Ethnobotany of plants used against the skin diseases with special reference to Cassia fistula L. among the king (Dongaria Kandha) of Niyamgiri: A primitive tribe of Odisha, India.

Sanjeet Kumar  
^{sanjeet.biotech@gmail.com}

Department of Botany, Ravenshaw University, Cuttack

Abstract

Fungi causing skin infections are treated by the Dongaria Kandha Niyamgiri hills, Odisha, India since thousand years back using plant parts of local flora of Niyamgiri as traditional medicine. Keeping this in view it was conceptualized to study the ethnobotany of species used as traditional medicines among them in order to validate their therapeutic claims against eczema and other skin diseases. Through questionnaire it was ascertained that 19 plant species are being used   in the treatment of skin diseases; particularly eczema. Among 19 plant species, Cassia fistula L. which tops in the priority list was tested against Aspergillus niger using disc diffusion method. Antimicrobial and qualitative analysis of bioactive compounds from the leaf of Cassia fistula L. showed that the antifungal activity of leaf of Cassia fistula L. was excellent against the test fungus as reflected through fungal inhibition zone which were 10.5 mm in hexane and 16.2 mm in methanol extracts. Bioactive compounds present in plant extracts showed the potent medicinal value of Cassia fistula L. against skin diseases. The study recommends for using these plants, particularly Cassia fistula L. against skin diseases such as eczema.

Introduction

World health Organization reported that the traditional medical practitioners treat about 85 %of patients in India¹, which shows the significant valuable relation between local tribal people with medicinal plants. The medicinal uses of plants are very old. The writings indicate that therapeutic use of plant is being practiced since as old as 5000-4000 B.C. and Chinese used first the natural herbal preparations as medicines. In India, however, earliest references of use of plants as medicine appear in Rig-Veda which is said to be written between 3500-1600 B.C., Later the properties and therapeutic uses of medicinal plants were studied in detail and recorded empirically by the ancient physician in Ayurveda which is a basic foundation of ancient medical science in India².Odisha claims a prominent position among the states and Union Territories of India for having the largest varieties of tribes that is 62 in number including 13 vulnerable tribal groups as well as the third highest tribal populations numbering over 8 millions, about 9.7 % of the country’s total population and constituting 22.13 % of the state’s total population as per 2001 census. It means among every five persons one belongs to a scheduled tribe community in the state. Every tribal group represents unique indigenous ethnobotanical systems that include the mode of taking or applying externally or internally plant parts as a cure. Without proper documentation of such knowledge, the cultural and traditional heritage of Odisha is loosing its importance and traditional indigenous knowledge is being lost. Tribal communities are forced to change their livelihood which leads to ethoncultural degradation. Therefore an attempt has been made to explore the traditional healthcare system of the Dongaria Kandha of Niyamgiri Hills, Odisha for the treatment of various types of skin diseases using local medicinal flora. Dongaria Kondha is one of the primitive tribes of the state and enjoys a critical and symbiotic relation with the Niyamgiri forests. Various types of medicinal plants are widely used by the traditional medical practitioners of Dongaria kandha for curing various diseases in their daily life. They are a significant tribal group which constitutes a primitive section of the Kandha, numerically the largest among the 62 tribes of Odisha. For being the denizens of hills, forests and highlands (Dongar), their neighbors name them Dongria but, they call themselves “Dongran Kuan” or Drili Kuan. The Dongaria kandha inhabit the lofty Niyamgiri Hill ranges spread across Bissamcuttack, Kalyansinghpur, Muniguda blocks in Rayagada district. As son of Nature the Dongrias love to live in their natural abode, far away from the madding crowds of civilization. The high altitude of the Dongaria Kandho habitat has made the climate cool and pleasant³.The soil and climate are favorable for raising horticultural and ethnobotanical plantations like Pine apple (Ananas comosus (L.) Merr.) and Patal Garuda or  Sarpagandha (Rauwolfia serpentin (L.) Benth ex Kurz.). Dongaria continue their age old subsistence activity of food gathering and collected medicinal plants from the forest to cure different type of diseases. In this paper authors presented the plants used by Dongaria kandho for skin diseases. There are 19 plants which are used for skin diseases by this community. Authors validate their claims by studying in detail the leaves of Cassia fistula L. against fungal infections. Cassia fistula L. Belong to family Caeasalpiniaceae is a very common usable plant among Dongaria kandha for cure of skin diseases. In the Indian literature, this plant has also been described to be useful against skin diseases^{4, 5}.

