Brahma Kamal used in Wound Healing

The most abundant bioresource of pharmaceuticals is found in medicinal plants, which are essential to current and traditional medical systems, as well as to nutraceuticals, nutritional supplements, Vedic medicines, folk medicines, pharmaceutical intermediates, and chemical entities for synthetic drugs. ⁽¹⁾ The Himalayan Mountains are abundant in a wide variety of plants, with numerous mythological and old plants. Brahma Kamal, also known as Saussurea obvallata (S. obvallata), is well-known. The name of it has to do with Brahma, the highest being in Hinduism. Crowned head over head, this flower every Himalayan flower. Typically, S. obvallata grows in the snow-capped Himalayan region, at the  mountain pinnacle's upper prominence is between 4600 and 5600 meters. ⁽²⁾ Wounds are the primary cause of physical limitations. Treatment options for various types of wounds have been fully characterized by contemporary science. A series of events take place in a systematic manner as the wound recovers. If A chronic wound may develop if the healing process is not carried out in the usual methodical manner. Even in this day and age, or surgeons, healing a wound is a challenging task. Our bodies fight disease by using healing as a defence mechanism. ⁽³⁾ In the upper Himalayan region of Garhwal, the plant has significant religious significance. Thus, the flowers of the plant are employed to honour the goddess Nanda Devi and in addition to Lord Vishnu in Kedarnath and Lord Shiva in Badrinath. ⁽⁴⁾ They have been used to treat colds, coughs, stomach-related illnesses, wounds, mental health conditions, and bone pain. One of the most crucial and endangered types of this type is Brahma Kamal, which is used for conventional, rigorous, and decorative purposes. The aim of this study is to examine and obtain the consistent research on Saussurea obvallata that has been done thus far, considering its significant purposes. The aim of this study is to examine and obtain the the consistent phytochemistry, pharmacology, ethnomedical applications, pharmacogenetics, and protective point. example, as well as reduced proliferation. ⁽⁵⁾ Typically, it can be found in various states in the Himalayan region of India (Himachal Pradesh, Uttarakhand, Sikkim, and Kashmir) and Arunachal Pradesh) as well as other nations (China, Pakistan, Bhutan, Myanmar, and Nepal. ⁽⁶⁾ The purpose of Brahma Kamal is to prepare Tibetan locals' use of traditional medicines and other locations, such as the Garhwal Himalayas. The rhizomes, leaves, and flowers are utilized for the therapy for intestinal disorders, bone aches, cold or a cough, as well as urinary tract issues. Rhizomes especially effective as an antiseptic, a wound healer, and bruises. Additionally, it is utilized to treat cuts, boils (from dried leaves), wounds, and cardiac illness (roots and leaves), as well as mental illness (seeds). Within the Tibetan medical system, it is utilized in the management of limb paralysis and cerebral ischemia. ⁽⁷⁾ For the plant to thrive, the soil needs to be nutrient-rich and healthy. creation, growth, and reproduction. Soil is a representation of both organic and inorganic materials. on the surface of the earth, which is the primary habitat for plant growth. It is essential that determine the rhizosphere's (the soil's) nutritional condition, which affects the growth of all plant species. aside from non-rhizosphere soil. Saussurea obvallata (DC.) Edgew. (Brahma Kamal) is the state. The Uttarakhand flower of India. ⁽⁸⁾

BOTANICAL DESCRIPTION

Saussurea obvallata is a transient aromatic perennial. Hermaphrodite herb that can reach a height of 15–80, robust, frequently unbranched caudex. The Stems are ribbed, upright, and hollow. Lower stem leaves and the leaf blade's base is petiolate. The leaf blade is either oblong, elliptic-oblong, or ovate, with a measurement of 7-32 x 1-6.5 cm. The leaves on the middle and upper stems are sessile, possessing an elliptic and a semiamplexical base. to ovate form, with dimensions of 5-16 × 1.5-8 cm. with light yellow surfaces from both directions. The purple flowers are shielded from the bitterly cold alpine environment by the layers of papery, yellowish-green bracts. The foliage is both cauline and basal in form. The three basic types are lanceolate, elliptical, and petiolate in shape, base sheathing, and expanded dimensions with frightening margins that are serrated. The apexes of the leaves are as acute, obtuse, and cuspidate forms. White foliage may be lanceolate or elliptic-spathulate, and flowers are bisexual in nature, having a tubular corolla and a violet hue. A massive cluster of flowers shields the flower's head. The entire plant of Braham Kamal is odorless^{. (9)}

