Indian Journal of Traditional Knowledge Vol. 10(2), April 2011, pp. 258-268

Snakelore and indigenous snakebite remedies practiced by some tribals of Rajasthan

Anita Jain*, SS Katewa, SK Sharma, Praveen Galav & Vartika Jain Laboratory of Ethnobotany & Agrostology, Department of Botany, University College of Science, Mohanlal Sukhadia University, Udaipur 313 001, Rajasthan E-mail: [email protected]

Received: 27.11.2008; revised: 29.04.2010

An ethnomedicinal survey of , which are especially used for the treatment of snakebite in the tribal (Bhil, Meena, Garasia, Sahariya, Damor, Kathodia ) dominated areas of Rajasthan, was conducted to access the potentiality of herbs treating snakebite cases for modern therapeutic treatment of snakebites. The information is based on exhaustive interviews with specialist (doctor) and non-specialist person (village headman, priest and tribal folks) practicing snakebite cases. The people belonging to primitive or aboriginal culture possess a good deal of information about medicinal utility of diversity. Of 44 plant used to treat snakebite victims, 39 belong to dicotyledonous group, while 5 species belongs to monocotyledons. Plant species along with part/s used and the mode of administration for treatment of venomous snakebite incidences are given. Besides, several myths related to prevalent among the tribal and rural people of the study area are also discussed. Keywords : Snakelore, Folk medicine, Bhil, Meena, Garasia, Sahariya, Damor , Kathodia , Rajasthan IPC Int. Cl. 8: A61K36/00, A61P29/00, A61P39/02

Snakebite is a common acute medical emergency and have predominantly colonized the warmer, faced by tribal and rural populations in tropical and densely vegetated areas of tropic 5,6 . There are 222 subtropical countries with heavy rainfall and humid known species of snakes in , out of the total climate 1. Conservative sources estimate that number 3,273 species of snakes found globally. Out of these of snakebite incidents globally reach one million, 222 species, 52 are partly or wholly venomous7-10 . resulting in 6,00,000 envenomations and more than These species comprise capable swimmers, fast 20,000 deaths annually 2,3 . In India alone, more than runners, accomplished burrowers, dwellers and 2,00,000 snakebite cases are reported 4. Antiserum is perfect gliders. People living in rural and tribal areas the only therapeutic agent available throughout the of Rajasthan rely mostly on traditional medicines for world. Traditional healers use a wide range of plants the treatment of snakebites. Ethnomedicinal studies to treat many ailments including snakebites. Folk on tribal and rural areas of Rajasthan have been herbal snakebite remedies are of interest since they carried out by many workers 11-22 . However, the docu- may have recognizable therapeutic or toxic effect. mentation of traditional medicine for the treatment of Rajasthan, the largest state of the country lies between snakebites has never been done in a systematic 23 ◦ 3’ to 30 ◦12’ N longitude and 69 ◦ 30’ to 78 ◦17’ E manner. In last few years, work on the snakes of latitude. Many tribes are scattered in different parts of Rajasthan was carried out 23-35 . Consequently, the the state. The main tribes are Bhil, Meena, Garasia, objective of the study was to document the snakelore Damor, Sahariya, Kathodia , etc. These tribal prevalent among all the ethnic groups of the region communities are mainly settled in different remote including various myths prevalent about the snakes hilly forested tracts of the state, especially towards and the remedies used to treat snakebite cases. southern and Southeastern parts. Snakes have adapted Moreover, an attempt has been made to highlight the to the most varied and diverse ecological conditions chemical composition and potential pharmacological ______activities of these plant species which are frequently *Corresponding author used by the tribals against snakebite. JAIN et al .: INDIGENOUS SNAKEBITE REMEDIES OF RAJASTHAN 259