Conclusions

The findings of the survey emphasized that herbal medicines have great potentiality to cure different types of skin diseases including eczema among tribal community. The indigenous rural community depends on traditional healthcare system as traditional formulations. The findings of the study of antifungal activity as well as the literature survey confirmed the traditional therapeutic claims of Cassia fistula L. among Dongaria kandha to treat eczema and other skin diseases. The MIC test showed good zone of inhibition against the organisms in methanol and hexane extract compared to standard which proved the threauptic claims of Dongaria Kandha against skin disease. There is an ample scope of such kind of studies to gather the information on medicinal plants of Niyamgiri Hills. Anthropogenic disturbances such as unsustainable harvesting, cultivation practices and over exploration lead to threat to such potential genetic resources. Such Anthropogenic pressures lead medicinal plants to decline drastically in its natural condition¹²therefore in addition to this, the Ecologist, Ethnobotanist, Pharmacologist, Anthropologist and Plant Taxonomist should pay attention towards the conservation status and relationship with tribal community of these plants species. Sure, these types of studies will help in developing the strategy for conservation of biodiversity.

FLORISTIC STUDY OF THE NANDANKANAN SANCTUARY, ORISSA, INDIA.

 Sanjeet Kumar

Regional Institute of Education, Bhubaneswar

Abstract

The present paper deals with the Floristic enumerations of Nandankanan sanctuary, is a small protected area of Orissa, India.The survey reveals that are about 230 genera, which indicates the diversity and richness of plants having great medicinal value.

Introduction

The protected areas have vital role to play in the conservation and sustainable use of biodiversity. It has been now realized that an inventory of plants occurring in any given area is absolutely necessary. The importance of Nandankanan sanctuary is due to the unique moist deciduous forests. Situated in Cuttack district of Orissa, covers 437 ha. Nandankanan sanctuary was established in August 1979 for the conservation and breeding of Gharial and white tiger associated floral and faunal diversity at Latitude of 20 24 15 N and Longitude of 85 49 30 E, 40 meters above MSL. Amidst the lush green chandka forests and along the banks of the Kanjia Lake lies Nandankanan, a beautiful park that got its name from “Nandan Van” meaning the “Garden of the gods”. This park established on 29 December 1960.is set in beautiful natural setting, and is one of the finest parks in Orissa. In august 1979, the park, together with the lake and botanical garden covering an area of 437 ha has declared as a sanctuary. Nandankanan is the first zoo in the country to get a tax exemption under section 80G of Income Tax Act. Though the adoption scheme has earlier been launched in different zoos across the country but the response was poor due to lack of such incentives .The State Botanical Garden spread over 173 acres, is situated in the sylvan settings of the moist deciduous forest of the sprawling green Nandankanan Sanctuary hemmed between two wetlands. It was established in the year 1963, on the edge of bustling capital city of Bhubaneswar at a distance of 18 kilometers, this is one of the pioneering conservation and nature education center of the state. The botanical garden is sure to provide green enthusiasts with memorable experiences.

Vegetation

The sanctuary belongs to Moist deciduous forest which is rich of ground vegetation and climbers along with tree and aquatic plants.polygonum species and christella dentate are the the predominant element of the aquatic vegetation.

Table 1.: - Dominant genera of flowering plants.

Name of Genera	Number of Species
Ipomia	6
Sida	5
Barleria	3
Lagerstromia	3
commelina	4
Bauhinia	2
Ficus	6
Acacia	4
Terminalia	4

Table 1. Seven  most dominant families of flowering plants.

Name of family	Number of species
Asteraceae	10
Fabaceae	13
Convulvulaceae	10
Malvaceae	11
Apocynaceae	12
Acanthaceae	7

Discussion

Floral wealth is eroding at a rapidly due to climate change, habitat loss, invasion of exotic and other factors. Singh & Khurana(2002) reported that about 25 % of the higher plant species are decades and another 25 % may be lost by the end of 21^st century .The present paper communicates the species of Flora of Nandan Kanan sanctuary. The field survey of sanctuary reveals the rich floral diversity.

Qualitative Studies of Bioactive Compounds in Leaf of Tylophora indica

International Journal of Research in Pharmaceutical and Biomedical Sciences ISSN: 2229-3701

Qualitative Studies of Bioactive Compounds in Leaf of Tylophora(Burm. F.) Merr.

