Amrita Sharma

Title : A pharmacognostic study of stem bark and heart wood of cedrus deodara roxb. Loud.g.don (devadaru)

Abstract:

Ayurveda is the ancient scientific system of Indian medicine. This medicinal system incorporates the use of medicinal plants, which have been proved to be an effective means of human care in the pre and post Vedic periods. One among many such plants is Devadaru. Etymologically the word ‘Devadaru’ itself personifies the plant as ‘Devta’ or divine tree, because it provides environment with solitude and its medicinal values. To explore more about Devadaru pharmacognostical study of stem bark and heart wood was conducted. To authenticate the sample of Devadaru, comparison of organoleptic characteristics of stem bark and heart wood and its powder was done which reveals that they have some aromatic compounds. Based on organoleptic characteristics obtained and microscopic observations, genuineness of the raw material was authenticated. The microscopic study of cut sections and powder of stem bark and heart wood was done. The observations could be considered to be the reference standards in future studies and will be of immense help in standardization of Ayurvedic medicines to meet the international parameters.

Biography:

Dr Amrita studied at Himachal Pradesh University Shimla and graduated as Bachelors of Ayurvedic medicine and surgery in 2006. She did Post graduate in Indian herbal pharmacology from Hoshiarpur University, Punjab. She has done M.B.A (Human resources) from PTU Jalandhar. She holds diplomas in Yoga, Naturopathy, Alternative medicine and Diet and nutrition. She is serving as a physician, life style counselor and yoga therapist past 10 years and presently working as a director of ‘Amrita’s Ayuryogavidya’ at Dharamshala dedicated for dissemination of knowledge in the field of yoga, Ayurveda and holistic health.