Indian Journal of Traditional
Knowledge
|
VOLUME 6 |
NUMBER 3 |
July 2007 |
CONTENTS
Papers
|
|
Traditional
system for the production of kewda
essential oil and attar
|
399
|
DK Mohapatra & S Sahoo
|
|
|
|
|
Traditional
method of Chuli oil extraction in
Ladakh
|
403
|
Deepa H Dwivedi & Sanjai K Dwivedi
|
|
|
|
|
Antigenotoxic
activity of the subterranean termite on Swiss albino mice
|
406
|
A
Solavan, R
Paulmurugan & V Wilsanand
|
|
|
|
|
Effect of Apthoryama yajna on people and
environment
|
412
|
Surendra Rawat & Nagendra HR
|
|
|
|
|
Herbal
recipe prepared during Bohag or Rongali Bihu in Assam
|
417
|
Samim Sofika Begum & Rajib Gogoi
|
|
|
|
|
Antioxidant
potential of five Ksheerapaka’s and Kashaya’s, Ayurvedic decoctions
|
423
|
Shrishailappa
Badami, M Sangeetha, V Latha, N Archana & Suresh B
|
|
|
|
|
Numerical
v/s quantitative variations in ingredients of Cyavanaprasa- A limiting factor
|
426
|
Sujit Kumar Dalai, Mohan S Dashora &
Laxmikant Dwivedi
|
|
|
|
|
Clinical
evaluation of Pushyanuga choorna and Lodhrasava in Rakta Pradara (DUB)
|
429
|
K Prameela Devi
|
|
|
|
|
Concept of
personality type in West and in Ayurveda
|
432
|
Rudrani Mukherjee
|
|
|
|
|
Evaluation
of antiinflammatory activity of a Unani formulation
|
439
|
Nafis Ahmad
Quasmi, Ghufran Ahmad, M Anwar, KMY Ameen & NA Khan
|
|
|
|
|
Ethnoveterinary
plants of Uttaranchal- A review
|
444
|
PC
Pande, Lalit Tiwari & HC Pande
|
|
|
|
|
Traditional
livestock feeding practices in Northern Karnataka
|
459
|
Nagaratna
Biradar, CR Ramesh & PS
Pathak
|
|
|
|
|
Use of
indigenous plants for sustainable management of livestock diseases in rural
Nigeria
|
463
|
Ayoola Josephine B, R
Ofukwu, Ama
Teryila & GB Ayoola
|
|
|
|
|
Plants
folk medicine of Negrito tribes of
Bay Islands
|
468
|
M U Sharief
|
|
|
|
|
Ethnomedicinal
plants from Dibru-Saikhowa Biosphere Reserve, Assam
|
477
|
Jubilee
Purkayastha, Malakshmi Dutta
& Subhan C Nath
|
|
|
|
|
Ethnomedicinal
knowledge among Malamalasar tribe
of Parambikulam wildlife
|
481
|
K Yesodharan & KA Sujana
|
|
|
|
|
Ethnobotanical
usages of plants in western Mizoram
|
486
|
R
Lalfakzuala, H Lalramnghinglova &
H Kayang
|
|
|
|
|
Indigenous
medicinal plants knowledge of Kunihar forest division, district Solan
|
494
|
Saroj Verma & NS Chauhan
|
|
|
|
|
Traditional
treatment of skin diseases in South Travancore, southern peninsular India
|
498
|
GM
Jeeva, S Jeeva & C Kingston
|
|
|
|
|
Abortifacient
plants of the Buea region, their participation in the sexuality of adolescent
girls
|
502
|
Emmanuel Noumi & Claudette Djeumen
|
|
|
|
|
Medicinal
plants used by Chakma tribe in Hill
Tracts districts of Bangladesh
|
508
|
M Atiqur
Rahman, SB Uddin & CC
Wilcock
|
|
|
|
|
Traditional
knowledge on utility of Cedrus deodara
(Roxb.) Loud. in Doda district of
|
518
|
PS
Slathia, GR Bhagat, Swaranjeet Singh,
SK Kher & Narinder Paul
|
|
|
|
|
Sustainable
use of ethnobotanical resources
|
521
|
Ranjay K Singh, Anamika Singh &
Amish K Sureja
|
|
|
|
|
Traditional
medicinal practices of Rajasthan
|
531
|
Laxmi Kant Sharma & Ashwini Kumar
|
|
|
|
|
Divine
botany - universal and useful but under explored traditions
|
534
|
SK Jain & SL Kapoor
|
|
|
|
|
Book
Review
|
540
|
|
|
|
Author
Index
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542
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|
|
|
Subject
Index
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542
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|
|
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Forthcoming
Conferences / Seminars
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544
|
Indian Journal of
Traditional Knowledge
