Journal of Medicinal Plants Studies 2017; 5(1): 266-269
ISSN 2320-3862
JMPS 2017; 5(1): 266-269
© 2017 JMPS
Received: 19-11-2016
Accepted: 20-12-2016
Preeti Sagar Malaiya
Asstt. Prof. of Botany, Govt. Tulsi
College, Anuppur (M.P), India
Correspondence
Preeti Sagar Malaiya
Asstt. Prof. of Botany, Govt. Tulsi
College, Anuppur (M.P), India
Indigenous herbal medicines used by tribal people
in Satpuda Mountain Amarkantak, District
Anuppur (M.P.)
Preeti Sagar Malaiya
Abstract
According to the survey taken in Amarkantak, Anuppur district of Madhya Pradesh, India in the year of
2015-2016 various medicinal plants are present. The tribal people like Bhil, Gond and Baiga are used
these plants for different diseases. The use of these herbal medicines has important role in the modern
medicine stream like homeopathy, ayurveda, unani etc. The use of herbal medicine is not only cost
effective but also safe and almost free from serious side effects. A total 70 medicinal plants species
distributed in 37 families in this districts. These medicinal plants are use for headache, earache,
stomachache, antioxidants enriched plants, liver protective, renal protective, antidiabetic, abortificients,
wound infections, skin infections, fever, cough, diarrhea, eye infections, general weakness, blood purifier
medicinal plants etc.
Keywords: Bhil Tribe, Herbal Medicine, Gond Tribe, Baiga Tribe, Satpuda Mountain
1. Introduction
Satpuda Mountain is a range of hills in central India. The range rises in eastern Gujarat state
near the Arabian Sea coast, running east through the border of Madhya Pradesh to the east till
Chhattisgarh. Satpuda Range, range of hills, part of the Deccan plateau, western India. The
hills stretch for some 560 miles (900 km) across the widest part of peninsular India, through
Madhya Pradesh states. The name of Satpuda is given because of the seven folds forms the
watershed between Narmada (north) Tapti (south) rivers. India is well known for its plants
diversity and is rich in medicinal plant wealth. India has the second largest tribal population in
the world after Africa. According to the 2011 census of India, the total tribal population is 8%
of country’s population of which Madhya Pradesh has population of 7.27 Crores, an increase
from figure of 6.03 Crore in 2001 census. Total population of Madhya Pradesh as per 2011
census is 72,626,809 of which male and female are 37,612,306 and 35,014,503 respectively.
There are 46 recognized Scheduled Tribes in Madhya Pradesh, India, three of which have been
identified as 'Particularly Vulnerable Tribal Groups' (PTGs) (formerly known as 'Special
Primitive Tribal Groups'). The population of Scheduled Tribals (ST) is 21.1% of the state
population (15.31 million out of 72.62 million), according to the 2011 census. Bounded by the
Narmada River to the north and the Godavari River to the southeast, tribal peoples occupy the
slopes of the region's mountains. The traditional medicinal practices are an important part of
primary healthcare systems in the developing countries (Ghosh, 2003) [1]. As per World Health
Organization (1978) [2] report as much as 80% population of the world depends on traditional
herbal medicine for their primary healthcare necessities (Azaizeh et al., 2003) [3]. The tribal
people don`t have much knowledge of the education but they have the knowledge of
traditional medicines and their uses for the remedies to various diseases. This knowledge is
transmitted from one generation to the next generation
2. Material and Methods
The study site lies between 23°6’0” N Latitude and 81°41’1” E Longitude. Anuppur district
situated in the north eastern part of Madhya Pradesh. This District came into existence on 15 th
August 2003 by reorganising Shahdol District. Anuppur District has total area of 3701 sq. km.,
extends 80 km from east to west and 70 km. from north to south. District Anuppur is
surrounded by Koria District (C.G.) in east, Shahdol & Umaria district in west. Shahdol
district in north and Dindori (M.P.) Bilaspur (C.G.) in the south.
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Journal of Medicinal Plants Studies

Amarkantak is located in the state of Madhya Pradesh in India Amarkantak (NLK Amarakaṇṭaka) is a pilgrim town and a
at 22.67 °N 81.75 °E. It has an average elevation of Nagar Panchayat in Anuppur, Madhya Pradesh, India. The
1048 metres (3438 ft). Roads running through Rewa, Shahdol, Amarkantak region is a unique natural heritage area and is the
Anuppur, Jabalpur, Katni and Pendra connect it. The nearest meeting point of the Vindhya and the Satpura Ranges, with
railway stations are Anuppur and Pendra Road 43 km via the Maikal Hills being the fulcrum. This is where the
Keonchi and only 28 km via Jwaleshwar. Narmada River, the Son River and Johila River emerge.

Map 1: Location map of Madhya Pradesh and study area of Anuppur district.

The tribal people were interviewed and the samples of
medicines were collected. If the plants were unknown then
they were identified by the experts. Most of the medicinal
preparations of these tribal matched with those mentioned in
Ayurveda and those medicinal preparations. More than one
medicinal plant is used for same disease. The members of
Tribal community were sharing the knowledge regarding
traditional method of preparing the herbal medicines, local
names of plants, parts used for various diseases, etc. This
traditional knowledge was confirmed by the previous research
work on medicinal plants i.e. a few are literature (Ambasta
1986; and Chopra et al. 1956) [4, 5] and research papers (Bhalla
et al. 1982; Bhatnagar et al. 1973; Jain 1963, 1965;
Maheshwari et al. 1985; Rai 1985; 1987; Sahu 1984; Saxena
1986; Verma 1982; Jain et al. 2010; Jayprakash, et al. 2011;
Chaudhary, et al. 2012; Bharti, 2015a & 2015b and Malaiya,
2016) [6-21] published on this aspect.
3. Results and discussion
In the study, 70 medicinal plant species and 37 families are
studied. But few of them are given in the observation table
with their method of preparation, mode of administration,
parts of plants, botanical, local names, family names etc. It is
observed that medicinal preparations practiced were freshly
prepared. In figure 1 showed medicinal plants. The
knowledge of herbal medicines for preparations, mode of
administration to cure the diseases is transmitted generation to
generation. The traditional herbalists are the integral part of
that community who take care to the same (Jain SK, 1981)
[22]
. The contribution of traditional medicine to the modern
medicine is worth noting. Many drugs are made by the
scientists with the help of the knowledge of traditional
medicine. Now a day the scientists are also studying the drugs
against HIV/AIDS, zoster, herpes, psoriasis, hypertension,
jaundice, asthma, tuberculosis, leprosy, rheumatism, etc. in
pilot trials. The botanical names, local names, family names,
parts of plants used for medicinal purposes, mode of
administration are given in the given Table 1.

Table 1: Plants used medicinally by tribal people in Satpura Mountain, Amarkantak district.
S. Botanical name, families and
Ailment Preparation of medicine Mode of administration of medicine
No. parts used
Two pills in a day one in the morning
20 gm. Powder of roots is mixed with
Commelina benghalensis Linn., and one in the evening for 6-7 days in
1. Epilepsy the equal amount of jaggary and
Commelinaceae, Roots case of adults and one pill in a day in
small sized pills are prepared
case of children and women
1) Ensete superbum (Roxb.) Powder of seeds is given early in the
Nine seeds are powdered every time
Cheesm, Musaceae Seeds morning
4-5 cm piece of bark is crushed and
2) Cassine albens (Retz.) This cup of water is given as a single
Psychosomatic soaked in a cup of water overnight or
2. Celastraceae, Bark dose every day for 9 days
disorders 4-5 hours a day
A small piece of rhizome is rubbed
3) Curcuma inodora Blatt. This cup of water is administered once a
on stone or soaked in a cup of water
Zingiberaceae, Rhizome day for 2-3 days
for 4-5 hrs
Gynaecological 1) Curculigo orchioides Gaertn. 5-7 cm of tuber is dried and Powdered tuber is administered with a
disorders: Hypoxidaceae, Tuber powdered cup of milk twice a day for days
3
2) Bombax ceiba Linn., 4-5 cm bark is ground to powder Bark powder is mixed in a cup of water
a) Leucorrhoea Bombacaceae, Bark every time and administered twice a day for 7 days

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Journal of Medicinal Plants Studies

1) Tinospora cordifolia (Willd.)

Mier ex Hook. f. Thoms, 5-6 cm twig of gulvel and a small
Prepared mixer of powder is given to the
Menispermaceae, Twig. and piece of sawari bark are ground to
patient twice a day for 3 days
b) Menorrhagia Bombax ceiba Linn., Sawari, powder and mixed together
Bombacaceae, Bark
2) Eclipta alba (Linn.) Hassk. Powdered leaves are administered with a
4-5 leaves are ground to powder
Asteraceae. cup of water as a single dose for 2 days.
5 gms seed powder is given to the
1) Daucus carota Linn. var.
70 gms seeds are ground to powder women twice a day for 14 day from the
sativa DC. Apiaceae. Seeds
Prevention of 4 th day of menstruation
4
pregnancy Spoonful powder is given to the women
2) Syzygium heyneanun (Duthie) Bark in the west side of the tree is
as a single dose on the 5 th day of
Wall. Ex Gamble, Myrtaceae. removed and powdered
menstruation
This powder is mixed in 50 gm honey
Mucuna preriens (Linn.) DC
5. Sexual potency 50 gm seeds are finely powdered and taken at every morning. The sperms
Fabaceae.
count increases from 30-80%
Achyranthes aspera Linn. The leaves are crushed and a paste Leaves paste applied externally at night
6. Fistula
Amaranthaceae. prepared until relief is felt
1) Gymnema sylvestre (Ritz.) R. Fresh leaves are plucked early in the One leaf is eaten as such in the morning
7. Diabetes
Br. Asclepiadaceae. Fresh leaves. morning for 5 days
2) Calotropis gigantea (Linn.) Fresh flowers are plucked early in the 7 flowers are eaten every morning for 21
8.
R.Br.ex Ait, Asclepiadaceae. morning days
About half foot peduncle is eaten raw. It
Ensete superbum (Roxb.)
9. Kidney stone Fresh tender peduncle is cut and used leads to excessive urination and later
Cheesm, Musaceae
relief is felt from kidney stone
1) 250 leaves are fried and curry is
prepared The curry is eaten in excess at a time
1) Celosia argentea Linn.
2) 7-9 cm piece of root is crushed and This water is administered to the patient
Amaranthaceae.
soaked in half glass of water for 4-5 once a day for 2 days
hrs.
10. Constipation
About 2.5 cm piece of rhizome is
2) Curcuma inodora Blatt. This water is administered as a single
crushed and soaked in half glass of
Zingiberaceae dose
water
3) Baliospermum raziana 1-2 roots are crushed and soaked in a This water is administered as a single
Euphorbiaceae. cup of water for 4-5 hrs dose
Aegle mormelos (Linn.) Correa Mix pulp of one fruit with a small
This mixture is given twice a day till
11. Asthma ex Roxb., Rutaceae piece of adrak and equivalent amount
cured
of sugar is added to the mixture
Ensete superbum (Roxb.) A spoonful powder is taken with glass of
12. Dog bite Few seeds are powdered
Cheesm, Musaceae water early in the morning for 7 days
Hibiscus sabdariffa Linn. A few sepals are boiled in a glass of The infusion of sepals is given to the
13. Food poisoning
Malvaceae water patient which leads to vomitting
This oil is applied on paralysed parts in
Celastrus paniculatus Willd. Seeds are boiled and then crushed to the morning and evening. This oil is also
14. Paralysis
Celastraceae. obtain oil taken orally 2 ml each in morning and
evening for 15 days
Cassia tora Linn. Seeds are finely powdered and mixed This paste is applied on affected part till
15. Skin diseases
Caesalpinaceae. in coconut oil to prepare a paste cured
Ziziphus xylopyra (Retz.) Willd. Leaves of ghatbor and flowers of
This paste is applied on the patches till
16. Leucoderma Rhamnaceae. pivala dhotra are crushed and prepare
relief is felt
Datura innoxia Mill. Solanaceae a paste
The water extract is added to hot water
Bombax ceiba Linn., Few leaves are crushed and soaked in
17. Body pains and bath is given to the patient. It is
Bombacaceae water
repeated for 2-3 days
Eranthemum nervosum (Vahl.) 2-3 roots are crushed and soaked in a This cup of water is given to patient in
18. Gonorrhoea
R.Br. Acanthaceae. cup of water for over night the morning for 2-3 days

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Journal of Medicinal Plants Studies
(I)
Fig 1: Medicinals plants (i) Mucuna pruriens; (ii) Aegle mormelos and (iii) Eclipta alba
4. Conclusion
The study concludes that the role of herbal medicines and
their role in the treatment of various diseases among the tribes
are crucial. They use many forest plants, weeds, flowers,
seeds, fruit, and barks in their traditional treatment. These
people use these plants for non-medicinal purposes also like
fuels, construction of huts etc. If the traditional knowledge is
associated with modern system of medicine, it will be the new
revolution in the medicine.
5. Acknowledgements
The author is greatly indebted to principal of Govt. Tulsi
College, Anuppur (M.P.) who permitted to carry out this
work.
6. References
1. Ghosh A. Herbal folk remedies of Bankura and
Medinipur districts, West Bengal (India). Indian J.
Traditional Knowledge. 2003; 2:393-396.
2. WHO. Traditional Medicine, (Geneva World Health
Organization Report), 1978.
3. Azaizeh H, Fulder S, Khalil K, Said O. Ethnomedicinal
knowledge of local Arab practitioners in the Middle East
Region. Fitoterapia. 2003; 74:98-108.
4. Ambasta SP. The useful plants of India, CSIR, New
Delhi, 1986.
5. Chopra RN, Chopra IC, Nayar SL. Glossary of the Indian
Medicinal Plants, CSIR, New Delhi, 1956.
6. Bhalla NP, Sahu TR, Mishra GP, Dakwale RN.
Traditional plant Medicines of Sagar district M.P. J Econ.
Tax. Bot 1982; 3(1):23-32.
7. Bhatnagar LS, Singh VK, Pandy G. Medico-Botanical
Studies on Flora of Ghatigaon Forest, Gwalior, M.P. J
Res. Ind. Med. 1973; 8(2):67-100.
8. Jain SK. Studies in Indian Ethnobotany less known use of
fifty common plants from tribal areas of Madhya
Pradesh. Bull. bot. Surv. India. 1963; 5:223-226.
9. Jain SK. Medicinal plantlore of the tribals of Bastar
Econ. Bot. 1965; 19:236-256.
10. Maheswari JK, Kalakoti BS, Brinjal. Ethnomedicine of
Bhil tribe of Jhabua district, M.P. Ancient Sci. Life 1985;
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11. Rai MK. Plant used as medicine by tribes of Chhindwara
district (M.P.) J Econ. Tax. Bot. 1985; 7(2):385- 387.
12. Rai MK. Ethonomedicinal studies of Patalkot and
Tamiya (District Chhindwara) M.P. Ancient Sci. Life
1987; 7(2):119 -121.
13. Sahu TR. Less known uses of weeds as medicinal plants.
Ancient Sci. Life 1984; 3(4):245-249.
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14. Saxena HO. Observations on the Ethnobotany of Madhya
Pradesh Bull. bot. Surv. India 1986; 28(1-4):149-156.
15. Verma, Rajani. Medico-Floristic approach on the forests
of Kolaras, Distt. Shivpuri (Madhya Pradesh). III Annual
herbs. J Econ. Tax. Bot. 1982; 3:689-694.
16. Jain DL, Baheti AM, Jain SR, Khandelwal KR. Use of
medicinal plants among tribes in Satpuda region of Dhule
and Jalgaon districts of Maharashtra-an ethnobotanical
survey. Indian J Trad Knowled. 2010; 9:152-157.
17. Jeyaprakash K, Ayyanar M, Geetha KN, Sekar T.
Traditional uses of medicinal plants among the tribal
people in Theni districts (Western Ghats), Southern India.
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18. Choudhury S, Sharma P, Dutta Choudhury M, Dutt
Sharma G. Ethnomedicinal plants used by Chorei tribes
of Southern Assam, North Eastern India. Asian Pac J
Trop Dis. 2012; 2(1):S141-S147.
19. Bharti Vinay Kumar. An Ethnobotanical Study of
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20. Bharti Vinay Kumar. Ethno-Medicinal Plants Used by
The Tribal People of Shahdol District, Madhya Pradesh
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Delhi, India), 1981, 13-36.
ANNALS OF PHARMACY AND PHARMACEUTICAL SCIENCES A CASE STUDY
Volume 1 Issue 2 (October, 2010) Page : 106-108

Accepted : May, 2010

Some plants in folk medicine of Chhindwara district, Madhya Pradesh

OMKAR BAWISTALE, BRAJESH SAHU AND P. SAHU

ABSTRACT
Hitherto unknown uses of 34 plant species in the treatment of antivenom, eczema, leucorrhoea, piles, pyorrhoea, asthma, ophthalmia, hernia,
enteric fever and other diseases by the tnbals and rural people of Chhindwara district of Madhya Pradesh are reported.

Key words : Tribals, Folk medicine, Chhindwara district, Madhya-Pradesh

INTRODUCTION (1987). The specimens were identified in the herbarium

The people of rural India, by and large, are still
dependent on traditional medicines for their healthcare and
treatment of diseases. These medicines have been
developed through the experience of many generations
assimilating the knowledge, in course of time, from
fragments of Ayurvedic, Yunani as well as tribal systems
of medicine. These may be called ‘Folk medicines’.
Chhindwara district not only known for oranges,
maize, cotton or coal deposits but its natural and scenic
beauty also attract every one who comes here for the
first time. The name of the place is derived form the
‘Chhind’ or date-palm-tree. Chhindwara, in the south-west
of Jabalpur Revenue Division, is situated on the Satpura
Plateau in the South-Central part of the Madhya Pradesh
State and lies between latitudes 21023' and 22049' North
and the longitudes 78010' and 79024' East.
Considerable work has been done on ethno medicinal
plants which are used for various ailments by the tribal of
Chhindwara District, M.P. (Rai, 1987, 1989) and ethno-
medicinal aspects of this area as well as the adjoining
region of Chhindwara have been reported by Rai (1987,
1988).
MATERIALS AND METHODS
The observations are based on surveys con-ducted
in tribal dominated areas of Chhindwara district during
2008-2009. Group interviews were organized bringing
plants from surrounding areas and showing them to tirbals
of assorted ages into the forest, as suggested by Jain
Omkar Bawistale, Brajesh Sahu and P. Sahu (2010). Some plants in folk medicine of Chhindwara district of Madhya Pradesh, Ann. Pharm.
& Pharm. Sci., 2 (10) : 106-108
and voucher specimens were deposited in the Department
of Botany, Dr. Hari Singh Gour University, Sagar (M.P.)
The data gathered were screened with the help of available
literature (Jain, 1991). Plant species uses marked with as
trick are new to the existing knowledge. In the enumeration,
the botanical names are arranged alphabetically followed
by family, local names in inverted commas and locality. In
a majority of cases, fresh plants are used for alleviating
the complaints.
Enumeration :
Abrus precatorius L. (Fabaceae), ‘Gulnchi’:
Use: Root and seeds are used for preparing tonic.
Leaf extract is applied on ringworm and also taken
orally against snake bite.
Acacia nilotica (L.) Del. (Mimosaceae), ‘Babool’:
Use: Leaves are given orally to pregnant ladies for
birth of beautiful child, although their parents may be ugly.
Achyranthus aspera L. (Amarantliaceae), ‘Chirchtta’:
Use: Roots are put under the pillow of pregnant lady
to accomplish easy delivery and are removed immediately
after delivery.
Allium cepa L. (Liliaceae), ‘ Pyaj’:
Use: Fried bulb in butter is given for three days to
cure piles. The patient is advised to avoid curd for six
days.

HIND MEDICAL RESEARCH INSTITUTE

 OMKAR BAWISTALE, BRAJESH SAHU AND P. SAHU
Map of India Map of M.P.
Aloe barbadensis Mill. (Liliaceae), ‘Gawarpatha’:
Use: Pulp of leaf is applied on swelling, burns and
piles. It is also given orally in sunstroke and for improving
digestion.
Anethum graveolens L. (Apiaceae), ‘Sua’:
Use: Seed extract is given orally thrice a day for
three days to dissolve kidney stone.
Annona ‘squamosa L. (Annonaceae), ‘Setaphal’:
Use: Branches are used as tooth brush to cure
pyorrhoea.
Arisaema tortuosum (Wall.) Schott (Araceae).
‘Kotukand’:
Use: Underground bulb of this plant is crushed and
given rally in snake-bite.
Bauhinia racemosa Lam. (Caesalpiniaceae), ‘ Kachnal’:
Use: Extract of leaves is given orally to ladies in
menstrual disorder after child birth.
Bombax ceiba L. (Bombacaceae), ‘Semal’:
Use: Sugar is mixed in the infusion of flowers and
given orally to cure acidity and urinary problems. Extract
of flowers is given in typhoid.
Butea monosperma (Lam.) Taub. (Fabaceae), ‘Dhak’:
Use: Bark powder is given orally to cure a gastric
problem.
Decoction of bark is given orally as antivenom against
snake bite.
Calotropis procera R. Br. (Asclepiadaceae), ‘Aak’:
Use: Honey is mixed in the powder of roasted roots
and given orally before meal to cure asthma. The root is
used to cure jaundice.
Capparis decidua (Forssk.) Edgew. (Cappareaceae),
‘Kair’:
Ann. Pharm. & Pharm. Sci.; Vol. 1 (2); (Oct., 2010)
Map of Chhindwara district.
Use: Stem bark and root of old plant are burnt, made
into powder and mixed with black sesame and given orally
for early cure of old bodyache.
Cissampelos pareira L. (Menispermaceae), ‘Kala pata’:
Use: Leaf extract is given orally in snake-bite.
Datura innoxia Mill. (Solanaceae). ‘Kala Dhatura’:
Use: Fresh leaves are tied on the wounds or swollen
part of the body for early cure.
Dalbergia sissao Roxb. (Fabaceae), ‘Sisum’:
Use: Leaves are crushed with curd and given orally
in dysentery.
107
Diplacyclos palmata (L.) Jeffery (Cucurbitaceae),
‘Shivling’:
Use: Crushed seeds are taken thrice a day for six
weeks after pregnancy for birth of male child.
Echinops echinatlls Roxb. (Asteraceae), ‘Utkanto’:
Use: Flowers are crushed with mustard oil and
applied on the warts for early cure.
Root paste is applied on scorpion sting.
Ficus bengalensis L. (Moraceae), ‘Bargad’:
Use: Whole plant used in the form of decoction,
powder and latex to treat diarrhoea, vomiting, thirst and
bony growth.
Ficus racemosa L. (Moraceae),’Umar’:
Use: Latex is applied on blanch of mouth.
Gloriosa superba L. (Liliaceae), ‘Kalgari’:
Use: Paste of tuber is applied on wound for early
healing.
Mimosa pudica L. (Mimosaceae), ‘Chuimuai’:
Use: Root extract is given oral1y to ladies suffering
from leucorrhoea.

HIND MEDICAL RESEARCH INSTITUTE

 SOME PLANTS IN FOLK MEDICINE OF CHHINDWARA DISTRICT (MADHYA-PRADESH)
Moringa longifolia Wall. ex DC. (Moringaceae),
‘Hargua’, Bhim:
Use: Extract of roots is used as a tonic.
Nerium oleander L. (Apocynaceae), ‘Kaner’:
Use: Root paste is applied on the body to cure eczema.
Root is considered poisonous, but its paste is used in
skin diseases.
Ocimum canum Sims. (Lamiaceae), ’Tulsi’:
Use: Crushed seeds are mixed in 250 ml milk and
given to patients suffering from leucorrhoea for seven
days.
Phoenix dactylifera (L.) Roxb. (Arecaceae), ‘Khajur’:
Use: Ripe fruits, tender peduncle, sago and terminal
leaf buds are edible and are used to cure diabetes.
Polyalthia longifolia (Sonn.) Thwaites (Annonaceae),
‘Ashok’:
Use: Decoction of bark is given to ladies in menstrual
disorder.
Pongamia pinnata (L.) Pierre (Fabaceae), ‘Kangia’:
Use: Seed oil is externally applied in skin diseases
108 and also taken to encounter the poisoning effect of fish.
Prosopis juliflora (Sw.) DC. (Mimosaceae), ‘Bilayti-
babul’:
Use: Paste of leaves is used externally to cure warts
and wounds of the body.
Punica granatum L. (Punicaceae), ‘Anar’:
Use: Leaves are crushed with salt and boiled and
the decoction is given to patients suffering from toothache.
Powder of ovary wall is given with cold water in dysentery.
Syzygium cuminii (L.) Skeels (Myrtaceae), ‘Jamun’:
Use: Seed and bark extract is taken on empty stomach
for cure of dysentery.
Tamarindus indica L. (Caesalpiniaceae), ‘Imli’:
Use: Seed paste is used as an antidote to scorpion
sting and snake bite.
Trichasanthes cucurmerina L. (Cucurbitaceae),
‘Keehan’:
Use: Crushed seeds are mixed with milk and taken
on empty stomach in diabetes.
Ann. Pharm. & Pharm. Sci.; Vol. 1 (2); (Oct., 2010)
Vitis latifolia L. (Vitaceae), ‘Jangli Angoor’, Kelwa:
Use: 25 g. crushed roots are mixed with 25 g. jiggery
and given orally for three days to cure menstrual bleeding.
The patient is advised to avoid curd during the course of
treatment.
The present investigation has brought to light some
popular and frequently used prescriptions available for
minor ailments, such as treatment of anti-venom, eczema,
leucorrhoea, piles, pyorrhea, asthma, ophthalmic, hernia,
enteric fever and other diseases. In a majority of cases,
fresh plants are used for alleviating complaints. A concise
list of wild plant resources of the district and their utilization
will provide basic data for further studies aimed at
conservation, traditional medicine and economic welfare
of rural and tribal population of the district.
Acknowledgement:
The authors are thankful Prof. T. R. Sahu,
Department of Botany, Dr. Hari Singh Gour University,
Sagar (M.P.) for identification of plants.
REFERENCES
Jain, S.K. (1987). A manual of ethnobotany. Scientific Publishers,
Jodhpur. pp. 94-102.
Rai, M.K. (1987). Ethnomedicinal Studies of Patalkot and Tamia
(Chhindwara) - Plants used as tonic. Ancient Science of Life, 3
(2):119-121.
Rai, M.K. (1989). Ethnomedicinal Studies of Chhindwara District
(M.P.). I. Plants used in stomach disorders. Indian Medicine, 1
(2): 1-5.
Address for correspondence :
OMKAR BAWISTALE
Department of Botany,
Dr. Hari Singh Gour University,
SAGAR (M.P.) INDIA
Authors’ affiliations :
BRAJESH SAHU
Department of Botany,
L.N.K.V.V., JABALPUR (M.P.) INDIA
P. SAHU
Department of Botany,
Dr. Hari Singh Gour University,
SAGAR (M.P.) INDIA

HIND MEDICAL RESEARCH INSTITUTE

CIBTech Journal of Pharmaceutical Sciences ISSN: 2319–3891 (Online)
An Online International Journal Available at http://www.cibtech.org/cjps.htm
2012 Vol. 1 (2-3) Jul.-Sept. & Oct.-Dec., pp.7-15/Alawa and Ray
Research Article
ETHNOMEDICINAL PLANTS USED BY TRIBALS OF DHAR DISTRICT,
MADHYA PRADESH, INDIA
Kamal Singh Alawa1 and *Sudip Ray2
1
Department of Botany, Govt. P.G. College, Dhar (MP)
2
Department of Botany, PMB Gujarati Science College, Indore (MP)
*Author for Correspondence

ABSTRACT
Dhar district is known as one of the tribal district of Madhya Pradesh where 54 percent of total
populations belong to tribal community. Bhil, Bhilala Barela and Patelia are the main tribals of study
area and totally dependent on medicinal plants for their daily health care need. Present paper deals with
86 ethnomedicinal plants which are belong to 71 genera and 47 families used for 35 types of diseases.

Key Words: Ethnomedicine, Dhar District, Tribals, Ethnomedicinal Plants, Madhya Pradesh

INTRODUCTION
India has rich heritage of knowledge on plant based drugs both for use in preventive and curative
medicines. Besides the classical work of the “Atharva Veda”, ancient Indian scholars like „Charak‟,
„Sushrita‟ and others produced remarkable description of Indian medicinal plants. They described the
properties of medicinal plants and preparation in such details that most of the plants and their preparation
are still held in high repute in the medical profession. In fact, our Ayurvedic system of medicine is
predominantly a plant-based Materia-medica, making use of most of our native plants to make the health
care cheap and acceptable.
Dhar district is situated in the South-western part of Madhya Pradesh. The district lies between the
latitude of 22º 1‟ 14” to 23º 9‟ 49” North and the longitude of 74º 28‟ 27” to 75º 42‟ 43” East. The shape
is resembles an irregular pentagon. Dhar name is supposed based on “Sword Blade”of Vairisingh to have
been derived from Dharanagari. The district is bounded by Ratlam to the North, Ujjain to the Northeast,
Indore to the East, Khargone to the Southeast, Barwani to the South, Alirajpur to the Southwest and
Jhabua to the West. The elevation varies from 256-1000 m above sea level. The total area of the district
comprising 8153 sq. km. is divided in to seven tahsils viz. Dhar, Dharampuri, Sardarpur, Manawer,
Badnawer, Gandhwani and Kukshi (Figure1). Geographically area is divided into Malwa plateau,
Vindhyan scarps and Narmada valley. The average annual rainfall is between 656.7 mm. and 1556.6mm.
and average Maxi. Temperature varies from 26.5ºC to 40.1ºC and mini. Temperature varies between
9.7ºC to 24.2ºC. Most of area is drained by Narmada, Chambal, Man, Mahi, Karam, Khuj, Bag, Hathani
rivers. The area under study is inhabited by Bhils, one of the most important and third largest tribe of
India. The Bhil has been derived from the Dravidian word bil or vil meaning a bow.
According to 2011 census, population of the district is 21, 84,672. The Scheduled Tribes constitute 54
percent and rural tribe population is 83 percent. Most of the village inhabitants of Dhar district belong to
tribal communities.Major part of the district is covered by dense forest area in which various tribes, like
Bhil, Bhilala, Barela and Patelia are living in majority out of these tribes. These Tribal‟s live close to the
forest and are largely dependent on the wild biological resources for their livelihood. They utilize a wide
variety of plant for their basic needs, such as food, fiber, fodder, wood, medicine, gum, tannin, resin, dye
and shelter. The present paper deals the medicinal wealth of Dhar district, Madhya Pradesh.
Literature survey of Medico-ethno botanical work done in Madhya Pradesh was done (Jain, 1962 and
1963; Bhalla et al., 1986; Bhattacharya et al., 2004; Maheshwari et al., 1986; Mudgal et al., 1997; Singh
et al., 2001; Roy, 2000; Rai et al., 1992,1993,1989,2000; Saxena et al., 1971; Mishra et al., 1994;
Jadhave, 2006,2007,2008,2009,2010,2011; Diwanji, 2011; Verma et al., 1993 and Wagh et al., 2010).
The present communication gives result of ethno botanical survey done in South-western part of Madhya

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CIBTech Journal of Pharmaceutical Sciences ISSN: 2319–3891 (Online)
An Online International Journal Available at http://www.cibtech.org/cjps.htm
2012 Vol. 1 (2-3) Jul.-Sept. & Oct.-Dec., pp.7-15/Alawa and Ray
Research Article
Pradesh. Covering 86 herbal remedies uses against various disorders medicinal plants used by tribals of
Dhar district.

MATERIALs AND METHODS

Ethnobotanical surveys were conducted during the years 2010-2012 in the tribal pockets of Dhar district
Madhya pradesh. The Tribals madicineman „Badwa‟ keep secrecy about medicinal plants uses of the
stomach disorders, skin disease, aphrodisiacs, fever, tonic, ulcer, asthma, snake-bite, respiratory disease,
leucorrhoea, dandruff, eye-disease and diabetes. The first hand information on folklore uses of plants was
gathered along with the mode of administration, therapeutic uses and dosages from tribal medicine men.

Figure 1: Location map of study area

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CIBTech Journal of Pharmaceutical Sciences ISSN: 2319–3891 (Online)
An Online International Journal Available at http://www.cibtech.org/cjps.htm
2012 Vol. 1 (2-3) Jul.-Sept. & Oct.-Dec., pp.7-15/Alawa and Ray
Research Article
The tribal medicine men were taken to the forests where they pointed out the plants being used for
treating the disease. During the course of field study, knowledgeable persons such as old tribal men were
approached and specific questionnaire were asked about the plants and their traditional uses. The data
regarding uses of ethnomedicinal plants has verified and cross checked (Kirtikar and Basu, 1993; Chopra,
1956 and Jain, 1993).
Herbarium specimens were prepared following the standard method (Jain and Rao, 1978) and deposited
of PMB Gujarati Science College, Indore, Madhya Pradesh.

ENUMERATION
In the following enumeration, the plant species are arranged alphabetically order with their scientific
names, family, locality, local name, vernacular names, tribal uses and a brief note on medicinal plant parts
used and mode of utilization and dosage.
1. Adansonia digitata L., (Bombacaceae); Locality: Mandu, Local name: Khurasani imli; the dried pulp
of the fruit (about half teaspoon) has effect on body cooling and also given as appetizer and to treat
stomach pain.
2. Adhatoda zeylanica Medik. (Acanthaceae); Locality: Mandu, Local name: Adusa; Decoction of leaves
is taken orally (About 2 teaspoons) 2-3 times daily in bronchitis.
3. Andrographis paniculata wall. Ex. Nees. (Acanthaceae); Locality: Nalcha, Local name: Kalmegh;
Whole plant is boiled in water and the filtrate (About 2 teaspoons) is given for three-five days to treat
malaria.
4. Achyranthes aspera Linn, (Amaranthaceae); Locality: Mandu, Local name: Andijhada; The root pest
given internally in hydrophobia, fever, anaemia and night blindness, specific in piles and paste of leaves
in sukha roge.
5. Abelmoschus manihot (L.) Medik., (Malvaceae); Locality: Nalcha, Local name: Jangli bhendi; Root
extract given internally for a long duration in case of male impotency.
6. Aegle marmelos (L.) Corr., (Rutaceae); Locality: Mandu, Local name: Bela; the pulp of ripe fruit is
used in stomach disorders.
7. Aloe vera (L) Burm.f., (Liliaceae); Locality : Nalcha, Local name: Gwarpatha; The succulent leaves are
crushed and mixed with turmeric and the paste is applied on the eruptions on any part of the body.
8. Amorphophallus campanulatus Blume: ex DC. (Araceae); Locality: Keshavi, Local name: Bhabdi; the
tubers are crushed and applied in cases of snake bite.
9. Anogeissus latifolia (Roxb. Ex DC.) Wall (Combretaceae); Locality: Mandu, Local name: Dhawda;
Fried gum is useful in spermatorrhoea.
10. Asparagus racemosus Willd. (Liliaceae); Locality: Nalcha, Local name: Satawari; the root paste
mixed with water is given in the morning upto 15 days to increase the potency and Typhoid. The root
juice (teaspoons) is taken orally with milk to cure general fever.
11. Azadirachta indica (Linn.) A. Juss. (Meliaceae); Locality: Nalcha, Local name: Neem; It is believed
that on brushing the teeth daily with the stick, the body becomes resistant against snake bite and bathing
to cure skin afflictions.
12. Annona squamosa L. (Annonaceae); Locality: Nalcha, Local name: Sitaphal; Seed powder is used as
abortifacient.
13. Argemone mexicana L. (Papaveraceae); Locality: Nalcha, Local name: Peli kateli; Small pieces of
roots are chewed with a leaf of Paan (Piper betle) in jaundice.
14. Ailanthus excelsa Roxb. (Simaroubaceae); Locality: Mandu, Local name: Maharukh; Stem of crushed
leaves inhaled in tetanus, leaf decoction given internally as long treatment for joint pains.
15. Balanites aegyptiaca Delile (Simaroubaceae); Locality: Nalchha, Local name: Hingry; the bark paste
is applied on the face to reduce the swellings on the face. The paste mixed with water is also given four
times in a day against discharge of yellowish urine.

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CIBTech Journal of Pharmaceutical Sciences ISSN: 2319–3891 (Online)
An Online International Journal Available at http://www.cibtech.org/cjps.htm
2012 Vol. 1 (2-3) Jul.-Sept. & Oct.-Dec., pp.7-15/Alawa and Ray
Research Article
16. Biophytum sensitivum DC. (Oxalidaceae); Locality: Nalchha, Local name: Lajuri (Lajwanti); the leaf
powder is given to decrease sexuality.
17. Boerhavia diffusa Linn. (Nyctaginaceae); Locality: Nalchha, Local name: Purnava; the root paste is
given in cases of blood dysentery two times a day, in empty stomach and the urinary disorders.
18. Bombax ceiba Linn. (Bombaceceae); Locality: Nalcha, Local name: Semal; the roots of young
seedlings are chewed for more vitality. The flowers are also given against semen discharge.
19. Butea monosperma (Lamk.) Taub. (Fabaceae); Locality: Nalcha, Local name: Palash; Leaf juice is
extracted with water, strained and given in diabetes. The roots are chewed in the cases of male impotency.
20. Caesalpinia bonduc (Linn.) Roxb. (Caesalpiniaceae); Locality: Aamkho, Local name: Gattar; the seed
powder is given to ladies against bleeding.
21. Calotropis gigantea (Willd.) Ait, (Asclediadaceae); Locality: Mandu, Local name: Ankda; the milky
latex is applied on the inflamed parts of the body to reduce pain and swellings.
22. Calotropis procera (Ait.), (Asclediadaceae); Locality: Mandu, Local name: Akau; Leaves are heated
a bit and tied over swelled body part.
23. Careya arborea Roxb. (Lecythidaceae); Locality: Aamkho, Local name: Kumbhi; the leaf paste is
applied on the face to reduce the swellings.
24. Carissa congesta Wt. (Apocynaceae); Locality: Aamkho, Local name: Karonda; The juice of root
bark is given in fever.
25. Cassia glauca Lamk. (Caesalpiniaceae); Locality: Aamkho, Local name: Kamarsothi; the beads made
from wood are hanged in neck to cure jaundice.
26. Cassia fistula L., (Caesalpiniaceae); Locality: Mandu, Local name: Amaltas; the fruit pulp is given in
diabetes as a long term treatment.
27. Caesalpinia bonduc (L.) Roxb. (Caesalpiniaceae); Locality: Bharudpura, Local name: Gattar; The
stem bark paste is eaten to Stomach pain.
28. Celastrus paniculatus Willd. (Celastraceae); Locality: Mandu, Local name: Malkangni; the seed oil is
used as massage oil in the cases of leprosy and bodyache.
29. Centella asiatica (Linn.) Urb. (Apiaceae); Locality: Mandu, Local name: Brahmi; the decoction of the
plant is given against discharge of yellowish urine.
30. Chlorophytum arundinaceum Baker. (Liliaceae); Locality: Bharudpura, Local name: Safed musli
Root is taken as an aphrodisiac, Diarrhoea, Menstrual disorders and Tonic.
31. Cissus quadrangularis (Linn.) (Vitaceae); Locality: Nalchha, Local name: Gathan; the entire plant
Crushed into paste is eaten and applied on bone fracture. The wound heals shortly.
32. Costus speciosus (Koenig). Sm (Zingiberaceae); Locality: Bharudpura, Local name: Kanda; the root
paste is given to cattle in fever, once a day upto two days.
33. Croton oblongifolius Roxb. (Euphorbiaceae); Locality: Aamkho, Local name: Jangli arandi; the paste
made from roots ca 8 cm. long with 1.5 cm. girth is given in dysentery and in vomiting for one or two
alternate days.
34. Crotalaria juncea L. (Fabaceae); Locality: Mandu, Local name: Sann; Fine powder of seeds used in
obesity, especially of women.
35. Curculigo orchioides Gaertn. (Zingiberaceae); Locality: Bharudpura, Local name: Kali musli; the root
paste mixed with ghee is given to increase potency.
36. Curcuma angustifolia Roxb. (Zingiberaceae); Locality: Keshavi, Local name: Haldi; the rhizome
paste mixed with milk is given in empty stomach in cases of fever, two times in a day up to seven days.
37. Dillenia pentagyna Roxb. (Dilleniaceae); Locality: Nalchha, Local name: Kelia sag; the stem bark is
powdered and mixed with water and after filtration, „Misri’ is added to the filtrate. This mixture is then
given to ladies for easy delivery, two times in a day upto three weeks.
38. Diplocyclos palmatus (L.) C. Jeffrev, Cucurbitaceae; Locality: Nalchha, Local name: Shivlingi; Fine
powder of seeds in milk is used in cases of both male and female sterility.

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CIBTech Journal of Pharmaceutical Sciences ISSN: 2319–3891 (Online)
An Online International Journal Available at http://www.cibtech.org/cjps.htm
2012 Vol. 1 (2-3) Jul.-Sept. & Oct.-Dec., pp.7-15/Alawa and Ray
Research Article
39. Drimia indica (Roxb.) Jessop [Urginea indica (Roxb.) Kunth.] (Liliaceae); Locality: Bharudpura,
Local name: Jangli kanda; the leaves are used as vegetable curries in the case of sun stoke.
40. Euphorbia nerifolia L. (Euphorbiaceae); Locality: saray, Local name: Thuwar; Latex is mixed with
Haldi powder and a paste is prepared, this paste is applied over swelled part of body.
41. Ensete superbum (Roxb.) Cheesman, (Musaceae); Locality: Mandu, Local name: Jangli kela; Seed
powder is given internally in case of a bite a rabid dog.
42. Euphorbia acaulis Roxb. (Euphorbiaceae); Locality: Mandu, Local name: Khargoni; the root paste is
small quantity is dissolved in water and is given to animals in dysentery and in fever, only once or rarely
two times.
43. E. hirta Linn. (Euphorbiaceae); Locality: Nalchha, Local name: Chotidudhi; the milky latex is rubbed
externally on eyes and applied in scorpion bite.
44. Ficus religiosa Linn. (Moraceae); Locality: Mandu, Local name: Pipal; the young leaves are used in
snake bite. It is believed that the leaf petiole when inserted in both the ears sucks poison from the body.
About twenty pairs of leaves are used alternatively to take out the poison from the body and ash of stem
bark in asthma.
45. Ficus hispida L., (Moraceae); Locality: Mandu, Local name: Bhui gular; Fruit boiled in goats milk,
strained and given in enlargement of liver and also in jaundice.
46. Ficus racemosa L., (Moraceae); Locality: Mandu, Local name: Gular; Fruits given in diabetes and to
check abortion (Ayu.also).
47. Flacourtia indica (Burm. f.) Merr. (Flacourtiaceae); Locality: Mandu, Local name: Dollar; the root
paste is applied externally in skin diseases.
48. Gloriosa superba Linn. (Liliaceae); Locality: Saray, Local name: Kalihari; the root and flower paste
is used for killing the mouse and birds in crop fields and root paste (half teaspoons) is administered in the
pregnancy upto four month.
49. Gymnema sylvestre (Retz.) R. Br. Ex. Schult. (Asclepidiaceae); Locality: Nalcha, Local name:
Gudmar; the tuber powder is applied on Diabetes and Menstrual disorders.
50. Helicteres isora Linn. (Sterculiaceae); Locality: Haror, Local name: Maror phalli; the aqueous extract
of the seed in smally quantity is given to children in dysentery and Root extract is given in fits and
diabetes (Ayu. Also.).
51. Hemidesmus indicus R. Br. (Asclepiadaceae); Locality: Nalcha, Local name: Dudhi; the root paste
mixed with water is given in small quantity to children in dysentery.
52. Holarrhena pubescens Wall. ex G. Don Syn. H. Antidysenterica Wall. ex DC.(Apocynaceae);
Locality: Nalcha, Local name: Kudhi; the fruit paste is given in stomachache.
53. Hymenodictyon exceba (Roxb.) Mabb., (Rubiaceae); Locality: Nalcha, Local name: Bhavar sal/
Bhaulan; An extract of inner stem bark given for relief from addiction to hard drink.
54. Indigofera tintoria L., (Fabaceae); Locality: Nalcha, Local name: Neel; Seed paste soaked overnight
in clean water, strained in the morning through a clean cloth. The filtrate is used as eye drops, for a
number of days for relief from cataract.
55. Ichnocarpus frutescens (L.) R. Br. (Apocynaceae); Locality: Nalcha, Local name: Dudhi; the root
paste is applied on body to cure fever.
56. Jatropha curcas Linn. (Euphorbiaceae); Locality: Aamkho, Local name: Ratanjot; the stem is used as
tooth brush to relieve toothache and gum swelling.
57. Lawsonia inermis L. (Lythraceae); Locality: Mandu, Local name: Mehandi; the whole plant is
crushed and the paste is applied on Boils Burn, Headache, Piles, Rheumatism, Snake bite.
58. Luffa acutangula (L.) Roxb., (Cucurbitaceae); Locality: Nalcha, Local name: Kadvi turai; Fine seed
powder inhaled for cure of jaundice. Very clean juice of fruits is used as eye drops in conjunctivitis.
59. Madhuca longifolia (Koenig) Mac.Bride var. latifolia (Roxb.) Chev., (Sapotaceae); Locality: Nalcha,
Local name : Mahua; A sweet dish made by boiling the flowers in milk and taken regularly for a long
duration to cure male impotency. Bark paste applied externally on tonsils. Seed extract is given internally

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CIBTech Journal of Pharmaceutical Sciences ISSN: 2319–3891 (Online)
An Online International Journal Available at http://www.cibtech.org/cjps.htm
2012 Vol. 1 (2-3) Jul.-Sept. & Oct.-Dec., pp.7-15/Alawa and Ray
Research Article
in diphtheria. The oil cake is burnt inside the room to keep away snakes.
60. Martynia annua L.(Martyniaceae); Locality: Nalcha, Local name: Bichia; the seed oil is applied in
case of eczema.
61. Momordica dioica Roxb.ex Willd. (Cucurbitaceae); Locality: Mandu, Local name: Kikode; the Seeds
are used to remove Kidney stone, diabetes and fever.
62. Momordica charantia. Linn. (Cucurbitaceae); Locality: Mandu, Local name: Bankarela; The juice of
the fruits is given in diabetes till it is cured.
63. Mucuna pruriens (L.) DC., (Fabaceae); Locality: Nalcha, Local name: Kevach/ Kaunch; Root paste
applied externally on facial and paralytic places and root extract is given with water in empty stomach to
sexually weak male.
64. Ocimum americanum Linn. (Lamiaceae); Locality: Mandu, Local name: Tulsi; the leaves are crushed
and mixed with salt, and eaten to increase the taste of tonge.
65. O. basilicum Linn. (Lamiaceae); Locality: Mandu, Local name: Kali tulsi; the leaf decoction mixed
with saline water is used to keep away the snakes.
66. O. gratissimum L., (Lamiaceae); Locality: Mandu, Local name: Tulsia ghas; the extract of seeds is
mixed with sugary water and given during hot summer days as nerve tonic.
67. Oldenlandia corymloosa (L. F.) DC. Syn. O. crystalline Roxb. (Rubiaceae); Locality: Nalcha, Local
name: Ratwa; the root paste is applied and eaten to cure eczema and stomachache.
68. Phoenix sylvestris Roxb. (Arecaceae); Locality: Nalcha, Local name: Khajoor; the heartwood is given
to ladies for increasing lactation after child birth.
69. Phyllanthus virgatus Forst. (Euphorbiaceae); Locality: Aamkho, Local name: Bhui aonla; Extract of
the whole plant given in malaria.
70. Physalis minima Linn. (Solanaceae); Locality: Nalchha, Local name: Popati; Two and a half leaves
are eaten to cure fever and fruits are eaten to maintain body heat.
71. Senna tora (L.) Roxb. (Caesalpiniaceae); Locality: Mandu, Local name: Puwadia; the seeds are
crushed with water and applied in eczema and hemicrania.
72. Solanum nigrum L. (Solanaceae); Locality: Nalcha, Local name: Makoi; Leaf juice given in
enlargement of spleen, Jaundice and Snake bite.
73. Solanum incanum Linn. (Solanaceae); Locality: Mandu, Local name: Khatti ringdi; the seed powder
is applied inside the mouth to cure toothache.
74. Solanum virginianum L.(Solanaceae); Locality: Mandu, Local name: Kateli; the seed powder is
applied inside the Asthma, Cough and Rhematisms.
75. Sterculia villosa Roxb (Sterculiaceae); Locality: Nalcha, Local name: Kudawala; the root paste is
given only and also applied on the inflamed parts of the body to reduce Swellings and Bark used in
asthma.
76. Tacca leontopetaloides (Linn.) O. Ktze. (Taccaceae); Locality: Mandu, Local name: Barwa; the tuber
paste is applied in headache and in body pain.
77. Malinkara hexandra Roxb. (Sapotaceae); Locality: Mandu, Local name: Khirni; the stem bark boiled
with water is used for bathing upto four days once in a day to bodyache.
78. Tectona grandis L., (Verbenaceae); Locality: Nalcha, Local name: Sagon; Stem bark is chewed in the
case of any mouth disease.
79. Trichosanthes cucumerina Linn. (Cucurbitaceae); Locality: Nalcha, Local name: Tambakasri; the
fruits are kept in water for 12 hours and used to give bath to patients suffering from jaundice.
80. Tridax procumbens Linn. (Asteraceae); Locality: Nalcha, Local name: Karkadia khad; the paste of
whole plant is used to stop bleeding caused by any outer stroke.
81. Ventilago denticulate Willd. (Rhamnaceae); Locality: Mandu, Local name: Ghurbela; the stem bark
paste mixed with sugar is given two times in a day for cooling effect.
82. Vitex negundo L., (Verbenaceae); Locality: Mandu, Local name: Nirgudi; Leaf juice is mixed with
the seeds of Ajwain (Trachyspermum ammi (L.) Sprague) and is given (a teaspoon) in stomach disorders.