TAXONOMICAL CLASSFICATION

The Asteraceae family includes the genus Saussurea, which is found in the area of the Himalayas. This genus's plants are There are about 400 species of what are commonly called snow lotuses. In India, there are sixty-two of them. Concerning taxonomy, it belongs to the Kingdom of Plantae, Class Magnoliopsida, Asteraceae Family, Saussurea Genus the Edgew, S. obvallata (DC.) species. ⁽¹⁰⁾

Fig. 1 Brahma Kamal Flower ⁽¹⁰⁾

ORGANOLEPTIC DESCRIPTION

The results of the plant's organoleptic analysis showed that Saussurea obvallata plant  has no smell. The most remarkable aspect is the flower, which is extremely aromatic. The bracts are typically astringent and sweet. The stem tastes astringent and bitter, while the rhizome and leaf taste astringent. The entire plant is coarse, of course^{. (11)}

VERNACULAR NAMES

A common name for the plant is "Brahma Kamal." represents the flower of Lord Brahma everywhere in the world known as "sacred lotus" due to its auspiciousness.

MORPHOLOGICAL FEATURES

The Swedish plant taxonomist Horace Benedict de Saussure is honored by the generic name "Saussurea," while the specific epithet "obvallata" is derived from "obvallatus," which means "surrounded by wall" and refers to involucriform bracts. This perennial herb is small and hermaphroditic, growing up to 60 cm in height. The upright, ribbed, hollow stems are typically purple to reddish brown in color. Acute to obtuse or cuspidate at the apex, denticulate cuspidate and scarious at the margins, rosulate, petiolate, elliptic-spathulate, or lanceolate, 10 to 25, 1 to 5.5 cm, and somewhat expanded and sheathed at the base are the characteristics of basal leaves it is possible for cauline leaves to be lanceolate or elliptic-spathulate. terminal inflorescences with two or more discoid capitula encircled by pale yellow or creamy white involucriform bracts. There are two types of flowers. The tubular corolla's linear-lanceolate lobes can be violet or bluish purple in color. Cypselae are oblong or obovoid, pale creamy, brown, or grayish, and have a white pappus. Seed germination is the plant's natural method of reproduction. ⁽¹²⁾

ECOLOGICAL DESCRIPTION

Habitat and Distribution ⁽¹³⁾

Saussurea obvallata, DC Edgew, commonly known as Brahma Kamal, is a flowering plant that thrives at high elevations in the Himalayan region. It is found at altitudes ranging from 3,000 to 5,000 meters (9,800 to 16,400 feet) above sea level. This species primarily inhabits alpine meadows, rocky slopes, and subnival zones of the Himalayas, particularly in India (Uttarakhand, Himachal Pradesh, Sikkim, and Arunachal Pradesh), as well as in Nepal, Bhutan, and Tibet (China).

Climatic Condition ⁽¹⁴⁾

This species has also evolved to thrive in challenging alpine environments characterized by low oxygen levels, strong winds, high ultraviolet (UV) radiation, and extremely low temperatures. It is capable of enduring prolonged freezing winters and experiences a brief growing season that lasts from June to September.

Conservation Status

It is protected under Indian conservation initiatives, particularly within biosphere reserves such as the Nanda Devi and Valley of Flowers National Parks, both of which are recognized as UNESCO World Heritage Sites.

TRADITIONAL USES

Brahma Kamal plays an important role in traditional medicine. But the therapeutic Brahma Kamal's effects have not been scientifically examined, but such actions could be evaluated for therapeutic goals. ⁽¹⁵⁾ The entire plant of Brahma Kamal can be used to cure a variety of illnesses portrayed by people native to Tibet and other regions, including the Garhwal region of the upper Himalayas, use Brahma Kamal will make herbal remedies. The foliage, Brahma kamal's flowers and rhizomes are used in the treatment of colds, urinary tract infections, coughs and pain in the bones. ⁽¹⁶⁾  The foliage and seeds and roots that are used to treat heart disease for conditions of the nervous system, and dry leaves are used to cure boils and promote wound healing. ⁽¹⁷⁾ Plants are also used to treat cerebral ischemia. in addition to paralysis^{. (18)}

MEDICINAL USES

There are several medical applications for this plant. In order to treat cuts and wounds, the roots in the ground. Leukoderma, problems with the urinary tract, and bone injuries, colds, coughing, fractures, and bone pain, Hydrocele, digestive problems, and reproductive disorders are all given roots and flower buds. ⁽²⁵⁾

• Anti-Inflammatory Properties
• Digestive Support
• Respiratory Health
• Anti-spasmodic Effects
• Immune System Support
• Antioxidant Activity
• Wound Healing
• Stress Reduction
• Anticancer

