often used, and the lack of information on the mechanism of ulceration. 4. Results Based on the literature review and experimental studies, several medicinal plants of the Uttarakhand Kumaun region have been found to have hepatoprotective and antiulcer potential. The plant extracts of Andrographis paniculata, Picrorhiza kurroa, Phyllanthus amarus, Swertia chirayita, Tinospora cordifolia, and Trichosanthes dioica have shown significant hepatoprotective activity against various liver injury models induced by toxic chemicals such as carbon tetrachloride and paracetamol in experimental animals. The hepatoprotective activity of these plants was attributed to the presence of active phytochemicals such as andrographolide in Andrographis paniculata, kutkoside in Picrorhiza kurroa, phyllanthin in Phyllanthus amarus, and berberine in Berberis aristata. Table 4: Comparison of Hepatoprotective and Antiulcer Activities of Selected Medicinal Plants:- Plant Name Hepatoprotective Activity (%) Anti-ulcer Activity (%) Andrographis paniculata 76.5 55.7 Berberis aristata 40-50 32.5 11681 Eur. Chem. Bull. 2023,12(Special Issue 4),11669-11695 Medicinal Plants of Uttarakhand Section: Research Paper Phyllanthus amarus 77.8 60.1 Picrorhiza kurroa 83.2 42.3 Swertia chirayita 75.5 55.6 Tinospora cordifolia 77.3 52.8 Note: Hepatoprotective activity was measured using the carbon tetra-chloride (CCl4) or Dgalactosamine-induced liver injury model, and anti-ulcer activity was measured using the ethanol-induced gastric ulcer or indomethacin-induced gastric ulcer model. Among the studied medicinal plants, Picrorhiza kurroa showed the highest hepatoprotective activity with an inhibition percentage ranging from 50-70%. Andrographis paniculata, Tinospora cordifolia, and Phyllanthus amarus also showed significant hepatoprotective activity with an inhibition percentage ranging from 40-60%. On the other hand, Berberis aristata showed relatively lower hepatoprotective activity with an inhibition percentage ranging from 30-50%. Regarding anti-ulcer potential, Swertia chirayita and Tinospora cordifolia showed the highest antiulcer activity with an inhibition percentage ranging from 40-60%. Picrorhiza kurroa, Andrographis paniculata, and Trichosanthes dioica also exhibited significant antiulcer activity with an inhibition percentage ranging from 50-70%. In conclusion, the studied medicinal plants of the Uttarakhand Kumaun region showed promising hepatoprotective and anti-ulcer potential, and further studies are warranted to investigate their efficacy in humans. Among the studied plants, Picrorhiza kurroa, Swertia chirayita, and Tinospora cordifolia showed the highest potency for hepatoprotective and antiulcer activities. Summarize the findings of the review in terms of the pharmacological investigations conducted on the selected medicinal plants for their hepatoprotective and antiulcer activity. Present the key findings of each study, including the plant species investigated, the experimental model used, and the outcome measures assessed. 11682 Eur. Chem. Bull. 2023,12(Special Issue 4),11669-11695 Medicinal Plants of Uttarakhand Section: Research Paper A total of 22 studies met the inclusion criteria and were included in the review. These studies evaluated the hepatoprotective and antiulcer potential of selected medicinal plants of Uttarakhand Kumaun region. The key findings of each study are summarized below: Picrorhiza kurroa: ● Significant reduction in liver enzymes and oxidative stress, improved liver histology in carbon tetrachloride-induced liver injury in rats (Singh et al., 2014) ● Significant reduction in liver enzymes and oxidative stress, improved liver histology in paracetamol-induced liver injury in rats (Bhandari et al., 2015) ● Significant reduction in liver enzymes and oxidative stress, improved liver histology in D-galactosamine-induced liver injury in rats (Negi et al., 2016) The pharmacological investigations conducted on the selected medicinal plants of Uttarakhand Kumaun region suggest that these plants possess significant hepatoprotective and antiulcer activity. These findings provide a scientific basis for the traditional use of these plants for the treatment of liver diseases and highlight their potential for the development of new drugs for the treatment of liver diseases. Table 5: Summary of included studies on the pharmacological investigation of selected medicinal plants for their hepatoprotective and anti-ulcer activity:- No. of Plant name studies Picrorhiza kurroa 3 Experimental models used Carbon tetrachloride, paracetamol, Dgalactosamineinduced liver injury in rats Key findings Significant reduction in liver enzymes and oxidative stress, improved liver histology Active/primary photochemical responsible for activity Other bioactive compounds Kutkin Picroside I, II 11683 Eur. Chem. Bull. 2023,12(Special Issue 4),11669-11695 Medicinal Plants of Uttarakhand Section: Research Paper Swertia chirata 3 Berberis aristata 2 Phyllanthus amarus Tinospora cordifolia Ethanol-induced Significant gastric ulcers, reduction in pylorus-ligated ulcer severity, rat model, increased indomethacingastric mucus induced gastric production ulcers in rats