Science, Technology and Development ISSN : 0950-0707
SURVEY OF LATEX PLANTS IN VALVACHAGOSTAM PANCHAYATH, KANYAKUMARI DISTRICT, TAMIL NADU, SOUTH INDIA.
MARY KENSA V and FEMINA J.
PG Research Centre of Botany, S.T. Hindu College, Nagercoil. TamilNadu.
.
Abstract
Latex is a sticky emulsion that exudes upon damage from specialized canals in about
10% of flowering plant species. Latex has no known primary metabolic function and has been
strongly implicated in defense against herbivorous insects. The aim of this study was to identify
the latex plant species Valvachagostam Panchayath, Kanyakumari District, Tamil Nadu, South
India. The present study revealed the latex plants of the study area were represented by 73
species belonging to 16 families (70 dicots and 3 monocots). Regarding the habit details,32 were
trees,18 were shrubs,18 were herbs and 5 were climber. Among all the families, Euphorbiaceae
is dominant with 17 species followed by Apocynaceae (16species), Moraceae (11 species),
Asclepidaceae (9 species), Sapotaceae (4 species), Convolvulaceae (3 species), Anacardiaceae,
Meliaceae and Liliaceae have (2species) each and the families with single species are
Caricaceae, Magnoliaceae, Malvaceae, Papaveraceae, Dioscoreaceae and Asteraceae. The study
has recorded 7 non – aromatic plants and 66 aromatic plants.
The life span data showed that, about 62 latex plants are perennials and the remaining are
annuals 11. The study revealed that the different plant parts like roots, stem, leaves, fruits,
flowers, buds, rhizomes are used by the local people for their primary health needs. The mode of
regeneration of identified latex plants are also 36 noted
i.e. latex plants by seed,19 latex plants by stem cutting,5 latex plants by seed / stem cutting, 13
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latex plants by root. These latex plants of study area are variously used in traditional medicine
and it would be important to undertake further investigations in phytochemistry, pharmacology,
and toxicology to validate their uses.
Keywords: aromatic plants, latex, stem cutting, Valvachagostam and toxicology.
INTRODUCTION
Humans have always made use of their native flora, not just as a source of food, but also
for fuel, medicines, clothing, home construction and chemical production. Latex, a sticky sap
that flows out of some plants upon wounding, can be found in more than 20,000 species from
some 40 families (Hunter, 1994). It is a complex mixture of proteins, alkaloids, starch, sugars,
oils, tannins, resins and gums (Pickard, 2008). In most plants, latex color is normally white,
yellow, orange, but its color changes after an air exposure. It is stable dispersion of polymer
micro-particles in an aqueous medium that coagulates on exposure to air (Thomas et al ., 2008).
Latex from few plants contains an elastic polymer related to rubber and form films without
releasing potential organic solvent (Yagami et al ., 2008). There is no study on survey of latex
plants in the selected study area. So the present study has been carried to focus on the following
objectives.
To survey the latex plants available in the study area.
Family wise distribution of latex plants.
Cotyledon wise distribution of latex plants.
To identify the purpose of latex plants.
To identify aromatic & non aromatic latex plants.
To segregate the annuals & perennials of latex plants.
To study the uses of identified latex plants.
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To study the regeneration mode of latex plants.
MATERIALS AND METHODS
Study area
The field work was undertaken in Valvachagostom, Palliyadi Town, Kalkulam thaluk,
Kanyakumari distrct, Tamil Nadu. Kanyakumari is the southernmost district of Tamil Nadu. The
district lies between 77 °15' and 77 °36' of the eastern.
Soil in the district is mostly of the red loam variety. However on the sea coasts, the sandy
type of soil prevails and near the mountain ranges, gravelly soil is generally seen. In low lands
there is neither white sand nor sandy loam, white in the midlands and high lands, there prevails
fairly fertile soil of the fine type. The valley in midland has loamy clay soil with high sand
content. In the midlands, in general, the soil is clayloam of laterite origin with a mixture of
gravel and sand. Laterite soils found at Thiruvattar, Killiyoor, Munchirai, Rajakkamangalam,
Thuckalay blocks. Red and alluvial soils are found at Kalkulam and Karungal blocks. The taluk
Kalkulam and Karungal blocks. The taluk Kalkulam comprises of 32 town, Palliyadi is one
among them with the population of about approximately 16,965 people and 3,520 residential
buildings. Notable attraction is the Palliyadi Pazhayapalli temple, Thirupanthicode temple and
Natalam sivan temple.
