Life sciences Leaflets(LSIC2011)200-207,2012 FREE DOWNLOAD ISSN2277-4297(P) 0976 – 1098(O)

PUBLISHED ON 29TH FEB 2012 STUDIES ON CLIMBER RESOURCES USED BY MALDHARIS OF TALUKA OF DISTRICT IN SAURASHTRA REGION, , INDIA K.V. KANJARIYA 1, R.S. PATEL 1 AND K.C. PATEL 2 1BIOLOGY DEPARTMENT, K.K.SHAH JARODWALA MANINAGAR SCIENCE COLLEGE, AHMEDABAD(GUJARAT, INDIA). 2BOTANY DEPARTMENT, SMT. S.M.PANCHAL SCIENCE COLLEGE,TALOD – 383215. [email protected] ABSTRACT: The present paper deals with 19 climber species belonging to 15 families used by tribal inhabitants of Taluka Bhanvad (Jamnagar) are being used by aborigines and rural folks for the treatment of various health problems. The northern part of Bhanvad taluka covers by Lalpur and Khambhalia talukas and western part cover by Kalyanpur taluka. Bhanvad taluka lies between 220-00’ N latitudes and 690-49’ E longitudes. Bhanvad taluka consists of 81 villages. Total population of Bhanvad taluka is 109545 while rural population is 89827. Total area of taluka is 731.95 Sq. Km. Forest area of the taluka is 8654 hectares. Major rivers of the region is Phulku, Veradi and Vartu river. During the present ethnobotanical investigations, emphasis was made to list out the ethnobotanical useful plant species of this area. Some important ethnobotanical climber species of this area like Abrus precatorius, Asparagus racemosus, Celastrus paniculatas, Ceropegia bulbousa, Cocculus hirsutus, Rivea hypocrateriformis, Tylophora dalzellii etc. are successfully grown in these forest areas are documented here. All the plant species are described here with their botanical names, local names, name of the family and ethnobotanical uses. Ethnobotanical data were collected by questionnaires and personal interviews from the tribes and local people. KEY WORDS: Climber, Bhanvad taluka, Maldharis, Ethnobotanical. INTRODUCTION: is located between 210-47’ to 220-57’ North latitude and 680-57’ to 700-37’ East longitudes. It is situated in the peninsular region in the Northwest / Saurashtra part of Gujarat. Jamnagar district is bound by the Gulf and Rann of Kutchh on the North, on the East by Rajkot district, on the South by Junagadh district and West by the Arabian Sea. Total area of this district under forest is 45367 hectares and total irrigated area is 12,700 hectares. There are 756 villages and 62 nesses, harboring 1904278 human beings. Out of these, 1068022 human beings are residing in rural areas while 836252 are residing in urban areas. Among the total population of the district,

