~ 47 ~ International Journal of Herbal Medicine 2014; 2 (2): 47-51 ISSN 2321-2187 IJHM 2014; 2 (2): 47-51 Received: 08-07-2014 Accepted: 30-07-2014 Bhavana Srivastava National Research Institute for A yurveda-Siddha Human Resource Development Gwalior-474009, India Himanshu Sharma National Research Institute for A yurveda-Siddha Human Resource Development Gwalior-474009, India Yadunandan Dey National Research Institute for A yurveda-Siddha Human Resource Development Gwalior-474009, India Manish M W anjari National Research Institute for A yurveda-Siddha Human Resource Development Gwalior-474009, India Ankush D Jadhav ( In-Charge) National Research Institute for A yurveda-Siddha Human Resource Development Gwalior-474009, India Correspondence: Bhavana Srivastava National R esearch Institute for Ayurveda-Siddha Human Resource Development Gwalior-474009, India. Alhagi pseudalhagi: a review of its phyto-chemistry, pharmacology, folklore claims and Ayurvedic studies Bhavana Srivastava, Himanshu Sharma, Yadu Nandan Dey, Manish M Wanjari, Ankush D Jadhav ABSTRACT Alhagi pseudalhagi known as Yavasaka in Ayurveda and Camel thorn in English is a small thorny shrub, normally used in folk medicine as a remedy for rheumatic pains, bilharziasis and various types of gastrointestinal discomforts, urinary tract diseases and liver diseases. It is an important ingredient of many Ayurvedic formulations. As the plant is therapeutically very important, it will be worthwhile to review research on its phyto-chemistry, pharmacology, folklore claims and Ayurvedic studies to present comprehensive information on this plant. The available information on this plant is retrieved from various technical and scientific sources viz. websites, databases, books, monographs, journals, etc. and presented under different sections. The reviewed information suggests that the plant has got enormous scope for phytochemical and pharmacological studies to substantiate its therapeutic potential. The review might be helpful for scientists and researchers to find out new chemical entities responsible for its claimed traditional uses. Keywords: Alhagi pseudalhagi, Yavasaka, Folk medicine, Urinary tract diseases 1. Introduction Alhagi pseudalhagi syn. Alhagi maurorum is a perennial plant. It grows from a massive rhizome system which may extend to about six feet into the ground [1] . Its use as diaphoretic, diuretic, expectorant and in treatment of ulcers is well reported [2] . The plant is normally used in folk medicine as a remedy for rheumatic pains, bilharziasis, various types of gastrointestinal discomfort and in diseases of the urinary tract and liver [3] . Oil from the leaves of the plant is used for the treatment of rheumatism, while the flowers of the plant are used for the treatment of piles [4] . It is also used as laxative [5] . Conventional cough syrups have sedatives, anti-allergic nerve-soothing drugs which cause drowsiness. They are not recommended for people with cardiac problems, but a herbal cough syrup using A. pseudalhagi has been reported to overcome the above mentioned shortcomings of conventional cough syrups [6] . There has been a remarkable interest in this plant as evidenced by its use in traditional and folkloric systems of medicine. Therefore, we aim to compile an up to date and comprehensive review of Alhagi pseudalhagi that covers mainly its phytochemistry, pharmacology, folklore claims and Ayurvedic studies, which might be helpful for scientists and researchers to find out new chemical entities responsible for its claimed traditional and other medicinal uses. 2. Synonyms Synonyms of Alhagi pseudalhagi (Bieb.) Desv. include Alhagi camelorum Fisch. Ex DC. Alhagi maurorum sensu Baker (non Desv.) and Hedysarum alhagi L. (nom. nov.) [1, 7-8] . 3. Family The plant belongs to family Fabaceae [9] or Leguminosae [8, 10] . 4. Parts used Leaves, stem, flower, seeds, roots, whole plant 5. Regional language name/tribal/common name Yavasa, Yasa, Yavasaka (Sanskrit), Bhatuashak (Assamese), Persian Manna Plant (English), Javaso (Gujrati and Hindi), Bharbharra (Hindi), Turuchana gida, Javasa, Neladangara, Ballidurabi, Duralabha(Kannada), Venkatithura, Valiya Kotithuva (Malayalam), Dhamasa