Ancient Indian Extinct and Endangered Herbs

1. Somalata (Sarcostemma acidum): Also known as Somavalli, Somalata was commonly used in Ayurvedic medicine for its antihelminthic, diuretic, and laxative properties. It was also believed to be effective in treating skin diseases and respiratory ailments. However, the plant is now considered extinct in the wild due to habitat loss and overexploitation. (Reference: Sharma, P. C., & Yelne, M. B. (2000). Database on medicinal plants used in Ayurveda. Central Council for Research in Ayurveda and Siddha.)

2. Mahameda (Polygonum glabrum): Also known as Bheemchad, Mahameda was traditionally used in Ayurveda as a diuretic and anti-inflammatory agent. It was also believed to be effective in treating urinary tract infections, arthritis, and skin diseases. The plant is now considered extinct in the wild due to overexploitation and habitat loss. (Reference: Kirtikar, K. R., & Basu, B. D. (1935). Indian medicinal plants (Vol. 4).)

3. Vacha (Acorus calamus): Vacha, also known as sweet flag, was used in Ayurvedic medicine for its antispasmodic, carminative, and digestive properties. It was also believed to be effective in treating respiratory ailments, epilepsy, and mental disorders. The plant is now considered extinct in the wild in India due to overexploitation and habitat loss. (Reference: Sharma, P. C., & Yelne, M. B. (2000). Database on medicinal plants used in Ayurveda. Central Council for Research in Ayurveda and Siddha.)

4. Riddhi (Habenaria intermedia): Riddhi was traditionally used in Ayurvedic medicine as a tonic and stimulant. It was also believed to be effective in treating digestive disorders, skin diseases, and fever. The plant is now considered extinct in the wild due to habitat loss and overexploitation. (Reference: Kirtikar, K. R., & Basu, B. D. (1935). Indian medicinal plants (Vol. 4).)

5. Vriddhi (Habenaria edgeworthii): Vriddhi was used in Ayurveda as a tonic and stimulant. It was also believed to be effective in treating respiratory ailments, skin diseases, and fever. The plant is now considered extinct in the wild due to habitat loss and overexploitation. (Reference: Sharma, P. C., & Yelne, M. B. (2000). Database on medicinal plants used in Ayurveda. Central Council for Research in Ayurveda and Siddha.)

6. Jivanti (Leptadenia reticulata): Jivanti was commonly used in Ayurvedic medicine for its rejuvenating, aphrodisiac, and galactagogue properties. It was also believed to be effective in treating respiratory ailments, digestive disorders, and urinary tract infections. The plant is now considered extinct in the wild due to habitat loss and overexploitation. (Reference: Kirtikar, K. R., & Basu, B. D. (1935). Indian medicinal plants (Vol. 4).)

7. Kakanasa (Martynia annua):

 Kakanasa, also known as Tiger’s Claw, was used in Ayurvedic medicine for its analgesic, anti-inflammatory, and diuretic properties. It was also believed to be effective in treating various skin disorders, joint pain, and fever. However, the plant is now considered extinct in the wild due to habitat loss and overexploitation. (Reference: Sharma, P. C., & Yelne, M. B. (2000). Database on medicinal plants used in Ayurveda. Central Council for Research in Ayurveda and Siddha.)

8. Kushta (Saussurea lappa): Kushta was traditionally used in Ayurvedic medicine for its analgesic, anti-inflammatory, and digestive properties. It was also believed to be effective in treating respiratory ailments, skin diseases, and fever. The plant is now considered extinct in the wild due to overexploitation and habitat loss. (Reference: Kirtikar, K. R., & Basu, B. D. (1935). Indian medicinal plants (Vol. 4).)

9. Atibala (Abutilon indicum): Atibala, also known as Country Mallow, was used in Ayurvedic medicine for its analgesic, anti-inflammatory, and diuretic properties. It was also believed to be effective in treating respiratory ailments, fever, and digestive disorders. The plant is now considered extinct in the wild due to habitat loss and overexploitation. (Reference: Sharma, P. C., & Yelne, M. B. (2000). Database on medicinal plants used in Ayurveda. Central Council for Research in Ayurveda and Siddha.)

