P a g e | 126

Asian J. Pharm. Res. Vol 4, Issue 3, 126-133, 2014.

e-ISSN 2231 – 363X

Print ISSN 2231 – 3621
Asian Journal
of
PHARMACEUTICAL RESEARCH
Journal homepage: - www.ajprjournal.com

ETHNOMEDICINAL PLANTS USED BY THE ORAON TRIBALS OF

LATEHAR DISTRICT OF JHARKHAND, INDIA
Raphael Ranjit Marandi* and S. John Britto
The Rapinat Herbarium and Centre for Molecular Systematics, St. Joseph’s College (Autonomous), Tiruchirappalli,
Tamil Nadu, India.

ABSTRACT
An Ethnobotanical study of medicinal plants of tribal areas of Latehar District, Jharkhand was carried out to document
the potentially important plant resources. The information on medicinal uses of plants is based on the extensive interviews with
tribal healers who are practicing traditional knowledge of herbal treatment. The present study highlights useful Ethnobotanical
information about the uses of plants by the Oraon tribes of the region.

Key words: Ethnomedicinal plants, Tribal medicine, Oraon tribe, Latehar.

INTRODUCTION
Medicinal plants play an important role in health
care to humans since time immemorial. It is has been
observed that the Indian tribals have great love and
knowledge of medicinal plants. They use them for wide
range of health related problems[1]. The use of herbal
treatment is increasing all over the world where the
traditional knowledge has played a vital role. The tribal
medicines are based mainly on medicinal plants found in
their own locality. Information from ethnic groups or
indigenous traditional medicine has played a vital role in
the discovery of novel products from plants as
chemotherapeutic agents [2]. The ethnic groups use the
plants for food, fodder, medicine, drugs, clothing,
agricultural implements, hunting, narcotics, poison, gums,
dyes, insecticides and food etc. Hence, the field approach
in the Ethnobotanical study of ethnobotany is a key source
of information because it involves direct contact with an
ethnic group for authentic traditional knowledge and
medicinal plants.
Ethnobotany as a multidisciplinary science aims
at investigating and inventorying traditional knowledge
and Ethnomedicinal plants[1]. The state of Jharkhand is
replete with Ethnomedicinal wisdom owing to a significant
percentage of tribal population and rich biodiversity of
medicinal plants [3, 4]. Traditional medicine men known
as vaidays or ojhas form the primary health care provider
in rural Jharkhand. How ever, not many records of
Ethnobotany of Jharkhand are found except a few
researches done –Topno and Ghosh, 1999 [5], Sinha and
Lakra, 2007 [6], Mondal and Rahaman, 2010, Laland
Singh, 2012 [6], Bishnoi et al., 2012 [7]. Documentation of
Ethnomedicinal plants have been done by Bodding, 1925,
1927, and 1928 among the Santal tribe [8-10]and by
Hembrom and Goel, 2005 among the Munda tribe [11].
Ethnomedicinal study among the Oraon tribe of Latehar
District of Jharkhand is a new venture. The present study is
the enumeration of Ethnomedicinal plants used by the
Oraon tribals for the treatment of wide range of ailments.
MATERIALS AND METHODS
Study Area
Latehar district is one of the 24th districts of
Jharkhand state created on 4th April, 2001 in Eastern part
of India and Latehar town is the district headquarters [12].
The study area lies between 84o 31’EL 23o44’ NL with an
elevation of 1,073 ft [13]. The geographical area of the
district is 3,651.59sqkms with total population of 726,978
of which male and female are 369,666 and 357,312
respectively[12, 14]. The study area is covered with dense
forests, hilly terrains and undulated fields. The forest area
covers nearly 2245 sq. kms. which consists of rich
biodiversity of flora with a tropical wet evergreen forests
in the lower area, mixed (moist & dry) deciduous forests in
the middle and temperate alpine forests in the upper

Corresponding Author :- Raphael Ranjit Marandi Email:- marandisj@gmail.com


Asian J. Pharm. Res. Vol 4, Issue 3, 126-133, 2014.
land[12, 13].The district presents diversities in climatic
conditions with biting cold and mild summer and the
rainfall of 2000 mm in the southern part and 1200 mm in
the northern part [15]. Latehar is predominantly a tribal
district with almost 40% of the population belonging to the
Scheduled tribes of which the Oraon tribe is one of them.
The study area is shown in Figure 1.
Collection of Data
The method of collecting information of the
Ethnomedicinal plants was based on personal interview
with tribal vaidhyas of various age groups residing in the
villages of rural areas. The medicinal plants were
photographed and the voucher specimens were collected
along with the interviewed tribal vaidhyas. The collected
data were compared and cross checked with the available
data of the locally published booklets on medicinal plants
to ascertain the validity. It was also observed that many
villagers were acquainted with several medicinal plants
used for common ailments like cold, cough, diarrhoea and
dysentery. Some information was also collected by
discussion with village Ojhas, teachers and village priests.
The present Ethnobotanical research was put into field and
literary research. The field trips for Ethnobotanical survey
were made at different seasons to collect the
Ethnobotanical species in flowering and fruiting stage.
RESULTS AND DISCUSSION
The wide range of Ethnomedicinal plants were
identified and documented from Latehar Districts of
Jharkhand. The data of most exploited medicinal plants
such as the botanical name, family, vernacular name and
the Ethnomedicinal usage are presented in Table 1. The
enumeration of medicinal plants are arranged alphabetical
order.
Some of the plants identified are considered to be
sacred by the Oraon tribals and use them in their rituals
done at birth, marriage and death. Shorearobusta (Sal) is
grown in their sacred groves. Sal leaves (leaf cups &
plates) are used for any ceremonial worship. Nine poles of
Sal with fresh branches are erected in the courtyard to
make marriage pandals [18]. The branches of Semecarpus
anacardium (Bhelwa), Lagerstroemia parviflora (Sidha),
Table 1. Ethnomedicinal plants used by the Oraontribals of Latehar, Jharkhand
Vernacular
S.No. Botanical Name Family
Names
Acorus calamus
1 Araceae Ghorbaj
Linn.
Alstonia scholaris
2 Apocynaceae Chatian
R. Br.
P a g e | 127
Madhucaindica (Mahua) and Bambusa bambos (Bans) are
erected at the centre of marriage pandals. The tribals
associate their festivals with the life cycle of some trees -
Sarhul festival at the full bloom of Shorea robusta to pray
for fertility of land and good harvest, Phaggu at the bloom
of Bombax malabaricum (Semal) and Ricinus communis
(Erandi). Nauclea parvifolia (Karam) is worshipped in
Karam festival in which the saplings of Zea mays or
Shorgum vulgaris are offered to Karam deity for healthy
life, and the fruits of Cucumis sativus (Kheera) are offered
to get good and healthy children from the deity [18].
The documented 67 herbal Ethnomedicinal
formulations are used for 62 different kind of human
ailments and consists of 72 plant species belonging 57
genera and 41 families. The plant parts used are mostly
root / tubers 23 species, barks 15 species, leaves 13
species, whole plant 8 species, flowers 5 species, stem,
fruits, seeds and latex/gum from 3 species each while the
oil is used only from 2 species under present study (Figure
2). The tribal vaidhyas have acquired the Ethnomedicinal
knowledge either from their ancestors or from the other
reputed vaidhyas by training. The comparative studies
show that most of the Ethnomedicinal plants used by the
Oraon tribals are also being used by other tribals of
Jharkhand for the same kind of ailments.
The Euphorbiaceae and Apocynaceae are found to
be with the highest number of species (5) under present
study followed by Combretaceae (4). Asteraceae,
Malvaceae and Moraceae consist of 3 species each while
Anacardiaceae, Asclipiadaceae, Celastraceae, Fabaceae,
Myrtaceae, Scrophulariaceae, Solanaceae and Verbenaceae
were found to have 2 species each while rest of the
families are presented with 1 species each of the total
documented medicinal plants. It was observed that the
Oraon tribals mostly use paste formulations amounting 31
species while the other formulations are as follows –
powder 17 species, decoction 12 species, chewing or
making curry 12, pellets 3 species, infusion 4 species and
oil 2 species under the present study (Figure 3).The
number of formulations include black pepper, cow ghee,
jaggery or mishri to sweeten the medicine. Triphala
churna was found to be used by most of vaidhyas for
stomach related ailments.
Ethnomedicinal Usage
Rhizome powder with jaggery or honey is given orally
for epilepsy and also used as antibiotic. Rhizome
power with water is given orally for worms in
stomach. The powder with ghee is given orally for
tuberculosis.
Bark paste is given orally for chest pain. The bark
powder is mixed with the equal amount of root powder
of Ichnocarpusfrutescens and Hemidesmus indicus to
make pellets, which are used for paralysis on treatment
for three months. The bark powder is also used as
 P a g e | 128
Asian J. Pharm. Res. Vol 4, Issue 3, 126-133, 2014.

antibiotic.
Alternanthera The root paste is applied on the forehead to treat
3 Amaranthaceae Gundru arxa
sessilisLinn. headache.
Flowers are chewed for bleeding gums. Root
Anacyclus
4 Asteraceae Akkarkara decoction is used for male vitality and also for
pyrethrumDC.
toothache.
Paste of whole plant is given orally with water for
Andrographis
5 Acanthaceae Nadnaur cobra bite. It is also applied in the body to stop
echioides Nees
spreading of venom.
Argemone mexicana Paste of whole plant is applied around scrotum to treat
6 Papaveraceae Bakula kanta
Linn. hydrocele.
Fresh or dried root paste of Aristolochia indica and
Rauvolfia serpentina is given orally for snake bite.
Aristolochia indica The paste is also applied in the body part of snake bite.
7 Aristolochiaceae Isharmul
Linn. Dried root power Rauvolfia serpentina and
Aristolochia indica is given orally for high blood
pressure.
The tuber decoction is given orally to treat leucorrhea,
Asparagus
8 Asparagaceae Kaisago, menstrual disorder and lactation. The powder of tubers
racemosus Willd.
is given orally to for male vitality and sexual debility.
Boswellia serrata The leaf paste is applied on the eyes for conjunctivitis.
9 Burseraceae Salhai
Roxb. The decoction of the bark is given for anaemina.
The infusion or decoction of flowers is given orally for
Butea monosperma sun stroke, also applied in the body. The seed power is
10 Fabaceae Murka
Lam. given orally for worms. The decoction of the bark is
given orally for diarrhea and dysentery.
Calotropis gigantea The paste of root bark is applied as painkiller for snake
11 Asclepiadaceae Gadsa
Linn. bite (viper).
The paste of root bark with black pepper is given
orally for snake bite (cobra).In case of Karait poison,
12 Cassia fistula Linn. Caesalpiniaceace Sonarkhi
the root of Ichnocarpus fructescens is added in the
above preparation.
The seed oil is given orally to kids to increase
Celastrus intelligence and also to treat tuberculosis. The warmed
13 Celastraceae Munjni, Kujur
paniculatusWilld. oil applied on the scrotum to treat hydrocele. The oil is
also used as antibiotic.
The curry or chutney is consumed to increase
Centella asiatica intelligence. The paste is dissolved in a cup of water
14 Apiaceae Muxa arxa
Linn. and mishri is added. It is taken orally to treat jaundice
and diarrhoea.
The root powder is given orally for sexual weakness,
Curculigo
15 Hypoxidaceae Dinda kita impotency and erectile dysfunction in men. Women
ochioidesGaetrn
are given for menstrual disorder and leucorrhoea.
The whole plant is fried and crushed in oil of
Cuscuta
16 Cuscutaceae Sindwair banda Celastrus paniculatus which is used as massage oil for
reflexaRoxb.
polio and arthritis.
The powder of tender leaves is given orally to produce
Dalbergia sissoo
17 Fabaceae Shisham strong semen in men. The paste of matured leaves is
Roxb.
applied on forehead to treat headache.
The seeds are used as poison and hallucinogen. The
18 Datura metel Linn. Solanaceae Karia Dhatura pellets made of leaves Datura and Adhatoda vasica are
given orally for asthma.
The black bark is burnt in the fire to exorcize evil
Diospyros spirits. A fresh branch is erected in the paddy fields to
19 Ebenaceae Tendu , Tela
tomentosa Roxb. protect from evil eyes. The paste of young fruits is
applied to treat elephantitis.
20 Elaeodendron Celastraceae Ratangaur, The paste of bark is used in inflammation for snake
 P a g e | 129
Asian J. Pharm. Res. Vol 4, Issue 3, 126-133, 2014.

glaucum Pers. Niuri bite (viper). In case there has been gangrene, the paste
is applied much thicker.
Elephantopus Minjur chundi, The root paste is administered orally to treat diarrhoea
21 Asteraceae
scaber Linn. Minjur jhuti and bed wetting by kids.
Euphorbia The paste of whole plant is given orally with mishri in
22 Euphorbiaceae Sanni dudhi
thymifolia Linn. a glass of water for diarrhea and dysentery.
The aerial-hairy roots are chewed to increase male
vitality and also to treat pyorrhea. The latex of tree is
Ficus benghalensis
23 Moraceae Bar, Bara collected in sugar-candy and consumed for impotency.
Linn.
The latex is also collected in a piece of cloth and used
as sticker to treat mumps.
The decoction of tender buds is given orally for
Ficus infectoria
24 Moraceae Phutkal arxa diarrhoea and dysentery. The boiled tender leaves are
Roxb.
also consumed as vegetable.
The root sap is added with mishri and given orally to
Ficus racemosa
25 Moraceae Dumbari treat jaundice. The unripe fruits are chewed and eaten
Linn.
for female infertility.
Hemidesmus indicus Badi dudhia The root is used for making massage oil for polio and
26 Asclepiadaceae
R. Br. larang skin disease.
Hibiscus rosa- Gurhal, Lal The flowers are eaten with jaggery to treat
27 Malvaceae
sinensis Udhuul Leucorrhoea.
Holarrhena
The paste of bark or root bark is given orally to treat
28 antidysenterica Apocynaceae Koreya, Kurchi
gastric, diarrhoeaand amoebic dysentery patients.
Linn.
Ichnocarpus The root paste is given with honey for Rangbad (baby
29 Apocynaceae Dudhi latar
frutescens Linn. sickness).
Lannea The root is tied around the neck to treat small pox and
30 coromandelica Anacardiaceae Kashmal, Luddi chicken pox. The resin is applied to treat mumps. The
Houtt. paste of the bark is applied externally to treat gout.
Limnophila conferta It is used as vegetable for stomach and intestine
31 Scrophulariaceae Muchari arxa
Benth. related diseases.
Litsea polyantha The bark paste is applied for bone fractures and
32 Lauraceae Meda
Juss. bruises and boils.
Lycopodium The root paste is given for weak memory, confused
33 Lycopodiaceae Sanjivini
clavatum Linn. thought and bed wetting by children.
The alcohol distilled from the dried flowers is used for
administering several herbal medicines. The infusion
of flowers are taken orally for anaemia. The tonic
Madhuca indica
34 Sapotaceae Madgi prepared from flowers and jaggery is given orally to
Gmel.
treat irregular menstruation and leucorrhoea. The seed
oil is used for massaging in sprain and body pain. The
decoction of the bark is used for diabetes.
Mirabilis jalapa The solution of tuber paste is given orally to treat
35 Nyctaginaceae Jahai juhi
Linn. snake bite.
Nicotiana tabacum The dried leaf is soaked with water and tied around
36 Solanaceae Tamku
Linn. scrotum to treat hydrocele.
Nyctanthes arbor- The decoction of leaves and the bark is used against
37 Oleaceae Murjhatni
tristis Linn. malaria, chronic wounds, and menstruation disorders.
The bark paste is applied on the back for backache.
The powder of the bark also is administered orally to
treat backache. The bark of Oroxylum indicum and the
Oroxylum
38 Bignoniaceae Dugdowel bark of Gardenia turgida (Kharha, Karhal) are
indicumVent.
powdered and dissolved pure liquor of Madhuca
indica. The solution is given orally to treat mad dog
bites.
Oxalis corniculata The leaves are made into paste with black pepper and
39 Oxalidacece Kisspunji arxa
Linn. given for typhoid.
 P a g e | 130
Asian J. Pharm. Res. Vol 4, Issue 3, 126-133, 2014.

The fruit powder is used as an ingredient for Triphala

churna used for gastric. Triphala is prepared by
Phyllanthus emblica
40 Euphorbiaceae Aonra, Anra mixing equal amounts of fruit powder of P.emblica,
Linn.
T.belerica and T.chebula to which powder of Zingiber
officinale and rock salt are added for taste.
Bhuin-amla, The paste of whole plant is given orally to treat
41 Phyllanthus niruri Euphorbiaceae
Hajardana jaundice.
Phyllanthus virgatus Bhuin amla lal, The paste of whole plant is given orally to treat
42 Euphorbiaceae
Forst Jar amla jaundice.
The powder of dry fruit is given with honey for cold,
43 Piper longum Linn. Piperaceae Pippali
cough and hiccups.
The root of plant is tied above the ankle of the leg of
Plumbago zeylanica
44 Plumbaginaceae Chitavari same side of swollen scrotum in hydrocele.
Linn.
Psidium guajava The tender leaves are chewed and swallowed to treat
45 Myrtaceae Tamras, Bihi
Linn. diarrhea.
Pterospermum Infusion or decoction of petals is used in sunstroke,
47 Malvaceae Makchund
acerifolium Linn. leucorrhea and jaundice.
Fresh or dried root paste of Rauvolfia serpentina and
Aristolochia indica is given orally for snake bite. The
paste is also applied in the body part of snake bite.
Rauvolfia serpentina
48 Apocynaceae Nagbael Dried root powder Rauvolfia serpentina and
Linn.
Aristolochia indica is given orally for high blood
pressure. Root powder is used as antibiotic and also
for pneumonia.
Rauvolfia The root powder is given orally to treat high blood
49 Apocyanaceae Koha Naagbel
tetraphylla pressure. The root paste is applied on chronic wounds.
The tender leaf is applied with mustard oil. The leaf is
Ricinus communis then warmed over fire and tied around the scrotum to
50 Euphorbiaceae Digherendi
Linn. treat hydrocele. One seed is crushed and consumed
with water to treat gastric and kidney stone.
Scoparia dulcis The paste of whole plant is taken with mishri for
51 Scrophulariaceae Mitha unni
Linn. jaundice and diabetes.
Semecarpus The twig is planted in the paddy field to protect from
52 Anacardiaceae Kiro
anacardium Linn. evil eye.
The resin is given orally for worms in the stomach.
Shorea robusta
53 Dipterocarpaceae Sakhu, Makka The seed powder is given orally to treat diarrhea and
Gaertn.
dysentery.
The leaf paste is given orally for rheumatism,
54 Sida cordifolia Linn. Malvaceae Bariar, Lar-lari
leucorrhoea and invigorating.
The twig is used for brushing teeth to treat sexual
55 Smilax macrophylla Smilacaceae Rampawan
weaknesses and for male vitality.
The bark powder or decoction is given orally for
Soymida febrigfuga dysentery with blood. The decoction of the bark is also
56 Meliaceae Ruhen, Rohin
Juss. used for menstrual disorders. It is also used for
removal of placenta after the childbirth.
Spermacoce hispida Satgitthia, The pellets made of tuber is given orally with water to
57 Rubiaceae
Linn. Bhuinjamun treat arthritis.
The decoction of the bark is used against diabetes and
Syzygium cuminii
58 Myrtaceae Jambu diarrhoea. The syrup made of ripe fruits is used for
Linn.
diarrhea. The seed powder is also used for diarrhea.
The equal amount of bark of Terminalia arjuna,
Terminalia arjuna Madhuca indica and Syzygium cuminii are taken to
59 Combretaceae Kahu
Roxb. make decoction. Half a cup of the decoction is given
orally to treat diabetes.
Terminalia bellirica The powder of dry fruits is used as ingredients for
60 Combretaceae Bahra
Roxb. triphala churna, which is used for stomachache and
 P a g e | 131
Asian J. Pharm. Res. Vol 4, Issue 3, 126-133, 2014.

grastic.
Terminalia chebula The powder of dry fruits is used as ingredients for
61 Combretaceae Harra
Retz. triphala churna.
The equal amount of bark sof T.tomentosa, T. belerica
Terminalia and Agnogeissus latifolia are taken to make decoction
62 Combretaceae Piriya
tomentosa which is given for cholera. The bark paste is applied
on head for dandruff
The stem latex is mixed with the bark powder of
Azadiracta indica to make pellet. The pellets are given
orally for malaria. The pellets made of stem latex is
Tinospora cordifolia
63 Menispermaceae Giloy given to treat leucorrhea. The latex is also mixed with
Willd
the root powder of safed musali, kali musali and
shatavar to pellets which are given orally for sexual
weakness and impotency.
The leaves are crushed and the juice is dripped on the
wound of snake bite (karait & cobra). Some juice is
Tridax procumbens
64 Asteraceae Munya arxa applied on the body part of snake bite. The leaf paste
Linn.
is dissolved in a cup of water and given orally to treat
diarrhoea and dysentery.
Dry leaves are burnt inside the house to repel
65 Vitex negundo Linn. Verbenaceae Sindwair mosquito. The root decoction is given orally with
black pepper to treat leprosy, arthritis and fever.
The paste solution of the bark is given orally for snake
Vitex penduncularis bite (viper) at half an hour interval. The tea of bark or
66 Verbenaceae Charaigorh
Wall the leaves is taken to high blood pressure, malaria and
fever.
Vitis quadrangularis The stem paste is used as plaster to treat bone fractures
67 Vitaceae Harjora
Linn. in animals & humans.

Figure 1. Map showing location of Latehar District in Jharkhand, India [16, 17]

Figure 2. Number of species and plant parts Figure 3. Number of species and Formulations
 P a g e | 132
Asian J. Pharm. Res. Vol 4, Issue 3, 126-133, 2014.

DISCUSSION Oroxylum indicum are on the verge of depletion due to

The documentation of Ethnomedicinal plants
started years back in 1925 by Bodding which was ushered
further by Botanical Survey of India in 1969. Since then
uses of medicinal plants by the tribals are being recorded
for a variety of purposes [19]. The tribals depend on the
plants among which they live and acquire knowledge of
economic and medicinal properties of plants by trial and
error. They are gradually losing the ancestral wisdom due
to oral inheritance of the ethno-medicinal knowledge, and
also getting quantitatively or qualitatively distorted in
formulations [1, 7]. The other factor of losing accumulated
knowledge is the modern education which alienates the
well-educated tribals from their own system of medicine as
they believe more in modern medicine. It is therefore
essential to study ethnobotany and it must be documented
and preserved because most of the tribals are being
assimilated into modern societies and the treasure of
knowledge of uses of plants resources is fast disappearing
[1]. Sinha et al., 2007, observed that the tribals have
commendable knowledge of the medicinal of plants to treat
stomach ailments [20]. The author observed that the local
folk treat not only diarrhoea and dysentery but also prevent
malaria, alleviate snake venom, eliminate sexual related
ailments and sexual debility effectively with herbal
preparations. Hence, they are to be substantiated with
pharmacognosy for their efficacies.
The Conservation of Biodiversity of the
Ethnomedicinal plants is an area of major concern. The
endangered plant species viz. Hemidesmus indicus,
Gloriosa superba, Asparagus racemosus, Chlorophytum
arundinaceum, Andrographis paniculata, Withania
somnifera, Vitex peduncularis, Adhatoda vasica and
illegal trading by the petty businessmen who allure the
local folk to harvest them at cheap cost. The much sought
after species viz. Tinospora cordifolia, Vitex
quadrangularis and Pterospermum acerifolium are
becoming rare. The tribals have identified several
medicinal plants for their healthcare and wellbeing. They
worship them and ask forgiveness before cutting of them
for their livelihood. They have several socio-religious
practices for the sustainable use of the plants around which
they live. On the contrary, the government and the elite
bureaucrats have often punished them under the banner of
deforestation. Moreover, conservation of biodiversity and
the sustainable use of plant resources requires due
attention. It is the need of the hour to focus immediate
attention for the plant conservation from the government
and NGOs with the cooperation of rural tribals for creating
awareness in all sections of people [1]. There is a need of
better understanding among pharmaceutical companies,
traders and forest departments to encourage local folks to
cultivate endangered and rare plant species in order to
conserve and exploit them in a sustainable manner. This
will also lead the social upliftment and economic
improvement of the local tribals.
ACKNOWLEDGEMENT
The author is grateful to the Director and the staff
of the Rapinat Herbarium and Centre for Molecular
Systematics, St. Joseph’s College (Autonomous),
Tiruchirappalli, Tamilnadu. He is also thankful to the
Oraon tribals and the Jesuits of St. Xavier's College,
Mahuadanr, Latehar, Jharkhand.