Valvachagostom is a medium populated town located in Kanyakumari district of Tamil
Nadu. It comes under Valvachagostom panchayat. The current study area lies in the latitude
8°2655'N and longitude 77 °2779'E. The average temperature of the area of survey varies from
24 °C-32 °C. The average is set to be 25 °C. The month May is recorded to be the warmest month
with the temperature to 27 °C/81 °F and December is recorded to be the coolest month with an
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average temperature of about 21 °C/74 °F. The study area under survey is located 24 meters above
the sea level with the humidity level of 68%. The district receives a fairly good rainfall from both
southwest and northeast monsoons. Out study area it has a total of 1468 families. It has a
population of 6575 of which 2768 are males, 2811 are females and 996 were children. Most of
the people are dependent on agriculture and few of them are doing business and government
employees.
Documentation
A field survey was conducted from November 2020 to February 2021
(3 months), to record the latex plants are growing on different parts of Valvachagostam
panchayath. One visit was made at every week end. Thus, a total of twelve visits were made to
all the practically possible places in search of latex plants. The periodical trips were under taken
to the different part of the study area to get information about latex plants. The identification of
plant was done using taxonomic literatures (Gamble and Fischer, 1915; Mathew, 1983; Nair and
Henry, 1983) and with the help of experts. All the voucher specimens were maintained in the
herbarium Department of Botany, S.T.Hindu College, Nagercoil.
RESULTS AND DISCUSSIONS
The present study revealed the latex plants of the study area were represented by 73
species belonging to 16 families (70 dicots and 3 monocots) (fig 2). Regarding the habit details,
32 were trees, 18 were shrubs, 18 were herbs and 5 were climber. Among all the families,
Euphorbiaceae is dominant with 17 species followed by Apocynaceae (16 species), Moraceae
(11 species), Asclepidaceae (9 species), Sapotaceae (4 species), Convolvulaceae (3 species),
Anacardiaceae, Meliaceae and Liliaceae have (2 species) each and the families with single
species are Caricaceae, Magnoliaceae, Malvaceae, Papaveraceae, Dioscoreaceae and Asteraceae
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(Table: 1; fig 1). The study has recorded 7 non – aromatic plants and 66 aromatic plants (fig 4).
The life span data showed that, about 62 latex plants are perennials and the remaining are
annuals 11 (fig 5). The study revealed that the different plant parts like roots, stem, leaves, fruits,
flowers, buds, rhizomes are used by the local people for their primary health needs ( table 2).
The mode of regeneration of identified latex plants are also 36 noted
i.e. latex plants by seed,19 latex plants by stem cutting, 5 latex plants by seed / stem cutting, 13
latex plants by root (fig 6).
The identified latex plants are used as medicinal and ornamental purposes (fig 3). The
medicinal latex plants are like Achras zapota, Allium cepa, Alstonia boonei, Alstonia scholaris,
Anacardium occidentale, Anogeissum latifolia, Apocynum cannabinum, Argemone mexicana,
Artocarpus altilis, Artocarpus heterophyllus, Artocarpus hirsutus, Asclepias speciosa, Asclepias
syriaca, Asclepias tuberosa, Azadirachta indica, Calotropis indica, Calotropis procera, Carica
papaya, Catharanthus pusillis, Catharanthus roseus, Chrysophyllum roxburghii, Croton
sparsiflorus, Cryptolepis sanguinolenta, Dioscorea alata, Euphorbia antiquorum, Euphorbia
heterophylla, Euphorbia hirta, Euphorbia prostrata, Euphorbia tirucalli, Ficus benghalensis,
Ficus benjamina, Ficus carica, Ficus racemosa, Ficus religiosa, Ficus umbellata, Hevea
brasiliensis, Himatanthus obovatus, Ipomoea batatas, Ipomoea carnea, Ipomoea hederaceae,
Jatropha curcas, Jatropha gossypifolia, Madhuca longifolia, Magnolia champaca, Mangifera
indica, Manihot esculenta, Melia azedarach, Mimusops elengi, Pergularia daemia, Phyllanthus
acidus, Phyllanthus emblica, Phyllanthus niruri, Rauvolfia serpentina, Ricinus communis,
Secamone afzelii, Taraxacum officinale, Thevitia peruviana. The ornamental plants are like
Allamanda cathartica,Asclepias curassavica, Codiaeum variegatum, Cryptostegia grandiflora,
Euphorbia esula, Euphorbia milii, Ficus elastica,Nerium oleander,Plumeria rubra,Polianthes
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tuberosa, Tabernaemontana alternifolia , Tabernaemontana divaricata and Tabernaemontana
heyneana.Allamanda blanchetii, Antiaris toxicarica, Thespesia populnea are used as both
medicinal and ornamental purposes(Table: 1).