Vol. 6(3), July
2007, pp. 399-402
Traditional system for the production of kewda essential oil and attar
D K Mohapatra & S Sahoo*
Natural Products Department, Regional Research Laboratory, Bhubaneswar 751013, Orissa
Email: sbsahoo@rrlbhu.res.in
Received 17 August 2005; revised 28 December 2006
Kewda (Pandanus odoratissimus Linn. f.) flower distillation is high value because of its flavour and fragrance. Using the age-old traditional Deg-bhabka method, till date the floral essential oil and attar are produced. This traditional method is appropriate, popular, economical and convenient for kewda distillation. According to the number of flowers, the size of deg or bhabka is used for distillation. Essential oil and attar both can be made in the same distillation unit. This system can be operated at the plantation site. The products have high demand in the market value. The traditional system of kewda distillation is cost effective; simple operation techniques are involved for kewda oil & attar production.
Key
word: Deg-bhabka, Kewda,
Essential oil, Attar, Traditional
distillation method
Indian Journal of
Traditional Knowledge
Vol. 6(3), July
2007, pp. 403-405
Traditional method of Chuli oil extraction in Ladakh
Deepa H Dwivedi* & Sanjai K Dwivedi**
*BBAU, Vidya Vihar, Rae Barielly Road, Lucknow 226025, Uttar Pradesh
**Field Research Laboratory, DRDO, Leh 194 101, Ladakh, J&K state
Email: deepahansraj@rediffmail.com
Received 25 July 2005; revised 27 December 2005
Chuli, the wild apricot, growing
abundantly in trans-Himalayan Ladakh yields bitter kernels called Khante which are utilized primarily for
extraction of apricot oil by the aboriginal communities. In remote villages,
apricot oil is used for cooking, religious, cosmetic and medicinal purposes.
The paper describes the traditional method for extraction of Chuli oil. One kg apricot kernel yields about 35-37% oil. The oil is light yellow in colour and has a
typical apricot odour.
Keywords: Chuli, Apricot oil, Traditional oil extraction, Ladakh
Indian Journal of Traditional Knowledge
Vol. 6(3), July 2007, pp.
406-411
Antigenotoxic activity of the subterranean termite on Swiss albino mice
A Solavan1, R Paulmurugan2 &
V Wilsanand3*
1Department of Zoology, PMT College, Melaneelithanallur, Thirunelveli, Tamil Nadu
2Department of Radiology & Bio-X Program, Stanford University School of Medicine, Palo Alto, CA 94305, USA; 3*Department of Zoology, Sree Narayana College, Alathur, Palakkad 678682, Kerala
E-mail: wilsanand@yahoo.com
Received 1
August 2005; revised 7 September 2006
The
paper reports the antigenotoxic potential of the termite (Odontotermes formosanus Shiraki) supplemented food on acephate and
endosulfan induced toxicity in the Swiss albino mice (Mus musculus). Dietary supplementation with termite to male and
female mice Mus musculus treated with
acephate and endosulfan significantly decreased the percentage of chromosomal
aberration and micronuclei in the bone marrow cells than in pesticide treated
F0 and F1 generations
(P < 0.01). The chromosomal aberrations induced by acephate and endosulfan
included minute, gap, inversion, ring, pulverization and tetraploids. The
experimental groups treated with acephate/endosulfan and supplemented with
termite food did not show critical genotoxic aberration markers like
pulverization and ploidy suggesting a strong antigenotoxic effect of the
termite components.
Keywords: Antigenotoxic activity, Chromosomal aberrations, Micronuclei index, Termite, Toxicity, Kanikkaran, Paniyan, Palliyan, Sholaga, Irular, Kota tribes
Indian Journal of Traditional
Knowledge
Vol. 6(3), July 2007, pp.
