In LEH Rhodiola, a herb found in the cold and highland climate, has led India's leading scientists to wonder if it is the end to the quest for "sanjeevani", the mythical herb that gave renewed life to Ram's brother Lakshman in the epic Ramayana.
In the high and hostile peaks of the Himalayas where sustaining life is a challenge in itself, Indian scientists say they have found a "wonder herb" which can regulate the immune system, help adapt to the mountain environment and, above all, protect from radioactivity. Locally called "solo" in Ladakh, the qualities of Rhodiola were largely unknown so far.
The leafy parts of the plant were used as vegetable by locals. However, research by the Leh-based Defence Institute of High Altitude Research (DIHAR) is exploring the therapeutic values of the herb that shows it can do wonders for the troops posted in difficult high altitude areas like the 5,400m-high Siachen glacier. " RB Srivastava, director, DIHAR, told IANS.
Srivastava said the herb can mitigate the effects of gamma radiation used in bombs in biochemical warfare. The Leh-based lab of the Defence Research and Development Organization (DRDO), the world's highest agro-animal research laboratory, has been researching on this wonder plant for more than a decade. "Our research reveals its potential for anti-aging, tissue regeneration, protecting neurons during lack of oxygen, and cognitive improvement," said Sunil Hota, who is working on investigating medicinal properties of the plant at DIHAR.Indian scientists find a ‘wonder herb’ in the high Himalayas; Aug 25, 2014, ::Bschandrasgr (ಚರ್ಚೆ) ೧೩:೪೮, ೭ ಮೇ ೨೦೧೭ (UTC)