REFERENCES
1. Pareek A, Trivedi PC. Ethnobotanical Studies on Medicinal Plants of Kaladera Region of Jaipur District. Indian Journal of
Fundamental and Applied Life Sciences, 1 (1), 2011, 59-63.
2. Katewa SS. Indegenous people and Forests:Perspectives of an Ethnobotanical study from Rajasthan (India)-Herbal
DrugsIn: Ethnomedicine to Modern Medicine, 2009, 33-56.
3. Lal H, Singh S. Study of Plant Biodiversity of Hazaribag District Jharkhand India and its Medicinal Uses. Bioscience
Discovery, 3(1), 2012, 91-96.
4. Mairh AK, Mishra P, Kumar K, Mairh J, Arundhati. Traditional botanical wisdom of Birhore tribes of Jharkhand. Indian
Journal of traditional Knowledge, 9(3), 2010, 467-470.
5. Topno S, Ghosh TK. Correlation of uses of Medicinal Plants by tribals of Chotanagpur with other tribal of India. Journal
of Economic and Taxonomic Botany, 23(1), 1999, 143-146.
6. Sinha R, Lakra V. Indigenous Health Practices of Tribal of in Ranchi District of Jharkhand. Indian Scientific and Industrial
Research Magazine, 15 (1), 2007, 74-79.
7. Bishnoi SK, Tomar JB, Saini KK. Healing the tribal way: Ethno-medicinal formulations used by the tribes of Jharkhand,
India. Int. J. Med. Arom. Plants, 2 (1), 2012, 97-105.
8. Bodding PO. Studies in Santal Medicines and Connected Folklore –I, The Santal Diseases. Mem. Asiatic Soc. Bengal,
Calcutta, 10, 1925, 1-132.
9. Bodding PO. Studies in Santal Medicines and Connected Folklore – II, The Santal Diseases. Mem. Asiatic Soc.
Bengal,Calcutta, 10 (2)1927, 133-426.
10. Bodding PO. The Santals and Diseases. Mem. Asiatic Soc. Bengal, Calcutta, 10, 1928.
11. Hembrom PP, Goel AK. Horopathy: Ethnomedicine of Mundas. International Journal of the Society of Ethnobotanist, 17,
2005, 89-95.
12. Anonymous 1.http://latehar.nic.in
 P a g e | 133
Asian J. Pharm. Res. Vol 4, Issue 3, 126-133, 2014.

13. Anonymous 2.http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Latehar

14. Anonymous 3.http://www.census2011.co.in/census/district/106-latehar.html
15. Anonymous 4.http://www.sameti.org/Soil_Inventory/Latehar_Soil_Analysis.pdf
16. Anonymous 5.http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Latehar_district#mediaviewer/File:Jharkhand_Latehar.png
17. Anonymous 6.http://ourlatehar.files.wordpress.com/2011/10/latehar.jpg
18. Anonymous 7.http://kurukhworld.com/culture.html
19. Jain SK. Glimpses of Indian Ethnobotany, Oxford and IBH Publishing Co., New Delhi, 1981.
20. Sinha R, Lakra V, Mahanta P. Traditional use of plants in curing stomach ailments by tribals of Jharkhand, Orissa and
West Bengal. J. Dairying, Foods & H.S., 26 (3/4), 2007, 223-225.
Research Article ISSN 2250-0480 VOL 4/ISSUE 2/APR-JUN 2014

DIVERSITY OF ETHNOBOTANICAL PLANTS USED BY RURAL

COMMUNITY OF TRYAMBAKESHWAR HILL OF NASHIK DISTRICT,
MAHARASHTRA, INDIA.

V.R.KAKULTE , K.N.GAIKWAD* AND SMT. S.U.JADHAV**

Department of Zoology,
Department of Botany, S.V.K.T. College, Deolali Camp, Nashik- (MS) 422401.

ABSTRACT
An ethno botanical survey on medicinal plants and their indigenous uses was carried out in Trymbakeshwar
region of Nashik District in Maharashtra. These areas are floristically rich areas where plants of various
categories are growing spontaneously in their natural habitat. The rural community of these region uses some of
the plants as medicine for the treatment of human ailments. In a floristic survey 31 ethno medicinal plants
species belonging to 25 families were recorded from this region. These medicinal plants are listed in
alphabetically order of Latin names, local names along with family & part used as medicine.

Keywords : - Baidya, Herbal medicines, Indigenous knowledge, Ojhas.

INTRODUCTION
Tryambakeshwar hill region of Nashik District have
rich diversity of vegetation mostly tribals and rural
communities, depending on plant resources for their
day to day life,The rural communities are well
versed with traditional knowledge and are using
various parts of major, minor plants and tree species
extensively for health care and other purposes. The
present study, therefore aimed to highlight 31 ethno
medicinal plant species belonging to 25 families
with their local name of plant parts used as
medicine in
Tryambakeshwar hill region of Nashik District in
Maharashtra.
METHODOLOGY
The study was initiated in the month of August to
December 2012 To collect the information from
some proper knowledge informants, elderly people,
headman of the hamlets, tribal medicinal man
‘Baidya’ and ‘Ojhas’ were collected because they
were the only source to plant name which were used
for different ailments. Voucher specimens were
Scientifically identified , and mounted in the
laboratory .
RESULTS AND DISCUSSION
In table 1,the medicinal uses of plant species from
families are described in alphabetical order and
Latin name, local name along with family and parts
used as medicine. The present study has brought out
to light , the traditional and indigenous knowledge
on 31 ethno medicinal plants belonging to 25
families used by Tribal rural communities of
Tryambakeshwar hill region of Nashik District in
Maharashtra for treating and controlling the
diseases. The tribes and rural population of India
are highly dependent on the medicinal plant therapy
for meeting their health care needs. There is an
urgent need to catalogue the plants used by
indigenous around the Country and to collaborate
with chemists to analyze the compound in
medicinal plants. It is high time for agriculturists

L - 31
Life Science Botany
Research Article ISSN 2250-0480 VOL 4/ISSUE 2/APR-JUN 2014

and foresters to introduce new crops, for
anthropologists to gather more information on
traditional culture and conservation of biodiversity
and the sustainable use of plant resources. The
survey in different area Tryambakeshwer hill region
revealed that we were engaged in the collection of
large no. of plant parts like stems, barks, leaves,
flowers, fruits and roots of their day to day
requirements.
During the course of investigation it was
observed that a particular plant was sometime
prescribed for different ailments in different
localities and some medicinal man applied a
mixture of plants for remedy of a disease. For
example according to tribal healers Andrographis
paniculata (locally known as ‘Bhui neem’) was a
excellent remedy for liver disorders but its plant
powder was also effective for warts. As such , this
study indicated that the tribal had good knowledge
of medicinal uses of the plant species available in
the region. Unfortunately, their knowledge had not
been documented and there was an urgent need for
documentation knowledge on priority basis. Efforts
should be made to conserve this knowledge. If this
knowledge does not flow on to the next generation,
a time will come when this knowledge pool will be
lost forever . Hence there is an immediate need that
this treasure of knowledge should be conserved and
inherited in such a way that we may be able to
preserve this age old cultural heritage. The clinical
trials may also be done and the plants may be
furthered explored on active principles which may
yield longer dividends if researchers, planners and
policy makers combine their efforts. This will
recognize the traditional knowledge on one hand
and enrich the state wealth as the other.

TABLE

Sr. Botanical Name Local name Family Part used

No
1 Acacia catechu Khair Mimosaceae The bark is useful in conjunctivitis,
Heartwood has high medicinal value.
2 Acacia nilotica Lam Babul Mimosaceae The ark is used in diarrhea, dysentery and
diabetes. The gum is medicinal.
3 Aegle marmelos L. Bel Rutaceae Young fruit is crushed with a piece of
turmeric which is applied externally in case
of pimples.
4 Agave americana L. Kekti Agavaceae The root is diuretic and used in syphilis.
5 Ageratum conizoides L. Goat weed Asteraceae Leaf is used as blood coagulant and to heel
the wounds, leprosy, skin diseases.
6 Andographis paniculata Nees Kalmegh Acanthaceae Whole plant is used in dysentery bronchitis,
influenza, fever and in liver diseases.
7 Andrographis paniculata wall Kalmegh Acanthaceae Leaf is used against insect bites. Whole
plant is used in hepatitis and inflammation.
8 Artemissia valgaris Linn. Indian worm Asteraceae Leaf is used as laxative. Flower is used in
weed exelling round worm & on wounds.
9 Asparagus recemosus willd Shatawar Liliaceae Used in leucorrhoea, epilepsy,
gastrointestinal disorders, Roots used in
lactation in women and cattle’s.
10 Azadirecta indica A. Neem Meliaceae Leaves are used as insect repellant. Bark,
leaf and fruit is antiseptic used in ulcers,
skin diseases. Seed used for treatment of
intestinal worms.
11 Blumea lacera Burn Kukurband Asteraceae Root used piles and cholera. Leaves used for
mouth diseases
12 Butea monosperma (Lam.) Palash Fabaceae Root used to cure fever. Seed is used against
Taub. roundworm and skin diseases It is also used
to cure diarrhea and dysentery
13 Calatropis procera W.T. Aitm Rui Asclepidaceae Root is used to cure tuberculosis, cough,
bronchitis, asthma, dysentery and skin
diseases. Latex is used as antidote to
scorpion bite.
14 Cardiospermum helicacabum Kanphuti Sapindaceae Leaves used for rheumatism, piles, fever,
L. hydrocoele and ear ache.
15 Chlorophytum borivillianum Safed musli Liliaceae Root is used improving strength, capable of
Santpaus promoting the semen and sexual vigor.
16 Coccinia grandis L. Kundru Cucurbitaceae Fruits are used in diabetes.

L - 32
Life Science Botany
Research Article ISSN 2250-0480 VOL 4/ISSUE 2/APR-JUN 2014

17 Datura metal L. Datura Solanaceae Smoke of leaves and seeds used in asthma
and respiratory disorders. Leaf used in
various inflammation, piles, joints pain
18 Deospyros melanoxylon Roxb. Tendu Ebenaceae Bark is used diarrhea. Leaf is used in skin
and blood diseases
Seed used for dysentery.
19 Ephorbia tricalli L. Sehand Ephorbiaceae Whole plant is useful in wound healing.
Milky juice is used in rheumatism, cough,
asthma.
20 Evolvulus alsinoides L. Shankha phuli Convolvulaceae The plant is bitter nerving tonic
antispasmodic. The leaves are used
treatment of epilepsy, bleeding.
21 Ficus religiosa L. Peepal Moraceae Latex is used as tonic, bark for gonorrhea
and scabies. Leaves as antidote to snake bite.
22 Magnifera indica L. Aam Anacardiaceae The roots and bark used in wounds , ulcers,
vomiting, diarrhea, dysentery, rheumatism.
Fruits used as a cooling agent
23 Nerium indicum Mill Kaner Apocynaceae The leaves are medicinal. Bark and Roots
are poisonous
24 Ocimum sanctum L. Tulsi Lamiaceae The leaves are used in treatment of skin
diseases. Also used in cough and cold.
25 Psoralea corylifolia L. Bawchi Papilionaceae Seed is used in cough, diabetes , fever,
edema, piles and ulcer
26 Sesamum inducum L. Til Pedaliaceae Seed oil in medicinal and also used as hair
oil.
27 Syzygium cumini L. Jamun Myrtaceae The seeds are used in diabetes
28 Tamarindus indica L. Imli Caesalpiniaceae Fruits and leaves are used as carminative,
digestive, laxative and astringent.
29 Tectona grandis L. Sagwain Verbanaceae The oil is used to treat ringworm, and itches.
30 Withania somifera L. Aswagandh Solanaceae Root is used in ulcer, fever, cough and
leucoderma.
31 Ziziphus mauritiana Ber Rhamnaceae The bark is used in diarrhea and in removing
intestinal worms.

REFERENCES
1. Bhauachrjee S.K.(2000). Hand book of 7. Maheshwari J.K.(1996). Ethnobotany in
Medicinal plants South Asia scientific publisher. Jodhpur.
2. Chopra,R.N.,Nayer,S.L.And Chopra 8. Prashant Kumar Singh, Singh R.H. and
I.C.(1956). Glossary of Indian Medicinal Vinodkumar. (2007).Medicinal plants used
plants.CSIR, New Delhi. by Gond tribe of Dudhi district Sonebhadra,
3. Jain.S.K.(1973). Medicinal plants U.P. Flora & Fauna 2007, Vol.13 No.1
4. Kirtikar K.K. and Basu B.D (1933). Indian PP50-54.
Medicinal Plants Vol.1 9. Kanchan Vishwakarma, N. Lata and
5. Oomachan M. and Maish S.K. (1991). Veenapani Dube (2007). Indigenous folk
Ethnobotanical and conservational aspect of medicines for skin care: An Ethnobotanical
medicinal plants. Study. Flora and Fauna 2007 Vol.13 No.1
6. Kumar R., Suman N.R. and Dash S.S.(2004). PP 43-46.
Traditional uses of plants by tribal’s of 10. Ranu Lahiri (2007). Ethno medicinal survey
Maharashtra region. of Sanjay National Park of District Sidhi, M.
P. Flora and Fauna.

L - 33
Life Science Botany
 Journal of Ethnopharmacology 198 (2017) 33–44

Contents lists available at ScienceDirect

Journal of Ethnopharmacology
journal homepage: www.elsevier.com/locate/jep

Ethnobiological treatments of neurological conditions in the Chota Nagpur MARK

Plateau, India
⁎
Abhijit Deya, Partha Goraib, Anuradha Mukherjeec, Raghunath Dhand, Biplob Kumar Modakb,
a
Ethnopharmacology and Natural Product Research Laboratory, Department of Life Sciences, Presidency University (Formerly Presidency College), 86/1,
College Street, Kolkata 700073, West Bengal, India
b
Department of Zoology, Sidho-Kanho-Birsha University, P.O.: Purulia Sainik School, West Bengal 723104, India
c
MMHS, Joynagar, South 24 Parganas, West Bengal, India
d
Department of Zoology, Sidho-Kanho-Birsha University, P.O.: Purulia Sainik School, Purulia, West Bengal 723104, India

A R T I C L E I N F O A BS T RAC T

Keywords: Ethnopharmacological relevance: World Health Organization (WHO) has recognized the contribution of
Ethnobotany traditional medicine in the primary health care system. WHO also considers neurological disorders as one of the
Ethnozoology prime concern to the public health. Inadequate and inaccessible health facilities in the rural and underprivileged
Traditional medicine men areas have forced the various tribal and non-tribal communities to use ethno-phyto and ethno-zoo therapeutics
Quantitative ethnobiology
against different ailments. Chota Nagpur Plateau, India is one of the richest in India in terms of plant and
Polyherbal
animal diversity, and houses a number of indigenous communities often practising their own ethnobiological
Synergy
medicines. These undocumented indigenous treasure must be preserved and could be utilized in discovering
lead compounds against human ailments including neuroprotective and psychoactive disorders.
Materials and methods: A number of ethnobiological surveys were carried out during 2012–2015 in the three
districts of the Bengal part of Manbhum region, Chota Nagpur Plateau via conducting open and semi-structured
interviews among the traditional medicine men (65:59 males and 6 females aged between 22 and 85 years). This
dataset was statistically analysed by calculating seven quantitative indexes such as use value (UV), informants'
consensus factor (ICF), fidelity level (FL), relative importance (RI), cultural importance index (CII), index of
agreement on remedies (IAR) and cultural agreement index (CAI).
Results: Sixty five traditional medicine men (TMM) reported 47 traditional formulations involving 58 plant
species and 17 animal species used against 13 neurological and psychological disorders and as pro-cognitives.
Fabaceae was represented by the highest number of medicinal plant species (9 species) whereas herbs (48%)
and roots (28%) represented the most common plant habit and plant part, respectively. Quantitative
ethnobiology revealed the frequency and coherence of ethnomedicinal reports. The plant Piper nigrum
(1.35) and the animal, Spilostethus hospes (0.50) showed the highest UV. Among the ethnobotanicals,
maximum RI value was noted for Hemidesmus indicus (0.91) and IAR was found to be maximum (1.00) for 8
plant species. Among the ethnozoologicals, Spilostethus hospes (0.67) displayed maximum RI value whereas
Axis axis (2.32) displayed maximum CAI value.
Conclusion: TMM possessed knowledge on preparations, dose dependence, administration, safety, possible
toxicity and side effects of using traditional formulations. TMM practising age old traditional therapeutics serve
as alternative medical option for the underprivileged rural ethnic people in these remote areas of the country.

1. Introduction and ethnicities throughout the globe (Farnsworth, 1990). Similarly,

The topmost priority of ethnopharmacology has been to identify
natural products as leads for potential drugs that can ameliorate
human mortality and morbidity, and this requires analysing ethno-
medico-biologicals cited as supposedly beneficial in human cultures
ethnozoology involves use of animals and animal products as ther-
apeutic remedies against human ailments. In many areas, traditional
medications are preferred over conventional treatments because eth-
nomedicines are relatively inexpensive, readily available and efficacious
having fewer side-effects (Modak et al., 2015). Botanical derived

⁎
Corresponding author.
E-mail addresses: abhijit.dbs@presiuniv.ac.in, abhijitbio25@yahoo.com (A. Dey), partha_zoo@yahoo.com (P. Gorai), anuradhabio25@yahoo.com (A. Mukherjee),
raghunathdhan@gmail.com (R. Dhan), bkmodak09@gmail.com (B.K. Modak).

http://dx.doi.org/10.1016/j.jep.2016.12.040
Received 1 June 2016; Received in revised form 19 December 2016; Accepted 21 December 2016
Available online 23 December 2016
0378-8741/ © 2016 Elsevier Ireland Ltd. All rights reserved.
A. Dey et al.
traditional medicines are used by about 60% of the world's population
(Modak et al., 2007). World Health Organization (WHO) has also
recognized the contribution of traditional medicine in the primary
health care system (Ekor, 2013). In many countries such alternative
medications complement modern healthcare systems (Yigezu et al.,
2014). Alternative medication is popular and well accepted in both
developing and industrialised nations (Lind et al., 2006, 2007;
Menendez-Baceta et al., 2014). In India, besides ethnobotany, alter-
native treatment strategies include Ayurveda, Siddha, Unani, Tibbi and
Homoeopathy. Recently, a number of ethnobotanical works focusing
on discovery and evaluation of novel pharmaceutically important
natural products have been started off (Dey and De, 2012). Through
cooperation between governmental agencies and the private sector
several interdisciplinary efforts using ethnobotany as a research tool in
drug discovery have been initiated (Balick, 1994).
Neurological and psychological disorders are common across the
human populations, especially in this rapidly globalized and urbanized
society. Use of traditional, complementary and alternative medicine
(TCAM) has been a common practice globally against a number of
diseases including many neurological and psychological disorders such
as Parkinson's disease (PD) (Bega and Zadikoff, 2014), Alzheimer's
disease (AD) (Kelley and Knopman, 2008) paediatric neurological
disorders (Soo et al., 2005), attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder
(ADHD) (Bussing et al., 2002) and many more. Pharmacological
relevance of traditionally used medicinal botanicals and derived
compounds against neurological and psychological disorders has been
documented by several investigators (Dey, 2017; Dey et al., 2017).
Besides, use of medicinal plants, phyto-constituents and traditional
herbal formulations against a variety of neuro-psychological conditions
has achieved noteworthy success in various pre-clinical and clinical
studies (Dey and De, 2015a, 2015b). For example, Bacopa monnieri
has a long history in Ayurveda against neurological and behavioral
disorders (Kongkeaw et al., 2014). Bacopa monnieri was reported as
pro-intelligence and memory enhancer (Le et al., 2015), against
epilepsy (Sharma et al., 2013) and as sedative (Russo and Borrelli,
2005). In Ayurveda Evolvulus alsinoides with Convolvulus pluricaulis
and Clitoria ternatea (all known as Shanka puspi) was reported for
possessing pro-central nervous system (CNS) effects (Malik et al.,
2011). Clitoria ternatea has also been reported as memory enhancer
(Malik et al., 2011), nootropic, anxiolytic, antidepressant, sedative
(Mukherjee et al., 2008) and as brain tonic (Taranalli and
Cheeramkuzhy, 2000). Piper betle has been reported as an effective
therapeutic against cognitive impairment (Offringa, 2015), headache,
and hysteria (Dalai et al., 2014). However, traditional medicinal
formulations often lead to toxicity and extracts prepared in different
solvents can exhibit non-toxicity to high toxicity (Bussmann et al.,
2011). Single oral dose of ground Cassia occidentalis seeds in aqueous
suspension showed recumbency and death in chickens and horses and
the toxicity was attributed to a myodegenerative toxic principle (Martin
et al., 1981; Hebert et al., 1983). In traditional Indian medicine, cow
dung and cow's urine Gomutra have long been used for therapeutic
purposes which has been demonstrated in a number of scientific
investigations (Sachdev et al., 2012; Nagda and Bhatt, 2014).
However, acute urticaria following Gomutra gargles has been reported
(Bhalla and Thami, 2005). Hence, the efficacy and safety of using
traditional medicinal formulations in day to day healthcare needs to be
evaluated in order to encourage the broader acceptance and application
of alternative treatment strategies. Another primary concern of using
animals and animal derived products is their conservation status which
act as the major constrain in developing drugs of animal origin
(Schmeda-Hirschmann et al., 2014). Illegal hunting and poaching have
led to the rapid decline of many animals in their natural habitat and
measures are needed for their conservation and sustainable utilization.
The Chota Nagpur Plateau in Eastern India encompasses several
states, including Jharkhand and West Bengal. The medicinal plant
diversity and traditional knowledge found in the Jharkhand part of
34
Journal of Ethnopharmacology 198 (2017) 33–44
Chota Nagpur Plateau has already been explored in earlier studies.
Such efforts have reported a number of local ethnomedicinal plants
with promising antimalarial properties (Singh et al., 2015). Further, a
few studies have explored the traditional medicine of the plateau and
the adjoining areas (Dey and De, 2012; Modak et al., 2015). Headache,
epilepsy, migraine, dizziness and vertigo, sleep disorders (insomnia),
loss of memory or dementia are the various types of manifestations of
neurological disorders whereas hysteria has been reported as a mental
disorder generally attributed to women (World Health Organization,
2006; Tasca et al., 2012). Most paralyses are caused by nervous-system
damage such as spinal cord injuries but sleep paralysis is caused by
other factors (Todd, 1855; Hutchinson, 1877; Saladin, 2012).
Traditional medicine men (TMM) in the study area were found to be
treating headache (Matha byatha), epilepsy (Mrigi) and convulsions,
paralysis, hysteria, migraine (Adkapali), insomnia (Onidra), dizziness
and nausea, poor memory, loss of memory, light-headedness (Matha
ghura), weak nerves of leg, mental depression in relation to love and
affairs, and madness (insanity) etc., using traditional medicines. This
rich but slowly (and surely) declining folkloric medicine and biodiver-
sity of this region need to be documented and conserved to prevent the
loss of such vast ethnobiological heritage in this rapidly globalized
world.
Therefore the objectives of this paper are 1. To elucidate the use of
indigenous plant and zoo-therapeutics practised by the people residing
in the Bengal part of Manbhum region, Chota Nagpur Plateau, India,
against a number of neurological, psychological and related disorders;
2. To depict the preparations, applications and dose dependence of
traditional formulations (TFs); 3. To analyze the acquired data by
quantitative ethnobiology using statistical indices; 4. To study the
possible toxicity of the used ethnobiologicals and 5. To find out the
conservation aspects of medicinally used local flora and fauna.
2. Materials and methods
2.1. Study area and the people
Chota Nagpur Plateau (22°−25° 30'N and 83°47'−87° 50'E), located
in Eastern India, includes most of Jharkhand state and adjacent parts
of Odisha, West Bengal, Bihar and Chhattisgarh (Figs. 1 and 2). The
plateau lies between the basins of Ganges and Son rivers to the north
and the basin of the Mahanadi River to the south. Damodar River
Valley runs through its centre, from west to east. The collective area of
the plateau is approximately 65,509 square km. The Manbhum region
of the plateau comprises of the Purulia district in West Bengal, parts of
Bankura and Midnapore districts in West Bengal and Dhanbad district
in Jharkhand, and parts of Bokaro district in Jharkhand. The region
has an average elevation of 300 m. Although the natural forest cover in
the plateau has been depleted due to human activities, the remaining
vegetation continues to be exploited for food, fodder and, other
economically important forest products such as silk (derived from the
insect Bombyx mori) and lac (a resinous material derived from the
insect Kerria lacca) etc. Santhal, Oraon, Munda and Ho are the
principal tribal communities and represent four-fifths of the total
ethnic population. The ethnic groups mostly speak Austro-Asiatic
(Santhali, Mundari and Ho) and Dravidian (Oraon) languages. Most
of the aboriginals reside in the scattered villages mostly found in the
deforested peneplains and river valleys. Extreme weather prevails in
the area: the daytime temperature in summer reaches up to 46 °C with
low humidity. The average annual rainfall is 1400 mm of which nearly
90% occurs during the monsoon. Agricultural productivity is hampered
due to less rainfall, dry weather and undulated topography compared
to the other areas of the neighboring states. Monocropped cultivation is
predominant in the area with rice being the most favored crop. Survival
has been the basic instinct of their sociability to cope up with the
extremes like unfavorable climate, topography, economy, and other
odds. However, despite of their own niche of culture, language and
A. Dey et al. Journal of Ethnopharmacology 198 (2017) 33–44

Fig. 1. Map of Bengal part of Manbhum region, Chota nagpur plateau, India (Maps not to scale).