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Life sciences Leaflets(LSIC2011)200-207,2012 FREE DOWNLOAD ISSN2277-4297(P) 0976 – 1098(O) 154819 persons belong to schedule cast and 10459 persons belong to schedule tribe. Tribes and local people are residing in the hilly areas of such study area. Soil found in the Jamnagar district is mostly classified as alluvial, black, light brown and alkaline. The black soil or medium black soil is found in Bhanvad, Jamjodhpur and eastern portion of Jamnagar talukas. Light brown soil also called dharod is found in all talukas but mainly in the western parts of the district viz., Lalpur taluka. The alluvial soil also called ghad, batha or katha is found on the river bank near Bhanvad taluka. Such type of soil locally known as khar is found in the coastal areas. Based on the revised classification of biogeographically zones by Rodgers and Panwar (1988), the diverse natural ecosystems in the Barda Hills and their surroundings (Bhanvad and JamJodhpur talukas) are explained. Herdsmen (Maldharis) are residing in the Barda sanctuary since ancient times. The exact history of their origin is not yet known but probable their ancestors were that of Sak or Hun. However, the origin of Hun can be traced out to a powerful squat, swarthy and savage nomad race of Asia who moved westwards and under Attila (433-453) overran Europe. Earlier to independence, the portion living in the Jamnagar district is known as ‘Jam Barda’ after the Jam Saheb, the ruler of Ex-Jamnagar state. The northern portion of Jam Barda falls in Bhanvad taluka of the Jamnagar district and is notable for the ruins of Ghumli the ancient capital of Jethawa kings, which was destroyed in 1392 A.D. The mean annual rainfall recorded was 820.21 mm and the mean number of annual rainy days was 21 for the period of 2002 to 2008. The monthly maximum rainfall in the last seven years was 644 mm in the month of August 2003 whereas the minimum rainfall was 1.5 mm during March 2006. During the period of 2002 to 2008, the mean monthly maximum temperature varied from 35.2 to 38.3 and the mean monthly minimum temperature from 9.5 to 11.7. The highest temperature 38.3 was recorded in the month of May 2002 In the Gop Hills. Acacia senegal, Acacia nilotica, Manilkara hexandra and Dichrostachys cinerea are dominating tree species whereas the eastern Barda is dominated by thorny species such as Acacia Senegal, Euphorbia nerrifolia and Zizyphus nummularia. Traditional occupation of majority of rural and tribal people are farming and animal husbandry. Crops that are cultivated here during the Kharif season, are Arachis hypogea, Gossypium herbaceum, Pennisetum typhoides and Sorghum bicolor. The Triticum aestivum and Brassica juncea are the main crops of the Rabi season. Maldharis are living in Alech, Gop Hills and Barda Sanctuary. Tribal and local people use herbal drug therapy for the treatment of various diseases is reported during ethnobotanical explorations from the area. The objectives of present study were to find out new herbal drugs and the possibilities of effective utilization of wild medicinal plants by the tribes and local people of Jamnagar District. We noticed that all these herbal drugs are safe and no side effects were found in patients.

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Life sciences Leaflets(LSIC2011)200-207,2012 FREE DOWNLOAD ISSN2277-4297(P) 0976 – 1098(O)

MATERIALS & METHODS: Taxo-ethnobotanical information of plant species was extracted by frequent field trips during September 2006 to March 2009 at the Gop, Alech and Barda Hills. Ethnobotanical explorations were undertaken in various villages and nesses under three talukas of Jamnagar district. Plants have been collected in the flowering and fruiting stages. They were identified on the spot with the help of Gujarat flora by Shah 1978 and those plants that could not be identified were brought to the department of M. D. Science College, Porbandar. Floral parts of these specimens were dissected and identified. The identification was finally confirmed by matching with the help of authentic herbarium specimens available at S. P. University Herbarium, Vallabh Vidyanagar and Saxton & Sedgwick Herbaria, Gujarat College, Ahmedabad. DISCUSSION: During our floristic and ethnobotanical explorations, we surveyed for find out plants that are used as herbal drug for several diseases by the local tribes. Ethnomedicinal uses of forest plant species are noted during ethnobotanical explorations. From which we found some plant species are used as various diseases. We questionnaire aged and experienced people – rural medicine men (local vaidya), elder men and women. All the herbarium specimens were preserved in the Katcchh University, Bhuj. All the plant species are enumerated here are wild and grown successfully in these forest areas. Plant extract, decoction, powder, obtained from plant parts like root, stem, bark, flowers, fruits and seeds (fresh or dried) are used for various diseases. Some ethnobotanical workers like (Bhatt et al., 2001, 2002), (Jain, 1991), (Kanjariya, 2009), (Pade, 1966), (Patel, 2002), (Roy & Das, 2004) and (Silori & Rana, 2000) are referred for this research paper. We can evidently say that allopathic treatment has many side effects but indigenous phytotherapy have good source of medicament. It is suggested that phytotherapy are most popular, time tested and effective (Roy & Das, 2004). Further confirmative and scientific as well as clinical and pharmacological evaluation is desired for authorization, verification and increase the efficacy of such tasted herbal drugs. ETHNOMEDICINAL ENUMERATION: 1. Abrus precatorius L. Family : Fabaceae Vern : Chanothi Parts Used : Leaves, Roots Folk Uses : 1. 2-3 g powdered leaves giving to cure chest affections and pains, twice a day for a week. 2. Leaves are chewed, four times a day three days, to cure mouth- ulcer.