Based on the percentage of family wise composition, the family Euphorbiaceae (23.28),
Apocynaceae (21.91), Moraceae (15.06), Asclepiadaceae (12.32), Sapotaceae (5.47),
Convolvulaceae (4.10), Anacardiaceae, Meliaceae, Liliaceae (2.73), Caricaceae, Magnoliaceae,
Malvaceae, Papveraceae, Dioscoreaceae, Asteraceae, Combretaceae (1.36) are distributed in the
study area.( Fig: 7). Among the identified latex plants, Achras zapota, Artocarpus heterophyllus,
Anacardium occidentale, Carica papaya, Mangifera indica are considered as a fruits yielding
plants. Plant like Catharanthus roseus and Catharanthus pusillis are used to produce an alkaloids
(vinblastine, vinscristine) which are used to treat cancer.
Among the total identified latex plants (73) there are 7 Ficus genus are reported (Ficus
benghalensis, Ficus benjamina, Ficus carica, Ficus elastic, Ficus racemosa, Ficus religiosa,
Ficus umbellata ). Argemone mexicana, Cryptostegia grandiflora, Thevitia peruviana are
considered as a poisonous species. Species like Thespesia populnea is considered as a endangered
species. Plants like Jatropha curcas are considered as a biodiesel plant. Some species are
considered as a oil yielding plants ( Ricinuscommunis, Madhuca longifolia, Melia azedarach ).
Some of the identified plants are reported as food yielding one and are used to make delicious
recipies ( Artocarpus altilis - fruit, Dioscorea alata - tubers, Manihot esculenta - tubers;
Phyllanthus emblica , Phyllanthus niruri - fruits, Artocarpus hirsutus - fruits, Artocarpus
heterophyllus - fruits, Anacardium occidentale – fruits, nuts, Achras zapota - fruits). Among the
reported plants (73), family Euphorbiaceae is the dominant one
(17 species), followed by Apocynaceae (16 species), Moraceae (11 species), Allamanda
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cathartica is the dominant one during the field visit. This study was aimed to identify the latex
plants and its importance. The dominant species recorded are mostly belonging to
Euphorbiaceae, Apocynaceae, Moraceae, Asclepiadaceae etc.
According to the literature, these families recorded the greatest number of latex plants
(Adjanohoun et al ., 1986).The main life form of the identified species was a latex plants. This is
in contradiction with other studies and elsewhere, where herbaceous plants are the most reported
species (Koudouvo et al ., 2011; Sivasankari et al ., 2014).This may be due to the fact that this
study was focused in the group of plants which has commonly latex, and not in disease or
medicinal plants in general.
Latex production depends on the availability of carbohydrates reserves,nutritional status
of the plants, anatomical structure of laticiferous vessels and biosynthesis of amino acids and
proteins (Melo et al., 2004).In addition, to these factors, seasonal climate changes involving
fluctuations in light, temperature and humidity can affects photosynthetic activity and
consequently plant metabolism, altering latex production (Melo et al ., 2004 ). Moreover,
flowering and uneven fruit maturational so interfere directly with latex production (Brasileiro et
al ., 2012).Low temperature and leaf senescence are directly related to latex production and
possibly associated with the storage of reserves remobilized from leaves on the stem. Research
on Jatropha curcas conducted separately and independently in different parts of the world show
high species sensitivity to cold and frost (Ackerly et al ., 2000; Matos et al ., 2012).These results
differ from those presented by Lima et al . (2002) for the rubber tree (Hevea brasiliensis )
showing that environmental factors occurring in different periods, specifically higher average
rainfall and biosynthesis of latex for cultivation, leading to increased production. Latex
production is a secondary sink inversely correlated with crown diameter and fruit production.