12
CIBTech Journal of Pharmaceutical Sciences ISSN: 2319–3891 (Online)
An Online International Journal Available at http://www.cibtech.org/cjps.htm
2012 Vol. 1 (2-3) Jul.-Sept. & Oct.-Dec., pp.7-15/Alawa and Ray
Research Article
83. Xanthum strumarium Linn. (Asteraceae); Locality: Nalchha, Local name: Ghadsia/Gokhru; the seed
paste is applied in forehead to cure headache and decoction of whole plant is given for three days to treat
liver disorder.
84. X. uliginosa (Retz.) Mahesh (Rubiaceae); Locality: Aamkho, Local name: Gagri; the root paste is
given in dysentery.
85. Zingiber roseum Rosc. (Zingiberaceae); Locality: Mandu, Local name: Jangliadrak; the rhizome paste
is applied on the body and the juice of the rhizome is given three times in a day to cure general fever.
86. Ziziphus mauritiana Lamk., (Zingiberaceae); Locality: Nalchha, Local name: Bor; Leaf paste or bark
is applied over the place of scorpion sting.

RESULTS AND DISCUSSION

Present study reports 86 plants species which are included fewer than 71 genera and 47 families which are
used for the treatment 35 types of diseases. Generally local medicine man or knowledgeable of medicinal
plants of Bhils and Bhilala tribes is known as „Badwa‟. They keep secrecy about medicinal plants and
uprooted according to required proportion. Usually they collect these plants after rainy season or Dushera
festival. Most of the traditional medicines were prepared by healers from fresh material harvested from
wild. Dried materials often given as powder form. Prescribed to take as a Juices, decoction or infusion of
whole plants or plant parts given to patient and most commonly.
The data on the medicinally important plants reveals that 35 were used again skin disease 2, diarrhea and
dysentery 2, plants for respiratory, cough & cold or branchities or asthma 3, stomach pain 7, fever &
typhoid 13, snake & scorpion bite 7, eye-disease 4, body pain 8, diabetes 6, jaundice 5, bone fracture 1
plants for cardiovascular.

ACKNOWLEDGEMENT
The author is thankful to Dr. R. Trivedi, Principal and Prof. S. Nagar, Head of Botany Department, PMB
Gujarati Science College, Indore for providing research and library facilities. We also extend our thank to
Dr. R. K. Dave, Principal and Dr. Anuradha Dubey, Head of Botany Department, Govt. P. G. College,
Dhar for their help and support. We are also thankful to Divisional forest officer, Dhar for help during the
ethno medicinal survey in tribal villages and forest areas of the district we are thankfully acknowledge the
informants Goverdhan Gavad, Shukhlal Singare, Kishan Chouhan, Ramsingh Patel and Onkar patel for
the important information giving regarding ethno medicinal plants.

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An Online International Journal Available at http://www.cibtech.org/cjps.htm
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Research Article
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ISSN: 2278 – 0211 (Online)

Ethnomedicinal Plants Used By Tribals of Rayagadda

District, Odisha State, India
S. B. Padal
Senior Lecturer in Botany, Mrs. A.V.N. College, Visakhapatnam, Andhra Pradesh,
India
J. Butchi Raju
Reader in Botany, Mrs. A.V.N. College, Visakhapatnam, Andhra Pradesh, India.

Abstract:
Ethnobotanical study was carried out in the Rayagadda districts of Odisha during
2012-2013 to document the medicinal utility of plants. The present paper deals with
traditional uses of 50 plant species belonging to 41 genera and 27 families along
with correct botanical identification, local names, parts used and mode of
administration in respect to different diseases. The documented ethnomedicinal plants
are mostly used to cure Sciatica, Bone fracture, Asthma, Rheumatism, Hiccups,
Galactogauge, Jaundice, Boils, Skin disease, Centipede bite, Wounds, Snake bite,
Anthelmintic, Headache, Anemia, Gonorrhea, Vigour and Vitality, Ear pain,
Dysentery, Fertility, Chicken pox, Tooth decay, etc., are listed.

Keywords: Ethnobotanical study; medicinal plants; rayagadda districts; Odisha

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1.Introduction
India has a century’s old tradition of using medicinal plants and herbal medicines for the
alleviation of various diseases and ailments, as well as for the promotion of health and
happiness. People often look towards the traditional systems of medicine not only for the
curative effects of plants, but also to hopefully provide them with elixirs of youth and
good health. Ethnomedicinal is one of the systems of medicine that is widely practiced of
ailments. Primitive societies have depended on herbal remedies for the treatment of
diseases and disorders since time immemorial (Singh et al. 2003). The plants used by the
tribals of Madhya Pradesh reported by Jain (1963a). Jain and Tarafder (1963) identified
the plant remedies for snakebite among Adivasis of central India. Andhra Pradesh state is
ethno botanically well-explored most of the work done was during 1985-2002. The work
so far done in the field of ethno botanical resources by different workers to help the
modern world as well as local communities in the re-indisappensing knowledge and
returning it to local communities in Andhra Pradesh are reviewed here. Krishnamachari
(1900) has reported the uses of the leaves of Erythroxylun monogynum (Devadari and the
roots of Aloe vera (Kalabanda) as a food during famine. Krishnamurthy (1958) published
a paper on the tribal people of Rampa and Gudem agency of Godavari lower division East
Godavari district. Jain et al. (1973) first studied the ethno botany of Andhra Pradesh
Banerjee (1977) studied ethno botany of Araku Valley, Visakhapatnam.

2.Study Area
Rayagada is a district of meadows, forests, water falls and terraced valleys, peopled by
many primitive tribal groups. The scenic beauty and heritage on the land is an
unexplored paradise. The pattern of people living in the district show unity in diversity of
races, languages, and culture. The Scheduled Tribes living in the district possess
dissimilar economics ranging from food gathering to settled cultivation. Their
languages/dialects, societies and culture show inter-societal and -cultural variations
because of the ethnic mosaic. Rayagada is nearly 390 km from Bhubaneswar by road. It
is connected by rail with important cities like: Bhubaneswar, Raipur, Visakhapatnam,
Koraput, Kolkata, Chennai, Delhi, Bangalore and Hyderabad. As of 2001 India census,
Rayagada had a population of 57,732. Males constitute 51% of the population and
females 49%. Rayagada has an average literacy rate of 64%, higher than the national
average of 59.5%: male literacy is 72%, and female literacy is 56%. In Rayagada, 12%
of the population is under 6 years of age. There are various communities living in

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Rayagada. This is a tribal inhabited district of Odisha. Tribals too comprise a significant
population of the place. All the festivals relating to these communities are celebrated
with pomp and fervour. The main language spoken here is Oriya, Telugu and tribal
languages like Soura and Kui. The district has a predominant tribal population of
57.52%. All the 11 blocks of the district have been covered under tribal sub-plan with
three micro projects in operation for the pre-literate indigenous tribal communities. The
topography of Rayagada gives a prefect platform for the tribals in sustaining their ethno-
cultural identity in the district. Forest area covers an extent of 4785.36 km2 out of which
777.27 km² is reserved forest. The district has been the homeland of various tribal
communities with their sub-tribes, who are found in different levels of development
depending upon their assimilation with the mainstream or modern communities. In the
ethno-cultural map of Odisha, two tribes stand out quite prominently for their education
backwardness and continuing ethnic and cultural identity, the Khondu and the Souras.

3.Material Methods
Information on the use of medicinal plants for the treatment of skin diseases was
collected from the study area through field surveys, semi-structured interviews with
selected knowledgeable elders and local vaidyas. The plant specimens were collected
and identified, dried by using routine botanical collection methods and preserved for
further analysis. The medicinal properties of plants were confirmed by similar uses from
50 informants. Plant specimen collected from field with their local names was identified
with the help of regional and local flora and confirmed with the authentic specimens
deposited in the Department of Botany, Andhra University for future reference.

S.No Botanical name Family Vernacular Mode of administration & Dosage.

name name
1. Ailanthus excelsa Roxb. Simaroubac Pedda SCIATICA: One g of gum mixed with
Habit: Tree eae maanu water is administered twice a day.
2. Alangium salvifolium Alangiacea Uduga BONE FRACTURE: Boiled leaves are
(Linn. f.) Wang. e chettu made into paste and applied on the
Habit: Tree fractured areas.

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3. Albizia lebbeck (Linn.) Mimosacea Dirisena ASTHMA: One spoon of stem bark juice is
Willd. e administered once a day.
Habit: Tree
4 Alpinia galanga (Linn.) Zingiberace Dumparasht RHEUMATISM: One or three g of tuber
Willd. ae ramu powder or half tea glass of tuber decoction
Habit: Herb mixed with honey is administered once a
day.
5. Alstonia scholaris (Linn.) Apocynace Edakulapala HICCUPS: Stem bark juice or flower
R. Br. ae powder mixed with long pepper and honey
Habit: Tree is administered daily.
6. Alstonia venenata R. Br. Apocynace Pala GALACTAGOGUE: Half glass of stem
Habit: Tree ae mandhu bark decoction is administered orally to
chettu increase lactation.
7. Boerhavia diffusa Linn. Nyctaginac Atuka JAUNDICE: Root and leaf juice is
Habit: Herb eae mamidi administered on empty stomach.
8. Bombax ceiba Linn. Bombacace Buruga BOILS: Root paste of young plant is
Habit: Tree ae applied on the boils twice a day for 2 days.
9. Brassica nigra (Linn.) Brassicacea Avaalu SKIN DISEASES: Equal quanties of
Koch. e mustard and neem oils are mixed and
Habit: Herb applied on the affected areas
10. Bridelia montana (Roxb.) Euphorbiac Sankumanu CENTIPEDE BITE: Stem bark is pound
Willd. eae with water and the paste is applied on the
Habit: Tree affected areas.
11. Butea monosperma Fabaceae Moduga WOUNDS: Stem bark juice is applied on
(Lam.) Taub. the affected areas.
Habit: Tree
12. Butea superba Roxb. Fabaceae Palasamu SNAKE BITE: Flowers are ground with
Habit: Tree the leaves of Cinnamomum zeylanicum
and the paste is administered orally twice a
day.
13. Caladium bicolor Vent. Araceae Rudra SNAKE BITE: Quarter cup of tuber juice
Habit: Herb chama is given and a portion of it is applied on the
bitten area immediately after bite.

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14. Callicarpa arborea Linn. Verbenacea Badiga ANTHELMINTIC: One spoon of stem
Habit: Tree e chettu bark paste mixed with tuber paste of
Rauvolfia serpentina is taken with half cup
of water twice a day till cure.
15. Clerodendrum Verbenacea Bandari RHEUMATIC PAINS: One spoon of root
philippinum Schr. in DC. e paste is given orally with water daily once.
Habit: Shrub
16. Clerodendrum Verbenacea Takkali JAUNDICE: Quarter spoon of leaf paste
phlomoides Linn. f. e mixed with half cup of curd is taken for
Habit: Shrub three days on empty stomach.
17. Clerodendrum serratum Verbenacea Seetha HEADACHE: Leaf juice mixed with equal
(Linn.) Moon e chettu quantities of gingelly oil and butter is
Habit: Shrub heated and applied on the forehead.
18. Clitoria ternatea Linn. Fabaceae Sanku ANAEMIA: One spoon of root paste is
Habit: Climber pushpamu administered with water daily twice for 3-4
days. In serious conditions it is used for 10
days.
19. Cocculus hirsutus (Linn.) Menisperm Dusara GONORRHOEA: One spoon of tuber
Diels aceae teega paste mixed with sufficient quantity of
Habit: Climber sugar candy is administered daily.
20. Coldenia procumbens Boraginace Hamsa RHEUMATISM: Leaf paste is bandaged
Linn. ae paadu over swelled joints.
Habit: Herb
21. Coleus amboinicus Lour. Lamiaceae Vamu DYSENTERY: Handful of leaves made
Habit: Herb into juice is taken orally every day.
22. Coleus barbatus (Andr.) Lamiaceae Pashanabed ASTHMA: One spoon of root paste is
Benth. hi administered daily twice with water.
Habit: Herb
23. Colocasia esculenta Araceae Konda VIGOUR & VITALITY: Fifty g of boiled
(Linn.) Schott chama corm eaten once a day for one month.
Habit: Herb
24. Corchorus olitorius Linn. Tiliaceae Kranthi EAR PAIN: Two to three drops of crushed
Habit: Herb seed juice is instilled into the ears.

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25. Cordia dichotoma Forst. f. Boraginace Banka JAUNDICE: Half cup of leaf juice is
Habit: Shrub ae nakkeri mixed with equal quantity of water and
administered once a day for three days.
26. Costus speciosus (Koen.) Zingiberace Bokacchika GALACTAGOGUE: Rhizome is warmed
Sm. ae and ground into paste. Three spoons of it is
Habit: Herb administered with one cup of milk in the
morning and a portion of it is applied on
the mammae.
26. Desmodium pulchellum Fabaceae Konda WOUNDS: The leaves and tubers ground
(Linn.) Benth. anteetha with the bark of Moringa oleifera and
Habit: Shrub green banana and the paste is applied on
the affected areas.
27. Dichrostachys cinerea Mimosacea Veluturu RHEUMATISM: Quarter cup of root or
(Linn.) Wt. & Arn. e chettu stem bark juice is administered daily once.
Habit: shrub
28. Diplocyclos palmatus Cucurbitace Linga FERTILITY: Quarter spoon of seed
(Linn.) Jeffrey ae donda powder is administered with milk to break
Habit: Climber sterility.
29. Dysophylla quadrifolia Lamiaceae Rati thulasi CHICKENPOX: Dried leaves are burnt
Benth. and the patient is exposed to the fumes and
Habit: Herb leaf paste is also applied to the body.
30. Elephantopus scaber Linn. Asteraceae Eddu adugu TOOTH DECAY: Root bark is kept in the
Habit: Herb tooth with salt.
31. Eucalyptus globulus Myrtaceae Neelagiri LEG SWELLINGS: Leaves are presoaked
Labill chettu in the hot water and legs are kept in that
Habit: Tree water to get relief.
32. Euphorbia heterophylla Euphorbiac Pala chettu GALACTAGOGUE: Young leaves and
Linn. eae fruits are boiled and ground into paste with
Habit: Tree garlic is given orally daily once for a week.
33. Euphorbia nivulia Buch.- Euphorbiac Akujamudu EARACHE: Leaves are warmed and 2-3
Ham. eae drops of juice is squeezed into the ears.
Habit: Tree

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34. Euphorbia tirucalli Linn. Euphorbiac Kada PILES: Latex is mixed with turmeric and
Habit: Shrub eae jamudu externally applied daily once for 1 week.
35. Ficus benghalensis Linn. Moraceae Marri DIABETES: Quarter glass of stem bark
Habit: Tree juice is taken daily in the morning.
36. Ficus hispida Linn. f. Moraceae Boddamarri GONORRHOEA: Quarter cup of root juice
Habit: Tree mixed with ten g of cumin seed powder is
administered daily once.
37. Ficus microcarpa Linn.f. Moraceae Medi chettu SWELLINGS: Fruits are to be splitted into
Habit: Tree two parts and soaked with honey for one
month. Half spoon of it is to be taken
orally daily twice.
38. Ficus religiosa Linn. Moraceae Raavi MOUTH ULCERS: About 250 ml stem
Habit: Tree bark decoction mixed with 3 g of boiled
sugar powder is used to gargle.
39. Globba marantina Linn. Zingiberace Konda FEVER: Tuber paste is applied on the
Habit: Herb ae pasupu scalp to reduce high temperatures.
40. Glycosmis pentaphylla Rutaceae Konda WOUNDS: Leaf paste is applied on the
(Retz.) DC. gilugu affected areas twice a day for 2 days.
Habit: Tree
41. Helicteres isora Linn. Sterculiace Nulidhada DYSENTERY: One spoon of unripe fruit
Habit: Shrub ae powder is taken thrice a day.
42. Heliotropium indicum Boraginace Naga danti DIABETES: Five ml of root or leaf
Linn. ae decoction is administered daily.
Habit: Herb
43. Hemionitis arifolia Adiantacea Ramabanam LONG LIFE SPAN: One spoon of leaf
(Burm. f.) Moore e powder is administered with milk.
Habit: Herb
44. Heynea trijuga Roxb. Meliaceae Gorreguddu TOOTH DISORDERS: Stem branches are
Herb: shrub chettu used as tooth brush and help to reduce
tooth disorders.
45. Holoptelea integrifolia Ulmaceae Nemali RHEUMATISM: Fresh stem bark is
(Roxb.) Planch. chettu crushed and boiled with the leaves of the
Habit: Nemali chettu same plant Paste is plastered on the
affected areas.

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46. Hygrophila auriculata Acanthacea Neetigobbi LEUCORRHOEA: One spoon of root

(Schum.)Heine e paste mixed with half cup of water is taken
Habit: Shrub daily.
47. Millettia racemosa Fabaceae Gilla baddu FITS: One spoon of stem bark paste is
(Roxb.) Benth. administered with half glass of water daily
Habit: Climber once till cure.
48. Morinda pubescens Sm. Rubiaceae Togaru BODY PAINS: Stem bark juice is applied
Habit: Tree over the body once a day for 2 days.
49 Terminalia chebula Retz. Combretace Karaka COUGH: Epicarp of the fruit is kept in the
Habit: Tree ae chettu mouth and gulps the juice.
50. Zingiber zerumbet (Linn.) Zingiberace Samidadum DYSENTERY: Root tuber is ground into
Smith ae pa paste and administered orally along with
Habit: Herb water thrice a day to cure dysentery caused
by witchcraft.
Table 1:Ethnomedicinal plants used by tribal people of Rayagadda district, Odisha

4.Result And Discussion

In the enumeration all the plant species are arranged with their family, local name, parts
used and various uses for the treatment of illness and diseases (Table 1). A total of 50
plant species belonging to 41 genera and 27 families were reported for different
therapeutic uses. Ethnomedicinal uses have been reported and this is the first hand
exclusive investigation on the medicinal plants among the varies tribe of the district.
Most of the plants used in the treatment are herbs (15 species), trees 21 species), and
shrubs (10) and rarely climbers (4 species). Fabaceae is the dominant family with 5
species followed by Zingiberaceae, Euphorbiaceae, Verbenaceae and Moraceae (4),
Boraginaceae and Lamiaceae (3) and Mimosaceae, Apocynaceae and Araceae with (2),
and others with one species each. An analysis of different plant parts used in the
preparation of Tribal medicines to cure various diseases is given in this work. In the
present study the number of medicinal plants are used to cure different ailments /
diseases like Sciatica, Bone fracture, Asthma, Rheumatism, Hiccups, Galactogauge,
Jaundice, Boils, Skin disease, Centipede bite, Wounds, Snake bite, Anthelmintic,
Headache, Anemia, Gonorrhea, Vigour and Vitality, Ear pain, Dysentery, Fertility,
Chicken pox, Tooth decay, etc., are listed.

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Habit wise analysis of Ethnomedicinal plants

Herbs Shrubs Trees Climbers

8%
30%

42%
20%

Figure 1

5. Conclusion
In the present study 50 angiosperm species belonging to 27 families collected from
Rayagadda district, Odisha State have been reported for treating varies diseases. This
study reveals that medicinal plants still play a vital role in the primary healthcare of this
tribal community. Traditional medicines also have the potential to form the basis of
pharmaceutical drugs for the treatment of a range of diseases. Thus, the loss of these
potentially valuable genetic resources ultimately affects the whole society. There is an
urgent need to document the knowledge or otherwise it is lost forever.

6. Acknowledgements:
The authors are thankful to Herbarium Keeper, Department of Botany, Mrs.
A.V.N.Collage, for his help in identifying the plant sample. The authors also wish to
acknowledge the help received from the local and tribal people of Rayagadda district,
Odisha state, India.

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7. Reference
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ISSN 2320-3862
JMPS 2017; 5(1): 266-269
© 2017 JMPS
Received: 19-11-2016
Accepted: 20-12-2016
Preeti Sagar Malaiya
Asstt. Prof. of Botany, Govt. Tulsi
College, Anuppur (M.P), India
Correspondence
Preeti Sagar Malaiya
Asstt. Prof. of Botany, Govt. Tulsi
College, Anuppur (M.P), India
Journal of Medicinal Plants Studies 2017; 5(1): 266-269
Indigenous herbal medicines used by tribal people
in Satpuda Mountain Amarkantak, District
Anuppur (M.P.)
Preeti Sagar Malaiya
Abstract
According to the survey taken in Amarkantak, Anuppur district of Madhya Pradesh, India in the year of
2015-2016 various medicinal plants are present. The tribal people like Bhil, Gond and Baiga are used
these plants for different diseases. The use of these herbal medicines has important role in the modern
medicine stream like homeopathy, ayurveda, unani etc. The use of herbal medicine is not only cost
effective but also safe and almost free from serious side effects. A total 70 medicinal plants species
distributed in 37 families in this districts. These medicinal plants are use for headache, earache,
stomachache, antioxidants enriched plants, liver protective, renal protective, antidiabetic, abortificients,
wound infections, skin infections, fever, cough, diarrhea, eye infections, general weakness, blood purifier
medicinal plants etc.
Keywords: Bhil Tribe, Herbal Medicine, Gond Tribe, Baiga Tribe, Satpuda Mountain
1. Introduction
Satpuda Mountain is a range of hills in central India. The range rises in eastern Gujarat state
near the Arabian Sea coast, running east through the border of Madhya Pradesh to the east till
Chhattisgarh. Satpuda Range, range of hills, part of the Deccan plateau, western India. The
hills stretch for some 560 miles (900 km) across the widest part of peninsular India, through
Madhya Pradesh states. The name of Satpuda is given because of the seven folds forms the
watershed between Narmada (north) Tapti (south) rivers. India is well known for its plants
diversity and is rich in medicinal plant wealth. India has the second largest tribal population in
the world after Africa. According to the 2011 census of India, the total tribal population is 8%
of country’s population of which Madhya Pradesh has population of 7.27 Crores, an increase
from figure of 6.03 Crore in 2001 census. Total population of Madhya Pradesh as per 2011
census is 72,626,809 of which male and female are 37,612,306 and 35,014,503 respectively.
There are 46 recognized Scheduled Tribes in Madhya Pradesh, India, three of which have been
identified as 'Particularly Vulnerable Tribal Groups' (PTGs) (formerly known as 'Special
Primitive Tribal Groups'). The population of Scheduled Tribals (ST) is 21.1% of the state
population (15.31 million out of 72.62 million), according to the 2011 census. Bounded by the
Narmada River to the north and the Godavari River to the southeast, tribal peoples occupy the
slopes of the region's mountains. The traditional medicinal practices are an important part of
primary healthcare systems in the developing countries (Ghosh, 2003) [1]. As per World Health
Organization (1978) [2] report as much as 80% population of the world depends on traditional
herbal medicine for their primary healthcare necessities (Azaizeh et al., 2003) [3]. The tribal
people don`t have much knowledge of the education but they have the knowledge of
traditional medicines and their uses for the remedies to various diseases. This knowledge is
transmitted from one generation to the next generation
2. Material and Methods
The study site lies between 23°6’0” N Latitude and 81°41’1” E Longitude. Anuppur district
situated in the north eastern part of Madhya Pradesh. This District came into existence on 15 th
August 2003 by reorganising Shahdol District. Anuppur District has total area of 3701 sq. km.,
extends 80 km from east to west and 70 km. from north to south. District Anuppur is
surrounded by Koria District (C.G.) in east, Shahdol & Umaria district in west. Shahdol
district in north and Dindori (M.P.) Bilaspur (C.G.) in the south.
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Journal of Medicinal Plants Studies

Amarkantak is located in the state of Madhya Pradesh in India Amarkantak (NLK Amarakaṇṭaka) is a pilgrim town and a
at 22.67 °N 81.75 °E. It has an average elevation of Nagar Panchayat in Anuppur, Madhya Pradesh, India. The
1048 metres (3438 ft). Roads running through Rewa, Shahdol, Amarkantak region is a unique natural heritage area and is the
Anuppur, Jabalpur, Katni and Pendra connect it. The nearest meeting point of the Vindhya and the Satpura Ranges, with
railway stations are Anuppur and Pendra Road 43 km via the Maikal Hills being the fulcrum. This is where the
Keonchi and only 28 km via Jwaleshwar. Narmada River, the Son River and Johila River emerge.

Map 1: Location map of Madhya Pradesh and study area of Anuppur district.

The tribal people were interviewed and the samples of
medicines were collected. If the plants were unknown then
they were identified by the experts. Most of the medicinal
preparations of these tribal matched with those mentioned in
Ayurveda and those medicinal preparations. More than one
medicinal plant is used for same disease. The members of
Tribal community were sharing the knowledge regarding
traditional method of preparing the herbal medicines, local
names of plants, parts used for various diseases, etc. This
traditional knowledge was confirmed by the previous research
work on medicinal plants i.e. a few are literature (Ambasta
1986; and Chopra et al. 1956) [4, 5] and research papers (Bhalla
et al. 1982; Bhatnagar et al. 1973; Jain 1963, 1965;
Maheshwari et al. 1985; Rai 1985; 1987; Sahu 1984; Saxena
1986; Verma 1982; Jain et al. 2010; Jayprakash, et al. 2011;
Chaudhary, et al. 2012; Bharti, 2015a & 2015b and Malaiya,
2016) [6-21] published on this aspect.
3. Results and discussion
In the study, 70 medicinal plant species and 37 families are
studied. But few of them are given in the observation table
with their method of preparation, mode of administration,
parts of plants, botanical, local names, family names etc. It is
observed that medicinal preparations practiced were freshly
prepared. In figure 1 showed medicinal plants. The
knowledge of herbal medicines for preparations, mode of
administration to cure the diseases is transmitted generation to
generation. The traditional herbalists are the integral part of
that community who take care to the same (Jain SK, 1981)
[22]
. The contribution of traditional medicine to the modern
medicine is worth noting. Many drugs are made by the
scientists with the help of the knowledge of traditional
medicine. Now a day the scientists are also studying the drugs
against HIV/AIDS, zoster, herpes, psoriasis, hypertension,
jaundice, asthma, tuberculosis, leprosy, rheumatism, etc. in
pilot trials. The botanical names, local names, family names,
parts of plants used for medicinal purposes, mode of
administration are given in the given Table 1.

Table 1: Plants used medicinally by tribal people in Satpura Mountain, Amarkantak district.
S. Botanical name, families and
Ailment Preparation of medicine Mode of administration of medicine
No. parts used
Two pills in a day one in the morning
20 gm. Powder of roots is mixed with
Commelina benghalensis Linn., and one in the evening for 6-7 days in
1. Epilepsy the equal amount of jaggary and
Commelinaceae, Roots case of adults and one pill in a day in
small sized pills are prepared
case of children and women
1) Ensete superbum (Roxb.) Powder of seeds is given early in the
Nine seeds are powdered every time
Cheesm, Musaceae Seeds morning
4-5 cm piece of bark is crushed and
2) Cassine albens (Retz.) This cup of water is given as a single
Psychosomatic soaked in a cup of water overnight or
2. Celastraceae, Bark dose every day for 9 days
disorders 4-5 hours a day
A small piece of rhizome is rubbed
3) Curcuma inodora Blatt. This cup of water is administered once a
on stone or soaked in a cup of water
Zingiberaceae, Rhizome day for 2-3 days
for 4-5 hrs
Gynaecological 1) Curculigo orchioides Gaertn. 5-7 cm of tuber is dried and Powdered tuber is administered with a
disorders: Hypoxidaceae, Tuber powdered cup of milk twice a day for days
3
2) Bombax ceiba Linn., 4-5 cm bark is ground to powder Bark powder is mixed in a cup of water
a) Leucorrhoea Bombacaceae, Bark every time and administered twice a day for 7 days

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Journal of Medicinal Plants Studies

1) Tinospora cordifolia (Willd.)

Mier ex Hook. f. Thoms, 5-6 cm twig of gulvel and a small
Prepared mixer of powder is given to the
Menispermaceae, Twig. and piece of sawari bark are ground to
patient twice a day for 3 days
b) Menorrhagia Bombax ceiba Linn., Sawari, powder and mixed together
Bombacaceae, Bark
2) Eclipta alba (Linn.) Hassk. Powdered leaves are administered with a
4-5 leaves are ground to powder
Asteraceae. cup of water as a single dose for 2 days.
5 gms seed powder is given to the
1) Daucus carota Linn. var.
70 gms seeds are ground to powder women twice a day for 14 day from the
sativa DC. Apiaceae. Seeds
Prevention of 4 th day of menstruation
4
pregnancy Spoonful powder is given to the women
2) Syzygium heyneanun (Duthie) Bark in the west side of the tree is
as a single dose on the 5 th day of
Wall. Ex Gamble, Myrtaceae. removed and powdered
menstruation
This powder is mixed in 50 gm honey
Mucuna preriens (Linn.) DC
5. Sexual potency 50 gm seeds are finely powdered and taken at every morning. The sperms
Fabaceae.
count increases from 30-80%
Achyranthes aspera Linn. The leaves are crushed and a paste Leaves paste applied externally at night
6. Fistula
Amaranthaceae. prepared until relief is felt
1) Gymnema sylvestre (Ritz.) R. Fresh leaves are plucked early in the One leaf is eaten as such in the morning
7. Diabetes
Br. Asclepiadaceae. Fresh leaves. morning for 5 days
2) Calotropis gigantea (Linn.) Fresh flowers are plucked early in the 7 flowers are eaten every morning for 21
8.
R.Br.ex Ait, Asclepiadaceae. morning days
About half foot peduncle is eaten raw. It
Ensete superbum (Roxb.)
9. Kidney stone Fresh tender peduncle is cut and used leads to excessive urination and later
Cheesm, Musaceae
relief is felt from kidney stone
1) 250 leaves are fried and curry is
prepared The curry is eaten in excess at a time
1) Celosia argentea Linn.
2) 7-9 cm piece of root is crushed and This water is administered to the patient
Amaranthaceae.
soaked in half glass of water for 4-5 once a day for 2 days
hrs.
10. Constipation
About 2.5 cm piece of rhizome is
2) Curcuma inodora Blatt. This water is administered as a single
crushed and soaked in half glass of
Zingiberaceae dose
water
3) Baliospermum raziana 1-2 roots are crushed and soaked in a This water is administered as a single
Euphorbiaceae. cup of water for 4-5 hrs dose
Aegle mormelos (Linn.) Correa Mix pulp of one fruit with a small
This mixture is given twice a day till
11. Asthma ex Roxb., Rutaceae piece of adrak and equivalent amount
cured
of sugar is added to the mixture
Ensete superbum (Roxb.) A spoonful powder is taken with glass of
12. Dog bite Few seeds are powdered
Cheesm, Musaceae water early in the morning for 7 days
Hibiscus sabdariffa Linn. A few sepals are boiled in a glass of The infusion of sepals is given to the
13. Food poisoning
Malvaceae water patient which leads to vomitting
This oil is applied on paralysed parts in
Celastrus paniculatus Willd. Seeds are boiled and then crushed to the morning and evening. This oil is also
14. Paralysis
Celastraceae. obtain oil taken orally 2 ml each in morning and
evening for 15 days
Cassia tora Linn. Seeds are finely powdered and mixed This paste is applied on affected part till
15. Skin diseases
Caesalpinaceae. in coconut oil to prepare a paste cured
Ziziphus xylopyra (Retz.) Willd. Leaves of ghatbor and flowers of
This paste is applied on the patches till
16. Leucoderma Rhamnaceae. pivala dhotra are crushed and prepare
relief is felt
Datura innoxia Mill. Solanaceae a paste
The water extract is added to hot water
Bombax ceiba Linn., Few leaves are crushed and soaked in
17. Body pains and bath is given to the patient. It is
Bombacaceae water
repeated for 2-3 days
Eranthemum nervosum (Vahl.) 2-3 roots are crushed and soaked in a This cup of water is given to patient in
18. Gonorrhoea
R.Br. Acanthaceae. cup of water for over night the morning for 2-3 days

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Journal of Medicinal Plants Studies
(I)
Fig 1: Medicinals plants (i) Mucuna pruriens; (ii) Aegle mormelos and (iii) Eclipta alba
4. Conclusion
The study concludes that the role of herbal medicines and
their role in the treatment of various diseases among the tribes
are crucial. They use many forest plants, weeds, flowers,
seeds, fruit, and barks in their traditional treatment. These
people use these plants for non-medicinal purposes also like
fuels, construction of huts etc. If the traditional knowledge is
associated with modern system of medicine, it will be the new
revolution in the medicine.
5. Acknowledgements
The author is greatly indebted to principal of Govt. Tulsi
College, Anuppur (M.P.) who permitted to carry out this
work.
6. References
1. Ghosh A. Herbal folk remedies of Bankura and
Medinipur districts, West Bengal (India). Indian J.
Traditional Knowledge. 2003; 2:393-396.
2. WHO. Traditional Medicine, (Geneva World Health
Organization Report), 1978.
3. Azaizeh H, Fulder S, Khalil K, Said O. Ethnomedicinal
knowledge of local Arab practitioners in the Middle East
Region. Fitoterapia. 2003; 74:98-108.
4. Ambasta SP. The useful plants of India, CSIR, New
Delhi, 1986.
5. Chopra RN, Chopra IC, Nayar SL. Glossary of the Indian
Medicinal Plants, CSIR, New Delhi, 1956.
6. Bhalla NP, Sahu TR, Mishra GP, Dakwale RN.
Traditional plant Medicines of Sagar district M.P. J Econ.
Tax. Bot 1982; 3(1):23-32.
7. Bhatnagar LS, Singh VK, Pandy G. Medico-Botanical
Studies on Flora of Ghatigaon Forest, Gwalior, M.P. J
Res. Ind. Med. 1973; 8(2):67-100.
8. Jain SK. Studies in Indian Ethnobotany less known use of
fifty common plants from tribal areas of Madhya
Pradesh. Bull. bot. Surv. India. 1963; 5:223-226.
9. Jain SK. Medicinal plantlore of the tribals of Bastar
Econ. Bot. 1965; 19:236-256.
10. Maheswari JK, Kalakoti BS, Brinjal. Ethnomedicine of
Bhil tribe of Jhabua district, M.P. Ancient Sci. Life 1985;
5(4):255 -261.
11. Rai MK. Plant used as medicine by tribes of Chhindwara
district (M.P.) J Econ. Tax. Bot. 1985; 7(2):385- 387.
12. Rai MK. Ethonomedicinal studies of Patalkot and
Tamiya (District Chhindwara) M.P. Ancient Sci. Life
1987; 7(2):119 -121.
13. Sahu TR. Less known uses of weeds as medicinal plants.
Ancient Sci. Life 1984; 3(4):245-249.
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(ii) (iii)
14. Saxena HO. Observations on the Ethnobotany of Madhya
Pradesh Bull. bot. Surv. India 1986; 28(1-4):149-156.
15. Verma, Rajani. Medico-Floristic approach on the forests
of Kolaras, Distt. Shivpuri (Madhya Pradesh). III Annual
herbs. J Econ. Tax. Bot. 1982; 3:689-694.
16. Jain DL, Baheti AM, Jain SR, Khandelwal KR. Use of
medicinal plants among tribes in Satpuda region of Dhule
and Jalgaon districts of Maharashtra-an ethnobotanical
survey. Indian J Trad Knowled. 2010; 9:152-157.
17. Jeyaprakash K, Ayyanar M, Geetha KN, Sekar T.
Traditional uses of medicinal plants among the tribal
people in Theni districts (Western Ghats), Southern India.
Asian Pac J Trop Biomed. 2011; 1(1):S20-S25.
18. Choudhury S, Sharma P, Dutta Choudhury M, Dutt
Sharma G. Ethnomedicinal plants used by Chorei tribes
of Southern Assam, North Eastern India. Asian Pac J
Trop Dis. 2012; 2(1):S141-S147.
19. Bharti Vinay Kumar. An Ethnobotanical Study of
Medicinal Plants in Shahdol District of Madhya Pradesh,
India, International Journal of Science and Research
(IJSR). 2015a; 4(10):1501-1505.
20. Bharti Vinay Kumar. Ethno-Medicinal Plants Used by
The Tribal People of Shahdol District, Madhya Pradesh
For The Treatment of Rheumatism, International Journal
for Research in Applied Science & Engineering
Technology (IJRASET), 2015b; 3(XII):266-270.
21. Malaiya, Preeti Sagar. Medicinal plants used by tribal
population of Anuppur district Madhya Pradesh, India.
International Journal of Applied Research, 2016;
2(1):418-421.
22. Jain SK. Ethnobotanical research unfolds new vistas of
traditional medicine, in Glimpses of Indian Ethnobotany,
by Jain SK (Oxford & IBH Publishing Co Ltd, New
Delhi, India), 1981, 13-36.
Journal of Medicinal Plants Studies
Year: 2013, Volume: 1, Issue: 3
First page: (98) Last page: (104)
ISSN: 2320-3862
Online Available at www.plantsjournal.com

Journal of Medicinal Plants Studies

Ethno-botanical Study of Medicinal Plants Used by Tribals

of Bankura Districts, West Bengal, India
Arijit Sinhababu*1, Arpita Banerjee

1. Department of Botany, Bankura Christian College, Bankura, West Bengal, India.

[E- mail.- arijitsinhababu@rediffmail.com]

Ethno-medicine means the medical practices for the treatment of ethnic or aborigine people for their health care
needs. Indigenous traditional Knowledge is an integral part of the culture and history of a local community. It is
evolved through years of regular experimentation on the day to day life and available resources surrounded by the
community. The present paper documented 43 ethno-medicinal plants of Bankura district, West Bengal, India
belonging to 24 families were used by the local health healers for the treatment of different diseases. The
conventional ethno medicinal plants were mostly used for different inflammation, cough and cold, leucoderma,
different skin diseases, ulcers and leprosy. The medicinal plants used by the traditional users of Bankura district are
arranged alphabetically followed by botanical name, family, local name and medicinal uses.

Keyword: Bankura, Ethno-medicinal plants, Tribals, uses.

