Rudraksha (Elaeocarpus ganitrus) is a plant that is highly revered and has been found out to be of therapeutic and spiritual value. Traditionally used as the King of Herbal Medicines in use in systems of medicine like Ayurveda, Siddha and Unani systems of medicine, it has been used both prophylactically and as a treatment. As per the mythology of the Hindus, this origin dates back to the Lord Shiva when his tears gave it more spiritual value. Through centuries Rudraksha beads have been attracting the attention of sages, scientists, and medical workers because of the vast quantity of medicinal effectiveness. Conventionally they have been used to treat conditions such as asthma, diabetes, high blood pressure, neurological diseases and sexual disorders. Pharmacological benefits of rudraksha use in form of wearing are reported to minimize anxiety, depression, insomnia, palpitation, rheumatism etc. Studies based on rudraksha reveal that it has antidepressant, antidiabetic, anti-asthmatic, antibacterial, and antiulcerigenic influence. Such advantages are attributed to its diverse phytochemical content, whereby it has been found to contain flavonoids, alkaloids, saponins, cardiac glycosides, steroids, carbohydrates and fixed oils. Quite ethno-medically important in first place and appearing mostly in Himalaya foothills, a large deciduous Rudraksha tree. The present review summarizes the recent scientific evidence on its botanical attributes, biochemical composition and effect on pharmacology and discusses the need of further clinical and pharmacological trials to improve knowledge and corroborate the therapeutic potential.
