Sanjeevani

The depiction of Sanjeevani booti in the great Indian epic “Ramayana” as a “life saving herb” which could save the life of Lakshman led to its exploration enthusiasm among the researchers. Its exploration directed to the discovery of an herb having characteristics similar with this magical herb “Sanjeevani booti”. This herb scientifically known as Selaginella bryopeteris is found in the Arawali Mountain of the Himalayan which ranges from east to west in India retaining the ability to resurrect life. Its ability to treat wounds and bleeding during menstruation, uterine disorders, and other internal injuries as well as its activity as antioxidants, anti-inflammatory, anti-cancer, anti-allergic, antimicrobial, antifungal, antibacterial, antiviral etc due  to the presence of secondary metabolites such as alkaloids, phenol and terpenoids etc increases its applicability as a tonic to improve fitness and hence to expand life span. Recent investigations explore another herb in the mountain ranges of Himalayas, which is scientifically known as “Rhodiola” possessing properties similar with Sanjeevani. Scientists called it as “Modern Sanjeevani”. Thus the present review article encompasses the general characteristics, habitat, therapeutic properties of Selaginella bryopeteris and the recent findings on Rhodiola.