1. Introduction 80% of the world’s population depends on

Our country is commonly called the
Botanical Garden of the world, owing to her
wealth of herbal medicines. India with its
great topographic and climatic diversity has
a very rich and diverse flora and fauna. The
uses of plants as medicines have been
practiced from an ancient time. From around
1500 B.C. Rig Veda is one of the important
earliest available documents which
emphasizes about herbal medicinal
knowledge. Later on Indian herbalists such
as Maharshi Charaka and Sushruta worked
in searchof different herbal plant parts for
different aliments of human body. Later on,
it is reported that traditional healers use near
about 2500 plant species and 100 species of
plants serve as regular sources of medicine 1.
World Health Organization has stated that
traditional medicine for its primary health
care and has become indispensable for its
survival 2. Since times immemorial, plants
have been put to medicinal use by the
traditional herbalists, Hakims, Vaidays,
Ayurvedic practioners and the common
man. Herbal medicine is the study and use
of medicinal properties of plants.Therefore
medicinal plants constitute precious
resources for mankind. During the past one
century, there has been a rapid extension of
allopathic medicinal treatment in India but
still now the use of natural products as
medicine, especially plant products are
widely used among various tribal people
particularly in the remote areas of West
Bengal with few health facilities 3-9. The
information relating to the medicinally

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Journal of Medicinal Plants Studies
useful species and their uses along with
traditional knowledge and practices are very
fragmentary 10-18. The present study is thus
an attempt to document different plant
species of Bankura district used by the local
health healers to cure different ailments.
2. Materials and Methods
2.1 Study area
Bankura is one of the most important district
of West Bengal where most of the area is
adjacent to the forest. It is located in the
western part of the state West Bengal. The
district has been described as the connecting
link between the plans of West Bengal on
the east and Chota Nagpur plateau on the
west. Bankura lies between 22º 38ʹ and 23º
38ʹ North latitude and between 86º 36ʹ and
87º 46ʹ East longitudes. According to census
(2001), 10.36% among the total tribal
population are resides in Bankura, ethno-
medicinal practice is very common among
the tribes. The tribal communities in this
area are mainly Santal, Lohar, Bhumij,
Lodha, Mahali and Sabar.
2.2 Data collection
An ethnomedicinal study was undertaken in
some selected places of Bankura district
(Simlapal, Khatra and Raipur). The survey
was carried out during the year 2011-2012
in the tribal inhabited area of Bankura. The
ethno-botanical data were obtained from
tribal people, Vaidyas, Ojhas, local herbal
drug sellers and the information collected
from the available literature. The forests are
being retrogressed to various stages of
degradation because of biotic influences like
excessive grazing, looping for fodder and
Table 1: Enumeration of different plant species is as follows-
Scientific name of the
Family
plant
Alstonia scholaris (Linn.)
Apocynaceae
R .Br.
Vol. 1 Issue. 3 2013
www.plantsjournal.com
fuel and unregulated felling, unscientific
collection of medicinal plants by the health
healers. A total of 321 inhabitants of the
tribal communities were interviewed,
randomly people were selected of which 207
men and 114 women of age 45 and above.
Plant specimens were collected and
identified following standard taxonomic
methods and some of them were processed
for herbarium and that will be deposited in
the herbarium of Botany Department of
Bankura Christian College, Bankura.
3. Results
In the present investigation 43 species of
medicinal plants belongs to 24 families, total
40 genera were used for the treatment of
different diseases. Out of the 24 families 2
were belongs to monocotyledons and 22
families were dicotyledons. The major plant
families used by the tribals for their health
care are Combretaceae (04 species),
followed by Acanthaceae, Caesalpiniaceae,
Lamiaceae and Rubiaceae (3 species). The
different plants which have been
documented during the present investigation
along with their mode of use in different
health treatment by the local health healers
are given in the table 1. Different parts of
medicinal plants were used as medicine by
the local traditional health healers. Among
the different plant parts, the leaves were
most frequently used for the treatment of
diseases followed by root, bark and whole
plant parts. From the study, it was found that
plants are mostly used to treat different
inflammation, cough and cold, leucoderma,
different skin diseases, ulcers and leprosy.
Vernacular name Medicinal Uses
Stem bark used as febrifuge,
Chhatim spasmolytic, antidysenteric, hypotensive,
also use as cardio tonic and chronic
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Journal of Medicinal Plants Studies www.plantsjournal.com

ulcers. Tribal people used stem bark in

pasty form with water to cure snake
bites. Latex is used for chest pain and
dental caries.
Leaf paste made into tablets which is
Andrographis paniculata helpful to improve digestion and liver
Acanthaceae Kalmegh
(Burm.f.) Nees. function. Whole plant extract is useful
for whooping cough and leprosy.
Leaf extract useful for skin disease,
leprosy and intestinal worms. Leaf and
Azadirachta indica A.
Meliaceae Nim seed extraction are used as a source of
Juss.
naturally occurring insecticides,
pesticides and agrochemicals.
Leaf juice useful in cough. Leaves are
Barleria cristata Linn. Acanthaceae Swetjhinti
chewed in toothache.
Whole plant extraction useful in blood
Boerhavia diffusa Linn. Nyctaginaceae Punarnovaa
impurities, leucorrhoea and jaundice.
The juice of the leaf stalks and young
Arecaceae roots is good for gastric and dyspepsia.
Borassus flabellifer Linn. Tal
Mesocarp portion of fruits are edible,
used as an energy food for convalscents.
Caesalpinia pulcherima Root decoction used in intermittent
Caesalpiniaceae Krishnachuura
(L.) Sw. fevers, bark is abortifacient.
The leaf extract and fruit pulp are used
as laxative. Flowers and pods used as
Bandar lathi, febrifugal, astringent and purgative. Root
Cassia fistula Linn. Caesalpiniaceae
Amaltus pastes are used for skin disease and
tuberculous glands. Seed powder used in
amoebiasis.
Leaf extraction useful in diabetes and
reduce high blood pressure. Root
Catharanthus roseus (L.)
Apocynaceae Nayantara extraction contains two main alkaloids
G. Don.
i.e Vincristine and Vinblastine which
are acting as an anti cancerous agent.
The root is administered with honey as a
Papilionaceae
Clitoria ternatea Linn. Aparajita general tonic to children for improving
mental faculty. Root bark- diuretic.
Root extract used as digestive and
Coccinia grandis (L.)
Cucurbitaceae Tala Kachu carminative agent. Leaf extraction used
Voigt.
in opthalmia and gonorrhea.
Leaf juice used for antidote to snake bite.
Commelina benghalensis
Commelinaceae Kanchira Whole plant extraction used to treat
Linn.
leprosy.
Leaf extraction used to promote hair
growth and in jaundice. Whole plant
Eclipta prostrata Roxb. Asteraceae Keshute
extraction used for skin diseases and
asthma.
Evolvulus alsinoides Whole plant extraction used to treat
Convolvulaceae Shankhyapuspi
Linn. leprosy and leucoderma.
Infusion of bark is used in diabetes,
Ficus benghalensis Linn. Moraceae Bat
dysentery and in seminal weakness.
Bark is antiseptic, astringent, laxative.
Bark used in diabetes, diarrhea,
Ficus religiosa Linn. Moraceae Aswatha
leucoderma. Dried fruits pulverized and
taken with water to cures asthma. The

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Journal of Medicinal Plants Studies www.plantsjournal.com

latex is good agent for inflammation,

blood dysentery and haemorrhages.
Aerial roots are given to women for
inducing conception.
Whole plant extraction used as stimulant.
Leucas cephalotes (Roth.)
Lamiaceae Bara Halkasha Flower in the form of syrup used as
Spreng.
remedy for cough and cold.
The oil obtained from seed is used as
Madhuca indica
Sapotaceae Mahua laxative. Bark used as astringent and
J.F.Gmel.
good for inflammations.
A volatile oil obtained from the plant is
Mentha piperata Linn. well known in medicine for its
Lamiaceae Pudina
emend. Huds. antiseptic, stimulant and carminative
properties.
The stem bark is useful in chronic
Michelia champaca Linn. Magnoliaceae Swarnachampa
gastritis, fever and cough.
Flowers are used for preparing a lotion
for wounds and ulcers. Pulps of ripe
fruits are used in chronic dysentery.
Mimusops elengi Linn. Sapotaceae Bakul
Seeds are used for preparing
suppositories in case of constipation
especially in children.
Leaves are used as digestive and
Morinda pubescens J.E.
Rubiaceae Bhurtandi carminative agent. Root in paste form is
Smith.
useful in haemorrhages.
Leaves and flowers used in external
Mussaenda frondosa
Rubiaceae Mussanda applications for ulcers. Root paste used
Linn.
in the treatment of white leprosy.
Fresh leaves are used in constipation,
Ocimum gratissimum cough, and fever also in gonorrhea with
Lamiaceae Ramtulsi
Linn. difficult urination. Leaf juice with
common salt given to babies in gripe.
Whole plant extraction used as
Oxalis corniculata Linn. Oxalidaceae Amarul carminative, liver tonic, anti bacterial
and antiseptic agent.
Leaf extract used in dysentery, diarrhea,
Paederia scandens
Rubiaceae Gandal piles and paralysis. Leaf juice with un
(Lour.) Merrill.
boiled egg used to treat night blindness.
Peltophorum
pterocarpum (DC.) K. Caesalpiniaceae Radhachura The stem bark is useful in dysentery.
Heyne.
Peristrophe bicalyculata Leaf paste applied on cuts and wounds to
Acanthaceae Nasabhaga
Nees. immediate stop of blood.
Seed paste is good for the opacity of the
Khajuur
Phoenix sylvestris Roxb. Arecaceae cornea, inflammation and wounds. Roots
used for nervous debility.
Polyalthia longifolia Stem bark is useful for diabetes and
Anonaceae Debdaru
(Sonn.) Thwaites. hypertension.
Leaves are used as vegetable by tribal
Portulaca oleracea Linn. Portulacaceae Nona Sak people. Leaf extraction is also useful in
tumors, inflammation & nephropathy.
Pterocarpus marsupium Leaf juice is useful for sores and skin
Papilionaceae Murga
Roxb. diseases.
Leaves decoction prescribed in
Quinqualis indica Linn. Combretaceae Madhabilata
abdominal pain. Ripe seeds are roasted

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Journal of Medicinal Plants Studies www.plantsjournal.com

and given in diarrhea and fever.

Leaf extraction used to treat cough,
burning sensation in pulmonary artery
Scoparia dulcis Linn. Scrophulariaceae Ban dhane
and veins. Leaf juice taken in empty
stomach to treat painful urination.
Leaf extraction useful in dysentery. Root
Sida cordifolia Linn. Malvaceae Berela extract used in urinary troubles and
haematuria.
Leaf juice useful in cough and dental
Solanum surattense
Solanaceae Kanta Begun. caries. Fruits used as an adjuvant for
Burm. f.
promoting conception.
Woods used as expectorant, anti-
inflamatory, anthelmintic. Bark-
astringent, used in bronchitis. The oil
Tectona grandis Linn.f.
Verbenaceae Segun obtained from seeds and flower is useful
for treatment of scabies, eczema and
ringworm. Flower used in bronchitis
and urinary discharges.
Bark is useful as cardio tonic as well as
cardio protective and expectorant. Bark
Terminalia arjuna (Roxb.
Combretaceae Arjun in pasty form externally used in different
ex DC) Wight. & Arn.
skin diseases, against herpes and
leucoderma.
The oil obtained from the seeds is useful
Terminalia bellirica
Combretaceae Bahera in skin disease, leucoderma and greyness
(Gaertn). Roxb.
of hair.
The fruits are used as anti-inflammatory,
Terminalia chebula Retz. Combretaceae Haritaki
carminative and digestive agent.
Root extraction used to treat
Urena lobata Linn. Malvaceae Ban okra hydrophobia. Fresh leaf juice applied to
treat bone fracture.
Whole plant extract used to cure asthma,
Vernonia cinerea Less. Asteraceae Choto Kuksima
bronchitis and piles.
Leaf juice is useful for gout,
inflammation and ulcers. Flowers are
Vitex negundo Linn. Verbenaceae Nishinda, Boan
useful in fever, diarrhea and cardiac
disorders.

4. Discussion: and with the tribe and place it means that a

The use of herbal medicines is wide spread
in this region with higher percentage of the
tribal as well as non tribal population relying
on it. This is because of lack of awareness,
shyness and lack of modern medical
facilities available in their region and the
high cost of modern medical system for
treatment are unaffordable by tribal. The
information documented in this work is
totally from primary sources being based on
the uses of the locally available plants by the
people as their household remedies. The
medicine varies according to the symptoms
particular plant is sometime prescribed for
different ailments in different localities and
sometimes they apply a mixture of plants for
remedy of diseases. The observation of
present study showed that traditional
medicine plays a significant role among the
local people of Bankura.
5. Conclusion:
The rural area of this district which was our
study area is an important source of
traditional medicines. More information
may be explored from the peoples residing

Vol. 1 Issue. 3 2013 www.plantsjournal.com Page | 102

Journal of Medicinal Plants Studies
in the remote villages in this district. The
traditional healers are the main source of
knowledge on medicinal plants. This
knowledge has been transmitted orally from
generation to generation; however it seems
that it is vanishing from the modern society
since younger people are not interested to
carry on this tradition. It is also observed
that some traditional plants in that area are
fast eroding. The conservation efforts are
needed by plantation and protection of these
plants with maximum participation of local
people. Medicinal plants play an important
role in providing knowledge to the
researchers in the field of ethono botany and
ethno pharmacology so this research article
will attract the attention of ethno botanists,
phytochemists and pharmacologists for
further critical investigation of medicinal
plants present in the districts of West
Bengal, India.
In Bankura district, many local people are
going for agriculture and sustainable
harvesting of plants with medicinal value
which helps not only in conservation of
these traditional medicinal important plants
but also in marketing of these plants and
their products for economic growth of the
people.
6. Acknowledgements:
The authors are highly thankful to the rural
people who providing the information
during the field trips and highly obliged to
the Principal, Bankura Christian College for
constant help and encouragement.
7. References
1. Pei S J. Ethnobotanical approaches of
traditional medicine studies: Some
experiences from Asia. Pharma Bio. 2001;
39: 74-79.
2. Hiremath V T and Taranath T C.
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Chitradurga district, Karnataka, India. The
journal of Ethnobiology and Traditional
Medicine 2013; 118: 222-227.
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3. Namahata D and Mukherjee A.
Ethnomedicine in Bankura district, West
Bengal. Indian J. Applied and Pure Bio.
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common practices of herbal medicines in
Bankura district, West Bengal. Indian
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Phytosociological analysis of ethno-
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area of Medinipur, West Bengal. Non-
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documented from Bankura diatrict (West
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uses of some medicinal plants of Bankura
district, West Bengal. Life Sciences
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plants used by the tribals of Natungram
village district Bankura, West Bengal.
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plants used by the tribals of Ratanpur
village of Bankura, West Bengal.
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2012; 1(2): 82-86.
10. Choudhuri R HN, Sarin A M and Molla H A.
Some less known uses of plants fron the
tribal areas of Bankura district, West
Bengal. Indian Mus. Bull. 1982; 14(1&2):
71-73.
11. Mukherjee A and Namahata D. Herbal
veterinary medicine as practiced by the
tribals of Bankura districts. Journal of
Bengal Natural Hist. Soc. 1988; 7(1): 69-
71.
12. Chhetri D R, Parajuli P and Subba G C.
Antidiabetic plants used by Sikkim and
Darjeeling Himalayan tribes. Indian J.
Ethnopharmacol. 2005; 99: 199-202.
13. Ghosh A. Ethnoveterinary medicines for
the tribal areas of Bankura and Medinipur
district, West Bengal. Indian Journal of
Traditional Knowledge 2002; 1: 93-95.
14. Ghosh A. Herbal folk remedies of Bankura
and Medinipur districts, West Bengal.
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2003; 2(4): 393-396.
15. Ghosh A. Ethnomedicinal plants used in
West Rarh regions of West Bengal.
Natural Products Radiance 2008; 7(5):
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Chakraborty S, Samanta A and Mukherjee
A. Ethnobotanical study in a remote
district of West Bengal, India. Pharmbit
2009; 2: 91-96.
17. Yadav M, Khan K K and Beg M Z.
Ethnobotanical plants used for curing
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(Madhya Pradesh). Indian J. L. Sci. 2012; 1
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health in Junapur (U.P.). Indian J. L. Sci.
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 Bioscience Discovery, 7(1):60-62, Jan - 2016

© RUT Printer and Publisher

Print & Online, Open Access, Research Journal Available on http://jbsd.in
ISSN: 2229-3469 (Print); ISSN: 2231-024X (Online)
Research Article

Folklore claims of some ethnomedicinal plants used by Bhil Tribes of

Dhar District Madhya Pradesh
Alawa KS, Sudip Ray and Anuradha Dubey

Department of Botany, Govt. P.G. College, Dhar (M.P.)

Department of Botany, PMB Gujarati Science College, Indore (M.P.)
Sudbot@yahoo.com

Article Info Abstract

Received: 10-11-2015,
Revised: 19-12-2015,
Accepted: 22-12-2015
Keywords:
Dhar district, ethnomedicine,
folklore, medicinal plants,
Madhya Pradesh, tribes.
An ethnobotanical survey was carried out during 2012-2014 in the some
ethnomedicinal plants used by tribal communities of Dhar district, Madhya
Pradesh. The present paper exclusively deals with the Bhil tribe folk
medicinal plants which are used for treating various ailments and disease in
their day to day life. They are settled agriculturist and have a very rich
knowledge on plant based resources utilization for their survival since time
immemorial. During the investigation it has recorded 24 plant species
belonging to 24 genera and 21 families which are widely used as medicines
by this ethnic community. Some plants used for other purposes are also
mentioned.

INTRODUCTION
Dhar district is situated in the south-western
part of Madhya Pradesh, India. The study area lies
between 22º oo to23º 10 Northern latitude and 74º
28 to 75º 42 Eastern longitude. Out of the total area
of 8153 Km2, this is 1.84 percent of the state. And
1214.8 Km2 of the total geographical area of the
district. The total population of the district is
2184672 of which is 83.93 percent belongs to tribal
respectively. The main communities are Bhil,
Bhilala Barela and Pateliya are the dominant tribal
inhabitating in the study area. Bhil and Bhilala are
the major tribal communities of the district of which
Bhil tribes comprise larger population. The Bhil
people move around the forest for their day today
requirements, cultural activities and performing
rituals. These tribal live close to the forest and
largely dependent on the wild biological resources
for their livelihood. They utilize wide variety of
plant for their basic needs such as food, fodder,
fiber, wood, medicine, gum, tannin, resin, dye and
shelter.
Literature survey of ethnobotanical work
was done (Srivastava 1984, 1985, Jain 2004, Jadhav
http://jbsd.in
2006, 2007, 2008, 2009, 2010, Satya et al. 2010,
Kalakoti et al.1986, Maheshwari et al. 1986, Jain et
al. 2010, Samvatsar et al. 2004, Wagh et al. 2010).
The present communication given results of
ethnobotanical survey done in south western part of
Madhya Pradesh.
MATERIALS AND METHODS
Ethnobotanical field work was carried out
during 2012-2014, covering almost all seasons.
Interviews were taken to gather the information’s
on plants used for other than medicinal purposes are
also given. Information was obtained through field
interviews with traditional healers. The medicinal
uses and mode of administration were gathered
from tribal medicine men and herbalists and
compared with relevant literature. Each medicine
practice was verified and cross checked. Plant
specimens were collected, identified with the help
of Herbarium and Floras (Mudgal et al.,1997;
Verma et al., 1993; Singh et al., 2001; Jain, 1991).
Herbarium following standard method (Jain and
Rao, 1977).
60 ISSN: 2229-3469 (Print)
 Alawa KS et al.,
Table 1: Medicinal plants used against various ailments.

Plant name (Family) Local name Uses

Achyranthes aspera L.
(Amaranthaceae)
Adansonia digitata L.
(Bombacaceae)
Adhatoda justica L.
(Acanthaceae)
Aegle marmelos (L.)
Correa.(Rutaceae)
Andrographis paniculata
(Burm.f.) Wall.ex Nees.
(Acanthaceae)
Annona squamosa L.
(Annonaceae)
Asparagus racemosus Willd.
(Liliaceae)
Balanites aeguptiaca (L.)
Delile. (Simaroubaceae)
Borassus flabellifer L.
(Arecaceae)
Butea monosperma (Lam.) Taub.
(Fabaceae)
Cassia fistula L. (Caesalpiniaceae
) dreams.
Celastrus paniculatus Willd.
(Celastraceae)
Chlorophytum tuberosum (Roxb.)
Baker. (Liliaceae)
Curculigo orchioides Gaertn.
(Hypoxidaceae)
Andhijhara Roots crushed with fruit of piper longum are used twice a day for
two weeks against "rabies" dog bite.
Khurasani Bark powder with water is given 3 days to cure abdominal pain
imli and piles.
Adusa Decoction of fresh leaves with Adrak (Zingiber officinal) is also
given twice a day for 3 days to cure Pneumonia and respiratory
problem.
Bel Fruit pulp is applied to cure mouth disease.
Kalmegh Leaf-juice is given twice a day for 3 days to cure fever.
Sitaphal Seed powder mixed with water is given twice a day to kill the
intestine worms.
Satawari Root extract with water is given twice a day for 3-4 days to cure
typhoid and jaundice.
Hingote Extract of fruit pulp is applied to cure scorpion sting.
Tad Inflorescence of male plant is given once day to woman in early
morning in the empty stomach to cure for menstruation cycle.
Palash Seed paste with water is taken twice a day for 3 day to cure kill
intestinal worms.
Amaltas Dry seed powders are used on burn to smoke take they do not
Malkangni Seed oil is used on healing wounds to cure skin disease.
Safed musli Dried root powdered mixed with milk or water is taken orally
once a day in early morning in the empty stomach for a month to
cure health tonic.
Kali musli Root powder is given with cow's milk for 3 days to cure
spermatorrhoea, impotency and tonic in weakness.

Curcuma angustifolia Roxb.
(Zingiberaceae)
Diplocyclos palmatus (L.) Jeffrey.
(Cucurbitaceae)
Enicostema axillare (Lam.)
Raynal. (Gentianaceae)
Geodorum densiflorum (Lam.)
Schultr. (Orchidaceae)
Gloriosa superba L. (Liliaceae)
Helicteres isora L. (Sterculiaceae)
Madhuca longifolia (Koen.) Mac.
(Sapotaceae)
Nyctanthes arbortristis L.
(Oleaceae)
Wrightia tinctoria R.Br.var.rothii
(G.don.) Hook. (Apocynaceae)
Ziziphus mauritiana Lam.
(Rhamnaceae)
Jangli haldi Powder of dried rhizome with honey mixed is made in to paste.
The paste is applied and bandaged to cure arthritis and fracture.
Shivlingi Seeds are given with water to cure promote conception.
Naikui Extract of whole plant is given with water to cure typhoid.
Salam Powder of tubers with ghee mixed is also made in to "Laddu".
mishri These Laddu with cow's milk is take once a day in early morning
in the empty stomach by male to cure increase male potency.
Kalihari Paste of roots is also applied against to cure Snake-bite and
Scorpion-sting.
Marorphali Root past with leaf juice mixed is given twice a day for a week to
cure diabetes.
Mahua Boiled flower and hot poultice leaves are tied in the cure for
abdominal pain, chest pain due to cough and cold.
Harsinghar Fruits and flower mixed with water is given twice a day for 3
days to cure cough and cold.
Kala kuda Bark paste is applied on wounds twice a day for 3 weeks to cure
leprosy disease.
Bor Root paste is given twice a day for 3 days to cure cough and cold.

http://jsrr.net 61 ISSN: 2249-7846 (Online)

 Bioscience Discovery, 7(1):60-62, Jan - 2016
Deposited in the herbarium of the Department of
Botany PMB Gujarati Science College, Indore
(M.P.). Information on ailments, parts used, and
doses prescribed, time and days of administration of
dose efficiency of the drug etc. gathered from tribal
have been enumerated (Table-1).
RESULTS AND DISCUSSION
The present study includes information on
the total 24 plant species belonging to 24 genera
and 21 families. Generally local medicine men are
known as ‘Badwa’ or Vaidyas. The rich treasure of
indigenous knowledge of local medicinal plant is
also under serious threat in rural areas due to the
availability of allopathic medicines and treatment of
ailments and disease. The indigenous knowledge of
the tribal communities must be properly
documented and preserved so that their knowledge
could be passed on the future generation. Such
studies and documents provide important for
understanding the complex heritage of tribal
communities and their association with environment
and nature. It is also observe that were uses roots of
7, seeds of 5 species, barks, Inflorescence, leaves,
rhizomes, fruits of 2 species each and whole plant
of 1 species. the important medicinal plants were
used again cough and cold 3, abdominal pain, piles,
intestinal worms, typhoid, scorpion sting, menstrual
cycle, tonic of 2 species each and dog bit,
respiratory problem, fever, skin disease, arthritis,
male impotency, snake bite, diabetes and leprosy of
1 species. Such information should be spread
among other societies living in urban and remote
areas.
Acknowledgement
The authors are grateful to Dr. G.D. Gupta,
principal and prof. S. Pathak, Head of Botany
Department Govt. P.G. College, Dhar for providing
research facilities. We are also thankful to
Divisional forest Officer, Dhar for help during the
tribal village’s and forest areas. We are thankful to
acknowledgeable for the important information
giving regarding ethno medicinal plants.
LITERATURE CITED
Jain SP, 2004. Ethno-Medico-Botanical Survey of Dhar
district Madhya Pradesh. Journal of Non-Timber Forest
products., 11(2): 152-157.
How to Cite this Article:
Alawa KS, Sudip Ray and Anuradha Dubey, 2016. Folklore claims of some ethnomedicinal plants used
by Bhil Tribes of Dhar District Madhya Pradesh. Bioscience Discovery, 7(1):60-62.
http://jbsd.in
Jain AK, Vairale MG and Singh R, 2010. Folklore
claims on some medicinal plants used by Bhil tribes of
Guna District, Madhya Pradesh. IJTK 9 (1): 105-107.
Jain SK and Rao RR, 1977. A handbook of field and
Herberium methods. Today and Tomorrow Publishers,
New Delhi.
Jain SK, 1991. Dictionary of Indian folk medicine and
Ethnobotany. Deep Publication, New Delhi,India.
Jadhav D, 2007. Ethnomedicinal plants used by Bhil
tribes of Matrunda, District, Ratlam, Madhya Pradesh,
India. Bull. Bot. Surv. India., 49(1-4): 203-206
Jadhav D, 2008. Ethnomedicinal plants remedies for
snake bite and scorpion sting among the Bhil tribes of
Ratlam District(Madhya Pradesh). Journ. of NTFPs.,
15(2): 127-128.
Jadhav D, 2006. Plant sources used for the treatment of
types of fevers by Bhil tribe of Ratlam District, Madhya
Pradesh. J. Econ.Taxon. Bot.,30(4): 909-911
Jadhav D, 2009. Ethnomedicinal plants used for dental
troubles by the Tribes of Ratlam District (Madhya
Pradesh). J. Econ. Taxon. Bot., 33(Supp.): 59-62.
Jadhav D, 2010. Ethnomedicinal plants used as
antipyretic agents among the Bhil tribes of Ratlam
District (Madhya Pradesh). Indian forester., 136(6):843-
846.
Kalakoti BS and Lal B, 1986. Ethnomedicine of Bhil
Tribe of Jhabu District, Madhya Pradesh. Anc. Sci. Life.,
5: 255-261.
Maheshwari JK, Kalakoti BS and Lal B, 1986. Ethno
medicine of Bhil Tribe of Jhabua District, Madhya
Pradesh. Ancient Science of life., 5:255-261.
Madgal V, Khanna KK and Hajra PK, 1997. Flora
of Madhy Pradesh, Vol. II.BSI. Calcutta.
Srivastava RK, 1984. Tribals of Madhya Pradesh and
Forest Bill of 1980.Man in India., 64(3): 320-321.
Srivastava RK, 1985. Herbal remedies used by the Bhil
of Madhya Pradesh. Oriental med Kyoto. Japan, pp. 389-
392.
Satya V and Solanki CM, 2010. Piscicidal plants used
by Bhils in Western Madhya Pradesh. ethnobotany.,
22:132-135.
Singh NP, Khanna KK Mudgal V and Dixit RD,
2001. Flora of Madhya Pradesh, Vol. III, BSI, Calcatta.
Samvatsar S.and Diwanji VB 2004. Plant used for the
treatment of different types of fever by Bheels and its sub
tribes in India. Indian J. Traditional Knowledge., 3(1):
96-100.
Verma DM, Balakrishan NP and Dixit RD, 1993.
Flora of Madhya Pradesh,Vol. I, BSI, Calcatta.
Wagh VV and Jain AK, 2010. Ethnomedicinal
observations among the Bheel and Bhilala tribe of
Jhabua District, Madhya Pradesh, India. Ethnobotanical
Leaflets., 14: 715-720.
62 ISSN: 2229-3469 (Print)
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Plants traditionally used in age related brain

disorders-A survey of ethnobotanical literature

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 Plants traditionally used in age related brain disorders—A survey
of ethnobotanical literature
Michael Adams, Francine Gmünder, Matthias Hamburger ∗
Institute of Pharmaceutical Biology, University of Basel, Klingelbergstrasse 50, CH-4056 Basel, Switzerland

Abstract
In traditional herbal medicine, numerous plants have been used to treat age related cognitive disorders. In this review we compiled available
literature from four Swiss university libraries, scientific journals and online database query’s on plants and remedies used in traditional medicinal
systems for such diseases. Over 150 plant species in various preparations and mixtures were found. European herbals from the 16th and 17th
century alongside traditional Chinese and Indian medicinal works were the most prolific sources. The information is organised into geographic
regions and when available the findings are discussed in the light of more recent scientific findings concerning their secondary metabolites and
in vitro and in vivo activities relevant to dementia and Alzheimer’s disease.

Keywords: Ethnomedicine; Traditional medicine; Herbal remedies; Alzheimer’s disease; Senile dementia

Contents

1. Introduction . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 363
2. Literature search and organisation of information . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 364
3. Europe . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 364
4. The Americas . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 366
5. Africa . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 369
6. Asia . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 370
6.1. Traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 370
6.2. Korea . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 372
6.3. Japan . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 372
6.4. Ayurveda. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 372
7. Conclusions and perspectives . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 378
Acknowledgements . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 378
Appendix A. Supplementary data . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 378
References . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 378

1. Introduction

The occurrence of dementia and age related brain disorders

Abbreviations: ACh, acetylcholine; AChE, acetylcholinesterase; APP, is dramatically on the rise as life expectancy likewise increases.
amyloid precursor protein; BuChE, butyrylcholinesterase; ChAT, choline acetyl- Alzheimer’s disease (AD), a complex, multifactoral, progres-
transferase; GABA, gamma aminobutyric acid; NMDA, N-methyl-d-aspartate;
PKC, protein kinase C; TCM, traditional Chinese medicine.
sive, neurodegenerative disease primarily affecting the elderly
∗ Corresponding author. Tel.: +41 61 267 14 25; fax: +41 61 267 14 74. population is estimated to account for 50–60% of dementia
E-mail address: matthias.hamburger@unibas.ch (M. Hamburger). cases in persons over 65 years of age. According to the World
Health Organisation (WHO, 2006), around 35 million people
in industrialized countries will suffer from AD by 2010. The
disease is characterized by loss of memory and impairment of
multiple cognitive and emotional functions (Frank and Gupta,
2005). The pathological features identified in the central ner-
vous system (CNS) in AD are amyloid plaques, neurofibrillary
tangles, inflammatory processes and disturbance of neurotrans-
mitters (Selkoe, 2001; Bossy-Wetzel et al., 2004). Basically
brain cells wither away and die, causing disorientation, demen-
tia and severe changes in personality and social interactions.
There is currently no cure for most forms of dementia including
AD. Pharmacotherapy is focussed on symptomatic benefit and
slowing disease progression (Desai and Grossberg, 2005), but
a number of possible disease modifying and preventive strate-
gies based on current understanding of AD pathophysiology are
under investigation (Citron, 2004; Selkoe, 2005).
Before the development of modern medicine people relied
on a large arsenal of natural remedies for the treatment of CNS
related maladies. In western societies, here has been increas-
ing interest in herbal medicines, which are often perceived as
a more ‘natural’ and ‘soft’ treatments compared to synthetic
drugs. Successful treatments for dementia have been devel-
oped from herbal drugs. Extracts from Ginkgo biloba (mainly
EGb 761—a standardised extract marketed by Wilmar Schwabe
GmbH) have been proven effective in clinical trials as a treat-
ment for Alzheimer type dementia and vascular dementia (Gertz
and Kiefer, 2004). Ginkgo extracts also has a favourable safety
profile (Andrieu et al., 2003; Stromgaard et al., 2005). Galan-
tamine, an alkaloid obtained from the bulbs and flowers of the
Caucasian snowdrop Galanthus woronowii (Amaryllidaceae)
(Heinrich and Teoh, 2004), is a fine example of a plant sec-
ondary compound successfully used for the treatment of mild
to moderate AD (Bullock and Dengiz, 2005; Marco-Contelles
et al., 2006). Several milestones in the history of drug therapy
have been discovered from ethnomedical knowledge, such as
atropine, pilocarpine, cardiac glycosides, curare, and reserpine.
Sourcing in ethnomedical information may also be useful as a
starting point for the discovery of new drugs for the treatment of
AD and cognitive disorders. Here we have compiled literature
available from seven libraries and recent literature of scientific
journals from online database searches.
2. Literature search and organisation of information
The four main Swiss university libraries in Berne, Basel,
Zurich, and Geneva were searched for relevant ethnobotanical
literature. Furthermore, the Library of the Museum of Cultures
(‘Museum der Kulturen’), of a third world project, “Mission 21”
and the Swiss Pharmaceutical Museum, all three in Basel, were
also at our disposal. Suitable books of potential literature sources
were identified in online databases of the particular libraries by
searching for the terms ethno medicine, traditional medicine,
folk medicine, indigenous medicine, herbs, traditional herbs,
plants, indigenous plants, ethno botany and botanical medicine.
The search was further refined by checking the titles of retrieved
books. Finally, a total of 192 books were consulted. Information
was searched for by scanning the indices of books for keywords
related to the topic. For books lacking an index, the tables of
contents and list of plants were scanned through. Of these 192
books, 140 contained no specific listings for certain plants used
in the treatment of age related brain disorders. They are nev-
ertheless listed separately as Supplementary information. The
relevant remainder of this collection was carefully viewed, infor-
mation extracted and corroborated with data from other sources
to compile this survey.
Two electronic sources, the online databases PubMed and
Scifinder, were used to search for additional information in jour-
nals. Linguistic constraints limited us to literature in English,
Italian, French, German and Spanish. The terms ethno medicine,
traditional medicine, folk medicine, indigenous medicine, herbs,
traditional herbs, plants, indigenous plants, ethno botany and
botanical medicine were combined with terms like Alzheimer,
Alzheimer’s disease, used to treat Alzheimer’s disease, demen-
tia, senile dementia, and memory loss. Plants and herbal
combinations traditionally used for the treatment of age related
brain diseases are listed according to geographic regions.
3. Europe
Europe is the birthplace of modern western rational medicine.
With the industrialization came the development of modern
synthetic drugs, medicinal equipment and health care institu-
tions such as hospitals or nursing homes. Yet the continent has
long traditions of phytotherapy dating back thousands of years.
Especially in the German speaking world herbal remedies still
play an important role and any pharmacy will provide and pro-
duce a large number of plant based medicines (Reuter, 1991).
Today, many traditional medical practices in Europe are sum-
marized by the popular terms ‘alternative’ or ‘complementary’
medicine. In widespread understanding these terms also include
more recent techniques such as homeopathy, ‘spagyrik’, dance
or music therapy, acupuncture, etc.
Tabernaemontanus (1687) recommended sage, Salvia sp.,
from various regional provenances for the treatment of a ‘weak
brain’. Flowers should be crushed and mixed with sugar. Or
the plant can be extracted in strong wine in the sun for a day
before distilling. The remedies help those who shiver and suf-
fer the effects stroke and strengthen weak minds and memories.
Most pharmacological research on Salvia has been done with
the essential oils of Salvia officinalis and Salvia lavendulifolia,
and a number of promising pharmacological results have been
published. Since Perry et al. (2000, 2003) recently provided a
review, summarizing available literature on the use of Salvia
species in dementia therapy, this plant will only be treated briefly.
Savelev et al. (2004) examined the inhibition of the butyryl-
cholinesterase (BuChE) by essential oils from Salvia fruticosa,
Salvia officinalis var. purpurea, Salvia officinalis and Salvia
lavendulaefolia. The IC50 values measured after 5 min of incu-
bation were 0.05, 0.4, 0.03, 0.07 and 0.0.3 mg/ml, respectively.
Additionally pure compounds from the oil were tested, none of
which could fully account for the activity of the essential oils.
Salvia lavandulaefolia and Salvia officinalis purpurea oils had
apparent dual cholinergic activity, as they were active on both,
AChE and BuChE (Savelev et al., 2004). Besides the choliner-
gic activity, there has already been a wider range of activities
reported for the genus Salvia, which may be relevant for CNS
disorders. These include nicotinic activity (Wake et al., 2000),
anti-inflammatory properties (Moretti et al., 1997), antioxidant
(Zupko et al., 2001), estrogenic (Bartram, 1995) and glutamergic
activities (Kuang and Xiang, 1994). In a double blind, random-
ized, placebo-controlled trial, with 39 patients, Akhondzadeh et
al. (2003) assessed the efficacy and safety of Salvia officinalis
extract in patients with mild to moderate AD. The participants
experienced statistically significant benefits in cognition after 16
weeks of treatment. Despite the limitations of this study, a small
number of patients and a relatively short period of follow-up, this
initial clinical data suggests that Salvia lavandulaefolia essen-
tial oil and extracts, may have potential for treatment of AD
and memory related disorders. Salvia spp. leaves contain tan-
nins, tannosetonins and essential oil. The essential oil content of
1–2% varies within the plant and location. The components of
the essential oil vary in the different Salvia species (Savelev et
al., 2004). The oil of Salvia officinalis is rich in ␣-caryophyllene
(23.2%), camphor (11.0%) and borneol (8.7%), while, cam-
phor, 1,8-cineole and 2-carene are abundant in the oil of Salvia
lavendulaefolia (Sfikas, 1980).
“Aerial parts of lemon balm, Melissa officinalis (Lamiaceae)
are finely cut and covered in good wine over night in a clean dish,
before being distilled. Taken on an empty stomach a spoonful
quickens the senses, brightens the mind and improves memory.
It aides shaking limbs caused by stroke, and helps retrieve the
lost ability to speak” (Lonicerus, 1679). The remainder of this
historic citation is a romantic description of clever bees sucking
at the flowers. Essential oil of Melissa officinalis, which contains
monoterpenes such as citral and citronellal (Mills, 1993), shows
a dose-dependent inhibitory effect on the enzyme AChE, with
IC50 values of less than 0.1 ␮l/ml (Perry et al., 1996).
Lonicerus (1679) reports that dried parsley roots (Pet-
roselinum crispum, Apiaceae) soaked in good wine can
improve brain function and memory, alongside their then more
widespread uses as an abortifacient, aiding birth labour and
weaning.
Galbanum, a resin from the roots of Ferula gummosa (Api-
aceae) and its subspecies and varieties should be crushed, hot
water added and left overnight. Then essential oil is distilled here
from. The oil can be applied to the neck or drunk for improving
memory, hearing and sense of smell (Tabernaemontanus, 1687).
The use of this plant, native to Syria and grown in herb gardens
by European practitioners might have biblical roots, as it was
part of incense in the tabernacle (Exodus 30, 34–36).
The flowers of Caryophyllus species (Caryophyllaceae) are
crushed with sugar so create a candy – Confecta florum
Caryophyllum – which is consumed to treat fever, strengthen
the brain and the memory. Cloves, the highly revered fruits of
Syzygium aromaticum (Myrtaceae) were regarded as a similar
plant and served as a remedy against ‘weakness of the brain’,
stroke and loss of memory (Tabernaemontanus, 1687). Another
non-native plant used in a confectum was the fruit of Anacardium
orientale (Anacardiaceae). It was processed to a ‘Confectio
Sapientum’ a ‘wisdom candy’. Flowers of German chamomile,
Matricaria recutita (Asteraceae) are soaked in water. A person
who drinks this at least 2–3 times a week and washes his feet in
it should retain good memory (Tabernaemontanus, 1687).
There are numerous recipes for various types of aqua-
vit. Aquavits, literally ‘water of life’, are strong alcoholic
beverages with very complex modes of preparation. Numer-
ous such drinks, are still widely sold today for medical or
recreational purposes. Only one such comprehensive recipe
will exemplarily be described here, as further listings would
exceed the scale of this review. Tabernaemontanus (1687) lists
an aquavit which was claimed to be particularly useful in
treating forgetful old people. Arial parts of Achillea mille-
folium (Asteraceae), Adiantum capillus-veneris (Pteridaceae),
Horminum sp. (Lamiaceae), Eryngium caeruleum (Apiaceae),
Foeniculum vulgare (Apiaceae), Petroselinum crispum (Api-
aceae) and roots of Asparagus officinalis (Asparagaceae) and
Cichorium endivia (Asteraceae) are extracted with good wine.
This concoction is then distilled before cinnamon (Cinnamo-
mum verum, Lauraceae), caraway (Carum carvi, Apiaceae),
either lavender (Lavandula angustifolia, Lamiaceae) or valerian
(Valeriana celtica, Valerianaceae), ginger (Zingiber officinale,
Zingiberaceae) and pepper (Piper nigrum, Piperaceae) are added
alongside more good red wine. Then the roots of greater
galangal (Alpinia galanga, Zingiberaceae), lovage seeds (Levis-
ticum officinale, Apiaceae), Caryophyllus sp. (Caryophyllaceae)
seeds, nutmeg (Myristica fragrans, Myristicaceae) and finally
Piper cubeba (Piperaceae) are placed in the concoction before
it is left for 8 days and then again distilled. Finally, to com-
plete the aquavit recipe musk and amber are added. This remedy
should be mixed with wine and consumed regularly by old
people to strengthen the head, brain and memory according to
Tabernaemontanus (1687), who made a strong emphasis on the
quality of wine used for its preparation.
Half a spoonful of coriander, Coriandrum sativum (Apiaceae)
seeds covered in a little sugar can be taken to strengthen head,
brain and memory. If so much sugar was used to coat the seeds
that they were as large as peas, then the remedy helped patients
fall asleep (Tabernaemontanus, 1687).
The flowers of the Lilly of the Valley, Convallaria majalis
(Convallariaceae) should be crushed with sugar to make a candy
to treat fever and strengthen the brain, senses and memory
(Tabernaemontanus, 1687). Actually two forms of the herb
are described, of which one fits the description of Conval-
laria majalis, and the other one is said to be identical but for
the fact that it blooms red. Herba Convalariae contains toxic
cardenolides like convallatoxin, convallatoxol, lokundjosid and
convallosid, as well as flavanoids and saponins (Krenn et al.,
1996). It has been used for heart insufficiency, and was officially
listed in the German pharmacopoeia.
Herb from Euphrasia officinalis complex (Orobanchaceae,
formerly included amongst the Scrophulariaceae) is tradition-
ally used in many parts of Europe for ailments of the eyes.
Tabernaemontanus (1687) states that the powdered herb, when
taken in wine may cure a ‘stupid’ brain and strengthens the
head. It contains various iridoid glycosides, such as aucubin,
catalpol and euphrosid, the lignan dehydrodiconiferylalcohol-
4␤-d-glucoside, tannins and flavanoids (Sticher and Salama,
1981).
 To sharpen senses and memory wine containing marjo-
ram, Origanum majorana (Lamiaceae) should be consumed. It
strengthens the head and the inner organs (Tabernaemontanus,
1687). Powdered marjoram can be spread on the tongue to return
lost speech and strengthen brain and memory. Snuffed it makes
you sneeze and thereby cleanses the brain. In salt and vine-
gar it is said to help against scorpion bites and in wine it is
a diuretic (Fuchs, 1543). Origanum majorana contains large
amounts of essential oil consisting mainly of monoterpenes and
some sesquiterpenes (Raghavan et al., 1997). Basil, Ocimum
basilicum (Lamiaceae) ‘strengthens the heart and head’ and
‘dispels darkness from the eyes’ (Fuchs, 1543).
Fuchs (1543) recommended smelling the very aromatic
flowers of Lavandula stoechas (Lamiaceae) in its various
geographic forms to strengthen a ‘stupid’ and dizzy brain.
Tabernaemontanus (1687) cites Plinius in warning that ivy (Hed-
era helix, Araliaceae) should not be consumed because it ‘makes
one wrong in ones head’ and weakens the nerves.
In 1978 Brøndegaard reported on the traditional use of plants
in Denmark, from the Middle Ages through to present times.
Based on this, the genus Corydalis (Papaveraceae) was selected
for the isolation of compounds and in vitro examinations, as it
had been used in the treatment of memory dysfunction. Adsersen
et al. (2005) showed that protoberberine and protopine-type
alkaloids, common compounds in Corydalis species, are potent
AChE inhibitors. The inhibition of the enzyme was examined,
with methanolic and aqueous extracts of Corydalis species. Inhi-
bition by methanolic extracts was generally higher than by the
water extracts. Tuber- and herb-extracts were assayed at concen-
trations of 0.1, 0.05 and 0.025 mg/ml. With 92%, 83% and 77%
for the methanolic tuber extract of Corydalis cava showed the
best results compared to Corydalis intermedia, Corydalis sol-
ida and Corydalis solida ssp. slivenensis. Pure protopine had an
IC50 value of 50 ␮M (Adsersen et al., 2005). In a passive avoid-
ance task test mice treated with protopine exhibited diminished
scopolamine-induced dementia (Kim et al., 1999).
Galanthamine is an alkaloid from Galanthus spp. and other
Amaryllidaceae, such as Narcissus and Leucojum species. It is a
selective and competitive AChE inhibitor. It has been approved
and is successfully used as a treatment for AD in numorous
countries. Wether or not galanthamine containing plants were
traditionally used in Europe to treat dementia is not really clear
(Heinrich and Teoh, 2004). It is appellative that a drug for the
treatment of the most severe form of dementia was developed
from the little snowdrop – the first sign of spring – a symbol of
regeneration in nature (Heinrich, 2005).
Consistent with current aroma therapeutic applications of
rosemary Rosmarinus officinalis (Lamiaceae) to improve mem-
ory, the ancient Greeks considered this herb a stimulator of the
mind, in particular the memory. Indeed many early European
writings refrain to rosemary to be a memory enhancer (see Perry
et al., 1999, and citations therein).
In a handwritten folk-medicinal document from the Diemtig-
tal valley in the Berner Oberland in Switzerland Artemisia
absinthium L. (Asteraceae) together and chervil (Anthriscus
cerefolium, Apiaceae) ‘water’ – a distilled beverage – is rec-
ommended to improve memory (Personal communication M.
Kluge, Swiss Pharmaceutical Museum). Artemisia absinthium
has a record of use against declining cognitive function (see
Wake et al., 2000). An alcohol extract displaced nicotine from
nicotine binding receptors (Perry et al., 1996; Wake et al., 2000).
Hödl et al. (2000) showed ␣-thujon to have GABAA receptor
antagonist activity. These reports should be viewed with cau-
tion, considering the toxicity of absinthe, a strong alcoholic
drink, which when abused, leads to hallucinations, sleeplessness,
tremors, and convulsions, a syndrome known as absinthism. The
monoterpene thujon is responsible for these effects (Olsen, 2000;
Lachenmeier et al., 2006) (Table 1).
4. The Americas
The meaning of the term ‘medicine’ to Native Americans
was quite different from that of Western societies. Illness was
regarded as a disharmony or imbalance that may be directly
related to spiritual causes, which may have natural, human or
supernatural origins. A person’s equilibrium can be lost as a
result of grief, sadness, hatred or personal wrongdoing (Kavasch
and Baar, 1999). The concept of healing is to determine what
has to be rectified and to bring the person back into balance.
Practices to draw people back into equilibrium, include rituals,
sweat lodge rites of purification, spirit feasts, fumigation and
smoke therapy, massage, prayers, blessings, incantations and
herbals (Vogel, 1970).
Despite the vast number of books and references on Amer-
ican Indian medicine and related topics, we only found a few
references of plants used in the treatment of AD and related
symptoms affecting the memory.
One remedy, unknown from which tribe it originated,
includes eight different plants: Clematis sp. (Ranunculaceae),
Larrea tridentate (Zygophyllaceae), Oplopanax horridus
(Araliaceae), Capsicum annuum (Solanaceae), Ginkgo biloba
(Ginkgoaceae), Centella asiatica (Apiaceae), Chrysanthemum
sp. (Asteraceae) and Rosmarinus officinalis (Lamiaceae). A
blend of these herbs was administered to assist memory as well
as for eczema, emphysema and asthma. It must be remarked
that Centella asiatica and Ginkgo biloba are not native to North
America but to Asia (Kavasch and Baar, 1999).
A tincture of the roots of Lachnanthes tinctoria (Haemodor-
aceae) was prepared against typhus, pneumonia, various and
severe forms of brain diseases, rheumatic wry–neck and laryn-
geal cough. Unfortunately there was no specification given about
the ‘various and severe forms of brain diseases’. Constituents
of Lachnanthes tinctoria are glycosides, chelidonic acid and
naphthalene derivatives, as well as phenylphenalenone pigments
(Millspaugh, 1974). Nowadays, Lachnanthes tinctoria is a rem-
edy known in homeopathy, amongst others, for pains for in the
joints.
Mexico is famous for the pre-Columbian Aztecs, whose
sophisticated empire came to a dire end with the arrival of Span-
ish invaders. In 1571 King Philipp II of Spain commissioned a
physician to document medicinal remedies used by the Aztecs.
Tagetes lucida (Asteraceae) known to the Aztecs as ‘yauhtli’
was a remedy for ailments such as fever, fear, dementia, lighten-
ing stroke and was also used as a diuretic (Ortiz de Montellano,
Table 1
Plants used in Europe in the context of age related CNS disorders
Plant Family Traditional use References

