Ksheerkakoli (Lilium polyphyllum D. Don) – An Endangered plant of Asthavarga Mentioned in Samhitas

Abstract

The first time Acharya Sharagdhar uttered the word Asthavarga. It contains eight medicinal plants: Kakoli, ksheerkakoli, Meda, Mahameda, Jeevak, Rishbhak, Riddhi, and Vridhhi. The natural habitats of all these plants are found in the Himalayas, especially in the North-West Himalaya in Uttarakhand, Jammu & Kashmir, and Himachal Pradesh, where they can be found between 1500 and 4000 meters above sea level. Since their natural habitats are unique in terms of the ecological environment, they are only found in limited areas. In Ayurveda, a wide range of herbs are used as treatments for various ailments. Of these, Ksheerkakoli is the one. The Astavarga Group refers to Ksheerkakoli (Lilium polyphyllum D. Don) as a narcotic; however, the botanical identity of the species is debatable, and other medications are marketed or used by the same name. Astavarga is a crucial component of many Ayurvedic remedies, including Chavyanprasha. Even though significant work has been done to identify the medicinal plants listed under Astavarga, the genuine plant of Ksheerkakoli (Lilium polyphyllum D. Don) still needs to be identified. The current study examines the pharmacological and botanical qualities of the medicinal plants known as Ksheerkakoli (Lilium polyphyllum D. Don).