412-416
Effect of Apthoryama yajna on people and environment
Surendra Rawat* & Nagendra HR
Swami Vivekananda Yoga Anusandhana Samsthana, 19 Eknath Bhavan, Gavipuram Circle, Kempegowda Circle, Bangalore 560 019, Karnataka
Received 27 January 2005; revised 26 December 2006
In traditional knowledge base of the Vedas mention that Yajďas have effect on the environment and people. Yajnas of various kinds are elaborated in the four Vedas. Apthoryama yajďa is one such yajďa in the Soma yajďa. A large-scale yajďa Apthoryama yajďa was organized in Thrissur district of Kerala to evaluate the effects on environment, society and humans beings. In the study, following aspects were taken up: attitudinal survey, random event generator (REG) studies, bacterial count in the atmosphere and analysis from the yajďa. Attitudinal survey showed that people came to yajďa for spiritual reason and their life is affected from the spiritual activity. On measuring consciousness fields in the surroundings of yajďa using (REG) has shown a significant change as measured at a distance of 12 m from the place of yajďa. Air borne bacteria counts have shown an increase at 20 m distance as compared to 40 m. The speciation of the bacteria was not done. A study of ash filtrate of yajďa was done using standard stain; the result of the filtrate was negative for bacterial growth and also for antibacterial activity after 6 months.
Key words: Apthoryama Yajna,
Environment, Antibacterial activity
Indian Journal of
Traditional Knowledge
Vol. 6(3), July
2007, pp. 417-422
Herbal
recipe prepared during Bohag or Rongali Bihu in Assam
Samim Sofika Begum* & Rajib Gogoi
Botanical Survey of India, Eastern Circle, Shillong793003, Meghalaya
E-mail: samimbegum@rediffmail.com
Received 7 April 2006; revised 25 August 2006
The work relates to the herbal recipe prepared during Bohag or Rongali Bihu in Assam. For the preparation of this recipe, 101 plant species are used. In the paper, each species is provided with plant name, family, vernacular name, plant parts used and their other uses.
Key words: Herbal recipe, Bohag, Rongali Bihu, Bodo, Mishing, Karbi, Deori,
Sonowal-Kachari, Dimasha, Rabha, Assam
Vol. 6(3), July 2007, pp. 423-425
Antioxidant potential of five Ksheerapaka’s and Kashaya’s, Ayurvedic decoctions
Shrishailappa Badami*, M Sangeetha, V Latha, N Archana & Suresh B
JSS College of Pharmacy, Rocklands, Ootacamund 643 001, Tamil Nadu
E-mail: shribadami@rediffmail.com
Received 26 September 2005; revised 21 February 2007
Five milk decoctions and water decoctions prepared by using coriander; ginger, pepper, tulsi and turmeric were evaluated for in-vitro antioxidant activity using standard DPPH, ABTS and hydrogen peroxide methods. The milk decoctions exhibited potent antioxidant activity when compared to their corresponding water decoctions. The total phenol content of the milk decoctions was also found to be high supporting the antioxidant activity. The study provides a scientific validation of the common preference of milk decoctions over water decoctions in Ayurveda for a few plants.
Keywords: Ayurveda, Ksheerapaka, Kashaya,
Free radicals, Radical scavenging activity, Antioxidant activity
Indian Journal of Traditional
Knowledge
Vol. 6(3), July 2007, pp.
426-428
Numerical v/s quantitative variations in ingredients of
Cyavanaprāśa — A
limiting factor for SOP
Sujit Kumar Dalai*, Mohan S Dashora & Laxmikant Dwivedi
Department of Rasa Shastra & Bhaishajya Kalpana,
National Institute of Ayurveda, Madhav Vilas Palace, Amer Road, Jaipur, Rajasthan
E-mail: drsujitayu@yahoo.co.in
Received 20 May 2005; revised 22 February 2007
Numerical v/s quantitative variation in ingredients of various formulations of Indian Systems of Medicine is one of the major limiting factors for development of SOP (Standard Operative Procedure) and standardization. The paper enumerates & highlights SOP hiatus with special reference to formulation like Cyavanaprāśa having Āmalaka (Indian gooseberry; Emblica officinalis Gaertn.) in 500 numbers in single lot.
