Reviewing the therapeutic value of Bambusa Arundinacea: Bamboo

Abstract

Many major medications used today are derived from medicinal plants. Humans have traditionally employed bamboo in a variety of ecological and medical applications. Bamboo is one of the precious plant resources of the earth. A tall, thorny tree Bambusa arundinacea, is a highly reputed medicinal tree commonly referred to as bamboo, a member of Graminae family found throughout India, moist parts of India. Various parts of the plant such as the leaves, root, shoot and seeds possesses anti-inflammatory, anti-diabetic, anthelminthic, anti-ulcer, antioxidant, anti-aging, anti-carcinogenic, anti-atherosclerotic, anti-apoptosis, cardiovascular properties, astringent activity and activities that improve endothelial function, are well documented. It is also used in Homoeopathy for the management of symptoms related to rheumatic conditions like Ankylosing spondylitis, Cervical and Lumbar spondylosis and female hormone complaints. This study includes a review of different available homoeopathic literature for a better evaluation and understanding of the therapeutic values of the recently proven drug Bambusa arundinacea.