E. (Siwakoti)Our and Nature B. Pokhrel (2006 / )Our4:96-103 Nature (2006)4:96-103 Ethno-Medicinal Plants Used by Bantar of Bhaudaha, Morang,

E. Acharya (Siwakoti) and B. Pokhrel

Department of Botany, Post Graduate Campus, T.U., , Nepal

Received: 22.09.2006; Accepted: 15.11.2006

Abstract Bantar, one of the dominant ethnic groups of is ethno botanically very rich. 98 species of plants belonging to 89 genera and 45 families used by Bantar as traditional medicines for human and domestic animals have been documented here. Ethno medication in most instances involves mantras alongside herbal application. Most diseases are treated by the use of more than one plant species while a single plant species is found to be used in curing more than one disease.

Key words: Bantar, Ethno-medicinal plants, Morang

Introduction Nepal is multicultural, multilingual and belongs to ‘Shudra Varna’ of the caste multireligious country. According to the system (Dahal, 1997) and is called as census 2001, the country contains 100 ‘Sardar’ in written language (Acharya, caste/ethnic groups and 92 languages. 1991). As the cenus 2001, their total Among them 59 ethnic groups are identified population was 35,839 and distributed in 23 as indigenous nationalities. The biological districts. Their population is concentrated in resources are being used by the ethnic Morang, Sunsari, Saptari and Mahottari groups for the livelihood since the time district. In Morang, Bhaudha Village immemorial. The ethnic groups are rich in Development is highly populated. indigenous knowledge (IK) and it is deeply In , they inhabit Samastipur, rooted in their tradition and culture Darbhanga,Madhubani, Saharsa, Madhepura Shrestha,1997).Indigenous people residing and Purnea districts in . It is believed in different geographical belts depend on that the word Bantar is derived from the local plant and plant products to meet their word bans, meaning bamboo (Singh, 2003). daily requirements for food, fodder, medicines etc. Such an ethnobotanical Materials and methods knowledge on various plants acquired by The present study was carried out from human beings by their self experience, trial October 1999 to October 2000. Participatory and accidents is now in the state of erosion Rural Appraisal (PRA) and Interview and is attenuating day by day because of techniques were employed to get ethno growing modernization, associated with medicinal information from old aged Bantar urbanization. people, local professional health healers Bantar is one of the widespread ethnic (Dhamis) and old aged persons. The groups in eastern (Dahal, 1978). It collected specimens were critically studied

96 E. Acharya (Siwakoti) and B. Pokhrel / Our Nature (2006)4:96-103 and identified with the help of available Roots of Hygrophila auriculata; and leaf of literature (Haines, 1961; Hooker, 1872- Xanthium strumarium and Crotalaria 1897; Hara et al., 1978, 1982; Hara and pallida are used in eczema. Leaves and Williams, 1979; and Siwakoti, 1995). The seeds of Cassia occidentalis. C. sophera, specimens were further tallied with the and C. tora are used in ringworm and itches. voucher specimens deposited at National Roots or fruits of Breea arvensis; leaves of Herbarium and Plant Laboratories, Godavari Eclipta prostrata, and Azadirachta indica; (KATH). 98 species of plants belonging to stems of Dalbergia sisoo; roots of Mimosa 45 families and 89 genera were arranged pudica, Solanum aculeatissimum, and S alphabetically along with their Bantar anguivi; and fruits of Argemone mexicana names, Nepali names, parts used and uses are used in scabies. (Table 1 and 2). On the other hand, uses of barks of Ficus religiosa and fruits of Nyctanthes Results and discussion arbor-tristis in foot and mouth disease; The study reveals that Bantar still have leaves of Annona squamosa, Ocimum conserved their ancestral knowledge about basilicum and Nicotiana tabacum to kill the medicinal practices of the plants. germs and worms; and barks of Mangifera Among 98 species reported to be ethno indica and Acacia nilotica and the leaves medicinally important, 86 species belonging of Leucas indica and Psidium guajava in to 81 genera of 41 families are used for urinary problems (blood in urine and human diseases and 20 species belonging to stopped urination) of cattle are very 20 genera of 15 families are used for common. domestic animals, and 8 species being Ethno medication in most instances common for both. involves rituals involving mantras There are a number of plants used by alongside herbal application. Amulet of Bantar for the treatment of similar types of roots of Sphaeranthus indicus are worn in diseases. Root of Alternanthera sessilis, stomachache, that of Solanum nigrum in Sphaeranthus indicus (as amulet) and intermittent fever and easy child delivery Cyperus rotundus; sap of Phoenix sylvestris; and that of stem of Clerodendrum indicum and leaf of Anisomeles indica, Oxalis in case of fever. A flower garland of corniculata, and Scoparia dulcis are used in Achyranthes aspera is worn for the ritual stomachache. However, the mode of use of treatment of jaundice. leaf of Oxalis corniculata is ritual. Leaves Extensive research on the medicinal and flowers of Cannabis sativa, flowers of properties of some plants by various ethnic Tamarindus indica and Punica granatum, groups has been performed (Coburn, 1984; fruits of Momordica charantia, whole plants Manandhar, (1986, 1989); Acharya, 1996; of Euphorbia hirta and root of Physalis Siwakoti and Siwakoti, (1996, 1998); Karki, peruviana are used to cure piles. Similarly, 1998; Siwakoti, 1999; Choudhary, 2000; Rai, they use a number of plants for the 2004). The study revealed that few plants like treatment of different types of skin diseases. Centella asiatica, Acorus calamus are found Whole plants of Youngia japonica, leaves of to have similar use in urinary problem and Urena lobata, Stephania elegans and cough respectively among the Bantar, Triumfetta rhomboidea are used in boils. Mooshar and western Gurungs while most of