                                                                 Sanjeet Kumar

Department of Life Science, Regional Institute of Education (NCERT), Bhubaneswar, Orissa, India

 

ABSTRACT

 

Tylophora indica (Burm. F.) Merr. is a common wild climber of Odisha, known as “Sawasmari”, belongs to family Asclepidaceae.The leaves are used as traditional medicine in asthma or other respiratory problems among ruraland tribal community of Odisha.The qualitative phytochemical screening and Thin Layer Chromatography(TLC)were used to investigate the bioactive compounds. Presence of alkaloids in different solvents revealed the potent medicinal properties of Swasmari. Presence of tannin, saponin and terpenoid in aqueous extract revealed more pharmacological activity.KeyWords: Tylophora indica, Medicinal value, TLC, Phytochemical screening. 

_____________________________________________________________________________________________

Major Cucurbits of Orissa

sanjeet.biotech@gmail.com

Odisha forest blocks are rich in wild cucurbits which have potent medicinal and nutarational value.

Botany of Cucurbits

Herbaceous, more rarely shrubby , prostrate or climbing by means of tendrils. Leaves alternate exstipulate , simple palmately lobed or pedately divided. Tendrils mostly present , solitary , lateral , simple or divided. Inflorescence axillary , racemose, umbellate or solitary, clustered or paniculate. Flowers small or large, 5-merous , regular , monoecious or dioecious, yellow or  white.fruits usually a fleshy berry, indehiscent or dehiscing by valves or by a circumscissile lid.seeds usually many, in pulp or fibre ,often compressed; outer testa often corrugated and margined, inner membranous;albumen 0;cotyledons fleshy or foliaceous.

Some Wild cucurbits

·        Coccinia grandis L.

·        Cucumis melo L.

·        Cucumis hardwickii Royle.

·        Diplocyclos palmatus L.

·        Luffa acutangula L.

·        Luffa aegyptiaca Mill.

·        Solina amplexicaulis Lam.

·        Mukia maderaspatana L.

·        Trichosanthes cucumerina L.

·        Trichosanthes tricuspidata Lour.

Trichosanthes tricuspidata Lour.

Mahakal – oriya, lal indrayan – bengoli

Large climbers;stem suffruticose, branches long pendent. Leaves broadly ovate,simple or deeply palmatyely 3-5 lobed, cordate,denticulate,sometimes with large green glands near base,upper surface smooth and bright green when fresh but very scabrous when old, lower surface paler with cystoliths on the nerve when dry,. Flowers white, dioecious. Fruits bright scarlet, globose. Seeds embedded in dark green pulp, oblong, flattened, slightly narrowed at base.

Trichosanthes cucumerina L.

Ban potol –oriya , chachindra- hindi.

Climber. Stem often angled. Leaves long-petioled, orbicular-reniform or broadly ovate.deeply cordate,denticulate from the mucronate nerve endings,smooth, primary nerves pubscent or somewhat scabrous beneath,. Flowers white, monoecious, fruits spindle-shaped rostate.at first green with white stripes, ultimately red.

Solina amplexicaulis Lam.

Ban kundri – oriya ,

Prostrate or climbing herb;stem angled,smooth;root tuberous. Leaves polymorphic , ovate or lobed.fruits ellipsoid, scarlet with red pulp,apically beaked , smooth;. Seeds ellipsois,slightly compressed,white,smooth,sometimes with a corrugated margin.

Mukia maderaspatana L.

Bilari –hindi.

Scarbrous climbing herb.leaves ovate or deltoid, angular or lobed.flowers yellow. Fruits scarlet,globose. Seeds grey,ovoid-oblong.

Diplocyclos palmatus L.

Shivalingi – oriya, mala-bengoli.

Climbing herb;stem nearly smooth. Leaves orbicular ovate,deeply lobed or partite.flowers small, yellowish.fruit globose,smooth,green or when quite ripe red, with white stripes. Seeds few, embedded in blue green pulp,grey,pyriform,surrounded by a thick ring on either side of which project the swollen, corrugated faces of the seed.

Cucumis melo L.

Bing dimbo – oriya.