Anacardium orientale auct. ex
Steud.
Artemisia absinthium L.
Caryophyllus spp.
Convallaria majalis L.
Coriandrum sativum L.
Corydalis sp.
Euphrasia officinalis complex
Hayne
Ferula gummosa Boiss.
Matricaria recutita L.
Melissa officinalis L.
Lavendula stoechas L.
Ocimum basilicum L.
Origanum majorana Moench
Peroselinum vulgare (Mill.)
Nym. and A.W. Hill
Rosmarinus officinalis L.
Salvia officinalis L.
Syzygium aromaticum (L.)
Merrill and Perry
Achillea millefolium L.
Adiantum capillus-veneris L.
Asparagus officinalis L.
Carum carvi L.
Caryophyllus sp.
Cichorium endivia L.
Cinnamomum verum J. S. Presl
Eryngium caeruleum M. Bieb.
Foeniculum vulgare Mill.
Horminum sp.
Lavandula angustifolia Mill.
Levisticum officinale Koch
Myristica fragrans Houtt.
Petroselinum crispum (Mill.)
Nym. and A.W. Hill
Piper cubeba L.
Valeriana celtica L. musk and
amber are added
Anacardiaceae A ‘Confectio Sapientum’—a ‘wisdom candy’ Tabernaemontanus (1687)
Asteraceae Traditionally for lost or declining cognitive function Howes et al. (2003)
Caryophyllaceae Strengthen the brain and the memory Tabernaemontanus (1687)
Convallariaceae A candy to treat fever and strengthen the brain, senses and Tabernaemontanus (1687)
memory
Apiaceae Covered in a little sugar can be taken to strengthen head, brain Tabernaemontanus (1687)
and memory
Papaveraceae Several species used in folk medicine for treatment of memory Adsersen et al. (2005)
dysfunction
Orobanchaceae Powdered herb when taken in wine may cure a ‘stupid’ brain Tabernaemontanus (1687)
and strengthens the brain
Apiaceae Oil can be applied to the neck or drunk for improving memory Tabernaemontanus (1687)
Asteraceae Flowers soaked in water. Drunk and used to wash feet to retain Tabernaemontanus (1687)
good memory
Lamiaceae To sharpen the senses and improve memory, strenghtens the Lonicerus (1679), Perry et al.
brain, clears the head (1998) and Mills (1993)
Lamiaceae To strengthen a ‘stupid’ and dizzy brain. Tabernaemontanus (1687)
Lamiaceae for abdominal cramps, upset stomach, nervous migraine, Fuchs (1543) and Sfikas (1980)
memory, ‘strengthens the heart and head’ loss and forgetfulness
Lamiaceae To return lost speech and strengthen brain and memory, Fuchs (1543)
cleanses the brain
Apiaceae Soaked in good wine can improve brain function and memory Lonicerus (1679)
Lamiaceae As a circulatory stimulant for improving concentration and Chevallier (1996), Perry et al.
memory. To stimulate the mind, in particular the memory. Used (1998) and Price and Price
by herbalists and aromatherapists for memory problems (1995)
Lamiaceae Remedies help those who shiver and suffer the effects stroke Tabernaemontanus (1687),
and strengthen weak minds and memories, for a sensitive Sfikas (1980), Savelev et al.
stomach, general debility, irregular menstruation and dementia (2004), Akhondzadeh et al.
(2003) and Perry et al. (2003)
Myrtaceae Remedy against ‘weakness of the brain’, stroke and loss of Tabernaemontanus (1687)
memory
Asteraceae This complex ‘aqua vit’ is prepared stepwise by extraction and Tabernaemontanus
Pteridaceae distillation of a large number of plants. The remedy should be (1687)
Asparagaceae mixed with wine and consumed regularly by old people to
Apiaceae strengthen the head, brain and memory
Caryophyllaceae
Asteraceae
Lauraceae
Apiaceae
Apiaceae
Lamiaceae
Lamiaceae
Apiaceae
Myristicaceae
Apiaceae
Piperaceae
Valerianaceae

1990). Originally, Tagetes lucida is native to Mexico, but was
soon introduced to Europe as a decorative plant and a substi-
tute for French tarragon. Campherole, tagetiin, tagetone and
quercetagritin, flavonol-gylcosides, quercetagenin, glucopyra-
noside, phenolic acids, propanoic acids, flavonols, aromatic
acids, methoxycoumarin were found to be present in the plant
(Aquino et al., 2002).
Nowadays cocoa is of great global significance as good deal
of the 3,000,000 tonnes produced each year (WHO, 2007) are
used to meet our craving desire for chocolate. Theobroma cacao
(Sterculiaceae), however, was used by the Aztecs as medicine,
where potions of ground bark and roots were used to treat stu-
por (Roeder, 1988). The chemical constituents of Theobroma
cacao include sterols, coumarins, catechins, catechol, glyco-
sides, galactosides, tannins, polyphenols, triglycerides, linoleic
acids, and alkaloids including caffeine, theophylline, and theo-
bromine, rutin, vitexin. The stimulating effects are most likely
only due to caffeine, theophylline, and theobromine.
Table 2
Plants used in North America in the context of age related CNS disorders
Plant Family Traditional use References

Erythroxylum catuaba A.J. Silva Erythroxylaceae It is used as aphrodisiac, stimulant of the CNS, for sexual impotence, Taylor (1998)
general exhaustion, fatigue, poor memory and insomnia related to
hypertension
Capsicum annuum L. Solanaceae Native healers blend these herbs assisting memory, as well as for Kavasch and Baar
Centella asiatica (L.) Urban Apiaceae eczema, emphysema, asthma and other ailments of aging (1999)
Chrysanthemum sp. Asteraceae
Clematis sp. Ranunculaceae
Ginkgo biloba L. Ginkoaceae
Larrea tridentata (Sessé et Moc.) Coville Zygophyllaceae
Oplopanax horridus Sm. Mic. Araliaceae
Rosmarinus officinalis L. Lamiaceae
Lachnanthes tinctoria Ell. Haemodoraceae A tincture of the roots was used against typhus and typhoid fevers, Millspaugh (1974)
pneumonia, various and severe forms of brain diseases, rheumatic
wry–neck and laryngeal cough

Today, in the United States, Medicago sativa (Fabaceae),
alfalfa, is considered an invasive plant. In Mexico, it was believed
to improve the memory, cure skin eruptions, kidney pain,
cough, sore muscles and inflammation. Triterpenes, saponins
and sapogenins were identified in Medicago sativa (Finkler,
1985) (Table 2).
Brugmansia candida (Solanaceae) was used by native El Sal-
vadorian peoples in various cases of memory problems. Five
to ten flowers were used to make a decoction for one bottle.
More than one cup had to be drunk, because the first couple of
cups would not be effective (González Ayala, 1994). The genus
Brugmansia is known for toxic tropane alkaloids, so the remedy
should be treated with necessary caution.
A remedy reported from Guadeloupe was Lantana camara
(Verbenaceae), used to medicate memory weakness and enhance
intellect and cognition. Tea brewed from the leaves should be
drunk before going to bed (Müller-Ebeling and Rätsch, 1989).
It is remarkable that this use of a globally spread toxic invasive
plant should have an activity known merely in tiny Guadalupe.
Lantana camara contains triterpenes such as the toxins lantaden
A and B, essential oil, and sesquiterpenes.
Ananas comosus, pineapple (Bromeliaceae) originally cul-
tivated in Central and South America, is used for ailments of
the CNS in South American traditional folk medicine. It was
also administered for neurasthenia, melancholy, sadness and for
weakness of memory (Wolters, 1994). Unfortunately, there was
no detailed description about the exact region or tribes where
it was used for this purpose. The best known bioactive com-
ponent of the Ananas sp. is the proteolytic enzyme bromelaine,
which is responsible for the positive effects on digestion and has
recently been advertised for rapid weight-loss. Highest contents
of bromelaine occur in the stem and in the fruit. Considering
the wide use and popularity of pineapple, astonishingly little is
known about the phytochemistry of pineapple plants (Table 3).
As in Europe, in Ecuadorian traditional medicine rosemary
Rosmarinus officinalis is used in connection with AD and
dementia, for general symptoms of old age, debility and fatigue.
It was also applied for neuralgia, indigestion, pain of nervous
origin, circulatory disorders and hypertension (CESA, 1992).
CESA (1993), and De Barradas (1957), listed the leaves of
Chenopodium ambrosioides (Chenopodiaceae) in the context of
dementia symptoms. Its traditional indications include uses for
headache, caries, toothache and memory. Lactuca sativa, lettuce
(Asteraceae) is, according to Ecuadorian natives, supposed to
help with insomnia and weak memory (Schweitzer de Palacios,
1994).
In Brazil catuaba has traditionally been used as a stimulant
of the CNS with aphrodisiac properties. The source of catu-
aba is said to be the elusive Erythroxylum catuaba, a poorly
defined botanical entity, lacking both proper description and a
type specimen. The botanically correct identity the drug may be
Erythroxylum vacciniifolium (Erythroxylaceae), Anemopaegma
mirandum (Bignoniaceae), Trichilia catigua (Meliaceae) or oth-
ers (see Kletter et al., 2004). One to three cups of a bark
decoction are to be consumed daily against sexual impotence and
weakness, agitation, nervousness, neurasthenia, poor memory,

Table 3
Plants used in Central America and the Caribbean Islands in the context of age related brain disorders
Plant Family Traditional use References

Brugmansia candida Pers.
Lantana camara L.
Medicago sativa L.
Tagetes lucida Cav.
Theobroma cacao L.
Solanaceae Tea or decoction is used for memory problems González Ayala (1994)
Verbenaceae Tea of the leaves is believed to prevent weakness of memory Müller-Ebeling and Rätsch (1989)
and enhances intellect and cognition
Fabaceae To improve the memory, cure skin eruptions, kidney pain, Finkler (1985)
cough, sore muscles and inflammation
Asteraceae To treat fever, fear, dementia, lightning stroke and as a diuretic Ortiz de Montellano (1990)
Sterculiaceae In a potion for stupor Roeder (1988)
forgetfulness and insomnia. Erythroxylum vaciniifolium bark
contains a number of tropane alkaloids (Zanolari et al., 2005).
Paullinia cupana (Sapindaceae), guarana, has been used for
centuries as an effective tonic, heart tonic, to thin the blood
and for mental acuity and to benefit long-term memory. Today
guarana is used word-wide as a tonifying drink against fatigue
(Taylor, 1998). Due to its caffeine content guarana is a substi-
tute for coffee. Other phytochemicals are adenine, catechutannic
acid, choline, d-catechin, guanine, guaranine, hypoxanthine,
mucilage, saponin, tannins, theobromine, theophylline, tim-
bonin and xanthine. An in vivo study with an interesting outcome
on mental insufficiency was conducted in 1997. Guarana was
administered in single and chronic doses to rats. Physical activ-
ity, physical endurance under stress and memory effort increased
in both of the doses administered. It is interesting that the whole
seed extract of guarana showed better results than a comparable
dose of caffeine (Espinola et al., 1997).
Colombia hosts a vast diversity of plants and numerous
indigenous tribes. The Colombian Indians reputably treat aged
members of the clan with care, patience and honour. Over twenty
remedies for afflictions of old age were described by Richard
Evans Schultes (1993a,b), the “father of ethnobotany”, a most
outstanding botanist who spent many years in the North Western
Amazone.
The Puinave Indians living along the Rio Vaupé mixed the
dried leaves of Unonopsis veneficiorum (Annonaceae) into the
food of elderly patients suffering from not knowing how to talk
(Wolters, 1994). Pulverised leaves of Unonopsis stipitata, are
added to the food of elderly people who have difficulty speak-
ing. The genus Unonopsis has interesting azafluorenones and
bisaporphinoids (Laprevote et al., 1987, 1988). Warm decoc-
tions of the whole plant of Justicia ideogenes (Acanthaceae)
are poured over the lower limbs to treat trembling. Latex from
Galactophora crassifolia (Apocynaceae) is used for children
with ‘uncontrollable shaking of the head’. A root decoction
of Mandevilla steyermarkii (Apocynaceae) is administered to
the ‘aged and the weak’. The latex of Parahamcornia amapa
(Apocynaceae) is used against general debility in the Brasilian
Amazonas. Vismia tomentosa (Clusiaceae) provides a remedy
for the aged who have difficulty in understanding instructions,
talking and suffering of physical degeneration. Tukano medicine
men prepared tea of the leaves of Tabernaemontana heterophylla
(Apocynaceae) to give to elderly who were slow and forgetful.
The tree contains a number of indole alkaloids (Wolter et al.,
1983). Leaves of Lundia erionema (Bignoniaceae) or Memora
schomburgkii (Bignoniaceae) are crushed by Vaupés medicine
men and mixed with a palm oil to treat elderly ‘who speak
crazily without making sense’. Tikuna Indians make a tea from
Schlegelia macrophylla (Bignoniaceae) leaves for those who
refuse to eat and lose appetite. The Muinane Indians, who live
in the area of the Rı́o Caquetá, knew about the properties of the
rather unknown plant called Pagaea recurva (Gentianaceae). A
very bitter decoction, made of the whole plant, was prepared
and indicated in cases of debilitating forgetfulness among the
elderly (Schultes, 1993a,b). Practically nothing is known about
the chemistry of this plant. For patients with mental problems,
a recipe of the seeds of Barbieria pinnata (Fabaceae) was used.
The seeds are soaked in a fermented drink made of manioc
or maize before being administered. Cassia lucens (Fabaceae)
represents another remedy with a rather vague indication. This
plant’s most known use is as an insect repellent. Some Kubeo
people administer a drink from the dried and powdered leaves to
people with poor memory (Schultes, 1993a,b). The gymnosperm
Gnetum nodiflorum (Gnetaceae) is used by the Wyana tribe in
Suriname for cases of physical and mental weakness (Schultes,
1993a,b) (Table 4).
5. Africa
The relative numbers of traditional practitioners and doctors
in proportion to the population in most African countries demon-
strate the importance of traditional medicine. In the Venda area of
South Africa, for example, there is one traditional practitioner for
every 700–1200 people, compared to one university-trained doc-
tor for almost 18,000 people. Drugs used are considered a divine
gift, valued as much for its symbolic and spiritual significance as
for its medicinal effect. In addition to plants, healers may employ
charms, incantations and casting of spells in their healing meth-
ods (Tella, 1979; Helwig, 2006; Kale, 1995). African healing is
an inextricable part of African religion (Kale, 1995). This needs
to be considered when cures for mental diseases involve prac-
tices such as wrapping plants around a persons head or similar
pharmacologically less plausible forms of administration.
In East Africa, the roots of water lettuce, Pistia stratiotes
(Araceae), a perennial floating plant, are wrapped in a rag and
tied around a demented persons head. At the same time an
infusion of the leaves is poured over the head (Kokwaro, 1976).
In South Africa leaves, stems and roots of Asparagus
africanus (Asparagaceae) are pounded and soaked in water to
make an infusion. Drunken two to three times a day, it should
relieve problems of mental disturbance (Kokwaro, 1976). The
plant contains steroidal saponins and lignans (Debella et al.,
2000).
The following three recipes refer to the Yoruba speaking
part of West Africa. They are a large linguistic group of 40
million individuals mostly in Nigeria, Benin and Togo. One
recipe consists of the leaves of Hydrolea glabra (Hydrophi-
laceae), the leaves of Digitaria species (Poaceae) and a guinea
pig. The ingredients are eaten together with Indian cornmeal
and are believed to enhance memory (Fatumbi, 1995). A blend
of leaves of Pleiocarpa pycnantha (Apocynaceae), leaves of
Spondias mombin (Anacardiaceae) and a fruit of Aframomum
melegueta (Zingiberaceae) are administered to gain and retain
good memory (Fatumbi, 1995). According to traditional heal-
ers a formula consisting of Symphonia globulifera (Clusiaceae),
Hydrolea glabra (Hydrophilaceae), and Glyphaea brevis (Tili-
aceae) was also given to aid memory. A snake was also added
to the concoction (Fatumbi, 1995).
In Senegal a maceration of the roots of Ximenia americana
(Olacaceae) – native to Africa not the Americas, as the name
suggests – is used to cure leprosy and is applied externally for
mental sickness (Sofowora, 1982).
Crinum glaucum and Crinum jagus (Amaryllidaceae) have
been used in Southwest Nigeria by traditional healers for mem-
Table 4
Plants used in South America in the context of age related CNS disorders
Plant Family Traditional use References

Ananas comosus (L.) Merill Bromeliaceae Against neurasthenia, melancholy, sadness, weakness of memory Wolters (1994)
and stupidity
Barbieria pinnata (Pers.) Baill. Fabaceae The Kubeos prepared a tea of the seeds for elderly men with Schultes (1993a,b)
various mental problems
Cassia lucens Vog. Fabaceae A drink prepared from powdered leaves for people with bad Schultes (1993a,b)
memory
Chenopodium ambrosioides L. Chenopodiaceae For headache, memory, caries and toothache CESA (1993)
Preparations of the leaves are used to ameliorate the memory CESA (1992)
The Indios believe that the plant has potential to increase the De Barradas (1957)
memory
Erythroxylum catuaba A.J.Silva Erythroxylaceae; In Brazil, a decoction is used for sexual impotency, agitation, Taylor (1998)
Juniperus brasiliensis Cupressaceae nervousness, neurasthenia, poor memory, forgetfulness and sexual
weakness
Gnetum nodiflorum Brongn. Gnetaceae Wyana Indians administered the plant in the treatment of physical Schultes, 1993a,b
and mental weakness
Justicia ideogenes Leonard Acanthaceae Kofan Indians pour warm decoction over lower limbs for palsy-like Schultes (1993a,b)
trembling
Lactuca sativa L. Asteraceae Lactuca is used for insomnia and believed to help a weak memory Schweitzer de Palacios
(1994)
Lundia erionema De Candolle Aristolochiaceae Crushed leaves mixed with Jessenis oil are given to elderly ‘who Schultes (1993a,b)
speak crazily without making sense’
Mandevilla steyermarkii Woodson Apocynaceae Given to the aged and the sick
Pagaea recurva Benth. Bentham et Gentianaceae Amongst the Muinane Indians a decoction of the whole plant was Schultes, 1993a,b
Hooker fil prepared for debiliating forgetfulness in the elderly
Parahamcornia amapa (Hub.) Ducke Apocynaceae Is used against general debility in the Brasilian Amazonas Schultes (1993a,b)
Paullinia cupana KUNTH ex. H. B. K Sapindaceae Indians used guarana as a heart tonic, energy tonic, to thin the Taylor (1998)
blood, for mental acuity and long-term memory
Rosmarinus officinalis L. Lamiaceae For circulatory disorders, hypertension, pain of nervous origin, CESA (1993)
indigestion, neuralgia, general debility and fatigue, and for general
symptoms of old age
Schlegia macrophylla Ducke Bignoniaceae Leaves given to people who refuse to eat and lose appetite Schultes (1993a,b)
Tabernaemontana heterophylla Vahl. Apocynaceae Tukano Indians prepared a tea of the leaves for the old folks who Schultes (1993a,b)
are slow and forgetful
Unonopsis veneficiorum (Mart.) R.E. Annonaceae Puinave Indians at Rio Vaupé mixed dried leaves in the food of Schultes (1993a,b)
Fries elderly people who forgot how to talk
Unonopsis stipitata Diels Annonaceae Added to the food of elderly people who have difficulty speaking Schultes (1993a,b)
Vismia tomentosa Ruiz and Pav. Clusiaceae Yukuna and Makuna Indians prepared the plant for the elderly who Schultes (1993a,b)
suffer difficulty in understanding instructions and have physical
degeneration and difficulty in talking

ory loss and other mental ailments associated with aging.
Houghton et al. (2004) isolated alkaloids from the plants
and tested their AChE inhibitory properties. Hamayne (IC50
250 ␮M) and lycorine (IC50 450 ␮M) showed only slight activ-
ities compared to the positive control physostigmine (IC50 of
0.25 ␮M). A preparation of macerated roots of Opilia celtidifolia
(Opiliaceae) is believed to help with mental illness when taken
as a beverage for about 1 week (Assi and Guinko, 1991). Triter-
penoid saponins were found to be present in the plant (Crespin
et al., 1993). The mark of Canthium glabriflorum (Rubiaceae)
is used for cough and mental diseases (Bep, 1960) (Table 5).
6. Asia
Asia is the largest and, with 60% of the world’s population
also the most populous continent of the world. It is home to the
world’s oldest documented medical systems, traditional Chinese
medicine (TCM) and Ayurveda.
6.1. Traditional Chinese medicine (TCM)
Chinese herbal medicine is an interesting subject for medic-
inal plant research. According to But et al. (1980), from 26,092
species listed in Flora Sinica, 4941 (19%) are used medicinally.
TCM concepts such as yin, yang and qi are used to describe
specific medical states but are difficult to translate into west-
ern medical terms. Despite the entirely different underlying
philosophical frameworks, there has been a great amount of
cooperation between TCM and western medicine in recent years.
Using western methods and techniques traditional remedies
have been pharmacologically and clinically validated, and many
have been shown to have therapeutic value in terms of west-
ern medical understanding. Besides herbal therapy acupuncture,
moxibustion, massage, hydrotherapy, dietetics and exercise are
therapeutic forms in TCM treatment. For detailed information
on the spiritual and philosophical aspects of TCM please refer
to specialised literature (such as Jiang, 2005).
 The club moss Huperzia serrata (Lycopodiaceae) is used in

Assi and Guinko (1991) and Langeland and Craddock Burks (2005)
TCM to alleviate problems of memory loss, promote circulation,
for fever and inflammation (Houghton and Howes, 2005). Qian
Ceng Ta is a formula prepared from Huperzia serrata, used in
TCM to treat memory loss (Howes et al., 2003). It is reported
to be a cognition enhancer that facilitates memory and motor
activity in aged persons and was recommended in the treatment
Kokwaro (1976) and Debella et al. (2000)

of senile dementia, including AD and multi-infarct dementia

(Kee, 1999).
Huperzine A, an alkaloid from Huperzia serrata, was found
to be a reversible AChE inhibitor and is neuroprotective
(Skolnick, 1997; Chiu and Zhang, 2000; Yaniv and Bachrach,
Hostettmann et al. (2006)

2005). It was shown that huperzine A has a neuroprotective

effect against ␤-amyloid peptide fragment 25–53, oxygen glu-

Sofowora (1982)
Kokwaro (1976)
Fatumbi (1995)

Fatumbi (1995)

Fatumbi (1995)
cose deprivation and against free radical-induced cytotoxicity. It
also attenuates apoptosis by inhibiting the mitochondria-caspase
Bep (1960)
References

pathway. In cortex or synaptic plasma membranes it counter-

acted N-methyl-d-aspartate-induced toxicity (NMDA) This may
be due to the fact that huperzine A facilitates cholinergic neuro-
transmission by increasing the concentration of acetylcholine in
The roots are wrapped in a rag and tied around the head of a demented person,

A maceration of roots is used in treating leprosy and is applied internally and

Administered for good memory. The two herbs are mixed together with the

the CNS about 100 times more effectively than tacrine, a drug
used for AD (Anekonda and Reddy, 2005). In cell culture stud-
Infusions of Leaves, stems and roots are drunk 2–3 times a day for the

and at the same time, an infusion of the leaves is poured over the head
For memory loss and other mental symptoms associated with aging

ies huperzine A decreased neuronal cell death caused by toxic

levels of glutamate (Bores et al., 1996).
The mark of this plant is used for coughs and mental diseases

In rats huperzine A reversed ␤-amyloid-(1–40) induced

Roots macerated in water are taken to treat mental illness

deficit in learning in a water maze task, and reduced the loss

of choline acetyltransferase activity in cerebral cortex, and the
neuronal degeneration induced by ␤-amyloid protein-(1–40). It
reversed the down-regulation of anti-apoptotic Bcl-2 and the
guinea pig and eaten with Indian cornmeal

This recipe is for a good memory, to recall

good memory and to keep a good memory

memory and to organise the own memory

up-regulation of pro-apoptotic Bax and P53 proteins as well

Extracts of the plants are taken to have a

as reducing apoptosis caused by ␤-amyloid injection. The ben-

eficial effects are not confined to the cholinergic system, but
treatment of mental disturbance

externally for mental sickness

also include favourable changes in the expression of apoptosis-

related proteins and in the extent of apoptosis in other regions
of the brain (Wang et al., 2001).
Huperzine A (400 ␮g) was given daily to 100 patients for
Traditional use

12 weeks. It was reported to be more selective for AChE than

BuChE and was less toxic than the synthetic AChE inhibitors
donepezil and tacrine (Frank and Gupta, 2005). Possible side
effects are nausea, vomiting, diarrhoea and muscle cramps have
Plants used in Africa in the context of age related CNS disorders

been observed. Cholinergic effects may also worsen pulmonary

and peptic ulcer disease and cardiac arrhythmia (Ott and Owens,
Amaryllidaceae;

Hydrophilaceae;
Amaryllidaceae

Hydrophilaceae
Anacardiaceae
Zingiberaceae

1998).
Apocynaceae

Clusiaceae
Opiliaceae
Rubiaceae

Qingkailing, a traditional Chinese formulation, does not

Olacaceae
Liliaceae

Tiliaceae
Poaceae

Araceae
Family

have a direct indication in traditional medicine for dementia

or AD therapy. Some recent data, however, indicates a cer-
tain potential to be used as such. The herbs Scutellaria spp.
Hydrolea glabra Schum. and Thonn.

Hydrolea glabra Schum. and Thonn.

Aframomum melegueta (Roskoe) K.

(Lamiaceae), Lonicera spp. (Caprifoliaceae), Pittosporum spp.

Pleiocarpa pycnantha (K. Schum.)

Symphonia globulifera L. A snake

Opilia celtidifolia Guill. and Perr.

Glyphaea brevis (Spreng.) Mon.

(Pittosporaceae) and Isatis tinctoria (Brassicaceae) are com-

Crinum glaucum A. Chevalier
Canthium glabriflorum Hiern.

bined with cow-bezoar (Jinzhoun, 1998). It is a remedy used

Asparagus africanus Lam.

for re-establishing the energy balance and to remove the causes

Ximenia americana L.

of heat and phlegm, which in TCM are symptoms, associ-

Spondias mombin L.
Crinum jagus C.

Pistia stratiotes L.

ated with dementia. Clinical studies report beneficial effects

Digitaria sp.

of qingkailing: Patients with dementia following a stroke,

Schum.

received qingkailing intravenous daily, for 30 days. At the same

Table 5

time, a tea was given twice daily. It contained Pinellia ter-

Plant

nata (Araceae) tubers, Acorus gramineus (Acoraceae), Angelica

dahurica (Apiaceae) roots, Atractylodes macrocephala (Aster-
aceae), and Pseudostellaria heterophylla (Caryophyllaceae)
root. An improvement of intellect by increasing the score 10
points on Hasegawa Dementia Scale was stated by five patients.
Three patients improved 5 or less points, while two patients
remained without benefit. In a randomized double blind study,
with 15 participants with syndromes of vascular dementia,
qingkailing was administered i.v. to 10 patients daily for 14 days.
The control group (n = 5), received an infusion of chuanxiong
piperazine (Ligusticum chuanxiong, Apiacae). The qingkailing
group improved their score by 10.4, whereas the score of the
control group increased only by 4.9. These studies have, at
best, a pilot character and need to be followed up by larger
trials.
Polygala tenuifolia (Polygalaceae) is used in TCM and
Japanese formulas for the treatment of psychoneurological dis-
eases. It is thought to have an effect on the will and mental
powers, improving understanding and strengthening the mem-
ory. It is also indicated as a cerebrotonic, cardiotonic, sedative
and tranquillizer (Howes and Houghton, 2003).
6.2. Korea
Oh et al. (2004) lists seven plants in Korea’s history of tra-
ditional medicine, including Acorus calamus rhizome, Acorus
gramineus rhizome, Bupleurum falcatum root, Dioscorea
batatas rhizome, Epimedium koreanum herb, Poria cocos scle-
rotium and Zizyphus jujuba fruit, which are used for the general
indication for improvement of cognition and memory function in
old age. They were all tested for cholin esterase inhibitory prop-
erties using the Ellman colorimetric method. The data revealed
that extracts of Acorus gramineus, Dioscorea batatas and Zizy-
phus jujuba did not show any inhibitory effects on AChE.
Significant dose-dependent inhibition of the enzyme at the high
dose of 200 ␮g/ml was observed for methanolic extracts from
Acorus calamus and Epimedium koreanum.
Paeng-Jo-Yeon-Nyeon-Baek-Ja-In-Hwan (PJBH) is a decoct
of 18 dried herbs including the whole plant of Dendrobium
moniliforme, seeds of Thuja orientalis (Cupressacae), fruits
of Torilis japonica (Apiaceae), Rubus coreanus (Rosaceae),
Cornus officinalis (Cornaceae) and Schizandra chinensis
(Schisandraceae), roots of Morinda officinalis (Rubiaceae),
Asparagus cochinchinensis (Asparagaceae), Polygala tenuifolia
(Polygalaceae), Phlomis umbrosa (Lamiaceae), Panax ginseng
(Araliaceae) and Rehmannia glutinosa (Gesneriaceae), stems of
Cinnamomum cassia (Lauraceae), rhizome of Acorus calamus
(Araceae), Alisma canaliculatum (Alismataceae) and Dioscorea
japonica (Dioscuraceae) and leaves of Cistanche salsa (Oroban-
chaceae). PJBH has an extensive history in Korea, and is
also used in TCM to activate brain function, promote mem-
ory and lengthen life span. The herbal medicine has shown
various activities including immune modulation, anti-infarct,
anti-inflammatory and anti-allergic effects (Koo et al., 2004).
The effects of PJBH on H2 O2 induced injury in PC12 cells was
examined and revealed an elevating effect on catalase and glu-
tathione peroxidase activities as well as on cell survival (Koo et
al., 2004).
6.3. Japan
Choto-San, a remedy from Kampo – Japanese traditional
medicine adapted from TCM – consists of 10 herbs and a
sulphate mineral. The formula is composed of the fruit shell
of Citrus aurantium (Rutaceae), the tubers of Ophiopogon
japonicus (Convallariaceae) and Pinellia ternate (Araceae),
the stem including the hooks of Uncaria tomentosa (Rubi-
aceae), the roots of Panax ginseng (Araliaceae), Ledebouriella
seseloides (Apiaceae) and Glyzyrrhiza glabra (Fabaceae), the
rhizome of Zingiber officinalis (Zingiberaceae), the flowers of
the Chrysanthemum species and parts of Poria cocos. The tradi-
tional indication does not relate to age related brain disorders in
particular, but recent data reveals the possible use of Choto-San
in the therapy of cognitive disorders (Murakami et al., 2005).
Murakami et al. (2005) tried to clarify the mechanisms of
action of the Choto-san formula in mice with induced hypoperfu-
sion by permanent occlusion of both the common carotid arteries
which induces spatial memory deficits and neuronal damage in
rodents. Choto-san extract was given orally to mice for 5 days
an hour prior to the start of each experiment. Tacrine was used as
reference. Choto-san and Choto-san Uncaria-free extract were
administered. Choto-san raised the level of ACh, compared
to that in the control group, whereas Choto-san Uncaria-free
extract had no effect. Choto-san also improved 2VO-induced
spatial learning deficits, via the stimulation of muscarinic M1
receptor, while Choto-san Uncaria-free extract did not show
any improvement. Choto-san extract ameliorated the effect of
2VO in the Morris water maze task whereas the Uncaria-free
extract showed no effect. The results suggest that Uncaria plays
a key role in the beneficial effect of Choto-san on learning and
memory impairment caused by chronic hypoperfusion.
6.4. Ayurveda
The history of medicine in India can be traced to the remote
past. The earliest mention of medicinal use of plants is found in
the Rigveda, probably the oldest repositories of human knowl-
edge written between 4500 and 1600 b.c. (Kapoor, 1990).
Ayurveda encompasses philosophy, science and religion and
is a very complex system of knowledge applied to daily life.
Rasayana tantra – geriatrics including rejuvenation therapy –
is one of eight major disciplines in Ayurveda. Caraka Samhita
defined rasayana as a treatment to attain longevity, intelli-
gence, freedom from age related disorders, youthful appearance,
optimum strength of physique and sense organs, maintain lan-
guage ability and improve memory (Bala and Manyam, 1999).
Rasayana is not merely a drug therapy but a regimen covering
the general mode of life, social conduct, behaviour, diet and the
use of specific restorative remedies. This process should begin in
late adult life or midlife, and may not be effective when started
too late as many of the approaches are preventive rather than
curative. Some rasayana recipes directly refer to dementia. It is
quite remarkable that an ancient medical system includes such
a well-elaborated medical theory and treatment for age related
problems like dementia, whilst contemporary systems attributed
inexplicable phenomena to the spiritual realm.
 One preparation is called Aindrarasayana (Bala and Manyam,
1999). Aindri or Brahmi are names for Bacopa monniera, one of
six plants in the formula. The other five are Alternanthera ses-
silis (Amaranthaceae), Acorus calamus (Araceae), Piper longum
(Piperaceae), Convolvulus pluricaulis (Convolvulaceae) and one
plant with the Sanskrit name Brahmasuvarcala, which was not
identified. Three parts of Aindrarasayana including the salt and
two parts of gold oxide are mixed with Aconitum chasmanthum
(Ranunculaceae). The mixture is consumed on an empty stom-
ach. Several hours later, when the preparation is digested, honey
and a generous amount of butterfat (ghee) should be consumed.
Another Ayurvedic formula consists of the juice of Cen-
tella asiatica (Apiaceae), the powder of Glycyrrhiza glabra
(Fabaceae) mixed with milk, the juice of the stem of Tinospora
cordifolia (Menispermaceae) and a paste made of the roots
and flowers of Convolvulus pluricaulis (Convolvulaceae) mixed
together and taken to prevent dementia, retard age and to improve
complexion and digestion (Bala and Manyam, 1999).
Emblica officinalis (Euphorbiaceae) is a native plant with
rasayana properties and the main ingredient in this preparation
for a disease-free life with long lasting youth, great vigour and
no dementia. Terminalia officinalis, Acorus calamus, Embelia
ribes, Sida spinosa, Semecarpus anacardium, Bacopa monnieri,
Aternanthera sessilis, Coelogyne evalis, Boerhaavia diffusa,
Desmodium gangeticum, Baliospermum montanum and Polyg-
onatum verticillatum are also added to the mixture. Six plants
with Sanskrit names are not identified but also part of the formula
(Bala and Manyam, 1999).
Another traditional recipe made is prepared with 1000 fruits
of Emblica officinalis (Euphorbiaceae) and 1000 fruits of Piper
longum (Piperaceae). They are dipped in alkaline water prepared
from a Butea monosperma (Fabaceae) tree, and then powdered.
The powder is mixed four times its weight with honey and ghee,
and one-fourth of sugar and stored underground for 6 months.
The preparation should be taken life-long from new moon to
full moon starting later in youth or middle age. The dose is
based on the person’s individual digestive ability. This remedy
is optimistically recommended for a lifespan of 100 years with
full vigour, cognitive function and to preserve youth (Bala and
Manyam, 1999).
Withania somnifera (Solanaceae) roots are one of the most
highly regarded herbs in Ayurvedic medicine and of similar sta-
tus of ginseng in TCM. They are classed among the Rasayanas
rejuvenating tonics used for treating age associated decline in
cognitive function (Parrotta, 2001).
Steroid lactones such as withanolides A-Y, glycowithano-
lides, dehydrowithanolide-R, withasomniferin-A, withasomi-
dienone, withasomniferols A-C, withaferin A, withanone
have been isolated from the root and leaf (Williamson,
2002). The phytosterols, sitoindosides VII–X and perpetual ␤-
sitosterol were found, alongside the alkaloids ashwagandhine,
ashwaghandhinine, cuscohygrine, anahygrine, tropine, pseu-
dotropine, anaferine, isopelletierine, withasomine, visamine,
somniferine, somniferinine, withanine, withaninine, pseu-
dowithaninine and solasodine.
There have been numerous studies regarding the cognitive
enhancing activities of Withania somnifera. Withanoside IV or
VI produced dendritic outgrowth in normal cortical neurons of
isolated rat cells, whereas axonal outgrowth was observed in
the treatment with withanolide A in normal cortical neurons
(Tohda et al., 2005). Neuritic regeneration or synaptic recon-
struction was induced by withanolide A, withanoside IV and
VI in amyloid-␤ (25–35)-induced damaged cortical neurons. In
addition, these components also facilitated the reconstruction of
post-synaptic and pre-synaptic regions in neurons, where severe
synaptic loss had already occurred.
Withania somnifera extract, containing the steroidal sub-
stances sitoinodosides VII–X and withaferin A augmented
learning acquisition and memory in both young and old rats
(Ghosal et al., 1989). It enhanced AChE activity in the lateral
septum and globus pallidus and decreased it in the vertical diag-
onal band. Receptor binding on the muscarinic M1 receptor was
enhanced in the lateral and medium septum and in the frontal cor-
tices. M2 receptor binding increased in cortical regions but did
neither affect ␥-aminobutyric acid (GABAA ), benzodiazepine,
nor NMDA receptor binding. The extract reversed ibotenic acid
induced cognitive deficit and reversed the reduction in choliner-
gic markers, such as acetylcholine (Schliebs et al., 1997).
Acorus calamus is originally native to Europe, but has been
cultivated and naturalized throughout India and Sri Lanka.
Sala et al. (1993) list the plant with traditional uses as an
intellect-promoting agent against depression, mental disorders
and general debility. Acorus calamus is also combined with
Polygala root to help maintain mental and intellectual health
of the elderly (Hou and Jin, 2005). When powdered, it can be of
avail for depressed psychosis and dementia. Further indications
include the loss of consciousness, confusion of the mind, for-
getfulness, anorexia and epilepsy and as a traditional Ayurvedic
medicine to treat memory loss (Howes and Houghton, 2003).
Acorus calamus contains essential oil with the main com-
ponents ␤-asarone and ␣-asarone. Other components found in
the plant are caryophyllene, ␣-humulene and sekishone (Hou
and Jin, 2005). Methanolic extracts of the roots, which contain
essential oil which the toxin ␤-asarone showed inhibitory effect
on AChE with an IC50 value of 188 ␮g/ml (Oh et al., 2004).
In vitro and in vivo studies have shown Acorus calamus oil to
induce malignant tumours, due to ␤-asarone. In view of toxicity,
products should contain no or a negligible amount of ␤-asarone,
such as that from the Acorus calamus var. americanus (Singh
et al., 2001). In mice, the root extract of Acorus calamus pro-
tected against acrylamide-induced neurotoxicity and reduced
the incidence of paralysis (Shukla et al., 2002). Acorus cala-
mus is registered in the Pakistani Materia Medica where both
the roots and rhizomes are used for nervous diseases and dis-
orders, whereas the rhizome is especially indicated in cases of
neurological symptoms of the brain (Said and Ahmad, 1986).
The seeds of Celastrus paniculatus (Celastraceae) are cred-
ited with emetic, diaphoretic, febrifugal and nerve benefiting
properties and are used in traditional Indian medicine to sharpen
the memory, to cure ulcers, gout, sores and rheumatism. The
seeds and the seed oil are used as a brain tonic, for diseases of
the CNS, epilepsy, oedema, stomach disorders and psychosis.
The leaves, roots and bark do not have indications related to AD
or dementia, so most in vivo and in vitro pharmacological stud-
ies have focused on seeds and the seed oil (Parrotta, 2001). In
rats the oil helped improve learning and memory, and decreased
noradrenalin, dopamine and serotonin in the brain (Nalini et al.,
1995). It reversed scopolamine induced task deficit but this was
not associated with an AChE inhibition (Gattu et al., 1997). For
more pharmacological information see Howes and Houghton
(2003).
Traditional indications were found for Convolvulus pluri-
caulis (Convolvulaceae), a plant common in southern India,
where the whole plant is used in various formulae as a nervine
tonic for improvement of memory and intellect. The leaves and
flowers possess hypotensive properties used for treating anxiety
neurosis. Furthermore, it is also recommended as a brain tonic
to promote intellect and memory, eliminate nervous disorders
and to treat hypertension (Bala and Manyam, 1999).
The bark, leaves, flowers, fruits and pods of Sesbania gran-
diflora (Fabaceae) are used in Ayurvedic medicine. The pods
are considered useful for promoting memory power and for
resolving glandular tumours or enlargements (Parrotta, 2001).
Canscora decusata (Gentianaceae) is a notable Ayurvedic drug
for improving memory and intellect. A paste is made of the
whole plant, including the flowers, to be taken with milk as
a nervine tonic and to alleviate memory problems (Parrotta,
2001). Gmelina arborea (Verbenaceae) is used in Ayurvedic
medicine to improve digestion, strengthen memory, to overcome
giddiness and to treat fever, thirst, emaciation, heart diseases
and nervous disorders (Parrotta, 2001). The ripe fruit of Ter-
minalia chebula (Combretaceae) is considered to possess the
ability to promote memory, intellect and to prolong life. It
is also believed to improve eyesight and has the ability to
delay aging. It is suggested that one ripe fruit should be eaten
every morning to achieve the listed effects (Vohra and Gupta,
2005).
Nardostachys jatamansi (Valerianaceae) is a reputed medhya,
an intellect-promoting herb, with various medicinal properties,
especially on the nervous system (Joshi and Parle, 2006). A
recent study was undertaken to determine the effect of Nar-
dostachys jatamansi as a memory enhancer in mice. An elevated
plus maze and a passive avoidance task were employed to eval-
uate learning and memory parameters. An ethanolic extract of
the plant was administered orally for at doses of 50, 100 and
200 mg/kg. Furthermore, diazepam and scopolamine induced
amnesia as well as aging induced amnesia was examined. The
high dose of 200 mg/kg dose significantly improved learning and
memory in young mice and also reversed amnesia induced by
scopolamine and diazepam. It was also claimed to have reversed
amnesia due to natural aging of mice (Joshi and Parle, 2006).
Bacopa monnieri L. (syn.: B. monniera) (Scrophulariaceae)
occupies a predominant position in ayurvedic medicine and
is recommended for the management of a range of mental
conditions including anxiety, poor cognition and a lack of con-
centration (Russo and Borelli, 2005), as a nerve tonic, for
memory and intelligence improvement (Parrotta, 2001) for an
intellect promoting effect and helpful in cases of general debility
(Sala et al., 1993). Russo and Borelli (2005) recently provided
an update of current knowledge of nootropic effects of Bacopa
monnieri.
The effects Bacopa monnieri (40 mg/kg) on learning per-
formance in rats were studied in shock-motivated brightness
discrimination reaction and in conditioned fight reaction. In
both schedules the treated groups showed a shorter reaction time
than the control group. In addition, the rats improved learning
capability confirmed by a maze-learning experimental method
(Williamson, 2002).
Major chemical constituents found in Bacopa monnieri are
saponins, triterpenes and dammaranes, such as bacosides A,
B, C, bacosaponines D, E and F (Williamson, 2002; Russo
and Borelli, 2005). The alkaloids brahmine and herpestine,
flavonoids such as glucuronyl-7-apigenin and glucuronyl-
7-luteolin, luteolin-7-glucoside and luteolin, phenylethanoid
glycosides, monnierasides I–III and plantainoside B have been
isolated.
The saponins bacoside A and B have been claimed to be
the active principles regarding enhancement of cognitive func-
tion (Singh and Dhawan, 1992; Russo and Borelli, 2005). They,
apart from facilitating learning and memory in normal rats,
inhibited the amnesic effects of scopolamine, electroshock and
immobilization stress. Furthermore, Bacopa monnieri has been
shown to enhance protein kinase activity in the hippocam-
pus, which could also contribute to its nootropic action. When
Bacopa monnieri was administered along with phenytoin for 2
weeks, it significantly reversed phenytoin-induced impairment
in rats (Williamson, 2002). Bacopa monnieri, administered for
2 weeks, reversed the depletion of acetylcholine. Further, it
reduced the choline acetylase activity and decreased muscarinic,
cholinergic receptor binding in the frontal cortex and hippocam-
pus, induced by neurotoxins, such as colchicine (Russo and
Borelli, 2005).
In a double blind placebo-controlled trial 76 participants,
aged 40–65, received capsules of Bacopa monnieri extract
equivalent to 6–9 g of dried rhizome. Effects on anxiety and
memory functions were tested. The results did not show any
significant effect on measures of short-term memory, working
memory, attention, or the retrieval of information from long-term
memory acquired pre-experimentally. No effects on subjec-
tive measures of psychological state as depression, anxiety and
stress, or everyday memory were observed. There was, how-
ever, an activity measured in a task requiring the retention of
new information, recalling unrelated word pairs after a short
delay (Roodenrys et al., 2002).
The medicinal value of Centella asiatica (Apiaceae) is
thought to be similar to that of Bacopa monnieri. The whole
plant is used as a nervine tonic in various brain diseases and
given to children as syrup to increase the memory. It is thought
to be effective for memory disorders, impaired intelligence and
as a rejuvenator and blood purifier. It is used in various skin
diseases. In parts of India it is given with milk to improve
memory against dementia and aging (Ahuja, 1965). Con-
stituents in Centella asiatica include essential oil, triterpenoid
saponins, such as asiaticocide, brahmoside and thankuniside,
alkaloids (hydrocotyline) and some bitter principles (Chevallier,
1996).
Mook-Jung et al. (1999) tested articoside and 28 deriva-
tives for protective effects against A ␤-induced cell death in
Table 6
Plants used in Asia in the context of age related CNS disorders
Origin Plant Family Traditional use References
China Qingkailing (QKL)
Isatis tinctoria L. Brassicaceae QKL is not mentioned as ‘traditional’: Studies suggest that the most Jinzhoun (1998)
Lonicera sp. Caprifoliaceae frequent causes of dementia associated with stroke are heat, phlegm and
Pittosporum sp. Pittosporaceae blood stasis syndromes. Treatment should re-establish the energy
Scutellaria sp. cow-bezoar Lamiaceae balance and remove the causes. QKL resolves phlegm and clears the heat
Coptis chinensis Franch. Ranunculaceae For several conditions including age related Houghton and Howes (2005)
cognitive and memory decline
Huperzia serrata Thunb. Lycopodiaceae Huperzine A is found to be an active cognition Kee (1999)
enhancer that faciliates memory and motor
activity in aged persons
Qian Ceng Ta is a traditional Chinese formula Howes et al. (2003)
to alleviate problems of memory loss. The
formula is prepared from Huperzia serrata
Huperzia serrata has been used and is still a Ott and Owens (1998),
component of various formulae in traditional Chiu and Zhang (2000),
Chinese medicine to alleviate problems of Anekonda and Reddy (2005),
memory loss, fever, inflammation and for Houghton and Howes (2005),
symtomps of aging Frank and Gupta (2005) and
Houghton et al. (2006)
Polygala tenuifolia Willd. Polygalaceae Effect upon the will and mental powers, Howes and Houghton (2003)
improving understanding and strengthening the
memory
Korea Paeng-Jo-Yeon-Nyeon- Baek-Ja-In-Hwa (PJBH)
Acorus calamus L. Acoraceae According to ancient Chinese medicinal Koo et al. (2004)
Alisma canaliculatum A.Br. and Bouché Alismataceae literature PJBH supplies and nourishes the
Asparagus cochinchinensis (Lour.) Merr. Asparagaceae kidney and consolidates essence, thus
Cinnamomum cassia Blum. Lauraceae activating brain function, promoting memory
Cornus officinalis L. Cornaceae and lengthening life span. PJBH has an
Cistanche salsa C. A. Mey. Orobanchaceae extensive history as a medicinal herb in
Dioscorea japonica Thunb. Dioscoraceae Korea, and it is possible that widespread
Dendrobium moniliforme (L.) Sw. Orchidaceae PJBH use may contribute to the reduced
Eucommia ulmoides Oliv. Eucommiaceae age-adjusted prevalence of AD in Korea
Morinda officinalis How. Rubiaceae
Panax ginseng C. A. Mey. Araliaceae
Phlomis umbrosa Turc. Bull Lamiaceae
Polygala tenuifolia Willd. Polygalaceae
Rehmannia glutinosa Gaertn. Gesneriaceae
Rubus coreanus Miq. Rosaceae
Schizandra chinensis L. Schisandraceae
Thuja orientalis (L.) Franco Cupressaceae;
Torilis japonica (Houtt.) Apiaceae
Table 6 ( Continued )
Origin Plant Family Traditional use References
Japan (Kampo) Choto-san
Gypsum fibrosum Sulphate mineral The Choto-san formula is usually prescribed Murakami et al. (2005)
Chrysanthmum sp. Asteraceae to middle-age patients of considerable build
Citrus aurantium L. Rutaceae with a weak physical constitution as well as
Glycyrrhiza glabbra L. Fabacea for chronic headache, painful tension of the
Ledebouriella seseloides (Hoffm.) Wolff. Apiaceae shoulders and cervical muscle, vertigo,
Ophiopogon japonicus Thunb. Convallariaceae morning headaches, a heavy feeling of the
Panax ginseng C. A. Mey. Araliaceae head, feelings of uprising heat, tinnitus and
Pinellia ternata Thunb. Araceae insomnia
Poria cocos (Schw.) Wolff Polyporaceae
Uncaria tomentosa Willd. Rubiaceae
Zingiberis officinalis L. Zingiberaceae
India (ayurveda) Aindrarasayana
Acorus calamus L. Araceae This preparation is considered to alleviate Bala and Manyam, 1999
Alternanthera sessilis (L.) R. Br. Amaranthaceae dementia
Bacopa monnieri (L). Pennell Scrophulariaceae
Convolvulus pluricaulis Choisy Convolvulaceae
Piper longum L. Piperaceae
Centella asiatica (L.) Urban Apiaceae This recipe is believed to prevent dementia, Bala and Manyam (1999)
Convolvulus pluricaulis Choisy Convolvulaceae improve digestion and complexion
Glycyrrhiza glabra L. Fabaceae;
Menispermaceae
Tinospora cordifolia Miers
Brahmarasayana
Acorus calamus L. Araceae The fruits of Embilica officinalis are Bala and Manyam (1999)
Alternanthera sessilis (L.) R. Br. Amaranthaceae steamend to remove the seeds, dried and
Bacopa monnieri (L.) Pennell Schrophulariaceae powdered. The powder is mixed with the
Baliospermum montanum (Willd.) Euphorbiaceae juice of fresh Embilica fruit and mixed with
Boerhavia diffusa L. Nyctaginaceae the other 17 plants. It is then mixed with the
Coelogyne evalis Lindl. Orchidaceae juice of the fruits of Sida spinosa, dried, and
Emblica officinalis Gaertn. Euphorbiaceae ghee and honey are added. It is stored in
Desmodium gangeticum (L.) DC. Fabaceae boluses in a vessel underground surrounded
Embelia ribes (Roxb. ex. Willd.) DC. Myrsinaceae by hemp ashes for 2 weeks. Before
Polygonatum verticillatum (L.) All. Liliaceae administration, oxide of gold, silver, copper
Terminalia chebula Retz. Combretaceae and iron are added. Brahmarasayana is
Sida spinosa L. Malvaceae thought to create a disease-free, youthful
Semecarpus anacardium L. fil. Anacardiaceae state and significant vigor and no dementia
Butea monosperma (Lam.) Taub Fabaceae The formula is recommended for a life span Bala and Manyam (1999)
Emblica officinalis Gaertn. Euphorbiaceae of 100 years, to preserve youth, full vigor
Piper longum L. Piperaceae and cognitive function
Acorus calamus L. Araceae The plant is said to be capable of improving Parrotta (2001)
memory and intellect, treats various diseases
including epilepsy and mental ailments
Withania somnifera (L.) Dun. Solanaceae Withania somnifera is used in cases of debility Ahuja (1965)
from old age
 B103 cells. Hereby asiatic acid showed the strongest protec-
tive effect reducing H2 O2 -induced cell death and lowering
intracellular free radical concentration. The triterpene asi-
atic acid and its derivatives have been also been shown to

