Traditional Uses of Some Indian Plants Among Islanders of the Indian Ocean

Indian Journal of Traditional Knowledge Vol. 4(4), October 2005, pp. 345-357

Traditional uses of some Indian plants among islanders of the Indian Ocean

S K Jain* and Sumita Srivastava A-26, Mall Avenue Colony, Lucknow 226001, Uttar Pradesh Email: [email protected] Received 20 April 2004; revised 9 March 2005

A comparative study of the traditional herbal knowledge of the islanders of the Indian Ocean and the folk of India shows that both use about seventy species of plants in Indian medicine. Whereas some uses are common among the folk of two regions, many traditional uses among the islanders are unique. Comparative data on such species is presented. Details of uses, dosages, mixture plants or other materials are given for some unique uses/species. The advantage of substituting underground parts of plants with aerial parts use discussed. Keywords: Ethnomedicine, Indian Ocean, Madagascar, Comoros, Seychelles, Mascarenes, Traditional Medicine, Ethnomedicine IPC Code: Int. Cl.7: A61K35/78, A61P1/06, A61P1/08, A61P1/10, A61P1/12, A61P1/14, A61P1/16, A61P5/00, A61P5/14, A61P5/16, A61P11/00, A61P11/06, A61P11/08, A61P15/00, A61P19/00, A61P19/02, A61P25/00, A61P25/08, A61P27/02, A61P29/00, A61P31/00, A61P31/02, A61P31/04, A61P33/00, A61P33/06, A61P37/08, A61P39/02, A61P39/04

Comparative study of traditional medicinal uses of information on traditional uses among the islanders of plants between the folk of different regions, countries Indian Ocean has been described in this paper or ethnic groups brings out valuable information on (Table 1). Whereas many traditional medicinal uses credibility, similarities, uniqueness and interesting are common among the folk of two regions, there aspects1-7. This communication deals with such study are many unique uses among the islanders. on the islanders of the Indian Ocean and the folk in Such comparative study has another aspect relating India. to regeneration of species and conservation. In certain A large part of the ocean lying between equator and cases though the medicinal use of the plant is same in tropics of Capricorn, and Africa and Australia is the islands and India but the plant parts utilized are called the Indian Ocean. The landmass of Indian different. This is still more interesting from the point region lies just North of this ocean, and thus the floras of regeneration and conservation of species where of India and islands of Indian Ocean have hundreds of underground parts are used in India but the aerial common species of plants. Major islands of the Indian parts are used in the islands. Use of underground parts Ocean such as Madagascar, Mauritius, Comoros, affects regeneration and consequently plant Mascarenes have received considerable attention of populations. Such cases have been highlighted. botanists and the flora of the region is reasonably well Botanical names of plants are given; synonyms are documented8. The indigenous people who have their given only where these plant are described under own traditional pharmacopoeia inhabit the islands these synonyms name in the book on islands. predominantly. About a decade ago, data available on Discussion ethnomedicinal uses of plants in India have been The above tabular comparison brings out several brought together6. Uses of some plants used in folk interesting and useful observations. Many plants are medicine have been reported. The data on traditional put to similar use in both the regions. In certain cases, folk in Indian Ocean islanders is based on a recent underground parts of plants or bark are used in India, work8. About seventy plant species dealt in the whereas some renewable ariel parts like leaf, flower, reported occur in India. A comparison with fruit or seed are used in islands. Examples of such ______cases are discussed under aspects of conservation. *Corresponding author Some uses known in India do not seem to be known 346 INDIAN J TRADITIONAL KNOWLEDGE, VOL 4, No. 4, OCTOBER 2005