Procumbent annual;stem sometimes rather thickened towards the base;whole plant scarbid and hispid.leaves orbicular or ovate with shallow rounded or sub-angular lobes or subentire,denticulate with mucronate nerveendings.flowers yellow. Fruits spherical or ovoid obtuse at both ends.usually striped green or white green or pale green, ultimately turning yellow.

Wild form is referable to var agretis

Cucumis sativus L.

Khira – hindi.

Hispidly hair climbers. Leaves angled or lobed.flowers yellow.fruits oblong, yellowish-green, glabrous.

The bitter fruit is referable to var.harwickii (Royle).

Coccinia grandis L.

Bano kundri- oriya, kundru- hindi.

Climbing herb;stem angular,glabrous or scabrous. Leaves ovate or orbicular, glabrous,delicately venose beneath,punctuate above.flowers white.fruits oblong, narrowed apically or at both ends,red when ripe. Seeds oblong,compressed.

Sanjeet Kumar
RIE(NCERT), Bhubaneswar.

TUBERS AND TRIBAL PEOPLE OF ORISSA

                              
          

                   SANJEET KUMAR AND M.K.SATAPATHY
           REGIONAL IINSTITUTE OF EDUCATION (NCERT),
                                        BHUBANESWAR

Many infectious diseases are known to be treated with herbal remedies throughout the history of mankind. Plants still continue to be almost the exclusive source of antimicrobial compounds for the majority of the world’s population. The WHO reported that 80 % of the worlds populations rely chiefly on traditional medicine and a major part of the traditional therapies involve the use of plant as a anti microbial agents against various types of infections caused by microbes.

                Discovery of antimicrobial compounds were one of the most important findings of the 20th century. These natural compounds found in many plants have been used to treat human diseases caused by various microbes. Therefore now pick up another thread through the web of Paul Ehrlich, that some natural compounds inhibit the microbes, but not the patients, thus curing the illness. Hence over the last decade, there has been rapid growth in the use of alternative medicines. Natural products, including many plants traditionally used as medicinal herbs against microbial infections are being reevaluated as key components in future microbiological science.

                Orissa, the most picturesque state in eastern India, occupies a unique place in the tribal map of the country having largest number of tribal communities (62) including 13 primitive tribes, with a population of 8.15 million constituting 22.3 % of state’s population. Almost all tribal groups have been using Dioscorea species as popular traditional medicinal tubers that are generally taken alone or in multiple herb formulation. Some biological effect of Dioscorea species, including the ant-oxidative and anti-microbial activities has been reported (Kaladhar, 2002).  Literature survey revealed that the powdered tubers as an ingredient of medicines for cholera and constipation and plant juice in sores, in treatment of piles, skin diseases, intestinal worms and obesity (Nataraj et al, 2009). Uadia (2203) reported some Dioscorea species are used to treat diabetes. Dioscorea species are sometimes used as an herbal tonic, therefore eaten as the treatment for poor appetite   (Rani et al., 2010). Wild tubers are highly acrid and cause irritation in throat and mouth due to excessive amount of calcium oxalate present in tubers still than tribal peoples using more and more wild tubers as a food and traditional medicine with traditional method of processing, therefore systematic rigorous scientific studies of frequently used tubers are needed.Dioscorea species (Sautor et al., 2005) attributing antimicrobial activities due to the presence of secondary metabolites like steroid saponins are exert a large variety of biological functions, such as anti-fungal, anti-bacterial and anticancer (Li et al., 2001).Quan et al.(2006) reported efficient antibacterial activity against Bacillus subtilis and Staphylococcus aureus. Dioscorea species are used in Bangladesh for the treatment of Leprosy and tumors (Mbiantcha et al., 2011). In Zimbabwe, Dioscorea species are used as an infusion to apply on cuts and sores, both for humans and animals while in Cameroon and Madagascar, the pounded bulbs are applied to abscesses, boil and wound infections (Mbiantcha et al., 2011). Many phytochemicals studies revealed that purine derivatives, saponins, starches, mucilage are present as main constituents in Dioscorea species, and allantoin, one of purine derivatives, is well-known biologically active compounds, which play an important role in nitrogen storage (Yoon et al., 2008). Zhang et al. (2007) reported many water soluble compounds which are not saponins, such as cyclo – (Leu-Tyr) and adenosine. The bulbils of Discorea species are used to treat piles, syphilis and are applied to ulcers and inflammation (Mbiantcha et al., 2011). Uadia( 2003) reported, Dioscorea species are used to make arrow poison. Dioscorea species contain small quantities of diosgenin, is used as a precursor in the commercial synthesis of sex hormones and birth control (Crabbe, 1979).