Keywords: Āmalaka,
Standard Operative Procedure,
Cyavanaprāśa, Indian gooseberry, Indian Systems of Medicine
Indian Journal of Traditional
Knowledge
Vol. 6(3), July 2007, pp.
429-431
Clinical evaluation of Pushyanuga
choorna and Lodhrasava in
Rakta Pradara (DUB)
K Prameela Devi
Central Council for Research in Ayurveda & Siddha, Janakpuri, New Delhi110058
Email: gtp-ccras@nic.in
Received 10 May 2005; revised 23 June 2006
Rakta Pradara (uterine hemorrhage) covers all types of menorrhagia. For the
study, exclusively dysfunctional uterine bleeding was taken up in the clinics,
where around 20 to 30% cases come with the problem. In Indian System of Medicine
many effective remedies are available. Ayurvedic drugs, Pushyanuga choorna & Lodhrasava combination was selected for
the study. Of total 46 cases studied, 12 (29.26%) cases showed good response,
16 cases (39.02%) showed fair response,
9 cases (21.95%) showed poor response and 4 cases (9.75%) did not show any
response after treatment. Five (10.86%) cases were dropped out from study. The
treatment was found to be highly significant (P<0.001) in reduction of
uterine hemorrhage.
Keywords: Uterine haemorrhage, Menorrhagia, Dysfunctional uterine
bleeding, Rakta pradara, Pushyanuga choorna, Lodhrasava, Ayurvedic drugs
Indian Journal of Traditional Knowledge
Vol. 6(3), July 2007, pp.
432-438
Concept of personality type in West and in Ayurveda
Rudrani Mukherjee
Indian Institute of Psychometry, 117 BT Road, Kolkata 700 108, West Bengal
E-mail: sykomtry@cal.vsnl.net.in
Received 21 July 2006; revised 12 February 2007
In western psychology, personality type has been widely discussed. This Typology is but one-way of understanding “Personality”. It has some practical utility. In Ayurveda, personality types have been discussed from two angles, viz. physiological and psychological as body and mind is correlated. Psychological qualities are Sattva, Rajas and Tamas. Physiological qualities are Vata, Pitta and Kapha. Here, western and eastern approaches are compared to identify the points of similarities and dissimilarities.
Keywords: Ayurveda, Western typology, Personality type, Vata, Pitta, Kapha, Sattva, Rajas, Tamas, Psychological qualities, Physiological qualities
Indian
Journal of Traditional Knowledge
Vol.
6(3), July 2007, pp. 439-443
Evaluation of antiinflammatory activity of a Unani formulation
*1Nafis Ahmad Quasmi, 2Ghufran Ahmad, 3M Anwar, 5KMY Ameen & 4NA Khan
*1CGHS Dispensary No1, Shivaji Nagar, Bangalore, Karnataka; 2Department of Ilmul Advia, AMU, Aligarh, Uttar Pradesh; 3Department of Moalejat, NIUM, Bangalore, Karnataka; 4Department of Ilmul Advia, AMU, Aligarh, Uttar Pradesh; 5Pharmacology Laboratory, Department of Ilmul Advia, AMU, Aligarh, Uttar Pradesh
Received 29 July 2005; revised 9 February 2007
The study presents the acute antiinflammatory effect of a non-pharmacopoeal Unani formulation. Both the aqueous and alcoholic extracts were tested for acute antiinflammatory activity by carrageenin oedema test. Since, most of the mainstream antiinflammatory drugs have significant gastric toxicity; therefore test combination was subjected to the test for ulcerogenic activity. The standard drug Piroxicam was used for comparison of antiinflammatory and ulcerogenic activity. The LD50 was also performed to point out the safety margin of test drug. The test drug was found to possess significant antiinflammatory activity against acute inflammation. The test drug also exhibited gastro-friendly effect and the safety margin was very large. The alcoholic extract was more effective than that of aqueous extract.
Key words: Antiinflammatory activity, Ulcerogenic activity, Unani formulation
Indian Journal of Traditional
Knowledge
Vol. 6(3), July 2007, pp.