in islands. Some plants used in islands do not seem to Root decoction is drunk twice daily for be yet used in folk medicine in India; their haemorrhages. It is also used for treating ethnomedicinal uses as known in islands deserve diabetes. research as prospective species in India. Some 13 Calophyllum inophyllum examples are given below: Root decoction is used for ulcer and eye infections. Bark decoction is used for orchitis. Ethnomedicinal uses which seem unknown or less The resin is used externally for rheumatism, known in India psoriasis and skin infections. 14 Cananga odorata 1 Adansonia digitata The leaves are rubbed on the skin to reduce Fruit juice (slightly sour in taste) is useful to itching. combat fever. It is also used for diarrhoea. 15 Cardiospermum halicacabum Leaves are used to expel intestinal worms and Stem and root decoction treats catarrhs of the against asthma. bladder. Leaf decoction is used for eczema and 2 Aegle marmelos purities. Fruit pulp yields a refreshing drink, which is 16 Cassytha filiformis used for asthma. Whole plant is taken for venereal diseases and 3 Ageratum conyzoides decoction of plants is given in urethritis. The Leaf poultice is applied to anthrax. Cold root plant is used for dysentery. decoction is used as eye wash for severe eye 17 Centella asiatica Infections. Leaves and stem decoction is taken for heart 4 Alternanthera sessilis burn. Tea made from the roots is useful as diuretic. 18 Clausena anisata Leaves are recommended to breast feeding Decoction of leaves is taken for hypotension. mothers for increasing lactation. Whole plant is 19 Dioscorea bulbifera used externally in the treatment of dermatitis. Crushed root is applied on burn and furuncles. 5 Annona reticulata 20 Dodonaea viscose Fruit is useful against scurvy. Slightly salted leaf Bark decoction is used for rheumatism and decoction is used orally against vomiting. Bark contusions. is used for eye infections. 21 Equisetum ramosisimum 6 Areca catechu Plant decoction is given for diabetes. It is also Dried crushed seeds masticated with an onion used as a diuretic and to help reduce the level of are reported to be aphrodisiac. fat or cholesterol in the blood. Whole plant is 7 Argyrei nervosa applied on sprains and is used for pneumonia. Leaves moistened with cooking oil are applied for rheumatism. Crushed leaves mixed with 22 Flemingia strobilifera cooking oil are used for insomnia. Root decoction is taken orally for urethritis. 8 Artemisia absinthium 23 Garcinia mangostana Three cups of sweetened leaf infusion are drunk Bark juice is used as effective purgative. When daily against anaemia. An infusion made with a applied externally, it has wound healing and handful of the leaves is used for viral hepatitis. antispasmodic properties. 9 Artocarpus heterophyllus 24 Guazuma tomentosa Infusion of immature fruit is used against Plant has expectorant property. diabetes. Plant juice is used in eye infections. 25 Hedychium coronarium 10 Bacopa monnieri Poultice of the fresh rhizomes is used externally Decoction of whole plant is used for for its rubefacient properties. Rhizome decoction rheumatism. The decoction is diuretic. is used as a carminative. 11 Barringtonia asiatica 26 Hydnocarpus pentandra Bark poultice is applied to treat sting caused by Seed oil is used to treat leprosy. poisonous fishes. 27 Jatropha curcas 12 Bruguiera gymnorhiza Leaf infusion is used for diabetes. JAIN & SRIVASTAVA: TRADITIONAL USES AMONG ISLANDERS OF THE INDIAN OCEAN 347

28 Kalanchoe pinnata and are used for dysentery. Aerial parts are Fresh leaf decoction reduces rheumatic pain. digestive. Infusion of leaf (with others) is used 29 Launaea sarmentosa as bath in gout. Root and young buds are used Bath in decoction of whole plant helps is skin for syphilis. Leaf poultice is applied on boils and diseases. wounds. Decoction of the leafy stem is used for 30 Leonotis nepetaefolia cough. Leaves are used as a depurative and febrifuge. 43 Triphasia trifolia Plant regulates periods and is also used in Fresh crushed leaves are applied on dandruff. diarrhoea. An infusion of the stem, leaves and 44 Vangueria madagascariensis flower is used for jaundice. Decoction of the Leaf decoction bath is given for skin diseases leaves is used as anthelmintic. and abscesses. 31 Litsea glutinosa 45 Vitex trifolia An infusion of leaf or poultice is used externally Crushed leaves are applied as a poultice on the as emollient and antispasmodic. A decoction of patient's forehead suffering from fever, the leaves calms nervous attacks. hypertension and rheumatism. Tea made from 32 Lycopodium cernuum the leaves is used as an antidote against toxic Fresh plant infusion is used for intestinal fish. infection. 46 Ziziphus mauritiana 33 Momordica charantia Decoction of seven leaves made in one litre Whole plant decoction is used for orchitis. water is taken in hypertension and as diuretic. 34 Morinda citrifolia Leaves are applied to sprain and swelling. Leaf Aspects of conservation decoction is also used for toxic fish poisoning. The comparative study has brought out some 35 Moringa oleifera aspects of conservation. It is well known that Plant is used for sore throat. Bark or leaf population of plants whose underground parts like decoction has antispasmodic properties. Leaves root and rhizome are extracted for medicinal or other are anthelmintic. purposes get depleted; the regeneration of such 36 Ophioglossum reticulatum species is retarded. Also, trees or shrubs, whose bark A decoction of the whole plant (mixed with is excessively removed, get damaged due to disturbed others plants) is used for childhood eczema. physiological activity or through infestation of insect 37 Pedilanthus tithymaloides or fungal attack. Leaf decoction is used for abdominal disorder. An analysis of data shows that in certain cases, 38 Ravenala madagascariensis plants are used for same purpose in India and islands. Tea made from young leaves is drunk at night In India, the roots are employed, whereas in islands, against diabetes. Seed has been found to have aerial parts are employed. After testing the properties antiseptic properties. if aerial parts can substitute the use of underground 39 Sapindus trifoliatus (S.laurifolius) parts, it will help in better regeneration and Fruits are emetic; roots are useful against conservation of such species. Few such cases are rheumatism. given below (Table 2): 40 Scoparia dulcis Leaf infusion is antidiabetic. The juice extracted Conclusion from the crushed leaves is used to disinfect Comparative studies on plants in tradtitional wounds. medicine can provide useful and interesting 41 Thespesia populnea information for bioprospecting of herbal drugs as well Plant decoction is used for dysentery. The leaves as leads for conservation of certain species. are used to treat haemorrhoids. 42 Trema orientalis Acknowledgement Bark decoction (with other plants) is taken with The authors are grateful to the Indian National honey for sore throat. Bark decoction is also Science Academy, New Delhi, India for financial used against malaria. Root and leaf are diuretic support through an INSA Honorary Scientist Scheme 348 INDIAN J TRADITIONAL KNOWLEDGE, VOL 4, No. 4, OCTOBER 2005