WOUND HEALING MECHANISM

Wound healing is typically categorized into three distinct phases. These phases are Inflammation, Proliferation, and Remodelling. The process involves intricate reactions and interactions among cells and mediators. Wounds are defined as physical injuries that lead to the disruption of the skin. The extract from the plant Saussurea obvallata is utilized for wound healing. The mechanisms associated with the wound healing properties of Saussurea obvallata include the inhibition of Inflammation and the stimulation of Fibroblasts. In vitro testing of these processes is a crucial component in assessing the wound healing efficacy of the plant. The most commonly employed in vitro wound healing assays include the in vitro scratch assay, Electric Cell-substrate Impedance Sensing, microfluidic chambers, and Boyden chamber-based transmembrane assays. The mechanism that is essential for wound healing is Cell migration and proliferation. ⁽²⁶⁾

WOUND HEALING ACTIVITY

Wound healing is a multifaceted and dynamic biological process within the body, during which damaged and dead cells are substituted with newly generated cells or tissue. Inflammation, tissue repair, and remodeling constitute the preliminary stages of the wound- healing process. The ethanol extract of Brahma kamal leaf exhibited remarkable wound healing effectiveness in experimental animals when compared to the standard 10% w/w Povidone-iodine ointment. ⁽²⁷⁾

TYPES OF WOUNDS ⁽²⁸⁾

A wound refers to an injury that disrupts the skin or other bodily tissues. Wounds may be classified as open, where the skin is broken and underlying tissue is exposed, or closed, where there is damage to the tissue beneath unbroken skin. Penetrating wounds

• Puncture wounds
• Surgical wounds and incisions
• Thermal, chemical or electric burns
• Bites and stings
• Gunshot wounds, or other high velocity projectiles that can penetrate the body
• Blunt force trauma
• Abrasions
• Lacerations
• Skin tears

MAJOR TYPES OF CLOSER WOUNDS INCLUDE

• Contusions – blunt trauma causing pressure damage to the skin and/or underlying tissues
• Blisters
• Seroma – a fluid-filled area that develops under the skin or tissue
• Hematoma – a blood-filled area that develops under the skin or tissue (occurring when there is internal blood vessel damage to an artery or vein)
• Crush injuries

SYMPTOMS OF WOUNDS

• The most common indicators of a wound include tenderness, swelling, and bleeding.
• Some wounds may exhibit more pain, bleeding, and swelling than others, which is influenced by the type and site of the injury.
• Examples of minor wounds, such as cuts, scrapes, bruises, and scratches, often heal without requiring medical treatment. ⁽²⁹⁾

CAUSES OF WOUND ⁽³⁰⁾

The primary reasons for cuts and puncture wounds are external injuries that either break or tear the skin. These causes include :

• falls
• car accidents
• broken glass
• stabbings
• razor cuts

The most common causes for puncture wounds include:

• stepping on a sharp object, such as a nail
• getting bitten
• falling onto something sharp

PHARMACOLOGICAL ACTIVITY

Antioxidant activity

Reactive oxygen species (ROS) molecules exhibit a very brief half-life and are extremely reactive due to their incomplete valences. An excessive production of free radicals results in oxidative stress. (27) This oxidative stress is believed to contribute to various age-related illnesses, including Alzheimer's disease, Parkinson's disease, arthritis, and cancer. Antioxidants are designed to neutralize free radicals and mitigate oxidative damage. ^(31,32)

Anticancer activity

When evaluated using MCF-7 breast cancer cell lines, the anticancer properties of S. obvallata leaf and flower extracts exhibited considerable effectiveness in comparison to a positive control. ^(33,34)

Anticancer and radioprotective activity 

Liang-wen and his team investigated the radioprotective properties of S. obvallata, proposing that it would demonstrate a dose-dependent radioprotective effect on mice subjected to radiation. Nevertheless, as reported by Ying et al. (2015), the aqueous extract of S. obvallata shows only moderate radioprotective activity. ⁽³⁵⁾ When extracts from S. obvallata leaves and flowers were evaluated for their anticancer properties against MCF-7 breast cancer cell lines, a review article also disclosed that the findings suggested the extracts exhibited considerable anticancer anticancer activity in comparison to the positive control. ⁽³⁶⁾

Antibacterial and antifungal activity

Mishra conducted a study on the antibacterial properties of S. obvallata leaves in relation to gram-positive and gram-negative bacteria. The petroleum ether extract demonstrated significant antibacterial activity, with measurements of 87.2 ± 1.6, 98.4 ± 1.1, and 90.2 ± 1.8 µg/ml. ^(37,38) It also contains Cinnamaldehyde, which exhibits antimicrobial properties. ⁽³⁹

Fig 2: Mechanism of action of Cinnamaldehyde as antimicrobial ⁽⁴⁰⁾