India

Ashwagandha (Withania somnifera), also known as sleeping berry or Indian ginseng, is native to the arid regions of India. The root, containing withanolides, has been used for over 1000 years.

Brahmi (Bacopa monnieri; water hyssop) has been used in traditional Indian herbalism for around 3000 years. It contains bacosides A and B, which are saponins and contribute to its unique effects.

Ginger (Zingiber officinale) is a tropical spice that has been used in cooking and traditional herbalism for thousands of years. The tuber-like root (rhizome) of ginger contains many interesting phytochemicals, including gingerols, which are responsible for the tuber's flavour and versatile properties.

In India, liquorice (Glycyrrhiza glabra) is considered to be one of the most important natural remedies. The root contains over 400 bioactive substances, including more than 20 triterpene saponins and over 300 flavonoids. In 2012, liquorice was voted medicinal plant of the year by a committee from the University of Wuerzburg. One of the most important ingredients of liquorice is glycyrrhizin, a saponin that is currently under extensive research.

Saffron, which has had a firm place in the traditional botany of many cultures for hundreds of years, is considered the most aromatic and precious spice in the world. The phytochemical composition of saffron is now well studied — so far the plant has been shown to harbour over 150 different phytochemicals. The most important active compounds are safranal and crocine.

Tulsi (Ocimum tenuiflorum; Ocimum sanctum; holy basil) is one of the most well-known herbs in Indian botany and is revered as a sacred plant in India due to its diverse range of effects. The plant contains high concentrations of potent ingredients including tannins, essential oils, polysaccharides, terpenoids and flavonoids.