JAIN & SRIVASTAVA: TRADITIONAL USES AMONG ISLANDERS OF THE INDIAN OCEAN 349

350 INDIAN J TRADITIONAL KNOWLEDGE, VOL 4, No. 4, OCTOBER 2005

Table 1⎯Traditional uses of plants by islanders of Indian Ocean

S No Name of Species Family Some Known ethnomedicinal uses In India Among islanders of Indian Ocean

1 Adansonia digitata L. Bombacaceae Nil Fever (fr,bk,wd), diarrhoea (fr), expel intestinal worm(lf), asthma (lf), diuretic (lf), eye (lf), dysentery (fr), hypotensive (lf) 2 Aegle marmelos (L.) Corr. Rutaceae Abscess (lf), breast pain (px), Diarrhoea (fr), dysentery convulsion / cramp (px), diabetes (lf), (fr), asthma (fr), heart cholera (px),diarrhoea (bk), fever (fr,rt), diabetes (bk) (px),dysentery (bk), eye (lf), fever (lf,rt), jaundice (lf), laxative (fr), nausea (px), heart (rt), wound & cuts(lf), vomit (lf), puerperal snakebite (px), 3 Ageratum conyzoides L. Asteraceae Kidney stone (rt), antiseptic (lf), boils Skin (lf,st), wounds (lf), (lf), anthrax (lf), eye (rt), burns (lf), cancer(fl), cuts(lf), eczema (rt), diarrhoea (lf), diarrhoea (sd), amoebic disease (wp), febrifuge (lf), flatulence in colic (sd), dysentery (lf), malaria (wp), hemostat (lf), typhoid (wp) leprosy (lf), muscular pain(lf), piles(lf), prolapsus anus(px), ringworm(lf), scabies(lf), skin (lf), snakebite(lf), sores(fl), swelling on body(px), tumour(px), uterine disease(lf) 4 Albizia lebbeck (L.) Willd. Mimosaceae Boils (fl), carbuncle Sore throat (lf), syphilis (lf), (fl), diarrhoea, dysentery, tumour (lf) gonorrhoea (sd, bk), eye (bk), gum ulcer (rt), night blindness (lf), piles (sd), swelling (fl) 5 Alternanthera sessilis (L.) Amaranthaceae Bone fracture (lf), eye complaints (lf), Diuretic (rt), galactogouge R.Br.ex DC. rheumatism (px), bite of rabid dog, (lf), dermatitis (wp) jackal, diarrhoea, dysentery, malarial fever, night blind, postnatal puerperal fever (px)

6 Annona reticulata L. Annonaceae Dysentery, astringent (bk), boils Scurvy (fr), vomiting (lf), (lf,sd), vermifuge (bk) dysentery (fr,bk), diarrhoea (fr), eye (bk), astringent (fr) 7 Annona squamosa L. Annonaceae Abdominal pain (rt), abrotifacient Diarrhoea (sd), (lf,bk,rt),dysentery (lf,rt) antifertility (thalamus), carbuncle, cold (px), cuts (lf), dandruff (lf), diarrhoea (bk), dysentery (fr),guinea worm (lf+sd), hysteria(lf),insecticidal (sd), lice (lf), melancholia (rt), menstrual complaints (sd), puerperal fever(px), purgative (rt), spinal disease(rt), syphilis, chancre(px),tonic (bk), tumour(fr), ulcers(lf), worms(lf), eczema (lf) Contd. JAIN & SRIVASTAVA: TRADITIONAL USES AMONG ISLANDERS OF THE INDIAN OCEAN 351

Table 1⎯Traditional uses of plants by islanders of Indian Ocean⎯Contd.