444-458
Ethnoveterinary plants of Uttaranchal — A review
PC Pande1*, Lalit Tiwari1 & HC Pande2
1Department of Botany, Kumaon University, SSJ
Campus, Almora 263 601, Uttaranchal
2Botanical Survey of India (NC), Dehradun, Uttaranchal
E-mail: ltherbal@rediffmail.com
Received 21
December 2004; revised 7 February 2007
The
study reveals that the people of the Uttaranchal state use 364 plants species
in ethnoveterinary practices. Bhotiyas,
Boxas, Tharus, Jaunsaris and Rhajis are the tribal groups inhabiting in
Uttaranchal. Analysis of data indicates that information on 163 plants is
significant as it provides some new information of the ethnoveterinary uses.
The study is expected to provide basic data for further studies aimed at
conservation of traditional medicine and economic welfare of rural people at
the study area.
Keywords: Ethnoveterinary practices, Medicinal plants, Uttaranchal, Review
Indian Journal of Traditional
Knowledge
Vol. 6(3), July 2007, pp.
459-462
Traditional livestock feeding practices in Northern Karnataka
Nagaratna Biradar*, CR Ramesh & PS Pathak
Indian Grassland and Fodder Research Institute, Regional Research Station, UAS Campus, Dharwad 5,
Karnataka
E-mail:
nagaratna123@rediffmail.com
Received 17
August 2006; revised 21 February 2007
A study was conducted in four villages of Dharwad district of Karnataka to elicit information on traditional livestock feeding practices followed by the farmers. Focused PRA tools coupled with personal interview technique were used to document the traditional practices. The study revealed that farmers preferred to feed cotton seed cake, hay of mixed crop and they did not prefer to feed dry maize stover and paddy straw. They have an established daily feeding pattern for bullocks and milch animals. Strong association was found between farmers’ practices and scientists responses. Calculated contingency coefficient indicated 64 % of traditional practices as scientific.
Key words: Livestock, Traditional knowledge, Livestock feeding practices, Karnataka
Indian Journal of Traditional
Knowledge
Vol.
6(3), July 2007, pp. 463-467
Use of indigenous plants for
sustainable management of livestock diseases in rural Nigeria
Ayoola Josephine B, R Ofukwu, Ama Teryila &
GB Ayoola*
Centre
for Indigenous Knowledge in Farm and Infrastructure Management, Farm and
Infrastructure Foundation, University of Agriculture, Private Mail Bag 2373,
Makurdi, Nigeria
Email: gbayoola@yahoo.com
Received 24 March 2005;
revised 19 March 2007
The paper examines local management
of mixed infection of Newcastle diseases, coccidiosis and fowl typhoid in
poultry birds, and Pestes Des Petits Ruminants (PPR) in sheep and goats in the
middlebelt of Nigeria, wherein smallholder farmers either lose all their
livestock or sell them off as the period when the diseases are most prevalent
approaches. It discusses the technical and socioeconomic viability of the AKAGA
and LOKA technologies that evolved from continued experimentation with local
herbs within the agroecological zone. It concluded that the options are viable
and sustainable within the context of the environment and socioeconomic circumstances
of the people concerned.
Key words: Livestock diseases, Nigeria, Indigenous plants, Medicinal
plants
Indian Journal of Traditional
Knowledge
Vol. 6(3), July 2007, pp.
468-476
Plants folk medicine of Negrito tribes of Bay Islands
M U Sharief
Botanical Survey of India, National Orchidarium
& Experimental Garden, Yercaud 636 602, Salem district, Tamil Nadu
Email: sharief
bsi@yahoo.co.in; bsisc@md4.vsnl.net.in; bsisc@rediffmail.com
Received 9 November 2005; revised 5 April 2007
The Negrito
tribes of Andaman Islands nurture rich knowledge about the medicinal plants of
their surroundings acquired by trial and error over millennia. The
ethnomedicinal plants of Great Andamanese, Onges
and Jarawa tribes are presented.
These tribes were found using more than 52 plant species in their
ethnomedicinal practices. Plants used to cure fever, headache, stomach
disorder, cough and cold, cuts and wounds, bee repellent, joint pains and leech
bite are recorded. Botanical names, family, local name, plant parts used and
uses are provided for each species. Phytochemical investigations of these
medicinal plants are desirable.
Keywords: Negrito tribes, Onges tribe, Jarawa
tribe, Bay Islands, Andaman Islands, Ethnomedicine, Medicinal plants
Vol. 6(3), July 2007, pp.
