Important Medicinal Plants of Western Rajasthan: Ethnomedicinal Significance and Therapeutic Potential: A Review

Traditional herbal medicine plays an important role in primary health care, particularly in arid and rural regions where plant-based remedies continue to be widely practiced. Ethnomedicinal knowledge preserved by local and tribal communities provides valuable insights into the therapeutic applications of native plant species, many of which serve as rich sources of biologically active compounds.

The present review compiles and analyzes available literature on the ethnomedicinal uses and phytochemical profiles of selected medicinal plants from Western Rajasthan, including Commiphora wightii, Glossonema, Haloxylon salicornicum, Capparis decidua, Tecomella undulata, Withania coagulans, Prosopis cineraria, Ziziphus nummularia, Aloe vera, Lawsonia inermis and Leptadenia pyrotechnica. These plants are widely employed in traditional systems of medicine such as Ayurveda, Unani, and regional folk practices, with various plant parts used to manage diverse health conditions. Reported phytochemical constituents, including flavonoids, alkaloids, terpenoids, phenolic compounds, tannins, and sterols, support their traditional applications. This review highlights the significance of these medicinal plants as valuable resources for future research and sustainable utilization.