TAXUS BACCATA LINN. : A MYSTICAL HERB

Ayurveda is a system of traditional medicine native to Indian subcontinent and a form of alternative medicine. The vast field of
ayurvedic science is gaining more importance and popularity across the globe because of its amazing therapeutic values. Many
medication commonly used by us today come from plants. In ayurveda, Taxus baccata is one of the important plant used for medicinal
puropose. Taxus baccata, although native to Britain, is also found across much of Europe, Western Asia and north Africa. Taxus
baccata Linn belonging to Taxaceae family. Taxus baccata tree is a highly toxic plant that has occasionally been used medicinally. An
alkaloid taxin has been obtained from the seeds of the plant and has anti-cancerous property. Leaves contain volatile oil, tannic acid,
gallic acid and resinous substance. This plant can be used as anti spasmodic, cardiotonic, expectorant, narcotic, purgative. Leaves used
in the treatment of asthma, bronchitis, hiccups, indigestion, rheumatism and epilepsy. The arriles, removed from their seeds have
diuretic and laxative effects. It was used medicinally to treat viper bites, hydrophobia (rabbies) and as an abortifacient. Hence this
paper is an attempt to bring this effective drug to limelight by describing its importance in ayurvedic medicine.