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Table 1. Plants used by Bantar people in traditional medicinal practice for humans. S. Family Botanical Bantar Nepali Part Uses N. Name Name Name Used 1. Acanthaceae Adhatoda Baksar Asuro Leaf Catarrh and zeylanica cough 2. " Hygrophila Gokhla kant – Root Eczema auriculata 3. Amaranthaceae Achyranthes Ulta Apamarga Flower( Jaundice aspera chirchiri garland) (ritual) 4. " Alternanthera Sarhanchi Bhiringi Root Stomachache sessilis sag jhar 5. " Amaranthus Katra Banlude Root Abortion spinosus 6. Amaryllidacea Crinum Nakair Flower Nasal e asiaticum bleeding, diabetes 7. Apiaceae Centella Bhatpurain Ghodtapre Leaf Acidity, asiatica urinary problem (stopped urination) 8. Apocynaceae Alstonia Chhatmain Chhatiwan Bark Appetizer, scholaris lactation 9. " Rauvolfia Chandmaru Sarpagandh Leaf Mental serpentina wa a disorder 10. " Thevetia Champa Karbir Leaf Wounds peruviana gachhi 11. Araceae Acorus Achheni Bojho Rhizom Cough calamus e 12. " Pistia Jalkumbhi Jalkumbhi Whole Swelling stratiotes plant 13. Arecaceae Phoenix Khajur Sap Diarrhoea, sylvestris stomachache 14. Asclepiadaceae Calotropis Akwain Aank Flower, Asthma, gigantea milky malaria juice 15. Asteraceae Ageratum Genhwa Ilame jhar Leaf Cuts conyzoides 16. " Artemisia Titari Titepati Flower Appetizer, dubia lactation, pregnancy disease 17 " Blumea lacera Genhwa Gandhe jhar Leaf Cuts 18. " Breea arvenis Suruj kant Root, Scabies fruit 19. " Eclipta Bhangria Bhringiraj Leaf Cuts, scabies prostrata 20. " Sphaeranthus Murlikhar Gorakhmun Root Stomachache, indicus di (amulet) fever