(1992) and Kiem et al. (2004)

Parrotta (2001), Williamson
(2002), Tohda et al. (2005),

protect cortical neurons from glutamate-induced excitotoxic-

Said and Ahmad (1986)
Howes et al. (2003) and

Agence de Coopération

Agence de Coopération
Culturelle et Technique

Culturelle et Technique
ity in vitro. Glutamate can induce neuronal degeneration by

(1990a,b), Du and Gao

Clayton et al. (1994)

over-stimulation of NMDA receptors. Some NMDA receptor

Williamson (2002)

antagonists like memantine (NamendaTM ), have been approved

Woodley (1991)
Dash (1994)

Dash (1994)
by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for the treat-

(1990a,b)
ment of moderate to severe AD (Farlow, 2004). Rao et al.
(2005) showed that treatment of mice during postnatal devel-
opment with Centella asiatica extracts influences the neuronal
morphology and promotes higher brain function later on in
life.
Centella asiatica extract (100, 200 and 300 mg/kg) showed a
It has been used as a stimulant as well as a tonic

It is a promotor of intellect and kapha. It is used

The roots are used in the therapy against senile

dose-dependent protective effect against cognitive deficits and

and disorders. The rhizome is used for curing

in the treatment of insanity, epilepsy and evil

Roots and rhizomes are for nervous diseases

It is a tonic remedy used in the treatment for

The leaves are used in the treatment of brain

neurasthenia, insomnia, amnesia and mental

It is used as a sedative for demented people

oxidative stress in rats. The results indicated improved acqui-

It is a promotor of memory and voice and
and believed to ameliorate the memory

sition and retention of memory. No significant changes were

neurological symptoms of the brain
debility and to restore memory loss

believed to be a rejuvenating agent

observed in the locomotive activity. The rats were sacrificed on

day 21 for estimation of oxidative stress parameters as malondi-
aldehyde (MDA), a marker of lipid peroxidation, SOD, GSH-Px
and CAT. A decrease in MDA and an increase in GSH-Px levels
were observed in rats treated with the rather high doses of 200
or 300 mg/kg extract (Kumar and Gupta, 2003).
In Thailand the leaves of Michelia champaca (Magno-
deficiency
disorders

liaceae), a tree valued for its strongly fragrant yellow or

spirits

white flowers, are used in the treatment of brain disorders

(Clayton et al., 1994). Michelia champaca contains essential oil,
parthenolide and other sesquiterpene lactones (Jacobsson et al.,
1995).
Two plants were mentioned in the viewed literature on Viet-
namese medicine for treating age related dementia (Agence de
Casuarinaceae
Magnoliaceae

Coopération Culturelle et Technique, 1990a,b). Acanthopanax

Sapindaceae
Araliaceae

trifoliatus (Araliaceae) is used as a stimulant and tonic and

Apiaceae

Iridaceae
Araceae

is believed to ameliorate the memory. Some of the chemi-

cal constituents of the leaves of Acanthopanax trifoliatus have
are kaur-16-en-19-oic acid, taraxerol, taraxerol acetate (Du and
Gao, 1992), lupane-triterpene carboxylic acids, called acantri-
foic acid and acantrifoside (Kiem et al., 2004). Dimocarpus
longan (Sapindaceae), the source of the delicious longan fruits,
is used as a tonic and administered in the treatment for men-
tal deficiency, neurasthenia, insomnia and amnesia (Agence de
Acanthopanax trifoliatus (L.) Merr.

Coopération Culturelle et Technique, 1990a,b). It could not be

determined what part of this widespread plant is used.
Centella asiatica (L.) Urban

In Malaysia Casuarina equisetifolia (Casuarinaceae) a

Casuarina equisitifolia L.
Dimocarpus longan Lour.
Michelia champaca L.

widespread shrub or tree which somewhat resembles pine trees,

Acorus calamus L.

is used as a sedative for the demented and to treat memory

Iris germanica L.

problems (Woodley, 1991).

In Tibet Iris germanica (Iridaceae) is believed to be a pro-
moter of intellect and also useful in the treatment of insanity,
epilepsy and against evil spirits (Dash, 1994). Centella asiatica
already listed in the part on India is also used in Tibet as a pro-
moter of memory and voice and is believed to be rejuvenating
in general. Another remedy, believed to prevent aging is ghee, a
form of melted butterfat which is said to promote complexion,
Malaysia
Thailand

Vietnam
Pakistan

beauty, voice, intellect, memory and give strength, virility and

Tibet

longevity (Dash, 1994) (Table 6).

7. Conclusions and perspectives
Despite the access to a large ethnobotanic florilegium in
libraries and databases, the yield in numbers of herbs used for
age related dementia turned out to be rather limited for most geo-
graphic regions. Various reasons may be responsible for that: On
the one side, it can be due to cultural reasons. Both Ayurveda and
TCM have clear millennia-old concepts of age related cognitive
disorders and corresponding treatments with specific remedies
(Yan et al., 2000), whereas folk medicines mostly lack this kind
of foundation. Memory loss, confusion and forgetfulness in old
age are fatalistically accepted as inevitable part of life, or often-
times dementia is attributed to madness caused by spiritual and
supernatural causes. Also, dementias are diseases which occur
at an advanced age which was rarely reached in countries with
a low life expectancy. On the other hand, there may also be
the difficulty of gathering and reporting data, i.e. in translat-
ing traditional concepts into scientific terminology. Also, data
recording may not have been optimal from today’s perspec-
tive. Indeed, the interest of Western medicine in Alzheimer’s
disease is a relatively recent phenomenon. Our awareness has
substantially increased over the past 20 years, due to significant
scientific progress in the understanding of the disease and the
growing socioeconomic issue for our ageing societies. Before,
age-related loss of cognitive function was largely considered as
a natural phenomenon. Thus, the literature may possibly be neg-
atively biased in the sense that many of the ethnobotanical books
originate from a period where ethnobotanists probably paid less
attention to information concerning treatments for cognitive dis-
orders.
Quite a number of traditionally used medicines were found in
European herbals from the 16th and 17th Century, despite the rel-
atively small number of available references. These herbals were
sometimes printed in a number of languages, many of which
are even available as reprints nowadays (Fuchs, 1543; Pomet,
1717). They formed the basis for what evolved into modern day
pharmacopoeias. However, a major part of what was known to
the antique and medieval world probably was lost in the early
middle ages or has not yet been analyzed by modern science.
This can be concluded from some documents long thought lost,
which have only recently resurfaced. For example, a medieval
account of 412 plants from the late 14th Century was redis-
covered in the university library in Basel, Switzerland (Pfister,
1961). Unfortunately, these treasures still await their transla-
tion and scientific analysis due to lack of funding and qualified
philologists.
Quite a number remedies for the treatment of age related
cognitive disorders were recorded for the Amazonian region
by the father of modern ethnobotany, Richard Evans Schultes
(Schultes, 1993a,b), who spent many years living with natives
and studying their medicinal herbs.
A small selection of herbs traditionally used for CNS dis-
orders have been evaluated pharmacologically and regarding
their active constituents in terms our modern understanding of
brain functions, but so far very little clinical data is available.
Many prescriptions that claim to prevent or restore cognitive and
memory deficits have not shown any actions in established test
systems. Research for new potential drugs, however, is restricted
to the pathways known or assumed to be included in the pro-
gression of AD, which are frequently based on AChE inhibition.
Several traditional remedies have demonstrated interesting in
vitro and in vivo activities and provided promising components
with potential as therapeutics for neurodegenerative disorders.
Most in vitro studies have focussed on inhibition of AChE
(Houghton et al., 2006; Mukherjee et al., 2007), because this has
so far been the most promising clinical approach for the treat-
ment of AD. For some compounds, clinical data is very limited
while others such as galanthamine and huperzine A have already
reached widespread clinical use and contribute a great effort in
the combat of AD.
To date the pathophysiology of AD is not yet nearly clarified.
Further research will provide better understanding of the
molecular pathways involved and hereby lead to the devel-
opment of additional pharmacological test systems, in which
activities may yet be observed. Also, some traditional medical
systems such as Ayurveda emphasize health maintenance and
disease prevention over curative treatments. Hence, preclinical
and clinical research into protective and preventive effects of
herbals drugs should be carried out in the future. Interestingly,
a large study conducted with Ginkgo extract EGb761 in France
over 7 years suggested a preventive effect in an aged population
cohort (Andrieu et al., 2003). On the basis of this study, two
large interventional studies have been initiated in the USA and
in France (Christen, 2004). The outcome of these long-term
trials will be important in defining a possible role of natural
product based preventive therapy in AD.
Acknowledgements
Thanks are due to Prof. K. Hostettmann, University of
Geneva, for providing access to ethnobotanical literature, and to
Dr. M. Kessler and M. Kluge, Swiss Pharmaceutical Museum,
Basel, for assistance, valuable information and access to herbals.
Appendix A. Supplementary data
Supplementary data associated with this article can be found,
in the online version, at doi:10.1016/j.jep.2007.07.016.
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Available online http://www.academicjournals.org/ajpp
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Full Length Research Paper

Traditional knowledge on ethno-medicinal uses

prevailing in tribal pockets of Chhindwara and Betul
Districts, Madhya Pradesh, India
Nath Vijendra and Khatri Pavan Kumar*
Tropical Forest Research Institute, PO: RFRC, Mandla Road, Jabalpur, 482021 MP, India.
Accepted 21 August, 2010

The present paper deals with the traditional knowledge of traditional herbal healers of Chhindwara and
Betul districts of Madhya Pradesh, India regarding the use of plants for the treatment of various
diseases prevalent in the tribal pockets. The herbal healers of these region use plant/plant parts of their
suitable preparation for treating various ailment. Information collected from traditional tribal healers,
medicine men etc has revealed that plant/plant parts of 77 species from Chhindwara district and 50
species from Betul district of forest origin are utilized as paste, powder, juice, decoction and extract for
the treatment of various diseases of local people of the area. The knowledge of plants used by
traditional herbal healers for ailments would be immense help to replace synthetic drugs.

Key words: Traditional knowledge, herbal healers, medicinal plants, disease.

INTRODUCTION

Plants and plants based medicaments have been
employed since the dawn of civilization for prolonging life
of man by combating various ailments. Ancient ethnic
communities around the world have learnt to utilize their
neighborhood herbal wealth for curative purpose. Indian
subcontinent is being inhabited by over 54 million tribal
people dwelling in about 5000 forest dominated villages
spreading across the country comprising 15% of the total
geographical area, their knowledge of plants developed
often at the cost of their life in their natural dwellings
through centuries old experience could not be perfectly
documented due to the lack of literacy and it had rather
descended from one generation to another as a domestic
practice. They comprises of one of the unique treasure
and rich source of diversified ethno-botanical wealth.
In remote tribal villages of Chhindwara and Betul
districts, traditional medicines are of great importance in
the primary healthcare of indigenous people due to their
strong faith on these systems and up to some extent the
lack of sufficient and reliable health facilities and modern
medicines. The local plant resources are the principal
*Corresponding author. E-mail: pkhatri_rfri@yahoo.com.
source of medicine and are used by the traditional herbal
healers. Hundreds of plants growing in forests are used
as source of medicines throughout the world. Some of
the plants have pharmacological properties while the
others are used in indigenous medicine. Most of these
plants has occupied an important place in the past and
shall continue in the coming days in traditional as well as
in modern medicine system. Ayurveda is the basis and
foundation of ancient medicinal system of drugs derived
from plant species. The system like Arurveda, Unani,
Siddha and Homeopathy have been utilizing about more
than 200 plant species for medicinal purposes.
These medicinal systems have attained a great
importance these days owing to side effects caused by
synthetic drugs. In Indian Materia Medica, 2000 drugs
have been extracted from 1800 plants of forest origin.
The active principles found in medicinal plants are
alkaloids, glucosides and other complex compounds. The
active ingredients are found in one or more parts of the
plants in varying proportions. It may be found in root,
bark, stem, leaf, fruit, flower or seeds.
In Madhya Pradesh tribes and forest dwellers from a
considerable part of the population. The state is
strategically located and occupies a place almost in the
heart of the country. A large number of tribal communities
live in remote and inaccessible parts of the forests. Most

of these tribal communities are largely dependent on
plant species for curing their ailments. Living close to the
nature, these tribals have acquired unique knowledge
about the use of wild flora.
Various contributors have worked on medicinal plants
of Central India (Jain, 1963 a, b and c; Jain and Tarafdar,
1970; Bhatnagar et al., 1973; Sahu, 1982, 1983; Mishra
and Sahu, 1984; Saxena, 1986; Rai, 1987, 1989; Lal,
1988, 1993; Rai and Ojha, 1989; Oommachan et al.,
1990; Shah and Singh, 1990; Pandey et al., 1991; Jain,
1992; Rai and Nonhare, 1992; Bhalla et al., 1992, 1996;
Khan et al., 1994; Maheshwari, 1996; Khan and Singh,
1996; Bajpai and Mitra, 1997; Kumar and Jain, 1998;
Dubey et al., 2001). Few ethno-botanical works have
been done in Patalkot valley (Rai, 1987a; Rai et al.,
1999). Ethno-botanical studies have also been done in
Central India and Chhattisgarh (Rai and Nath, 2005; Rai
et al., 2002) but there are some tribal pockets in
Chhindwara and Betul district where indigenous
knowledge of herbal healer could not be properly
documented due to lack of scientific manpower in such
remote areas for the search of traditional medicines.
Therefore, the study has been taken up in Chhindwara
and Betul districts of Madhya Pradesh, India.
MATERIALS AND METHODS
The study was carried out in the district of Chhindwara and Betul of
Madhya Pradesh state of India. The survey was conducted to
collect the information regarding tribal pockets of Chhindwara and
Betul district from Tribal Welfare Office and Divisional Forest Office.
Five tribal villages in each site were visited through periodical tour.
Special attention was paid to record information from local
traditional herbal healer (Vaidya). The information on home –
remedies using the preventive and curative values of different plant
species documented involving the ethical guidelines adopted by the
International Society of Ethno-biology.
Ex-Post Facto Research, Rapid Rural Appraisal method were
adapted for collection of data from primary and secondary sources.
Ex-Post Facto Research (Chapin, 1955). The design is a
systematic empirical enquiry in which scientist has a direct control
on independent variables. Here the variables were tribals,
traditional herbal healers, vaidyas, ojhas and guniuas from whom
the information were collected. The techniques of RRA included
interview and question design techniques for individual, household
and key informant interviews, methods of cross-checking
information from different sources, sampling techniques that can be
adapted to a particular objective, methods of obtaining quantitative
data in a short time frame group interview techniques, including
focus-group interviewing methods of direct observation at site level
and use of secondary data sources.
Random and snowball sampling techniques were employed to
identify potential participants and interviewed with herbal healers.
The study area covers selection of tribal blocks of the district. The
details of tribal blocks and tribal herbal healers were collected from
Tribal Welfare Office and Forest Office of the districts. The tribal
villages are selected from tribal blocks by random sampling method.
Rapid Rural Appraisal Method for collection of data has been
applied. A questionnaire / schedule have been developed to
document the information prevailing in the community over a period
of time in periodical visits. The guidelines mentioned in the CBD
have been followed for survey and documentation work. During the
Vijendra and kumar 663
field trips, local guide, villagers, traditional herbal healers (Vaidyas,
Ojhas and Guniyas), tribal heads and tribal persons are contacted
and enquired to gather related information.
Identification of plants has been made through the local name of
plant with the help of existing literature. The directory of Indian folk
medicines and Indian Materia Medica were consulted to confirm the
identification and the medicinal use of plants mentioned in the
paper.
Study sites
Chhindwara and Betul Districts of Madhya Pradesh, India are
located on region of 'Satpura Range of Mountains'. Chhindwara is
spread from 21.28 to 22.49 Deg. North (longitude) and 78.40 to
79.24 Deg. East (latitude). This district is bound by the plains of
Nagpur District (in Maharashtra State) on the South Betul and
Narsinghpur Districts on the North Betul District on the West and
Betul Districts on the East. There are eleven development blocks in
Chhindwara district and ten development blocks in Betul. As per
Census 2001 the total populations of Chhindwara and Betul districts
are 18, 48,882 and 13, 95,175 respectively. Betul is one of the
marginally located southern districts of Madhya Pradesh, lying
almost wholly on the Satpura plateau. The District extends between
21 - 22 and 22 - 24° N Latitude and between 77 - 10 and 78 - 33°E
Longitude and forms a compact shape, almost a square with slight
projection on the East and the West. The survey was conducted to
collect the information regarding tribal pockets of Chhindwara and
Betul district from Tribal Welfare Office and Divisional Forest Office.
Four blocks viz. Bichhua, Tamia, Junnardeo and Harrai of
Chhindwara district and Betul, Ghora Dongri, Bhainsdehi, Athner
and Chicholi of Betul district have been identified as rich tribal
pockets. The details of leading traditional herbal healers and their
localities have been collected from above tribal blocks. Fourteen
leading traditional herbal healers practicing in different localities of
Chhindwara district have been contacted to document their
traditional knowledge. The seven leading traditional herbal healers
of Betul District have been contacted from tribal villages of the
above localities for documentation of work (Table 1).
RESULTS AND DISCUSSION
Surveys in tribal villages of four tribal pockets of
Chhindwara and five tribal pockets of Betul districts have
been conducted. The details are as follows: the enume-
ration of 77 medicinal plants being used by the traditional
herbal healers (Vaidyas, Ojhas, Guniyas) have been
documented from Chhindwara district. The tribal uses
different parts of plants which are locally available, in
curing various types of diseases (Table 2). In case of
any illness, village people contact their local medicine
practitioner to whom they call vaidhya (traditional herbal
healer). Vaidhya is a person who has inherited the
knowledge of curing various diseases from his fore
fathers and others by using only plants. There is one or
two such type of person in the village community. Tradi-
tionally, local knowledge is transferred from one gene-
ration to other generation within family of the vaidhya and
in this way vaidhya system survives.
The traditional herbal healing properties contain much
medicine for a single ailment out of the various medi-
cines; one is selected by the herbal healer for curing a
664 Afr. J. Pharm. Pharmacol.

Table 1. Tribal blocks selected for the study.

S/N District Tribal blocks No. of traditional herbal healers contacted

1 Chhindwar Bichhua
Tamia
14
Junnardeo
Harrai
2 Betul Betul
Ghora dongri
Bhaisdehi 7
Athner
Chicholi

Table 2. Plants with local name, parts used in medicine by the traditional herbal healers of Chhindwara district.

S/N Plant Name Family Habit Plant part used Disease

Local name Botanical name /Formulation
1. Nirgundi Vitex negundo Linn Verbenaceae Shrub Leaf (Decoction) Rheumatism
2. Ratanjot Jatropha curcas Linn Euphorbiaceae Shrub Seed (Decoction) Rheumatism
3. Malkangni Celastrus paniculatus Willd Celastraceae Shrub Seed(Decoction) Rheumatism
4. Arandi Ricinus communis Linn Euphorbiaceae Small tree Leaf (Decoction) Rheumatism
5. Harshigar Nyctanthes arbortristis Linn Oleaceae Small tree Leaf (Decoction) Rheumatism
6. Ashwgandh Withania somnifera Dunal. Solanaceae Shrub Root (Powder) Weakness
7. Jangli angur Ampelocissus arnottiana Planch. Vitaceae Climber Root (Powder) Weakness
8. Budhwara Argyreia nervosa Burm.f. Convolvulaceae Climber Root (Powder) Weakness
9. Paral Stereospermum chelonoides DC Bignoniaceae Tree Seed (Powder) Migraine
10. Bari dudhi Euphorbia hirta Linn Euphorbiaceae Herb Whole plant (Extract) Rheumatism
11. Patal kumhda Pueraria tuberosa DC Fabaceae Herb Tuber part (Powder) Weakness
12. Satawar Asparagus racemosus Willd. Asparagaceae Under shrub Root (Powder) Weakness
13. Barahi kand Dioscorea bulbifera Linn. Dioscoreaceae Climber Tuber part (Powder) Weakness
14. Jamun Syzygium cumini Linn. Myrtaceae Tree Seed (Powder) Diabetes
15. Gvar pada Aloe barbadensis Mill. syn. A. vera Tourn. ex Linn. Liliaceae Rosettes herb Leaf pulp (Paste) Diabetes
16. Gurmar Gymnema sylvestre R.Br. Asclepiadaceae Climbing shrub Leaf (Powder) Diabetes
17. Indrayan Citrullus collocynthis Schrad. Cucurbitaceae Shrub Seed (Powder) Jaundice
18. Paather chur Coleus amboinicus Lour; CA Lamiaceae Herb Leaf (Paste) Stones
19. Aparajita Clitoria ternatea Linn. Fabaceae Climber Leaf (Decoction) Sciatica
20. Gurhal Hibiscus rosa-sinensis L Malvaceae Small tree Leaf (Paste) Vertigo
21. Badari kand Ipomoea mauritiana Jacq Convolvulaceae Climber Tuber part (Paste) Fit
 Vijendra and kumar 665

Table 2. Contd.

22. Bhasam kand Sauromatum guttatum var. pedatum (Link and Otto) Araceae Herb Tuber part (Paste) Piles
23. Hatkan Leea macrophylla Roxb. Vitaceae Herb Root (Paste) Cut, Swelling, pain
24. Kalihari Gloriosa superb Linn. Liliaceae Climber Root (Paste) Pregnancy
25. Bhoora kumhda Benincasa hispida Thunb. Cucurbitaceae Climber Seed (Powder) Urinary trouble
26. Sonpataruka Coccinia grandis L. Cucurbitaceae Climber Seed (Powder) Throat problem
27. Thour Opuntia dillenii Ker Gawl. Cactaceae Under shrub Stem (Extract) Pneumonia
28. Charonta Cassia tora Linn. Caesalpiniaceae Herb New leaves (Paste) Rheumatism
29. Amaltas Cassia fistula Linn. Caesalpiniaceae Tree Flower (Paste) Rheumatism
30. Gataran Caesalpinia crista Linn Caesalpiniaceae Climbing shrub Seed (Powder) Intestinal worms
31. Shivlingi Bryonopsis laciniosa Linn Cucurbitaceae Climber Seed (Paste) Pregnancy
32. Sagun Tectona grandis L. Verbenaceae Tree Leaf (Smoke) Skin disease
33. Singhara Trapa natans L Trapaceae Herb Fruit (Powder) Intestinal ulcer
34. Tulsi Ocimum sanctum Linn Lamiaceae Herb Leaf (Extract) Skin disease
35. Chhoti dudhi Euphorbia thymifolia Linn Euphorbiaceae Herb Whole plant (Extract) Gastric problem
36. Akarkara Spilanthes acmella Murr. Asteraceae Herb Root (Paste) Throat problem
37. Buch Acorus calamus L. Araceae Herb Root (Paste) Throat problem
38. Ledi piper Piper longum L. Piperaceae Climber Root (Paste) Throat problem
39. Keukand Costus speciosus (Koenig) Sm. Costaceae Herb Tuber part (Paste) Rheumatism
40. Arjun Terminalia arjuna (Roxb.) Wgt. and Arn. Combretaceae Tree Fruit (Powder) Heart ailments
41. Pila dhatura Datura innoxia Mill Solanaceae Shrub Root (Extract) Skin disease
42. Safed dhatura Datura stramonium Linn. Solanaceae Shrub Fruit (Oil) Body pain
43. Gurvel Tinospora cordifolia Willd. Menispermaceae Climber Root (Decoction) Anemia
44. Sannay Cassia senna L Caesalpiniaceae Under shrub Leaf (Powder) Bowel problem
45. Chirayata Swertia chirayita Buch. Ham. Ex C.B. Clarke Gentianaceae Herb Whole plant (Decoction) Diabetes
46. Kali musli Curculigo orchioides Gaertn, Amaryllidaceae Herb Root (Powder) Weakness
47. Bahera Terminalia bellirica Roxb. Combretaceae Tree Fruit (Powder) Cough and cold
48. Babul Acacia nilotica Linn Mimosaceae Tree Bark (Decoction) Cough and cold
49. Khair Acacia catechu Willd Mimosaceae Tree Bark (Decoction) Cough and cold
50. Mak Solanum nigrum L. Solanaceae Herb Whole plant (Decoction) Swelling
51. Bhui-amla Phyllanthus fraternus Webster Euphorbiaceae Herb Whole plant (Decoction) Swelling
52. Punarnava Boerhaavia diffusa L. Nyctaginaceae Herb Whole plant (Decoction) Swelling
53. Pitt-papra Fumaria officinalis L. Fumariaceae Herb Whole plant (Decoction) Cold, cough,and
fever
54. Neem Azadirachta indica A.Juss. Meliaceae Tree Bark (Decoction) Cold, cough,and
fever
55. Raktbirad Plumbago indica L. Plumbaginaceae Shrub Root (Paste) Skin disease
56. Jalpipali Lippia nodiflora L. Verbenaceae Herb Whole plant (Paste) Pneumonia
57. Gorakhmundi Sphaeranthus indicus L. Asteraceae Herb Whole plant (Powder) Weakness
666 Afr. J. Pharm. Pharmacol.

Table 2. Contd.

58. Kasondi Cassia occidentalis Linn. Caesalpiniaceae Shrub Root (Powder) Snake bites
59. Ram datun Smilex perfoliata Lour. Liliaceae Climber Root (Paste) Leucorrhoea
60. Karanj Pongamia pinnata Pierre. Fabaceae Tree Seed (Powder) Piles
61. Maha neem Melia azedarach Linn. Meliaceae Tree Bark (Paste) Piles
62. Am Mangifera indica Linn Anacardiaceae Tree Flower (Paste) Skin disease
63. Adusa Adhatoda vasica Nees. Acanthaceae Shrub Bark (Powder) Asthma
64. Kuda Holarrhena antidysenterica (Linn) Wall. Apocynaceae Tree Bark (Powder) Fever
65. Meda Litsea monopetala Roxb. Lauraceae Tree Bark (Paste) Dysentery
66. Kevti Flacourtia indica Merr Flacourtiaceae Shrub Bark (Paste) Dysentery
67. Haadjod Cissus quadrangularis Linn Vitaceae Climber Stem (Paste) Bone fracture
68. Harra Terminalia chebula Retz. Combretaceae Tree Fruit (Powder) Cough
69. Kardhai Anogeissus pendula Edgew. Combretaceae Tree Bark (Decoction) Dysentery
70. Bad Ficus bengalensis Linn. Moraceae Tree Latex (Juice) Weakness
71. Pipal Ficus religiosa Linn. Moraceae Tree Latex (Juice) Weakness
72. Khirni Manilkara hexandra Roxb. Sapotaceae Tree Latex (Juice) Weakness
73. Ghutla Ipomoea pestigridis Jacq. Convolvulaceae Climbing shrub Leaf (Chiew) Stones
74. Jangli lahsun Allium porum L. Liliaceae Herb Bulb (Paste) Rheumatism
75. Sajji Salsola kali L. Chenopodiaceae Herb Whole plant (Powder) Cough
76. Jangli piyaz Drimia indica Roxb. Liliaceae Herb Bulb (Paste) Scorpion sting
77. Kuramdan Piper betel Linn. Piperaceae Climber Root (Paste) Throat problem

particular disease according to symptoms and
secondary effects. Several plants are used in
case of one disease according to their availability
in the region. Some of the plants commonly used
by tribals in Central India for prominent disease
have been recorded during the present study. The
remedial measures have been recorded from
tribes of Betul and Chhindawara district of
Madhya Pradesh, India. The enumerations of 50
medicinal plants have been recorded from the
traditional herbal healers from Betul district. The
plants and its parts being used by the traditional
herbal healers against the diseases prevailing
among tribal/local peoples of the area have been
documented and given in Table 3. It is interesting
to note that the rural communities still dependent
on herbal medicines and they used to take herbal
medicine from herbal healers of their local area.
The plant parts used and formulations of the
medicine prepared by traditional herbal healers
have been documented for the first time from
these regions and presented in this paper.
Out of 77 plant species of Chhindwara district,
24 species of herbaceous plants, 14 species of
shrubs, 22 species of trees and 17 species of
climbers are used in preparation of traditional
medicines. In Betul district out of 50 plant species,
18 species belongs to herbs, 16 species to trees,
10 species to climbers and 6 species of shrubs
which are used in preparation of medicines (Table
4). India is blessed with rich and diverse heritage
of cultural traditions. These traditions are asso-
ciated with use of wild plants. The use of
medicinal herbs is still a tradition continued by
ethnic communities who are living in undulating
plains and at foot hills of dense forest. Shanker
(1998) has reported the traditional folk healers in
India. Ethno-botanical studies in context to Bharia
tribe of Madhya Pradesh, India include those by
Jain (1963, 1971, 1975), Prasad et al. (1990), Rai
et al. (2001) and Saxena and Shukla (1971), Rai
and Nath (2005). The survey of literature shows
these people have conducted studies on use of
medicinal plants by Bharia tribes. The present
study has been undertaken for documentation of
information on ethno-medicinal uses prevalent in
the region of study. Jain (1963, 1965) has
concluded similar study on the plants used in
 Vijendra and kumar 667

Table 3. Plants with local name, parts used in medicine by the traditional herbal healers of Betul district.

S/N Plant Name Family Habit Plant part used /Formulation Disease
Local Name Botanical name
1. Palash Butea monosperma (Lank.) Kuntze Fabaceae Tree Root (Juice) Eye disease
2. Gumchi Abrus precatorius Linn. Fabaceae Herb Root (Juice) Eye disease
3. Dam bel Tylophora indica Burm.f Asclepiadaceae Climber Leaf (Powder) Asthma
4. Kadvi lauki Lagenaria siceraria Molina. Cucurbitaceae Climber Fruit (Powder) Asthma
5. Bal harr Terminalia chebula Gaertn.) Retz. Combretaceae Tree Fruit (Powder) Asthma
6. Kasondi Cassia occidentalis L. Caesalpiniaceae Tree Seed (Powder) Rheumatism
7. Bagnakha Martynia annua L. Martyniaceae Shrub Root (Decoction) Snake bite
8. Jalkumbhi Pistia stratiotes L. Araceae Water climber Seed (Decoction) Snake bite
9. Kalmegh Andrographis paniculata Wall. Ex Nees Acanthaceae Herb Whole plant(Decoction) Snake bite
10. Arjun Terminalia arjuna Bedd. Combretaceae Tree Bark (Powder) Diabetes
11. Gudmar Gymnema sylvestre R.Br. Asclepiadaceae Bel Leaf(Powder) Diabetes
12. Jamun Syzygium cumini Linn. Myrtaceae Tree Fruit(Powder) Diabetes
13. Am Mangifera indica L. Anacardiaceae Tree Leaf(Powder) Diabetes
14. Karela Momordica charantia L. Cucurbitaceae Climber Leaf (Powder) Diabetes
15. Methi Trigonella foenum-graecum L. Fabaceae Herb Seed (Powder) Diabetes
16. Keukand Costus speciosus (J. Koenig) Sm. Zingiberaceae Herb Tuber part(Paste) Blood pressure
17. Ramdatun Smilax perfoliata Linn. Liliaceae Herb Root (Powder) Blood pressure
18. Dhania Coriandrum sativum L. Apiaceae Herb Leaf (Paste) Blood pressure
19. Kiwach Mucuna pruriens L. Fabaceae Climber Seed (Powder) Impotency
20. Satawar Asparagus racemosus Willd. Liliaceae Climber Root (Powder) Impotency
21. Safed musli Chlorophytum arundinaceum Baker. Liliaceae Herb Root (Powder) Impotency
22. Kalihari Gloriosa superb L. Liliaceae Herb Tuber part(Paste) Leucorrhea
23. Semal Bombax ceiba L. Bombacaceae Tree Bark (Powder) Leucorrhea
24. Satayanasi Argemone Mexicana L. Papaveraceae Shrub Root(Powder) Sunstroke
25. Indrayan Citrullus colocynthis L. Cucurbitaceae Herb Root (Powder) Sunstroke
26. Kadu jira Centratherum anthelminticum Willd. Asteraceae Herb Seed(Powder) Tuberculosis
27. Chirchita Achyranthes aspera L. Amaranthaceae Herb Root (Powder) Tuberculosis
28. Giloy Tinospora cordifolia (Willd.) Miers. Menispermaceae Climber Root (Powder) Tuberculosis
29. Nim Azadirachta indica A. Juss. Meliaceae Tree Bark (Powder) Tuberculosis
30. Bhui aonla Phyllanthus niruri L. Euphorbiaceae Herb Whole plant(Decoction) Jaundice
31. Karanj Pongamia pinnata L. Fabaceae Tree Leaf (Paste) Skin disease
32. Buch Acorus calamus (Raf.) Raf. Araceae Herb Rhizome(Paste) Fit
33. Muledi Glycyrrhiza glabra L. Fabaceae Herb Root (Paste) Fit
34. Lahsun Allium sativum L. Liliaceae Herb Bulb part(Paste) Fit
35. Bhatkataiya Solanum anguivi Lam. Solanaceae Herb Root (Powder) Asthma
668 Afr. J. Pharm. Pharmacol.

Table 3. Contd.

36. Jamrasi Cassine glauca Rottb. Celastraceae Tree Bark(Powder) Rheumatism

37. Nimbu Citrus medica L. Rutaceae Small tree Bark (Powder) Rheumatism
38. Malkangni Celastrus paniculatus Willd. Celastraceae Herb Root (Powder) Rheumatism
39. Indraj Wrightia tinctoria R.Br. Apocynaceae Tree Bark(Powder) Bone fracture
40. Chandarjot Jatropha curcas L. Euphorbiaceae Shrub Latex(Juice) Menstrual problem
41. Khakholi Maytenus senegalensis Lam. Celastraceae Shrub Root (Paste) Swelling
42. Jangli adrak Zingiber purpureum (J. Koenig) Link ex Zingiberaceae Herb Root (Paste) Jaundice
A. Dietr.
43. Chodhari bela Vallaris solanaceae O. Ktze Apocynaceae Climber Stem part (Paste) Hanthi paon
44. Hathpan Leea macrophylla Roxb. ex Hornem. Vitaceae Shrub Root (Paste) Dysentery
45. Anthi Helicteres isora Linn. Sterculiaceae Climber Root (Powder) Dysentery
46. Bhilwa Semecarpus anacardium L.F. Anacardiaceae Tree Fruit(Powder) Diabetes
47. Mahua Madhuca indica J.F. Gmel. Sapotaceae Tree Flower(Juice) Diabetes
48. Aparajita Clitoria ternatea L. Fabaceae Tree Root (Decoction) Sciatica
49. Chameli Jasminum officinale L. Oleaceae Shrub Root(Juice) Eye disease
50. Kardona Atropa acuminata Royle. ex Lindley. Solanaceae Small Tree Root (Paste) Tonsillitis

Table 4. Number of plant species used habit wise as medicine.

S/N District Plant used habit wise No. of medicinal plant

Climber Herbs Shrubs Trees
1 Chhindwara 17 24 14 22 77
2 Betul 10 18 6 16 50

medicine by tribals of Mandla and Baster region of
Madhya Pradesh. Oomachan and Masih (1992)
have also studied the ethno-botany of Pachmarhi
region of Madhya Pradesh. However, such
documentation work in Chhindwara and Betul
districts of Madhya Pradesh, India has so far not
been published in detail.
Maximum numbers of plant species being used
in preparation of herbal medicines are document-
ted from 14 herbal healers of Chhindwara district.
The study reveals that the Chhindwara district is
rich in medicinal plants as compared to Betul
District. It has also been observed during the
study that these species are being over exploited
and need proper conservation.
Conclusion
The information recorded from herbal healers
indicates that the tribals of these regions possess
good knowledge of herbal drugs. The collective
efforts of ethnobotanists, phytochemists, pharma-
cognostists and pharmacologists are needed to
document and evaluate the efficacy and safety of
the claims. Majority of plant species used are
belonging to family Caesalpiniaceae, Euphorbia-
ceae and Liliaceae in district of Chhindwara. The
preparations are made from leaves, bark and
underground parts (like root, rhizome etc). The
percentage of method of preparation of various
formulation includes plants applied as paste are
31%; those crushed in the form of powder and
applied are 33%; applied as decoction are 22%;
applied as extract and juice 11% and other
applied as oil, smoke and chew are 3%. While in

Betul district majority of plant species are used from
family Fabaceae, Liliaceae and Celastraceae.
The preparations made are same as in Chhindwara
district from leaves, bark and underground parts (like
root, rhizome etc). The percentage of method of
preparation involve number of plants applied as paste are
24%; those crushed in the form of powder and applied
are56%; applied as decoction are 10% and applied as
extract and juice are 10%. Some of the patients treated
by traditional herbal healers of the study sites have been
contacted and enquired about the success of the
treatment given to them. Most of the patients are found
fully satisfied and having full faith with the treatment given
by herbal healers for cure of various diseases prevailing
among tribal/village communities. The duration of the
treatment in general was from seven to fifteen days as
documented from the herbal healers. The formulation of
the medicine prepared from a particular plant/plant parts
have also been documented from the traditional herbal
healers and presented in the tables.
To test the scientific validity of the herbal preparation or
drugs, clinical studies are required to be conducted. This
can establish therapeutic properties of these preparations
for safe and longer use. The indigenous knowledge and
uses of herbal medicinal plants of a particular area have
to be analyzed to develop appropriate management mea-
sures (ex situ and in situ conservation) for best utilization
of natural resource.
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Shah NC, Singh SC (1990). Hitherto unreported phytotherapeutical
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uses from tribal pockets of Madhya Pradesh (India). Ethnobotany

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Biomedical & Pharmacology Journal Vol. 3(2), 403-408 (2010)

Survey report of medicinal plant used in folk

medicine in tribal areas of Pandhurna,
District Chhindwara (Madhya Pradesh)

V.K. SHARMA, R.K. DIWAN, R.C. SAXENA, P.N. SHRIVASTAVA and RAHUL SAXENA*

Pest Control & Ayurvedic Drug Research Laboratory, S.S.L. Jain P.G. College, Vidisha (India).
*School of Pharmacy Nimmins, University, Shirpur Campus, Maharastra (India).

(Received: August 26, 2010; Accepted: September 30, 2010)

ABSTRACT

66 locally available plants of 40 families have been listed below which are used in folk
medicine by the natives of Tehsil Pandhura of District Chhindwara, M.P. The lists of the plants have
been prepared in alphabetical order along with their local names and medicinal uses of each plant.

Key words: Tribal areas, Folk medicine, Ethnomedicinal, Herbal medicine.