Fig. 2. Landscapes of Bengal part of Manbhum region, Chota nagpur plateau, India.

rituals, their society is facing a fast transformation mediated by rapid
urbanization, exposure to new communication tools, and tribal welfare
and development projects. Tribal people still count on their widely
accepted age old medical systems for their primary healthcare.
However, urbanization and ease of communication enabled them to
access mainstream medication available in the nearby town (Purulia).
2.2. Informants’ selection and data collection
This dataset was generated from a number of ethnobiological
surveys undertaken during 2012–2015. Informants or TMM (65: 59
males and 6 females aged between 22 and 85 years) were sampled
systematically and purposively based on their acceptability to the

35
A. Dey et al.
Table 1
Traditional formulations (TFs) used against neurological and psychological disorders among the indigenous population in Bengal part of Manbhum region, Chota Nagpur Plateau as
indicated in interviews with 65 traditional medicine men.
Disease/Disorder 1:Matha byatha (Headache) (17230000)
symptoms: pain in head and forehead
Traditional Formulations Composition
(TFs)
TF1 Andrographis paniculata whole plant: 5 g
Momordica charantia fruits: 2 pieces
Cissampelos pareira roots: 5 g
Solanum surattense whole plant: 5 g
Aloe vera leaves: 20 g
Table salt: adequate amount
TF2 Abutilon indicum roots: 10 g
Clerodendrum indicum L.) roots: 10 g
Cissampelos pareira roots: 5 g
Azadirachta indica leaves: 5 g
Andrographis paniculata whole plant: 2 g
Curcuma longa fresh bulb: 3 g
Piper nigrum seeds: 15 g
Zingiber officinale lbs: 3 pieces
Polygala arvensis roots: 3 pieces
TF3 Pterospermum acerifolium flower: 1 piece
Cinnamomum zeylanicumb flower: ½ piece
TF4 Pterospermum acerifolium flower: 1 piece
Mustard oil: 1 teaspoonful
TF5 Gmelina arborea resh bark: 10 g
Table salt: ½ teaspoonful
TF6 Phyllanthus amarus leaves: 2–3 pieces
TF7 Scilla indica bulb: 20 g
TF8 Cassia mimosoides fresh leaves: 10 g
TF9 Ventilago calyculata roots: 20 g
TF10 Pterospermum acerifolium stem: 10 g
TF11 Centella asiatica leaves: 5 in number
TF12 Ardisia solanacea Roxb.: 30 g
TF13 Clerodendrum infortunatum leaves: 5 in
number
TF14 Pavetta indica roots: 20 g
TF15 Elephantopus scaber whole plant: 10 g
TF16 Glossogyne bidens whole plant: 20 g
TF17 Tragia involucrata whole plant: 10 g
Disease/ Disorder 2:Mrigi(Epilepsy) (17090000)
Symptoms: feeling of dizziness and sudden fall on the ground, fomes coming out from the mouth
TF18 Oryza sativa un-boiled rice seeds: 25 g All ingredients are mixed together to prepare a paste.
Cynodon dactylon whole plant: 10 g
Solanum surattense whole plant: 10 g
TF19 Cissus repanda stem: 50 g
Leea macrophylla roots: 25 g
Mucuna pruriens roots: 10 g
Piper nigrum seeds: 10 g
TF20 Laportea interrupta roots: 10 g
Piper nigrum seeds: 10 g
TF21 Dolichos lablab roots: 1 in.
Achyranthes aspera roots: 1 in.
Moringa oleifera dry flower: 3–4
pieces
Piper nigrum seeds: 7 pieces
Axis axis (horn dust: 1 g
TF22 Nerium indicum roots: 10 g
TF23 Hemidesmus indicus roots: 5 g
Tephrosia purpurea roots: 5 g
Solanum surattense fruit: 10 g
Diospyros malabarica fruit: 5 g
Axis axis embryo: 1 piece
Lepus sigricollis embryo: 1 piece
TF24 Spilostethus hospes larva: 1 piece
Leucinodes orbonalis larva: 1 piece
Myrmeleon sp.: 1 piece
Vulpes bengalensis Guano/stool: 5 g
Solanum melongena fruit: 1 piece
Ferula assa-foetidab: 1 pinch
Journal of Ethnopharmacology 198 (2017) 33–44
Modes of preparation and methods of administration
At first, a pastea is prepared with the first three ingredients; then the last two and salt are
mixed well separately; now the two mixtures are mixed to prepare a paste which is fried
with mustard oil.
The paste is applied as an ointment on head/ forehead three times in a day for 5 days.
A paste is prepared with all ingredients from which pills are made. Weight of each pill is
either 1 g or ½ g for adults and children respectively.
Two pills are taken per day; one in the early morning 10 min before breakfast and another
in the evening.
Both the ingredients are ground well to prepare a paste.
Lukewarm paste is applied on forehead.
A paste is prepared.
The paste is applied on forehead.
The bark paste with salt is heated slightly over flame.
The lukewarm paste is applied on forehead.
A paste is prepared with the ingredients.
The paste is taken in the morning in empty stomach for 3 days.
A paste is prepared for topical administration.
Fresh leaves are topically placed on forehead.
A juice is prepared for application topical on forehead.
Stems are crushed to prepare a paste for topical application.
A leaf decoction is boiled in water and applied topically.
A crushed stem paste is prepared for topical application.
Leaf extract is applied topically on forehead.
Crushed root paste is applied on forehead.
Crushed whole plant paste is applied on forehead.
A juice is prepared for oral administration.
Crushed whole plant paste is applied on forehead.
The paste is administered orally for 7 days.
By grinding all the ingredients, pills are prepared from a paste.
Pills are taken at empty stomach for 7 days.
The ingredients are ground to prepare a dust/powder.
During epilepsy attack, a pinch of this dust is given to the patient as snuff which is
continued for the next 4 days.
All the ingredients are ground and mixed well to prepare a paste. Pills of 1/3 in. diameter
are prepared from the paste.
One pill is taken once a day for 3 days.
A juice is prepared from the roots.
The juice (5 ml) is taken once daily for 15 days.
A paste is prepared with all ingredients with the help of a flat stone mortar and pestle. Pea
seed sized pills are made with the paste.
Two pills are taken in the early morning in empty stomach and 2 pills in the afternoon for
15 to 16 days.
A fresh begun is taken and two incisions are made at the base. All ingredients are poured
into the incisions and it is stitched with bamboo stick (Konchi) and then the whole thing is
burnt in fire.
(continued on next page)
36
A. Dey et al. Journal of Ethnopharmacology 198 (2017) 33–44

Table 1 (continued)

Disease/Disorder 1:Matha byatha (Headache) (17230000)

symptoms: pain in head and forehead

Traditional Formulations Composition Modes of preparation and methods of administration

(TFs)

Cinnamomum camphorab: 1 pinch The preparation is taken in warm condition.

TF25 Macrobrachium sp.: 3 in number All ingredients are mixed together to form a paste applied topically.
Ovis aries teeth: 3 in number
TF26 Andrographis paniculata whole plant: A decoction is prepared for oral administration.
15 g

Disease/ Disorder 3: Paralysis (17120000)

TF27 Abroma augusta roots: 250 g Ulatkambal, Vuikambal, Rali and Josthimadhu are squashed with a wooden hammer; then the
Premna herbacea roots: 250 g mixture is soaked in oil and left under the sun for 7 days.
Polygala arvensis roots: 250 g
Glycyrrhiza glabra fruit/bark:
250 g
Moschus sp. umbilicus glandb:
1 pinch
Mustard oil: 1 lit The paste oil is used to massage on the affected organs (e.g. legs, arms etc.).

Disease/ Disorder 4: Hysteria (13390300)

TF28 Clitoria ternatea leaves: 5 pieces Both the leaves are rubbed well within palm.
Azadirachta indica Aleaves: 5 pieces The hand rubbed paste is smelt by the patient.
TF29 Capra aegagrus hircus / Bos taurus skin water extract: All ingredients are mixed well in water in a glass bowl.
100 ml
Mustard oil: 25 ml The mixed water extract is sprayed all over the body and massaged well.
TF30 Annona squamosa leaves: 3–5 in number Fresh leaves are rubbed well within palm.
The hand rubbed paste is smelt by the patient during attack.

Disease/ Disorder 5:Adhkapali(Migraine) (17100000)

TF31 Crossopriza lyoni: 1–2 in number All the ingredients are used to make a thick paste.
Cynodon dactylon leaves: 10 g
Oryza sativa un-boiled rice seeds: 10 g The thick ointment is applied on painful areas of forehead.
TF32 Cassia fistula fruits: 5 g All ingredients are mixed to prepare a paste.
Cyperus triceps whole plant: 2 pieces
Vernonia anthelmintica seeds: 5 g This paste is used on forehead as an ointment for 3 days.
Aloe vera leaves: 10 g
Allium sativum bulb: 5 g
Capra aegagrus hircus milk: 4 teaspoonful
TF33 Pterospermum acerifolium flower: 4–5 pieces The flowers are ground to prepare a paste.
The paste is used as ointment on forehead for 4–5 days.

Disease/ Disorder 6:Onidra(Insomnia) (13450000)

TF34 Piper nigrum seeds: 8–10 pieces Gol marich dust is mixed with honey.
Apis cerana indica fresh honey from hives: 100 ml The mixture is applied inside the nose.
TF35 Lagenaria siceraria fruit skin: 100 g Lao choka is fried/ boiled in oil.
Mustard oil: 500 ml Lao choka boiled oil is applied on earlobe.
TF36 Mimosa pudica roots: 10 g Roots are tied to neck as a magico-religious belief to welcome sleep.
TF37 Biophytum petersianum whole plant: 10 g A paste is prepared for oral administration.

Disease/ Disorder 7: Dizziness (8040000) and Nausea (5130000)

TF38 Aegle marmelos leaves: 50 g A juice is prepared with the leaves.
The juice is taken in empty stomach in the morning for 5 days.

Disease/ Disorder 8: Poor memory (13090000)

TF39 Bacopa monnieria whole plant: 10 g Leaves are fried in Ghee.
clarified butter (Ghee): 5 g The preparation is consumed with rice.
TF40 Centella asiatica leaves: 10 g A decoction is prepared by boiling in water for oral consumption.

Disease/ Disorder 9:Matha ghura(Vertigo/ Lightheadedness) (13460000)

Symptoms: Feeling that one may faint; feeling of weightlessness and spinning in head.
TF41 Aloe vera roots/stem: 50 g Both the ingredients are mixed together to form a paste by using a flat stone mortar and pestle.
Mustard oil: 500 ml An ointment of the paste is applied on forehead for 3 days.

Disease/ Disorder 10: Loss of memory (13090000)

TF42 Evolvulus alsinoides whole plant: 10 g A decoction s prepared with the plant.
The decoction (100 ml) is consumed once daily to regain loss of memory.

Disease/ Disorder 11: Weak nerves of leg (17230000)

TF43 Piper betle leaves: 1 in number Green raw leaves are washed in water.
One raw leaf is eaten daily with honey for 30 days.

Disease/ Disorder 12: Mental depression in relation to love and affairs (13280000)
TF44 Tyto alba liver: 1 in number All the ingredients are mixed together to form a paste by using a flat stone mortar and pestle.
(continued on next page)

37
A. Dey et al.
Table 1 (continued)
Disease/Disorder 1:Matha byatha (Headache) (17230000)
symptoms: pain in head and forehead
Traditional Formulations Composition
(TFs)
Myrmeleon sp.: 5 in number
Abscondita chinensis: 5 in number
Gerris gibbifer: 1 in number
TF45 Axis axis dried skin: 2 g
Gallus gallus domesticus blood: 5 ml
Spilostethus hospes larva: 1 piece
Hemidesmus indicus roots: 2 g
Piper nigrum seeds: 5 in number
Disease/ Disorder 13: Madness (Insanity) (13030000)
TF46 Indigofera linifolia dried wood: 10 g
TF47 Phyllanthus emblica fruit: 20 in number
a
Paste is prepared in all formulations by dissolving the ingredients in water.
b
Not harvested from wild/not cultivated; collected from local market or outside.
common people and recommendations from the learned senior villa-
gers. Informants belonged to various tribal and non-tribal communities
and besides practicing traditional medicine, were also employed in
other professions (Supplementary material). The second criterion for
informant selection was their being adult, long time local residential
status, and profound expertise on traditional healing. TMM had been
practicing their age old healthcare systems through generations had a
favorable status in the social hierarchy owing to their profession.
Approval was sought from each TMM prior to the start of the inter-
views. A semi structured questionnaire (Supplementary material) was
presented to them expecting possible answers and explanations
regarding vernacular names, forms and seasons of harvesting the plant
material, local names of animals and their body parts used, treated
ailments and symptoms, method of preparation of formulations, mode
of administration, mixing of additives and taste enhancers, side effects
of drug administration, restrictions during treatment etc. Name, age,
tribe, gender and secondary non-medical profession of the TMM were
also recorded. Date, time and venue of collection of plant material
along with the geographical and climatic conditions, habit, habitat and
taxonomic characteristics of botanicals and relevant information
regarding ethno-zoologicals were also noted. During collection of
enthnobiological/ethnopaharmacological information from the infor-
mants other use category (as food, forage, decoration, rituals etc.) of
the component plant/ animal species were also documented. Medicinal
plants were collected mostly at their flowering stages for herbarium
preparations. Plants were photographed during field visits emphasizing
on their habit and habitat. Plants were identified from local floras by
Prain (1903) and Sanyal (1994) followed by verification of the current
binomial from the Tropicos plant database at Missouri Botanical
Garden (www.tropicos.org). Use categories have been mentioned
following Economic Botany Data Collections Standards (EBDCS)
proposed by Cook (1995). Hence, neurological and psychological
disorders have been categorized by the numbers 1117 for Nervous
System Disorders and 1113 for Mental Disorders respectively with
various sub categories of diseases (Table 4). Plant parts especially the
seeds and fruits that were reported to be additives and/or taste
enhancers were preserved in alcohol and formaldehyde for future
reference. Herbarium specimens were tagged with voucher numbers
and stored at the Department of Zoology, Sidho-Kanho-Birsha
University, Purulia, West Bengal. Animal samples were identified
primarily in the field by their common names and were subsequently
verified for their scientific names from the available literature by a
Zoologist Asst. Prof. Souryadeep Mukherjee, Department of Biological
Sciences, Presidency University and were either preserved wherever
Journal of Ethnopharmacology 198 (2017) 33–44
Modes of preparation and methods of administration
Paste is administered on forehead at night before sleep.
All the ingredients are mixed together to form a paste by using a flat stone mortar and pestle. Pea
seed sized pills are prepared from the paste.
One pill per day is taken for 10 days.
The roots are worn in the neck.
A fruit paste is applied topically on head and forehead.
possible, or else photographed.
2.3. Analyses of ethnobiological data
2.3.1. Use value (UV)
Use value (UV) (Phillips et al., 1994) is a quantitative method that
is used to calculate the relative importance of ethnomedicinal plant/
animal species known locally. It is calculated as:
UV = ΣU/n
(U is the total number of citations per species and n is the number
of informants interviewed for a given plant).
2.3.2. Informant consensus factor (ICF)
The informant consensus factor (ICF) (Heinrich et al., 1998) was
used to estimate user variability of medicinal plant/animal species.
High ICF values are found when only one or a few plant/animal species
are reported by a significant proportion of informants against a
particular disease and high rate of exchange of information among
informants, whereas low or near zero ICF values mean informants’
disagreement over which plant/animal to use and conservative ap-
proach adopted by the informants by not sharing the information. The
ICF is determined as follows:
ICF = n ur − n t /n ur − 1
(nur is the number of use citations in each category and nt is the
number of species used).
2.3.3. Fidelity level (FL)
The fidelity level (FL) (Friedman et al., 1986) is the percentage of
informants reporting the use of a particular plant/animal for the same
purpose, was determined to find out the most frequently reported
diseases as:
FL(%) = Np/N × 100
(Np is the number of informants independently reporting a use of a
plant/animal in the treatment of a particular ailment, and N is the total
number of informants using the plant/animal as ethnomedicine in the
treatment of any particular disease).
2.3.4. Relative importance (RI)
The relative importance (RI) (Kadir et al., 2012) of a plant or
animal species denotes the most versatile species with the highest
number of medicinal activities (Oliveira et al., 2010). The RI is
38
A. Dey et al. Journal of Ethnopharmacology 198 (2017) 33–44

on next page)
determined as follows:

1.59
1.55
1.64
1.39
0.90
4.01
2.95

2.61
2.59
3.71
3.87

0.99 1.67
0.99 1.65
0.99 1.51
0.98 1.95
0.97 1.60
0.99 1.31
0.99 0.65
1.00 0.66
0.99 0.69
CAI
RI = PP + AC

IAR

0.98
0.99
0.98
1.00
0.98
0.98
0.99

0.97
0.97
1.00
0.98
(PP is the number of pharmacological activities assigned to a

(continued
species divided by the highest number of such properties assigned to

1.61
1.57
1.69
1.45
0.94
4.01
2.98

2.64
2.61
3.77
3.89

0.32 1.77
0.32 1.70
0.37 1.59
0.45 1.98
0.39 1.65
0.39 1.33
0.31 0.66
0.33 0.69
0.32 0.71
CI
the most resourceful species. AC is the number of disease categories

Details of plants as ingredients in traditional formulations (TFs) used by the indigenous population in Bengal part of Manbhum region, Chota Nagpur Plateau as indicated in interviews with 65 traditional medicine men.

0.39
0.37
0.40
0.37
0.31
0.88
0.57

0.41
0.43
0.59
0.47
treated by a particular species divided by the highest number of disease

RI
categories treated by the most resourceful species.

Use value
2.3.5. Cultural importance index (CI)

(UV)
The cultural importance index (CI) (Tardio and Santayana, 2008) is

0.34
0.28
0.37
0.34
0.29
0.75
0.50

0.33
0.31
0.47
0.30

0.29
0.23
0.25
0.43
0.33
0.29
0.27
0.27
0.31
determined by the by the summation of the proportion of informants
referring use of each species. The CI is calculated as follows:

Disease/disorder
uNC iN
CIs = ∑ ∑ URui/N
u=u1 i=i1

treated
[UR is the use report (Kufer et al., 2005), N is the total number of

1,5,9
1,2

1,4

1,8
informants and from u1 to uNC denotes UR of each use-category

3
1
2
7
5

4
1

6
5
1

1
1
2
1
1
(Tardio and Santayana, 2008)].

2.3.6. Index of agreement on remedies (IAR)

formulation (TF) (s)

The index of agreement on remedies (IAR) reflects the importance

Used in traditional
of each species (Trotter and Logan, 1986) which is determined by the
following equation:
IAR = n r–na /n r−1

1,32,41
1,2,26

11,40
[nr is the total number of citations reported for plant or animal

2,28

1,2
27

21
38
32

30
12

39

37
32

19

13
species and na is the number of disease categories against which the

2
species is being used (Thomas et al., 2009)].

leaves, roots/stem

fruits (10010000)
roots (12000000)

flower (9040000)
leaves (8000000)
bulb (12020000)

stem (6000000)
2.3.7. Cultural agreement index (CAI)
Part(s) used

whole plant

whole plant

whole plant

fresh leaves
The cultural agreement index (CAI) (Bruschi et al., 2011) is

(2000000)
determined as follows:

leaves

leaves

leaves

leaves
roots
roots

roots

roots
stem
CAI = CII X IARs

climber
climber
(CII is the cultural importance index and IAR is the index of
Habit

shrub
shrub

shrub

shrub
shrub
herb

herb
herb
herb

herb

herb

herb
herb
tree

tree

tree

tree

tree
agreement on remedies).