Methodology another snake species, Xenochrophis piscator , locally Ethnomedicinal surveys were conducted repeatedly called as Dindu is considered as ancestor of the in different seasons and areas of Rajasthan during Dindor clans of Bhil; hence their name Dindor , i.e. 2000-2007. Ethnomedicinal information on wild off springs of Dindu . Bhil and Garasia tribes also plants used for snakebite as well as common myths conserve the snake Python molurus as they think that related to snake and snakebites were collected through killing of the snake will cause drought in that year. interviewing local informants after prior informed Indian Python ( Python molurus) likes proximity of consent. The local informants were the specialist water so Bhil and Garasia tribals protect the species (snakebite doctors) and non-specialist (medicine-men, believing that it brings rain. Moreover, statues of men and women working in the field, priest, and cobra are also worshiped by the tribals and non-tribals village headman, etc.) mostly above the age of 50 yrs. and victims of snakebites are brought to these places To determine the authenticity of information collected where Bhopas (local healers) treat the patients. A during field work, repeated verification of data from snake temple, locally known as Gatodji ka Devra different informants and in different times was done. situated in remote areas of Rajasthan is used as lie Thus, only the specific and reliable information cross- detector (Figs 2, 3). There are several primary checked with at least 13 informants have been beliefs/practices associated with snakebite incidences. incorporated in the study. A structured questionnaire There are some sacred places in the remote areas of was used to collect data on local plant names, uses, Rajasthan, locally known as Devra . Some Devras are parts used, and mode of preparation and adminis- especially dedicated to treat snakebite patients. The tration. During the survey, some interesting folk uses important among them are Gogaji (Fig. 4), Tejaji of plants have come to light which are not mentioned. (mostly situated in the western part of the Rajasthan) The collected medicinal plants were identified and Devnarayanji (situated in the central Rajasthan). through floras and Herbarium of FRI, Dehradun 36-38 . The snakebite healers generally live in vicinity of All the collected specimens were deposited in the these sacred places; treat the patient in front of the Herbarium of Laboratory of Ethnobotany and deity, with the belief that the treatment is made Agrostology, Department of Botany, ML Sukhadia effective by the deities. In most instances, snake University, Udaipur for authentication of information doctoring practices/lore are highly guarded secrets, and further references. The information about the due to the belief that loss of secrecy of medicine medicinal properties of plants are given. results in the loss of potency of medicine, moreover, this secrecy also protect and elevate the status of the Myths practitioners (Table 1). Several myths are prevalent about snakes, their behaviour, dietary habits, habitats, etc. among the Result and Discussion tribal, rural and even in urban masses of Rajasthan. Though worldwide only 7% of snake species are Tribal people relate the snakes so much with reported as venomous, annual morbidity and mortality themselves that they consider some snakes good and rates from snakebites are relatively high and most of some snake bad for example Ptyas mucosus is the the fatal cases occur where access to antivenin is not totemic snake of the Bhurias which is a clan of the readily available 39-42. In Rajasthan, out of 36 snake tribe Bhil . Similarly, Python molurus is considered an species, 6 are venomous and 6 are mildly venomous esteemed serpent by the Bhils (Fig. 1) . Similarly, (Table 2). Among them most abundant and widely

Fig. 1—A tribal holding a harmless Python; Fig. 2—An emblem of Cobra’s in a snake temple; Fig. 3—Goga Ji Devra (sacred snake place) with coloured flags; Fig. 4—A snake temple known as Gatodji temple harbour snakes

260 INDIAN J TRADITIONAL KNOWLEDGE, VOL. 10, NO. 2, APRIL 2011

Table 1—Ethnomedicinal plants used to treat snakebite victims Plant name/ Local name/ Mode of Administration Tribe Biological activities Common English name

