Ethnopharmacological, Phytochemical, and Toxicological Characteristics of Dactylorhiza hatagirea: A Synoptic Overview

Abstract

Salampunja; Ayurvedic name: Munjataka (Dactylorhiza hatagirea syn. Orchis hatagirea or Orchis latifolia.; Family: Orchidaceae conventional therapeutic plant, commonly prescribed for the treatment of various pathophysiological conditions in ASU (Ayurveda, Siddha, and Unani) system of medicine in India. Plant parts such as tubers and roots have been reported for their therapeutic potential. It helps to cure Pravahika (dysentery), Atisara (diarrhea), Jwara (fever), kasa (cough), Ajirna (indigestion or upset stomach), Vrana (wounds), Agnidagdha (burns), Khanda Bhagna or Asthi Bhagna (fractures), Medhya (nervine tonic), and Vajikarana or Vrishya chikitsa (aphrodisiac). Moreover, it has also shown remarkable efficacy against Gram-positive and Gram-negative bacteria and their associated illness. The principal phytochemicals in D. hatagirea are alkaloids, glycosides, phenolic compounds, carbohydrates, flavonoids, saponins, starch, gum, and mucilage. However, further clinical studies will still be needed to confirm the plant’s safety and effectiveness in humans. The toxicological results from clinical studies provided assurance of the plant’s safety. The objective of this chapter is to present current knowledge on Dactylorhiza hatagirea, including its ethnomedicinal, phytochemical, pharmacological, and toxicological characteristics. © 2026 selection and editorial matter, Jashanpreet Singh, Hitesh Vasudev, Chander Prakash, and Manpreet Singh individual chapters, the contributors.