S No Name of Species Family Some Known ethnomedicinal uses In India Among islanders of Indian Ocean

8 Areca catechu L. Arecaceae Abortifacient (lf), cholera (px), colic Astringent (lf), anthelmintic (px), (nut), aphrodisiac (sd) dysentery (px), small pox (px), leucorrhoea (lf),liver (rt), venereal diseases(px) 9 Argyreia nervosa (Burm.f.) Convolvulaceae Diabetes (rt), diarrhoea (px), Rheumatism (lf), venous Bojer dysentery (px), gonorrhoea infections (lf), headache (lf (rt),ringworm (rt),sores (px), ) syphilis(px) headache (lf), small pox Abscess (lf), insomnia (lf) (px), stomach (px), 10 Artemisia absinthium L. Asteraceae Dandruff (lf), wounds (lf), vermifuge Anaemia (lf), Intestinal (lf) worms (lf), hepatitis (lf), jaundice (lf), biliary disorder (lf), stimulant (wp), emmenagogue (wp), anthelmintic, fever, pain, colic (wp) 11 Artocarpus heterophyllus Lam. Moraceae Anthelmintic (lf), carbuncle (px), Diarrhoea (wp), asthma (rt), small pox (px), sores (px), sterility diabetes (fr), biliary colic (px), stomach (px), toothache (px), (sd), eye infection (wh) skin (px) 12 Bacopa monnieri (L.) Pennell Scrophulariaceae Abdominal pain (lf), blood purifier Epilepsy (wp), rheumatism (wp), (wp), sore throat, diuretic ( wp), fever(wp), ringworm (wp), liver (wp), nerve tonic (wp) (wp), rheumatism (lf), insanity (wp), stomachache (wp), nervine tonic (wp) 13 Barringtonia asiatica (L.) Barringtoniaceae ---- On sting of poisonous fish Kurz. (lf,bk) 14 Bruguiera gymnorhiza (L.) Rhizophoraceae ---- Haemorrhage (lf,rt), Lam. diabetes (lf,rt), hypertension (rt,lf), poisonous fishbite (lf) 15 Calophyllum inophyllum L. Clusiaceae Gonorrhoea (sd) Ulcer (rt), eye (rt,lf), orchitis (bk), rheumatism (resin), psoriasis, skin, ulcer (wp), neuralgias (px), wound(resin), insect bites (resin) 16 Cananga odorata (Lam.) Annonaceae ---- Itching (lf), scurfing (lf) Hook.f. & Thoms. 17 Cardiospermum halicacabum Sapindaceae Anasarca (lf), dizziness (rt), ear (lf), Cyst, catarrh of bladder L. nerve (px), (st,rt), boil(lf), rheumatism eye (lf,sd,rt), fever(st), (lf), eczema (lf), purities, rheumatism (lf,rt,sd), stiffness, limbs impetigo(lf), dysentery (rt,sd), (wp), laxative (rt), wounds (lf) gonorrhoea (lf,rt), skin (px), anthelmintic (px), emetic (rt), 18 Cassytha filiformis L. Cassythaceae Anasarca (px), dropsy (px) Venereal (wp), gonorrhoea (wp), dandruff (wp), eczema (wp), malnutrition (px), urethritis (wp), liver (wp), infections, dysentery (wp)

Contd. 352 INDIAN J TRADITIONAL KNOWLEDGE, VOL 4, No. 4, OCTOBER 2005

Table 1⎯Traditional uses of plants by islanders of Indian Ocean⎯Contd.

S No Name of Species Family Some Known ethnomedicinal uses In India Among islanders of Indian Ocean

