A Glimpse of Therapeutic Potential of Seed Kernel of Medicinal Plants with Special Reference to Bhavprakash Nighantu: A Clinical Perspective

Medicinal plants show significant importance to mankind. Each and every part of plant exhibit different therapeutic activity. In Ayurveda, like medicinal fruits, seeds are also considered as potent drugs. Seeds not only beget plants but they are of healing properties too. Most seeds are used as whole powder in various diseases but their kernel or oil also possess therapeutic potential. This article has highlighted review of potential therapeutic agents from beej majja of Phal Varga of Bhavaprakasha Nighantu. This study will lead to widening of therapeutic spectrum in treatment of various ailments with the use of powdered seed kernel (Beej Majja) or seed oil (Beej Taila).


INTRODUCTION
In Ayurveda, medicinal plants are used as a whole (panchang) or in parts viz. roots, stem, leaves, flowers, fruits and seeds. Fruits are not only palatable but also help to cure certain ailments.
Nowadays, due to advanced researches, there is huge demand of fruits both as food and as medicine. Unfortunately, fruit seeds are left ignored both in terms of lusciousness as well as medicinal values. Seed kernels of fruits are novel sources of natural antioxidants. Few in vitro studies has implied that these seed kernels are vital natural sources for preventing oxidative stress diseases [1].
Among Phal varga, most Vaidyas practice only phala(fruit pulp) and not their seeds. There are few medicinal plants in which not only fruits but seed alone or seed kernel or seed oil exhibit healing properties [2]. Seeds are packed with nutrients and have abundant health benefits. These tiny but mighty kernels are enriched with vitamins and minerals that body needs to function at ultimate performance. Seed kernels or beej majja of various fruits are extremely versatile therapeutic agents [3]. Bhavprakash nighantu, an exhaustive treatise of Dravyaguna explored and explained such plants whose beej majja gives excellent results in treatment. Among 16 classes of Bhavprakash nighantu, only beej majja of phal varga was selected while generating this review for creating awareness about its therapeutic potential.

Empirical Reviews
We have reviewed the available Ayurvedic, traditional books, Bhavaprakasha nighantu as well as modern literature for searching therapeutic potential of seed kernels of various fruits. The detailed list of plants with their mode of action has been depicted in Table 1 and 2.

Nutritional Composition and Health
Benefits of Various Phala Beejmajja

CONCLUSION
For centuries, people who eat fruits as a part of an overall healthy diet generally have reduced risk of chronic diseases. The nutrients existing in fruits are vital for the health and maintenance of the body. Acharya Bhavmishra has quoted medicinal qualities of various fruits in Phal varga of Bhavaprakasha nighantu. Fresh, succulent, juicy, seasonal fruits are always advised for rejuvenation. The said properties of the fruit are applicable also to the rind as well as seed kernel. The present review suggests that plentiful seed kernels or beej majja can be recommended for maintaining a healthy life and also to free from various health menaces.

NOTE
The study highlights the efficacy of "Ayurved" which is an ancient tradition, used in some parts of India. This ancient concept should be carefully evaluated in the light of modern medical science and can be utilized partially if found suitable.

DISCLAIMER
The products used for this research are commonly and predominantly use products in our area of research and country. There is absolutely no conflict of interest between the authors and producers of the products because we do not intend to use these products as an avenue for any litigation but for the advancement of knowledge. Also, the research was not funded by the producing company rather it was funded by personal efforts of the authors.

CONSENT
It is not applicable.

ETHICAL APPROVAL
It is not applicable.