3. Results

Kumar balan
Bramhi shak

Bandar lathi
Vernacular

3.1. Traditional therapeutics using local flora and fauna

Dangadungi
Ulatkambal

Masabbar

Choto par
Thankuni
name(s)

Chirchity

Baro par
Gara boi
Kalmegh

Darchini
Lajalu
Rasun

Ghato
Meral
Neem

A total number of 47 TFs were reportedly prescribed by the TMM

Ata
Bel

belonging to different ethnic groups as neuroprotectants, psychoactives

Xanthorrhoeaceae

and nootropics (Table 1). TMM reported 58 plant species (of 54 genera Menispermaceae
Amaranthaceae

Amaryllidaceae

Plantaginaceae

from 36 families) and 17 animal species (of 17 genera from 15 families)

Acanthaceae

Primulaceae
Annonaceae

Oxalidaceae

as direct ingredients in TFs against 13 neurological and psychological

Lamiaceae
Lamiaceae
Malvaceae
Malvaceae

Lauraceae
Meliaceae

Fabaceae
Fabaceae
Rutaceae

Apiaceae

Vitaceae
Family

disorders and/or as pro-cognitives Among plant families, Fabaceae was

represented by the highest number of medicinal plant species (9
species). A total number of 17 animal species were reported
(Table 3), parts of which served as direct ingredients or as additives
Voucher No.

in a number of TFs. Besides milk and honey, which were added as

additives and or taste enhancers, other animal parts and products were
NP0010
NP0011

NP0012
NP0013
NP0014
NP0015
NP0016
NP0017
NP0018
NP0019
NP0020
NP001
NP002
NP003
NP004
NP005
NP006
NP007

NP008
NP009
(VN)

added to TFs for curative purpose. The plant and animal species with
their respective vernacular names, families and part(s) used were
presented in Tables 2 and 3 indicating their use in specific TFs and
Clerodendrum indicum L. Kuntze
Cinnamomum zeylanicum Blume
Biophytum petersianum Klotzsch
Andrographis paniculata (Burm.

against the particular type of medicinal condition. Plant voucher

Clerodendrum infortunatum L.
Bacopa monnieria Hutch. &
Abutilon indicum (L.) Sweet

numbers and habit types are tabulated in Table 2. Herbs (48%)

Aegle marmelos (L.) Corrêa

Azadirachta indica A. Juss.

Centella asiatica (L.) Urb.

represented the most common plant habit (Fig. 3) whereas roots

Ardisia solanacea Roxb.

Cissampelos pareira L.
Aloe vera (L.) Burm. f.
Achyranthes aspera L.

Cassia mimosoides L.
Abroma augusta L. f.

Annona squamosa L.

(28%) were recorded as the most commonly used plant part (Fig. 4).
Cissus repanda Vahl
f.) Wall. ex Nees
Plant binomials

Allium sativum L.

Cassia fistula L.

3.2. Preparations, applications and dose dependence of TFs

Dalziel
Table 2

Among the preparations, paste (53%) was reported as the most

used form (Fig. 5) and topical (49%) administration was the most
common mode of application (Fig. 7). Among the animal parts used,

39
 A. Dey et al.

Table 3
Details of animals as ingredients in traditional formulations (TFs) used by the indigenous population in Bengal part of Manbhum region, Chota Nagpur Plateau as indicated in interviews with 65 traditional medicine men.

Animal binomials (with English Family Vernacular names Part(s) used Used in traditional formulation Disease/ disorder Use value RI CI IAR CAI
common names) (TF) (s) treated (UV)

Apis cerana indica Fabricius (Indian Apidae Moumachhi/honeybee fresh honey from hives TF34 6 0.19 0.23 1.98 0.98 1.98
honeybee)
Axis axis (Erxleben, 1777) (spotted deer/ Cervidae Chital harin horn dust, embryo (Rimi), TF21, TF23, TF45 2,12 0.43 0.51 2.33 0.97 2.32
chital) dried skin
Bos taurus Linnaeus, 1758 (cow) Bovidae Goru/cow skin water extract TF29 4 0.20 0.29 1.65 0.98 1.56
Capra aegagrus hircus (Linnaeus, 1758) Bovidae Chhagol/ goat skin water extract, milk TF29, TF32 4,5 0.41 0.47 1.77 0.98 1.75
(domestic goat)
Crossopriza lyoni (Blackwall, 1867) (tailed Pholcidae Makardsa/ home spider whole body TF31 5 0.23 0.34 1.65 0.97 1.64
cellar spiders)
Gallus gallus domesticus (Linnaeus, 1758) Phasianidae Morog/ black indigenous blood TF45 12 0.29 0.34 1.59 1.00 1.57
(chicken) cock

40
Gerris gibbifer Schummel, 1832 (water Gerridae Nachni poka/water strider whole body TF44 12 0.26 0.41 1.59 0.99 1.58
striders)
Lepus sigricollis F. Cuvier, 1823 Leporidae Khargosh/Indian hare embryo (Rimi) TF23 2 0.21 0.39 1.47 0.98 1.47
Leucinodes orbonalis Guenée, 1854 (Indian Crambidae Begunpoka/brinjal fruit larva TF24 2 0.21 0.29 1.72 0.98 1.72
hare) borer
Macrobrachium sp. Spence Bate, 1868 Palaemonidae Chingri mach whole body TF25 2 0.26 0.44 1.61 0.97 1.61
(shrimps)
Moschus sp. (Linnaeus, 1758) (musk deer) Moschidae Kosturi horin/musk deer umbilicus gland TF27 3 0.23 0.41 1.88 1.00 1.88
Myrmeleon sp. Linnaeus, 1767 (ant-lion) Myrmeleontidae Gaighurapoka/ant lion whole body TF24, TF44 2,12 0.48 0.62 1.89 0.99 1.88
Ovis aries Linnaeus, 1758 (sheep) Bovidae Bhera/ sheep teeth TF25 2 0.19 0.27 1.45 0.98 1.45
Spilostethus hospes (Fabricius, 1794) (seed Lygaeidae Akanda poka larva TF24, TF44 2,12 0.50 0.67 1.13 0.97 1.11
bugs)
Vulpes bengalensis (Shaw, 1800) (Bengal fox) Canidae Sial/Bengal fox Guano/stool TF24 2 0.22 0.27 1.48 0.98 1.47
Abscondita chinensis Linnaeus, 1767 (fire-fly) Lampyridae Jonaki poka/ firefly whole body TF44 12 0.28 0.31 1.49 0.98 1.49
Tyto alba (Scopoli, 1769) (common barn owl) Tytonidae (Pencha/ Indian Barn owl) liver TF44 12 0.23 0.29 1.49 0.97 1.48
Journal of Ethnopharmacology 198 (2017) 33–44
A. Dey et al.
Fig. 3. Percentage distribution of plant habit types used by the TMM of Manbhum
region, Chota nagpur plateau, India.
Fig. 4. Percentage distribution of plant parts used by the TMM of Manbhum region,
Chota nagpur plateau, India.
Fig. 5. Percentage distribution of plant preparations used by the TMM of Manbhum
region, Chota nagpur plateau, India.
whole body (26%) preparations dominated the list, followed by
embryo, skin and larva (10% each) (Fig. 6). Sometimes the ointments,
juice or lukewarm paste were simply placed on the forehead or earlobe
in the treatment of headache or insomnia. In few cases the prepara-
tions (mostly dust or powder) were either used as snuff, or sniffed
during epileptic convulsions and hysteria attacks. Fresh leaves were
rubbed on palms and the hand rubbed paste was sniffed by the patient
during the attack. In TF24, stool of Vulpes bengalensis was used as one
of the ingredients and a strict restriction that the stool has to be
collected fresh in the morning was maintained. Use of several of the
formulations are already dying out, with the species that they use as
components. For example, we documented the preparation of TF27
with the umbilicus gland of Moschus sp. and TF21, TF23, and TF45
with the embryo of Axis axis, that has now been discontinued by the
41
Journal of Ethnopharmacology 198 (2017) 33–44
TMM due to unavailability of biological components. In such cases,
TMM prepared similar formulations eliminating those unavailable
ingredients or in few cases, some substitutes were added instead.
3.3. Quantitative ethnobiology: UV, ICF, FL, RI, CI, IAR and CAI
The plant Piper nigrum (1.35) and the animal Spilostethus hospes
(0.50) showed the highest UV, (Tables 2 and 3). Dizziness and nausea,
Matha ghura (vertigo/lightheadedness), loss of memory and weak
nerves of leg exhibited highest ICF (ICF=1.00 each) (Table 4). The
plants/animals showing high FL (70–100%), moderate FL (50–70%)
and low FL ( < 50%) are categorized in Table 5.
Besides the above mentioned common quantitative indices, RI, CI,
IAR and CAI were also used to study the plants and animals used for
medicinal purpose (Tables 2 and 3). Among the ethnobotanicals,
maximum RI value (0.91) was noted for Hemidesmus indicus and
the highest (5.67) CI value was observed for Piper nigrum. IAR
calculated by the importance of each species was found to be maximum
(1.00) for 8 plant species. Maximum CAI was observed for the plant
species Piper nigrum (5.55). Among the ethnozoologicals, Spilostethus
hospes (0.67) displayed maximum RI value and Axis axis (2.33)
showed maximum CI value. Gallus gallus domesticus and Moschus
sp. exhibited maximum IAR value (1.00) whereas Axis axis (2.32)
displayed maximum CAI value.
3.4. Use of plants and animals as drugs: toxicity aspects
TMM were found to well aware of the fact that the use animal
samples such as whole body of spider, skin water extract of cow and
goat and stool of fox which might cause potential toxicity and side
effects in the recipients. However, the time and method of collection of
animal excreta and products were found to be important to use these in
TFs. Moreover, for medicinal plants, time of harvesting, type of plant
part(s) used and method of administration (oral/topical) were con-
sidered to minimize toxicity (if any) in formulating TFs.
3.5. Use of plants and animals as drugs: conservation aspects
Moreover, in our present study, Axis axis, Tyto alba and Moschus
species have been used and the TMM have reported rapid decline of
some of these animal species in their natural habitat in the recent past.
However, our area of study is not a natural dwelling place for the musk
deer and hence the musk gland is collected by the TMM from the
nomadic people coming from north India. Plants like Aegle marmelos
and Azadirachta indica were found to be worshipped in sacred grove
which seems to have been a common conservation strategy adopted by
the tribal people.
4. Discussion
4.1. Traditional therapeutics using ethnobiologicals
In this present study, we reported some ethnobotanicals viz.
Bacopa monnieri, Evolvulus alsinoides, Convolvulus pluricaulis and
Clitoria ternatea previously known for exerting neuroprotection.
Besides, for the first time, we have reported neuroprotective abilities
of Abutilon indicum, Achyranthes aspera, Aloe vera, Annona squa-
mosa, Azadirachta indica, Cissampelos pareira, Clerodendrum in-
fortunatum, Dolichos lablab, Oryza sativa, Solanum melongena,
Tragia involucrata and Vernonia anthelmintica either in monoherbal
or in polyherbal forms of traditional medications. Besides, the present
study reports a number of animals used in the folkloric medicine either
alone or in combination with other animal or plant species. Many of
these uses were found to follow the doctrine of signature and some of
them were discontinued and/or archived due to unavailability of
animals or conservation threats to the used animal species. In one of
A. Dey et al. Journal of Ethnopharmacology 198 (2017) 33–44

Fig. 6. Percentage distribution of animal parts used by the TMM of Manbhum region, Chota nagpur plateau, India.

to be the efficacy of the drug when applied via oral/internal and topical
mode. In TF32, Allium sativum was used as one of the components in
the treatment of migraine which was applied topically on forehead and
in TF47, Phyllanthus emblica is being applied topically in order to
protect against insanity. It was also found that a number of TFs
contained more than one plant and/or animal species as ingredient,
which according to the TMM increased their therapeutic efficacy
against the medical conditions treated.

4.3. Quantitative ethnobiology: importance and relevance

Since UV calculates the relative importance of local ethnobiologi-

cals, the authors have noted high UV and hence widespread use of
Piper nigrum mostly as a taste enhancer of otherwise bitter formula-
tions. Aloe vera and Hemidesmus indicus were among the other plants
with high UV which indicates their popularity as ingredients in TFs.
Fig. 7. Percentage distribution of modes of drug administration prescribed by the TMM
For the same reason, H. indicus exhibited maximum RI value whereas
of Manbhum region, Chota nagpur plateau, India.
the highest CI and CAI values were showed by P. nigrum. However, in
general, animals exhibited lower UV when compared to their botanical
the treatment strategies, the roots were tied to neck as a magico-
counterparts which justifies their less frequent inclusion in TFs when
religious belief either to welcome sleep (e.g. Mimosa pudica) or to
compared to the botanicals. Considering the FL, high/moderate/low
combat insanity (e.g. Indigofera linifolia) (Table 1). However, in these
values have been exhibited by different plant/animal species depending
magico-religious practices, relation between cause and effect was not
on the consensus or lack of consensus among the reporting informants.
clearly understood It was also noted that the local traditional commu-
Similarly, ethnozoologicals exhibited different RI, CI, IAR and CAI
nities are known to believe on spirituality and religion as indispensable
values indicating their relative importance as ingredients in various
parts in the healing of diseases.
TFs.

4.2. Preparations, applications and dose dependence of TFs 4.4. Use of plants and animals as drugs: toxicity aspects

One notable aspect regarding the mode of administration was found The traditional medicines practiced by the TMM are age old and

Table 4
Disease category and corresponding Informant consensus factor (ICF) depicted from the interviews with 65 traditional medicine men. Use categories have been mentioned following
Economic Botany Data Collections Standards (EBDCS) proposed by Cook (1995).

Disease/ailment category nur= number of use citations nt= number of species used against a Informant consensus factor
in each category particular ailment by all informants (ICF)

Matha byatha (headache) (17230000) 33 26 0.22

Mrigi (epilepsy) (17090000) 34 25 0.27
Paralysis (17120000) 7 5 0.33
Hysteria (13390300) 6 5 0.20
Adhkapali (migraine) (17100000) 21 10 0.55
Onidra (insomnia) (13450000) 9 5 0.50
Dizziness (8040000) and Nausea (5130000) 7 1 1.00
Poor memory (13090000) 25 2 0.95
Matha ghura (vertigo/ lightheadedness) 9 1 1.00
(13460000)
Loss of memory (13090000) 7 1 1.00
Weak nerves of leg (17230000) 5 1 1.00
Mental depression in relation to love and 13 4 0.75
affairs (13280000)
Madness (insanity) (13030000) 10 2 0.89

42
A. Dey et al. Journal of Ethnopharmacology 198 (2017) 33–44

Table 5
Fidelity level (FL) of the ethnobiologicals used depicted from the interviews with 65 traditional medicine men.

Disease/ailment category FL (%) category Most favored plant/animal used against particular disease/ailment

Matha byatha (headache) High FL (70–100%) Andrographis paniculata, Momordica charantia, Cissampelos pareira, Solanum surattense, Aloe vera,
Abutilon indicum, Clerodendrum indicum, Azadirachta indica, Curcuma longa, Piper nigrum, Zingiber
officinale, Polygala arvensis
Moderate FL (50– Pterospermum acerifolium, Cinnamomum zeylanicum, Gmelina arborea, Phyllanthus amarus, Scilla
70%) indica, Cassia mimosoides, Ventilago calyculata, Centella asiatica
Low FL ( < 50%) Ardisia solanacea, Clerodendrum infortunatum, Pavetta indica, Elephantopus scaber, Glossogyne bidens,
Tragia involucrata
Mrigi (epilepsy) High FL (70–100%) Oryza sativa, Cynodon dactylon, Solanum surattense,
Cissus repanda, Leea macrophylla, Mucuna pruriens
Piper nigrum
Moderate FL (50– Laportea interrupta, Dolichos lablab, Achyranthes aspera, Moringa oleifera, Nerium indicum,
70%) Hemidesmus indicus, Tephrosia purpurea, Solanum surattense, Diospyros malabarica, Solanum
melongena
Axis axis, Lepus sigricollis, Spilostethus hospes, Leucinodes orbonalis, Myrmeleon sp., Vulpes bengalensis,
Macrobrachium sp., Ovis aries
Low FL ( < 50%) Andrographis paniculata
Paralysis Moderate FL (50– Abroma augusta, Premna herbacea, Polygala arvensis, Glycyrrhiza glabra
70%) Moschus sp.
Hysteria Moderate FL (50– Clitoria ternatea, Azadirachta indica, Annona squamosa
70%) Capra aegagrus hircus/Bos taurus
Adhkapali (migraine) Moderate FL (50– Cynodon dactylon, Oryza sativa, Cassia fistula
70%) Cyperus tricep, Vernonia anthelmintica, Aloe vera, Allium sativum
Crossopriza lyoni, Capra aegagrus hircus
Low FL ( < 50%) Pterospermum acerifolium
Onidra (insomnia) Moderate FL (50– Piper nigrum, Lagenaria siceraria, Mimosa pudica, Biophytum petersianum
70%) Apis cerana indica
Dizziness and nausea Low FL ( < 50%) Aegle marmelos
Poor memory High FL (70–100%) Bacopa monnieria, Centella asiatica
Matha Ghura (vertigo/ lightheadedness) Moderate FL (50– Aloe vera
70%)
Loss of memory Moderate FL (50– Evolvulus alsinoides
70%)
Weak nerves of leg Moderate FL (50– Piper betle
70%)
Mental depression in relation to love and High FL (70–100%) Tyto alba, Myrmeleon sp., Abscondita chinensis, Gerris gibbifer
affairs Moderate FL (50– Hemidesmus indicus, Piper nigrum
70%) Axis axis, Gallus gallus domesticus, Spilostethus hospes
Madness (insanity) Moderate FL (50– Indigofera linifolia, Phyllanthus emblica
70%)

time tested. However, the method of preparation, the mode of 5. Conclusion

administration and dose dependence of the formulations were found
to be crucial factors for their safe and efficacious administration. For
animal samples used in this study such as the whole body of spider,
skin water extract of cow and goat and stool of fox possess potential
toxicity and infested pathogenic microorganism and parasites which
may cause harmful effects in the patients. Hence, chances of toxicity
and pathological contamination must be taken into consideration while
using potentially toxic animal products and animal excreta as medicine.
4.5. Use of plants and animals as drugs: conservation aspects
Following the International Union for Conservation of Nature and
Natural Resources (IUCN) red list of threatened species (The IUCN
Red List of Threatened Species™, 2016), Axis axis and Tyto alba were
cited as least concern whereas the Moschus species viz. M. leucogaster
(Himalayan musk deer or White-bellied musk deer) and M. cupreus
(Kashmir musk deer) both were cited as endangered with a current
population trend “decreasing”. Musk deer is primarily hunted for trade
of musk glands which is highly priced (U.S. $45,000/kg) for its alleged
pharmaceutical properties (The IUCN Red List of Threatened
Species™, 2016). These species are also listed on the Convention on
International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora
(CITES) Appendix II and/or on Appendix I. Due to the high value of
the musk glands in the international market, illegal hunting and
poaching have led to their overexploitation and rapid decline in the
natural population and proper measures are needed to be adopted
immediately for their conservation and sustainable utilization.
Chota Nagpur Plateau is the abode of a number of Indian tribal and
non-tribal communities that continue to practice their age old culture,
rituals, therapeutics and magico-religious beliefs. In this present
investigation, a number of TFs prepared from different plants and
animals are reported describing their preparations and applications
against various neurological and related medical conditions. Analyses
of ethnobiological data carried out using statistical indices indicate the
importance of various preparations against different diseases. Few
ethnobiologicals reported as declining or rare in natural habitat, are
needed to be utilized sustainably. Since conventional medication has
certain restrictions such as drug resistance and side effects, using
alternative therapeutics with scientific endeavors can be an exciting
approach to reduce human deaths and suffering.
Acknowledgements
The corresponding author sincerely acknowledges the research
project granted by West Bengal Biodiversity Board (OM No. 040/3/K
(Bio)−1/2012). The authors are thankful to the local people and
traditional medicine-men for sharing their valuable knowledge.
Appendix A. Supporting information
Supplementary data associated with this article can be found in the
online version at doi:10.1016/j.jep.2016.12.040.