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Table 1: SURVEY OF LATEX PLANTS IN THE SELECTED STUDY AREA
S. Botanical Name Family Habit No. 1. Achras zapota (L.) P. Royen Sapotaceae Tree 2. Allamanda blanchetii A. Dc. Apocynaceae Tree 3. Allamanda cathartica L. Apocynaceae Climber 4. Allium cepa L. Liliaceae Herb 5. Alstonia boonei De Wild. Apocynaceae Tree 6. Alstonia scholaris (L.) R.Br. Apocynaceae Tree 7. Anacardium occidentale L. Anacardiaceae Tree Anogeissum latifolia (Roxb. ex Dc.) 8. Combretaceae Tree Wall. ex Guill. & Perr. 9. Antiaris toxicarica Lesch. Moraceae Tree 10. Apocynum cannabinum L. Apocynaceae Herb 11. Argemone mexicana L. Papaveraceae Herb 12. Artocarpus altilis (Parkinson) Fosberg Moraceae Tree 13. Artocarpus heterophyllus Lam. Moraceae Tree 14. Artocarpus hirsutus Lam. Moraceae Tree 15. Asclepias curassavica L. Asclepiadaceae Herb 16. Asclepias speciosa Torr. Asclepiadaceae Herb 17. Asclepias syriaca L. Asclepiadaceae Herb 18. Asclepias tuberosa L. Asclepiadaceae Herb 19. Azadirachta indica A. Juss. Meliaceae Tree 20. Calotropis gigantea (L.) Dryand Asclepiadaceae Shrub 21. Calotropis procera (Aiton) W.T. Aiton Asclepiadaceae Shrub 22. Carica papaya L. Caricaceae Tree 23. Catharanthus pusillis (Murray) G. Don Apocynaceae Herb 24. Catharanthus roseus (L.) G. Don Apocynaceae Herb 25. Chrysophyllum roxburghii G. Don Sapotaceae Tree
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26. Codiaeum variegatum (L.) A. Juss. Euphorbiaceae Shrub 27. Croton sparsiflorus L. Euphorbiaceae Herb Cryptolepis sanguinolenta (Lindl.) 28. Apocynaceae Climber Schltr. 29. Cryptostegia grandiflora R.Br. Asclepiadaceae Shrub 30. Dioscorea alata L. Dioscoreaceae Climber 31. Euphorbia antiquorum L. Euphorbiaceae Shrub 32. Euphorbia esula L. Euphorbiaceae Herb 33. Euphorbia heterophylla L. Euphorbiaceae Herb 34. Euphorbia hirta L. Euphorbiaceae Herb 35. Euphorbia milii Des Moul. Euphorbiaceae Herb 36. Euphorbia prostrata Aiton Euphorbiaceae Shrub 37. Euphorbia tirucalli L. Euphorbiaceae Shrub 38. Ficus benghalensis L. Moraceae Tree 39. Ficus benjamina L. Moraceae Tree 40. Ficus carica L. Moraceae Tree 41. Ficus elastica Roxb. ex Hornem. Moraceae Tree 42. Ficus racemosa L. Moraceae Tree 43. Ficus religiosa L. Moraceae Tree 44. Ficus umbellata Vahl. Moraceae Tree 45. Hevea brasiliensis Mull. Arg. Euphorbiaceae Tree Himatanthus obovatus (Mull. Arg.) 46. Apocynaceae Tree Woodson 47. Ipomoea batatas (L.) Lam Convolvulaceae Climber 48. Ipomoea carnea Jacq. Convolvulaceae Shrub 49. Ipomoea hederaceae Jacq. Convolvulaceae Herb 50. Jatropha curcas L. Euphorbiaceae Shrub 51. Jatropha gossypifolia L. Euphorbiaceae Shrub 52. Madhuca longifolia (J. konig) J.F. Sapotaceae Tree
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Macbr.
53. Magnolia champaca (L.) Baill. ex pierre Magnoliaceae Tree 54. Mangifera indica L. Anacardiaceae Tree 55. Manihot esculenta Crantz Euphorbiaceae Shrub 56. Melia azedarach L. Meliaceae Tree 57. Mimusops elengi L. Sapotaceae Tree 58. Nerium oleander L. Apocynaceae Shrub 59. Pergularia daemia (Forssk.) chiov Asclepiadaceae Climber 60. Phyllanthus acidus (L.) skeels Euphorbiaceae Tree 61. Phyllanthus emblica L. Euphorbiaceae Tree 62. Phyllanthus niruri L. Euphorbiaceae Herb 63. Plumeria rubra L. Apocynaceae Tree 64. Polianthes tuberosa L. Liliaceae Herb 65. Rauvolfia serpentina (L.) Benth. ex Kurz Apocynaceae Shrub 66. Ricinus communis L. Euphorbiaceae Shrub 67. Secamone afzelii (Schult.)K. Schum. Asclepiadaceae Shrub 68. Tabernaemontana alternifolia L. Apocynaceae Shrub Tabernaemontana divaricata 69. Apocynaceae Shrub R.Br.exRoem. & Schult. 70. Tabernaemontana heyneana Wall. Apocynaceae Herb Taraxacum officinale (L.) weber ex F.H. 71. Asteraceae Herb Wigg 72. Thespesia populnea (L.) sol. ex correa Malvaceae Tree 73. Thevitia peruviana (L.) Lippold Apocynaceae Shrub
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Table 2: COMMON USES OF THE IDENTIFIED LATEX PLANTS IN THE STUDY AREA.