CONCLUSION

Dioscorea species are one of the medicinally important wild tubers plant, extensively consumed by rural and tribal people as a food. However there are apparently lack of scientific reports on the antimicrobial properties of this tuber plant. The lack of scientific knowledge has often exerted a major constraint on the use of traditional herbal remedies as an affordable alternative to orthodox medical treatment. Subsequent research work may be extended in this line to other tubers commonly used as food by the tribal’s of Orissa.

SANJEET KUMAR AND M.K.SATAPATHY
     RIE(NCERT), BHGUBANESWAR

                                                 

Biodiversity of Microbes

Biodiversity of Microbes

Bacteria are small and simple in structure when compared with eukaryotes, yet they often have characteristic shapes and sizes. Although they have a plasma membrane, which is required by all living cells, bacteria generally lack extensive, complex, internal membrane system. The prokaryotic cell wall almost always has peptidoglycon and is chemically and morphologically complex. Most bacteria can be divided into gram-negative groups based on their cell wall structure and response to the Gram stain. Components like capsules and fimbriae are located outside the cell wall. One of these is the flagellum, which many bacteria use like a propeller to swim toward attractants and away from repellents. Some bacteria from resistant endospores to survive harsh environmental conditions in a dormant state. Bacteria very in size as much as in shape. The smallest are about 0.3 µm in diameter, approximately the size of the largest viruses. Prokaryotic cells almost are bounded by a chemically complex cell wall. Inside this wall, and separated from it by a periplasmic space, lies the plasma membrane. This membrane can be invaginated to form simple internal membranous structure. Since the prokaryotic cell does not contain internal membrane-bound organelles, its interior appears morphologically simple. The genetic material is localized in a discrete region, the nucleoid, and is not separated from the surrounding cytoplasm by membranes.

Passiflora foetida L.

Sanjeet Kumar
sanjeet.biotech@gmail.com

Department of Life Science.

Regional Institute of Education, Bhubneshwar

Odisha is rich in medicinal plants, among them Passiflora foetida is a medicinal plant has great medicinal value. It belongs to family Passifloraceae.

Origin: South America, natural population has been observed in the costal, mountain ranges in the state of Parana, Brazil (G.P.Markin pers.comm. 1993).

Distribution: Tropic in Southeast Asia, Pacific region, Central America and Africa.

Botany:  A perennial vine, hispid stem with tendril and covered with hairs, 3-lobed cordate leaves, flowers solitary in axis up to 3-5 cm wide, fruits yellow to orange, seeds many.

Habitat: It found on disturbed sites, usually grow on wet areas.

Propagation:  It is propagated by cuttings and from seed.

·       Seed sown in early spring will germinate in 12-20 days.

Phytochemicals: The major phytoconstituents of this plant contain alkaloids, phenols, glycoside, flavonoids and cyanogenic compounds and passifloricins, polyketides and alpha-pyrones(Mohanasundari et al. 2007).




      

Fig: Passiflora foetida.

 

  

      fig : Flower of Passiflora foetida.

Special features:

1.  It is able to trap insect on its bracts, which exude a sticky substance that also contain digestive enzymes.

2.  Heliconii butterflies of the family Nymphalidae, their larvae develop only on plants of family passifloraceae.

Traditional uses:

1.  Young leaves are used in tea in Vietnamese folk medicine to relieve sleeping problems.

2.  In Suriname’s traditional medicine, a tea of leaves is used as expectorant and for nervous disorders.

3.  In Brazil, the herb is used in the form of lotions or poultices for erysipelas and skin diseases with inflammation.

4.  Traditionally, the fresh or dried whole plants as well as their preparation are accepted for medicinal use in America, France and other European countries for the treatment of nervous anxiety.

Sanjeet Kumar
RIE, Bhubaneshwar.