INTRODUCTION But still there are some tribal pockets

Chhindwara district is situated on Satpura
plateau at 1550 – 3820 feet above the sea level.
The district lies between 21.28 to 22.49 deg. North
(longitude) and 78.40 to 79. 24 deg. East (latitude).
Pandhurna tehsil head quarter is situated at
Bhopal-Nagpur highway (NH-69) and above 100
km. away form Chhindwara. Gond tribes are the
main inhabitants of the teshil. The villagers still
practice herbal medicines. The knowledge of these
medicines is age old. For them, use of herbs is the
cheapest way for cure of various health disorders.
So for, there is no any primary health centre in many
villages.
In India Dixit and Panday (1984) and sinha
and Dogra (1985) have reported the plants used
as folk medicine in Jhansi, Uttar Pradesh and
Santhal Pargana in Bihar. Kirtikar & Basu have also
worked on Medicinal plants of India (1935). A lot of
work has been done also on ethno medicinal plants
in Madhya Pradesh (Rai et al 2000; Koli et al, 2000
& 02; Saxena et al, 2000 & 02 and Acharya Deepak,
2000 & 04)
which could be surveyed for the search of new
traditional medicines. We report the ethno medicinal
plants of tehsil Pandhurna for the first time.
MATERIAL AND METHODS
The survey reported in this study was
performed during the period of 2008-09 and was
confined to the remote tribal areas of tehsil
Pandhurna in Chhindwara district of Madhya
Pradesh only. Plants were recorded with the help
local vaidhyas and senior people having
knowledge of local herbs. The plants were collected
and the identity of the plants were confirmed by the
botanist, botany deportment S.S.L. Jain P.G.
College Vidisha & submitted to the herbarium of
Pest Control & Ayurvedic Drug Research Laboratory
Vidisha, M.P..
RESULTS AND DISCUSSION
The traditional knowledge of tribal
communities in Pandhurna tehsil has high ethno
botanical importance. They utilize numerous plants
404 Sharma et al., Biomed. & Pharmacol. J., Vol. 3(2), 403-408 (2010)

Table 1: Some Medicinal plants with their uses of tehsil Pandhurna of distt. Chhindwara of M.P.

S.No. Name of the Plant &Family Local Name Medicinal Uses

1. Abrus precatorius L. Gunja Seed powder is used for the preparation of

(Fabaceae) eye drop.
2. Acacia nilotica (L.)wild Babul Bark is useful in malaria fever. Bark ash is
(Mimosaceae) used in skin diseases & piles with karanz oil.
Tender twigs are used as tooth - brush.
3. Achyranthes apera L. Latzeera Ash of dry fruits mixes with honey and takes
(Amaranthaceae) orally for relaxation in cough & cold as well
as pneumonia & double pneumonia.
4. Actinopteris radiata Morpankhi Ash of dry plants with honey is used to cure
(J. Konig ex Sw.) Link rickets.
(Actinopteridaceae)
5. Adhatoda vasica Medic. Adhusa Decoction of leaves is used for Asthma.
(Acanthaceae)
6. Aegle marmelos (L.) Bel About 20 g. root is crushed and added 10
(Rutaceae) teaspoonful of water. This is taken thrice a
day for a week to cure high fever.
7. Aloe - vera (L.) Burm.f. Gwar-patha Cut a fresh leaf & scratch its mesophyll by
(Liliaceae) knife, a jelly like substance appears. It
applies directly upon wounds & burned skin.
8. Anacyclus pyrethrum DC. Akarkara Fruits are chewed during tooth or Jaws pain.
(Astaraceae)
9. Andrographis Paniculata Kalmegh Decoction of whole plant body is used
(Burm.f.) Wall. ex. Nees against many kinds of fever like Malaria,
(Acanthaceae) Typhoid, Jaundice and Chiken-gunea..
10. Argemone Mexicana Linn. Pili Kateri Latex of plant is applied directly on eyes to
(Papaveraceae) cure Night blindness.
11. Asparagus recemosus wild. Narbod Root Powder is used to increase vigor and
(Liliaceae) strength.
12. Azadirachta indica A.Juss. Neem Bark is useful in malaria fever. Tender twigs
(Meliaceae) are used as tooth - brush. Dry fruits are used
in tonic preparation and seeds are used in
skin diseases.
13. Barleria prionits (L.) Kati-korati Leaf extract is used to cure tooth ache.
(Acanthaceae)
14. Boerhavia diffusa (L.) Punarnava Root extract of 20- 30 g. fresh root with15-
(Nyctaginaceae) (lal) 20 g. mishri is given orally to regulate
menses cycle properly.
15. Bryonopsis laciniosa Linn Pachguria Extract of fresh ripen fruits with Kalmegh,
(Cucurbitaceae) Giloy, Neem & Tulsi is given in malaria
typhoid fever.
16. Bryophyllum calycinum Murari Fresh leaves are chewed during mouth ulcer.
Salisb. 5-10 g. extract of leaves & 20 g. mishri are
Crassulaceae dissolved into 200 ml water and take orally
to relieve stomach pain.
17. Butea monosperma (Lam.) Palas Gum powder is mixed with water and given
(Fabaceae) orally twice a day for 3 days to cure dysentery.
 Sharma et al., Biomed. & Pharmacol. J., Vol. 3(2), 403-408 (2010) 405

18. Caesalpinia bonducella (l.) Gataran Seed powder is used for digestion purpose.
Roxb. (Caesalpiniaceae)
19. Calotropis gigantea (L.) Safed madar The root of the plant is used against snake
(Asclepiadaceae) bite. The latex of the plant is used to cure
malaria & jaundice.
20. Calotropis procera R. Br. Aak The extract of leaves is used in acute ear pain
(Asclepiadaceae) of children & as antiseptic.
21. Cassia fistula L. Amaltash Bark powder is prescribed in the treatment of
(Caesalpiniaceae) leprosy.
22. Cassia tora Linn. Chirota Powder of dry seeds is used in Asthma.
(Caesalpiniaceae)
23. Catharanthes roseus (L.) Sadabahar Decoction of leaves is used to maintain high
(Apocynaceae) bp and for diabetes control
24. Centella asiatica (L.) Urb. Bramhi Fresh leaves of plants are directly used with
(Apiaceae) mishri for enhancement of memory power.
25. Chlorophytum tuberosum Safed musli Root powder with mishri & milk is helpful to
(Roxb) remove weakness during delivery period. It
(Liliaceae) increases the sex power also.
26. Cissus quadrangularis L. Har-jodi Pulp of fresh stem & leaves is applied on
(Vitaceae) fracture bone and rolled cotton ribbon like
plaster and decoction of stem & leaves is
given orally for best treatment.
27. Citrullus aromatica Salisb. Kacharia The seeds are used in stomach trouble.
(Cucurbitaceae)
28. Clitorea ternatea L. Aparajita Root are used as antidote to snake-bite
(Fabaceae)
29. Curculigo orchioides Kali musli Powder of root tuber with milk is given to
(Hypoxidaceae) enhance sex capacity.
30. Cuscuta reflexa Roxb. Amarbel Crushed climber is boiled in Til oil & applied
(Cuscutaceae) on head for overnight up to 7 days for hair
fall defance & dandruff control.
31. Daemia extensa R.Br. Utran The vegetable of fruits is used to cure menses
(Asclepiadaceae) problem. Root pulp is used to removal of
snake or scorpion poison.
32. Datura metel L. Dhatura Crushed fresh leaves 20 g. & silajit 5-10 g.
(Solanaceae) mixed properly & applied upon Testes to
removal of swelling.
33. Eclipta alba (L.) Hassk Bhringraj Fresh leaves of plant are boiled with coconut
(Asteraceae) or mustered oil and used as hair oil for hair
fall defance and dandruff control.
34. Euphorbia nerifolia L. Thubad The pulp of stem is used in all kind of skin
(Euphorbiaceae diseases specially in leprosy.
35. Euphorbia hirta L. Nagarjuni The powder of whole plant body is mixed
(Euphorbiaceae) with black piper, back salt , cumin, ajawain
and fennel than take 1tea spoonful twice a
day up to 1 month. It will surely to control
asthma problem.
36. Gloriosa superba L. Kalihari Extract of root is used to cure menses
(Liliaceae) problem. Root pulp is used to removal of
snake & scorpion poison.
406 Sharma et al., Biomed. & Pharmacol. J., Vol. 3(2), 403-408 (2010)

37. Hemidesmus indicus (L.) Anantmul Crushed fresh root is boiled with black tea
R.Br. (Asclepiadaceae) and take orally for energy & treatment of
respiratory diseases.
38. Hibiscus rosa-sinensis Gudhal Paste of leaves & flowers is applied as
L.(Malvaceae) poultice on head. It enhances the hair growth
& reduces dandruff.
39. Jatropha curcas L. Ratan-jot The latex is used in skin diseases and wound
(Euphorbiaceae) recovery.
40. Melia azedarach Bakain Leaf extract is given in respiratory diseases
Linn.(Meliaceae and chest pain. Bark is boiled with water and
solution is used as antiseptic.
41. Mimosa pudica L. Lazwanti Root Powder is used to for strength. Seeds
(Mimosaceae) are used for digestion purpose.
42. Momordica dioica Kakora Fruit vegetable is used in all kind of fever for
Roxb.(Cucurbitaceae) mouth freshness & immediate recovery.
43. Mukuna pruriens(L.) DC. Kewanch Roots are used against snake bite.
(Fabaceae)
44. Nyctanthes arbortristis Parizad Decoction of shoot tips mixed with honey
L.(Oleaceae) and taken once a day on empty stomach for
seven days to cure malarial fever.
45. Ocimum sanctum Linn. Tulsi Decoction of leaves & seeds is used to cure
(Lamiaceae) malaria, Jaundice, Typhoid, Cough & cold
and throat infection.
46. Opuntia dillenii How. Nagphani Poultice of crushed stem is applied on
Cactus indicus Roxb. wounds. 1 or 2 flower bud is burned in
(Cactaceae) ‘Kanda’(a fuel of cow dung) & mashed
properly, filtrate with honey is given to
children during ‘Cucur-khanshi’.
47. Oxalis corniculata L. Khatti bhazi The vegetable of leaves is given to diabetic
(Oxalidaceae) patients.
48. Phyllanthus emblica L. Amla Fruit powder is used to prepare ‘Triphla-
(Euphorbiaceae) Churna’.
49. Phyllanthus niruri L. Bhui amla Decoction of whole plant body with mishri
(Euphorbiaceae) (sugar) is used for jaundice treatment.
50. Psoralea corylifolia L. Bemchi The lotion of seed with “Gau Mutra” is used
(Fabaceae) to cure the leprosy. It is a guarantied
medicine.
51. Ricinus communis L. Arandi 2 leaves of the plant are fried in mustered oil
(Euphorbiaceae) than filtered sap is given up to 3 days for the
treatment of jaundice.
52. Ruta graveolens L. Sitab The extract of leaves is used to treat against
(Rutaceae) ringworm & teenia solium in children.
53. Semecarpus anacardium Bhilwa The seed oil is applied on the painful spot or
Linn. (Anacardiaceae) foot warm in leg soles.
54. Sida cordifolia L. Kharenti The extract of leaves is used for heat in urine.
(Malvaceae)
55. Solanum melongena Linn. Jangli baigan The root powder is used in stomach pain and
(Solanaceae) the heat of urine.
56. Solanum nigram L. Makoi Fruit powder is useful in digestion.
(Solanaceae)
 Sharma et al., Biomed. & Pharmacol. J., Vol. 3(2), 403-408 (2010) 407

57. Terminalia bellerica Baheda Fruit powder is used to prepare ‘Triphla-

Roxb. (Combretaceae) Churna’ with Amla & Harra.
58. Terminalia arjuna Arjun Bark extract is used in heart disease &
(Rpxb.)W.& A. fractured bone recovery.
(Combretaceae)
59. Terminalia chebula Retz. Harra Fruitcarp of Harra, baheda and Amla crushed
(Combretaceae) and mixed togather. It is known as “Triphla
churna”
60. Terminalia tomentosa L. Saja New fresh leaves are collected & cut in to
(Combretaceae) small pieces then mixed with wheat husk &
grains. It serves to cattle as high energy
source.
61. Tinospora cordifolia Decoction of finger sized climber with
(Lour.) Miers Kalmegh, Shivlingee, Neem & Tulsi is used
(Manispermaceae) Giloy to cure any kind of fever like-malaria,
chicken gunia, bird flue & swine flue etc.
62. Trichosanthes palmata Indryan-lal Root powder gives orally in fever. It mixes
Roxb. (Cucurbitaceae) with “Gau-Mutra” and prepare a lotion for
leprosy.
63. Tridex procumbens L. Kamarmodi Sap of leaves is full of antiseptic property it
(Asteraceae) uses for wound healing.
64. Tylophora asthematica Anta-mul Root powder is used to cure asthma.
L.(Asclepiadaceae)
65. Woodfordia fruticosa L. Dhuben 10 g. dry flowers, 10 g. dry Acacia bark, 5 g.
kurz. tobacco & 2 pinch salt mixed together &
(Lytheraceae) powdered. It is used as tooth-powder for
‘Payria’ disease.
66. Xanthium strumarium L. Gokhru Leaf juice is applied on painful teeth to
(Asteraceae) relieve pain.

and their various parts viz, roots, leaves, stems,
flowers and fruits in various ways. A total no. of 66
plant species belonging to 58 genera under 30
families are used to daily life of the Gond tribes. Out
of 66 plant Cassia tora & Achyranthes aspera are
most common herb of the area. It distributes in
almost all part the Pandhurna tehsil while
Anacyclus pyrethrum & Trichosanthes palmata
plants have a minute occurrence in the area.
According to senior people-before 5-10 years ago
these were modetary distributed but due to over
exploitation, it limited up to dance forest of Sillevani
valley only. The tribals are so innocent and some
times they misguided and misused by some
pharmaceutical brokers and shop keepers of herbal
drugs. They explored a large quantity of medicinal
plant without leaving a single ex-plant. There is a
need to organize a training program on sustainable
utilization of medicinal plant, otherwise many
expensive medicines will be lost forever.

REFERENCES

1. Acharya, Deepak., Few traditional and
popular medicinal plants. One day training
cum-workshop on “Medicinal plant;
conservation and cultivation” at department
of botany, Danielson college, Chhindwara
(M.P.): 22-37 (2002).
2. Acharya, Deepak, Medicinal plants for curing
common ailments in India. Positive health:
102 (2004).
3. Dixit, R.S. and Pandey, H.C., Plants used folk
medicine in Janshi and Lalitpur section of
Bundelkhand uttar Pradesh Int. Crude Drug
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Res; 22: 47- 51 (1984).
4. Kirtikar, K.R. & Basu, B.D. (1935). Indian
medicinal plants vol. 1-4. Lalit Mohan Basu,
Allahabad.
5. Koli, M.C.; Saxena, B.R.; Saxena, R.C. and
Thakur, S., -medical and pharmacological
activity of Tridax procumbens linn him. Env.
Zool; 15(2): 141-146 (2001).
6. Koli, M.C.; Shrivastava, S.; Mishra, P.K.;
Shrivastava, A.; Saxena, R. and Saxena R.C.,
Report of some medicinal plants used in folk
medicine in tribal areas of lateri, distt. Vidisha
M.P. Nature and Biosphere; 7(1&2): 42- 48
(2002).
7. Rai, M.K.; Pandey, A.K. and Acharya, D.,
Ethno-medicinal plants used by Gond tribe
of Bhanadehi, distt. Chhindwara, M.P. Journal
of non-timber forest; 7(3/4): 237-241 (2000).
8. Saxena, B.R.; Koli, M.C.; Saxena,R.C.;
Chaudhur, R. and Shukla, D., Preliminary
Ethnomedical and phytochemical study of
Colius aromaticus. Adv. Pharmacol. Toxical;
3(1): 25-28 (2002).
9. Saxena, B.R.; Koli M.C.; Saxena, R.C.;
Chaudhur, R. and Shukla, D., Preliminary
Ethnomedical and Phytochemical study of
Colius aromaticus Adv. Pharmacol. Toxical;
3(1): 25-28 (2002).
10. Sinha, S.K.P. and Dogra, J.V.V., A survey of
the plants of Bhagalpur and Santhal
Pargana for Saponin, Flavonoids and
Alkaloids. Int. Crude Drug. Res.; 23: 77-86
(1985).
JIMSA January-March 2012 Vol. 25 No. 1 27

Herbal Remedies for Management of Constipation

and its Ayurvedic Perspectives.
AKS Rawat, Sharad Srivastava, Sanjeev Kumar Ojha
Pharmacognosy & Ethnopharmacology Division,
National Botanical Research Institute (CSIR), Lucknow, Uttar Pradesh, India
Abstract: Constipation is a condition in which an individual experiences uncomfortable or infrequent bowel movements. Ayurveda
treats constipation as a problem arising due to the predominance of the vata dosha. In fact, all people with the vata constitution
have this problem to some extent or the other. From an Ayurvedic point of view, dietary bad habits are the main cause of constipation.
The present communication deals with the management of constipation with its Ayurvedic perspectives and role of medicinal
plant as corrective measure in it.

INTRODUCTION Table 2:Herbs used for constipation

Constipation is a condition in which an individual experiences
uncomfortable or infrequent bowel movements. Generally, a person
is considered to be constipated when bowel movements result in the
passage of small amounts of hard and dry stool, usually fewer than
three times a week (Longstreth et al., 2006). It is the most common
gastrointestinal complaint all over the world resulting in over two
million reported cases annually (Luscombe, 1999). Constipation is a
common complaint often resulting from inordinate expectation of
regularity in bowel conscious individuals. A review of patient’s habits
often reveals contributory and correctable causes, such as insufficient
dietary roughage, lack of exercise, suppression of defecatory urges
arising at inconvenient moments, inadequate time for full defecation
and prolong travel. In spite of appropriate adjustment to these patterns
and reassurance, patients often fail to relieve the problem of
constipation. Most cases of chronic constipation arise from habitual
neglect of afferent impulses, failure to initiate defecation and
accumulation of large, dry faecal masses in the rectum.
It is evident from WHO report that more than 80% of world
population specially in developing in develop countries dependent
on herbal medicine. Several plants have been documented in
Traditional Systems of China, Japan, Sri Lanka, Korea, Bhutan and
other countries.
In India we have well recognized Tradition Systems of Medicine
(Ayurveda, Siddha, Unani and Homeopathy). A large number of
herbs/formulations have been mentioned for treatment of different
diseases including constipation (Table 1 and table 2).
Table 1: Combination available in Indian market to combat
constipation

Ayurveda, the science of life, is a comprehensive medical system that

has been the traditional system of healthcare in India for more than
5000 years. This medical system was well established around 2500
to 600 BC, when it evolved into 2 schools: the School of Physicians
and the School of Surgeons, similar to allopathy. Charak Samhita, texts, and Madhav Nidan Samhita, Sarangdhar Samhita, and
Susrut Samhita, and Ashtang Hridaya Samhita are the Senior Triad Bhavprakash Samhita are the Junior Triad texts around 600 BC.
Correspondence: Dr. AKS Rawat, Pharmacognosy & Ethnopharmacology Division, National Botanical Research Institute (CSIR),
Lucknow-226001, India E-mail: pharmacognosy1@rediffmail.com
 28
CONSTIPATION MANAGEMENT AS
MENTIONED IN CLASSICAL AYURVEDIC
TEXT
Constipation - Causes from an Ayurvedic Point of View
Ayurveda treats constipation as a problem arising due to the
predominance of the vata dosha. In fact, all people with the vata
constitution have this problem to some extent or the other. From an
Ayurvedic point of view, dietary bad habits are the main cause of
constipation. The following are some of the dietary factors that lead
to constipation - Eating at different times each day, Eating too late
than the normal time, Eating food that is difficult to digest, Eating
food without roughage (or foods that contain fiber content), Eating
mostly dry foods, Drinking too many beverages like tea and coffee,
Drinking too many cold drinks, Not drinking enough water. Apart
from these, Ayurveda has also pinpointed various environmental and
behavioral factors that can lead to constipation. The following are
these environmental and behavioral factors - Vices like smoking, Staying
awake till late at night, Sleeplessness or insomnia, Mental worries
and tensions, Feelings of guilt and fear and Age.
Constipation - Symptoms from an Ayurvedic Point
of View
Depending on the constitution of the person, there are different
observed symptoms of constipation. The following are some of the
symptoms:-
1. Vata dosha symptoms - The first symptom is a browning of the
tongue, which cannot be cleaned easily. These people also have
occasional feelings of uneasiness in their stomachs with flatulence.
Stools are hard to eliminate, and food takes a long time to get
digested properly.
2. Pitta dosha symptoms - The person will observe slightly
yellowish stools and there will be a burning sensation in the anal
canal as they eliminate.
3. Kapha dosha symptoms - The colon feels heavy and there is low
digestive fire. The person will feel lethargic most of the time. The
person will also eliminate faint colored stools which are almost
white in color. There is a strong feeling of gas and flatulence. Bad
breath (halitosis) is also a common problem in this type.
Types of constipation
Constipation can be broadly classified into two types:
a) Casual or temporary: can be caused by indigestion, overeating,
contaminated food or bacterial infection.
b) Chronic or habitual: Occurs largely in the elderly usually due to
the loss of tonality in the sphincter muscles. It is also presented
by persons suffering from piles or haemorrhoidal tissues.
Different types of oral laxatives to manage
constipation as mentioned in Ayurveda
Ayurveda describes in Sharangdhara Samhita (one among
Laghutrayee; in the beginning of thirteenth century) various herbs
and their preparations for restoring normal evacuation of GI tract.
These include – Carminative, Laxative, Purgative and Cathartics,
whose details are listed in Table:-
JIMSA January-March 2012 Vol. 25 No. 1
Ayurvedic Remedies for Constipation
• In case of constipation one should be very careful with the use of
laxatives as they can often weaken the colon due to their strong
action. They should be taken only in acute conditions. It is
better to use simple diet remedies. A lot can be recovered by
proper eating habits.
• Eating freshly cooked food is helpful. Spices like cumin seeds,
coriander, turmeric powder, fennel and asafetida is good as it
makes the food easily digestive.
• Proper chewing of food is very important.
• Take plenty of leafy vegetables and salads.
• Drinking a glass of warm milk at the time of going to bed helps in
evacuation, the next morning. In case of severe constipation
mixing two teaspoonful of castor oil in the milk is very helpful.
• Taking lemon juice mixed with warm water two or three times a
day also cleans the bowels.
• Very common and popular Ayurvedic medicine for constipation
used by many Ayurvedic physicians is Triphala Churna/ Triphala
tablets. It is a powder made by grinding three kinds of fruits or
herbs. This powder is now available in many western countries.
3 to 6 gms. of this powder - OR - 2- 3 tablets taken at the time
going to bed with warm water or milk helps in having a clean
bowel motion the next morning.
• A glass lukewarm milk with 10 gram ghee at bed time will also
help
• ‘Gandharva Haritaki Churna / tablets’ at bed time with lukewarm
water another helpful remedy.
Ayurvedic Remedies for Constipation
• Take 3 -4 teaspoons of Abhyarishta with equal quantity of water
twice a day after meals.
• Take 1 - 2 teaspoons of Panchasakar churna with lukewarm
water.
• Take 1 - 2 teaspoons of Avipattikar Churna (powder) with water
or milk twice a day.
• Take 1 tablet of Gandhak Vati with hot water after meals.
• Take 1 - 2 tablets of Virechani with warm water or milk at bed
time.
• Take 1 - 2 tablets of Gandharvaharitaki / Triphala with warm
water at bed time.
Ayurveda Diet for person having Constipation
• Take ample fruits, fruit juices, salads, leafy and green vegetables.
Whole grain bread can be taken. Unpolished rice can be taken
moderately.
• Fried foods and beans should be avoided. Vegetables like cabbage,
cauliflower, and broccoli are not good. Nuts and dry fruits should
also be avoided.
• It is very much necessary to form a habit of evacuating early
morning. Regular physical exercise is also important for having
clear bowels. One should try to have relaxed mind, free from
anxiety, stress etc.
Natural remedies to treat constipation
Laxatives, even herbal laxatives, should be used with caution. Other
natural remedies should be tried first. The gentlest remedies for
constipation include increased movement and exercise, certain yoga
JIMSA January-March 2012 Vol. 25 No. 1 29
 30
postures, increase of fluid intake, and dietary changes including
increased fiber and fruit. Apple-pear juice is also highly
recommended; and stewed fruits like prunes, figs, or dates especially
when mixed in licorice tea make a tasty laxative snack.
Herbal laxatives
There are three classes of herbal laxatives - bulk, mild (but not bulk)
and purgative. The bulk herbs may need 12 to 24 hours to encourage
a bowel movement, and irritating herbs somewhat less time, perhaps
6 to 12 hours.
Bulk laxatives
Bulk laxatives are the gentlest for occasional constipation. Flaxseed
(also known as linseed), psyllium, and fenugreek are three well-
known herbal bulk laxatives. One can take one tablespoon of whole
seeds two to three times a day, followed by two cups of liquid. To
help bulk laxatives do their job properly, one must drink a lot of
water, otherwise gastrointestinal obstructions can occur.
Purgative or cathartic laxatives
Purgative laxatives are the category most utilized; and purgative herbs
are used in health food store formulations and in many commercial over-
the-counter laxatives. This group includes aloe, buckthorn, cascara sagrada,
rhubarb, and senna. All the herbs in this category contain anthraquinones,
strong and irritating chemical compounds that force the bowels to evacuate.
They should be used only as a last resort.
Pregnant or nursing mothers should not use these irritants, nor should
people with gastrointestinal problems including ulcers, ulcerative colitis,
irritable bowel syndrome, and hemorrhoids.
Avoid the prolonged use of purgative laxatives. The continual use can
cause lazy bowel syndrome. When this negative cycle develops the result
is a sluggish digestive system unable to evacuate without the use of more
laxatives. Studies also show that chronic over-use of constipation relieving
drugs can lead to disturbances of the body’s electrolyte equilibrium. In
turn this can result in potassium deficiency and a concomitant problem
for those who are taking heart medications.
The gentlest of this class of cathartic laxative herbs is cascara sagrada,
known as “sacred bark” from a Native American tree (Rhamnus
purshiana), try rhubarb root (Rheum officinale). It is one of the safest and
least violent, but it should be reserved for occasional use only. Senna
(Cassia acutifolia & C. angustifolia) is a bit stronger and also quite popular.
It, too, is a main ingredient of many over-the-counter laxatives.
Another herb in this category, aloe, is even more problematic. Its popularity
has recently increased and it is a wonderful herb to use externally for skin
care. But because of its use, its name is becoming more known, and some
people assume that because it is safe for one purpose, that it is ok to try for
another reason. A recent magazine article suggested drinking aloe vera
juice on a daily basis. But many western herbalists do not recommend
aloe as a laxative because it is too strong, although it has a history of use
in Ayurvedic medicine.
Herbal Laxatives
Herbal laxatives promote bowel activity with mild purgation. They
are used when there is constipation, insufficient fiber in the diet,
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blood toxicity, gallstones, hypertension, a skin condition caused by
insufficient elimination, or an infection in which cleansing of the bowel
is needed.
The most frequently used laxative herb is cascara sagrada. Senna, the
second most frequently used one, is actually a purgative; it is stronger
and harsher (only 1 cup of the tea daily).
Other laxatives include aloe vera, licorice root, psyllium seed, wahoo
bark, and dandelion root (when there is liver involvement). They can be
combined or taken individually, Some, like cascara and senna, operate
by purging the bowels; others (such as psyllium seed, flaxseed, and agar
agar) provide a soft gel-like bulk that slides it out (see demulcents, below).
During fevers, these laxative herbs help cool the system by eliminating
heat from the intestines.
Table 1 contains a list of herbs that promotes bowel action: buckthorn
bark, cleavers, agar agar, boneset, flaxseed, licorice root, cascara sagrada,
elder, mandrake, motherwort, Oregon grape root, goldenseal, senna,
safflower, yellow dock, and peach bark.
Demulcents
Demulcent herbs bathe and lubricate the intestines and help expel
contents, especially when the fecal matter in the bowel is dry. The
best ones are psyllium seed, flaxseed, slippery elm, and agar agar.
Here are several other demulcents: fenugreek, licorice root, comfrey
root, aloe vera, and mullein.
Herbal Enema
Instead of a laxative, an herbal enema can be taken. A peppermint
tea enema is one of the best.
Carminatives
Purgative herbs should be combined with carminative native herbs,
to lessen griping. Carminatives contain volatile oils which stimulate
the expulsion of flatus (gas) from the bowels and peristalsis. The
best is peppermint. Here are several other carminatives: angelica,
anise, caraway, catnip, celery, chamomile, coriander, cumin, dill,
fennel, garlic, ginger, myrrh, sassafras, thyme, and valerian.
ACKNOWLEDGEMENT
Authors are thankful to Director, CSIR-NBRI for the encouragement
and support.
BIBLIOGRAPHY
1. Altern Ther Health Med. 2001; 7(2): 36-42.
2. Anonymous. The Wealth of India, A dictionary of Indian raw materials and Industrial
products, PID, CSIR, Delhi, 2001, 96.
3. Riaz A, Sarfaraz A, Nizam Uddin K, Absar-ul H. Operculina turpethum attenuates N-
nitrosodimethylamine induced toxic liver injury and clastogenicity in rats. Chemico-
Biological Interactions 2009; 181: 145–153.
4. Suresh Kumar SV, Sujatha C, Syamala J, Nagasudha B, Mishra SH. Protective effect
of root extract of Operculina turpethum linn. against paracetamol-induced hepatotoxic-
ity in rats, Indian J of Pharma. Sci. 2006; 68 (1): 32-35.
5. Tamhane MD, Thorat SP, Rege NN, Dahanukar SA. Effect of oral administration of
Terminalia chebula on gastric emptying: an experimental study. The J of Postgraduate
Medicine, 1997; 43 (1): 12-3.
6. Theeshan B, Vidushi S N, Okezie I A. Phytochemical constituents of Cassia fistula,
African J of Biotech. 2005; 4 (13): 1530-1540.
Symposia
 Challanges of Hemodialysis in India
 Drug Addiction: Health Hazards
 Sleep Disorders: Current Perspective
  
 
Year:2013, Volume: 1, Issue:1
First page: (12) Last page: (20)
ISSN: 2321-2187
Online Available at www.florajournal.com

International Journal of Herbal Medicine 

Traditional Herbal Remedies for Various Diseases Used

By Tribals of Boudh District, Odisha, India for
Sustainable Development.
C. R. Sahu1*, R.K.Nayak2, N .K. Dhal3

1. Department of Botany, Govt. College (Autonomous), Angul, Odisha-759143, India.

[E-mail id- crsmail4u@gmail.com; Tel: 9437451585]
2. Department of Botany, J.K.B.K. Govt. College, Cuttack-753003, Odisha, India.
[E-mail id- nayak_ranindra@yahoo.co.in]
3. CSIR, IMMT, Bhubaneswar – 751013, Odisha, India.
[E-mail id- nkdhal@immt.res.in]

An ethnobotanical survey was conducted to collect information about the medicinal plants used by different tribes in
Boudh district of Odisha, India. Information presented here was gathered from various tribes of the district using an
integrated approach of botanical collections and interview schedules. A total of 15 informants were interviewed and
35 ethnomedicinal plant species distributed in 27 families have been documented. Collected information depicts that
Boudh tribes largely depend on medicinal plants to meet their primary health care needs.
Keyword: Ethnomedicinal, Tribes, Boudh, Diseases, Odisha.

1. Introduction over 5000 years. Ayurveda records over

All the plants on the earth are important for
humanity as human beings are influenced in
various ways by plants and their products.
Existence of mankind is impossible without
plant kingdom as they provide balanced
ecosystems, major source of nutrition,
preventive aspects of medicine, primitive
aspects of health and curative aspect of
disease. The World Health Organisation
(WHO) has estimated that 80% of the
people in the developing countries of the
world rely on traditional medicines and 85%
of the traditional medicines involve the use
of plant extracts [1].
India has ancient history of use of plants in
the indigenous system of medicine
(Ayurveda, Unani, Sidha) in the dates back
8000 herbal remedies. India officially
recognises over 2500 plants as having
medicinal value and it has been estimated
that over 6000 plants are used in traditional
folk and herbal medicines [2].
Odisha, an eastern state of India is rich in
floristic diversity as well as ancient folk
literature, which may be trapped for
information, since all systems of medicine
have their roots in one way or the other in
folk medicine and house hold remedies. As
the rural Indian tribal villagers are deprived
of modern health care system, they are
highly dependent on traditional therapeutic
methods of medicinal plants to meet their
health care needs. The paper presents the use
of folk medicinal plants against various

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International Journal of Herbal Medicine
ailments of human beings of different tribes
of Boudh districts of Odisha.
2. Study Area:
The district of Boudh is one of the centrally
located district of Odisha, bounded in the
north by river Mahanadi and Angul district,
east by Nayagarh and Angul, south by
Kandhamal and Nayagarh, west by river Tel
and Sonepur district. It lies between 200 22’-
20050’Northern latitudes and 83034’-
84049’Eastern longitudes. The district is
situated in the valley of rivers like Tel and
Mahanadi. The total population of the
district is 3,73,372 (Census, 2001), out of
which scheduled caste population is 81,710
and scheduled tribe population is 46,557.
The total area of the district is 3098 sq km.,
being located in the Eastern Ghats, it
possesses rich and diversified floristic
composition with 1277.17 Sq. Km. forest
cover which is 40.51% of geographical area.
The average annual rainfall ranges between
160-200 mm, minimum and maximum
temperature is 8 0C and 44 0C and soil type
is red sandy to red loamy in nature. The
whole area can be divided into the northern
plains and southern elevated plateau
harbouring tropical dry-deciduous, moist-
mixed deciduous and semi-evergreen type of
forests. Sal (Shorea robusta Gaertn.) is the
dominant tree species with its usual
associates [3-4].
The forest rich area is inhabited chiefly by
the tribals. The tribals have their unique
forest dependent life style and traditional
concept on diseases and medicines. They are
living under varying geo-ecological setting
of hills and forest areas and far away from
modern convenience of life. They are food
gatherers, hunters, forest-land cultivators
and minor forest produce collectors. Out of
6 million tribals, about 62 notified scheduled
tribes for the state of Odisha, Boudh district
is represented by 25 ethnic tribal
communities. A careful scrutiny reveal that
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the bulk of tribal population belongs to
Kondh, Gond, Saura, Mirdhas, Mundas,
Kharia, Kora, Kolha etc. with Kui as their
lingua franca [6].
A detailed perusal of the ethnobotanical
records, reveal that a number of outstanding
botanists led several ethnobotanical studies
in different parts of Odisha. From the
literature it reveals that Boudh district with
rich flora has remained ethno medicinally
unexplored. Therefore present study has
been undertaken to record less-known ethno
medicines from different tribal communities
of the district [7-13].
3. Materials and Methods:
Ethnobotanical surveys were conducted in
different reserve forest namely Padmotola,
Arakhpadar, Hatidhara, Aragarh, Mundesar,
Podhal, Jamkhol as a part of research
(Assessment of ethnic bioresources of
Boudh district), among which 25 tribal
dominated villages (randomly selected) of
10 Gram panchayats of Boudh district in
different seasons from 2012 to 2013.
Selected local inhabitants and the tribal
medicine men (Gaon Disari) were
interviewed to gather first-hand information
on ethnomedicinal uses of plants.
These tribal village-heads & Gaon Disari
were taken to the forests as guide-cum-
informant for collection of voucher
specimens. Standard methods necessary for
taxonomic study have been followed for
field collections. The plants were correctly
identified with the help of Flora books.
Matching of voucher specimens were done
with the authentic herbarium at RRL-B and
RPRC, Bhubaneswar. The herbarium
specimens are preserved in the herbarium of
the Department of Botany, Government
(Autonomous) college, Angul, Odisha [14-17].
  
International Journal of Herbal Medicine www.florajournal.com 

4. Results and latex or exudes. Most of the species are

The present paper documents the
ethnomedicinal uses of 35 plant species
belonging to 27 families from forest area of
Boudh district in Odisha to treat 26 different
ailments and diseases affecting tribals of this
area. Most of the species are in local
distribution and few species are in
cultivation in gardens. Different parts of
medicinal plants are used in preparation of
medicinal pastes or concoctions, the leaves
and stems were the most frequently used
parts followed by whole plant, fruits, roots
used to treat only one disease, only few
diseases treated with more than one species.
The plant species are arranged in
alphabetical order according to scientific
names for convenience. For each plant
species given in the following table, details
of scientific names, family, local names,
locality with accession number and uses
provided with the parts harvested for
treatment and the manner of processing and
administration.

Table 1: Ethnomedicinal Perspectives of Botanicals used by Tribals of Boudh District, Odisha.

Local names Mode of

Botanical names\
\Locality\ administration\
Family
Voucher no. Diseases

Achyranthes aspera L. Ln. Apamaranga About 20 gm of leaf juice is

Amaranthaceae Loc. Atalsara-005 administered orally to the
pregnant woman for easy
delivery.
Acorus calamus L. Ln. Bacha About half teaspoonful of
Araceae Loc. Semiguda- powder prepared from dried
602 rhizome is taken twice daily
to cure Asthma.

Aerva lanata (L.) Juss. Ln. Paunsia 10 gm. of dried plant powder
Amaranthaceae Loc. Sankori-030 taken along with barley water
thrice a day for about 45 days
to dissolve Kidney stones &
reduces urethral burning
sensation.

Aloe vera (L.)Burm. f. Ln. Ghikuanri Mucilage is applied on the

Liliaceae Loc. Jabar-025 eye-lids before bed for 7 days
against Cataract.

Bambusa arundinacea (Retz.) Willd. Ln. Kanta Baunsa Leaves ground with seeds of
Poaceae Loc. Bhabpur- Sesamum &Trigonella and
059 the paste mixed with honey is

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International Journal of Herbal Medicine www.florajournal.com 

taken for 3 days to Abort

pregnancy of 3 months.

Bauhinia purpurea L. Ln. Barada Dried seed paste mixed with

Caesalpiniaceae Loc. Hatigarh- coconut oil applied before
051 bath eradicates the Lice.

Butea monosperma (Lam.) Taub. Ln. Palasa 10-15 gm. of stem bark is
Fabaceae Loc. Chhatrang- made into juice mixed with
055 pinch of pepper powder and
cow milk administered once
in a month to dissolve Kidney
stone.

Calotropis gigantea R. Br. Ln. Arakh 2-3 leaves mildly heated with
Asclepiadaceae Loc. Kumari-052 castor oil (Ricinus communis)
and bandaged over the
testicles every-day against
Hydrocele.

Catharanthus roseus (L.) G. Don. Ln.Sadabihari Leaf paste is applied on

Apocynaceae Loc. Kusang-111 tumors and decoction given
orally in 30 ml. twice a day
for 1 month against Cancer.

Coccinea grandis (L.) Voigt Ln. Kunduri Handful of leaves ground and
Cucurbitaceae Loc. Nuapada- mixed with 10 ml.of country
099 liquor given twice in a week
against Heart ailments.

Curculigo orchioides Gaertn. Ln. Talmuli 5 gm of powdered root tubers

Hypoxidaceae Loc. Padmotola- mixed with cow milk is
126 administered twice a week
against Seminal disorders and
Leucorrhoea.

Diospyros melanoxylon Roxb. Ln. Kendu Stem bark extract given to

Ebenaceae Loc. Talpadar- pregnant women in two

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International Journal of Herbal Medicine www.florajournal.com 

327 spoonfuls with a glass of rice

cooked water once in
morning for 2 months from
6th & 7th month of pregnancy
against Anaemia.

Eclipta prostrata (L.)L. Mant. Ln. Bhringaraj Whole plant ground with
Asteraceae Loc. Marding-183 black pepper, made into small
pills. 2 pills twice a day for 3
days is administered to
infants against Jaundice
& Fever.

Evolvulus alsinoides (L.)L. Sp. Ln.Bichhamalia Dried plant powder

Convolvulaceae Loc. Gochhasahi- administered in 2 spoonful
233 twice a day for 2 months
against Mental disorder.

Ficus racemosa L. Ln. Dimiri 5-10 gm. of stem made into

Moraceae Loc.Kutibari-191 paste added with pinch of soil
from termite mounds and
made into tablets, given daily
once for 1 month against
Cancer.

Geniosporum tenuiflorum (L.)Merr. Ln.Bano Tulasi Leaf paste is applied on bitten

Lamiaceae Loc. Hinjol-640 area in Rat bite to get relief.

Gloriosa superba L. Ln. Ognisikha Tuber extract 1teaspoonful

Liliaceae Loc. Sankhajuria- taken twice a day for 5 days
064 is administered upto 3 months
pregnancy for abortion.

Hedyotis corymbosa (L.) Lam. Ln. Gharpodia Whole plant decoction given
Rubiaceae Loc. Barapadar- with a glass of butter-milk in
483 3 spoonfuls twice a day for 5
days against Jaundice.

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International Journal of Herbal Medicine www.florajournal.com 

Hemidesmus indicus (L.)R.Br. Ln. Onontomul Root extract mixed with

Periplocaceae Loc. Sipori-508 honey is administered in
2 spoonfuls thrice a day for 2-
3 weeks for Blood
purification.

Holoptelea integrifolia (Roxb.)Planch. Ln. Dharanj Stem bark decoction

Ulmaceae Loc. Mundipadar- administered in 20 ml. twice
230 a day for 7 days against
Rheumatism.

Justicia adhatoda L. Ln. Basango 3-4 leaves made into juice,

Acanthaceae Loc. Sagada-251 added with water & pinch of
pepper powder, 2 spoonful
given internally once in a day
for a month against
Bronchitis.

Justicia gendarussa Burm. f. Ln. Kukurdanti Decoction of leaves, tender

Acanthaceae Loc. Kuchuru- shoots and flower tops are
521 given in chronic Rheumatism.

Lantana camara L. Ln. Naguari Leaf decoction given in 2-3

Verbenaceae Loc. Dhalapur- spoonful twice a day for 4
498 days against Malaria.

Manilkara zapota (L.)P. Royen Ln. Sapota Stem bark ground with black
Sapotaceae Loc. Ghantapada- pepper & made into powder,
545 mixed with sugar candy &
cow milk and administered 2
spoonful twice a day for 3
months against Piles.
Mucuna pruriens (L.) DC. Ln. Baidonko 10-15 seeds were soaked
Sapotaceae Loc. Mundapada- overnight and the water is
296 given in empty stomach twice
a week against Bone
fractures.

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International Journal of Herbal Medicine www.florajournal.com 

Nymphaea pubescens Willd. Ln. Nalikain Rhizome ground with seeds

Nymphaeaceae Loc. Gedrisahi- of Piper nigrum and paste
308 applied externally on neck
against Goitre.

Oxystelma esculenta (L.f.) R.Br. Ln. Dudhialata Leaves boiled in Brassica oil
Asclepiadaceae Loc. Baghiapada- and applied on affected part
505 against Scabies.

Pedalium murex L. Ln. Gokshura Leaves and fruits ground

Pedaliaceae Loc. Gundulia- together into paste and is
499 applied on testicles for a
week in Hydrocele.

Plumbago zeylanica L. Ln. Chitaparu Root paste made into pills

Plumbaginaceae Loc. Tutrung-341 and 2 pills taken twice a day
for 5 days before to Abort
pregnancy upto 3 months.

Plumeria rubra L. Ln. Kathachampa 5-10 gm. of fresh root made

Apocynaceae Loc. Domda-336 into paste is mixed with ghee
administered once a day
against Stomach ache.

Semecarpus anacardium L. f. Ln. Bhalia Exudations from the ripened

Anacardiaceae Loc. Sampur-363 seeds is directly applied on
affected parts against Neck &
joint pains.

Strychnos potatorum L. f. Ln. Nirmala Seeds rubbed with water

Strychnaceae Loc. Kanthisar- and rock salt are applied in
493 eye against Conjunctivitis.

Syzygium cumini (L.) Skeels Ln. Jamu Handful of stem bark is made
Myrtaceae Loc. Kumari-529 into juice added with a pinch
of pepper powder, along with
cow milk, administered twice
in a month to dissolve stone
in Kidney.

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International Journal of Herbal Medicine www.florajournal.com 

Tamarindus indica L. Ln. Kaiyan Ruptured seed is applied on

Caesalpiniaceae Loc. Hinjol-395 Snake bite.

Tylophora indica (Burm. f.) Merr. Ln. Intrudia 100 gm. leaves & roots made
Asclepiadaceae Loc. Gadimunda- into paste,1-2 spoonful taken
411 orally with milk twice a day
for 30 days against Asthma.

5. Discussions of medicines and treatment of diseases are

The use of plants for the existence of human sometimes accompanied by rituals. Tribal
being is as old a practice as the human race practitioner use plant products raw or taken
itself. The accumulation of knowledge of as decoction\ infusion and paste. The most
plant use however co-evolved with human important aspect of the tribals in this region
civilization through the experimental use of is that fresh plant material is used for the
plants, generation after generation. The preparation of medicine. From this study it
results of the present study revealed that is clear that Boudh tribal possess innate
wild plants and their parts are widely used ability to discern the character of plants and
for different diseases. Tribal people have exploit the plant resources to meet their
remarkable detailed knowledge of species health care needs.
identity and characteristics. Out of 62 tribes
notified as scheduled for the state of Odisha, 6. Conclusion
as many 25 are found in the district. A Due to the growing importance of
careful scrutiny reveals that the bulk of ethnobotanical studies, it is necessary to
population belongs to Kondh. Some major collect the informations about the
ailments and diseases such as cancer, heart knowledge of traditional medicines,
diseases, kidney-stones, skin diseases, preserved in tribal and rural communities of
abortion inducing drugs, respiratory diseases various parts of Boudh before it is
etc were being effectively treated using permanently lost. The anthropogenic
traditional knowledge and locally available unsustainable activities such as
plant resources. Ficus racemosa and deforestation, habitat destruction,
Catharanthus roseus are used to treat urbanization etc. may pose a serious threat
cancer, Coccinea grandis is used to treat to species. Hence, priority should be given
heart complaints, Butea monosperma and to the following three measures.
Syzygium cumini are used to treat kidney- 1. Investigation related to taxonomy,
stones, Geniosporum tenuiflorum and chemical screening and documentation
Tamarindus indica are used against of the useful species and their habitats;
poisonous bite. 2. Initiation of conservation action works
with appropriate measures involving
In this study 35 plant species belonging to local participation;
27 families have been recorded. Many plant 3. Implementation of awareness activities
species belonging to families of with integrated approach for sustainable
Acanthaceae, Asclepiadaceae and development.
Apocynaceae are frequently used. Healers in
the area diagnose disease based on 7. Acknowledgements
symptoms but sometimes they may also We are thankful to the D.F.O. of Nayagarh,
associate it to spirit. Therefore, preparation Boudh and Range officers for their co-

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International Journal of Herbal Medicine www.florajournal.com 

operation and also acknowledge the help
provided by the tribals and local medicinal
practitioners of Boudh district for sharing
information and traditional knowledge.
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Journal of Applied Pharmaceutical Science Vol. 3 (08), pp. 171-175, August, 2013
Available online at http://www.japsonline.com
DOI: 10.7324/JAPS.2013.3830
ISSN 2231-3354

Plants used by the tribes for the treatment of digestive system

disorders in Wayanad district, Kerala
A. G. Devi Prasad1*, T. B. Shyma1 and M. P. Raghavendra2
1
Department of Studies in Environmental Science, University of Mysore, Manasagangotri, Mysore-570 006. Karnataka, India.
2
Postgraduate Department of Microbiology, Maharani’s Science College for Women, JLB Road, Mysore 570 005, Karnataka, India.

