Department of Dravyaguna, Faculty of Ayurveda, IMS, Banaras Hindu University, Varanasi-221005, India

Abstract

A resurgence of interest in Ayurveda and other traditional systems of medicine has resulted in the preference of health seekers towards a holistic approach and products of natural origin. Though chemical fertilizers can enhance the yield, however, it will be at the cost of soil fertility. Meantime, the alternatives such as age-old Vrikshayurveda practices which are organic in nature should be evaluated on medicinal plants for their acceptance and wider utility. The aim of this work is to review the relevancy of agricultural techniques mentioned in the Vrikshayurveda for the organic cultivation of medicinal plants. All the relevant data and information on Vrikshayurveda were assembled from the classical Ayurvedic literature and review and research articles from peer-reviewed journals. The adoption of various Vrikshayurveda-based agro techniques would certainly promote the sustainable growth of medicinal plants and improve the viability of the seeds of endangered plant species for better germination. This will ultimately enhance the quality as well as the production of raw materials for the production of medicines. Vrikshayurveda treatments were effective in terms of growth, physiological, biochemical, yield and quality attributes. Further studies are needed to evaluate the effect of Vrikshayurveda treatments on the quality and quantity of biomedically important phyto-compounds. Consequently, to reduce the pressure on agriculture for higher production, economical and eco-friendly Vrikhayurveda practices can be initiated for sustainable agriculture and can be considered as an alternative to conventional agricultural practices.