10. Ashwagandha (Withania somnifera): Ashwagandha, also known as Indian ginseng, was used in Ayurvedic medicine for its adaptogenic, rejuvenating, and immunomodulatory properties. It was also believed to be effective in treating nervous disorders, joint pain, and reproductive health issues. Although the plant is not extinct, it is considered endangered due to overexploitation and habitat loss. (Reference: Mishra, L. C., Singh, B. B., & Dagenais, S. (2000). Scientific basis for the therapeutic use of Withania somnifera (ashwagandha): a review. Alternative Medicine Review, 5(4), 334-346.)

11. Vasa (Adhatoda vasica): Vasa, also known as Malabar nut, was used in Ayurvedic medicine for its bronchodilator, expectorant, and anti-inflammatory properties. It was also believed to be effective in treating respiratory ailments, fever, and digestive disorders. The plant is now considered endangered due to habitat loss and overexploitation. (Reference: Kirtikar, K. R., & Basu, B. D. (1935). Indian medicinal plants (Vol. 4).)

12. Pushkarmoola (Inula racemosa): Pushkarmoola was traditionally used in Ayurvedic medicine as a respiratory stimulant, expectorant, and anti-inflammatory agent. It was also believed to be effective in treating digestive disorders and fever. The plant is now considered endangered due to habitat loss and overexploitation. (Reference: Sharma, P. C., & Yelne, M. B. (2000). Database on medicinal plants used in Ayurveda. Central Council for Research in Ayurveda and Siddha.)

13. Bilva (Aegle marmelos): Bilva, also known as Bengal quince, was used in Ayurvedic medicine for its digestive, astringent, and anti-inflammatory properties. It was also believed to be effective in treating respiratory ailments, fever, and skin diseases. Although the plant is not extinct, it is considered endangered due to habitat loss and overexploitation. (Reference: Kirtikar, K. R., & Basu, B. D. (1935). Indian medicinal plants (Vol. 4).)

14. Shankhapushpi (Convolvulus pluricaulis): Shankhapushpi, also known as morning glory, was used in Ayurvedic medicine for its memory-enhancing, anti-anxiety, and anti-inflammatory properties. It was also believed to be effective in treating nervous disorders, insomnia, and fever. The plant is now considered endangered due to habitat loss and overexploitation. (Reference: Singh, R. H. (1997). Herbal tonic for mental development. Indian Journal of Traditional Knowledge, 16(1), 22-27.)

15. Guggulu (Commiphora wightii): Guggulu, also known as Indian bdellium, was used in Ayurvedic medicine for its anti-inflammatory, cholesterol-lowering, and analgesic properties. It was also believed to be effective in treating joint pain, skin diseases, and respiratory ailments. Although the plant is not extinct, it is considered endangered due to overexploitation and habitat loss. (Reference: Misra, B. B., & Dey, S. (2012). Comparative pharmacognostical and phytochemical investigation of Commiphora wightii (Arn.) Bhandari and Commiphora myrrha (Nees) Engl. Asian Pacific Journal of Tropical Biomedicine, 2(2), S1033-S1037.)

16. Agnimantha (Premna integrifolia): Agnimantha was traditionally used in Ayurvedic medicine for its anti-inflammatory, analgesic, and diuretic properties. It was also believed to be effective in treating respiratory ailments, fever, and digestive disorders. The plant is now considered endangered due to habitat loss and overexploitation. (Reference: Kirtikar, K. R., & Basu, B. D. (1935). Indian medicinal plants (Vol. 4).)

17. Punarnava (Boerhavia diffusa): Punarnava, also known as Spreading Hogweed, was used in Ayurvedic medicine for its diuretic, anti-inflammatory, and analgesic properties. It was also believed to be effective in treating respiratory ailments, fever, and digestive disorders. Although the plant is not extinct, it is considered endangered due to habitat loss and overexploitation. (Reference: Sharma, P. C., & Yelne, M. B. (2000). Database on medicinal plants used in Ayurveda. Central Council for Research in Ayurveda and Siddha.)