International Association of Scientific Innovation and Research
Abstract
The objective of the present study was to review on few medicinally potential plants of Lamiaceae of Karnataka. Plants in this family, are herbs or shrubs often with an aromatic smell. They are common in the Mediterranean countries for the fact that some of them produce a high amount of essential oil that enables them to survive the hot summer season. Some examples from this family include Anisomeles, Colebrookea, Coleus, Hyptis, Leonotis, Leucas, Mentha, Ocimum, Oreganum and Salvia. These are important for medicinal, perfumery, culinary and ornamental purposes. Medicinal constituents include the strong aromatic essential oil, tannins, saponins and organic acids. The oil is obtained by steam distillation. In aromatherapy, the oil is used for its soothing effects. These plants have sedative, diuretic, tonic, antispasmodic, antifungal, antimicrobial, anti-inflammatory and antiseptic propertie