ARTICLE INFO ABSTRACT

Article history:
Received on: 28/04/2013
Revised on: 12/05/2013
Accepted on: 13/06/2013
Available online: 30/08/2013
Key words:
Gastrointestinal, Digestive,
Wayand, Tribes, Kerala.
The tribes of Wayanad depend basically on different plants for their treatment. The field work documented about
thirty two plant species used against digestive disorders. The plants used for the treatment with their botanical
names, local name, mode of administration, status of plants and the tribes associated are listed in the form of
table. Five different tribes, the kurichia, kuruma, kattunaika, paniya and adiya of Wayand district of Kerala state,
India were interviewed. The interviewed tribal groups use plant parts either single or in combined form to treat
digestive disorders like piles, ulcers, abdominal pain, diarrhea, dysentery, pinworm, vomiting, acidity, chest
burning, jaundice and stomach pain. The tribal groups do not want to share their ancient traditional knowledge
with other people. Moreover, the existing knowledge on traditional uses of medicinal plants are declining fast
because of the lack of interest of young people to learn the traditional knowledge from the old tribal medical
practitioner. So the documentation and conservation of the knowledge is essential.

INTRODUCTION have been relatively well conserved. Since orally transmitted

The origins of the therapeutic use of herbal medicine can
be traced back to China about 5000 years ago. The extracts of
several plants have been used as therapeutic agents. Many drugs
presently prescribed by physicians are either directly isolated from
plants or are artificially modified versions of natural products
(Wang et al., 2007). These medicines are safe and environment
friendly. According to the WHO about 80% of the world’s
population relies on traditional medicine for their primary health
care (Behera 2006). Herbalists and indigenous healers have used
botanical medicines traditionally worldwide for the prevention and
treatment of different pathologies. Clinical research has confirmed
the efficacy of several plants for the treatment of gastro duodenal
problems and their therapeutic effects (Kanner and Lapidot 2001;
Gurbuz et al., 2000). For the past twenty years, orally transmitted
knowledge due to its economic value has been actively
investigated in less-developed areas such as Asia (El-Ghazali et
al., 2010; Rahmatullah et al., 2010; Sher et al., 2010; Ullah et al.,
2010), Africa (Giday et al.,2009; Teklehaymanot, 2009; Yirga,
2010) and Latin America (Halberstein, 1997; Tene et al., 2007).
The traditional culture and the natural ecosystem of these regions
.
traditional knowledge is possessed by older generation, most of it
can disappear drastically following their deaths (Kim et al., 2006;
Kim and Song, 2008).The aim of this study is to record and analyze
orally transmitted traditional knowledge about treatment of
digestive system diseases for the first time in Wayanad district.
Kerala. As a result, new traditional therapies for digestive system
diseases were recorded.
MATERIALS AND METHODS
Ethno-botanical survey
The ethno botanical survey was conducted in the
panchayats of three taluks - Mananthavady, Bathery, and Vythiri of
Wayanad district, Kerala. Based on the total forest cover and tribal
populations, the study areas can be considered as ethno-botanical
hotspots of Wayanad.
Field survey and data collection
Field exploration was undertaken to collect information
about tribes regarding their history, demography, life style,
culture, art of living, socioeconomic background, food habits ,
major role in conserving medicinal plants, local languages they

* Corresponding Author
use and tra ditional medicinal practices they are associated with.
A.G Devi Prasad Department of Studies in Environmental Science,
University of Mysore, Manasagangotri, Mysore-570 006.
172 Devi Prasad et al. / Journal of Applied Pharmaceutical Science 3 (08); 2013: 171-175

Further knowledge related to tribes were obtained from
books, research papers, scientific magazines, Encyclopedias and
internet sources of University library, Calicut & plant conservation
centers at Wayanad, especially from Boys town at Mananthavady
and M.S Swaminathan research foundation at Kalpetta.
The five major scheduled tribes of this area are Kurichia,
Kuruma, Kattunaika, Paniya and Adiyan. They are distributed at
different panchayath areas of the district. Basic information on the
distribution of the selected five tribes was collected from Tribal
development offices in Mananthavady, Bathery, Kalpetta and the
Wayanad social service society office at Mananthavady, Rastha at
Kambalakkad, and Sreyas at Bathery and villages were selected
based on their distribution. Field trips were conducted from 2006-
2010 among the tribal colonies of the three taluks. The main
colonies, where tribal medical practitioners were residing were
noted in the form of tables. The trips were organized every month,
and were always accompanied by a taxonomist and tribal promoter
to identify the colonies and plants. The trips were organized every
month and each colony was visited for about 5-6 times. The
location of Kurichia, Paniya and Kuruma colonies were found near
their agricultural areas like paddy fields, coffee plantations etc. and
Adiya tribes were seen scattered in different areas. Kattunaikkans
are living in remote areas and seen interior to the forests and Hill
tops. Tribes were interviewed with standard questionnaire to
collect the necessary information. The questionnaire was prepared
with questions related to informant consensus factor, method of
application, therapeutic use, parts of plants used, name of diseases,
symptoms of diseases, and causes of diseases etc. The
identification of plants was done in consultation with the
taxonomic experts from MS Swaminathan Research Foundation,
Wayanad and by referring the authentic literatures of regional
flora.

Table. 1: Plants used for diseases associated with digestive system (KU, KT, KR, PN, AD- kuruma, kattunaika, kurichia, paniya, adiya).
Sl. Local name used by Parts Tribes
Botanical name Family Habit Mode of administration Status
no the tribe used associated
Abutilon indicum (L.) The fresh leaf juice drinking KT Common
1 Kattooram Malvaceae Herb Leaf
Sweet. cures ulcers
Leaves crushed with jaggary and tablets KU Common
2 Urena sinuata Uram Malvaceae Herb Leaf of approximately of 1gm are made, and
taken 3 tablets once for piles
Whole The plant juice is administered orally to KU Endangered
3 Acorus calamus L. Vayambu Araceae Herb
plant treat abdominal pain and diarrohea. KR
Rhizo
Rhizome juice kills pinworms
me
The whole plant is grinded mixed with KU Common
Adenostemma lavenia Whole
4 Karimpatta Asteraceae Herb pure water and make up to half a glass and
(L.)O.Ktze.var.lavenia plant
taken internally for 6 days to cure ulcers.
KU
Root KR
Root juice for curing dysentery
AD Not
evaluated
The dried bark along with curd drinking KU
Bark Red listed
Aegle marmelos (L.) Koovalam cures piles
5 Rutaceae Tree
Corr. Serr. Koovalachappu PN
Leaf,
The leaf juice drinking cures vomiting KT
AD
KT
Fruit Promote digestion.
AD
KU Common
6 Ageratum conyzoides L. Appa Asteraceae Herb Leaf The intake of leaf juice reduces Acidity.
KR
Alangium salvifolium Alangiaceae Whole The fresh plants are fried and taken Common.
7 Ankolanga Shrub
(L.f.) Wang. plant internally to treat chest burning
Allophylus cobbe (L.) KU Common.
Leaf. Kurichia. The intake of leaf juice reduces
8 Raeusch. Mukkannanperukilam Sapindaceae Shrub
Root ulcer

Allophylus serratus The intake of grinded leaf juice reduces KU Common.

9 Mukkannan perukilam Sapindaceae Shrub Leaf.
(Roxb.) Kurz piles and ulcer,
Alpinia malaccensis KU Common.
The rhyzome paste cures abdominal
10 ( Burm.f.) Rosc. Malayelam Zingiberaceae Herb Root KR
problems

Leaf paste along with lemon juice is AD Common.

11 Amaranthus spinosus L. Mullancheera Amaranthaceae Herb Leaf
taken with food to cure stomach ulcer.
The dried and powered corm of this plant KR
Corm mixed with curd and hot water and KT
Amorphophallus Araceae Herb take internally against Jaundice. AD Vulnerable.
Kattuchena.
12 paeoniifolius (Dennst.) Corm Cooked corm with curd cures piles KR
Nicols.var. paeoniifolius Leaf KR
and The leaf and stem juice reduces ulcers.
stem
The leaf and stem juice reduces ulcer. KR
Kiriyathu The tender stem eating cures worms. KR
Andrographis Acanthaceae The leaves of this plant mixed with KU Common.
13 Kattukiriyath Herb Leaf
paniculata (Burm. Psidiumguajava, Clerodendron, Olea, KT
Breynia and Ludwegia leaves grinded KR
well and drink the juice to cure acidity.
 Devi Prasad et al. / Journal of Applied Pharmaceutical Science 3 (08); 2013: 171-175 173

Women chew the seeds after delivery for

14 Anethum graveolens L. Chathuppa Apiaceae Herb Seed KR Common
easy digestion of food
PN
Aristolochia tagala Garudakkody Whole The plant Paste taken internally to cure Lower risk
15 Aristolochiaceae Climber KT
Cham. Eachamulla Plant. abdominal pain least concern.
KR
KU
Artemisia nilagarica The leaf juice is taken internally to cure KR
16 Kattukarpooram Asteraceae Shrub Leaf Common
(Clarke) Pamp. abdominal pain,Ulser KT
PN
The grinded leaf with white garlic and
Leaf KR
drink the juice cures ulcer
Vulnerable
Artocarpus hirsutus Grinded bark is a constituent of the KR
17 Ainy Moraceae Tree Bark Endemic.
Lam. medicine for piles
Red listed
Burn the leaves and the intake of ash cure KR
Leaf
abdominal problems.
Burn the leaves of Anjily (Artocarpus
Leaf hirsutus Lamk.), The ash is taken
internally to treat abdominal problems.
KU
PN
18 Arundinaria densifolia Naikkarimbu Moraceae Shrub Leaf The leaf juice cures stomach problems Common
KT
AD
Asystasia gangetica Whole
19 Uplium Acanthaceae Herb The whole plant paste cures ulcers. KU Common
ILinn.)T. Anders plant
Atalantia racemosa The leaf juice is taken internally to treat
20 Malanarakam. Rutaceae Tree Leaf KR Common
Wight var.racemosa acidity
Rock rubbed root paste and leaf paste of
Keranda (Baccaurea
Stem courtallensis(Wight)Mu ell.-Arg.is mixed
Baccaurea courtallensis
Keranda Leaf with required quandity of hot water and
21 (Wight) Muell.-Arg. Euphorbiaceae Tree KR Endemic
Moottilpazham. Root taken internally in the form of tablets to
Fruit treat piles.Leaves, fruits and stem grind
together and taken internally to take out
poison
Baliospermum Root
Root paste is applied externallyon the
22 montanum Nagadenthi Euphorbiaceae Shrub Seed KR Vulnerable.
painfull swelling of Piles.
(Willd.)Muell.-Arg. Leaf
Whole The plant is pasted with cumin and taken
23 Boerhaavia diffusa Linn Thazhuthama Nyctaginaceae Herb KR Common
plant internally to cure digestive problems
The whole plant is grinded and mixed
with the grinded tuber of Amorphophallus
Centella asiatica Muthil paenifolius, the leaves of Allophylus
Whole
24 (L.)Urban. Kudangal Apiaceae Herb serratus, the leaves of Clerodendrum AD Common.
plant
Murimarunnu serratulum, the heart wood of peenari and
the fruits of Vallikarmoosa and applied to
treat piles.
The juice Juice kills Intestinal worms.
Whole
The leaf and root grind together and the
25 Cuscuta reflexa Roxb. Moodillathali Convolvulaceae parasite plant AL Common
paste is applied on the the swelled
root

Cyperus kyllinga Endl. Rhizo The rhizome paste mixed with milk is
26 Muthanga Cyperaceae Herb AL Common
me taken internally to cure dysentery.
27 Dioscorea bulbbifera L. Kattukachil Dioscoriaceae Climber Bulb The boiled fruit intake cures ulcer KR Common
KR
Gomphostemma The leaf paste is used to cure dysentery
KU
28 heyneanum Benth.var. Theepperuku Lamiaceae Herb Leaf and diarrhoea. Endemic
KT
heyneanum

Holarrhena
Stem The stem and bark powder is used to cure
29 antidysenterica Kudakappala apocynaceae Tree KR Common
Bark stomach problems.
(Roth)A.DC
Used in stomach problems, refrigerant,
Oxalis corniculata L. Puliyarila Whole vermifuge, it is used for developing taste,
30 oxalidaceae Herb Common
Pulielai Plant also used for sensitive teeth. Decoction of
leaves is given in fever and dysentery.
Pongamia pinnata (L.) Fabaceae KR
31 Ungu Tree Seed The seed powder juice kills pinworm Common
KT
Rhaphidophora pertusa Aanakkarimbu The stem juice is taken internally in the
32 Araceae Climber Stem PN Common
(Roxb.)Schott. Anachakkara treatment of abdominal pain
174 Devi Prasad et al. / Journal of Applied Pharmaceutical Science 3 (08); 2013: 171-175
RESULTS
The interviewed tribal groups use same formulations for
the treatment of a particular gastrointestinal problem. For example
Amorphophallus paeoniifolius species, the dried and powered
corm of this plant is mixed with curd and hot water and taken
internally against Jaundice by the kurichia, adiya and the kuruma
tribes in Wayand. Rubbed root paste of Ardisia solanacea used to
reduce acidity and ulcer by the kurichia, kuruma and adiya tribes.
The leaves of this plant mixed with the grinded leaves of Psidium
guajava, Clerodendron, Olea, Breynia and Ludwegia and the
juices of these plants were consumed to cure acidity by the tribal
groups Kurichia, Kuruma and Kattunaika. Kuruma and paniya
tribes drink the leaf juice of Achyranthes bidentata to cure
dysentery and diarrhea. Kurichia and kuruma tribes administered
the plant juice of Acorus calamus orally to treat abdominal pain
and diarrohea. Kurichia, kuruma and adiya tribes drink the juice
of Aegle marmelos to cure dysentery. The kattunaika and adiya
tribes drink the fruit juice of this plant to promote digestion. A
total of 32 plant species were documented which are used for the
problems of digestive disorders by the five major tribes of
Wayanad district. The plants used for the treatment with their
botanical names, local name, mode of administration, status of
plants and the tribes associated are listed in Table 1. Aegle
marmelos, Abutilon indicum, Artocarpus hirsutus, Hackeria
subpeltata, Allophylus serratus and Baliospermum montanum are
used for the treatment of piles. Few antihelminthic plants like
Acorus calamus, Hibiscus furcatus, Citrus media, Ardisia
solanacea and Pongamia pinnata, anti ulcer plants like Abutilon
indicum, Adenostemma lavenia, Allophylus cobbe , Allophylus
serratus, Amaranthus spinosus, Andrographis paniculata, Ardisia
solanacea, Artemisia nilagarica, Asystasia gangetica and
Dioscorea bulbbifera, jaundice curing plants like Amorphophallus
paeoniifolius, Boerhaavia diffusa, Centella asiatica and Cuscuta
reflexa were documented in table. Holarrhena antidysenterica ,
Achyranthes bidentata, Acorus calamus, Aegle marmelos,
Ageratum conyzoides, Alangium salvifolium, Alpinia malaccensis,
Anethum graveolens, Ardisia solanacea, Aristolochia tagala,
Arumndinaria densifolia, Cyperus kyllinga, Gomphostemma
heyneanum, Oxalis corniculata etc.,were used for the treatment of
digestive problems.
DISCUSSION
There are many common phyto-medicinal remedies used
by the five major tribes against gastrointestinal disorders. The
remedies for stomach troubles have been found to be used against
dysentery, blood-dysentery, diarrhea, stomach-ache, jaundice,
worms (anti-helminthic). Plant species used for the treatment of
acidity, piles, dysentery, diarrhea, stomach ache, bleeding piles,
constipation, vomiting, bowel movements, digestion, ulcer,
jaundice and chest burning by the tribes were recorded (Table1).
In the present study we found that kurichia tribes are using the
boiled corm of Amorphophallus paeonifolius with salt to cure
piles. The studies of (Jomy and Sivadasan 2004) also revealed that
the cooked corm in curd is used to cure piles by malayarayan
tribes of Periyar. Kavitha et al., (2004) isolated alkaloids from the
ethanolic extract of Holarrhena antidysenterica seeds, evaluated
and confirmed the activity against E. coli. Centella asiatica is one
of the important plant shows antibacterial activity against wide
variety of bacteria. Diarrhea is a major public health problem in
developing countries. Multiple drug resistance among
enteropathogens in various geographic regions presents a major
threat in the control of diarrhea. Mamtha et al (2004) was observed
broad spectrum activity of Centella asiatica against a wide range
of enteric pathogens. They used viable cell count method to study
whether the observed inhibition was bactericidal or bacteriostatic
in action. In case of Vibrio cholerae, Shigella species and
Staphylococcus aureus, the alcoholic extract of plant showed
bactericidal action within 2 hours.
In vitro antimicrobial activity of Gomphostemma species
against E.coli was screened by (Deka et al., 2006) and the
inhibition diameter 22mm were observed which is higher than the
inhibition diameter 17mm of antibiotic ampicillin against E.coli. In
indigenous system Dandamudi et al., (2010) revealed excellent
antioxidant activity and total phenol content in Pongamia pinnata
flowers. Kalairasan et al., (2011) evaluated and documented the
presence of alkaloids, glycolysides, carbohydrates, flavonoides,
phenols, saponins and tannins in the ethanolic stem extract
Raphidophora pertusa and observed excellent activity against
E.coli.
CONCLUSION
During the period of the documentation it is observed
that the tribal people of the district are shy and conservative in
nature. They do not want to share their ancient traditional
knowledge with other people. Moreover, the existing knowledge
on traditional uses of medicinal plants are declining fast because of
the lack of interest of young people to learn the traditional
knowledge from the old tribal medical practitioner. The valuable
and experienced knowledge on the medicinal uses of plants are
also disappearing due to modernization, destruction of forests,
urbanization, industrialization, etc. Scientific investigations
through the evaluation of plants for their biological activity and
isolation of active constituents responsible for their medicinal
properties for digestive system disorders need to be carried out in
various pharmaceutical industries and National laboratories which
will give a chance to develop new natural medicines.
ACKNOWLEDGMENT
Authors are grateful to the tribal medical practitioners of
Wayand district who co opera ted with me during my interviews.
We are also thankful to Forest officials of different forest divisions
of the district for extending their cooperation during the field
survey. We are also thankful to the taxonomists of MS
Swaminathan Research Foundation Kalpetta.
 Devi Prasad et al. / Journal of Applied Pharmaceutical Science 3 (08); 2013: 171-175
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How to cite this article:
A.G Devi Prasad, T.B Shyma and M.P Raghavendra., Plants used
by the tribes of for the treatment of digestive system disorders in
Wayanad district, Kerala. J App Pharm Sci. 2013; 3 (08): 171-175.
 Report and Opinion 2010;2(9)

Plants used in the treatment of joint diseases (rheumatism, arthritis, gout and
lumbago) in Mayurbhanj district of Odisha, India

Harish Singh, G. Krishna and P.K. Baske

Central Botanical Laboratory,
Botanical Survey of India, Howrah (W. B.), 711 103, India
harish_bsi@yahoo.co.in

Abstract: During the ethnobotanical survey of Mayurbhanj district about 380 uses of plants have been recorded for
various purposes. Of these, 23 plants belonging to 22 genera and 18 families are being used in the treatment of joint
diseases (rheumatism, arthritis, gout and lumbago) by the tribal and non-tribal people of the district. These plants are
arranged alphabetically with their family, local name(s), locality (ies), and method of preparation and mode of uses
for the treatment of rheumatism with collection number(s). [Report and Opinion 2010;2(9):22-26]. (ISSN: 1553-
9873).

Keywords: Joint diseases; Rheumatism; Arthritis; Gout; Lumbago; Mayurbhanj district, Odisha.

Introduction: according to ‘Dictionary of Indian folk medicine and

Mayurbhanj is the largest district of the Odisha
(erstwhile Orissa) state, extending over an area of
10,418 sq. km. It is lies between 21° 17' and 22° 34'
N Latitudes, and between 85° 40', and 87° 10' E
Longitudes. The district is bounded on the north by
Singhbhum, West Singhbhum and Saraikela districts
of Jharkhand and Midnapur district of West Bengal;
on the south by Keonjhar and Balasore districts of
Odisha; on the east by Midnapur and Balasor districts
and on the west by the West Singhbhum district of
Jharkhand and Keonjhar of Odisha. The total area of
the forest cover is 4392.13 sq. km in the district. It
has the rocky hills and virgin forests and the most
prominent among these is the Simlipal Biosphere
Reserve (SBR). SBR is situated in the centre of the
district with most luxuriant forest and rich in
medicinal plant resources. There are 46 tribal groups
are inhabited in this district which is 64.86% of the
total population of the district. The total population of
the scheduled tribe is 12, 58,495 (According to 2001
census). Tribal people mostly inhabit in and around
the deep forest area, and depend on the forest
resources for their livelihood. Some of them are
resides less accessible areas of the district and lead a
primitive life. Each tribe has its ancient culture and
traditional doctrine of utilization and conservation of
plant resources. Only the medicine man (Vaidya,
Kaviraj), old men and women have better knowledge
about the traditional uses of their surrounding
vegetation.
During the ethnobotanical survey of the district
about 380 ethnobotanical informations were
collected. Of these, 15 plants are being used for the
treatment of rheumatism, arthritis, gout, and lumbago
by the tribal and rural people of the district. These
diseases are kept under the heading joint diseases
Ethnobotany’ by Jain (1991). Rheumatism commonly
known as ‘Vat’, ‘Gathia’, ‘Ardhang Vat’ in Hindi as
well as in Odiya. In general, rheumatism refers to
various painful medical conditions, discomfort and
disability, which affects bones, joints, muscles,
tendons, nerves etc. The term ‘rheumatism’ is not
frequently used in current medical text, but is more
often found in historical medical text. Rheumatism is
not a single disease. It pertains to a whole range of
conditions, all of which cause pain. Rheumatism is
more common among the middle aged and elderly
people. The exact cause of most forms of rheumatism
is not known. Exposure to wet and cold may
aggravate the pain. Arthritis, which literally means
joint inflammation, is just part of the rheumatic
diseases. Arthritis primarily involves joint pains, joint
stiffness, joint inflammation and joint damage. There
are many common types of arthritis viz. rheumatoid
arthritis, osteoarthritis, juvenile arthritis, psoriatic
arthritis, reactive arthritis, infectious arthritis, gout
and pseudo gout.
Gout is a medical condition usually characterized by
recurrent attacks of acute inflammatory arthritis—a
red, tender, hot, swollen joints. It is caused by
elevated levels of uric acid in the blood, which
crystallize and are deposited in joints, tendons and
surrounding tissues. Other joints such as the heels,
knees, wrists and fingers may also be affected. Other
symptoms that may occur along with the joint pain
include fatigue and a high fever. In general Gout is a
disease that results from an overload of uric acid in
the body. Lumbago is the term used to describe
general lower back pain. The back pain can come on
suddenly after lifting things, or gradually through
overuse such as repetitive movements, or even for no
obvious reason. Pain may be constant and ache or

22
 Report and Opinion
may be sharper on certain movements/positions and
stiffness in the back especially in the mornings.
Rheumatism, arthritis, gout and lumbago are
common in the area and local people possess good
knowledge about the diagnosis of disease and their
treatment. If not treated properly in the initial stages,
joint diseases may become chronic. Therefore, the
local medicine man used various types of herbs,
shrubs and trees available in their surrounding for the
treatment of joint diseases. The medicines are
prescribed only after proper checkup the symptoms
and stage of the diseases by the medicine man. Some
earlier workers like Bal (1942), Yoganarsimhan &
Dutta (1972), Saxena & Datta (1975), Mudgal & Pal
(1980), Saxena et al. (1981), Saxena & Brahmam
(1989), Sarkar et al. (1999), Pandey & Rout (2001,
2006), Pandey et al. (2002), Behera (2003, 2006),
Rout (2005, 2007), Kumar et al. (2006), Behera et al.
(2008, 2008) and Rout et al. (2009) have reported
work carried out on the ethnobotany of the district.
However, no attention has yet been given on the
plants used particularly in the treatment of
rheumatism, arthritis, gout and lumbago.
Material and Methods
The present work is the outcome of extensive
survey of Mayurbhanj district undertaken during
2007 and 2008. Field survey have been undertaken in
58 remote tribal villages and forests areas among Ho,
Munda, Gond (Nayak), Mahanto, Kolho Santhal
(Majhi), Kol (Kolho), Ho, Bhumij, Bhuyan, Kumhar,
Bathudi, Lodha and Kharia tribes in Udala, Karanjia,
Rairangpur and Baripada sub- division of the district.
Old and experienced men, women, and medicine men
(Vaidya, Kaviraj, Guni) were interviewed for the first
hand information on ethnomedicinal uses of the
plants. The informers were also taken to forest for
collection of voucher specimens. Repeated and cross
queries were done to confirmation and verification of
the information. After identification and verification
from Central National Herbarium (CAL), these
voucher specimens have been deposited in
Ethnobotanical Herbarium of Central Botanical
Laboratory, Howrah.
Results and Enumeration
In the enumeration, the plant species have been
arranged alphabetically for easy reference with their
family in parentheses, local name(s) followed by
locality (ies) and method of preparation and mode of
uses with collection number(s).
Andrographis paniculata (Burm.f.) Wall. ex Nees
(Acanthaceae)
Local Names- Bhuin Neem Kari Bahu Kalamegh
Kalibahu
23
2010;2(9)
Localities- Ramtirtha Badam Pahar Hathikot
Roots are pasted with the roots of Premna herbacea
and applied externally on rheumatic and gout affected
parts of the body. It is also pasted with soaked rice
and made half baked chapattis and taken internally
for one week for quick recovery. CBL-11770.
Calotropis procera (Aiton.f.) Dryand.
(Asclepiadaceae),
Local Names- Arakh Sweto Arkho
Localities- Gurguria Badam Pahar Manchabanda
Hathikot
Leaves are ground with the leaves of Ricinus
cummunis, Datura metel and alum (after exude out
water by heating on hot iron) in equal quantity and
made pills. Each pill (3 gms) is given in the morning
and evening with hot water for 15-20 days in the
treatment of rheumatism. Leaves are coated with
mustard oil and slightly warmed and tied as bandage
on the paining joint of the body. CBL-11801.
Celastrus paniculatus Willd. (Celastraceae)
Local Names- Pingu Kujri Malkangini Malkagni
Grism Sundari Kujari
Localities- Beldihi Road Lipighutu Manchabanda
Divyasingh Nagar
The Seed oil is extracted and applied externally to
keep body warmth in the winter season. It is also
applied to relieve pain and proper circulation of
blood in the body. Seed oil is massaged on the part
affected by gout and rheumatism up to the complete
cure. CBL-19652.
Crotalaria prostrata Rottler (Fabaceae)
Local Name- Jhumka
Localities- Sundivilla Ramatirtha
Plants are pasted and applied externally on rheumatic
pains for 30 days. CBL-11704.
Curcuma amada Roxb. (Zingiberaceae)
Local Names- Amba Ada Amoda
Locality- Manchabanda
Rhizomes are pasted with bulbs of Urginea indica
and mixed with hot oil and applied 2-3 times daily
for 5 days on joint pains and half portion gout. CBL-
19681.
Curcuma caesia Roxb. (Zingiberaceae)
Local Name- Krishna Haldi
Locality- Manchabanda
Rhizomes are cooked with mustard oil or sesame oil
and the prepared paste is applied externally on
rheumatism and paining part of the body. CBL-
19625.
Dalbergia sissoo Roxb. (Fabaceae)
 Report and Opinion
Local Name- Sisu
Localities- Ramatirtha Sundivilla Hathikot
Stem bark is pasted and applied externally on the
waist for 15 days to cure lumbago.
CBL-11749.
Elephantopus scaber L. (Asteraceae)
Local Names- Mejo-Jhuti Mayurchuda Morchuda
Mayur-Jhuti Brahma-Dandi
Localities- Ramatirtha Manchabanda Devkund
Bhurudbani
Leaves are boiled with oil of Schleichera oleosa and
the prepared paste is applied externally on gout
affected part of the body. CBL-19674.
Gloriosa superba L. (Liliaceae)
Local Names- Bandriya Phool Nahnugudia
Islagudia Orga Baha Kalihari Agnishika Jhagdayee
Localities- Ramatirtha Gurguria Jamda Balia Patha
Manchabanda
Rhizomes are pasted along with garlic and onion and
then boiled in mustard oil until it becomes foamless.
The prepared lotion is used for massage on the body
for 4-5 day for the treatment of rheumatism and
arthritis. CBL-11722.
Hygrophilla auriculata (Schum.) Heine
(Acanthaceae)
Local Name- Dangrakata Jamun
Localities- Sundivilla Badam Pahar
Leaf paste is applied externally on rheumatic affected
part of the body for two weeks.
CBL-11793.
Kaempferia galanga L. (Zingiberaceae)
Local Names- Saparkachu Bada Sarpunkha
Locality- Manchabanda
Tubers are pasted with water and applied externally
on paining parts of the joints. CBL-19680.
Leea macrophylla DC. (Leeaceae)
Local Names- Hathikana Hathkan
Locality- Ramatirtha
Fresh roots are pasted with water and applied
externally on waist in the treatment of lumbago.
CBL-11777.
Morinda tinctoria Roxb. (Rubiaceae)
Local Names- Chayalee Chaily
Localities- Ramatirtha Sundivilla
Stem bark is pasted with water and applied locally on
the paining part of the joints of domestic animals as
well as human beings. CBL-11751.
Ocimum basilicum L. (Lamiaceae)
Local Names- Ban Tulsi Tunag Tulsi
24
2010;2(9)
Localities- Sundivilla Badam Pahar Manchabanda
All parts including seeds are boiled with mustard oil
and the prepared lotion is applied on joint pain for
two to four days. CBL-19645
Paederia foetida L. syn. P. scandens (Lour.) Merr.
(Rubiaceae)
Local Names- Gandhali Gandhadi
Localities- Ramatirtha Manchabanda Karatbasa
Bhudbani
Leaf paste is applied externally on rheumatic parts of
the body until the complete cure.11787.
Leaves are cooked with rice and taken one or two
days in the treatment of rheumatism and gout. Plant
extract is also taken internally for 8-10 days in joint
pain. CBL-19677.
Polyalthia longifolia (Sonner) Thwaites
(Annonaceae)
Local Name- Devdaru
Locality- Bhurudbani
Stem bark is dried, powdered and given orally in the
treatment of gout for 7 days. 19789.
Pterospermum heyneanum Wall. (Sterculiaceae)
Local Name- Barahakani
Locality- Devkund forest
Flowers/ fruits or stem bark is pasted with water and
the prepared paste is applied on gout-affected parts of
the body for 3-4 days. CBL-19764.
Schleichera oleosa (Lour.) Oken (Sapindaceae)
Local Names- Kusum Baru Pagada
Localities- Sikurihati Hathikot
A piece of garlic and ginger is soaked in seed oil (100
gms) of the plant for 7 days. This oil is used to
massage on the body of patient suffering from
rheumatism and gout till cure.
CBL-11865.
Sida rhombofolia L. (Malvaceae)
Local Name- Bazramuli
Locality- Sundivilla
Roots are pasted with water and applied on the
paining joints of human beings. CBL-11819.
Terminalia bellerica (Gaertn.) Roxb. (Combretaceae)
Local Names- Baheda Robl
Localities- Ramatirtha Gurguria Hathikot
The fruits are dried and powdered with fruits of
Terminalia chebula and Embelica officinalis and
taken for three weeks in the treatment of lumbago.
CBL-19737.
Turnera ulmifolia L. (Turneraceae)
Local Name- Loha Jhad
 Report and Opinion
Locality- Manchabandha
Leaves are pasted with mustard oil and applied
externally on the waist pain. CBL-19754.
Viscum articulatum Burm.f. (Loranthaceae)
Local Names- Mandirika-Jhada Kathkamjanga
Kakadagod
Localities- Nebda Kosigodia
Whole plant is grounded with water and the paste is
applied on the part affected by gout for two days.
CBL-19796.
Vitex negundo L. (Vitaceae)
Local Names- Baigunia Sinduri Baigana Sinduwar
Localities- Ramatirtha Gurguria Manchabanda
Karatbasa
Dried leaves are roasted in iron bowl (Karahi) and
prepared powder. It is put inside a piece of cloths and
tied over the knee in the treatment of rheumatism and
gout 3-4 times for 2-3 days. Tender leaves (20 gms)
is pounded with black pepper (10 gms) and made
pills (gram seed size). Three pills are taken orally
daily for 4-5 days in the treatment of joint pain. CBL-
11728.
Roots are collected on Friday/ Sankranti/ Full moon
and washed and shade dried. It is grounded with
honey and put in an earthen vessel (Handia). This
vessel is kept under the heap of paddy seeds for 31
days. Pills (8-10 gms) are made after proper mixing,
and one pill per day is given in the treatment of
rheumatism, gout, and other joint pain for 41 days.
The treatment can be continued up to one year for
complete cure of the diseases. CBL-19691.
Conclusion
During the course of the study it is observed that
the tribal people of the district are shy and
conservative in nature so they do not want to share
their age-old traditional knowledge with other people.
Moreover, the existing knowledge on traditional uses
of plants are on fast declining because lack of interest
of local youth to learn the traditional knowledge from
the old herbal healer. It is also felt that the valuable
and time-tested knowledge on the medicinal uses of
plants are also disappearing due to modernization,
destruction of forests, urbanization, industrialization,
etc. Scientific investigations through the evaluation
of plants for their biological activity and isolation of
active constituents responsible for their medicinal
properties for joint diseases like rheumatism,
arthritis, gout and lumbago need to be carried out in
various pharmaceutical industries and National
laboratories which will give a lead to develop new
natural drug molecules so as to reach the benefit of
research for the welfare of human beings.
25
2010;2(9)
Acknowledgements
Authors are thankful to the Director, BSI and
Deputy Director, CBL for providing necessary
facilities. We are also thankful to Forest officials of
different forest divisions of the district and Similipal
Tiger Reserve, Baripada for extending their co-
operation during the field survey. We are grateful to
all tribal medicine men (Vaidya) for sharing their
valuable information on herbal medicine for this
particular disease.
Dr. Harish Singh
Scientist
Central Botanical Laboratory,
Botanical Survey of India,
P.O.- Botanic Garden
HOWRAH (West Bengal)
INDIA -711 103
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[4] Behera KK, Mishra NM, Rout, GR. Potential
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[8] Mudgal V Pal DC. Medicinal Plants used by
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[10] Pandey AK, Rout SD, Pandit N. Medicinal
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Mahinder Pal Singh, Dehradun. 2002. pp. 681-696.
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[12] Rout, SD. Medicinal Plants of Similipal
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[13] Rout SD. Ethnobotany of Diversified wild edible
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Ancient Science of Life, Vol No. III No.4 April 1984, Pages 245 - 249

LESS KNOWN USES OF WEEDS AS MEDICINAL PLANTS

T. R. SAHU

Department of Botany, Doctor Harisingh Gour Vishwavidyalaya, Sagar 470 003, India.

Received: July 27, 1983 Accepted: August 30, 1983

ABSTRACT: In this paper the author presents medicinal or otherwise useful weed species with
details of family, vernacular name and its medicinal utility. Information on other general
economic importance of medicinal weeds is also described here.

The weed are a serious problem in
agriculture and tremendously reduce the
productivity of agricultural trends by
competing with crop plants for water,
mineral nutrients, space and light. The
induction of new, high yielding varieties of
crops, which require comparatively larger
amount of water and fertilizers, has its
bearing on the agronomic practices too.
Under the favourable conditions of high
fertility and abundant soil moisture the
chances for luxuriant growth of weed have
also increased. Weeds are now widely
regarded as pests of crop because they lower
the yield, increase the cost of production in
various ways.
The weeds are supposed to be the great
hazard to the cultivated crops like vegetables
and the losses due to these are more than
either diseases or insects. The eradication of
these weeds is necessary to get a maximum
yield from the crop. Earlier studies on weed
control have largely shown that there is no
substitute for chemicalisation to control
weeds, however, the increasing use of
chemical weed control in vegetable crops,
effect the nutritive values of vegetables. To
overcome this problem to some extent, it is
proposed to use these weeds instead of
throwing them. Keeping this in view such
losses can be compensated by exploring the
medicinal utility of such weeds.
Abutilon indicum (Linn.) Sweet (Malvaceae)
‘Tapari’
Infusion of roots is used orally in chronic
fever. A poultice of leaves is applied on
boils and ulcers. The leaf decoction is given
in bronchitis, diarrhoea, gonorrhoea,
urethritis and fever.
Acalypha indica Linn. (Euphorbiaceae)
‘Kuppi’
The whole plant is useful in bronchitis
asthma, pneumonia and rheumatism.
Achyranthes aspara Linn. (Amaranthaceae)
‘Adhajhara’
The root paste is given for easily delivery. It
is also given with cold water to stop
bleeding after abortion. Root paste is
applied externally in scorpion sting. Extract
of leaves is externally massed in sciatica.
Crushes leaves externally used on old boils
and also applied over insect bite. Children
suffering from fever are given a bath in the

Pages 245 - 249

decoction of the whole plant. A parasite
found in the root is taken with milk and
sugar to cure chronic fever and catarrh.
The ash of the plant is rich in potash and
used for washing clothes. The leaves are
used as a pot herb.
Adhatoda vasica Nees (Acanthaceae)
‘Adusa’
Juice of the leaves is an expectorant. If
softens the thick sputum and thus bring
about quick relief in bronchitis.
Leaves are used in packing or storing fruits
as they are not easily attach by fungi and
insects. They are also utilized for obtaining
a yellow dye.
Ageratum conyzoides Linn. (Asteraceae)
‘Ajganda’
The leaf paste acts as an antiseptic and is
applied in fresh cuts to stop bleeding. The
leaf juice with the ‘Nim Oil’ is externally
applied in skin diseases. An infusion of the
seeds is given as a tonic in diarrhoea and
flatulent colic. The juice is used in prolapse
of the anus.
Alternanthera sessilis DC (Amaranthaceae)
Whole plants is externally used in snake
bite. Extract of plant is taken in dysentery.
Andrographis paniculara (Burm. f.) Wall
ex. Nees (Acanthaceae) ‘ Chiretta’.
Extract of whole plant is useful in curing
fever, worms, dysentery, dyspepsia and
lever disorders. Extract of leaves is taken in
stomach trouble. The tribals of Baster
region pound the plant in sarson oil and used
to check iching.
Pages 245 - 249
Amaranthus spinosus Linn.
(Amaranthaceae) ‘Kateli Chourai’
Extract of root is externally used for
ripening of boils. Roots is externally used in
eczema.
Leaves are used as vegetable. The ash of
plants is used in dyeing.
Ammania baccifera Linn. (Lythraceae)
Dried leaves are added to ‘pan’ (beetle leaf)
and are given for the treatment of veneral
diseases.
Argemene Mexicana Linn. (Papaveraceae)
‘Pelikatai’.
A decoction of the root is an eye wash, a
mouth was and a lotion for inflammatory
swelling. Yellow sap from the stem is used
in conjunctivitis. Juice of the leaves is given
in dropsy, jaundice, skin diseases and
gonorrhoea. Seeds are given in cough,
catarrhal affections, asthma and whooping
cough. Seeds made into paste with ‘sarson
oil’ is used in eczema, scabies and measles.
The oil extract of the seeds is used as a
luminant, lubricant and in soap industry.
The oil cake is useful as a fertilizer.
Bacopa monnieri (Linn). Pennell
(Scrophulariaceae) ‘Jalneem’
Leaves are taken in chronic fever and also to
improve memory and as a tonic for nervous
disorder. A poultice made of the boiled
plant is placed on the chest of children
suffering from cough.
Barleria cristata Linn. (Acanthaceae).
A decoction of the root is Barleria strigosa
and dry fish is given in anaemia. Leaves
and root are used against cough and
bronchitis. The seeds are regarded as an
antitode for snake bites.
Barleria prionitis Linn. (Acanthaceae)
The paste of the roots and leaves is applied
to disperse boils and swellings. It is also
used to relieve tooth-ache. The juice of bark
is given in dropsy.
Biophytum sensitivum (Linn.) D C.
(Oxalidaceae)
A paste of about 20 – 30 plants is given
twice or thrice daily with milk to allay body
heat caused by some excitement.
Blumea lacera DC. (Asteraceae).
Crushed leaves are externally used on boils,
wounds and blisters. Juice of the plant
mixed with sugar is taken in cold.
Blumea membranacea DC (Asteraceae).
The plant juice is used to relieve body pain.
Boerhaavia diffusa Linn. (Nyctaginaceae)
‘Patharchata’.
The paste of root made after boiling it with
soap and salt is externally used for ripening
of boils. It is also used in gonorrhoea, to
promote urination in dropsy for extracting
‘Guinea – worms’ and in heart and kidney
diseases. The leaves are cooked without salt
and given to the liver complaints particularly
to patients suffering from jaundice.
Bryophyllus pinnatum (Lamk) Oken
(crassulaceae).
The plant – paste is applied to forehead to
relieve headache.
Pages 245 - 249
Calotropis procera (Ait.) R. Br.
(Asclepiadaceae) ‘Madar’
Root bark paste is applied on elephantiasis.
A poultice of roasted leaves is applied to
inflammatory swelling and rheumatic joints.
The latex of plant is used in dropsy, tachia,
leprosy, etc. Powdered flowers with black
pepper and ash of barley seeds are mixed
together and given orally in rose water
during cholera.
It yields one of the strongest and valuable
fibre used for making sewing thread,
carpets, ropes and fishing nets etc. the
charcoal made from the wood is used in gun
powder, and fire works. The cema (silky
thread from the seed) is used for stuffing
pillows.
Cannabis sativa Linn. (Cannabinaceae)
‘Ganja’ or ‘Charas’ or ‘Bhang’.
Leaves and seeds are crushed and mixed
with sugar, are taken in stomach trouble and
indigestion. The dried leaves and flowers
are given in dyspebsia, gonorrhoea and also
in a nervine stimulant.
Ganja, charas and bhang are obtained from
different parts of plants. The oil of the seeds
is used in the manufacture of paints,
vanishes and soap. The fibre of the plant is
used for making ropes, cables, nets, carpets
and as a pecking material.
Cassia absus Linn. (Caesalpiniaceae)
Parts of the stem are woven and tied around
the opposite ear to remove migraine.
Cassia occidentalis Linn (Caesalpiniaceae)
Leaves are externally used in case of various
cutaneous diseases especially ring worms.
Roasted seeds are sometimes used in place
of coffee.
Cassia tora Linn. (Caesalpiniaceae) ‘Pwar’
or ‘Chakora’
A paste of the root made with lime juice is
used for extracting ring worms. Root is also
used in snake bite. The leaves are used
during intestinal disorders amongst children.
Seeds are externally used in various skin
diseases.
The leaves are cooked and eaten in times of
scarcity by poor people.
Celosia argentea Linn. (Amaranthaceae)
Leaves are crushed and the paste is applied
on scorpion sting.
Cleome gynandra Linn (Capparaceae)
Leaves paste is used in rheumatism
headache and stiff neck. It’s warm juice is
popular remedy for ear diseases.
Centella asiatica Linn (Apiaceae)
Leaves are taken to improve memory and as
a nerve tonic. Extract of plant is taken is
fever.
Convolvulus microphyllus Sieb. Ex. Sprend
(Convolvulaceae).
Leaves are used as a cooling agent during
summer. Extract of whole plant taken with
sugar in diarrhoea and dysentery.
Cryptolepis buchnanii Roem & Schult.
(Asclepiadaceae) ‘Dudhia’.
Powdered roots given to expecting mothers
for promoting lactation. Leaf juice is put
Pages 245 - 249
into nose drop by drop to cure intermittent
fever.
Cyprus rotundus Linn. (Cyperaceae).
Rhizome is taken in dysentery and stomach
disorder. The Rhizome yields an essential
oil which is used in perfumery and in
manufacture of soap and agarbatties. It is
also used as an insect repellent. Leaves are
used as fodder for cattle.
Cythocline purpurea (Don.) Kuntze
(Asteraceae).
Roots are given in stomach pain.
Denthrophthoe falcate (Linn. f.) Etting
(Loranthaceae).
The powder of the stem is applied in
wounds. It is believed to be useful as brain
tonic or in impotency when growing on
Calotropis and Tamarindus respectively.
Echinops echinatus Roxb. (Asteraceae).
Decoction of whole plant is used during
malarial fever.
Eclipta prostrate (Linn.) Linn. (Asteraceae)
‘Bhingraj’.
A place paste mixed with seasame oil is
used in elephantiasis and skin diseases. It is
also used in headache and toothache. The
juice from the fresh leaves when mixed with
‘Nim Oil’ is applied to promote the growth
of hairs. The extract of whole plant is taken
for chronic fever.
Elephantopus scaber Linn. (Asteraceae)
The decoction of roots along with the roots
of Hemidesmus indicus and Piper nigrum is
given in gonorrhoea. The plant paste with
Arthyrium filix – femina and mixed with
sugar is presecribed twice daily to the
patients suffering from tetanus, without
sugar is applied externally in rheumatism.
Root powder mixed with boiling water is
given internally to cure colic pain and
burning sensation.
Erigeron Canadensis Linn. (Asteraceae).
Extract of plant is taken in diarrhoea and
dysentery.
Eupatorium odoratum Linn. (Asteraceae)
Juice of the green leaves is applied in fresh
cuts.
Euphorbia hirta Linn. (Euphorbiaceae)
‘Dudhi’
The paste, of the whole plant is applied on
the breast for lactation.
Hyptis suaveolens (L.) Pot. (Lamiaceae).
Leaves and flowers are crushed and applied
on forehead to relieve headache.
Ipomea carnea Jacq. (Convolvulaceae)
Leaves coated with sarson oil is externally
used on swelling testicles.
Jatropha curcas Linn. (Euphorbiaceae)
Young branches warmed in fire act as a
foment in pain of joints.
Lantana camara Linn. (Verbenanceae)

The latex is applied to eyes in children when The crushed leaves are applied to wounds.
they turn reddish. Extract of plant used in
bowel complaints and cough. It is also Launaea nudicaulis Hook.f . (Asteraceae).
given in dysentery. The crushed plant is
fried and applied to cuts. Crushed leaves are applied on forehead
during headache.
Euphorbia thymifolia (Euphorbiaceae) Leonotes nepetaefolia R. Br. (Lamiaceae).
‘Chhoti Dudhi’
Smoke for calyx given in stomach pain.
Dried leaves and seeds are given to children Seeds diuretic also given to cattle in dropsy.
in bowel complaints.
Leucas cephalotes Spreng (Lamiaceae).
Evolvulus alsinoides Linn. (Convolvulaceae)
‘ Shankhpushpi’ Juice of the plant is externally used in
scabies. Leaves are taken as blood purifier.
Extract of plant with sugar is given in Flowers are taken for cough and cold.
diarrhoea and dysentery.
Ocimum americanum Linn. (Lamiaceae)
Glinus lotodies Linn (Molluginaceae).
Crushed leaves applied on forehead during
Dried plants used in diarrhoea and headaches. They are also used for wounds
abdominal disorders. in animals.