43
A. Dey et al.
References
Balick, M.J., 1994. Ethnobotany, drug development and biodiversity conservation-
exploring the linkages. Ciba Found. Symp. 185, 4–18.
Bega, D., Zadikoff, C., 2014. Complementary & alternative management of Parkinson's
disease: an evidence-based review of eastern influenced practices. J. Mov. Disord. 7,
57–66.
Bhalla, M., Thami, G.P., 2005. Acute urticaria following 'gomutra' (cow's urine) gargles.
Clin. Exp. Dermatol. 30, 722–723.
Bruschi, P., Morganti, M., Mancini, M., Signorini, M.A., 2011. Traditional healers and lay
people: a qualitative and quantitative approach to local knowledge on medicinal
plants in Muda (Mozambique). J. Ethnopharmacol. 138, 543–563.
Bussing, R., Zima, B.T., Gary, F.A., Garvan, C.W., 2002. Use of complementary and
alternative medicine for symptoms of attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder.
Psychiatr. Serv. 53, 1096–1102.
Bussmann, R.W., Malca, G., Glenn, A., Sharon, D., Nilsen, B., Parris, B., Dubose, D.,
Ruiz, D., Saleda, J., Martinez, M., Carillo, L., Walker, K., Kuhlman, A., Townesmith,
A., 2011. Toxicity of medicinal plants used in traditional medicine in Northern Peru.
J. Ethnopharmacol. 137, 121–140.
Cook, F., 1995. Economic Botany Data Collection Standard. Prepared for the
International Working Group on Taxonomic Databases for Plant Sciences (TDWG).
Kew, Royal Botanic Gardens.
Dalai, M.K., Bhadra, S., Bandyopadhyay, A., Mukherjee, P.K., 2014. Evaluation of anti-
cholinesterase activity of the standardized extract of Piper betel L. leaf. Orient.
Pharm. Exp. Med. 14, 31–35.
Dey, A., 2017. Natural products against Huntington's Disease (HD): implications of
neurotoxic animal models and transgenics in preclinical studies. In: Brahmachari,
Goutam (Ed.), Neuroprotective Natural Products: Clinical Aspects and Mode of
ActionFirst edition. Wiley-VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim, Germany,
185–246.
Dey, A., De, J.N., 2012. Ethnobotanical survey of Purulia district, West Bengal, India for
medicinal plants used against gastrointestinal disorders. J. Ethnopharmacol. 143,
68–80.
Dey, A., De, J.N., 2015a. Neuroprotective therapeutics from botanicals and
phytochemicals against Huntington's disease and related neurodegenerative
disorders. J. Herb. Med. 5, 1–19.
Dey, A., De, J.N., 2015b. Possible anti-Parkinson's disease therapeutics from nature-A
review. In: Atta-ur-Rahman (Ed.), Studies in Natural Product Chemistry 44. Elsevier
Science, Amsterdam, The Netherlands, 447–520.
Dey, A., Mukherjee, A., Chaudhury, M., 2017. Alkaloids from Apocynaceae: Origin,
pharmacotherapeutic properties, and structure activity studies. In: Atta-ur-Rahman
(Ed.), Studies in Natural Product Chemistry 52. Elsevier Science, Amsterdam, The
Netherlands, (In Press).
Ekor, M., 2013. The growing use of herbal medicines: issues relating to adverse reactions
and challenges in monitoring safety. Front. Pharmacol. 4, 177.
Farnsworth, N.R., 1990. The role of ethnopharmacology in drug development. Ciba
Found. Symp. 154, 2–11.
Friedman, J., Yaniv, Z., Dafni, A., Palewitch, D., 1986. A preliminary classification of the
healing potential of medicinal plants based on a rational analysis of an
ethnopharmacological field survey among Bedouins in the Negev desert, Israel. J.
Ethnopharmacol. 16, 275–287.
Heinrich, M., Ankli, A., Frei, B., Weimann, C., Sticher, O., 1998. Medicinal plants in
Mexico: healers' consensus and cultural importance. Soc. Sci. Med. 47, 1859–1871.
Hebert, C.D., Flory, W., Seger, C., Blanchard, R.E., 1983. Preliminary isolation of a
myodegenerative toxic principle from Cassia occidentalis. Am. J. Vet. Res. 44,
1370–1374.
Hutchinson, J., 1877. Clinical lecture on cases of spina bifida, with paralysis of
sphincters. Br. Med. J. 1, 767–768.
Kadir, M.F., Sayeed, M.S.B., Mia, M.M.K., 2012. Ethnopharmacological survey of
medicinal plants used by indigenous and tribal people in Rangamati, Bangladesh. J.
Ethnopharmacol. 144, 627–637.
Kelley, B.J., Knopman, D.S., 2008. Alternative medicine and Alzheimer's disease.
Neurologist 14, 299–306.
Kongkeaw, C., Dilokthornsakul, P., Thanarangsarit, P., Limpeanchob, N., Norman
Scholfield, C., 2014. Meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials on cognitive
effects of Bacopa monnieri extract. J. Ethnopharmacol. 151, 528–535.
Kufer, J., Förther, H., Pöll, E., Heinrich, M., 2005. Historical and modern medicinal
plant uses-the example of the Ch'orti' Maya and Ladinos in Eastern Guatemala. J.
Pharm. Pharmacol. 57, 1127–1152.
Le, X.T., Nguyet, Pham, H.T., Van Nguyen, T., Minh Nguyen, K., Tanaka, K., Fujiwara,
H., Matsumoto, K., 2015. Protective effects of Bacopa monnieri on ischemia-induced
cognitive deficits in mice: the possible contribution of bacopaside I and underlying
mechanism. J. Ethnopharmacol. 164, 37–45.
Lind, B.K., Lafferty, W.E., Grembowski, D.E., Diehr, P.K., 2006. Complementary and
alternative provider use by insured patients with diabetes in Washington State. J.
Altern. Complement. Med. 12, 71–77.
Lind, B.K., Lafferty, W.E., Tyree, P.T., Diehr, P.K., Grembowski, D.E., 2007. Use of
44
Journal of Ethnopharmacology 198 (2017) 33–44
complementary and alternative medicine providers by fibromyalgia patients under
insurance coverage. Arthritis Rheum. 57, 71–76.
Malik, J., Karan, M., Vasisht, K., 2011. Nootropic, anxiolytic and CNS-depressant studies
on different plant sources of shankhpushpi. Pharm. Biol. 49, 1234–1242.
Martin, B.W., Terry, M.K., Bridges, C.H., Bailey, E.M., Jr., 1981. Toxicity of Cassia
occidentalis in the horse. Vet. Hum. Toxicol. 23, 416–417.
Menendez-Baceta, G., Aceituno-Mata, L., Molina, M., Reyes-García, V., Tardío, J., Pardo-
de-Santayana, M., 2014. Medicinal plants traditionally used in the north west of the
Basque country (Biscay and Alava), Iberian Peninsula. J. Ethnopharmacol. 27,
113–134.
Modak, B.K., Gorai, P., Dhan, R., Mukherjee, A., Dey, A., 2015. Tradition in treating
taboo: folkloric medicinal wisdom of the aboriginals of Purulia district, West Bengal,
India against sexual, gynaecological and related disorders. J. Ethnopharmacol. 169,
370–386.
Modak, M., Dixit, P., Londhe, J., Ghaskadbi, S., Devasagayam, T.P., 2007. Indian herbs
and herbal drugs used for the treatment of diabetes. J. Clin. Biochem. Nutr. 40,
163–173.
Mukherjee, P.K., Kumar, V., Kumar, N.S., Heinrich, M., 2008. The Ayurvedic medicine
Clitoria ternatea-from traditional use to scientific assessment. J. Ethnopharmacol.
120, 291–301.
Nagda, G., Bhatt, D.K., 2014. Effect of treatment of cow's urine "Gomutra" and
antioxidants in alleviating the lindane-induced oxidative stress in kidney of Swiss
mice (Mus musculus). Mol. Biol. Rep. 41, 1967–1976.
Offringa, L., 2015. The medical ethnobotany of treating cognitive impairment in the
elderly of northern Thailand. In: Medicinal Plants of Northern Thailand for the
Treatment of Cognitive Impairment in the Elderly. Springer International
Publishing, 55–64.
Oliveira, E.S., Torres, D.F., Brooks, S.E., Alves, R.R.N., 2010. The medicinal animal
markets in the metropolitan region of Natal City, northeastern Brazil. J.
Ethnopharmacol. 130, 54–60.
Phillips, O., Gentry, A.H., Reynel, C., Wilkin, P., Galvez-Durand, B.C., 1994. Quantitative
ethnobotany and Amazonian conservation. Conserv. Biol. 8, 225–248.
Prain, D., 1903. Bengal Plants 1–2. Botanical Survey of India, Calcutta.
Russo, A., Borrelli, F., 2005. Bacopa monniera, a reputed nootropic plant: an overview.
Phytomedicine 12, 305–317.
Sachdev, D.O., Gosavi, D.D., Salwe, K.J., 2012. Evaluation of antidiabetic, antioxidant
effect and safety profile of gomutra ark in Wistar albino rats. Anc. Sci. Life 31, 84–89.
Saladin, K., 2012. Anatomy and Physiology: Form and Function. McGraw Hill.
Sanyal, M.N., 1994. Flora of Bankura District, West Bengal. Bishen Singh Mahendra Pal
Singh, New Delhi.
Schmeda-Hirschmann, G., Delporte, C., Valenzuela-Barra, G., Silva, X., Vargas-Arana,
G., Lima, B., Feresin, G.E., 2014. Anti-inflammatory activity of animal oils from the
Peruvian Amazon. J. Ethnopharmacol. 156, 9–15.
Sharma, J., Gairola, S., Gaur, R.D., Painuli, R.M., Siddiqi, T.O., 2013. Ethnomedicinal
plants used for treating epilepsy by indigenous communities of sub-Himalayan
region of Uttarakhand, India. J. Ethnopharmacol. 150, 353–370.
Singh, N., Kaushik, N.K., Mohanakrishnan, D., Tiwari, S.K., Sahal, D., 2015.
Antiplasmodial activity of medicinal plants from Chhotanagpur plateau, Jharkhand,
India. J. Ethnopharmacol. 165, 152–162.
Soo, I., Mah, J.K., Barlow, K., Hamiwka, L., Wirrell, E., 2005. Use of complementary and
alternative medical therapies in a pediatric neurology clinic. Can. J. Neurol. Sci. 32,
524–528.
Taranalli, A.D., Cheeramkuzhy, T.C., 2000. Influence of Clitoria ternatea extracts on
memory and central cholinergic activity in rats. Pharm. Biol. 38, 51–56.
Tardio, J., Santayana, M.P., 2008. Cultural importance indices: a comparative analysis
based on the useful world plants of Southern Cantabria (Northern Spain). Econ. Bot.
62, 24–39.
Tasca, C., Rapetti, M., Carta, M.G., Fadda, B., 2012. Women and hysteria in the history of
mental health. Clin. Pract. Epidemiol. Ment. Health 8, 110–119.
The IUCN Red List of Threatened SpeciesTM, 2016. 〈http://www.iucnredlist.org/search〉
and 〈http://www.iucnredlist.org/details/136750〉 (accessed 16.08.16)
Thomas, E., Vandebroek, I., Sanca, S., Damma, P.V., 2009. Cultural significance of
medicinal plant families and species among Quechua farmers in Apillapampa,
Bolivia. J. Ethnopharmacol. 122, 60–67.
Todd, R.B., 1855. Clinical Lectures on Paralysis, Disease of the Brain, and Other
Affections of the Nervous System. Lindsay & Blakiston, Philadelphia, USA.
Trotter, R.T., Logan, M.H., 1986. Informant consensus: a new approach for identifying
potentially effective medicinal plants. In: Etkin, N.L. (Ed.), Plants in Indigenous
Medicine and Diet, Behavioural Approaches. Redgrave Publishing Company,
Bredford Hills, New York, 91–112.
World Health Organization, 2006. Neurological disorders: public health challenges.
WHO Press〈http://www.who.int/mental_health/neurology/neurodiso/en/index.
html〉, (accessed 12.08.2016).
Yigezu, Y., Haile, D.B., Ayen, W.Y., 2014. Ethnoveterinary medicines in four districts of
Jimma zone, Ethiopia: cross sectional survey for plant species and mode of use. BMC
Vet. Res. 10, 76.
Ancient Science of Life, Vol No. XIV No.3, January 1995, Pages 191 - 196

SOME MEDICINAL PLANTS USED BY THE TRIBALS OF

KORAPUT, ORISSA
P.K. DAS

Department of Botany, D. A.V. College, Koraput – 764 020.

Received: 2 August, 1994 Accepted: 17 November, 1994

ABSTRACT: This paper deals with the ethnobotanical observations of the tribals of Koraput
district of Orissa. About 49 species of plants and their mode of usage are mentioned.

INTRODUCTION

Koraput district is the largest district in
Orissa having geographical area of 27,020
Sq. Kms. The average annual rainfall is
1522 mm. The district is rich with tribal
people. Out of the total population of
24,84,005 of the district, scheduled caste
and scheduled tribes are 1,37,255 i.e 56%.
In Orissa sixty two tribes of tribal people are
found. Out of which fifty two tribes of
tribals are residing only in Koraput district.
They are Bhatora, Bhumia, Godoba, Gond,
Kondho, Koya, Kondadora, Ananatya,
Paraja, Soura, Kotia Kondho, Jatapu,
Didayo and Bonda.
Reports of ethnobotanical studies of the
tribals of Koraput are very rare (see
Chaudhuri et al., 1985, Das & Ramakant
1988, Das & Mishra 1988). Indeed so far no
such detailed work on ethnobontany of
Koraput district is available. Although in
recent years considerable attention have
been paid by authors like Das and
Ramakand (1988), Das and Misra (1987 –
1988). The only papers which deal with
useful medicinal plants from Orissa were
made earlier by Bal (1942). Panigrahi
(1963), Pal and Banerjee (1971), Jain (1964
& 1971), Pal and Banerjee (1974), Saxena
and Das (1978), Gantayet and Das (1982),
Das and Ramkant (1988), Sharma et al
(1985) and Murthy et al (1986).
In this connection it is worth mentioning
that even a casual study of the literature on
ethnobotanical studies of Koraput district
described by various authors shows that it is
incomplete. Therefore, it was felt that
further work on ethnobotanical studies of
Koraput district should attempt to remedy all
the shortcomings of previous studies. The
author made repeated visits to the localities,
made contact with the tribal people, village
pradhan and the interesting information
collected from them of that area are
presented in this paper.
ETHNOLOGY
The custom of using herbs for curing
various diseases is prevalent in this region
even now.
The tribals in remote areas depend mostly
on Gunias for curing various ailments.
These Gunias perform Puja to their Gods or
Goddesses to drive away the evil spirits like
duma, bhuta, preta. But the tribal people
who are residing nearby towns avail

1
allopathic and homeopathic medicine
facilities. The herbal doctors who often visit
the tribal villages are aware of most of the
treatments for various diseases. They
usually collect different plant parts and give
to patients in the form of decoction, paste or
powder along with honey, milk or water to
cure the various diseases. Most of the
tribals in addition to their language can
understand and speak Oriya. The tribals of
Gampakonda area speak Telugu language in
addition to Oriya. The tribals use bows and
arrows mainly for hunting.
METHODS OF STUDY
The material for the present investigation
was collected from the villages inhabiting
tribals in the Koraput district of Orissa.
Several trips were made to the localities
from 1988 to 1990 and the mode of uses
described in the present paper were gathered
from these triblas and the herbal doctor of
the region. The important medicinal plants
are deposited in the herbarium cabinet of
Dept. of Botany, D.A.V. College, Koraput.
As far as possible, attempts were made to
collect information on various diseases and
the methods of their treatment.
The identification of the plant specimens
was made with the help of Hains flora.
Plants are arranged alphabetically by their
botanical names with the family in the
brackets followed by their usage for various
ailments
OBSERVATIONS:
Acalypha indicia Linn. (Euphorbiaceae) :
Leaves squeezed and the juice locally
applied within the annus region of children
in case of constipation.
Acanthus ilicifolius Linn (Acanthaceae):
Leaves used as fomentation in rheumatic
pains.
Achras sapota Linn (Sapotaceae) : The
young fruits ground to a paste with water
and internally given in dysentery.
Aegle marmelos Corr. (Rutaceae) : Pulp of
ripe of fruit is cooling and also given in
diarrhea and promote digestion.
Ageratum convzoicles Linn. (Compositae) :
The juice of leaves applied to cuts
externally.
Alangium salvifolium Linn. (Alangiaceae) :
The tender leaves are bitter which fried with
little oil and applied externally to relieve
pain and swelling of joints.
Anacardium occidentale Linn.
(Anacardiaceae) : Fruit juice antidiarrhoeal.
Argemone Mexicans Linn. (Papaveraceae) :
Yellow juice of plant is applied in wounds
and the ashes of flower applied to wounds.
Artocarpus heterophyllus Lam. (Moraceae) :
The latex of the applied to glandular
swellings.
Azadirachta indica A. Juss. (Milliaceae) :
Leaves applied to boils and the decoction of
leaves taken for curing skin diseases.
Tender wings are commonly used as tooth-
brushes for making the mouth and teeth
clean and to prevent pyorrhea.
Basella rubera Linn. (Basillaceae): Juice of
the leaves are given in cases of constipation
particularly in children.
Bixa prellana Linn (Bixaceae) : Red
colouring matter is obtained from fruits
leaves used in snake bite.
2

Boerhaavia diffuses Linn. (Nyctagiunacae) :
A weed throughout the district. Leaves are
taken as leafy vegetable and are considered
to be useful in laxation.
Brassica compestris Linn. (Cruciferae) : Oil
is rubbed on the chest in bronchitis and in
foot for cold.
Cassia occidentalis Linn. (Leguminosae) :
Seed along with milk used as vermifuge.
Cardiosperum halicacaubum Linn.
(Sapindaceae): Leaf juice used as a cure for
earache.
Citrullus vulgaris Schrad. (Cucurbitaceae) :
Cultivated in few places for its fruits which
is used in jaundice.
Citrus aurantifolia (Christm) Swingle
(Rutaceae) : Fruit juice given in vomiting
and survey. Leaves applied in head-ache.
Clerodendron infortunatum Linn.
(Verbenaceae): Leaves employed externally
for tumours and skin diseases.
Coccinia indica wand. A (Cucurbitaceae) :
Leafy juice applied externally in skin
diseases.
Cuminum cyminum Linn. (Umbelliferae) :
Powdered fruit used in stomach disorders
and vomiting.
Cucurma longa Linn. (Zingiberaceae) :
Rhizome ground and applied externally to
wounds and skin diseases. Taken internally
as antiparasitic for many skin diseases.
Daemia extensa R. Br. (Asclepidaceae) :
Juice of leaves applied to swelling in
combination with ginger.
Elephantopus scaber Linn (Compositae)
Syn Asteraceae :Roasted powder with
pepper applied to tooth ache.
Emblica ossicinalis. Gaertn (Euphorbiaceae)
: Juice of raw fruit with lemon juice taken to
check acute dysentery.
Entada phasealoides Merrill (Leguminosae)
: Juice of bark externally applied for healing
ulcers.
Globs orixensis. Roxb (Zinzinberaceae) :
Rhizomes is remedy for scorpion bite – it is
rubbed with water and applied externally in
scorpion sting and snake bite.
Guizotia abyssynica Cass (Compositae) : Oil
from seeds is applied on the parts to cure
rheumatism.
Holarrhena antidysenterica wall.
(Apocynaceae) : Bark is given to cure
dysentery. Seeds used as vemifuge.
Impompea pestigridis Linn. (Euphorbiaceae)
: The latex of the leaves of the plant is useful
in eczema and itches.
Leuca saspera Spreng. (Labiatae) : Juice of
leaves applied in scabies and skin eruptions.
Melia azadarach Linn (Meliaceae): Fresh
juice of leaves taken internally along with
rhizome paste of Curcuma longa Linn. as a
tonic for blood purification, as antiparasitic
for many skin affections. The oil extracted
from the seeds prescribed for curing scabies
and other skin diseases.
Momusops elangi Linn. (Sapotaceae) : Pulp
of the ripe fruit used in curing dysentery.
Momordica charantia Linn (Cucurbitaceae)
: The juice of the fresh leaves are useful as
3
purgative and as vermifuge. The fruits are
boiled and taken to cure skin diseases.
Murraya keenigi spreng (Rutaceae) : Green
leaves are eaten raw as cure of dysentery.
Nerium indicum Mill (Apocynaceae): The
leaves are roasted along with mustard oil
and used to reduce swelling.
Ocimum sanctum Linn. (Labiatae) : Fresh
juice of the leaves given with honey is
bronchitis and dropped into the ear as
remedy for earache. The plant juice is also
applied to the bites of scorpion.
Oxalis corniculata Linn. (Oxalidaceae) :
Leaves – cooling leaf paste applied to cure
headache.
Pergularia extensa. N.E.Br.
(Asclepiadaceae) : The milky latex is
applied to cure toothache and also in
swellings of the joints.
Plumbago zeylanica Linn.
(Plumbaginaceae): Milky juice is applied
externally in scabies, ringworm and ulcers.
Rauwolifia serpentine (L) Benth, Ex. Kurz.
(Apocynaceae): It is found abundantly in
the forest of the district. Roots given to
painful affections of the bowels and also to
reduce blood pressure.
Ricinus communis Linn. (Euphorbiaceae) :
Oil from the seeds used as purgative. Leaf
roasted with oil applied to the head to
relieve headache.
Santalum album Linn (Santalaceae): Wood
paste applied to cure boils which are allay to
heat.
Sapindus trifoliatus Linn. (Sapindaceae) :
Fruit is given internally as purgative and
externally it is used as detergent.
Semecarpus anacardium Linn.
(Anacardiaceae) : Oil from the nuts used
externally to relieve pain especially in
wounds and snake bite. It is also applied to
make abortion.
Shorea robusta Gaertn. (Dipterecarpaceae) :
The resin used as plaster along with jagery
and applied for swelling occurred due to
cold in the lower region of the ear.
Stachytarphata indica Vahl.
(Verbenacease): It is a common weed of
waste places. The leaf extract used
externally for cuts and ulcers.
Syzygium jumbos (Linn). Alst : Fruits given
in jaundice.
Tamarindus indica Linn (Leguminosae) :
The fruit used for digestion and testa of the
seed used for extraction of gums and to cure
dysentery.
DISCUSSION
This paper provides a report in
ethnomedicinal uses of some important
plants locally available for curing various
diseases. It is interesting that the
ethnobotanical studies of tribal belt provide
a rewarding experience. In Orissa the
medicinal plants available are still not
explored well, a thorough investigation may
provide remedy for different ailments.
ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS
I am grateful to Dr. P. Sudhakar, Head of the
Department of Botany for providing
facilities. Thanks are also due to Dr. R. D.
Dixit, Regional Botanist, Botanical survey
4
of India, Allahabad for encouragement to initiate the work.

REFERENCES

1. Bal, S.N. (1942) : Useful Plants of Mayrbhanj, State of Orissa. Records Bot. Surv. India 6 ;
1 – 118.

2. Chaudhuri, Rai H.N., D. C. Pal and Tarafdar C.R. (1985) : Less known used of some plants
from the tribal areas of Orissa, Bult. Bot. surv. India. 17 : 132 – 136.

3. Das, P.K. and Misra M.K., (1987) : Some medicinal plants used by the tribal of Deomali and
adjacent areas of Koraput District, Orissa, Indian J. For 10: 301 – 303.

4. Das P.K. and Misra M.K. (1988) : Some ethno medicinal plants of Koraput District, Orissa.
An. Sci. of Life Vol. 8, 1 : 60 -67.

5. Das P.K. and Gantayet, S.P. (1982) : Studies of some useful medicinal plants of Koraput
district (Abs) Nat. Symp. On Dev. Comp. Aspects of Pl. Stru and Func. Allahabad.

6. Das P.K. and Ramakant, (1988) : Ethno – botanical studies of the Tribal held of Koraput
(Orissa) B.M.E.B.R. Vol. 9, No. 3 – 4: 123 – 128.

7. Jain S.K. (1964) : Wild plant foods of the tribals Proc. Nat. Inst. Sci. India 30 : 56 – 80.

8. Jain S.K. (1971) Some magico – religious belief about plants among Adibasis of Orissa.
Adibasi 12 : 38 – 44.

9. Murthy K.S. Sharma, P.C. and Kishore, P. (1986) : Tribal remedies for snake bite from
Orissia Anc. Sci. of Life, 6 : 122 – 123.

10. Pal D.C. and Banerjee S.K. (1971) : Some less known plant foods among tribals of Andhra
Pradesh and Orissa State. Bull Bot. Surv. India. 13 : 221 – 223.

11. Panigrahi G. (1963) : Gandhamardhan parbat, Orissa, A Potential source of important

indigenous drugs, R.R.L. Bulletin, 1 : 111 – 116.

12. Saxena H O and Dutta, P.K. (1975) : Studies on the ethnobotany of Orissa, Bull. Bot. Surv.
India 17 : 124 – 131.

13. Sharma, C.B.S.R and Das, S.K. (1978) : Ethnobotanical lore of medicinal plants of Khod
tribals from Phulbani district of Orissa (Abs) Indi. Sc. Congress (65th session).

14. Sharma, P. C. Murthy, K.S. Bhar A.V. Kishore, P (1985) Medicinal lores of Orissa – 1 skin
diseases, Bull. Medi. Ethnobot. Res. 6 : 93 – 101.

5
www.ijraset.com Volume 3 Issue XII, December 2015
IC Value: 13.98 ISSN: 2321-9653
International Journal for Research in Applied Science & Engineering
Technology (IJRASET)

Ethno-medicinal Plants Used by the Tribal People

of Shahdol District, Madhya Pradesh
For The Treatment of Rheumatism
Vinay Kumar Bharti
Research Scholar , Botany Deptt. Pt. S.N.S. Govt. P.G. College, Shahdol (M.P.)
A.P.S. University, Rewa (M.P.) 486003
Abstract - The present study deals with survey on ethno-medicinal plants of Shahdol district in Madhya Pradesh. A good
number of plant species are being used by tribal and rural people for the treatment of joint diseases e.g. rheumatism, gout and
arthritis. In this study, 35 ethno medicinal plant species belonging to 32 families and 35 genera were recorded. Out of 35 plant
species, 16 are used for curing arthritis 11 for rheumatism and 08 for gout. Vitex negundo is a popular herb frequently used by
the local tribal people for many joint diseases.
Keywords - Herbal Remedies, Tribal People, Shahdol , Joint Diseases.
I. INTRODUCTION
Medicinal plants are the gift to mankind because they cure diseases without any side effects. Herbs have been playing a major role
in curing various ailments and diseases from antiquity. Herbal medicines used widely by the tribals and rural people, as they are
available in the vicinity of their homes. Herbs contain a large number of naturally occurring substances that work to alter the body’s
chemistry in order to return it to its natural state of health. In recent years, due to fast and busy life style, mental tension, low
physical activity, many diseases and disorders are increasing (Sahu, 2010). One of the most common musculoskeletal disease and
disorder is rheumatism, which is more frequent in women at the age of forty and above. The cause of rheumatism is due to
deposition of uric acid in cartilage of joints. Recurrent attacks, pains and swelling of joints, with crippling effects in some cases,
have also been observed in various joint diseases. Herbs have been used for centuries in the treatment of many diseases and it has
been demonstrated that some of them can have an incredible effect as an herbal treatment for rheumatism. In modern allopathic
system many medicines are also prescribed for this disorder, but they have many side effects. Therefore to avoid their side effects,
now days, people are much inclined to use herbs based medicines rather than modern allopathic (Samvatsar and Diwanji 1999).
Keeping this in view, present paper highlights the ethnomedicinal plants which are used traditionally for treatment of rheumatism in
Shahdol district. These herbs have properties that can sinificantly reduce joint pain or swelling and have no side effects.