S. Plant species Uses No. Used in alternative medicine to treat coughs and colds and possess diuretic, 1. Achras zapota (L.) P. Royen antidiarrheal, antibiotic, antityperglycemic and hypocholesterolemic effect. The plant is sometimes gathered from the 2. Allamanda blanchetii A. Dc. wild for local use in traditional medicine and is also grown as an ornamental. Used to treat liver tumors, jaundice, 3. Allamanda cathartica L. splenomegaly and malaria Used in human homeopathy as the mother tincture as well as in lower concentrations 4. Allium cepa L. and in human phytotherapy. It is used for treatment of gastro intestinal disorders, asthma & bronchitis. Used with other preparations in the treatment of fractures, jaundice and for 5. Alstonia boonei De Wild. inducing breast milk. Used for the treatment of yaws. Used as a ayurvedic medicine to treat 6. Alstonia scholaris (L.) R.Br. fever, malaria, troubles in digestion, tumors, ulcers, asthma & so forth. The leaves are used as treatment for reducing feer, malaria, toothache & gum 7. Anacardium occidentale L. problems. Cashew syrup is used as relief from coughs and colds. The plant is useful in UTI infections, skin Anogeissum latifolia (Roxb. ex 8. disease, liver complaints, fever, epileptic Dc.) Wall. ex Guill. & Perr. fits etc. Leaves and bark are used as a febrifuge and the seeds also as an antidysenteric. The 9. Antiaris toxicarica Lesch. bark is used as an anodyne and vermifuge and to treat hepatitis.
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Used as treat a wide variety of complaints including rheumatism, coughs, pox, 10. Apocynum cannabinum L. whooping cough, asthma, internal parasites, diarrhoea and also to increase milk flow in lactating mothers. An Angemone Mexicana tea is used by traditional healers in Mali to treat malaria. 11. Argemone mexicana L. The whole plant is used to make a tea and as much tea as possible is drunk until symptoms disappear. Breadfruit is considered the most Artocarpus altilis (Parkinson) important staple crop in Kiribati as a 12. Fosberg source of carbohydrates and other nutritional benefits. Ashes of the leaves are used for treating ulcers, diarrhea, boils, stomach-ache and boils. Seeds are aphrodisiac and as a 13. Artocarpus heterophyllus Lam. cooling tonic like the pulp. Root decoction can reduce fever and can treat diarrhoea, skin diseases and asthma. Used as a traditional medicine to treat skin 14. Artocarpus hirsutus Lam. diseases including hydrocele, pimple, heal sones, cracks in the skin. The plant is widely cultivated throughout the tropics as an ornamental, but it is also 15. Asclepias curassavica L. sometimes grown, in places such as china, as a medicinal plant.
Used as a cleansing and healing agent by 16. Asclepias speciosa Torr. some of the desert tribes for sores, cuts and as a cure for wants and ringworm. Milk weed is a folk remedy for asthma, bronchitis, caner, catarrh, cough, dropsy, 17. Asclepias syriaca L. dysentery, dyspepsia, fever, moles, pleurisy, tumors, ulcers, warts and wounds. Used Asclepias tuberosa, called “Pleurisy root” to relieve inflammation of the lining 18. Asclepias tuberosa L. of the lunds and thorax and to relieve bronchial & pulmonary trouble.