477-480
Ethnomedicinal plants from Dibru-Saikhowa biosphere reserve, Assam
Jubilee Purkayastha1, Malakshmi Dutta2 & Subhan C Nath1*
1Division of Medicinal Aromatic and Economic
Plants, Regional Research Laboratory, Jorhat 785 006,
Assam; 2NNSaikia College, Titabor, Jorhat, Assam
E-mail: scnath2004@yahoo.co.in
Received 6 April 2005; revised 21 September 2006
An account on medicinal usage of 61 plant species traditionally used as folk medicine to treat different ailments by the inhabitants of Dibru-Saikhowa biosphere reserve in Northeast India has been reported. For each plant species, local names, parts used, purpose of use, processing and mode of administrations are indicated.
Keywords: Ethnomedicine, Dibru-Saikhowa biosphere reserve, Assam, Northeast India
Indian Journal of Traditional Knowledge
Vol. 6(3),
July 2007, pp. 481-485
Ethnomedicinal knowledge among Malamalasar tribe of Parambikulam
wildlife sanctuary, Kerala
K Yesodharan* & KA Sujana
Division of Forest Ecology and Biodiversity Conservation, Kerala Forest Research Institute, Peechi, Thrissur 680 653, Kerala
E-mail: yesodharan@kfri.org
Received 2
August 2005; revised 11 November 2006
The paper examines traditional uses of some plants used by the Malamalasar tribe of Parambikulam wildlife sanctuary in Palakkad district of Kerala state. Forests have provided tribals with enough material for use in the traditional medicine. During the survey of the tribal colonies, data on 80 medicinal plants used to cure common ailments were collected. From 80 selected medicinal plants, 10 species were found to be used for cuts & wound healing, 4 species for cough & cold, 4 species for treating snakebite, 4 species for headache, 4 species to control dysentery, 3 species for jaundice, etc. Details of the study have been enumerated.
Keywords:
Ethnobotany, Malamalasar, Parambikulam wildlife sanctuary, Tribal medicine
Indian Journal of Traditional Knowledge
Vol. 6(3), July 2007, pp.
486-493
Ethnobotanical usages of plants in western Mizoram
R Lalfakzuala1*, H Lalramnghinglova1 & H Kayang2
1Department of Forest Ecology, Biodiversity and Environmental Science, Mizoram University, Tanhril, Aizawl 796 001, Mizoram; 2Northeastern Biodiversity Research Cell, Northeastern Hill University, Bijni Complex, Shillong 793 003, Meghalaya
E-mail: lalfak@yahoo.com
Received 3 August 2005; revised 8 May 2006
Ethnobotanical survey among the tribals inhabiting western part of Mizoram brought to light a number of wild plant species used as edibles and as herbal medicine. There are 23 plants species, which were common throughout the study area. The tribals utilized 89 plant species for herbal medicine, 44 plant species consumed as wild edible fruits, 33 plant species as wild edible plants, 8 plant species for pig food, 11 plant species for fire wood & for charcoal making and 23 plant species for timber. The paper enumerates and discusses various ethnobotanical aspects of the plants used by the tribals of Mizoram.
Keywords: Ethnobotany, Endangered plants, Rare plants, Mizoram
Indian Journal of Traditional
Knowledge
Vol. 6(3), July 2007,
pp. 494-497
Indigenous
medicinal plants knowledge of Kunihar forest division,
district Solan
Saroj Verma* &
NS Chauhan
Department of Forest Products, Dr Y S Parmar University of Horticulture and Forestry, Nauni-Solan 173 230, Himachal Pradesh
Received 25
August 2005; revised 18 December
Kunihar forest division falling under district Solan boasts of rich plant diversity. The study was undertaken for making preliminary survey of the indigenous technological knowledge on the uses of medicinal plants of Kunihar forest division, district Solan, Himachal Pradesh. Important medicinal and aromatic plants with their vernacular names, family and indigenous uses have been presented.
Keywords: Kunihar
forest, Ethnomedicine, Indigenous Technical Knowledge, Medicinal plants,
Himachal Pradesh
Indian
Journal of Traditional Knowledge
Vol.
