Q.Give an account of the medicinal plants prescribed as bioresources of Assam, mentioning the scientific name, part used, active compound and use of each.

See the detailed account.

1. Sarpagandha — Rauvolfia serpentina (Apocynaceae). Part used: root. Compound: reserpine. Use: antihypertensive (lowers blood pressure) and sedative/tranquilliser. This is the flagship medicinal plant of the group.
2. Neem — Azadirachta indica (Meliaceae). Parts: leaves, seed kernel, bark. Compound: azadirachtin. Use: antibacterial, antifungal and antiseptic, and a natural biopesticide.
3. Tulsi — Ocimum tenuiflorum (Lamiaceae). Parts: leaves and oil. Compound: eugenol. Use: antimicrobial and antioxidant; a common cough and cold remedy.
4. Cinchona — Cinchona officinalis (Rubiaceae). Part: bark. Compound: quinine. Use: antimalarial. (Example only — native to the Andes, not grown in Assam.)
5. Atropa — Atropa belladonna (Solanaceae). Parts: leaves, roots. Compound: atropine. Use: mydriatic (dilates the pupil) and antispasmodic; highly toxic. (Example only — a temperate plant, not grown in Assam.)