19. Azadirachta indica A. Juss. Possess anthelmintic, antifungal, antidiabetic, antibacterial, antiviral,
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contraceptive and sedative. Timber is used for commercial purpose. Effective in treating skin, digestive, Calotropis gigantea (L.) respiratory, circulatory & neurological 20. Dryand disorders, elephantiasis, nausea, vomiting and diarrhea. Used to treat fevers, elephantiasis, nausea, vomiting and diarrhea. The milky juice of Calotropis procera (Aiton) 21. calotropis procera was used against W.T. Aiton arthritis, cancer and as an antidote for snake bite. 22. Carica papaya L. Yields commercial fruit In traditional medicine, the periwinkle has been used for relieving muscle pain, depression of the central nervous system, Catharanthus pusillis (Murray) 23. also used for applying to wasp stings and G. Don heal wounds. Its application hanges widely from the prevention of diabetes to treatment of stomach ache. Relieves muscle pain, depression in CNS. Catharanthus roseus (L.) G. Possess antibacterial, aniviral & anti- 24. Don diabetic properties used in the treatment of cancer and leunaemia. Chrysophyllum roxburghii G. Used for the treatment fungal infections 25. Don and cancer. The leaves are used as tonic, the flowers against flat worms, the fruit to threat Codiaeum variegatum (L.) A. 26. dysmenorrhea the seeds as pungative, the Juss. bank to treat dyspepsia and the root to the eat dysentery. The seeds and oil extracted from the seeds 27. Croton sparsiflorus L. are used to make medicine. Traditionally in west Africa, it is employed Cryptolepis sanguinolenta 28. in the treatment of malaria, diarrhea and (Lindl.) Schltr. respiratory conditions. The plant can be pruned and grown as a 29. Cryptostegia grandiflora R.Br. hedge. A latex obtained from the stems can be used to make rubber. Used as a moderate laxative and vermifuge 30. Dioscorea alata L. and for fever, gonorrhea, leprosy, tumors and inflamed hemorrhoids. 31. Euphorbia antiquorum L. Used as a traditional folk medicine in
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ailments such as inflammation, anthritis, wounds, stomach ache, anti-oxidant activity, cutaneous infection, diabetes and as purgative. Used as basic conditions during extraction 32. Euphorbia esula L. (or) purifications of IAA by several laboratories. Decoction or infusion of stems or dried leaves is taken as purgative & laxative to 33. Euphorbia heterophylla L. treat stomach ache & constipation & to expel intestinal worms. Used traditionally for female disorders, respiratory ailments (Cough, coryza, 34. Euphorbia hirta L. bronchitis & asthma), worm infestations in children, dysentery, jaundice, pimples, gonorrhea, digestive problems and tumors. Used in folk medicine for the treatment of wants, cancer & hepatitis. It has been reported that Euphorbia milii possesses 35. Euphorbia milii Des Moul. antifungal & antinciceptive property, acts as natural molluscicide, can curb the spiral of schistosomiasis. Used for grade I and II hemorrhoids. Hemorhoids have multiple mechanisms 36. Euphorbia prostrata Aiton that are due to its active constituents flavonoids, tannins and phenolic acid. Latex of E. tirucalli is vesicant & rubefacient which is used for rheumatism, 37. Euphorbia tirucalli L. wants, cough, asthma, ear-ache, tooth-ache and neuralgia. Useful in treatment of bilcousness, ulcers, 38. Ficus benghalensis L. erysipelas, vomiting, vaginal complains, fever, inflammations, leprosy. Its latex and some fruit extracts are used by indigenous communities to treat skin 39. Ficus benjamina L. disorders, inflammation, piles, vomiting, leprosy, malaria, nose-diseases and cancer besides the use as a general tonic.