Abelmoschus moschatus Medicus Seed paste is taken orally with Bhil, Meena, Sahariya - (Malvaceae) milk as an antidote. Jangli bhindi Musk-Mallow Abrus precatorius Linn. (Fabaceae) Leaf extract is taken orally in Bhil, Meena, Sahariya Anti-inflammatory and Chirmi, Chanboi Ratti, Charmoli, snakebite. anti-allergic 57 . Indian liquorice Acacia nilotica (Linn.) Willd. ex Del. Crushed leaves are put Bhil, Meena, Sahariya, Anti-inflammatory 58 (Mimosaceae) in Chilam; smoke is inhaled in Garasia Kikar, Tikar, Babul, Desi- babul, Babool scorpion sting and snakebite; acts Indian Gum arabic tree as antidote and purifies blood. Achyranthes aspera Linn. Root extract is taken orally by the Bhil, Meena, Sahariya Anti-inflammatory 59 (Amaranthaceae) tribals in scorpion bite and Andhijhara, Kanta, Kharia, Undhokanto, snakebite. Prickly chaff- plant Alangium salvifolium (L.f.) Wang. Root extract is taken by the tribals Bhil, Meena, Sahariya - (Alangiaceae) orally as antivenom in snakebite. Aankol, Ankola Acts as blood purifier. Sage-leaved Alangium Ailanthus excelsa Roxb. (Simroubaceae) Powdered bark is given with Gujar, Meena - Arru, Ardu, Paba yoghourt as antivenom in Tree of Heaven snakebite and scorpion sting. Anogeissus latifolia (Roxb. ex DC.) Bark extract of is taken orally by Meena, Damor - Wall. ex Guill. & Perr. the tribals as antivenom in (Combretaceae) snakebite. Dhokada, Dhavada Axle wood Argemone mexicana Linn. Leaf extract is applied locally in Bhil, Garasiya - (Papaveraceae) snakebite. Satyanashi, Dholari, Kateli Yellow Mexican Poppy Arisaema tortuosum (Wall.) Schott Infusion of fresh bulb is taken Meena, Kathodi, Damor - (Araceae) orally thrice a day in snakebite. Haap rao dakaro, Suran, Khotukand Jack-in-the-pulpit Aristolochia bracteolata Lam. Leaf infusion of leaves is taken as Gujar, Meena, Anti-inflammatory 60 , (Aristolochiaceae) antivenom in snakebite. Whole Kalbeliya Wound healing 61 Kadhu, Kalipad plant paste is applied on the Worm killer snakebite wound. Balanites aegyptiaca (Linn.) Delile Paste of fruit is applied and taken Meena, Kalbeliya, Anti-inflammatory, (Balanitaceae) in snakebite as antivenom and to Shariya antinociceptive 62 Hingor, Hingul, Hingota, Hingora, purify blood; bark paste is given Hingot. to in snakebite as Soapberry tree antidote. Buchanania lanzan Spreng. Bark paste is applied locally in Bhil, Meena, Sahariya - (Anacardiaceae) snakebite. Char, Chironji Almondette tree Butea monosperma (Lam.) Taub. Resin of this plant is applied Meena - (Fabaceae) locally in snakebite for early Dhauk, Palas, Tesu, Khankra, Chhela healing of wound. Flame of the Forest

Contd JAIN et al .: INDIGENOUS SNAKEBITE REMEDIES OF RAJASTHAN 261

Table 1—Ethnomedicinal plants used to treat snakebite victims—Contd Plant name/ Local name/ Mode of Administration Tribe Biological activities Common English name