19 Catharanthus roseus (L.) Apocynaceae Diabetes (wp), swelling of body (lf) Fever (lf), diabetes (lf), G.Don menorrhoea (lf), diarrhoea (lf,rt), vermifuge (rt), colic (lf), dysentery (rt) 20 Centella asiatica (L.) Urban Apiaceae Anthelmintic (wp), blood dysentery Wound (lf), skin (lf), (lf), tonic (lf), eczema (lf), conjunctivitis cough (lf), cholera(lf), diarrhoea (lf), (wp), diuretic (rt),dysentery (lf), eye(lf), heart burn (lf,st) eczema(lf), fever(lf), gastric (lf), headache(fr), insanity(ps),leprosy (lf), liver(lf), member (lf), nervine(fr),postnatal tonic (lf), respiratory(fr), urine (wp) skin(fr),sache (lf), syphilis (lf), wounds (lf), tuberculosis (lf), boil (wp), 21 Cissampelos pareira L. Menispermaceae Abscess, antifertility, bodyache, boil Hepatitis (px), stomach (fr), (lf), hypertension (lf,rt), Burn (lf), bronchitis (px), carbuncle abdominal pain(lf), (px), eczema (lf,rt), fever(lf), cataract (rt), colic (rt), cough (rt), cold(lf), purgative(lf) diarrhoea (rt),diuretic (rt), dysentery (rt), epilepsy (px), eye (lf), fever (lf), gastric (rt), headache (rt), heart burn(lf), wound (lf), inflammation (lf), sores (lf), jaundice (lf), itching (lf,fl), leucoderma (rt), leprosy (rt), malaria (rt), small pox (lf), skin (rt,lf), sache (lf),ulcer (rt), urine (rt), venereal complaints (wp), 22 Clausena excavata Burm.f. Rutaceae Fever (rt), malaria (rt), indigestion Hypotensive (lf), sore throat (Syn. See Clausena anisata (rt), muscular pain (lf) (lf), indigestion (lf), boil (lf) (Willd.)Hook.F. ) 23 Cleome viscosa L. Capparidaceae Boil (lf), anthelmintic (sd), boils (sd), Dysentery (lf), headache diarrhoea (sd), earache (lf), ulcer (lf), (lf), astringent (lf), convulsions l(sd), fever (sd),headache rheumatism (lf), (lf), inflammation(l f), interm, skin stomach (rt), sudorific (sd), (sd), wounds(lf) intestinal worm (wp) 24 Dioscorea bulbifera L. Dioscoreaceae Abdominal pain (tu), boil (tu), bone Burn (rt), furuncles (wp) fracture (tu), Dysentery (tu), piles (tu), jaundice (tu) 25 Dodonaea viscosa (L.)Jacq. Sapindaceae Cold (lf), cuts (lf), wounds (lf), Rheumatism (bk), contusion intestinal worms (lf) (bk), ulcer (bk), engorged breasts (px), syphilis (bk), wound (bk), vertigo (lf), gout (wp), throat (lf) 26 Equisetum ramosissimum Desf. Equisetaceae Swelling (wp) Diabetes (wp), diuretic (wp), reduces cholesterol (pwp), baldness (wp), bone fracture (wp), sprain (wp), pneumonia (wp) 27 Erythrina variegata L. Fabaceae Anthelmintic (bk), cold (bk), Cough (fl), astringent (bk), convulsion (px), anthelmintic (bk), sedative cough (lf), eye (bk), menorrhoea (px), (fl,bk), paralysis, pimples (px), rheumatism pulmonary (fl), (bk), skin, snakebite, ulcer (lf) Contd. JAIN & SRIVASTAVA: TRADITIONAL USES AMONG ISLANDERS OF THE INDIAN OCEAN 353

Table 1⎯Traditional uses of plants by islanders of Indian Ocean⎯Contd.

S No Name of Species Family Some Known ethnomedicinal uses In India Among islanders of Indian Ocean

28 Euphorbia hirta L. Euphorbiaceae Snakebite (lf), asthma (wp), mouth Hepatic (lf), diarrhoea (lf), boil (wp), bronchitis (wp), burn (lf), dysentery (lf), rheumatism colic (wp), (lf), asthma (lf), cough (wp), diarrhoea (wp), dysentery fever (wp), bronchitis (wp), (wp), impetigo (wp), flatulence eczema (la), eye (la), kidney (wp), (wp),lactation, postnatal complaints diabetes (wp), hypertension (px), joint pain, wart(la) vomit (wp), (wp) ringworm(lf), rickets(wp), scabies (la), scorpion bite(la), skin, toothache (wp), 29 Euphorbia tirucalli L. Euphorbiaceae Body pain (la), eczema (la), earache Laxative, coughs, pectoral, (la), (rt), venereal (wp), eczema, rheumatism (la), scabies (la), ulcer, skin (sap), wound, toothache (la), warts (la), wounds (la) stomach, abdominal pain, antidote (sh), swelling (lf) 30 Flacourtia indica Flacourtiaceae Snakebite (lf), chest (px), carbuncle Eczema (lf,rt), rheumatism (Burm.f.)Merrill (px), gout (bk), (lf, rt), indigestion (rt), cholera (px), dysentery (bk), eczema diabetes (rt), nephritis (rt- (bk), fever (px), jaundice (fr), liver ash) (fr), rheumatism (bk), skin (rt), sores (px), wounds (px) 31 Flemingia strobilifera R.Br. Fabaceae Analgesic (rt), bodyache (rt), epilepsy Abortifacient (wp), (rt), fever (rt), gastric (rt), insecticide urethritis (rt) (px), hysteria (rt), leucorrhoea (rt), sedative (rt), vermifuge (lf) 32 Garcinia mangostana L. Clusiaceae Diarrhoea (fr), dysentery (fr) Dysentery (fr), purgative (juice from cut-bk)-applied externally, wound (bk), antispasmodic (bk) 33 Guazuma tomentosa Kunth Sterculiaceae NIL Bronchitis (wp), expectorant (wp) 35 Hedychium coronarium Koenig Zingiberaceae NIL Rubefacient (rh), ex Retz. carminative (rh), emmenagogue, diuretic, tachecardia (rh), rheumatism (rh) 36 Holarrhena antidysenterica Apocynaceae Anthelmintic (sd), appetite, snakebite Fever (lf,bk), worm (lf,bk), (Roxb. ex Flem.) Wall.ex (bk), colic (sd), asthma (sd), dysentery (bk), gout A.DC. bronchitis (bk), cold (bk), (lf,bk),astringent constipation (px), cough (bk), diarrhoea (bk), dysentery, digestion (sd), eczema (la), epilepsy (px), fever (bk),gastric (bk), gout (bk), haematic (px), headache (bk), jaundice (sd), labour (px), leucoderma (lf), leprosy (sd), malaria (bk), menorrhoea (bk), spleen (px), menstrual, paralysis (bk), piles(bk), snake bite (bk), rheumatism (bk), skin (la), spermatorrhoea (px), sache, 37 Hydnocarpus pentandra Flacourtiaceae NIL Skin (sd oil), leprosy (sd (Buch.Ham.)Oken oil) 38 Ixora coccinea L. Rubiaceae Dysentery (rt) Diarrhoea (rt), astringent (rt) Contd.