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Its fruit, root and leaves are used in traditional medicine to treat various ailments such as gastrointestinal 40. Ficus carica L. indigestion, loss of appetite and respiratory and cardiovascular disorders and as anti- inflammatory and antispasmodic remedy. It is very helpful with a host of stomach Ficus elastica Roxb. ex 41. problems such as nausea, general pain or Hornem. digestive problems. Used in the treatment of diabetes, liver disorder, diarrhea, inflammatory 42. Ficus racemosa L. conditions, hemorrhoids, respiratory and urinary diseases. Used in the treatment of asthma, diabetes, diarrhea, epilepsy, gastric problems, 43. Ficus religiosa L. inflammatory disorders, infections and sexual disorders. Used in Cameroonian traditional medicine system for the treatment of many 44. Ficus umbellata Vahl. gynecological conditions, such as amenorrhea, dysmenorrhea as well as for menopausal complaints. Seeds are source of pana rubber seed oil, 45. Hevea brasiliensis Mull. Arg. recommended for manufacture of soap. Himatanthus obovatus (Mull. An ornamental tree, it could be used in 46. Arg.) Woodson landscaping. Used in different parts of the world for the treatment of several diseases, such as diabetes, hypertension, dysentery, 47. Ipomoea batatas (L.) Lam constipation, fatigue, arthritis, rheumatoid diseases, hydrocephaly, meningitis, kidney ailment and inflammations. Possess anti-bacterial, anti-fungal, anti- oxidant, anti-cancer, anti-convulsant, immunomodulatory, anti-convulsant, 48. Ipomoea carnea Jacq. immunomodulatory, anti-diabetic, hepato- protective, anti-inflammatory, anxiolytic, sedative & wound healing activities. Used to treat abdominal diseases, fever, 49. Ipomoea hederaceae Jacq. headache and bronchitis Used for treatment of a wide spectrum of 50. Jatropha curcas L. ailments related to skin, cancer, digestive, respiratory and infectious diseases. 51. Jatropha gossypifolia L. Used as pesticidal, coagulant, anticancer,
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purgative and anti-leproticpotential, emmenagogue, stomachache, veneral disease and as blood purifier. Used as heart diseases, leucorrhea, Madhuca longifolia (J. konig) menorrhagia, polyuria, bronchitis and 52. J.F. Macbr. tonsillitis. Leaves are used as a medicine for rheumatism and haemorrhoids. Used in preparation of the famous ‘joy’ perfume. Medicinally, the tree has wide Magnolia champaca (L.) Baill. applications. The bark is used to prepare 53. ex pierre tonic, the oil extracted from flowers is used to cure toughs and rheumatism and for relieving eye troubles & gout. Used as a dentrifnice, antiseptic, astringent, diaphoretic, stomachic, vermifuge, toniclaxative and diuretic and 54. Mangifera indica L. to treat diarrhea, dysentery, anaemia, asthma, bronchitics, cough, hypertension, insomnia, rheumatism, toothache, leucorrhoea, haemorrhage and piles. Used to treat hypertension, headacheand 55. Manihot esculenta Crantz other pains, irritable bowel syndrome & fever. Used as an agurvedic medicine in India and unani medicine in Anab countries as an antioxidative, analgesic, anti- 56. Melia azedarach L. inflammatory, insecticidal, rodenticidal, antidiarrhoeal, emetic, antirheumatic antitypertensive. Used as diuretic, astringent, cardiotonic and stomachic. Flower are used an expectorant and in liver complaints and 57. Mimusops elengi L. asthma. Used to prepare lotion for wounds and ulcers; dried powder is a brain tonic and is useful to relieve cephalagia. Used for heart conditions, asthma, epilepsy, cancer, painful menstrual 58. Nerium oleander L. periods, leprosy, malaria, ringworm, indigestion and venereal disease and to cause absorptions. Pergularia daemia is a popular traditional Pergularia daemia (Forssk.) medicine in Africa where numerous uses 59. chiov have been reported for all parts of the plant.
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Used for edible fruits but also used to treat a wide spectrum of disease such as 60. Phyllanthus acidus (L.) skeels inflammatory, rheumatism, bronchitis, asthma, respiratory disorder, hepatic diseases and diabetes. The plant is used both as a medicine and as 61. Phyllanthus emblica L. a tonic to build up lost vitality and vigor. Commonly used in shampoos and hair oils. Used in traditional medicine for various illnesses, like jaundice, chronic dysentery, 62. Phyllanthus niruri L. dyspepsia, cough, indigestion, diabetes, urinary tract diseases, skin diseases, ulcer, sores and swelling. Reported to have antifertility anti- inflammatory, antioxidant, hepatoprotective & antimicrobial activities. It has been used 63. Plumeria rubra L. in the tolk medicine system of civilization for the treatment however as absortifcient, drastic, purgative, blennorrhagia used in tooth ache and forcarious, teeth. There are also a few medicinal uses of Polianthes tuberosa . Flowers are used in 64. Polianthes tuberosa L. the perfume industry and also a diuretic and emetic activity. The plant was used by many physicians Rauvolfia serpentina (L.) Benth. throughout India in the 1940s and then was 65. ex Kurz used throughout the world in the 1950s, including in the united states and Canada. Essential oil is obtained from seeds. Its leaf, root and seed oil are used in 66. Ricinus communis L. inflammation treatment, liver disorders, hypoglycemic and as a laxative. Used in traditional medicine for stomach problems, diabetes, colic, dysentery and Secamone afzelii (Schult.)K. 67. also for kidney problems. The whole plant Schum. boiled with rich is used as purgative for children. Folk indian medicine refers to the use of Tabernaemontana alternifolia leaf and stem bar powder; in treatment of 68. L. skin infections, but no scientific report establishes its antibacterial activity. The traditional folklore medicinal benefits Tabernaemontana divaricata 69. such as an anti-epileptic, anti-mania, brain R.Br.exRoem. & Schult. tonic & anti-oxidant.