©IJRASET 2015: All Rights are Reserved 266

www.ijraset.com Volume 3 Issue XII, December 2015
IC Value: 13.98 ISSN: 2321-9653
International Journal for Research in Applied Science & Engineering
Technology (IJRASET)
Ethnobotanical studies on medicinal plants of Madhya Pradesh were carried out by many worker such as (Jain, 1963a, Maheshwari,
et al., 1986, Lal, 1988, Oommachn and Masih, 1989, Kadel, and Jain, 2006, Khan, et al., 2005 & 2008, Wagh and Jain, 2010,
Diwanji, 2011, Jadhav and Rawat, 2011, Alawa and Ray, 2012). The present paper provides ethnomedicinal information on some
important plant species used by the tribal communities of Shahdol district to cure the joint diseases.
Shahdol District is situated in the northeastern part of the Madhya Pradesh provinces of India. Because of the division of the district
on 15-08-2003, the area of the district remains 5671 km2. It is surrounded by Anuppur in the southeast, Satna & Sidhi in the north
and Umaria in the west. The district extends 110 km from east to west and 170 km from north to south. This district is situated
between 22°38' N latitude to 24°20' N latitude and 80°28' E Longitude to 82°12' E longitude. The District is located in the north-
eastern part of the Deccan Plateau.
II. MATERIAL AND METHODS
Observations are based on surveys conducted in tribal dominated areas of Shahdol district during June 2014- May 2015. Group
interviews were organized bringing plants from selected locality and showing them or taking local medicine men into the forest, as
suggested by Jain (1987). Information regarding plant i.e. local name, parts used, method of drug preparation, dosage etc. was
gathered from the tribals as well as medicine men ‘Ojha’. The collected plant specimens were identified taxonomically with the help
of regional flora and other authentic published literature. Herbarium specimens prepared following the standard method (Jain and
Rao, 1976) and have been deposited in Botany Deptt. of Pt. S.N.S. Govt. P.G. College, Shahdol (M.P.).
III. RESULTS
Detailed information about various species along with diseases and drug preparation is given in Table 1.
Table 1. List of plant species used by the tribals of Shahdol district
S.No. Botanical name and Family Local name Disease name Drug Preparation

1. Alstonia scholaris (L.) R.Br. Saptaparni Arthritis Glassful bark decoction is given orally twice a day
(Apocynaceae ) daily
2. Amorphophallus paeniifolius Jangali Bhuta Rheuamtism Corm paste is applied on affected parts.
(Dennst) Nicolson (Araceae)
3. Argemone mexicana L. Katseriya Gout Seed oil is boiled with mustard oil and massaged
(Papaveraceae) over the affected parts.
4. Aristolochia indica L. Isharmul Rheumatism Root decoction is given twice a day.
(Aristolochiaceae )
5. Boswellia serrata Roxb. ex Salad Arthritis Gum is fried in sesamum oil and massaged on
Colebr. (Burseraceae) affected parts.
6. Buchanania lanzan Spreng. Achar Rheumatism Stem bark paste is massaged over limb.
(Fabaceae )
7. Celastrus paniculatus Willd. Kangan Rheumatism Seed oil is applied externally on affected parts.
(Celatraceae)
8. Cissus quadrangularis L. Gathiya Arthritis Whole plant paste is bandaged on the affected
(Vitaceae) parts.
9. Cleome viscosa L. Kuslya Arthritis Leaf paste is bandaged on swelling.
(Cleomaceae)
10. Costus speciosus (J. Koeing) Jangali Aadu Gout Rhizome paste is applied externally on affected
Sm (Costaceae ) parts.
11. Curculigo orchioides Gaertn. Kali musli Gout Root paste is applied over swelling.
(Hypoxidaceae)

©IJRASET 2015: All Rights are Reserved 267

www.ijraset.com Volume 3 Issue XII, December 2015
IC Value: 13.98 ISSN: 2321-9653
International Journal for Research in Applied Science & Engineering
Technology (IJRASET)
12. Cynodon dactylon (L.) Pers. Dub Arthritis Decoction of whole plant is given orally twice a
(Poaceae ) day.
13. Elephantos scaber L. Gaujihawa Rheumatism Two teaspoonful root powder is administered
(Asteraceae) orally twice a day.
14. Eucalyptus umbellata Dum. Lipta Arthritis Leaves are crushed and mildly heated and gently
(Myrtaceae ) massaged over affected parts.
15. Euphorbia neriifolia L. Thuvar Arthitis Stem is mildly heated and the gel is applied
(Euphorbiaceae) externally.
16. Ficus benghalensis L. Bad Gout Latex is massaged on affected area.
17. Ipomoea carnea Jacq. Umarichata Arthiritis Latex is applied on affected areas.
(Convolvulaceae)
18. Lannea coromandelica (Houtt.) Moyan Rheumatism Stem bark decoction is given orally thrice a day.
Merr.(Anacardiaceae)
19. Leea asiatica (L.) Ridsdale Nanli Danhi Arthritis 1 gm root powder mixed with mustard oil is taken
(Leeaceae) orally twice a day.
20. Madhuca longifolia var. latifolia Mahua Gout Seed oil is applied on affected parts.
(Roxb.) Chevalier (Sapotaceae)
21. Morinda pubescens Sm. Aaledi Arthritis Fruit grounded with Ricinus communis oil and the
(Rubiaceae) formed paste is massaged over affected parts.
22. Moringa oleifera Lamk. Sehajana Rheumatism Bark is pounded in water and the extract is given
(Moringaceae) orally twice a day.
23. Physalis minima L. Kanfuta Arthritis Root paste is applied on affected parts.
(Solanaceae)
24. Plumbago zeylanica L. Chitawal Gout Root paste boiled in mustard oil and massaged
(Plumbaginaceae) over affected parts.
25. Ricinus communis L. Arandi Rheumatism Seed oil is massaged on limb.
(Euphorbiaceae)
26. Salvadora persica L. Pilu Gout Root bark is ground with mustard oil and
(Salvadoraceae) bandaged on swelling.
27. Sapindus emarginatus Vahl Reetha Arthritis Fruit pulp is massaged on affected part.
(Sapindaceae)
28. Schelcheria oleosa (Lour.) Kusumda Arthritis Seed oil is heated mildly and massaged over
Oken. (Sapindaceae) affected parts.
29. Sida cordata (Burm. f.) Borss. Rajbala Gout Root paste is mildly heated and applied externally.
(Malvaceae )
30. Soymida febrifuga (Roxb.) A. Rohan Arthritis Stem bark boiled in mustard oil and is massaged
Juss. (Meliaceae) twice a day.
31. Tinospora cordifolia (Willd.) Giloy Arthritis 5 ml stem decoction is given orally twice a day.
Miers ex Hook.f. & Thoms.
(Menispermaceae )
32. Urginea indica (Roxb.) Kunth Jangali Piyaz Rheumatism Bulb paste is bandaged on the affected part.
(Liliaceae )
33. Vitex negundo L. Nirgudi Rheumatism Leaf hot fomentation is used.
(Verbenaceae)

©IJRASET 2015: All Rights are Reserved 268

www.ijraset.com Volume 3 Issue XII, December 2015
IC Value: 13.98 ISSN: 2321-9653
International Journal for Research in Applied Science & Engineering
Technology (IJRASET)
34. Wattakaka volubilis (L.F.) Stapf Kadwa dudi Rheumatism Whole plant is macerated with water and mustard
(Asclepiadaceae) oil is added, formed paste is used.
35. Woodfordia fruticosa (L.) Kurz Dhawai Arthritis Leaf paste is massaged over affected
(Lytharaceae)

IV. DISCUSSION AND CONCLUSION

Present study reveals that in absence of modern health facility people living in area depend on plants for medicinal purposes. In this
study 35 plant species belonging to 32 families distributed in 35 genera were recorded (table1). These plants are used for curing
joint diseases, viz., arthritis, rheumatism and gout. The plant species used by the rural people for the treatment of various joint
diseases are very common, easily available everywhere and low cost. Their mode of preparation and mode of administration are also
simple and convenient. The common man can easily afford to take the treatment without side effect. Out of 35 plant species
enumerated above, 16 plant species are used in arthritis 11 in rheumatism and 08 in gout. Vitex negundo (Nirgudi) is a popular herb
frequently used by the rural people for many joint diseases.

Based on the initial reconnaissance survey and group discussion, it was found that information on the medicinal use of plant is
mostly confined to elder people. Younger generation is ignorant about the vast medicinal resources available in their surrounding
and is more inclined towards the conventional medicines. It was also found that the tribal practitioners are hesitant to disclose their
knowledge.
The indigenous knowledge system of herbal practice is still very rich and available among tribal community of Shahdol district
(Madhya Pardesh). The establishment of modern medicinal health centers is in progress in many rural areas that may gradually
change the existing pattern of indigenous knowledge system of health care. Hence it is necessary to document the traditional
knowledge of useful plants and their therapeutic uses before being lost forever from the community.
It is significant to mention here that as the treatment given by tribals is found very effective. Hence there is need to raise awareness
among people about this flora and to assist them for cultivation and conservation of the plant to local people of the area to meet their
own medicinal needs.
V. ACKNOWLEDGEMENT
The author is thankful to authorities of Pt. S.N.S. Govt. P.G. College, Shahdol (M.P.) for granting permission to carry out this work.

©IJRASET 2015: All Rights are Reserved 269

www.ijraset.com Volume 3 Issue XII, December 2015
IC Value: 13.98 ISSN: 2321-9653
International Journal for Research in Applied Science & Engineering
Technology (IJRASET)
REFERENCES
[1] Alawa, Kamal Singh and Ray, Sudip 2012. Ethnomedicinal plants used by tribals of Dhar district, Madhya Pradesh, India, CIBTech Journal of harmaceutical
Sciences. Vol. 1(2-3), pp. 7-15.
[2] Diwanji, V.B. 2011. Tribal medicine : our vanishing hertiage herbalmedicines ofMelghat (M.S.) Korkus tribe (Part I). Journal of Economic and Taxonomic
Botany 35(3).
[3] Jadhav, D. and Rawat, S.S. 2011. Ethnomedicinal plants used in the treatment of various ailments by Bhilala tribe of Alirajpur district (M.P.). Journal of
Economic and Taxonomic Botany 35(4).
[4] Jain, S.K. 1963a. Observations on the ethnobotany of the tribals of M.P. Vanyajati, 11, 177 - 183.
[5] Jain, S.K. 1987. A Manual of Ethnobotany. Jodhpur, Sci. Publisher.
[6] Jain, S.K., Rao, R.R. 1976. A Hand Book of field and Herbarium Methods. Today and Tomorrows Publishers. New Delhi.
[7] Kadel, C. and Jain, A.K. 2006. Plants Used in Ethnoverterinary Practices in Jhabua District, Madhya Pradesh. Ethnobotany, 18(1&2), 149-152.
[8] Khan, A.A. Pragyan Singh and Rajshree Pandey 2005. Herbal Treatment curing children disease among tribals of Shahdol district (M.P.), India. Plant Archives
Vol. 5 No. 1 pp. 159-163.
[9] Khan, A.A., Pragyan Singh & Neeta Singh 2005. Ethnobotanical significance of hedge plants among the tribals of Shahdol district (M.P.), India. Plant Archives
Vol. 5 No. 1 pp. 133-138.
[10] Khan, A.A., Santosh Kumar Agnihotri, Manoj Kumar Singh & Ramesh Kumar Ahirwar 2008. Enumeration of certain angiospermic plants used by Baiga tribe
for conservation of plant species. Plant Archives vol. 8 No. 1, pp. 289-291.
[11] Lal Brij 1988. Traditional remedies for bone fracture among the tribals of Madhya Pradesh, India. Aryavaidya., 1(3), 190-195.
[12] Maheshwari, J.K., Kalkati, B.S. and Brij lal 1986. Ethnobotany of Bhil tribe of Jhabua district, Ancient Sci. Life, 5(4), 255-261.
[13] Oommachan, M. and Masih, S.K. 1989. Ethnobotanical studies in certain forest areas of M.P. Jour. of Trop. Fores, 5(2).
[14] Sahu, Pankaj K. 2010. Traditional knowledge and indigenous medicine of the tribal of Biosphere reserve, Central India, Int. Jour.Pharm. Life Sci. 1(8): 471-
478.
[15] Samvatsar, Swati and Diwanji, V. B. 1999. Plants used for rheumatism by the tribals of western M.P. J.Econ.Tax. Bot. 23(2): 305-314.
[16] Wagh, V.V. and Jain, A.K. 2010. Ethnomedicinal observations among the Bheel and Bhilala tribe of Jhabua district, Madhya Pradesh, India. Ethnobotanical
Leaflets. 14, 715-720.
[17] Wagh, V.V., Jain, A.K. and Kadel, C. 2010. Role of non timber forest products in the livelihood of tribal community of Jhabua district (M.P.). Biological
forum- An Int. J., 2(1), 45-48.

©IJRASET 2015: All Rights are Reserved 270

 Available online at www.scholarsresearchlibrary.com

Scholars Research Library

J. Nat. Prod. Plant Resour., 2014, 4 (2):1-5
(http://scholarsresearchlibrary.com/archive.html)

ISSN : 2231 – 3184

CODEN (USA): JNPPB7

Traditional herbal knowledge on reproductive disorders and

sexually transmitted diseases in the Adilabad district of A. P.
N. Ramakrishna1 and Ch. Saidulu2
1
Department of Botany, SAP College Vikarabad, Ranga Reddy Dist, Andhra Pradesh, India
2
Department of Botany, Osmania University, Hyderabad, Andhra Pradesh, India
_____________________________________________________________________________________________

ABSTRACT

Forests of Andhra Pradesh harbors diversity of medicinal plants which are being used in different ways by local
residents. Field studies were conducted to document the ethno botanical remedies of the tribes inhabiting in the
Adilabad Forest Division, Andhra Pradesh. India. Here we reported more than 23 ethno medicinal plants from the
tribal people. They are remedies for Reproductive disorders and sexually transmitted ailments.

Keywords: Ethno botanical remedies, Adilabad District, Andhra Pradesh.

_____________________________________________________________________________________________

INTRODUCTION

Since time immemorial human beings have been using plants for their survival and development. In the beginning
they were food gatherers and hunters of food, but subsequently concentrated on plants that are useful for other
purposes, such as for shelter, health care and artifact. The understanding of the use of plants for food, health care,
shelter, agriculture and other purposes got accumulated over generations as traditional knowledge. The indigenous
people of various regions have developed their own way of using plants for their health care and following their own
culture, customs, folk songs and food habits. This knowledge is transferred through orally from one generation to
another.

People all over the world are still dependent on the traditional plant based healing practices as it is cheap and easily
available. Rural people and tribal communities who live in the forest areas predominantly depend up on locally
available medicinal plants to take care of their health and has become an integral part of their culture. Thus the
accumulated diversified traditional knowledge has led to the dawn of a science called Ethno botany.

The term Ethno botany was first coined by an American scientist John William Hershberger in 1895. He defined
that Ethno botany as the study of the relationship that exists between the people and plants. The word ‘ethno’ means
a group of people sharing common origin, culture, language, customs, beliefs and traditions. Ethno botany is
studying plants through an anthropological approach. Later on many Ethno botanists explored that how plants are
used for various purposes such as food, medicine and religious use.

Documentation of traditional knowledge through ethno botanical studies is very important for conservation and
utilization of indigenous people’s knowledge. Initial studies in the last 50 years have been primarily devoted to the

1
Scholars Research Library
N. Ramakrishna and Ch. Saidulu J. Nat. Prod. Plant Resour., 2014,4 (2):1-5
______________________________________________________________________________
preparation of inventories of plants of a certain region or specific ethnic groups. Many scientists, naturalists and
thinkers from outside the community of ethno botanists, started emphasizing the importance of ethno botanical
inquires and explorations. Faulk (1958) wrote the first book on Ethno botany entitled “An introduction to Ethno
botany”, from India Jain (1981) published a book with the title “Glimpses of Indian Ethno botany" and it is a
compilation of various ethno botanically related articles of different phyto geographical area as and the tribes of
India.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

STUDY AREA
Adilabad district is one of the 23 districts of Andhra Pradesh and situated in the north western corner of the state.
The district derives its name from Adilabad, its head quarters town which was named after Ali Adil Shah, the ruler
of Bijapur. The district was for long not a homogenous unit and its component parts were ruled at different periods
by different dynasties, namely the Mauryas, Satavahanas, Vakatakas, Chalukyas of Badami, Rashtrakutas,
Chalukyas of Kalyani, Yadavas of Davagiri, Kakatiyas, Bahmanis, Imam Shahis of Ahamadnager, Mughals, Bhosle
Rajas of Sirpur and Chanda. Originally this was not a fully fledged district but a sub district named Sirpur-Tandur
which was created in A.D 1872 with Edulabad (Adilabad), Rajura and Sirpur as its constituent talukas. In 1905 the
status of this sub-district was raised to that of an independent district with head quarters at Adilabad.

Adilabad is one of the most backward districts of A.P. It is known for its characteristic presence of Sahyadri hills
(locally called as Satnala Range) in its northern boundary, richness of forests as well as rich hydrocarbon resources
like coal mines. The district encompassed with most ancient and innocent Aadivasis. The rural folk are known for
their famous carved wooden work, the most internationally known art of rural painting, small scale industry is well
established in Nirmal town, popular as “Nirmal paintings”. The district is also having a ‘Tiger reserve’ second of its
kind in A.P at Kawal known as “Kawal Tiger Reserve” and bestowed with number of scenic waterfalls at various
places of the district like “Kuntala waterfalls” and “Pochara waterfalls”.

METHODOLOGY
Intensive field work was undertaken by the author for a period of five years from January 2007 to December 2011.
Locally well known herbal healers and poojaris belonging to Kolams, Naikpods, Pardhans, Gonds, Thotis, Chenchus
and Mathuras tribal communities of the district who are still practicing traditional medicine are identified. The
author has visited nearly 30 habitations belonging to Bellampalli, Chinnur, Ichoda, Jaipur, Jannaram, Kerimeri,
Sirupur (u), Tiryani, Utnoor and Wankidi Mandals, the author has also visited villages and habitations like Gondu
gudems, Naikapu gudems. Standard methods of botanical collection and techniques of herbarium preparations were
followed as suggested by [12]. Plants have been collected in flowering and fruiting stages for the preparation of
herbarium. Herbarium specimens were identified and accessed as per the norms laid down. The vouched specimens
will be deposited in the Herbarium, Department of Botany, Osmania University, and Hyderabad. Observations were
made of the plant species with respect to their location and other field characters. The plant specimens were
identified using district, regional and state floras like Flora of Adilabad District by [17] .Flora of the Presidency of
Madras by [6] and other relevant literature. The approaches and methodologies described by [12] have been
followed systematically for Ethno botanical enumeration of the herbal treatments recorded in the present study. The
traditional healers who are practicing traditional medicine were interviewed from time to time to record the first-
hand information. Information was gathered regarding plants or their parts, preparation of the medicine, dosages,
method of administration and described recipe for human recorded.

REVIEW OF ETHNOBOTANICAL EXPLORATIONS OF ADILABAD DISTRICT

Ethnobotanical studies in Adilabad and Karimnagar districts of Andhra Pradesh, India [22]. Madhu (2010)
submitted his thesis on Ethnobotanical studies in Adilabad forest area medicinal plants and community”. The
medicinal plant wealth of Adilabad district [21]. Previous authors had done some exploratory studies on ethno
botany of the district [11] published Shastravettalanu Akarshistunna girijana vaidyam. In the above studies
inventories of medicinal plants used for human ailments were documented from few localities. [27]: Tribal Medicine
of Chittoor District, Andhra Pradesh (India), Herbal Folk Research Centre, Tirupati, 1997.

Ethnomedicinal plants of the district and they provided scientific and vernacular names for each species [17]. An
inventory of important medicinal plants of Adilabad district of Andhra Pradesh [15]. Some ethno medicinal plants
used by tribes in the Nirmal forest division Adilabad District of Andhra Pradesh [26]. The study aimed to record

2
Scholars Research Library
 N. Ramakrishna and Ch. Saidulu J. Nat. Prod. Plant Resour., 2014,4 (2):1-5
______________________________________________________________________________
some interesting ethno medicinal plants available and which are practiced by surrounding local advises of Nir+mal
forest division for their health care.

ENUMARATIONS:
The plants are arranged alphabetically by genus and species name. The botanical name is followed by family and
vernacular names. The vernacular names of the medicinal plants are spelled out by the healers in their local dialect.
Table 1: Ethno botanical uses of some plants used by tribals

Botanical name and Family Vernacular Part used Preparation Disease

name
Ceiba pentandra (Linn) Tella buruga Stem bark 10 ml of stem bark juice is given with goat milk every day during bed time for a period Impotency
Gaertn. (Malvaceae) of month.
Strychnos potatorum L. Chilla chettu Seeds Chew a nut once a week for 4 weeks. Impotency
(Loganiaceae )
Tribulus terrestris L. ( Palleru Seeds Ground 10g seeds with 10g dry roots of Withania somnifera to make powder. One tea Impotency
Zygophyllaceae ) spoonful powder is given internally daily with milk during bed time for 30 days.
Ficus bengalensis L. Marri Leaves Handfuls of young leaf buds are shade dried and make powder and it is mixed into Impotency
(Moraceae) milk daily once for 15 to 20 days.
Ficus religiosa L. (Moraceae) Ravi chettu Fruits 6 or7g fruits powder is given along with cow milk daily once for a month. Impotency
Curculigo orchioides Gaertn. Nela thadi Roots 8 g roots powder is given internally along with 100ml goat milk once daily during bed Impotency
(Hypoxidaceae) time for 15to 20 days.
Curculigo orchioides Gaertn. Nelatadi Tubers of Curculigo orchioides, leaves of Hemidesmus indicus, tubers of Withania Impotency
(Hypoxidaceae) Somnifer aredried and powdered separately, equal parts of these powders put together,
made if to globules and given twice in a day for 3-4 days. (Avoidences: Alcohol and
sexual contact).
Cocculus hirsutus (L.) Diels Dussari thega Leaves Handful leaves are ground to paste adding water, extract is filtered through white cloth, Menorrhea
(Menispermaceae) freshly prepared juice is given orally twice in a day particularly on menses days.
Ailanthus excelsa Roxb. Pedda manu Stem bark Make stem bark juice by adding 5to 6g of Piper longum and 7g of Cuminum Luecorrhoea
(Simaroubaceae) cyminum. 10 to 15ml juice is given thrice a day for one day.
Cassia auriculata L. Nela thangedu Flowers Decoction of flowers (25 ml) is given internally to control white dischare during Luecorrhoea
(Caesalpiniaceae) menstrual time in women. (Many tribal l women).
Cocculus hirsutus (L.) Diels Dusudu teega, Leaves Leaf juice is given by adding sugar internally once daily for 20 days. Luecorrhoea
(Menispermaceae) Dusara teega,
Telladusura
Cocculus hirsutus (L.) Diels. Dussari thega Roots and Roots and leaves are ground adding water, extract is filtered through white cloth, 25 ml Luecorrhoea
(Menispermaceae) Leaves of freshly prepared juice is given orally twice in a day particularly on menses days.
Ceriscoides turgid (Roxb) Tella elka Stem bark Stem bark extract mixed with curds and administered twice a day for 3 days. Luecorrhoea
(Rubiaceae)
Prosopis Cineraria (L) Druce Jammi Chettu Root bark Root bark decoction taken in 3 spoonfuls twice a day for about 15 days. Luecorrhoea
(Mimosaceae (Leguminosae)
Justicia gendarussa Burm.f. Nalla Vavili Leaves Leaves ground with the leaves of Lawsonia inermis and the paste applied on patches Luecorrhoea
(Acanthaceae) and exposed to morning sun light for 30-45 minutes for about 2to 3 months.
Streblus asper Lour. Barrenka Stem bark Grind 50g of stem bark with 7to 8 black pepper and 2 garlic to make juice. 10ml juice Menstrual
(Moraceae) is given internally once a day till cured. Pain

Cocculus hirsutus (L.) Diels. Dussari thega Leaves Leaves are ground to paste adding water; extract is filtered through white cloth, 50 ml Menstrual
(Menispermaceae) freshly Prepared juice is given orally twice in a day particularly on menses days for Pain
maternal pain.
Oroxylum indicum (L) Vent. Dundillum, Stem bark 2 spoons of stem bark decoction is given orally at night to regulate menstruation. Menstrual
(Bignoniaceae) Pampini Pain
Biophytum sensitivum (L.)DC., Muduchu thamara Root 10 ml of root decoction is given internally once daily in the morning for 4 weeks. Gonorrhea
( Oxalidaceae )
Cocculus hirsutus (L) Diels Dushta teega Leaves Leaf juice of administered in 2 spoon fuls with a glass of Sugar water twice a day for Gonorrhea
(Menispermaceae) 10-15 days.
Pavonia odorata Teega benda Leaves Leaf juice of given in 2 spoonfuls twice a day for about 10 days. Gonorrhea
Willd. (Malvaceae)
Allium sativum L. (Liliaceae) Thella gadda Bulb Bulb paste is applied on the affected part once day till cured. Swelling
Abrus precatorius L. Guruvinda Seed Seed paste is applied on swellings to heal. Swelling
(Fabaceae) Stragglers
Ficus religiosa L. (Moraceae) Ravi chettu Stem bark Stem bark paste is applied on the affected part once daily till cured. Skin allergy
Euphorbia tirucalli L. Kada jamudu Stems Stems are pounded and applied on the infected areas. Skin allergy
(Euphorbiace)
Gymnosporia montana (Roth) Danthi Young Young leaves are fried and powdered, mixed with coconut oil and applied on the parts Skin allergy
Benth. (Celastraceae) leaves infected.