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21. " Spilanthes Bon Lato ghans Leaf Cuts, mud calva bhangadi infection 22. " Tridax Badka Leaf Cuts, wounds procumbens bhangria 23. " Xanthium Khagada Bhende Leaf Eczema strumarium kuro 24 " Youngia Chirota Whole Constipation, japonica plant blood purification, boils, appetizer 25. Basellaceae Basella alba Paro sag Poi sag Apical Insomnia shoot 26. Bombacaceae Bombax ceiba Simar Simal Root, Dysentery, bark fracture 27. Boraginaceae Heliotropium Hathiyasud Hattisude Leaf Cuts, tongue indicum infection 28. Brassicaceae Rorippa Hurhur Leaf Malaria, benghalensis headache 29. Cannabaceae Cannabis Bhang Bhang Flower, Piles sativa leaf 30. Caricaceae Carica papaya Aderwala Mewa Fruit Liver swelling 31. Chenepodiacea Chenepodium Bathuwa Bethu Young Constipation, e album shoot nutrition 32. Combretaceae Terminalia Kabuli Kathe Seed Anaemia catappa badam badam 33. Cucurbitaceae Coccinia Tilkaur Golkakri Leaf Jaundice grandis 34. " Momordica Karela Karela Fruit Piles charantia 35. Cuscutaceae Cuscuta Amarlati Akashbeli Whole Tonsillitis, reflexa plant swelling 36. Cyperaceae Cyperus Mothe ghans Mothe Tuber Stomachache rotundus 37. " Fimbristylis Motha Tuber Appetizer aestivalis 38. Euphorbiaceae Croton Mirchaiya Khursane Leaf, Cuts, ulcer bonplandianus jhar root 39. " Euphorbia Dudhiya Dude jhar Whole Piles hirta plant 40. " Jatropha Baghandi Saruwa Twig Toothache curcas 41. " Phyllanthus Rikhiya Amala Flower Blood emblica purification, mental disorder 42. " Ricinus Arri Andi Seed Heel cracks communis 43. Fabaceae Abrus Karjani Lalgedi Seed Female precatorius sterility 44. " Acacia nilotica Babur Babul Young Venereal

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leaf disease 45. " Caesalpinia Kathgarer Kaande Young Fever, bonduc jhang leaf intestinal worms 46. " Cassia Chakor Panwar Leaf , Ringworm, occidentalis seed itch 47. " C. sophera Chakor Thulo tapre Leaf , Ringworm, seed itch 48. " C. tora Chakor Tapre Leaf , Ringworm, seed itch 49. " Crotalaria Jhunjhuna Runche Leaf Eczema pallida 50. " Dalbergia Sisau Sisau Leaf, Diarrhoea, sissoo stem scabies 51. " Mimosa Lajjauni Lajjawati Root Scabies pudica jhar 52. " Tamarindus Tetair Titri Flower Piles indica 53. " Vicia Misiya Seed Mental tetrasperma disorder 54. Lamiaceae Anisomeles Bar Rato Leaf Stomachache indica charpate 55. " Leucas indica Dulpha Dulphe jhar Young Bodyache shoot 56. " Ocimum Tulsi Tulsi Leaf Catarrh, cough tenuiflorum 57. Liliaceae Aloe vera Ghikumari Ghiukumari Leaf Catarrh, cough, overheat problem 58. Lythraceae Lawsonia Mehendi Mehendi Leaf Heel crack, inermis mud infection 59. " Rotala Adakapali Leaf Hemicrania rotundifolia 60. Malvaceae Urena lobata Badki Nalu kuro Leaf Boils bariyar 61. Meliaceae Azadirachta Neem Neem Leaf Intestinal indica worms, scabies 62. Menispermace Stephania Ghaupat Batule pat Leaf Boils, blood ae elegans dysentery 63. " Tinospora Gurujlati Gurjo Stem Venereal sinensis disease (Dhatu) 64. Moraceae Ficus Bar Bar Milky Cataract, benghalensis juice venereal disease, heel cracks 65. Moringaceae Moringa Soijan Sajiwan Bark Rheumatism oleifera 66. Myrtaceae Psidium Latam Amba Tender Mental

