Abstract
Selaginella bryopteris (L.) Baker, commonly known as Sanjeevani booti in the Indian subcontinent, holds a distinguished position at the intersection of mythology and modern phytopharmacology. This review comprehensively examines the phytochemical composition, ethnomedicinal applications, and mythological significance of S. bryopteris with particular reference to its portrayal in the ancient Indian epic, the Ramayana. The pteridophyte's remarkable resilience to desiccation and its ability to revive after apparent death aligns with its legendary depiction as a life-restoring herb. Contemporary scientific investigations have revealed the presence of diverse bioactive compounds including flavonoids, biflavonoids, phenolics, alkaloids, and terpenoids that contribute to its documented antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial, and adaptogenic properties. This article further explores the challenges in conservation of this vulnerable species amidst increasing anthropogenic pressures and climate change, while proposing sustainable cultivation and harvesting approaches. The convergence of traditional knowledge and modern scientific validation of S. bryopteris exemplifies the potential for ancient medicinal texts to guide contemporary drug discovery efforts, particularly in addressing conditions related to oxidative stress, inflammation, and microbial infections.
Keywords
Selaginella bryopteris, Sanjeevani booti, Ramayana, phytochemistry, biflavonoids, resurrection plant, ethnopharmacology, conservation
Introduction
The ancient Indian epic Ramayana describes Sanjeevani Booti as a miraculous herb with the power to revive life, heal severe injuries, and cure ailments. Botanically identified as Selaginella bryopteris, this fern ally has been revered for centuries in Ayurveda and traditional medicine for its purported rejuvenating properties. Known colloquially as the "resurrection plant" due to its ability to survive extreme desiccation and revive upon rehydration, S. bryopteris exhibits remarkable ecological resilience, thriving in rocky terrains and tropical climates. Modern scientific investigations have sought to unravel the phytochemical basis of its medicinal potential, linking its therapeutic effects to bioactive compounds such as flavonoids, phenolics, and biflavonoids, which exhibit antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and immunomodulatory properties. Ethnopharmacological studies highlight its traditional use in treating fever, jaundice, and respiratory disorders, while preliminary research suggests possible adaptogenic and neuroprotective effects. Despite its cultural and therapeutic prominence, a comprehensive phytochemical profiling of S. bryopteris remains underexplored, necessitating systematic validation of its bioactive constituents and pharmacological mechanisms.
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Arnab Roy
Corresponding author
Assistant Professor, Department of Pharmacy, Faculty of Medical Science and Research, Sai Nath University, Ranchi, Jharkhand 835219, India.
Dr. Deepak Kumar
Co-author
Principal, Krishna Institute of Pharmacy, Satkira, Jharkhand-828401, India.
Ranjan Kumar Maji
Co-author
Assistant Professor, Krishna Institute of Pharmacy, Satkira, Jharkhand-828401, India.
Monika Sharma
Co-author
Research Scholar, Kalinga University, Kotni, Atal Nagar-Nava Raipur, Chhattisgarh 492101, India.
Meghna Singh
Co-author
Research Scholar, Kalinga University, Kotni, Atal Nagar-Nava Raipur, Chhattisgarh 492101, India.
Akash Bhattacharjee
Co-author
Student, Faculty of Pharmacy, Kalinga University, Kotni, Atal Nagar-Nava Raipur, Chhattisgarh 492101, India.
Madhu Vishwakarma
Co-author
Student, Faculty of Medical Science and Research, Sai Nath University, Ranchi, Jharkhand-835219, India.
Ankit Kumar Srivastava
Co-author
Student, Faculty of Medical Science and Research, Sai Nath University, Ranchi, Jharkhand-835219, India.
Alok Kumar
Co-author
Student, Faculty of Medical Science and Research, Sai Nath University, Ranchi, Jharkhand-835219, India.
Ved Prakash Singh
Co-author
Student, Faculty of Medical Science and Research, Sai Nath University, Ranchi, Jharkhand-835219, India.
Amisha Kumari
Co-author
Student, Faculty of Medical Science and Research, Sai Nath University, Ranchi, Jharkhand-835219, India.
Jaybir Singh
Co-author
Student, B.Pharm, Department of Pharmacy, Sai Nath University, Ranchi, Jharkhand-835219, India
Raj Kumar Rajak
Co-author
Student, B.Pharm, Department of Pharmacy, Sai Nath University, Ranchi, Jharkhand-835219, India
Adarsh Kumar Singh
Co-author
Student, B.Pharm, Department of Pharmacy, Sai Nath University, Ranchi, Jharkhand-835219, India
Ravi Kumar
Co-author
Student, B.Pharm, Department of Pharmacy, Sai Nath University, Ranchi, Jharkhand-835219, India
Kajal Kumari
Co-author
Student, B.Pharm, Department of Pharmacy, Sai Nath University, Ranchi, Jharkhand-835219, India
Sunty Kumar
Co-author
Student, B.Pharm, Department of Pharmacy, Sai Nath University, Ranchi, Jharkhand-835219, India.
Navneet Kumar
Co-author
Student, B. Pharm, Kalinga University, Kotni, Atal Nagar-Nava Raipur, Chhattisgarh 492101, India.
Dr. Deepak Kumar, Ranjan Kumar Maji, Monika Sharma, Meghna Singh, Akash Bhattacharjee, Navneet Kumar, Madhu Vishwakarma, Ankit Kumar, Alok Kumar, Ved Prakash Singh, Amisha Kumari, Jaybir Singh, Raj Kumar Rajak, Adarsh Kumar Singh, Ravi Kumar, Kajal Kumari, Sunty Kumar, Arnab Roy*, Unveiling the Mystical and Medicinal Significance of Selaginella Bryopteris: A Phytochemical Exploration of the Ramayana's Sanjeevani Booti, Int. J. Sci. R. Tech., 2025, 2 (6), 115-133. https://doi.org/10.5281/zenodo.15581125