DISCUSSION

The present study encompasses the in-depth investigation on medicinal plants which are used in reproductive
disorders and sexually transmitted diseases by the local healers in the district of Adilabad, AP. Majority of the rural
people of the district population depend on livestock rearing and agriculture farming activities. Illiteracy, ignorance,
superstition, taboos are common among the rural population. An attempt is made to gather information from the

3
Scholars Research Library
N. Ramakrishna and Ch. Saidulu J. Nat. Prod. Plant Resour., 2014,4 (2):1-5
______________________________________________________________________________
Tribal communities such as Kolam, Naikpod, Pardhan, Gond, Thoti, Chenchu and Mathura communities have been
made with a view that these communities are directly interlinked with nature and having symbiotic relationship with
the medicinal plants in the region. The author has recorded 26 species of medicinal plants which are used by the
herbal practitioners for treating reproductive disorders and sexually transmitted diseases. About 19 remedies were
recorded under reproductive disorders and sexually transmitted diseases. Out of the totals, 9 remedies were recorded
for impotency, 1 for menorrhea, 8 for leucorrhoea and 3 for menstrual pains. About 6 sexually transmitted diseases
were recorded (3 for gonorrhea, 2 for swelling and 3 for skin allergy). Traditional herbal medicine is commonly
opted by rural communities and they first consult the local healers for their ailments. It is due to the illiteracy, fear,
totem or taboo or non availability of health facilities at their reach and high cost of the medicine. Some of the plants
which are used by the healers are Aerva lanata, Ailanthus excelsa, Asparagus racemosus, Ceiba pentandra,
Cocculus hirsutus, Combretum decandrum, Curculigo orchioides, Hybanthus anneaspermus, Plumbago zeylanica,
Strychnos potatorum, Sphaeranthus indicus, Streblus asper and Zingiber officinalis. Healers predominantly use
fresh plant materials like leaves, barks (of roots and stems), tubers, rhizomes either to make juice, paste and
decoction. Fresh juice of plants (main drug) is mixed with water, goat milk, butter milk and is a common practice
by the healers of the district. The findings of the author have revealed that about 70 to 80 percentages of the patients
have obtained permanent cure.

REFERENCES

[1] Anonymous, Wealth of India, Vols I-XI. Council of Scientific and Industrial Research, New Delhi, 1948-1976.
[2] Arora, R.K, Ethno botany , 1995, 7, 1,25-136.
[3] De, J.N, Ethno botany a new science in India. Science & Culture., 1968. 34, 326-328.
[4] Fransworth, N.R., Loud, W.D., Soejarto, D.D., Cordell, G.A., Quinn, M.L. & Mulholland, K, Korean Journal of
Pharmacognosy , 1981, 12, 98-110.
[5] Furer-Haimendorf, C. von, The Chenchus. MacMillan and Co, London, 1943.
[6] Gamble, J.S. & C. E. C. Fischer, Flora presidency of Madras, (Repr.ed.1957. Calcutta). Moresdale, London,
1915-1936.
[7] Harshberger, J.W, The purposes of ethnobotany-1. Botanical Gazette, 1895, 21,146-154.
[8] Hemadri, K, Andhra Pradesh lo Mandumokkalu. Telugu Akademi, Hyderabad. (in Telugu). 1979.
[9] Hemadri, K & S.S. Rao, Jaundice: Tribal medicine. Anc. Sci. Life, 1984. 4, 209-212.
[10] Hemadri, K, Contribution to the medicinal flora of Karimnagar and Warangal districts, Andhra Pradesh.
Indian Medicine, 1990, 2, 16-28.
[11] Hemadri, K, Shastravettalanu Akarshistunna Girijana Vaidyam (Tribal Pharmacopoeia). Tribal Cultural
Research and Training Institute, Hyderabad (in Telugu), 1994.
[12] Jain, S.K (Assisted by S. Srinivasa), Dictionary of Ethno veterinary Plants of India. Deep Publications, New
Delhi. 1999.
[13] Jain, S.K, Dictionary of Indian Folk Medicine and Ethno botany. Deep Publications, New Delhi, 1991.
[14] Kapoor, S.L. & L.D. Kapoor, Medicinal plant wealth of the Karimnagar district of Andhra Pradesh. Bull.
Medico-Ethnobot. Res., 1980. 1, 120-144.
[15] Mubeen et al., Prepared an inventory of important medicinal plants of Adilabad district of Andhra Pradesh,
2004-2005.
[16] Padmarao, P. & P. R. Reddy, Ethnobotany., 1999, 11, 107-108.
[17] Pullaiah, T., P.V.Prasanna, G.Obulesu, Flora of Adilabad district , Andra Pradesh, CBS Publishers &
Distributors, 485, Jain Bhawan, Bhola Nath Nagar, Shahdara, Delhi-110 032 (India) 1992.
[18] Rama Krishna. N, “Ethnobotanical Studies of Adilabad District, A.P. India” Ph.D, Thesis, Osmania University,
2013
[19] Rao, P.P. & Reddy, P.R, Journal of the Swamy Botanical Club. 2000, 17, 39-40.
[20] Rao, R.R, Ethno botany. 1996. 8, 14-24.
[21] Ravishankar, T. & A.N. Henry, Ethno botany, 1992, 4, 45-52.
[22] Ravishankar. T, Ethno botanical studies in Adilabad and Karimnagar districts of Andhra Pradesh, India. Ph.D.
thesis, Bharathiar University, Coimbatore, 1990.
[23] Reddy, K.N., C.S. Reddy & V.S. Raju, Ethno botanical observation on some Orchids of Andhra Pradesh. J.
Non-Timber Forest Products, 2002, 9 (3/4), 146-147.
[24] Reddy, P.R. & Rao, P.P, Indian Journal of Traditional Knowledge, 2002, 1(1), 20-25.
[25] Reddy, P.R., Rao, P.P. & Prabhakar, M, Ethnobotany ., 2003, 15, 67-70.

4
Scholars Research Library
N. Ramakrishna and Ch. Saidulu J. Nat. Prod. Plant Resour., 2014,4 (2):1-5
______________________________________________________________________________
[26] Swamy, and NS, Ethno medicinal plants used by tribes in the Nirmal forest division Adilabad District of
Andhra Pradesh, 2008.
[27] Veadavthy, S. & V. Mrudala, Ethno botany., 1996, 8, 109-111.
[28] Walker, A.L. & Brandley, H. 1838. In: M.S. Khan, Forest Flora of Hyderabad State, Government Press,
Hyderabad, 1953.
[29] Walker, A.L, Statistical report on the Circar of Warangal (Hyderabad, Deccan). Madras Journal of Literature
& Science, 1849, 15, 219-301.
[30] Warren, D.M, Using indigenous knowledge in agricultural development. World Bank Discussion papers. The
World Bank, Washington, D.C. , 1991.

5
Scholars Research Library
Journal of Applied Pharmaceutical Science Vol. 5 (02), pp. 127-136, February, 2015
Available online at http://www.japsonline.com
DOI: 10.7324/JAPS.2015.50219
ISSN 2231-3354

Ethnomedicine of Santal tribe living around Susunia hill of Bankura

district, West Bengal, India: The quantitative approach
Chowdhury Habibur Rahaman*, Suman Karmakar
Department of Botany, Visva-Bharati University, Santiniketan- 731235, West Bengal, India.

ARTICLE INFO ABSTRACT

Article history:
Received on: 27/10/2014
Revised on: 22/11/2014
Accepted on: 04/01/2015
Available online: 27/02/2015
Key words:
Susunia hill, ethnomedicine,
Informant consensus,
factor, Fidelity level,
Preference ranking exercise.
The present paper deals with the observations on ethnomedicinal uses of wild plants by the Santal tribal people of
villages surrounding the Susunia hill of Bankura district, West Bengal. Data were collected by interviewing Santal
medicine men and knowledgeable persons with the help of semi-structured and open-ended questionnaire. The
data have been analyzed employing suitable statistical tools like Informant Consensus value for Plant Part (CPP),
Consensus Factor (Fic), Fidelity Level (FL%), Preference ranking exercise, Importance value (IVs) and Pearson
Correlation Coefficient (PCC). Altogether 25 plants have been recorded which are used by the Santal people in
formulation of 40 ethnomedicinal preparations for curing 27 types of diseases. Leaves secured the highest CPP
value (0.33). Circulatory system disorder, Nervous System disorder and Birth/Puerperium disorder secured the
highest Fic value (1). Abrus precatorius L., Ampelocissus latifolia (Roxb.) Planch., etc. secured the highest FL
value(100%). Curcuma longa L. has been identified as most preferred species by preference ranking exercise. The
highest score of IVs observed in Borassus flabellifer L., Cajanus cajan (L.) Millsp.,etc. The PCC between IVs and
FL was 0.679 showing moderate positive significant association. Bioassay of these ethnomedicinal remedies has
to be carried out further for their scientific validation.

INTRODUCTION research work in the field of ethnobotany. The information about

Ethnomedicine has been playing very important role in
human health care since time immemorial. This practice of health
care is based on belief and experience of the ethnic people, which
is a part of their tradition and culture. There has been an
increased demand of herbal drug in international trade because
herbal medicines are cheap, more effective, easily available and
supposed to have no side effects. This branch of ethnobotany is
now getting more importance in the field of pharmacognosy for
its basic information regarding medicinal plants, their various
traditional uses, way of preparations, doses, and mode of
administration of crude drugs. In our national agenda,
documentation, conservation, preparation of database of
medicinal plants and their cultivation are now priority issues.
Number of medicinal plants is steadily being increased in the
traditional pharmacopoeias of our country through extensive
* Corresponding Author
Dr. Chowdhury Habibur Rahaman ,Associate Professor, Department of
Botany, Visva-Bharati University, Santiniketan- 731235 ,West Bengal,
India. E-mail: habibur_cr@rediffmail.com
prescription, pharmacology, attitude towards diseases, diagnosis,
etc. of the age-old tribal medicine system are still lying unclaimed
in different parts of the district Bankura. A perusal of literature
shows that documentation of ethnobotanical works from this district
has been made by different workers (Acharya and Mukherjee,
2010a, b; Banerjee et al., 2013; Basu, 2003; Choudhuri et al., 1982;
Ghosh et al., 1996; Ghosh, 1999, 2002, 2003a, b, 2006, 2008; Kar,
1999; Mallick and Mallick, 2012; Mallick et al., 2012; Mondal and
Biswas, 2012; Mukherjee and Namhata, 1988; Namhata and
Mukherjee, 1988, 1989, 1992; Namhata and Ghosh, 1993; Pal et
al.,1989; Paul, 2004; Paul and Verma, 2004; Sinhababu and
Banerjee, 2013). No ethnobotanical work including its quantitative
analysis has been carried out from the Susunia hill of Bankura
district. In this context, present study has been designed to
document and conserve the traditional herbal knowledge of Santal
tribe living around Susunia hill. Bankura is one of the seven
districts of Burdwan Division in the Indian state of West Bengal. It
lies between N 22°46′ and N 23°38′ and between E 86°36′ and E
87°46′. The district has an area of 6881.24 sq km and total forest
area of 1404 sq km.

© 2015 Chowdhury Habibur Rahaman and Suman Karmakar. This is an open access article distributed under the terms of the Creative Commons Attribution License
-NonCommercial-ShareAlikeUnported License (http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc-sa/3.0/).
128 Rahaman and Karmakar / Journal of Applied Pharmaceutical Science 5 (02); 2015: 127-136

Fig. 1: map of Bankura district showing the study sites.

 Rahaman and Karmakar / Journal of Applied Pharmaceutical Science 5 (02); 2015: 127-136 129

The Biharinath and Susunia are two remarkable hills of
this district. Susunia hill (around N 23.39693°and E 86.98527°) is
situated in the north-west of Bankura district, in the Chhotanagpur
gneissic plateau of West Bengal and rises to 439.5 m above sea
level (Figure-1).
It is a very small hill and runs for a length of about 3 km.
Like other forest areas in the district, forest of the Susunia hill is
also tropical dry deciduous type dominated by Sal tree (Shorea
robusta Gaertn. f.). The hill is very rich in its plant resources
including medicinal plants. The district Bankura is inhabited by
many tribal communities such as Santals, Oraons, Koras, Bhumij,
Mech, Mahali, Bedia and Mundas. Santals represent the largest
indigenous tribal community in the district and the villages
surrounding the Susunia hill are dominated by this tribe. The tribal
villages selected for this study are located within 10 km radius
around the hill.
MATERIALS AND METHODS
Data collection
Ethnomedicinal data were collected between March
2011–February 2013 following the standard methods (Jain, 1987;
Jain and Mudgal, 1999) from 14 tribal villages that were selected
with the help of aged persons in the villages on basis of the
.
availability of traditional healers (Figure-1). The villages were
visited in different seasons (summer, monsoon and winter) to avail
most of the plant resources in their flowering condition. Twenty
Santal key medicine men and five knowledgeable persons were
selected as informants using purposive sampling method (Dolores
and Tongco, 2007) (Table-1 and Figure-2). Most of the informants
belong to an age between 50 and 80 years. The key informants
selected from each sampled villages were the most knowledgeable
ones as suggested by the tribal elders of respective villages. Before
interview, Prior Informed Consent (PIC) was taken from each
informant. The data have been collected by interviewing the
informants through semi-structured and open-ended questionnaire.
The Santal name of the plant, parts used, preparation and mode of
administration of the crude drug, disease cured, etc. were recorded
in detail. Interviews were conducted in the local languages i.e.
Santali and Bengali. The plant specimens were collected and
identified with the help of different Floras (Prain, 1903; Sanyal,
1994; Saxena and Brahmam, 1994; Varma, 1981). Correct and
Valid scientific names for the recorded plant species have been
used here following The International Plant Names Index (IPNI).
Collected plant specimens have been preserved as herbarium
specimen following conventional techniques (Jain and Rao, 1977)
and kept in Visva-Bharati Herbarium, Department of Botany,
Visva-Bharati, Santiniketan for future references.

Fig. 2: A. An interview with Rabindranath Hembrame (a key medicine man); B. Rasamoy Murmu showing his medicinal collection; C. Kartik Murmu giving
medicine to a patient; D. Mohan Hansda performing some rituals as part of his ethnomedicinal practice and patients waiting for him.
130 Rahaman and Karmakar / Journal of Applied Pharmaceutical Science 5 (02); 2015: 127-136
Quantitative ethnomedicinal data analysis
Here in this study, different quantitative tools like
Consensus value for Plant Part [CPP](Monteiro et al., 2006),
Informant Consensus Factor [Fic](Trotter and Logan, 1986),
Fidelity Level [FL%](Friedman et al., 1986), Preference ranking
exercise (Martin, 1995), Importance value [IVs] (Byg and Balsev,
2001) and Pearson Correlation Coefficient (PCC) were employed
to analyze the collected data.
Consensus value for Plant Part (CPP) measures the
degree of agreement among informants concerning the plant part
used and is calculated as CPP = Px / Pt , where Px = number of
times a given plant part was cited; Pt = total number of citation of
all parts.
Fic has been determined to identify the most potential
medicinal plant species used in the culture of Santal people of the
study area. It is expressed by a formula: Fic = Nur – Nt / Nur –1,
where Nur is the number of use reports from informants for a
particular disease category, Nt is the number of taxa that are used
for that disease category. Fic value ranges between 0-1, where a
high value indicates the greater informant consensus and a lower
value signifies disagreement among the informants.
The Fidelity Level (FL%) is used to quantify the
percentage of informants claiming the use of a certain plant for the
same major purpose and is calculated as : FL= Np / N x 100, where
Np = number of informants who cited the species for a particular
disease ; N = total number of informants that cited the species to
treat any given disease.
Preference ranking exercise (Martin, 1995) was
conducted by six key medicine men on five medicinal plants used
to treat boil in the study area. Boil was the disease against which
highest number of medicinal plants was prescribed by the
informants. The informants were given the plants and asked them
to arrange plants based on their personal experience regarding
efficacy of the plants. Medicinal plant that believed to be the most
effective was given the highest value i.e. 5 and the one with least
effectiveness was given a value of 1. Finally, rank was determined
based on the total score of each species.
The Importance Value (IVs) measures the proportion of
informants who regard a species as most important and is
calculated as follows: IVs = nis / n, where nis= number of
informants who consider the species s most important; n= total
number of informants.
Pearson product-moment correlation coefficient is a good
measure to numerically quantify the nature of the linear
relationship between two variables , giving a value between +1
and -1 inclusive, where 1 is total positive correlation, 0 is no
correlation, and -1 is total negative correlation. The strength of the
relationship is indicated by the correlation coefficient (r) but is
actually measured by the coefficient of determination (r2). The
significance of relationship is expressed in probability levels p
(0.05). In our case, the two variables of interest are IVs and FL.
Pearson product- moment correlation coefficient is done with the
help of Statistics software [version 1.1.23-r7] ( Wessa, 2014).
RESULTS AND DISCUSSION
The result has been presented in tabular form. The
species are arranged in alphabetical order of their scientific names
with family name and voucher number, followed by the Santal
name, plant parts used, mode of administration, diseases cured
FL% and IVs (Table- 2).
Medicinal plants reported
Altogether 25 ethnomedicinal plants have been recorded
from the district. These 25 recorded taxa spread over 22 species,
22 genera, 14 families of dicotyledons and 3 species, 3 genera, 3
families of monocotyledons. The family Fabaceae was
represented by the highest number of species (4 species, 16%)
followed by Asteraceae (3 species, 12%), Euphorbiaceae,
Solanaceae and Vitaceae (2 species each, 8%). Remaining 12
families had single species representation (Figure- 3). Dominance
of medicinal plant species from families Fabaceae and Asteraceae
could be attributed to their wide distribution and abundance in the
flora of this area.
Habitually the investigated taxa fall under 4 groups like
Trees, Shrubs, Herbs and Climbers. The numbers of species in
each group and their respective percentage have been defined as
Trees- 8 (32%), Shrubs- 4 (16%), Herbs- 10 (40%) and Climbers-
3 (12%) (Figure- 4). The most dominant life form of the species
used by the tribal people in the district includes herbs (40%) which
indicate that they are easily accessible and commonly grown
around the tribal villages in the district.
Fig. 3: Number of plant species in their respective family.
Diseases treated
The recorded 25 plant species are used in formulation of
40 types of ethnomedicinal preparations that cure 27 types of
diseases. The diseases which occur most frequently in the area are
boil, scorpion sting, stomachache, elephantiasis, intestinal worm,
etc. These 27 types of diseases were grouped into 11 major
categories like dermatological disorder, muscular-skeletal system
disorder, digestive system disorder, infections, genitio-urinary
system disorder, etc. It has been observed that against boil, a
medicinal condition under the category of dermatological
disorder, a large number of medicinal plants (6species) were
prescribed. For scorpion sting, the number of prescribed species is
4, followed by 3 species in case of stomachache, 2 species in case
of external cut, elephantiasis, intestinal worm, jaundice, etc.
 Rahaman and Karmakar / Journal of Applied Pharmaceutical Science 5 (02); 2015: 127-136
Fig. 4: Growth form of the investigated taxa.
Plant parts used
The leaf part of the plants (CPP value 0.33) was used by
the tribal people very frequently in formulation of the remedies as
compared to other plant parts. Flower, fruit and seed secured the
CPP value of 0.29 followed by root and rhizome (0.24), stem bark
(0.07), latex and gum (0.05) and whole plant (0.02) (Figure- 5).
Medicine men here in the study area prefer leaves most in
preparation of their remedies because this part of plant is easily
accessible than other parts, more efficacious and it is known to us
that leaves are the sites for synthesis of bioactive secondary
metabolites . Collection of plant parts specially leaves by the tribal
people would support the sustainable method of harvest because
in most of the cases at least a number of leaves are left unplucked
which allow the parent plant to survive normally. Harvesting root
, rhizome and seed poses more threat to survival of plants than
collecting other parts such as leaves ,bark and flower.
Fig. 5: CPP values of plant parts used in herbal preparations.
Use of drugs in various forms
It has been observed that Santal medicine men in the
study area follow various ways of remedy preparation which
depend on type of disease treated. The major modes of remedy
preparations were paste (50%), ointment (12.5%), powder (7.5%),
cooking, juice, pill (5%), burning ash, decoction, gum, latex,
mouthwash and plaster (2.5%)(Figure-6). Along with herbal
ingredients, different additives like coconut oil, molasses, black
salt and termite mound’s soil were often used in preparation of
remedies. Plant ingredients were collected by the medicine men
131
from wild habitat in the study area and other ingredients like
coconut oil, molasses, black salt were procured from the
commercial sources. The soil of termite’s mound was collected
from its mounds which are very common in forest floor of the
district.
The majority (72.5%) of the remedies were prepared
from fresh materials only. Some remedies were prepared from
dried materials (15%) exclusively and few were prepared from
dried or fresh materials depending upon their availability in the
area (12.5%). The fact that both fresh and dried forms are used in
the preparation of remedies create a better opportunity for the
Santal people here to have access to the materials used in
medicinal formulation across different seasons of the year. It is the
opinion of the informants regarding their use of fresh ingredients
in remedy preparation that in fresh form the efficacy potential of
the ingredients remain intact , which they thought, could be lost
on drying.
Fig. 6: Method of preparation of Santal medicine.
Routes of administration and doses
More than half (57.5%) of the remedies were applied
externally on affected part of the skin directly, and 42.5% of the
preparations were applied internally in the form of oral
application. Results show that there was no agreement in
measurement or unit used among informants. Informants generally
used measuring units such as teaspoon, cup, fingers, etc. but still
differed in the doses they administered.
Statistical analysis
Finally, the data were analyzed by employing the
quantitative tools like Fic, FL%, preference ranking exercise, IVs
and Pearson product-moment correlation coefficient to get more
objectivity in this study. Our study reveals that there is a high level
of consensus among the informants regarding disease cure and
medicinal plant use. The Fic value for different disease categories
ranges from 0.909 to 1.00 which indicates greater agreement
among the informants regarding phyto-therapeutic uses of
medicinal plants (Table- 3). Circulatory system disorder, nervous
system disorder and birth/puerperium disorder secured the highest
132 Rahaman and Karmakar / Journal of Applied Pharmaceutical Science 5 (02); 2015: 127-136