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Tabernaemontana heyneana Used in the treatment of the nervous 70. Wall. disorders, diabetics and chronic. Contain potent antioxidants, help fight Taraxacum officinale (L.) inflammation, blood sugar control, reduce 71. weber ex F.H. Wigg cholesterol, lower blood pressure, promote a healthy liver and weight loss. A decoction of the astringent bark is used to treat dysentery and haemorrhoids and Thespesia populnea (L.) sol. ex maceration of it is drunk for colds. A cold 72. correa infusion of the bark is used in treating dysentery, diabetes, gonorrhea, yellow urine and thrush. Used for fevers, burns, ringworm and 73. Thevitia peruviana (L.) Lippold rashes. Bark and seeds are used for a purgative and heart tonic.
FIG 1 FIG 2
1 DOMINANT FAMILIES OF DIVERSITY OF ANGIOSPERMS IDENTIFIED LATEX PLANTS IN 1 1 THE SELECTED STUDY AREA 11 3 1 2 1 2 17 2 3 4 9 16 11
70 Euphorbiaceae Apocynaceae Moraceae Asclepiadaceae Sapotaceae Convolvulaceae Dicot plants Monocot plants Anacardiaceae Meliaceae FIG 3 FIG 4
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USE PATTERN OF LATEX AROMATIC AND NON-AROMATIC PLANTS IDENTIFIED INTHE LATEX PLANTS IDENTIFIED IN THE STUDY AREA STUDY AREA 3 13 20 15 10 5 0 … … … … … … … … 57 Liliaceae Moraceae Meliaceae Malvaceae Combretac Convolvula Anacardiac Dioscoreac Euphorbiac Asteraceae Canicaceae Papaverace Papaverace Sapotaceae Asclepiadac Apocynaceae Magnoliaceae
Ornamental Medicinal Both Number of aromatic plants Number of non -aromatic plants
FIG 5 FIG 6
DIVERSITY OF PERENIALS AND REGENERATION METHODS OF ANNUALS IDENTIFIED IN THE IDENTIFIED LATEX PLANTS IN STUDY AREA THE STUDY AREA
11 13
5 36
62 19
Annual Perennial Seed Stem Seed/stem Root
FIG 7
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FAMILY WISE AND TAXONOMIC DATA DISTRIBUTION OF IDENTIFIED LATEX PLANTS 1 1 1 11 1 2 1 2 2 17 3 4 9 16 11
Euphorbiaceae Apocynaceae Moraceae Asclepiadaceae Sapotaceae Convolvulaceae Anacardiaceae Meliaceae Liliaceae Caricaceae Magnoliaceae Malvaceae Papveraceae Dioscoreaceae Asteraceae Combretaceae
CONCLUSION
Plant latex is a good source of various secondary metabolites, which show growth
inhibitory effects in bacteria, fungi, viruses, tumours and cancer cell line. It shows toxicity to
insects, act as growth and reproductive cycle inhibitor. It also shows cytotoxic and anticancer
activity and is widely used as laxative, anti-arthritic and as conditioning agents for cosmetic
purposes. It contains many hydrocarbons that help to produce biodiesel. It is a rich source of so
many bioactive compounds such as flavonoides, terpenoides and saponins, glycosides, chitins
and proteases and pretenses that provides major defence against herbivore insects. India has a
large tribal population, which is regularly using plant latex for the treatment of various diseases.
Though so many utilities of plant latex are known but its overall ethnobotanical uses are still
unknown that might be more helpful for development of novel antibiotics from plant latex.
However, before its clinical, medicinal and industrial uses its phytochemical analysis is highly
needful. Most of these properties are need to be explored. No doubt, plant latex is an industrially
important raw material that can be made easily available for production of valued products such
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as much cheaper antibiotics for common microbial infections. In addition, there is a possibility to
generate many more commercialized products by using plant latex especially fibres, glues,
adhesives, paints, flourings, films, contraceptives, finger stalls, teats and immune diagnostic
materials. More specifically, use of latex and its products are environmentally much safer and
these are easily recyclable or biodegradable in nature.
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