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Life sciences Leaflets(LSIC2011)200-207,2012 FREE DOWNLOAD ISSN2277-4297(P) 0976 – 1098(O) 3. Root extract, 2 teaspoons, once a day for 3-4 days is given for the treatment of syphilis. 4. Paste of seeds given twice a day for stomach disorders in children. 2. Argyreia nervosa (Brum.f.) Boj. Family : Convolvulaceae Vern : Samudrashos Parts Used : Leaves Folk Uses : 1. For early remedy of boils, dorsal surface of leaf is tied before ripening and ventral surface after ripening. 3. Aristolochia bracteolata L. Family : Aristolochiaceae Vern : Kidamari Parts Used : Leaves Folk Uses : 1. Leaf paste applied on the head while taking bath relieves dandruff and other infections. 2. Paste of green leaves is applied to kill ticks and maggots. This can also used locally to cure foot disease. 4. Asparagus racemosus Willd. Med. Family : Liliaceae Vern : Satavari Parts Used : Leaves, Roots. Folk Uses : 1. Leaf paste applied 2 to 3 times for scabies. 2. The extract of the tubers, 1 teaspoon thrice a day, is given for 15 days for the treatment of excess menstrual flow. 3. Dried root powder, crushed with turmeric and the filtrate taken orally, 2 spoonfuls twice a day for 3 days for the treatment of fever. 4. The raw root is eaten daily in the morning to cure kidney stones. 5. About 300 gm root is crushed in milk or buttermilk and given for a week in the treatment of arthritis in cattle. 5. Cardiospermum halicacabum L. Family : Sapindaceae Vern : Kagdoliyo Parts Used : Whole plant, Leaves Folk Uses : 1. Whole plant is crushed with milk and applied on swellings for three days.

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Life sciences Leaflets(LSIC2011)200-207,2012 FREE DOWNLOAD ISSN2277-4297(P) 0976 – 1098(O) 2. Leaf paste mixed with Ghee taken to relieve gas trouble. 6. Cayratia carnosa (L.) Domin. Family : Vitaceae (Ampelideae) Vern : Khat Khatumbo Parts Used : Tubers Folk Uses : 1. Fresh or dry tubers are rubbed on stone with water and the paste obtained is applied on the snake bite externally. 7. Celastrus paniculatas Willd. Family : Celastraceae Vern : Malkankadi Parts Used : Roots Folk Uses : 1. Powdered root, 1 teaspoon twice a day, is given for 10 days for the treatment of tumour cancer. 2. The root paste mixed with curd is applied on boils as a very effective medicine. 8. Ceropegia bulbousa Roxb. Family : Asclepiadaceae Vern : Kundher

Parts Used : Tuber and Leaves Folk Uses : 1. Tubers and leaves are used as vegetable. 9. Citrullus colocynthis (L.) Schard. Family : Cucurbitaceae Vern : Endra varnam Parts Used : Fruits Folk Uses : 1. Fruits are cut into two pieces and dried in sun. dried fruit powder mixed with salt is administered orally for treating constipation. 2. Roasted fruits are given to the animals to correct digestive disorders. 10. Clematis triloba ex. Roth. Family : Ranunculaceae Vern : Morvel Parts Used : Stem Folk Uses : 1. Stem piece, inserted in gum below decaying teeth, helps to clear the decaying teeth. 11. Clitoria ternatea L. Family : Fabaceae Vern : Garni

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Life sciences Leaflets(LSIC2011)200-207,2012 FREE DOWNLOAD ISSN2277-4297(P) 0976 – 1098(O) Parts Used : Flowers, Fruits Folk Uses : 1. Flowers offered to appease ‘Lord Krishna’ and ‘Shiva’. 2. Seeds are removed from pod and pericarp used as ‘Pipudi’ (whistle) by children and enjoyed. 12. Cocculus hirsutus (L.) Diels. Family : Menispermaceae Vern : Vaghi Parts Used : Leaves, Stem Folk Uses : 1. The leaves are crushed in cold water. Some amount of water is allowed to remain for some time. Then it becomes like curd. The green curd like extract is applied on scalp for cooling the brain and soften the hair. 2. Long stem rolled to prepared ‘Suthia’ which is used to kept under large buttermilk pot. 13. Hemidesmus indicus (L.) R. Br. Family : Periplocaceae Vern : Kapuri, Madhuri, Kamarvel Parts Used : Roots Folk Uses : 1. Root bark powder is boiled in milk and this preparation is administered early morning for one week to cure stomach disorders and also as a blood purifier. 2. Root is fragrant and used to give a different taste and flavour to the tea. 14. Hiptage benghalensis (L.) Kurz. Family : Malphigiaceae Vern : Rakatpati Parts Used : Leaves Folk Uses : 1. Crushed leaves are applied on scabies. 15. Leptadenia reticulata (Retz.) Wt. & Arn. Family : Asclepiadaceae Vern : Kharkhodi Parts Used : Stem, Fruits, Leaves Folk Uses : 1. Green unripe fruits are edible. 2. Stem used as string to tie bundle of grasses.