Caesalpinia bonduc (Linn.) Roxb. Root paste is applied externally Meena, Bhil Antipyretic 63 and (Caesalpiniaceae) by the tribals as antivenom in Anti-inflammatory 64 Kantkaranj, Katha snakebite. Fever nut Calotropis gigantea (Linn.) R.Br. Root paste is applied locally in Meena, Bhil, Damor Antipyretic 65 , Analgesic, (Asclepiadaceae) snakebite as antivenom. Sedative, Safed-akra, Akro, Shiv-oak. Anticonvulsant 66 Gigantic shallow wort Calotropis procera Br. (Asclepiadaceae) Plant latex is applied in snakebite Guajr, Meena, Sahariya Anti-inflammatory 67 , Akdo, Aak, Aakro for early cure. Latex of Calotropis Analgesic 68 , Antipyretic Swallow wort procera and Mangifera indica 64 mixed with Conc HCl is applied locally. Cassia fistula Linn. (Caesalpiniaceae) Powdered root is taken orally Bhil Antipyretic, analgesic, Amaltas, Bahawa, Garmale, Karmalo with water as antivenom in immuno potentiating 64 Indian Laburnum snakebite. Cayratia trifolia (Linn.) Domin Root paste is taken orally as Meena, Bhil, Kathodi, - (Vitaceae) antivenom in snakebite. Sahariya Khatta nimbu, Tinpostia, Tal- patiya Fox-grape Celastrus paniculata Willd. Bark powder is taken Bhil Sedative, (Celastraceae) with water to alleviate Anti-convulsant 69 , Mal-kangni, Mali pain and inflammation caused due antipyretic, Climbing staff plant to snakebite. Anti-inflammatory, analgesic 64 Cissampelos pareira Linn. In the entire region of Mewar, Bhil, Meena Antinociceptive 70 , (Menispermaceae) tribals use root extract as an anti-inflammatory 71 , Kalipar antidote in snakebite. Sedative 72 Abuta Clitoria ternatea Linn. (Fabaceae) Extract of root is taken orally by Bhil, Garasiya, Meena - Gokarni the tribals as antidote in Clitoria snakebite. Cocculus hirsutus (Linn.) Leaf powder mixed with bark Meena, Bhil Anti-inflammatory Diels powder of Azadirachta indica is and analgesic 73 (Menispermaceae) taken in snakebite. Bajar-bel, Van-veela,Baar Broom creeper Corallocarpus epigaeus (Rottl. & Willd.) Tuber decoction is taken orally by Meena, Sahariya - Hook. f. (Cucurbitaceae) the tribals in snakebite as Marsikand, Kadwinai, Mirch bel, Kadvi antivenom. bel Indian Bryonia Datura stramonium Linn. (Solanaceae) Extract of roots mixed with latex Bhil Analgesic 74 Kantawala- dhatura of Calotropis procera is applied Jimson weed and taken in scorpion sting and snakebite. Dioscorea pentaphylla Linn. Tuber extract is taken by tribals of Garasiya, Meena, Bhil - (Dioscoreaceae) southern Rajasthan as antivenom Lalwala, Ratalu vidarikand, Kada kanda in snakebite. Five-leaf yam Diospyros montana Roxb. (Ebenaceae) Root extract is given orally in Meena, Kathodi, Bhil - Vish Tendu snakebite as antivenom. Mountain persimmon

Contd 262 INDIAN J TRADITIONAL KNOWLEDGE, VOL. 10, NO. 2, APRIL 2011

Table 1—Ethnomedicinal plants used to treat snakebite victims—Contd Plant name/ Local name/ Mode of Administration Tribe Biological activities Common English name

