Taxonomic diversity, distribution, biochemical, molecular and pharmacological potential of Paris L. (Melanthiaceae): A review
Authors/Creators
- 1. Plant Systematics and Ethnobotanical Research Laboratory, Department of Botany, Rajiv Gandhi University, Rono Hills, Doimukh-791112, Arunachal Pradesh, India
- 2. Department of Biotechnology, National Institute of Technology (NIT)-Arunachal Pradesh, Jote-791113, Papum Pare, Arunachal Pradesh, India.
- 3. Department of Chemistry, Rajiv Gandhi University, Rono Hills, Doimukh-791112, Arunachal Pradesh, India.
Description
The genus Paris L. belonging to the family Melanthiaceae is one of the important monocot angiosperms with wide range of medicinal and pharmacological potentials. In the recent decades, a surging popularity and demand for dried rhizomes of Paris polyphylla Sm. have been witnessed in the international herbal market which is mainly due to the Rhizoma Paridis based anti-oxidant and anti-cancer herbal drug products of Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) rich in bioactive steroidal saponins emanating from China. This has triggered rampant wild collection and pushed the natural population of P. polyphylla on the verge of extinction in the Indian Himalayas, Northeast India, Bhutan, Nepal and China. The present review highlights current taxonomic diversity and nomenclatural status, biosystematics, ethnobotany and traditional uses, global distribution and endemism range, molecular phylogeny and evolution, biochemical profiles, pharmacological activities including anti-microbial, cytotoxicity, anti-inflammatory, anti-tumour, and anti-aging potential, mineral ion deposits, tissue culture, trade and commerce, and conservation aspects of Paris L. in a regional and global perspectives. The present review revealed 36 taxa (at species and varietal level) of Paris L. published in various literatures including Flora of China, and now some of the varieties have been found synonymized and merged into 27 species reported as accepted names now found updated in POWO (2022). The Chinese species and varieties of Paris L. have been found extensively studied to date for their medicinal and pharmacological potential. However, there is a need for detail taxonomic and biochemical studies on Indian species of Paris L. including P. polyphylla to unveil their correct taxonomic status, and population status in natural habitats, bioactive phytochemicals, pharmacological potential, cultivation and conservation, sustainable harvesting and value addition, trade and commerce. This article is expected to help researchers, traders and conservationists in realizing the taxonomic diversity, ecological, economic, medicinal and pharmacological importance of the genus Paris L.