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Life sciences Leaflets(LSIC2011)200-207,2012 FREE DOWNLOAD ISSN2277-4297(P) 0976 – 1098(O) 3. Used as fire wood and vegetable. 4. The leaves are applied on ring worm. 16. Momordica dioica Roxb. ex Willd. Family : Cucurbitaceae Vern : Kantola Parts Used : Leaves, Fruits Folk Uses : 1. Leaf paste applied to skin, also administered orally 2 to 3 times for skin diseases. 2. Tender and mature fruits are used as vegetable. 17. Passiflora edulis Sims. Family : Passifloraceae Vern : Pandav Karrav Vel Parts Used : Leaves, Fruits Folk Uses : 1. The ripe fruits are usually eaten. 2. It is used to prepared ‘Sarbat’- juice from ripe fruit. 3. 1 cup decoction of leaves is drink to cure high blood pressure. 18. Rivea hypocrateriformis (Desr.) Choisy. Family : Convolvulaceae Vern : Fang Parts Used : Roots, Fruits Folk Uses : 1. The root extract is given once a day for 21 days for the treatment of arthritis. 2. The fruits are called ‘coconut of sparrow’ by children. They eat its mesocarp with enjoyment. 19. Tylophora dalzellii Hk.f. Family : Asclepidaceae Vern : Radarudi Parts Used : Flowers Folk Uses : 1. Flowers are used to prepare ‘Kari’ early monsoon season available in local markets. ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS: Authors are thankful to all resource persons of the study area for sharing their knowledge, our sincere thanks are due to Prin. Dr. Ruteshbhai Shah, K.K.Shah Jarodwala Science College Manigar, Ahmedabad for providing the opportunity and working facilities to carry out the work. The present

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Life sciences Leaflets(LSIC2011)200-207,2012 FREE DOWNLOAD ISSN2277-4297(P) 0976 – 1098(O) research work would not have been completed without the inspiration, encouragement and co- operation given by respected Guide Dr. B.A. Jadeja. REFERENCES: Bhatt, D.C., Mitaliya, K.D. and Patel, K.R. (2001). A survey of crop weeds and its medicinal value from Alang and around Bhavanagar, Gujarat. Ad. Plant Sci. 14(II):439-443.

Bhatt, D.C., Mitaliya, K.D., Baxi, U.S. and Prajapati, M.M. (2002). Medicinal aspects of some latex bearing plants of Saurashtra. Ad. Plant Sci. 15(I):39-41.

Jain, S.K. (1991). Dictionary of Indian Folk Medicine and Ethnobotany Deep Publications, New- Delhi.

Kanjariya, K.V. (2009) Floristic and ethnobotanical study of Bhanavad, and Lalpur Talukas of Jamnagar district Gujarat, India. Ph.D. thesis Submitted to the Krantiguru shyamji krishna verma Kachchh university, Bhuj.

Pade, S. S. D. (1966). Aryabhishaka (Hindustan No Vaidraj). Trans. By Vyas, H. B. Sastu Sahitya Vardhak Karyalaya, Ahmedabad.

Patel, R.S. (2002). Floristics and Ethnobotanical Studies of Ambaji Forest on North Gujarat; Ph.D. thesis submitted to Sardar Patel University, Vallabh Vidyanagar.

Roy S. and Das A.P. (2004) An effective remedy for jaundice with Thespesia populnea from Purulia district of West Bengal (India). Ethnobotany vol. 16 : 50-51.

Shah, G.L. (1978). Flora of Gujarat State Part I and II, Sardar Patel University, Vallabh Vidyanagar.

Silori, C.S. and Rana, A.R. (2000). Indigenous knowledge on medicinal plants and their use in Narayan Sarovar Sanctuary, Kachchh. Ethnobotany, Vol. 12.

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