354 INDIAN J TRADITIONAL KNOWLEDGE, VOL 4, No. 4, OCTOBER 2005

Table 1⎯Traditional uses of plants by islanders of Indian Ocean⎯Contd.

S No Name of Species Family Some Known ethnomedicinal uses In India Among islanders of Indian Ocean

39 Jatropha curcas L. Euphorbiaceae Abortifacient (rt), anasarca (px), burn Diabetes (lf), headache (fl), (la), migraines lf), gingivitis (la), cancer (la), carbuncle (px), cramps haemostatic (la), on fracture (px),dropsy (px), congestion(lf), chest (fr), swelling (fr), abscess inflammation (lf), pleurisy (px), (lf), purgative (sd), pneumonia (px), rheumatism (sd), haemorrhoids (sd), sores (st), syphilis (px), tooth troubles, rheumatism (sd), dermatitis haemostatic (st), wound (st), whitlow (sd), herpes, dropsy (sd), (px) galactogogue (lf ), furuncle (lf-poultice), hair loss (lf- poultice), diabetes (lf), eczema (lf), headache (lf), hypertension (lf) 40 Kalanchoe pinnata (Lam.) Pers Crassulaceae Dysent ery (lf), boils (lf), sores (lf), Boil (wp), furuncle (wp), on wounds (lf), swollen feet (lf), on joint gastric (lf), headache (lf), influenza pain (wp), wound (lf), (lf), gastritis, poison of fish (lf), insect bite (lf), kidney (lf) rheumatism (wp) 41 Launaea sarmentosa Asteraceae Gout (wp), rheumatism (lf) skin (wp), fish sting (wp) (Willd.)Schultz Bip.ex O.Kuntze 42 Leonotis nepetaefolia (L.) Lamiaceae Burn (fl), convulsion (px), cuts (fl), Depurative (fl), febrifuge R.Br. ex Aiton diuretic (sd), (lf), menstrual disease (wp), Dropsy (sd), eczema (fl), eye, malaria diarrhoea (wp), (sd), jaundice (lf, fl), ringworm (fl), scald (fl), stomach (fl), carminative (lf), wounds (fl), swelling in breasts (sd) anthelmintic (lf), abdominal (lf), vomit (lf), 43 Litsea glutinosa (Lour.) Lauraceae Bone fracture (st), cold (lf), cough Wound (bk), skin (bk), C.B.Rob. (lf), dysentery (bk), inflammation (st, emoll (lf), antispasm (lf), bk), skin (st, bk), sprains (st, bk) nervous attack (lf), dysentery (st), headache (lf), emmenagogue (lf), sore throat (lf,bk), intestinal parasites (lf), diarrhoea (lf) 44 Ludwigia octovalvis Onagraceae Eczema (wp), skin (wp), fever (px), Nose bleeding (wp), skin ssp. sessiliflora Raven Wound (px) (wp) 45 Lycopodium cernuum L. Lycopodiaceae Rickets of children (wp) Intestinal infect (wp) 46 Melastoma malabathricum L. Melastomataceae Blood dysentery (rt), diarrhoea (lf), Asthma (lf), scurvy (lf), cuts (lf), abortifacient (wp) haemostatic (lf), small pox (lf), wounds (lf) 47 Momordica charantia L. Cucurbitaceae Anthelmintic (lf), bile excess (sd), Diabetes (lf), orchitis (wp), vomit (sd), intestinal colic, tonic, diabetes (fr), eczema (fr), laxative (lf), anthelmintic, purgative, malaria (lf), cholera (wp), cardiac (st) oedema (fr), rheumatism (fr), sores (lf) 48 Pedilanthus tithymaloides Euphorbiaceae Abortif acient (st), snake bite (st), Abdominal disorder (lf) (L.) Poit. headache (lf), rheumatism (st), sprain (la), venereal disease (la) 49 Phyla nodiflora (L.) Greene Verbenaceae Boils (lf), diuretic (lf), fever (wp), Diuretic (lf), venereal menstrual (wp), postnatal fever(wp), disease (lf)