Fic value (1) which indicates the remedies against these disease
categories are very efficacious and those remedies are actively
practising among the Santal healers in the study area. The species
used in remedies for the disease categories with high Fic values are
considered as high consensus species which have established as
very prospective one in many natural product studies. It has been
established by many workers that high consensus species are the
prospective candidates for investigation of their phytochemistry
and pharmacology (Heinrich, 2000; Trotter and Logan, 1986). One
earlier study found that the good consensus of Kenyah healers in
Borneo on antimalarial plants was indicative of high activity in
laboratory antiplasmodium assays (Leaman et al., 1995). Like
wise the plant species which have been identified as highest scorer
in respect of their Fic value can be considered useful in
development of evidence-based phytomedicine for the tribal
people of the study area.
Fidelity Level (FL%) value of the recorded 25 plant
species ranges from 28% - 100% (Table- 2). Highest fidelity level
value (100%) has been recorded for ten plants such as
Ampelocissus latifolia (Roxb.) Planch. and Lannea coromandelica
(Houtt.) Merr. against elephantiasis, Cajanus cajan (L.) Millsp.
and Diospyros melanoxylon Roxb. against jaundice, Calotropis
gigantea (L.) W.T. Aiton against scorpion sting, Abrus
precatorius L. against sprain, Blumea lacera (Roxb.) DC and
Borassus flabellifer L. against external cut, Centratherum
anthelminticum (L.) Gamble for good digestion, Cissus adnata
Roxb. against bone fracture, etc. The highest FL% value could be
considered as an indicator for the high healing potential of those
plants used against the corresponding diseases. Plants with highest
fidelity level value could also be targeted for further
phytochemical investigation to identify the bioactive compounds
that are responsible for their high healing potential. These ten plant
species are till commonly growing in natural habitats in the study
area with no adverse effect of collection pressure upon them, but
in future there may be a chance of declining the population of
them due to their high use pressure in long term. Preference
ranking exercise conducted on six medicinal plants which are used
to treat boil reveals that Curcuma longa L. is the most preferred
medicinal plant followed by Andrographis paniculata Nees,
Ricinus communis L. (Table- 4). The fact that Curcuma longa L. is
the most frequently used plant for treatment of boil in the area
which highlights its highest efficacy potential among the six plant
species cited by the informants. Here IVs of the plants ranges
from 0.2 -1. The highest Importance Value (IVs) calculated here is
1 which has been recorded for the plants like Borassus flabellifer
L. against external cut, Cajanus cajan (L.) Millsp. against
jaundice, Centratherum anthelminticum (L.) Gamble for digestion,
Cissus adnata Roxb. against bone fracture, Moringa oleifera Lam.
against pox and high blood pressure, Solanum surattense Burm.f.
against toothache (Table- 2). The highest score for Importance
Value of these plants also highlights that these plants are
therapeutically very important and tribal healers in the area rely
mostly upon them for effective treatment. Here the Pearson
correlation coefficient has been determined between IVs and FL%
and its value is 0.679 (Table- 5) which showed a moderate positive
correlation between the proportion of informants who regard a
species as most important and percentage of informants claiming
the use of a certain plant for the same major purpose. The IVs and
FL% are moderately correlated which means that their use patterns
across the species moderately match. The degree to which IVs and
FL% varies across the species is measured numerically by r2 which
states that around 46 percent variation in IVs can be explained by
that of FL. These findings have further supported by a scattered
plot which reflects a moderate positive correlation (Figure- 7).

Table. 1: Name of the informants, their age, village and category.

Sl. No Name Age (Years) Village Category of informant
1 Rabindranath Hembrame 61 Seulibona Key medicine man
2 Karamchand Hembrame 48 Seulibona Knowledgeable person
3 Baidyanath Hansda 45 Seulibona Knowledgeable person
4 Aditya Hansda 38 Kalaiberia Key medicine man
5 Shyamapada Besra 50 Hapania (Pahar para) Key medicine man
6 Abinash Tudu 40 Hapania (Pahar para) Knowledgeable person
7 Bijoy Besra 40 Hapania (Pahar para) Knowledgeable person
8 Kankaram Tudu 76 Hapania (Pahar para) Key medicine man
9 Ramchandra Hansda 80 Hapania (Pahar para) Key medicine man
10 Panchu Hembrame 75 Hapania (Pahar para) Key medicine man
11 Rasamoy Murmu 67 Gidhuria Key medicine man
12 Mohan Hansda 65 Jadavpur Key medicine man
13 Shankar Murmu 50 Jadavpur Key medicine man
14 Rampada Murmu 51 Jadavpur Key medicine man
15 Mangal Hembrame 53 Jadavpur Knowledgeable person
16 Kartik Murmu 57 Jugonthol Key medicine man
17 Dharama Tudu 61 Bharatpur Key medicine man
18 Dharmadas Mandi 80 Bamundiha Key medicine man
19 Ramdas Soren 58 Bamundiha Key medicine man
20 Jagan Murmu 66 Gurputa Key medicine man
21 Joydeb Murmu 39 Gopalpur Key medicine man
22 Biswanath Hembrame 56 Mirga Key medicine man
23 Dasarath Murmu 79 Gadapathar Key medicine man
24 Bilome Murmu 50 Haribandi Key medicine man
25 Ramdas Soren 55 Deulbhira Key medicine man
 Rahaman and Karmakar / Journal of Applied Pharmaceutical Science 5 (02); 2015: 127-136 133

Table- 2: Medicinal plants used by the Santal tribal people of surrounding villages of the Susunia hill
Formulatio Scientific name/Family/Voucher Part
Santal name Mode of administration Diseases FL% IVS
n no. no. used
Leaves are made into paste and
Abrus precatorius L. (White variety) Leaf
1 Kawet applied on affected area topically Sprain 100 0.32
/Fabaceae/SK10
once a day for 4 days.
Ampelocissus latifolia (Roxb.) Root is made into paste, warmed and
2 Planch. Icewar Root applied topically on the affected area Elephantiasis 100 0.56
/Vitaceae/SK50 twice a day for 30 days.
Leaves are made into paste, pill is
Andrographis paniculata Nees Boil
3 Kalmegh Leaf made from it and one pill is taken 79 0.6
/Acanthaceae/SK15
orally once a day for 7 days.
Leaves are made into paste, pill is
Andrographis paniculata Nees
4 Kalmegh Leaf made from it and one pill is taken Diabetes 37 0.28
/Acanthaceae/SK15
orally once a day
Blumea lacera (Roxb.) DC. Leaf paste is applied topically on cut
5 Randoi Leaf External cut 100 0.6
/Asteraceae/SK40 area to stop bleeding
Borassus flabellifer L.
Tomentu Tomentum of leaf is applied on the External cut
6 /Arecaceae/SK43 Taledare 100 1
m of leaf cut area to stop bleeding
Secretion of root is collected and one
Borassus flabellifer L.
7 Taledare Root cupfull of juice is taken orally once a Seminal weakness 32 0.32
/Arecaceae/SK43
day for 15 days
Butea monosperma (Lam.) Taub. Flowers (3) are made into paste and White discharge
8 Murut Flower 64 0.56
/Fabaceae/SK54 taken orally once a day for 7 days
Seeds are ground into powder and
Butea monosperma (Lam.) Taub. one teaspoonfull of powder is mixed
9 Murut Seed Intestinal worm 82 0.72
/ Fabaceae /SK54 with half cupfull of water and taken
orally once a day in empty stomach
Cajanus cajan (L.) Millsp. Leaves are made into paste and taken
10 Baredare Leaf Jaundice 100 1
/ Fabaceae/SK59 orally
Calotropis gigantea (L.) W.T.Aiton Milky latex is directly applied on
11 Akana Latex Scorpion sting 100 0.6
/Asclepiadaceae/SK 65 affected area
Centratherum anthelminticum (L.)
Seed powder is mixed with salt and
12 Gamble Shaonraj Seed Digestive 100 1
taken orally after meal
/Asteraceae/SK22
Cissus adnata Roxb. Root paste together with termite
13 Bodlar Root Bone facture 100 1
/ Vitaceae/SK35 mound’s soil is bandaged for 7 days
White discharge of
Curculigo orchioides Gaertn. Root (100gm) made into paste and
14 Turom Root women, urine with 100 0.52
/Hypoxidaceae/SK31 taken orally twice a day for 15 days
semen
Curcuma longa L. Paste of rhizome is warmed and
15 Shasang dare Rhizome Boil 94 0.6
/Zingiberaceae/SK27 applied on abscess for 2-3 days
Curcuma longa L. Paste of rhizome is applied on
16 Shasang dare Rhizome Sprain 50 0.32
/Zingiberaceae/SK27 affected area
Datura metel L. Leaves are made into paste, warmed
17 Dhutra Leaf Boil 54 0.28
/Solanaceae/SK14 and applied on abscess
Datura metel L. Root (25gm) is made into paste and
18 Dhutra Root Knee arthritis 62 0.32
/Solanaceae /SK9 taken orally once a day
Diospyros melanoxylon Roxb. Gum is mixed in water and taken
19 Tereldare Gum Jaundice 100 0.28
/Ebenaceae /SK45 orally once a day for 7 days
Half-burnt plant is made into powder,
Elephantopus scaber L. Whole
20 Mejurjhuti mixed with coconut oil and applied Boil 82 0.36
/Asteraceae /SK60 plant
on the boil
Elephantopus scaber L.
21 Mejurjhuti Root Root paste is applied on affected area Scorpion sting 45 0.2
/Asteraceae/SK60
Holoptelea integrifolia (Roxb.)
Stem Stem bark is made into paste and
22 Planch. Challa Ring worm 100 0.6
bark applied on affected area
/Ulmaceae/SK18
Stem bark is made into paste and
Lannea coromandelica (Houtt.)
Stem mixed with molasses, warmed and
23 Merr. Dokadare Elephantiasis 100 0.56
bark pill is prepared from it. One pill is
/Anacardiaceae /SK19
taken orally twice a day for 3 days.
Leucas mollissima Wall. Leaves are made into paste and
24 Dhandhurupara Leaf Headache 50 0.28
/Lamiaceae/SK29 applied on forehead
Leucas mollissima Wall.
25 Dhandhurupara Leaf Leaves are cooked and taken orally worm 71 0.4
/Lamiaceae/SK29
Millettia pinnata
26 (L.) Panigrahi Karajdare Seed Seed oil is applied on affected area Boil 76 0.52
/Fabaceae/SK 37
134 Rahaman and Karmakar / Journal of Applied Pharmaceutical Science 5 (02); 2015: 127-136

Millettia pinnata
Seed oil is warmed and massaged on the
27 (L.) Panigrahi Karajdare Seed Heel crack 35 0.24
heel
/Fabaceae/SK37
Millettia pinnata
28 (L.) Panigrahi Karajdare Seed Seed oil is applied on affected area Itching 41 0.52
/Fabaceae/SK37
Moringa oleifera Lam. Mungdodar Leaves, Leaves, flowers and fruits are cooked Pox, High blood
29 100 1
/Moringaceae/SK66 e flower, fruit and taken orally pressure
Leaves are made into paste and taken
Gastric
Oxalis corniculata L. Tandi two teaspoonfull for 2-3 days(for
30 Leaf problem,Stomac 100 0.36
/Oxalidaceae/SK51 chatam ara stomachache) or 10-12 days(for gastric
hache
problem)
Ricinus communis L. Leaves are made into paste and applied Breast pain after
31 Eradom Leaf 37 0.28
/Euphorbiaceae/SK39 on breast childbirth
Ricinus communis L. Root paste is directly applied on
32 Eradom Root Scorpion sting 47 0.36
/Euphorbiaceae/SK39 affected area
Ricinus communis L.
33 Eradom Seed Seed oil is applied on belly Stomachache 37 0.28
/Euphorbiaceae/SK39
Ricinus communis L. Leaf paste is warmed and massaged on Induce
34 Eradom Leaf 37 0.28
/Euphorbiaceae/SK39 breast lactation
Ricinus communis L.
35 Eradom Leaf Leaf paste is applied on boil Boil 42 0.32
/Euphorbiaceae/SK39
Solanum surattense Burm.f. Seeds(3-4) are boiled in water and taken Malaria
36 Rangoni Seed 28 0.28
/Solanaceae/SK17 orally twice a day
Solanum surattense Burm.f. Seeds(3-4) are boiled in water and
37 Rangoni Seed Toothache 100 1
/Solanaceae/SK17 gargled once a day for 7 days
Syzygium cumini (L.) Skeels Juice is made from bark and taken Stomachache,
38 Kodedare Stembark 100 0.44
/Myrtaceae/SK49 orally one teaspoonful for 25 days gastric problem
Seeds are made into paste and applied
Tragia involucrata L.
39 Sengal sing Seed topically on head once a day for 3-4 Hair fall 88 0.56
/Euphorbiaceae/SK61
days
Tragia involucrata L.
40 Sengal sing Root Root paste is applied on affected area Scorpion sting 31 0.2
/Euphorbiaceae/SK61

Table. 3: Informant Consensus Factor (Fic) for each disease category

Disease category No. of Taxa (Nt) No. of use-reports (N ur) Fic
Circulatory System Disorder 1 25 1
Nervous System Disorder 1 7 1
Injuries 2 40 0.9743
Metabolic System Disorder 2 39 0.9736
Birth/Puerperium Disorder 1 14 1
Digestive System Disorder 5 97 0.9583
Genito-urinary System Disorder 3 48 0.9574
Infections 6 88 0.9425
Muscular-Skeletal System Disorder 4 49 0.9375
Dermatological Disorder 8 100 0.9292
Poisoning 4 34 0.9090

Table. 4: Preference ranking of six medicinal plants reported for treating boil
Informants*
Medicinal plants Total score Rank
A B C D E F
Andrographis paniculata Nees 3 3 4 3 2 5 20 2nd
Curcuma longa L. 5 5 4 4 2 4 24 1st
Datura metel L. 5 3 1 1 1 5 16 5th
Elephantopus scaber L. 2 1 3 5 1 3 15 6th
Millettia pinnata (L.) Panigrahi 3 1 5 1 2 5 17 4th
Ricinus communis L. 3 2 3 3 5 3 19 3rd
*Informants cited as A to F; where, A = Kankaram Tudu; B = Syamapada Besra; C = Panchu Hembrame; D = Mohan Hansda; E = Kartik Murmu; F =
Rabindranath Hembrame

Table. 5: Summary statistics for Pearson Product-Moment Correlation.

Statistics IVs FL
Mean 0.498 72.525
Standard Deviation 0.249 27.247
Correlation (r) 0.679
2
Determination (r ) 0.461
T-Test 5.706
p-value (2 sided) 0.00000144
p-value (1 sided) 0.00000072
Degrees of Freedom 38
Number of Observations 40
 Rahaman and Karmakar / Journal of Applied Pharmaceutical Science 5 (02); 2015: 127-136
Fig. 7: Correlation between IVs and FL.
CONCLUSION
The study will help in preparation of ethnomedicinal
database. The use of quantitative tools is very new approach here
in analysis of Santal medicine from West Bengal. The high
consensus obtained from the healers underlines their well-defined
herbal tradition and could guide in selection of medicinal plants as
potent candidates for bioprospecting and natural product studies.
The traditional knowledge of herbal medicine practiced among the
Santal community of the villages surrounding the Susunia hill of
Bankura district should be conserved through its documentation
before it is lost from the respective Santal societies forever. It will
also protect the IPR of the Santal community of the study area.
The herbal claim of this study has to be exploited further for
developing new cost effective herbal drug.
ACKNOWLEDGEMENT
The authors are very much grateful to all the Santal
informants who shared their knowledge regarding use of medicinal
plants with us. Without their contribution, this study would have
not been possible. We are also thankful to the Head, Department
of Botany, Visva-Bharati, Santiniketan for necessary laboratory
facilities.
REFERENCES
Acharya J, Mukherjee A. Herbal folk remedies
against skin ailments as documented from Purulia and Bankura
districts of West Bengal. Indian J App Pure Bio, 2010a; 25(2): 413-416.
135
Acharya J, Mukherjee A. Herbal therapy for urinary ailments as
documented from Bankura district (West Bengal). Indian J Sci Res, 2010b;
1(1):67-69.
Banerjee A, Mukherjee A, Sinhababu A. Ethnobotanical
documentation of some wild edible plants in Bankura District, West
Bengal, India. J Ethno Trad Med Photon, 2013; 585-590.
Basu R. Ethnomedicinal information of yellow flowered palash
and silk coton in Bankura district of West Bengal. J Econ Taxon Bot,
2003; 27(3): 580-581.
Byg A, Balsev H. Diversity and use of palms in Zahamena,
eastern Madagascar. Biodivers Conserv, 2001;10: 951- 970.
Choudhuri RHN, Soren AM, Mollah A. Some less known uses
of plants from the tribal areas of Bankura district, West Bengal. Indian
Mus Bull, 1982; 14: 71-73.
Dolores Ma, Tongco C. Purposive sampling as a tool for
informant selection. Ethn Res Appl, 2007; 5: 147-158.
Friedman J, Yaniv Z, Dafni, Palewith D. A preliminiary
classification of healing potential of medicinal plants , based on a rational
analysis of an ethnopharmacological field survey among Bedouins in the
Negev desert, Israel. J Ethnopharmacol, 1986; 16: 275-287.
Ghosh A. Herbal veterinary from the tribal areas of Bankura
District, West Bengal. J. Econ. Taxon. Bot, 1999; 23(2): 557-560.
Ghosh A. Ethnoveterinary medicines for the tribal areas of
Bankura and Medinipur districts, West Bengal. Indian J Trad Know, 2002;
1: 93-95.
Ghosh A. Herbal folk medicines of Bankura and Medinipur
districts,West Bengal. Indian J Trad Knowl, 2003a; 2: 393-396.
Ghosh A. Herbal veterinary medicine from the tribal areas of
Mednapore and Bankura district, West Bengal. J Econ Taxon Bot, 2003b;
27(3): 573-575.
Ghosh A. Medicinal plants used for treatment of diabetes by the
tribals of Bankura, Purulia and Medinipur of West Bengal. J. Econ. Taxon.
Bot, 2006; 30(Suppl.): 233- 238.
Ghosh A. Ethnomedicinal plants used in West Rarh regions of
West Bengal Nat Prod Rad, 2008; 7 (5): 461-465.
136 Rahaman and Karmakar / Journal of Applied Pharmaceutical Science 5 (02); 2015: 127-136
Ghosh A, Maity S, Maity M. Ethnomedicine in Bankura
District, West Bengal. J Econ Taxon Bot Addl ser, 1996; 12: 318-320.
Heinrich M. Ethnobotany and its role in drug development.
Phytother Res, 2000; 14: 479–488.
Jain SK.1987. A Mannual of Ethnobotany. Jodhpur, India: Sci
Publishers.
Jain SK, Mudgal V. 1999. A hand book of Ethnobotany. Dehra
Dun, India: Bishen Singh Mahendra Pal Singh.
Jain SK, Rao RR. 1977. A Handbook of Field and Herbarium
Methods. New Delhi, India: Today and Tomorrows Publ.
Kar B. Report on ethnomedicinal uses of Gloriosa superb in
Bankura district of West Bengal, India. Geobios New Reports, 1999; 8(2):
135-136.
Leaman DJ, Arnason JT, Yusuf R, Sangat-Roemantyo H,
Soedjito H, angerhofer CK, Pezzuto JM. Malaria remedies of the Kenyah
of the Apo Kayan, West Kalimantan, Indonesian Borneo: A quantitative
asseseement of local consensus as an indicator of biological efficacy. J
Ethnopharmacol, 1995; 49(1): 1-16.
Mallick H, Mallick SK. Medicinal plants used by the tribals of
Natungram village district Bankura, West Bengal. Int J B App Sci, 2012;
1(2): 131-133.
Mallick SK, Banerjee P, Saha A. Medicinal plants used by the
tribals of Ratanpur village of Bankura, West Bengal. Int J Life Sci, 2012;
1(2): 82-86.
Martin GJ.1995. Ethnobotany: Principles and applications. New
York: John Wiley and Sons Ltd.
Mondal T, Biswas S.Ethnoveterinary uses of some medicinal
plants of Bankura district, West Bengal. Life Sci leaflets, 2012; 5: 47-49.
Monterio JM, Albuquerque UP, Lins-Neto EMF, Araújo EL,
Amorim ELC. Use patterns and knowledge of medicinal species among
two rural communities in Brazil’s semi-arid northeastern region. J
Ethnopharmacol, 2006; 105: 173-186.
Mukherjee A, Namhata D. Herbal veterinary medicine as
practiced by the tribals of Bankura District. J Beng Nat Hist Soc (NS),
1988; 7(1): 69-71.
Namhata D, Ghosh A. Herbal folk medicine of Bankura
District, West Bengal. Geobios. 1993; 12: 94-96.
Namhata D, Mukherjee A. Ethnomedicine in Bankura District,
West Bengal. Indian J. App Pure Bio, 1988; 3(2): 53-55.
Namhata D, Mukherjee A. Some common practices of herbal
medicines in Bankura District, West Bengal. Indian J Forestry, 1989; 12
(4): 318-321.
Namhata D, Mukherjee A. Some folklore medicines of Bankura
District, West Bengal. J Econ Taxon Bot Add Ser, 1992; 10: 265-266.
Paul CR. Some low cost food preservation and processing
techniques by the tribals of Bankura District, West Bengal. J Econ Taxon
Bot. 2004; 28(3): 597-598.
Paul CR, Verma NK. Botany and ethnobotany of Diospyros
melanoxylon Roxb. (Ebenaceae). J Econ Taxon Bot, 2004; 28(3): 599-601.
Pal DC, Soren AM, Sen R. Less Known uses of twenty plants
from the tribals areas of Bankura district, West Bengal. J Econ Taxon Bot,
1989; 13(3): 695-698.
Prain D. 1903. Bengal plants, Vol 1-2. Calcutta.
Sanyal MN. 1994. Flora of Bankura District. Dehra Dun, India:
Bishen Singh Mahendra Pal Singh.
Saxena HO, Brahmam M. 1994. The flora of Orissa, Vol 1-4.
Bhubaneswar, India: Regional Research Laboratory and Orissa Forest
Development Corporation Ltd.
Sinhababu A, Banerjee A. Documentation of some ethno-
medicinal plants of family Lamiaceae in Bankura District, West Bengal,
india. Int Res J Bio Sci, 2013; 2(6): 63-65.
Trotter RT, Logan MH. 1986. Informant consensus: a new
approach for identifying potentially effective medicinal plants. In: Etkin
NL, ed. Plants in indigenous medicine and diet, behavoiural approaches.
Bredfort Hills, New York: Redgrave Publishing Company 91-112.
Varma SK, 1981. Flora of Bhagalpur (Dicotyledons). New
Delhi.
Wessa P 2014. Pearson Correlation (v1.0.9) in free statistics
software (v1.1.23r7), Office for Research Development and Education.
Avaiable at http://www.wessa.net/ rwasp_correlation.wasp/
How to cite this article:
Chowdhury Habibur Rahaman, Suman Karmakar. Ethnomedicine
of Santal tribe living around Susunia hill of Bankura district, West
Bengal, India: The quantitative approach. J App Pharm Sci, 2015; 5
(02): 127-136.