Euphorbia neriifolia Linn. Latex is applied locally on the Bhil, Meena - (Euphorbiaceae) wound as antivenom in snakebite. Danda- thor, Thuar Indian spurge tree Ficus racemosa Linn. (Moraceae) Bark decoction is used by the Bhil, Meena Anti-inflammatory 75,76 Gular,Umar,Umbio,Kusumati tribals as antivenom against Cluster fig snakebite. Gardenia turgida Roxb. () Root or bark extract is taken Meena - Padairi, Padatatu orally as antivenom in snakebite. Gloriosa superba Linn. (Liliaceae) Paste of tuber is taken orally as Bhil, Meena - Kalihari antivenom in snakebite. Malabar glory lily indicus (Linn.) R. Br. Decoction or powder of whole Meena, Bhil, Sahariya Anti-inflammato ry, (Periplocaceae) plant including roots is taken as Antipyretic 77 , Dudhli, Garmali, Anantmul, Koorvi an antidote in snakebite and as Antipoison 49 , Indian sarasaparilla blood purifier. Antinociceptive 78 Heteropogon contortus (Linn.) P. Beauv. Root paste is taken orally as well Bhil, Meena, Damor - (Poaceae) as applied locally in snakebite as Suva ghass, Lapida, Lapia, Pallio, antivenom. Lapadioo Tangle head Holarrhena pubescens (Buch.-Ham.) Poultice of crushed root is tied in Meena, Bhil - Wall. Ex G. Don snakebite. () Kadwa Kodaya, Hadadiyo, Kadi Tellicherry bark Luffa acutangula (Linn.)Roxb. Powder of whole plant or crushed Bhil - (Cucurbitaceae) fruits is taken with water as Jangli taroi antivenom in snakebite. Ridged gourd Madhuca indica J. F. Gmel. (Sapotaceae) Bark extract is used as antivenom Meena, Bhil - Mahua, Mahuwa, Mauo in snakebite. The honey tree parvifolia (Roxb.) Korth Paste of stem and root bark is Meena, Bhil - (Rubiaceae) applied locally in snakebite. Kadamb Kaim Polygonum barbatum sub sp gracile Leaf paste is applied externally as Bhil, Sahariya - Danser (Polygonaceae) well as taken orally by the tribals Ghar ki sabji in snakebite and insect bite. Joint weed Sarcostemma viminale (Linn.) R. Br. Infusion of whole plant is applied Gijar, Meena - (Asclepiadaceae) by the rural people on wound of Khir, Khimp snakebite. Rapunzel plant Sauromatum venosum (Ait.) Kunth Paste of tuber is applied locally as Bhil, Meena, Sahariaya, - (Araceae) well as taken orally in snakebite. Kathodia Haap ro dakra, Suran Voodoolily Solanum nigrum Linn. (Solanaceae) Leaf juice is applied locally on Meena, Sahariaya, Bhil Antipyretic 79 , Makoo, Saemi, Chirpot the wounds caused due to Anti-inflammatory 80 Black night-shade snakebite.

Contd JAIN et al .: INDIGENOUS SNAKEBITE REMEDIES OF RAJASTHAN 263

Table 1—Ethnomedicinal plants used to treat snakebite victims—Contd Plant name/ Local name/ Mode of Administration Tribe Biological activities Common English name

Sterculia urens Roxb. (Sterculiaceae) The gum mixed with CaCO 3 is Meena, Damor - Kadaya applied and also taken orally in Gulu snakebite. Tamarindus indica Linn. Seed paste is applied locally as Bhil - (Caesalpiniaceae) antivenom in scorpion sting and Imli snakebite. Tamarind Trichosanthes cucumerina Linn. Extract leaf powder is taken orally Bhil, Meena - (Cucurbitaceae) as an antivenom in snakebite. Indrani, Jangli- chichinda, Kechan Snake gourd Wrightia tinctoria (Roxb.) R. Br. Fresh leaves are chewed by tribals Meena, Bhil, Sahariya - (Apocynaceae) as soon as incidence of snakebite Kheer, Khani, Khirni occurs. Pala indigo plant

Table 2—Species of snakes present in Rajasthan Latin name/ Venomous/ Frequency Habitat / location of occurrence Abundance of Common English name/ Non-venomous* of bites species in the Local name state

Ahaetulla nasuta MV Generally Forest area of southern Rajasthan Rare Common vine snake doesn’t bite Leela udna hamp Ahaetulla nasuta var. isabellinus MV Generally Forest area of southern Rajasthan Rare Isabelline vine snake doesn’t bite Amphiesma stolata NV Never bites Near ponds and streams, forest area, Less common Buffstriped keelback grasslands and fields Argyrogena fasciolata NV - Dense forest area, hilly forest. Rare Boiga forsteni MV Generally High hills of Mt. Abu Rare Forsten’s cat snake doesn’t bite Boiga trigonata MV Bites Under banks and stones; hilly areas, Common Common cat snake forest, grasslands, human settlement Bungarus caeruleus V Bites Hilly forest areas, grasslands and Common Common krait human settlement Bungraus sindanus sindanus V Bites Desert part of state Rare Sind krait Coelognathus helena helena NV Generally In termites moulds, rock crevices, on Common Common Trinket snake doesn’t bite hedges; in Aravallis Coelognathus helena monticollaris NV Generally Forested hilly southern and Southeast Rare Montane trinket snake doesn’t bite state Coluber gracilis NV Generally Grasslands, Rare Slender racer doesn’t bite scrubby zone and open forests of southern Rajasthan Coluber ventromaculatus NV Generally Sandy desert part; in scrubby area of Less common Glossy-bellied racer doesn’t bite arid zone C. fasciolata NV Generally Forest area and heavy bushy zone Rare Banded racer doesn’t bites (Present in Sitamata wildlife sanctuary, Dhariyawad and Pratapgarh zone)