6(3), July 2007, pp. 498-501
Traditional treatment of skin diseases in South Travancore,
southern peninsular India
GM Jeeva1, S Jeeva2 & C Kingston1*
1PG and Research Centre in Botany, Scott Christian College, Nagercoil 629 003, Tamil Nadu; 2Forest Ecology Research Laboratory, Department of Botany, School of Life Sciences, North Eastern Hill University, Shillong 793 022, Meghalaya
E-mail: solomon_jeeva@yahoo.com; solomon_jeeva@rediffmail.com
Received 18 May 2005; revised 23 February 2007
The paper deals with some medicinal
plants used in the treatment of skin diseases in South Travancore, southern
peninsular India. Thirty plant species belonging to 29 genera and 22 families
of angiosperms reported along with dosage rate and mode of administration have
been enumerated.
Keywords: Medicinal plants, Skin disease, South Travancore, Peninsular India, Ethnomedicine
Indian Journal of Traditional Knowledge
Vol. 6(3), July 2007, pp.
502-507
Abortifacient plants of the Buea region,
their participation in the
sexuality of adolescent girls
Emmanuel Noumi* & Claudette Djeumen
Laboratory of Plant Biology Vegetal, Higher Teachers’ Training,
College, University of Yaounde I
PO Box 47, Yaounde, Cameroon
E-mail:
noumikap@yahoo.fr
Received 10 May 2005; revised 23 June 2006
A survey carried out on 297 teenage girls from four different high schools show that 43.7% cases of abortion were done using some of 24 plant species belongings to 16 families. Within 1996 and 1998, 85 cases of provoked abortion were registered in the surgical service of the district hospital in Buea. With 63.2% cases of plant elements diversified side effects resulting from these abortion were equally registered.
Key words: Abortifacient activity, Medicinal plants, Buea region, Cameroon
Indian Journal of Traditional
Knowledge
Vol. 6(3), July 2007, pp.
508-517
Medicinal plants used by Chakma tribe in Hill Tracts districts of Bangladesh
M Atiqur Rahman1*, SB Uddin & CC Wilcock2
1Department of Botany, University of Chittagong,
Chittagong 4331, Bangladesh; Department of Plant and Soil Science,
University of Aberdeen, Cruickshank Building, St. Machar Drive, Aberdeen AB24 23UU,
UK
E-mail: TTTTatiquerahman125@hotmail.com
Received 11 July 2005; revised 21 December 2006
An ethnobotanical survey was carried out on the utilization of medicinal plants by Chakma tribe living in the remote hilly forest areas of Hill Tracts districts of Bangladesh by interviewing traditional herbalists, called Baiddaya, and various elderly men and women. Indigenous knowledge of herbal medicine remains an integral part of the healthy system among chakmas in the Hill Tracts area. 198 plant species with their local (Chakma) names were recorded for their uses for curing at least 78 ailments. These species, belonging to 74 families, are listed in alphabetical order, each with local names, methods of preparation, route of administration and uses.
Keywords: Medicinal plants, Ethnobotany, Indigenous knowledge, Chakma tribe, Hill Tracts, Bangladesh
Indian Journal of Traditional Knowledge
Vol. 6(3), July 2007, pp.
518-520
Traditional knowledge on utility of Cedrus deodara (Roxb.)
Loud. in Doda district of Jammu province
PS Slathia*, GR Bhagat, Swaranjeet Singh, SK Kher & Narinder Paul
Division of Agricultural Extension Education,
FOA Chatha, Sher-e-Kashmir University of Agricultural Sciences and Technology,
Jammu (J&K)
Received 16 December 2005; revised 12 February 2007
The communication deals with the traditional uses of deodar (Cedrus deodara) (Roxb.) Loud. tree used by local inhabitants of mythic hilly areas of tehsil Bhaderwah, district Doda of Jammu & Kashmir. Bhaderwah is very rich in ethnic as well as floristic diversity. The inhabitants of the area have inherited a rich traditional knowledge on the use of deodar tree. The traditional knowledge of local people on various uses of Deodar tree in their social, cultural and economic milieu has been enumerated.
Keywords: Traditional knowledge, Deodar oil, Insecticidal properties,
Traditional grain storage, Weedicide
Indian
Journal of Traditional Knowledge
Vol.
