In a bid to unlock the therapeutic potential of the Ulmus wallichiana Planchon, commonly known as Himalayan elm or Brenn in Kashmiri, researchers from Shar- e -Kashmir University of Agricultural Sciences and Technology Kashmir have embarked on an enlightening journey.
Led by Mehak Aslam, Arshy Hussain, Vaishnu Dutt, Hamid Reza Fallahi, and Amjad M. Husaini, this ground breaking review article seeks to address the lacuna in literature concerning this botanical treasure, paving the way for future research and utilization.
According to the researchers the traditional pharmacopeia of India has long revered Ulmus wallichiana for its multifaceted healing attributes, but the lack of archival documentation and scientific validation has led to the disappearance of many traditional remedies.
Across different states, this mountain tree bears various local names, reflecting its significance in ethno traditional herbal medicine practices.
Recognizing the urgent need to preserve and harness the medicinal wealth hidden within Ulmus wallichiana, the researchers embarked on a systematic review journey.
Their exhaustive electronic search across various scientific databases unearthed a treasure trove of 143 publications spanning from 1971 to 2023. These encompassed a spectrum of research papers, book chapters, and dictionaries, laying the foundation for a comprehensive understanding of the plant’s therapeutic potential.
Delving into the botanical and ecological realm, the review provides a detailed portrait of Ulmus wallichiana’s distribution and habitat.
Thriving in temperate forests at altitudes ranging from 1000 to 3000 meters, the tree’s range extends from central Afghanistan to northern India and western Nepal. Found alongside paddy fields, streams, and forested slopes, Ulmus wallichiana forms an integral part of the region’s ecological tapestry.
Beyond its ecological significance, Ulmus wallichiana holds immense cultural and economic value for local communities. Utilized for centuries as a reliable source of fuelwood and timber, the tree sustains livelihoods and provides essential resources for cooking and construction. Moreover, its leaves serve as fodder for livestock, further intertwining its fate with the region’s agrarian traditions.
However, it is in the realm of traditional medicine that Ulmus wallichiana truly shines. Revered for its diverse therapeutic properties, including as a demulcent, astringent, and diuretic, the tree has been a cornerstone of indigenous healing practices.
From treating digestive ailments to aiding in bone fracture healing, the bark of Ulmus wallichiana has been a go-to remedy for generations.
Recent scientific investigations have unveiled a plethora of phytochemical compounds harboured within Ulmus wallichiana, offering insights into its pharmacological potential. Flavonoids such as K058, K012, K068, and K100 have shown promise in treating osteoporosis and osteoclastogenesis, particularly in post-menopausal osteoporosis. Moreover, studies have highlighted the anti-osteoporotic activity of U. wallichiana bark extracts, demonstrating its ability to enhance bone mineral density and prevent bone loss.
In addition to its osteoprotective effects, U. wallichiana exhibits antioxidant properties and has shown potential in treating hypertension.
The discovery of novel compounds like Ulmoside A (UA) and Ulmoside B from U. wallichiana extracts has opened new avenues for the development of therapeutic agents targeting oxidative damage, apoptosis, and hyperglycemia, among other conditions.
These findings have sparked increased interest in herbal medicines for primary healthcare, with Ulmus wallichiana emerging as a promising candidate for managing various health conditions.
The identification of bioactive components and their mechanisms of action provide valuable insights into the plant’s therapeutic potential, bridging the gap between traditional wisdom and modern scientific understanding.
Efforts to propagate and conserve Ulmus wallichiana have gained traction, with researchers exploring both seed propagation and vegetative methods.
From the hills of North India to arboreta in the United Kingdom, initiatives are underway to safeguard and study this botanical treasure for future generations.