Contd. JAIN & SRIVASTAVA: TRADITIONAL USES AMONG ISLANDERS OF THE INDIAN OCEAN 355

Table 1⎯Traditional uses of plants by islanders of Indian Ocean⎯Contd.

S No Name of Species Family Some Known ethnomedicinal uses In India Among islanders of Indian Ocean

50 Physalis peruviana L. Solanaceae Abdominal disorder in pregnancy (lf), Heart (wp), gout, fever, boils (lf) diuretic, emollient (lf) 51 Quisqualis indica L. Combretaceae Anthelmintic (fr,sd), fever (sd), Eczema (sd), expel diarrhoea (sd), skin, purgative, rickets, intestinal parasites (sd) anthelmintic (sd), 52 Ravenala madagascariensis Musaceae Nil Diabetes (lf), antiseptic (lf), Sonnerat diarrhoea (lf) 53 Sapindus trifoliatus L. Sapindaceae Anthelmintic (fr,rt), intestine Anthelmintic (fr), astringent (Sapindus laurifolius Vahl.) vermic(fr) (lf), emetic (lf), rheumatism (rt), gout (rt) 54 Schinus terebinthifolius Goodeniaceae Stimul ant (bk), tonic (bk), astringent on rheumatism (lf), Raddi (bk), toothache, astringent (bk) rheumatism, gout 55 Scoparia dulcis L. Scrophulariaceae Digestiv e (wp), eye(lf), fever (rt), Disinfecting wound (lf) gonorrhoea (wp), stomachache (lf), ulcer (lf), diabetes (lf), hypoglycemic (wp), gout (wp), childbirth (wp), rheumatism (fl),tonic (lf), ulcer (lf), urine (lf), sex weakness (lf) 56 Scutia myrtina Rhamnaceae Nil Poison by fish (lf), (Burm.f.) Kurz diarrhoea (rt), dysentery (rt), tonic 57 Securinega virosa Euphorbiaceae Bone fracture (lf), constipation (lf), Abdominal pain (bk) (Roxb.ex willd.) Baillon sache (fr), sores (lf) 58 Styrax benzoin Dryand. Styracaceae Cough (resin), indigestion (resin), Fever (lf), cough (lf), diuretic (resin), catarrh (resin) abortifacient (bk,lf) 59 Suriana maritma Linn. Simaroubaceae/ Nil Dysentery (lf), astringent Surianaceae (lf) 60 Syzygium cumini (L.)Skeels Myrtaceae Anaemia (px), astringent (bk), mouth Diabetes (sd), dysentery (lf), (fr,st), diarrhoea (bk) cancer (px), colic etes (px), diabetes (sd), diarrhoea (px), digestion (fr), dysentery (lf), piles (bk), pimples (sd), stomachache(fr), tonic(fr) 61 Thespesia populnea (L.) Malvaceae Constipation (lf), scabies (lf), skin Dysentery (wp), Soland.ex Correa (fr), swell (lf) haemorrhoids (bk), eczema, skin (bk), depurgative (bk) 62 Tinospora cordifolia (Willd.) Menispermaceae Antipyretic (lf), dysentery (rt), Malaria (st), piles (wp), Miers ex Hook.f. & Thoms. aphrodisiac (wp), asthma (st), bone tuberculosis (sd), skin (st), fracture (wp), cough (st), jaundice (st), malaria (wp), venereal (wp), debility (st), diarrhoea (rt), fever (wp), sex strength (st), infection diphtheria (st), headache (lf), (wp) 63 Toddalia asiatica (L.) Lam. Rutaceae Bodyache (lf), bowel (lf), Diuretic (lf), kidney stone Stomachache (stbk), toothache (fr) (lf) 64 Trema orientalis (L.) Blume Ulmaceae Pain in limbs (bk) Sore throat (bk), malaria (bk), diuretic (lf), dysentery (lf), digestive, gout (lf), syphilis (rt), boil, wounds (lf), cough (lf) 65 Triphasia trifolia Rutaceae Cough (fr) Dandruff (lf) (Burm.f.) P.Wills.

