A mini review on medicinal properties of the resurrecting plant Selaginella bryopteris (Sanjeevani)

Abstract

Sanjeevani grows on the hills of tropical areas, particularly the Arawali Mountain terrains from east to west in India and is known to be a poikilohydric lithophyte occurring along the mountains and in fact, this herb is sold for this peculiar feature in several markets in India. In Hindu mythology, Sanjeevani (Selaginella bryopeteris) is a magical herb which has the power to cure any malady. Selaginella has been used traditionally to treat wounds and bleeding such as menstruation, uterine disorders and other internal injuries. Selaginella contains a variety of secondary metabolites such as alkaloids, phenol and terpenoids etc due which it can act as antioxidants, anti-inflammatory, anti-cancer, anti-allergic, antimicrobial, antifungal, antibacterial, antiviral etc. It is also used as a tonic to improve fitness and to expand life span. So it is important to explore more and more about this wonder herb so that it can be a “Jeanie” (master wizard for all desires) medicine for one and all in this world.