CENTELLA ASIATICA: A BRAIN TONIC AT OUR FEET

SANJEET KUMAR
sanjeet.biotech@gmail.com

INTRODUCATION

Centella asiatica, locally known as “Thalkudi” is a mild  aromatic smelling herb growing in wet and marshy places throughout the country.It has been used widely in folk medicines for thousands of years to treat a wide range of illness. In Orissa, it is described under the name of “Thalkudi” and used in traditional medicine. It has been used as a support for faster healing of small wounds; the treatment of burns, iteching and insects bites In contrast with other medicinal plants, this plant has been subjected to quite extensive experimental clinical investigations due to its ability to heal relieve and recover human being from various pain and sickness. In many parts of the country including among tribes if  Orissa , it is used as a brain tonic for promoting brain growth and improving memory and also used in mentally retarded children to improve general mental ability In India, it is described under the name of available along with insulin for the treatment of diabetes Mandukaparni and used in Ayurveda medicine. It has mellitus, there is increasing demand by patients to use the been used as a support for faster healing of small wounds. Herbal preparations with anti-diabetic activity. Current The plant extract has been incorporated into the Indian therapies seem to be insufficient to prevent diabetic pharmacopoeia and recommended not only for wound complications, with a two-to four-fold likelihood for healing but especially for the treatment of skin diseases developing cardiovascular events.

BOTANY

A variable herb with long creeping stems rooting at the nodes. Young leaves and petioles villous, below, simple L orbicular-reniform never lobed but often with large rounded crenatures or sometimes coarsely dentate or sub-entire. Umbels usually several at a node, perhaps representing a sessile compound umbel, each with a pair of ovate sub –amplexicaul bracts, Flowers, sub-sessile, petals reddish white ovate acute or obtuse imbricate. Stamens red. Fruit with very narrow commissure, didymous, cocci, seed laterally compressed.


Classification:                        Botanical synonyms:

 Kingdom:         Plantae                          Centella coriacea (Linn.)Urban

Division:           Angiosperm                   Hydrocotyle asiatica Linn.

Class:               Dicotyledonous             Hydrocotyle lunata

Order:              Umbelliferae

Family:             Apiaceae

Genus:             Centella

Species:           asiatica Linn                                                      

Vernacular names:           Different vernacular names in Orissa

English: Gotukola

French: Bevilaequa                   Common name: -  Thalkudi and Brahmi

German: Wassernabel               Dongaria: -           Banda kucha.

Burmese: Myien-hkwa-             Dk :-                    Mandukagandi , Dhuna.

Persian: Sardeturkastan             Oriya :-                Bhuinpataki, Duasag, chake dopa

                                                                           (Kolho of Simlipal)

Sanskrit: Mandukaparni

Hindi: Brahma-manduki

Kannada: Brahmisoppu

Marathi: Karinga

Tamil: Vallarei

Bongoli :- Thal-khuri

Telgu :- Brahmi , Saraswathi aaku.

CHEMISTRY

Centella contains several active constituents, of which the most important are the following:-

·   Triterpene acids, Thankunie acid , brahmiz and isobrative.

·   Alkaloids: - hydrocotylin.

It has many therapeutic use such as depression, impotence, leueorrhoea, dropsy, headache,vertigo, filcociasis,leprosy,syphilis,psuriasis,eczema,urticoria,weakness of memory.It has physic-chemical nature viz;diuretic,aparient and tonic.

·   Glycosides: - Asiaticoside A and B, Centelloside, Brahmoside, thankuniside      etc.triterpeneglycoside.

·   Flavonoids: - gulucosylkaemferol etc.

·   Ester : Methyl ester.

In addition, Centella contains other components, including volatile oils, , tannins, phytosterols, amino acids, and sugars.Asiaticoside show efficacy against Mycobacterium tuberculosis, Bacillus leprae and Entamoeba histolytica.Asiaticoside, a trisaccharide triterpene, has been identified as the most active compound in the plant associated with the healing of wounds and duodenal ulcers, whilst the triterpene saponins are also reported to possess immunomodulatory properties (Plohmann et al., 1994).

ETHNOBOTANY

The Ethnobotany of Centella asiatica among Dongaria kandho of niyamgiri hills in Orissa are:-

·    It is taken and applied two times for instant treatment of headache on one side ( Ardhkapari)

·    Juice is used for clear vision of eyes in children.

·   Intake of juice in empty stomach in morning for 2-3 weeks is gives as growth tonic and to enhance the power of memory.

·    The whole plant crushed with turmeric (Curcuma longa) and black pepper (Piper nigrum) and the extract gargled for month ulcers by Khonds , Savaras , Nukaderas- twice a day.

·    Leaves grind mix jiggery eaten as an appetizer.