Contd. 356 INDIAN J TRADITIONAL KNOWLEDGE, VOL 4, No. 4, OCTOBER 2005

Table 1⎯Traditional uses of plants by islanders of Indian Ocean⎯Contd.

S No Name of Species Family Some Known ethnomedicinal uses In India Among islanders of Indian Ocean

66 Vangueria madagascariensis Nil Skin, abscesses Rubiaceae J. F. Gmelin 67 Vitex trifolia L. Verbenaceae Asthma (lf), catarrh (lf), headache (lf), Fever (lf), hypertension, sprain on pain (lf) rheumatism (lf), on sprain, stomachache, poison by fish (lf) 68 Withania somnifera (L.) Dun. Solanaceae Asthma (rt), boil (lf), bronchitis (rt), Rheumatism (rt), tonic boils (lf), (wp), aphrodisiac, skin, chest complaints (sd), cough (rt), asthma, anthrax (fresh juice dropsy (rt), of wp), wound, contusions dyspepsia (rt), epilepsy (rt), eye compl (lf), insanity (rt), lumbago (px), rheumatism (rt), skin (lf), swell on hands (lf), wounds (rt) 69 Ziziphus mauritiana Lam. Rhamnaceae Blood purifier (fr), cholera (px), colic Cough (lf), asthma (lf), (px), diarrhoea (bk), diuretic (lf), diarrhoea (stbk), digestion (fr), hypertension (lf) dysentery (px), eye conjunctivitis (lf), fall of hair (lf), fever (lf), oedema (px), headache (px), rheumatism (lf), scorpion sting (lf), sores (px), spleen (px), stomachache (fr), ulcers (rt),wounds(rt), whoop cough (lf)

Abbreviations used: bb: bulb, k: kernel, sd: seed, bk: bark, la: latex, sh: shoot, fl: flower, lf: leaf, st: stem, fr: fruit, px: part not specified, tu: tuber, hw: heartwood, rh: rhizome, tw: twig, infl: inflorescence, rt: root wd: wood, wp: whole plant

Table 2⎯Plants use in India and in Indian Ocean islands

Plant species Diseases and ailments Part used in India Indian Ocean Island

Aegle marmelos Dysentery Bark Fruit Annona reticulata Heart diseases Root Fruit, Root Cardiospermum halicacabum Rheumatism Root, leaf, seed Leaf Cathranthus roseus Diabetes Whole plant Leaf Euphorbia hirta Asthma, Dysentery Whole plant Leaf to senior author, and to authors of the book on Kumar, and Vivek Kumar of Lucknow for allowing medicinal and aromatic plants of Indian Ocean islands use of their several colour photographs. for using their work as source of some data. Authors are thankful to Dr Arvind Saklani (NIPER, References 1 Jain, S K and Saklani A, Cross-cultural ethnobotanical Chandigarh) and Dr Vivek Kumar (NBRI, Lucknow) studies in North East India, Ethnobotany, 4 (1992) 25-38. for useful suggestions. Authors are grateful to Dr R K 2 Saklani A and Jain S K, Cross-cultural Ethnobotany of North Chakraverty of Kolkata, and Drs A K Goel, Kausla East India, (Deep Publications, New Delhi), 1994, 1-453. JAIN & SRIVASTAVA: TRADITIONAL USES AMONG ISLANDERS OF THE INDIAN OCEAN 357

3 Jain S K, Fernandes V F, Sneh Lata and Ayub A, Indo- 6 Jain S K, Dictionary of Indian Folk Medicine and Amazonian ethnobotanic connection-Similar uses of some Ethnobotany, (Deep Publications, New Delhi), 1991, 1-307. common plants. Ethnobotany, 7 (1995), 29-37. 4 Jain S K, Notable foreign medicinal uses for some plants of 7 Ambasta S P (ed), The Useful Plants of India (Council Indian tradition, Indian J Traditional Knowledge, 2 (2003), Scientific Industrial Research, New Delhi), 1986, 1-918. 321-332. 5 Jain S K, Credibility of traditional knowledge- The criterion 8 Gurib-Fakim A and Brendler T, Medicinal and Aromatic of multilocational and multiethnic use, Indian J Traditional Plants of Indian Ocean Islands, (Medpharm Science Knowledge, 3 (2004), 137-153. Publishers, Stuttgart, Germany), 2004, 1-576.