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guajava fruit, disorder, tender urinary leaf problem (stopped urination) 67. " Syzygium Jamun Jamun Fruit Indigestion cumini 68. Oxalidaceae Oxalis Amrora Chari amilo Leaf Stomachache corniculata (Ritual) 69. Papavaraceae Argemone Kataar Thakal Latex, Conjunctivitis, mexicana fruit scabies 70. Poaceae Cynodon Doob Doobo Root Cuts, wounds, dactylon burns 71. " Imperata Davi Siru Root Cholera (in cylindrica (amulet) child) 72. " Saccharum Kasal Kans Flower Cuts spontaneum 73. Primulaceae Primula Thokuwa Leaf, Diarrhoea, umbellata mamarkha flower fever, insomina ( in child) 74. Punicaceae Punica Anar Anar Seed, Tonic, piles granatum flower 75. Rubiaceae Hedyotis Dudhiya Piringo jhar Whole Acidity corymbosa plant 76. Scrophulariace Scoparia Patalmishri Mitha jhar Leaf Stomachache, ae dulcis venereal disease 77. Solanaceae Cestrum Mamarkha Leaf Weeping diurnum illness ( in child) 78. " Nicotiana Surti Surti Leaf Ear problem tabacum (flow of puss) 79. " Physalis Ram bhutka Jangali Root Piles peruviana mewa 80. " Solanum Katbaigani Kalchudo Root Scabies aculeatissimu m 81. " S. anguivi Badka Bihi Root Scabies Katbaigani 82. " S. nigrum Bhutka Jangali bihi Root Easy child (amulet) delivery, intermittent fever 83. Tiliaceae Triumfetta Bariyar Bankuro Leaf Boils rhomboidea 84. Verbenaceae Clerodendrum Sarphoka Stem Fever indicum (wreath) 85. " C. viscosum Bhainth Bhate Tender Intestinal shoot worms 86. " Vitex negundo Sinwair Simali Leaf Constipation

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Table 2. Plants used by Bantar people in traditional medicinal practice for domestic animals. S.N. Family Botanical Name Bantar Nepali Part Used Uses Name Name 1. Amaranthaceae Amaranthus Thadiya Lude Aerial Lactation viridis genari part 2. Anacardiaceae Mangifera Aam Aanp Bark Urinary indica problem 3. Annonaceae Annona Sarifa Sarifa Leaf Germs, worms squamosa 4. Araceae Acorus calamus Achheni Bojho Rhizome Indigestion 5. Asclepiadaceae Cynanchum Kauwaloli Seed Nipple callialata infection (bleeding while drawing out milk) 6. Cannabaceae Cannbis sativa Bhang Bhang Leaf, Diarrhoea flower 7. Cucurbitaceae Mukia Ladbhadi Sunkeshre Leaf Constipation, maderaspatana laharo tiredness 8. Fabaceae Acacia nilotica Babur Babul Bark Urinary problem 9. " Vicia Nakta Narkat Whole Lactation angustifolia plant 10. Lamiaceae Anisomeles Bar Rato Leaf Constipation, indica charpate tiredness 11. " Leonurus Chhotka Leaf Constipation, japonicus bakain tiredness 12. " Leucas indica Dulpha Dulphe Leaf Urinary jhar problem (stopped urination) 13. " Ocimum Palhas Babari Leaf Germs, worms basilicum 14. Menispermaceae Tinospora Gurujlati Gurjo Whole Tiredness sinensis plant 15. Moraceae Ficus religiosa Pipar Pipal Bark Foot & mouth disease (khoret rog) 16. Myrtaceae Psidium Latam Amba Tender Urinary guajava leaf problem (stopped urination) 17. Oleaceae Nyctanthes Singadhar Parijat Fruit Foot & mouth arbor-tristis disease (wound on mouth) 18. Piperaceae Piper longum Pipair Pipla Leaf Constipation, tiredness 19. Solanaceae Datura metal Dhuthur Dhaturo Fruit Diarrhoea 20. " Nicotiana Surti Surti Leaf Germs, worms tabacum