Contd 264 INDIAN J TRADITIONAL KNOWLEDGE, VOL. 10, NO. 2, APRIL 2011

Table 2—Species of snakes present in Rajasthan—Contd Latin name/ Venomous/ Frequency Habitat / location of occurrence Abundance of Common English name/ Non-venomous* of bites species in the Local name state

Daboia russellii V Bites Forest, arboreal habitat, grassland, Less common Russell’s viper scrub land and rocky areas Chitti Dendrelaphis tristis NV Generally Arboreal habitat Less common Common Indian Bronzeback snake doesn’t bite Udani Echis carinatus V Bites Dry rocky, sandy, degraded forest and Common Saw - scaled viper grasslands Pad, Chhoti chitti Eryx johnii NV Never bites Dry places and sandy soil; in whole Common Red sand Boa Rajasthan Dumuhi, Dam, Chakland Gongylophis conicus NV Sometimes Prefers arid zone, present throughout Common Common sand Boa bite the state Dum Grypotyphlops acutus NV Never bites In southern part of Rajasthan Rare Beaked worm snake Andha samp Lycodon aulicus NV Bites Human habitations, Common Common wolf snake stone pillars, near wells, hollow Kildbildia Lycodon striatus NV Usually Hilly forest areas, grasslands, human Less common Shaw’s wolf snake doesn’t bite habitations Lytorhynchus paradoxus NV * Sand dunes Rare Sind awl-headed snake Macropisthodon plumbicolor NV Never bites Forest area and grasslands Less common Green Keelback Leela hamp Naja oxiana V Bites Northwestern part of the state - Central Asian cobra Nag Naja Naja V Bites Throughout Rajasthan Common Spectacled cobra Nag Oligodon arnensis NV Generally Hilly habitats and old houses Less common Common kukri doesn’t bite snake Oligodon taeniolatus NV Generally Forest area and human settlements Common Russell’s Kukri snake doesn’t bite Psammophis leithi MV Bites Forest area, arid zones, grassland Less common Leith’s sand snake Psammophis schokari MV * Sandy desert area of the state Rare Afro-asian sand snake Ptyas mucosus NV Bites while in Forests, urban areas, grasslands, Common Common rat snake pressure agricultural field, Dhaman wet zone, etc. Python molurus molurus NV Bites while in In arid scrub jungles, grassland and Less common Indian rock python pressure forest areas Ajgar, Agar Ramphotyphlops braminus NV Never bites Underground in damp localities Common Brahminy worm snake Andha samp

Contd

JAIN et al .: INDIGENOUS SNAKEBITE REMEDIES OF RAJASTHAN 265

Table 2—Species of snakes present in Rajasthan—Contd Latin name/ Venomous/ Frequency Habitat / location of occurrence Abundance of Common English name/ Non-venomous* of bites species in the Local name state

Sibynophis subpunctatus NV Never bites Under stones and in leaf litters in Rare Dumeril’s black headed snake dense forest Spalerosophis arenarius NV Generally Dry sandy areas Less common Red spotted royal snake does not bites Ghora pachhad, Rajit banjar Spalerosophis atriceps NV Generally Dry sandy area Common Black-headed royal snake does not bites Xenochrophis piscator NV Bites Water bodies Common Checkered keelback Dindu

