A review on medicinal plant galls used in Siddha and other Indian systems of medicine

Abstract

In ancient times galls were considered as supernatural outgrowths, and several myths were being created related with these mysterious formations of nature. Later the knowledge about these valuable structures have been given the name as “medicinal balls” since it showed the potential efficacy in treating various diseases on those days. Various traditional and folk systems of medicine prescribed about its bioactivity and recommended and used them for curing several ailments. Siddha system of medicine included different plant galls forming on different species of plants and its therapeutic uses in various siddha drugs and poly herbal formulations. The present study is focusing on the morphology, causal organism, phytochemicals, bioactivities and medicinal uses of some of the plant galls being described in the Siddha system of medicine. Collection of data and literature review is done by referring pharmacopeias and formularies of Siddha, published articles and books. The study will provide a valid account on medicinal aspects of these plant galls and will help to remove all mysteries behind these abnormal growths.