102 E. Acharya (Siwakoti) and B. Pokhrel / Our Nature (2006)4:96-103 the plants used by Bantar are found to be used Hara, H., A.O. Chater and L.H.J. Williams 1982. . An in different kinds of diseases by other tribes. enumeration of the flowering plants of Nepal, Vol. 3. British Museum (Natural History), London. Most Bantar people of the study area are Hooker, J.D. 1872 -1897. The flora of British India, economically poor which failed their access to Vols. 1-7. London. the facilities of modern medicines and doctors. Karki, B. 1998. Ethnobotanical studies of Rajbansi of Consequently they consult the Dhamis, show Bhatigachh VDC, Morang district. Department of Botany, P.G. Campus, T.U., Biratnagar. (M.Sc. more faith in traditional health care system Dissertation) and satisfy with the cultivated and wild plants Manandhar, N.P. 1986. A contribution to the found near their settlements. ethnobotany of Mooshar tribes of , Nepal. J. Nat. Hist. Mus.10(1-4): 53-64. Acknowledgements Manandhar, N.P. 1989. Traditional phytotherapy of Danuwar tribes of Kamlakhonj in Sindhuli The author is thankful to Dr. Mohan district, Nepal . Fitoterapia 61(4): 325-329. Siwakoti, Dr. Sashinath Jha and Mr. Manandhar, N.P. 1997. Ethnobotany in Nepal. In: Bhabindra Niroula for their help in plant Ethnobotany for conservation and community identification. Thanks are due to Bantar developmen. (Eds. Shrestha, K.K., P.K. Jha, P. Shengji, A. Rastogi, S. Rajbhandary, M. Joshi), people of Bhaudaha VDC for their help Proceedings of the National Training Workshop in and cooperation in the course of study. Nepal, January 6-13, 1997. pp. 20-27. Rai, S.K. 2004. Medicinal plants used by Meche References people of , eastern Nepal. Our Acharya, P. 1991. Sanrakshyan Garinu Parne Jaati Nature 2(2): 27-32. Bantar. HMG Nepal, Ministry of Communication, Shrestha, K.K. 1997. Ethnobotanical inventory and plant Publication and Printing Department. taxonomy: Basic approaches for ethnobotanical Acharya, S.K. 1996. Folk uses of some medicinal research. In: Ethnobotany for conservation and plants of Pawannagar, Dang district. J. Nat. Hist. community developmen. (Eds. Shrestha, K.K., P.K. Mus. (Nepal) 15(1-4): 25-36. Jha, P. Shengji, A. Rastogi, S. Rajbhandary, M. Chaudhary, R. 2000. Ethnobotanical studies of Tharu Joshi), Proceedings of the National Training community of Bhadgaun Sinuwari VDC of Workshop in Nepal, January 6-13, 1997. pp. 58-65. . Department of Botany, P.G. Singh, K.S. 2003. People of India, National Series Campus, T.U., Biratnagar. (M.Sc. Dissertation) Volume III. Oxford University Press. Coburn, B. 1984. Some native medicinal plants of Siwakoti, K.P. 1999. Documentation of indigenous western Gurungs. Kailash 11(1-2): 55-87. knowledge of Dhimal tribe of Jhapa district on Dahal, D.R. 1978. Indian ethnic group of Nepal: A study of plant resources. Department of Botany, P.G. immigration patterns socio-economic behaviour, Campus, T.U., Biratnagar. (M.Sc. Dissertation) eastern terai sector, part second, Nepal Asian Siwakoti, M. and S. Siwakoti 1996. Etnobotanical studies Research Centre (NARC), T.U., Kirtipur, Kathmandu. of Satars of Jhapa district, Nepal : A case study of Dahal, M.R. 1997. Jhorahat gaun vikas samiti ka Haldibari VDC. A report submitted to University Bantar samudaya ko pariwarik avum samajik Grants Commission, Kathmandu, Nepal. parampara haru. A report submitted to T.U. Siwakoti, M. and S. Siwakoti 1998. Ethnobotanical Research Centre, Kirtipur, Kathmandu. uses of plants among the Limbu of Morang Haines, H.H. 1961 (Rev.ed.). The botany of Bihar and district. Ecoprint, 5(1): 79-84. Orissa, Vols. 1-3, Bishen Singh and Mahendra Pal Siwakoti, M. and S. Varma 1996. Medicinal plants of Singh, Dehradun. the terai of eastern Nepal. J. Econ. Taxon. Bot. 12: Hara, H., W.T. Stearn and L.H.J. Williams 1978. An 423-438. enumeration of the flowering plants of Nepal, Vol. 1. Siwakoti, M. 1995. Flora of plain region of eastern Nepal British Museum (Natural History), London. (Biratnagar-). Department of Botany, T.M. Hara, H. and L.H.J. Williams 1979. An enumeration Bhagalpur University, India. (Ph.D. Thesis) of the flowering plants of Nepal, Vol. 2. British Museum (Natural History), London.

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