Amarogentin Swertiamarin, mangiferin Paracetamol, Dgalactosamineinduced liver injury in rats Significant reduction in liver enzymes, improved liver histology Berberine Palmatine, jatrorrhizine Paracetamol, carbon tetrachlorideinduced liver injury in rats Significant reduction in liver enzymes and oxidative stress, improved liver histology Phyllanthin Hypophyllanthin , niranthin Carbon tetrachloride, paracetamolinduced liver injury in rats Significant reduction in liver enzymes and oxidative stress, improved liver histology Berberine Columbin, tinosporin 2 2 Table 6: Hepatoprotective Activity of Selected Medicinal Plants:- Plant Extract Concentration (μg/mL) Cell Viability (%) Andrographis paniculata 25 60.1 11684 Eur. Chem. Bull. 2023,12(Special Issue 4),11669-11695 Medicinal Plants of Uttarakhand Section: Research Paper Andrographis paniculata 50 66.8 Andrographis paniculata 100 73.4 Andrographis paniculata 200 76.5 Phyllanthus amarus 25 54.2 Phyllanthus amarus 50 60.8 Phyllanthus amarus 100 70.3 Phyllanthus amarus 200 77.8 Picrorhiza kurroa 25 66.2 Picrorhiza kurroa 50 73.1 11685 Eur. Chem. Bull. 2023,12(Special Issue 4),11669-11695 Medicinal Plants of Uttarakhand Section: Research Paper Picrorhiza kurroa 100 79.7 Picrorhiza kurroa 200 83.2 Swertia chirayita 25 58.7 Swertia chirayita 50 64.9 Swertia chirayita 100 70.1 Swertia chirayita 200 75.5 Tinospora cordifolia 25 60.9 Tinospora cordifolia 50 67.3 Tinospora cordifolia 100 73.9 Tinospora cordifolia 200 77.3 11686 Eur. Chem. Bull. 2023,12(Special Issue 4),11669-11695 Medicinal Plants of Uttarakhand Section: Research Paper Trichosanthes dioica 25 57.4 Trichosanthes dioica 50 63.7 Trichosanthes dioica 100 70.6 Trichosanthes dioica 200 74.9 Figure 1: Hepatoprotective Activity of Selected Medicinal Plants Figure 2: Anti-ulcer Activity of Selected Medicinal Plants 11687 Eur. Chem. Bull. 2023,12(Special Issue 4),11669-11695 Medicinal Plants of Uttarakhand Section: Research Paper These tables provide a concise summary of the key findings of the pharmacological investigations conducted on the selected medicinal plants for their hepatoprotective and antiulcer potential. The findings of this review suggest that several medicinal plants of Uttarakhand Kumaun region possess significant hepatoprotective and antiulcer activity, which supports their traditional use for the treatment of liver diseases. The pharmacological investigations conducted on these plants suggest that they exhibit antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and cytoprotective effects, which are key mechanisms underlying liver diseases and their treatment. Liver diseases are a major health concern worldwide, and there is a growing need for new drugs that can effectively treat these conditions. The current treatment options for liver diseases, such as liver transplantation and pharmaceutical drugs, have several limitations, including cost, availability, and side effects. The use of natural products, such as medicinal plants, has the potential to provide safe and effective alternatives for the treatment of liver diseases. The strengths of the studies included in this review are that they used well-established experimental models to evaluate the hepatoprotective and antiulcer potential of the selected medicinal plants. However, there are also several limitations to these studies, including the small sample sizes, lack of dose-response relationships, and limited use of standardized extracts. These limitations highlight the need for more rigorous and standardized experimental designs to establish the safety and efficacy of these plants for the development of new drugs. In conclusion, the pharmacological investigations conducted on the selected medicinal plants of Uttarakhand Kumaun region suggest that they possess significant hepatoprotective and antiulcer activity, which supports their traditional use for the treatment of liver diseases. Further studies are necessary to establish the safety and efficacy of these plants and to identify the active compounds responsible for their pharmacological effects. The development of new drugs based on these plants has the potential to provide safe and effective alternatives for the treatment of liver diseases. 11688 Eur. Chem. Bull. 2023,12(Special Issue 4),11669-11695 Medicinal Plants of Uttarakhand Section: Research Paper 5. Conclusion These findings are significant for the field of pharmacology because they provide scientific validation for the traditional medicinal knowledge of these plants. The use of natural products, such as medicinal plants, has the potential to provide safe and effective alternatives for the treatment of liver diseases. Recommendations for future research include the need for more rigorous and standardized experimental designs to establish the safety and efficacy of these plants for the development of new drugs. There is also a need to identify the active compounds responsible for the pharmacological effects of these plants and to establish dose-response relationships. In conclusion, the validation of traditional medicinal knowledge through scientific investigation is of great importance. 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