NV- Non-venomous, MV-Mildly venomous, V-Venomous, *no information is available distributed venomous snake species are cobra, krait, russell’s viper and saw-scaled viper. Saw-scaled viper is much common in western part of the state. The ethnomedicinal surveys of the state shows that 44 plant species has been used by the local healers either as antidote or for ancillary treatment. The analysis based on these 44 plant species belonging to 30 families, reveals that majority of the plant species (39) belongs to Dicotyledonous group, while only 5 species belongs to Monocotyledons. Symptoms of snakebite include vomiting, bleeding, fever, pain and inflammation around the wound and this pathophysiology is a combined effect of various actions of the complex venom constituents. To subside all these symptoms, treatment is given in the Fig. 5—Different plant parts used as snakebite remedies form of decoction, powder, paste and extract and administrated both as orally and topically. Maximum and 11 species contain endothelin receptor antagonist snakebite remedies are prepared from roots (30%) and activity against snake venom’s sarafotoxins. leaves (20%) (Fig. 5). Roots/tubers are used mostly Plants having antiinflammatory property contain because they contain higher concentration of bioactive compounds such as coumarins, phenols, bioactive compounds 43-44 . The bioactivity of these saponins, quercetin, tannins, luteolin, etc. and many of plant species is largely due to the presence of such species such as Balanites aegyptiaca, Datura secondary constituents such as alkaloids, phenols, stramonium, Hemidesmus indicus, Calotropis procera steroids, saponins and glycosides. These compounds possess many of these chemical constituents 45-47 . One have a broad range of therapeutic properties and are of the main objectives of snakebite treatment is to widely distributed among the angiosperms. Many of stop the victim from vomiting and for this purpose; a the compounds contained in these 46 species may not decoction made with the plants containing those neutralize the venom itself but serve as analgesic, bioactive compounds which inhibit muscular antiemetic, antiinflammatory, immunostimulant, local contraction (anticholinergic) in gastrointestinal tract is anesthetic and sedative, making them useful to prepared. Species of reputed anticholinergic effect alleviate some of the ancillary symptoms or contain tropane alkaloids such as atropine, responses. Out of the 44 species used as snakebite hyoscyamine and scopolamine 47-48 . Datura antidote, 13 possess, antiinflammatory activity, 9 stramonium is one such plant species which might species possess anticonvulsant and sedative activities work as antiemetic and it contains tropane 266 INDIAN J TRADITIONAL KNOWLEDGE, VOL. 10, NO. 2, APRIL 2011

alkaloids 49-50 . Although tribals use many plant species the snakes in many ways. Moreover, clearance of to treat snakebite cases but the most preferred and their original habitats for cultivation, destruction of effective plant species are Alangium salvifolium, forests and the draining or poisoning of the waters Aristolochia bracteolata, Balanites aegyptiaca, have greatly restricted the distribution areas of these Cissampelos pareira, Hemidesmus indicus and ecologically useful animals. Hence, in order to Gloriosa superba . Many of these species contains conserve snakes, awareness should be created among phytochemicals responsible for various pharma- the tribals, rural and even urban masses that snakes cological actions which help in relieving the have an important role in balancing the food chains in symptoms of snakebite. Species such as Hemidesmus nature thus all the myths regarding the killing of the indicus contains coumarinolignoids such as hemides- snakes should be strictly discarded. minine, hemidesminine-1, hemidesminine-2, triterpe- noids and sitosterols. Moreover, p-methoxy-2-hydroxy Acknowledgement benzoic acid and lupeol acetate isolated from the roots Senior author is highly thankful to the DST, New of the plant has been proved to possess significant Delhi for providing financial assistance to carryout anti-poisonous activity against viper venom and snake the work. Authors are thankful to the forest officials Daboia russellii by antagonizing venom-induced of Rajasthan for providing the necessary facilities lethal haemorrhagic, coagulant and anticoagulant during the field work; to the tribals for giving the activity in experimental rodents and rabbits 51-54 . valuable information; to the authorities of Forest Similarly, Balanites aegyptiaca contains saponins, Research Institute, Dehradun for permitting to consult alkaloids such as N-trans-feruloyltyramine, N-cis- herbarium for identification of plants. feruloyltyramine and other compounds such as vanillic acid, syringic acid, 3-hydroxy-1-(4-hydroxy- References 3-methoxyphenyl)-1-propanone 55 . 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