Graphalium luteo – album Linn. Oxalis corniculata Linn. (Oxaladaceae)

(Asteraceae) ‘Khattibutti’

Pages 245 - 249


The leaves are used for removing worts,
corns, and other excrescences on the skin
and opacity of the cornea.
Phyllanthus fraternus Webster
(Euphorbiaceae)
The fresh roots are given in jaundice. The
plant juice is given in genitor – urinary
diseases.
Sida cordifolia Linn. (Malavaceae)
Mamas’.
Leaves are externally used to healing sores.
Sida rombifolia Linn (Malvaceae).
Leaves are used for healing sores. The
whole plant is aphrodisiac.
Solanum nigrum Linn. (Solanaceae)
The leaf juice is given in inflammation of
the kidney and bladder. Hot leaves are
applied over the swollen and painful
scortum and testicles. The berries are given
in fever, diarrhoea, and heart diseases. Plant
juice is taken in enlargement of liver.
Sphaeranthus indicus Linn. (Asteraceae)
‘Mundi’
Decoction of the plant is diuretic and used in
urethral discharges. Flowers are taken in
summer as a tonic and cooling agent. Fruits
are said to be digestive.
Spilanthus acmella (Linn). Murr.
(Asteraceae).
Pages 245 - 249
Leaves and flowers are taken in summer as a
tonic and blood purifier. The flowers are
applied on teeth during toothache.
Tephrosia purpurea (Linn.) Pers.
(Caesalpiniaceae).
Root is taken in diarrhoea. The leaves are
useful in jaundice. A decoction of the dried
plant is given in diseases of liver, spleen,
breast bronchitis, gonorrhoea, asthma,
tumers, ulcers and piles. It is also taken as a
‘ blood purifier. Seed is used in abortion and
flavouring milk.
Tribulus terrestris Linn. (Zygophyllaceae)
‘Gokhru’
Fruits are taken in various types of urinary
diseases. Infusion of fruit is also given in
kidney diseases.
Trichodesma indica R. Br. (Boraginaceae).
Root is taken in stomach disorders.
Vetiveria zizaniodes (Linn.) Nash. (Poaceae)
Anthelmintic for children.
Vitex negundo Linn. (Verbenaceae)
Roots are used as expectorant and tonic.
Leaves are smoked in headache. Decoction
of them is used in rheumatism.
Xanthium sarumarium Linn. (Asteraceae)
Roots are taken as a good tonic. Leaves are
given in scrofula and herpes. The plant
decoction is given in long standing malarial
fever and diseases of urinary systems.
Review Article ISSN 2250-0480 Vol 3/Issue 2/Apr-Jun 2013

TRADITIONAL MEDICINAL PLANTS OF RAJASTHAN

USED IN TRIBAL MEDICINE : A REVIEW.

MEGHENDRA SHARMA1 AND ASHWANI KUMAR2

1.
Department of Science and Technology, Govt of Rajasthan, SATcom office,
IGPRS Campus, JLN Marg, Jaipur 302004.
2
Department of Botany, University of Rajasthan, Jaipur 302004.

ABSTRACT
Around seven percent of tribal population of India lives in Rajasthan. Ethnobotany can be defined as the total
natural and traditional relationship and the interactions between man and his surrounding plant wealth from
times immemorial, due to sheer, necessity, intuition, observation and experimentation. Ethnobotany of India
might is among the earliest in the world and all traditional systems of medicine had their roots in ethnobotany.
Rajasthan has rich cultural diversity and biodiversity. Present paper presents use of medicinal plants by tribal
people in general and Rajasthan in particular

Keywords:Traditional medicines, WHO,tribal people, Rajasthan, Herbal Medicines.

INTRODUCTION

The world health organization (WHO) has recently
recognized the importance of traditional medicinal
system in different parts of globe and around 4000
plant spp. have been identified which are used in
traditional herbal medicinal system ( Cotton, 1996).
However, proper identification of these crude drugs
in Botanical terms has not been carried out or still
remains disputed as different authors ascribed
different plants source to various crude drugs
(Sanghi and Kumar, 2000). More over several
difficult diseases have problem related with vitality,
diabetes, memory loss, could be cured effectively by
use of herbal medicine, which is generally not
possible by the Allopathic medicines. However,
there is no systematic documentation of this
information. Medicinal plants are distributed across
diverse habitats and landscape. Around 70 per cent
of India’s medicinal plants are found in tropical
areas. Mostly in the various forest types spread
across the Western and Eastern ghats, the Vindyas,
Chota Nagpur Plateau, Aravallis and Himalayas.
Although less than 30 per cent of the medicinal
plants are found in the temperate and alpine areas
and higher altitudes they include species of high
medicinal value. Previous studies showed that a
larger percentage of the known medicinal plants
occur in the dry and moist deciduous vegetation as
compared to the evergreen or temperate habitats
(Jhakar et al., 2004). One third is tree and an equal
portion includes shrubs, and the remaining one third
are herbs, grasses and climbers.
RAJASTHAN
Rajasthan has a large population of about 5, 64, 73,
122 crore. Around 80 percent live in villages which
utilize local medicine. The state of Rajasthan is
situated between 23º3’ and 30º12’ N latitude and
69º30’ and 78º17’ E longitude . The total land area
of the state is about 3,24,239 km², out of which
about 1,98,100 km² is arid and the rest semi arid.
The physical features are characterized mainly by the
Aravallis and to the some extent by the vindhyan

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Review Article ISSN 2250-0480
formation, and the Deccan trap. A major portion of
western Rajasthan has desert soils and sandy plains.
Sand dunes occupy a greater part of western
Rajasthan (1,20, 983 km²). The soils of the desert
plains are loamy sand to loam and the eastern part
has alluvial soil which supports good forests and
agricultural crop. Occurrence of saline soils with pH
up to 9.0 is a common feature in the sandy areas of
Rajasthan. The average annual rainfall in the state is
525-675 mm, and the annual precipitation in
different tracts of Rajasthan varies from 13 mm to
1766 mm. Out of the total area , forests cover only
about 37,638 km² and are rich in biodiversity.
Rajasthan is rich in biodiversity which has a great
economic value. Out of the total land area of
Rajasthan, forest covers only about 37,638 km², i.e.
11 %. This forest includes roughly 7 % of depleted
and denuded forests. Biodiversity of Rajasthan is
related with the Aravalli hills. Anogeissus pendula
Edgew. forests cover more than half of the total
forest area in the state. These forests occur on a
variety of rock formations. Conservation of
medicinal plants is receiving increased attention in
view of resurgence of interest in herbal medicines
for healthcare all across the globe. Recently, several
studies have been conducted on Ayurvedic crude
drugs for cure of digestive diseases (Gupta and
Kumar, 2000, 2002 and Chaudhary and Kumar,
2002), leprosy and skin diseases (Sanghi and Kumar,
2002), malaria and paralysis (Yadav and Kumar,
2001). Sharma and Kumar (2002) worked on herbal
cosmetics. The application of herbal medicines has
been studied by Sharma and Kumar (2001) and
Seema and Kumar (2004) Sharma and Kumar (2006,
2007).
CLIMATE
A. Rainfall :Jaipur district has a dry climate
except during the south-west monsoon
season. The average annual rainfall in the
district is 556.4 mm. In the Amber-Jaipur
region the rainfall is a little higher than the
surrounding parts of the district. The rainfall
during the period June to September
constitutes nearly 90 per cent while a small
percentage fall during the months of
December to January.
B. Temperature :The Jaipur summers are
scorching beginnings almost during mid
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march and ending with monsoon rains. The
mean daily maximum temperature in may is
40.6°C and mean daily minimum is 25.8°C.
In May and June the maximum temperature
may sometimes go up to 48.0°C. After mid-
November both day and night temperature
drop rapidly till January which is the coldest
month with the daily mean maximum
temperature at 22.0°C and minimum at
8.3°C.
C. Humidity :During the monsoon season the
relative humidity is generally over 60% and
in the summers is minimum as 15 to 20%. In
the rest of the year the air is dry.
D. Winds :Winds are generally light to
moderate but in summer and the early south-
west monsoon season, winds may strengthen
on some days, south westerly winds prevail
in the south-west monsoon season.
3.1.4 HILLS
Although Aravalli hill range does not pass through
Jaipur but the hills of Jaipur distinct members of the
North Aravalli ranges. The range on the north-
eastern side belongs to the Alwar hills while those in
the east belong to the Lalsot hills. The main peaks in
the district are Manoharpura (747 m), Jaigarh (648
m) etc.
3.1.5 VEGETATION
The vegetation of the area has been classified as
“scrub jungle”. Plants which can either adapt
themselves to high temperatures or to low
temperatures and discouraging conditions of soil and
rainfall can be found. The trees are commonly
lacking, shrubs are the dominant perennials, most of
which form thickets e.g. Crotalaria burhia,
Leptadenia pyrotechnica, Saricostoma pauciflorum
and Zizyphus nummularia. This perhaps is the reason
for a very low percentage of tree species.
The vegetation can be classified on the basis
of habitats viz.
1. Vegetation of sandy areas
2. Weeds and escapes of cultivation
3. Vegetation on hilly tracts
4. Plants of aquatic habitats.
Ethono Botany
Review Article ISSN 2250-0480
1. Vegetation of Sandy areas
The vast sandy tracts which are distributed in the
western and central plains of the district, from the
dunes to the plains. The dunes are gradually
stabilised due to the growth of sand binders like
Calotropis procera, Leptadenia pyrotechnica, Aerva
tomentosa, Saccharum bengalense, etc. They
provide suitable habitat for the growth of some
annual grasses e.g. species of Cenchrus, Eragrostis,
Aristida, etc., plants like Convolvulus, species of
Heliotropium, Indigofera, Tephrosia and perennials
like Crotalaria medicaginea and Shurbs like Acacia
jacquemontii. If the biotic influence is not allowed
to play its devastating role, luxuriance of these
species is seen. Moreover, plants like Lepidagathis
trinervis, Pulicaria angustifolia along with many
others like Cassia tora,Dicoma tomentosa, etc.
appear. In such cases the annual herbs form the
carpet flora and amongst them the common
components are plants like Pupalia, Achyranthes
aspera, species of Tephrosia, Indigofera, Portulaca,
Justicia, Phyllanthus, Aristida and Commelina. The
following tree species also found in the sandy areas –
Prosopis cineraria, Balanites aegyptiaca, Zizyphus
mauritiana, Tecomella undulata, Ailanthus excelsa,
Acacia nilotica var. indica and Holoptelea
integrifolia. In the sandy areas Cistan
chetubulosa, species of Orobanche and Striga are
the most common parasites. Cuscuta spp. are the
common total stem parasites.
2. Weeds & Escapes of cultivation
Amongst the weeds that occur in the winter crop, the
most common ones are prostrate herbs viz. Portulaca
meridiana, Malva parviflora,Fumaria indica, and
Veronica agrestis. Of the tiny and slender herbs, the
most common ones are :Plantagopumila. Stellaria
medica, Oldenlandia pumila, Asphodelus
tenuifoliusis a common geophytic herb. Xanthium
strumarium, Argemone mexicana, Pulicaria
angustifolia, Acanthospermum hispidium, and
Digera muricata are some of those weeds which
occur gregariously and can thus be troublesome to
some extent. Some of the species which occur
exclusively in the rainy season e.g. Cleome
gynandra, Sesbania sesban, Tribulus terrestris,
Sesamum indicum, Mollugo cerviana, Trianthema
Portula castrum, Aristida spp. Eleusine spp. and
Cynodon dactylon.
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3. Vegetation on hilly tracts
Majority of hills in Jaipur are almost barren.
However Hills in the Amber region have Anoegissus
pendula, Boswellia serrata and Sterculia urens along
with Butea monosperma. Their permanent
vegetation comprises of Euphorbia neriifolia
clumps, which support some seasonal annual
vegetation during rains. These hills mostly comprise
of denuded rocks. Some grasses like Aristida
spp.,Oropetium thomaeum grow and cover these
hills during rainy season. A large majority to the
trees in the area are restricted to the hills. Sterculia
urens, Commiphora wightii, Anogeissus pendula,
Boswellia serrata, Lannea coromandelica, Rhus
mysorensis, Adina cordifolia, Diospyros
melanoxylon, Wrightia tinctoria, Cassia
fistula,.Aegle marmelos. Cordia gharaf and Ficus
racemosa occur naturally on the hills but have
probably been introduced in other areas. Some other
species like Grewia tenax, Butea monosperma and
Acacia senegal are restricted to the bases of the hills.
These hills change their colour to green due to
presence of leaves during rains and look ash
coloured in rest of the year, due to the dominant
species Anogeissus pendula which is a deciduous
small tree of the hill tops. Some of the Shurbs of
common occurrence are :Grewia damine, Melhania
hamiltoniana, Plumbago zeylanica, and Lantana
indica. The herbaceous flora of the general surface
of the hills is rich during rains and is composed
mainly of small herbs. Some of the prostrate herbs
growing during this period are Triumfetta
rhomboidea, Boerhavia diffusa, Lepidagathis
trinervis, Cassia pumila, Indigofera cordifolia,
Tephrosia pauciflora, T. strigosaetc. Some of the
erect form are Crotalaria triquetra, Cassia absus,
Bidens biternata, Solanum indicum, Dicomato
mentosa, Achyranthes aspera, Acalypha ciliataetc.
Urginea indica is a common geophyte which can be
identified by its leaves during rainy season and by its
copper coloured scapes and flowers during the spring
season. Majority of hills in Jaipur are almost barren.
However Hills in the Amber region have Anoegissus
pendula, Boswellia serrata and Sterculia urens along
with Butea monosperma Some of the plants used by
these tribals are given below :
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Review Article ISSN 2250-0480 Vol 3/Issue 2/Apr-Jun 2013

1. Acacia catechu (Fig. 3.7) Juice of leaves mixed with little salt poured in eyes
Get-langhan (Santhal) in conjunctivitis and other eye diseases.
Locality.Lavalong (Chatra) (iv) Leucas aspera
Root made into a paste and applied on the joints for Gayas (Rajasthan)
seven days for rheumatism. Locality.Ramgarh
The leaf paste fried and applied on the forehead to
2. Cassia tora relieve pain.
Chakar (Oraon) ;Chakunda (Khond) (v) Shorea robusta
Locality.Singhani (Hazaribagh town) Sal (Udaipur)
Root made into a paste and along with the powder Locality.Kumbhalgarh
prepared from the horn of a cow, given orally once Small quantity (5g) of powdered jhuna(resin) taken
daily in high fever and to a patient who is unable to with hot milk to relieve chest pain and
speak and hear. stomachache.
Although nowadays patent allopathic medicines are
3. Hibiscus rosa – sinensis sold in their weekly markets by quack-doctors, the
Urhul (Santhal) Tribalslook for many wild plants for their medicinal
Locality.Chatra use. Some of the important plants used for medicine
Flower bud made into a paste which is prescribed in are :
impotency, once daily on an empty stomach for (i) Cassia fistula (Soneru) : Pulp of the fruit
seven days. used as purgative.
(ii) Ficus fistulosa (Tabi) : Used for headache.
4. Terminalia alata (iii) Rubus rugosus (Thekhi-sambok) : Fruit juice
Karaka (Khond) ; Aswan (Hindi) used for curing fistula.
Locality Singhani (Hazaribagh Town) (i)Ageratum conyzoides
Two to three leaves from a fresh twig made into a Loc. Sohkha
paste and given three times a day for one day in During typhoid fever and high body temperature, a
vomiting and loose motions. paste made from leaves, ginger and mustard seed is
placed on skull, over the position of the brain, to
5. Xeromphis spinosa bring down the temperature of the patient. Loc.
Dudri (Munda) ;Nisawala (Birhor) Mawmluh Whole plant is pounded, boiled and the
Locality.DhajadhariPahar (Koderma) solution is used in massaging body swelling,
Stem bark made into a paste and mixed with goat’s tumours, etc.;
milk and country liquour. This is prescribed in (ii) Azadirachtaindica
rheumatism once daily on an empty stomach for 15 Neem – Loc. Byrnihat
days. Diarrhoea and dysentery, leaver along with barks of
Other plants : Aegle marmelos, Shorea robusta and leaves of
(i) Ageratum conyzoides (Namin-ing) :- Leaves and Phlogacanthus thyrsiflorus are mixed together with a
fruits used to prevent bleeding. few more plants, boiled, stored in a bottle and used
(ii) Calotropis gigantea (Akon) : The milky juice for diarrhea and dysentery.
used as purgative; leaves after crushing are
applied on the burn injury or swelling; the
DISCUSSION
bark of the root given for dysentery.
(iii) Ocimum sanctum (Tulsi): Leaves used for cold
and cough. The market for Ayurvedic medicines is estimated to
(iv) Piper longum (Piplu) : Root used in improving be expanding at 20% annually in India (Kumar,
digestion. 2000). Factors contributing to the growth in demand
(v) Polygonum strigosum (Bihalangani): Leaves used for traditional medicine include the increasing
for skin diseases. human population and the frequently inadequate
Locality.Udaigiri provision of western (allopathic) medicine in

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Review Article ISSN 2250-0480 Vol 3/Issue 2/Apr-Jun 2013

developing countries (Sharma et al., 2005). In India,
about 1400 species are recognized for supplying raw
materials for Ayurvedic drug formulations (Shiva,
1996; Dev, 1999). Natural products and their
derivatives represent more than 50% of the drugs in
clinical use in the world (Cowan, 1999; Erdogrul,
2002).
CONCLUSION
Rajasthan is rich in tribal population as it has around
9 percent of the tribal population of India. There are
large number of medicinal plants naturally growing
in Rajasthan which have been listed in the present
paper. The herbaceous flora of the general surface of
the hills is rich during rains and is composed mainly
of small herbs. Some of the prostrate herbs growing
during this period are Triumfetta rhomboidea,
Boerhavia diffusa, Lepidagathis trinervis, Cassia
pumila, Indigofera cordifolia, Tephrosia pauciflora,
T. strigosa etc. Some of the erect form are
Crotalaria triquetra, Cassia absus, Bidens biternata,
Solanum indicum, Dicoma tomentosa, Achyranthes
aspera, Acalypha ciliataetc.Majority of hills in
Jaipur are almost barren. However Hills in the
Amber region have Anoegissus pendula, Boswellia
serrata and Sterculia urens along with Butea
monosperma.

REFERENCES
1. Chaudhary, M. and Kumar, A. 2002.Ayurvedic bioenergy, medicine from India. Institute of
crude drugs for cure of diarrhoea and Natural Medicine, Toyama Medical and
dysentery.Int. J Medel.19 : 107-108. Pharmaceutical University, Japan.27 : 3-15.
2. Cotton, C.M. 1996. Ethnobotany : Principles and 9. Sanghi, S. and Kumar, A. 2000. Characterization
Applications. Chichester. John. Wiley & Sons. Pp. of some of the Medicinal plants of family
242-348. Leguminasae used in Ayurvedic system of
3. Cowan, M.M. 1999. Plant products and Medicine. International Journal of Mendel Vol.
antimicrobial agents.Clinical Microbiology 17(3-4) .Pg 109-110 .
Review.12 : 564-582. 10. Sanghi, S and Kumar, A. 2001. Characterization
4. Gupta, R. and Kumar, A. 2000.Ayurvedic Crude of some of the Ayurvedic Medicinal plants of
Drugs as Potential (Cure of Diabetes.International family Fabaceae used for rheumatic disease.
Journal Mendel Vol. 17 (3-4) Pg.127-128. International Journal of Mendel Vol. 18(3) .Pg 99-
5. Gupta, R. and Kumar, A. 2002a.Searching for 100 .
anti-diabetic agents among Ayurvedic crude 11. Sanghi, S. and Kumar, A. 2002. Characterization
drugs.Int. J. Mendal.19 : 9-10. of some of the Ayurvedic Medicinal plants of
6. Gupta, R. and Kumar, A. 2002b.Ethnobotanical family Fabaceae used for Leprosy. International
and Ayurvedic applications of Methi- Journal of Mendel Vol.19(1-2). Pg 13-14.
Trigonellafoenum-graceum Linn.Int. J. Mendal. 12. Seema and Kumar, A. 2004.Importance plants in
19(3) : 124. present scenario. Int. J. Mendel. 21(1-2) : 29-30.
7. Jhakar, M.L., B.L. Kakralya, S.J. Singh and K. 13. Shiva, M.P. 1996. Inventory of forestry resources
Singh 2004.Enhancing the export potential of for sustainable management and biodiversity
medicinal plants through biodiversity conservation conservation. Indus Publishing Company, New
and development under multi-diversity Delhi.
environment.In : Medicinal Plants Utilization and 14. Yadav, A. and Kumar, A. 2001. Studies on anti-
Conservation. pp. 36-78. (ed. P.C. Trivedi). malarial Drugs used in Ayurvedic System.
Avishkar publishers. India. International Journal of Mendel Vol. 18 (1-2) : 29-
8. Kumar, A. 2000.Traditional Indian 30.
AyurvedicMedicines : Some potential plants for

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Pleione 11(1): 44 - 55. 2017. ISSN: 0973-9467
© East Himalayan Society for Spermatophyte Taxonomy

Traditional uses of plants to cure stomach disorders by the Nepali

community in Nagaon and Sonitpur Districts of Assam, India

Rinju Bharali1, B. K. Dutta1,4 , P. Gogoi2 and Bijumoni Borah3

1
Microbial & Agricultural Ecology & Biodiversity Conservation Laboratory, Department of Ecology and
Environmental Sciences, Assam University, Silchar, 788011, Assam, India
2
Formerly of: NEDFi, R& D Centre For MAP, Khetri, Kamrup, 782403, Assam, India
3
Department of Botany, Anandaram Dhekial Phookan College, Haibargaon, Nagaon, 782002, Assam, India
4
Corresponding author: E-mail: bimankdutta@rediffmail.com

[Received 21.05.2017; Revised 12.06.2017; Accepted 14.06.2017; Published 30.06.2017]

Abstract
The present study was conducted in the Nagaon and Sonitpur districts of Assam, India to
document medicinal plants which are being used by the people of Nepali community to cure
their stomach disorders. Study documented 38 species belonging to 24 families of which 18 are
trees, 4 shrubs, 14 herbs and 2 climbers. The stomach disorders they treat include diarrhea,
dysentery, stomachache, blood dysentery and constipation.
Key words: Medicinal plants, Stomach disorders, Nepali community, Nagaon and Sonitpur
Districts, Assam

INTRODUCTION
The use of plants as source of medicines is practiced throughout the world. Plants and
plant products have augmented human cultures since time immemorial but only few people
realized that the plants form the most important component of our environment (Singh
1993). Treatment of diseases through herbal and other natural organic substances dominated
the medical practice for centuries by different ethnic groups living in remote areas of
Assam (Mahanta et al. 2006). Their dependence on medicinal plants for the primary
healthcare may be due to effectiveness, easy availability, lack of modern healthcare
alternatives, cultural preferences and to their century old association with plants (Caniago
et al. 1998). Their association with plants helped them to acquire huge information regarding
their medicinal application by continuous trial and error method (Mahanta et al. 2006).
Such knowledge was gathered by certain group of people like village head and traditional
healers, locally known as Bej, Ojha, Baidya, etc. who treat common people using their
age-old traditional knowledge and practice. A survey of World Health Organization (WHO)
indicates that about 70 to 80 % of the world populations in developing countries, even
today, depend on herbal sources as their primary healthcare system (Fransworth et al.
1985). Around 16000 species of higher plants are found in India and out of these 7500
species have been reported to be used by different ethnic communities for medicinal and
health care purposes (Arora 1987). According to another report (Pushpagandan 1995)
over 2000 species of ethnomedicine and folk medicine are newly identified as drug yielding
plants and also about 7500 plants are used in traditional health practices in mostly rural and
tribal dominating villages of India.
 Rinju Bharali et al. 45
A good number of workers in India are engaged in recording traditional knowledge.
Workers like Shah and Joshi (1971), Pangtey et al. (1982), Rawat and Pangtey (1987),
Pande et al. (1989) and Kala (2005) recorded the ethnobotanical knowledge of Kumaon
region. However, there are only few studies on the utility of medicinal plants in the treatment
of a specific disease (Sharma & Joshi 2010; Kumari et al. 2011).
In recent years, herbal medicines are gaining popularity among the western population
because these have minor or no side effects if administered properly (Jordan et al. 2010).
Beside medicinal use, plants are increasingly used also in cosmetics (Aburjai & Natsheh
2003) and nutraceutics (Espín et al. 2007; Bernal et al. 2011).
Herbal medicines have been proved to be highly effective to treat a wide range of
diseases (Blumenthal 2002; Mukherjee & Wahile 2006; Sarkar & Das 2010), including
gastrointestinal disorders (Heinrich et al. 1992; Manandhar 2002; Madikizela et al. 2012;
Street & Prinsloo 2013). Gastrointestinal disorders are ailments affecting the functions of
the digestive tract i.e. food and liquid absorption, digestion or excretion (Neamsuvan et al.
2012). Such disorders are caused due to infections by different bacteria, viruses, and other
parasitic organisms (Mathabe et al. 2006; Karki & Tiwari 2007). Common gastrointestinal
disorders are stomach / abdominal pain, diarrhea, dysentery, gastroenteritis, constipation,
vomiting etc. (WHO 2008). These disorders cause morbidity and can lead to mortality,
especially in the developing world where sanitation is deûcient (Heinrich et al. 1992; Pawlowski
et al. 2009; Tuite et al. 2011). Outbreaks of diarrhea, dysentery or cholera caused by
contaminated drinking water have claimed millions of lives worldwide mainly infants and
children (Sarkar et al. 2007; Ryan 2011). For example, serious diarrhea/ dysentery/cholera
out-breaks were reported in Ethiopia (Bartels et al. 2010), Haiti (Tuite et al. 2011), Vietnam
(Anh et al. 2011), Zimbabwe (Fisher 2009), and Nepal (Bhandari et al. 2009), all with a high
death toll. In Nepal, 80 – 85 % of the population depends on traditional medicine for primary
health care (Manandhar 2002). The use of medicinal plants is widespread, not only because
those are easily accessible and affordable, but also due to persistent cultural beliefs and
practices, as well as the lack of access to modern health care systems in rural areas (Coburn
1984; Pohle 1990; Baral & Kurmi 2006). Medicinal plants are used to treat various
gastrointestinal disorders ranging from simple ones like vomiting to more complex problems
like peptic ulcer (Lama et al. 2001; Rajbhandari 2001). There are many studies related to
traditional uses of plant species in Nepal (Manandhar 2002; Shrestha et al. 2004; Joshi &
Joshi 2005; Kunwar & Bussmann 2008). Beside ethnobotanical studies, in-vitro and in-vivo
trials were realized to identify the mechanisms explaining the effectiveness of some of the
medicinal plants used in traditional medicines (Griggs et al. 2001; Panthi & Chaudhary 2006;
Rajbhandari et al. 2009; Mitra et al. 2010). This practice of establishing phyto-chemical or
pharmacological explanations for traditional uses is not only helpful to institutionalize traditional
medicine, but can also lead to the development of new drugs (Newman & Cragg; 2007;
Mazumdar & Dutta Choudhury 2015) or indicate future directions for bio-prospecting
(Soejarto et al. 2005; Douwes et al. 2008; Pushpangadan et al. 2015). However, till date,
only a few studies have so far linked with traditional medicinal uses to pharmacological or
phytochemical properties (Kunwar et al. 2009; Uprety et al. 2010; Gaire & Subedi 2011;
Luitel et al. 2014).
The stomach is a very vital organ in the digestive system and the human body on the
whole. Every day, the stomach has to cope with different types of food for storing, primary
processing and partial digestion. Stomach disorders generally occur due to the nature of food
that we consume and it’s incompatibility with our constitution and microbial infections. Some
of the most common stomach problems we face in our day to day life are stomach-aches,
cramps, vomiting and indigestion (Jalal et al. 2013). Medicinal plants have been used as
46 Plants to cure stomach disorders by Nepalese

source of curing various stomach disorders since ancient times and more so in the state of
Assam including the districts of Nagaon and Sonitpur. The Nepali community of this region
uses various plants for stomach disorders till date. Keeping the centuries-old trend alive, the
Nepali community still relies hugely on the wild plants for their daily needs such as food,
fodder and medicines.
Some studies on ethno-medicinal practices from different regions of India have been
reported but there are few investigations available for Nagaon and Sonitpur district of Assam
except a few studies in the last decade (Bora 1999; Saikia 2006; Saikia et al. 2008; Saikia et
al. 2010; Bharali et al. 2012). In view of this, the present study was conducted to identify,
collect and document the ethno-medicinal plants used by the Nepali community of Nagaon
and Sonitpur districts of Assam. The present paper, therefore, deals with some plants being
used regularly by the people of Nepali community against different types of stomach disorders.
Nepali community, amongst different other traditional communities in Assam, has rich
cultural heritage. Nepalese are scattered all over Assam and other North Eastern states as
well. However, in Assam Nepalese are mostly concentrated in the Sonitpur district and in
some parts of Nagaon district.
Sonitpur district is situated on the North bank of Brahmaputra River. Its geographical
location is 26030’ to 270 01’ N latitudes and 920 16’ to 930 43’ E longitudes. Arunachal
Pradesh bound Sonitpur district on the North, River Brahmaputra on the South, Lakhimpur
district on the East and Darrang district on the West. The average daily temperature varies
from 17 - 370 C. The vegetation is mostly tropical semi-evergreen and mixed deciduous
forests.
Nagaon is situated in central part of Assam. The boundary of the district is with
Sonitpur district and the River Brahmaputra in north, West Karbi Anglong and N.C. Hills
districts are in south, and East Karbi Anglong and Golaghat districts are boardering on the
East. The district lies between 25o- 45’ to 26o- 45’ N latitude and 92o - 33’ to 920 - 41’ E
longitude with an area of about 4435.3 sq km and the average altitude of about 60.6 m. The
climate of this district is in general monsoon type. The temperature of Nagaon is about 24.8 0
C (maximum) and 11.20 C (minimum) during winter and in summer it is 32.90 C (maximum)
and Min. 25.50 C (minimum). Forests in Nagaon district are mostly deciduous type.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

The study has been conducted among the Nepali community during March 2011 – October
2014 in Missa, Jakhalabandha and Sulung villages of Nagaon district and Tezpur,
Biswanath Chariali, Gohpur and Dhekiajuli villages of Sonitpur district of Assam.
The primary information regarding the use and values of plants were collected during
the field work using standard survey techniques (Deshmukh et al. 2010) that included individual
and in-depth interviews and group discussion among the local plant users, community members
and healers (ojah/ dhami), persons having indigenous knowledge, etc. Ethnomedicinal
information was collected through questionnaire. The set questions contained the local names
of the plants used to cure stomach disorders; the plant part used for this purpose and the
mode of administration of the plant materials. The interviews were performed in Nepali
language for which interpreters were used. Some of them were well versed with Assamese
language. After the interview, the informants were asked to supply the plant specimens and
often they accompanied to the field to collect plant materials. Particularly visits to Bura
Chapori Wildlife Sanctuary in Sonitpur district, Assam were very fruitful. A few elderly
ladies were particularly helpful in some cases. Details of use including the approximate
 Rinju Bharali et al. 47
amounts and number of doses were recorded for specific diseases for authentication and
validation of method (Jain 1987).
The collected plant specimens were processed into mounted herbarium sheets (Jain
& Rao 1977) and were identified with the help of various literature including Hooker (1872
- 1897), Kanjilal et al. (1934 – 1940), Bor (1940), Deb (1961a,b), Sinha (1987), Kirtikar and
Basu, (1935) and by consulting experts. Identification of specimens was confirmed by
matching at the Herbarium of Assam University and at ASSAM. Secondary information
was collected by reviewing numerous published works related to the present study and are
referred appropriately.
For this work necessary Permission was taken from the Community leaders for publishing
the knowledge imparted by them.
Almost all possible information regarding the medicinal plants used to cure stomach
disorders by the Nepali community have been recorded and discussed.

RESULT AND DISCUSSION

Data collected through the survey in Sonitpur and Nagaon districts of Assam led to the
record of 38 species of plants representing 29 genera from 24 families which are used to
treat different types of stomach disorders. These include plants of different habit groups
including herbs (14 spp. or 37 %), trees (18 spp. or 47 %), shrubs (4 spp. or 11 %), and
climbers (2 spp. or 5 %). For each species, scientific and local names, family, parts used and
uses are presented in Table 1 and Figure 1. The most commonly represented families were
Rutaceae (4 spp.), Malvaceae, Poaceae, Amaranthaceae, Anacardiaceae, Leguminosae,
Apiaceae, Clusiaceae, Lamiaceae, Euphorbiaceae, Polygonaceae and Combretaceae with
2 spp. from each. Different plant parts were used for the treatment of different stomach
disorders. In general, fruits (11 spp.) were highly used and is followed by whole plant (8
spp.), bark (6 spp.), leaves (5 spp.), roots (4 spp.), flowers and seeds (1 sp. each) (Figure-2).
These plants used for the treatment of different stomach troubles such as indigestion, diarrhea,
constipation and dysentery.

Fig. 1. Different habit-group of plants used by the Nepali community inNagaon and Sonitpur
Districts of Assam to treat gastric problems
48 Plants to cure stomach disorders by Nepalese

Table 1. Medicinal plants used for curing different types of stomach disorders by the Nepali
community in Nagaon and Sonitpur districts of Assam
Plant species Local Parts Use
name used
Abelmoschus esculentus (L.) Moench Ramtoriy Whole whole plant extract taken to cure
[Malvaceae]; Rinju 0234 a plant abdominal disorder,
constipation and diarrhea
Agrostis filipes Hook.f. [Poaceae]; Rinju Bobocha Root Root juice used to treat chronic
0162 dysentery
Amaranthus spinosus L. Khutura Whole Whole plant extract is given in
[Amaranthaceae]; Rinju 0166 plant diarrhea
Amaranthus tricolor L. [Amaranthaceae]; Morisa Root Root juice is used for acute
Rinju 0134 abdominal pain and stomach
ache.
Anacardium occidentale L. Kaju Bark Bark decoction is used for
[Anacardiaceae]; Rinju 0169 curing diarrhea and dysentery
Bauhinia vahlii Wight & Arn. Bhorla Bark Bark juice is given in dysentery
[Leguminosae: Caesalpinioideae]; Rinju and stomach ache
0172
Bauhinia variegata L. [Leguminosae: Byagan Bark Bark juice is used to treat
Caesalpinioideae]; Rinju 0173 dysentery
Cardiospermum halicacabum L. Kopalphu Stem, Infusion of stem and leaf is
[Sapindaceae]; Rinju 0107 ta leaf used in diarrhea and dysentery
Centella asiatica (L.) Urb. [Apiaceae]; Taaprejha Whole Extract is good for dysentery
Rinju 0031 r plant and diarrhea
Cinnamomum verum J.Presl [Lauraceae]; Dalchini Bark Used as a remedy for diarrhea
Rinju 0177
Citrus aurantiifolia (Christm.) Swingle Kagati Fruit Preserved green fruit in salt is
[Rutaceae]; Rinju 0118 good in treating mucous in
fasces
Citrus limon (L.) Osbeck [Rutaceae]; Thulla Fruit Juice of green fruit is good in
Rinju 0120 nimbu diarrhea
Citrus paradisi Macfad. [Rutaceae]; Rinju Gol Fruit Juice of both green and ripe
0056 nimbu fruits are given in dysentery,
diarrhea and indigestion
Citrus x aurantium L. [Rutaceae]; Rinju Suntala Ripe Ripe fruit is good against
0119 fruit dysentery and diarrhea
Cocos nucifera L. [Arecaceae]; Rinju 0103 Nariol Coconut Green coconut water is given in
water diarrhea and dysentery
Dillenia indica L. [Dilleniaceae]; Rinju Chalta Fruit Extract of green fruit is given in
0148 diarrhea and dysentery
Dioscorea bulbifera L. [Dioscoreaceae]; Bantarul Root- Extract is used to treat dysentery
Rinju 0015 stock
Ficus benghalensis L. [Moraceae]; Rinju Bar Leaf Juice of tender leaves are given
0222 in dysentery.
Garcinia cowa Roxb. ex Choisy Thekera Fruit Sliced green fruit is sun dried,
[Clusiaceae]; Rinju 0027 soaked overnight in water and
extract is given in dysentery and
diarrhea
Garcinia pedunculata Roxb. ex. Buch. – Thekera Fruit Sliced green fruit is sun dried,
Ham. [Clusiaceae]; Rinju 0028 soaked overnight in water and
extract is given in dysentery and
diarrhea
Gossypium herbaceum L. [Malvaceae]; Rui Root Decoction is given in diarrhea
 Rinju Bharali et al. 49
Plant species Local Parts Use
name used
Gossypium herbaceum L. [Malvaceae]; Rui Root Decoction is given in diarrhea
Rinju 0187 and dysentery.
Hydrocotyle sibthorpioides Lam. Taaprejha Whole Eaten in diarrhea, dysentery and
[Araliaceae]; Rinju 0032 r plant as tonic in general weakness.
Imperata cylindrica (L.) Raeusch. Siuri Sobol Extract of sobol is used to treat
[Poaceae]; Rinju 0188 gastritis and dysentery
Jasminum simplicifolium subsp. Chamelip Flower Extract of flower is used to cure
australiense P.S.Green [Oleaceae] Rinju hool indigestion
0189
Lawsonia inermis L. [Lythraceae]; Rinju Mehendi Seeds Powdered seeds mixed with
0192 ghee and used to treat dysentery
Mentha arvensis L. [Lamiaceae]; Rinju Pudina Leaf Extract is given to cure diarrhea
0197 and blood dysentery
Ocimum basilicum L. [Lamiaceae]; Rinju Ban tulsi Whole Juice of whole plant is given in
0011 plant gastritis
Paederia foetida L. [Rubiaceae]; Rinju Paadelata Leaf Leaf and tender shoot decoction
0039 is given in diarrhea, dysentery
and acidity
Peperomia pellucida (L.) Kunth Purnonua Whole Extract is used to cure any kind
[Piperaceae] Rinju 0140 plant of stomach trouble
Phyllanthus amarus Schumach. & Thonn. Aamla Whole Extract is given in empty
[Phyllanthaceae]; Rinju 0111 plant stomach to treat indigestion
Phyllanthus emblica L. [Phyllanthaceae]; Aamla Fruit Used in diarrhea and dysentery
Rinju 0072
Polygonum microcephalum D.Don Modhusul Leaf, Cooked leaves and tender
[Polygonaceae]; Rinju 0202 ong stem shoots are eaten to cure various
stomach troubles
Polygonum pubescens Blume Bih logini Leaf Leaf juice is given for diarrhea
[Polygonaceae]; Rinju 0077 and dysentery
Punica granatum L. [Lythraceae]; Rinju Dalim Fruit Juice of ripe fruit is given in
0121 diarrhea and dysentery
Shorea robusta Gaertn. Phosing Bark Powdered resin extracted from
[Dipterocarpaceae]; Rinju 0205 bark is taken with curd in
dysentery
Spondias pinnata (L.f.) Kurz Amora Bark, Bark decoction given in
[Anacardiaceae]; Rinju 0002 fruit dysentery; curry of unripe fruit
is given in diarrhea and
dysentery
Terminalia bellirica (Gaertn.) Roxb. Barro Fruit Dry-fruit powder mixed with
[Combretaceae]; Rinju 0073 dry-fruit powder of Terminalia
chebula and Phyllanthus
Emblica, called churan of
‘trifola’ good for any kind of
stomach trouble
Terminalia chebula Retz. [Combretaceae]; Hooro Fruit Used as in Terminalia bellirica.
Rinju 0074

In majority of cases, the herbal medicines were prepared in the form of decoction,
juice and powder. Maximum numbers of plants were used for dysentery (23 spp.) followed
by diarrhea (21 spp.), stomachache (2 spp.), indigestion (2 spp.) and least number were
reported against constipation and blood dysentery (1 sp.) (Figure-3).
50 Plants to cure stomach disorders by Nepalese

Fig. 2. Percentage of plant parts used as medicine by the Nepali community in Nagaon and
Sonitpur Districts of Assam
Most of the reported plants in the present study are also used by other tribal people in
India for the treatment of stomach disorders. Centella asiatica, Citrus limon, Garcinia
cowa, Hydrocotyle sibthorpioides, Mentha arvensis, Paederia foetida, Phyllanthus
emblica, Punica granatum have similar types of information related to stomach disorders
were reported from Assam (Mahanta et al. 2005; Basumatary et al 2014, Gogoi et al. 2015;
Bora et al. 2016) and Kumaon Himalaya (Jalal & Garkoti, 2013).

Fig. 3. Number of plants used for curing various stomach disorders by the Nepali community
of Nagaon and Sonitpur Districts of Assam
The present investigation revealed that out of the total of 38 species, 6 species
(Abelmoschus esculentus, Amaranthus tricolor, Anacardium occidentale, Bauhinia
variegate, Cardiospermum halicacabum, Gossypium herbaceum, have new uses as
ethnomedicine used for curing stomach trouble according to Nepali community of Nagaon
and Sonitpur districts of Assam. Moreover 1 plant species (Agrostis filipes) is reported to
be a new claim in the field as compared to the established reports on their utilization as
ethnomedicine (Jain 1991).
The main focus of this study was to gather the different medicinal plants used by the
Nepalese of Nagaon and Sonitpur districts of Assam. The community is heavily dependent
 Rinju Bharali et al. 51
on plant products and believe in their various remedial properties since long. The traditional
healers of this area grow many of their required plants in their home gardens and the remaining
plants are collected from the nearby vegetation.
All their knowledge on ethno-medicine has been transmitted orally through the
generations and most of these are closely guarded treasures. Therefore, there is no written
document.
It has also been noticed that the younger generation have least interest to learn the
uses of these plants. Therefore, it is important to survey and document their indigenous
knowledge immediately. At the same time the wisdom of the community on the process of
preparation by the medicine-men and their utilization should be given due importance.
These ethno-medicinal plants are also a source of income for the Nepali community.
In these regions, the traditional communities collect medicinal plants from the wild and sell
those in local markets. Over-exploitation and unscientific tapping by the ignorant local people
have resulted in the loss of many important plants. Many of these plants are on the brink of
extinction at least in local vegetation and there is an urgent need to conserve such plants with
high medicinal value to ensure their existence and sustainable utilization against massive,
indiscriminate deforestation and uncontrolled exploitation.

CONCLUSION
The present study revealed that the Sonitpur and Nagaon region is rich in wild plants having
important ethno-medicinal values. The Nepali community is partly dependent on medicinal
plants to fulfill their day-to-day health care needs and some such species could be exploited
for the healthcare of human community at large. The conservation of ethnomedicinal
resources and wild relatives of crop plants is vital for future scientific evaluation and
improvement programs. This aspect of the study should also be given its due importance
and, therefore, the research work on the economically important plants used by the Nepali
community must continue so that these plants and their knowledge about those can be
conserved before they are lost forever.

Acknowledgements
Authors are grateful to the local resource persons for sharing their valuable knowledge on
plants and plant resource and for their kind co-operation during the survey period.

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