Other Ethnobotany sources:-

·   Leaf 1. Blood disorders. 1/8 kg of leaves is boiled with water. 1 cup of the decoction is taken with 5/32 kg honey every morning and evening..Fever. 1/32 kg of leaf juice of Centella asiatica is mixed with 1/32 kg leaf juice of Nyctanthes arbor-tristis and taken every morning on an empty stomach till cure. . (A.H. at al, 2009).

·    Juice of plant, about 6 teaspoon 3 times a day, is suggested in case of fever. (N.P.manadhar, 1992).

·   Whole plant parts are crushed and are used to cure leprosy, tuberculosis and asthma.(Albert et al,2010.).

·    Whole plant paste is taken with a glass of milk. Leaf paste is used to treat diabetic ulcers (G.jaykumar et al 2010).

PHARMACOLOGICAL USES

In classical Indian Ayurveda literature, it is considered to be one of the ‘Rasayana’ (rejuvenator) drugs. (Jayashree et al, 2003) In common with most traditional phytotherapeutic agents, C. asiatica is claimed to possess a wide range of pharmacological effects, being used for human wounds healing, mental disorders, atherosclerosis, fungicidal, antibacterial, antioxidant and anticancer purposes. C. asiatica has also been reported to be useful in the treatment of inflammations, diarrhea, asthma, tuberculosis and various skin lesions and ailments like leprosy, lupus, psoriasis and keloid. In addition, numerous clinical reports verify the ulcer-preventive and antidepressive sedative effects of C. asiatica preparations, as well as their ability to improve venous insufficiency and microangiopathy (Zheng and Qin, 2007). Previously triterpenoid acids, volatile and fatty oils, alkaloids, glycosides, flavonoids, and steroids have been isolated from the different parts of the plant. (Jayashree et al, 2003). We herein, report the preliminary antioxidant, cytotoxic and antimicrobial activities of the extractives of C. asiatica.

REFRENCES

·     Sharma PV. Dravyaguna vignana. 13th Ed., Chaukhamba Vishwa Bharati Academy. 1992; p: 3–5.

·    Dash PK, Mistry IU, Rao AR, Patel KS. Role of Medhya Rasayana in school children. Ayu. 1996; 12:15.

·    Anbuganapathi GA. Synergetic effect of Vallarai and Brahmi on learning ability of albino mice and school children. Paper presented in International seminar on Recent Trends in Pharmaceutical Sciences,Ootacamund, 18-20 February 1995.

·    Rajagopalan V. Effect of Ayushman 8 in manasa mandata (mental retardation). Paper presented in seminar on Research in Ayurveda and Siddha, CCRAS New Delhi, 20-22 March 1995.

·    A.H. Md. Mahabub Nawaz, Maruf Hossain, Masud Karim, Mujib Khan, Rownak Jahan, Mohammed Ra hmatullah.; An ethnobotanical survey of Rajshahi dis trict in Rajshahi divis ion, Bangladesh, Am.-Eurasian J. Sustain. Agric., 3(2): 143-150, 2009.

·    N.P.Manandhar, “Ethnobotanical note on folk-lore remedies of Baglung district, Nepal”,research note, 1992.

·    Jayashree, G., M. Kurup, S. Sudarslal and V. B. Jacob, 2003. Anti-oxidant activity of Centella asiatica on lymphoma-bearing mice.Fitoterapia. 74, 431-434.

·    Zheng, C.J. and L.P. Qin, 2007. Chemical components of Centella asiatica and their bioactivities. Chin Integr Med / Zhong Xi Yi Jie He Xue Bao. 5(3), 348-351.

·    Plohmann, B., Bader, G., Streich, S., Hilter, K. and Franz, G. (1994). Immunomodulatory effects of triterpenoid saponins.Eur. J. Pharm. Sci. 2, 120.

·   Albert L.Sajem ,Kuldip gosai jan 2010,Ethnobotanical investigations among the Lushai tribes in North Cacher Hills district of Assam, Northeast India,Indian journal of Traditional knowledge, Vol. 9(1),pp108-113.

·   G jayakumar et all.2010, “Ethnobotanical survey of plants used in the treatment of Diabetic”,Indian journal of traditional knowledge,Vol 9(1) pp-100-104.

SANJEET KUMAR
Department of Life Science

REGIONAL INSTITUTE OF EDUCATION (NCERT)

BHUBANESHWAR