6(3), July 2007, pp. 521-530
Sustainable use of ethnobotanical resources
Ranjay K Singh*, Anamika Singh & Amish K Sureja
College of Horticulture and Forestry, Central Agricultural University, Pasighat 791 102, Arunachal Pradesh
E-mail:
ranjay_jbp@rediffmail.com
Received 6 July 2006; revised 12 February 2007
The study demonstrates the significance of ethnobotanical resources used for ensuring the food and nutritional security conserved by the tribal women of Chattisgarh state. The study was conducted among the tribal women of Halba, Mandiya, Bhatra and Muriya communities of Jagdalpur-Bastar district, Chhatisgarh. Data pertaining to study were recorded by using the participatory approach. Study revealed that there are more than 20 major ethnobotanical resources prevalent in the tribal community, which is being consumed in the forms of leaves, bulbs, plants and fruits. Few of the ethnic vegetables, like charoti, koliari, siliari, chench, bodi and jheera are mostly available in the rainy season and vary in its consumption percentage on account of extent of availability. Few of these ethnic plants are wild and few are domesticated in the kitchen garden for its conservation and sustainable use. Wild indigenous mushroom species namely, banse, jam and mane chhati are the nutritious source of foods and are available in the month of July-August. These ethnobotanical resources provide nutritional security as well as play a multifunctional role in curing several diseases. These varieties are economically sustainable on account of stable marketing. However, there was variation (15-90%) in the consumption of these ethnic plants depending upon availability and duration. No cost nature, stable source of income, compatibility to culture and local availability are the factors responsible for continuous consumption of the identified ethnic vegetables. Different socio-cultural, spiritual and high ethical values attached with these ethnobotanical resources play a pivotal role in its sustainable use and conservation.
Key words: Tribal women, Ethnobotanical resources, Ethnic vegetables, Forest resources, Conservation, Sustainability, Chattisgarh, Halba tribe, Mandiya tribe, Bhatra tribe, Muriya tribe
Indian Journal of
Traditional Knowledge
Vol. 6(3), July
2007, pp. 531-533
Traditional medicinal practices of Rajasthan
Laxmi Kant Sharma* & Ashwini Kumar
*46, Soni Colony, Bhomia Nagar, Kalwar Road, Jhotwara, Jaipur 302 012, Rajasthan; Biotechnology Laboratory, Department of Botany, University of Rajasthan, Jaipur 302004, Rajasthan
Email: laxmikant1000@yahoo.com
Received 17 August 2006; revised 21 February 2007
During the
course of investigation it has been observed that a particular plant is
sometimes prescribed for different ailments in different localities and some Vaidyas (Ayurvedic physicians) apply a
mixture of plants for remedy of diseases. The data collected from Vaidyas have been presented. However, a
systematical and methodical approach is needed to collect such information.
Keywords: Ayurveda, Traditional medicine, Vaidyas, Rajasthan
Indian
Journal of Traditional Knowledge
Vol.
6(3), July 2007, pp. 534-539
Divine botany-universal and useful but under explored traditions
SK Jain1* & SL Kapoor
1A-26, Mall Avenue Colony, Lucknow 226 001,
Uttar Pradesh; C-166, Nirala Nagar, Lucknow 226 020, Uttar Pradesh
Received 17 August 2006; revised 21 February 2007
The study of all relationships between
man and plant based on faith, belief and tradition concerning gods, goddesses,
saints & other such powers can be called Divine botany. There are three
aspects; the knowledge and information contained in the ancient religious books
and epics of various faiths; the beliefs and practices as presently observed or
performed among various ethnic group, and the future prospects and possibility
in this area of botany. The paper has a brief account of faith related to plant
in epics like Ramayan and Mahabharat, in religious scriptures like
Bible and Quran & plants associated with planets, stars, Vastu-shastra, practices relating to
plants in worship and decoration of deities, taboos and plants in various
ceremonies, festivals and rites from birth to death. It is discussed that such
a faith belief and practice have scientific basis and is helpful for good
health and preservation of biodiversity. It is also suggested that the subject
is not static but due to changes in biodiversity, human attitude to tradition
and introduction of many exotics in various parts of the world, there is
dynamism in this relationship. The future prospects and immense possibilities
of the subject are indicated.
Keywords: Divine botany, Sacred plants,
Scriptures, Constellations, Nakshatras