International Journal of Research in Pharmacy and Biosciences Volume 2, Issue 5,June 2015, PP 19-26 ISSN 2394-5885 (Print) & ISSN 2394-5893 (Online)

Ethno-Botanical Survey of Anti-Diabetic Medicinal Plants Used by the Santal Tribe of ,

A.H.M. Mahbubur Rahman Plant Taxonomy Laboratory, Department of Botany, University of , Rajshahi-6205, Bangladesh

ABSTRACT Traditionally used medicinal plants have been a source of relief in controlling different types of diseases throughout the globe. People living in rural areas of developing countries including Bangladesh rely mainly indigenous medicinal practice to get rid of various diseases. A total of 33 medicinal plants belonging to 28 families and 33 genera were recorded. In the present study was conducted an ethno-botanical survey to collect information about the use of traditional medicinal plants for diabetes treatment by the Santal tribe of Joypurhat District, Bangladesh. This study further strengthened the relationship between indigenous knowledge, ethno- medicinal practices and pharmacology. Therefore, it is suggestive that the survey report on anti-diabetic medicinal plants could be helpful and useful in finding newer anti-diabetic drugs. Keywords: Anti-diabetic Medicinal Plants, Indigenous Uses, Santals, Joypurhat, Bangladesh

INTRODUCTION Interests in ethno-botanical explorations have been increased in recently at the national and international level. A perusal of the literature reveals that there is still a huge gap in knowledge of ethno-medicine and its scientific validation in this part of the world. Traditional use of plants and plant-parts has been a deep rooted practical knowledge in the culture and livelihood of the people living in the remote parts of the world and has been using different medicinal plants in their daily healthcare practices. According to the World Health Organization (WHO) about 65-80% of the world’s population in developing countries depends essentially on plants and plant derived compounds for their primary health care [57]. Diabetes mellitus is one of the most common metabolic disorders that arises from malfunctioning of body’s mechanism to produce a hormone “insulin,” a reduction of the response of peripheral organs to the same hormone, or both [14], [67] and has a significant impact on the health, quality of life, and life expectancy of patients as well as on the health care system [10]. According to WHO report, globally, approximately 347 million people or 5-8% of the global population is estimated to be affected by this disease [12]. Diabetes now is becoming the third “killer” of mankind along with cancer, cardiovascular and cerebrovascular disease [15]. It has also been predicted that by the year 2025, more than 75% of people with diabetes will reside in developing countries, as compared with 62% in 1995 [20]. A good number of synthetic commercial anti-diabetic drugs/agents like sulfonylureas, biguanides, glucosidase inhibitors and thiazolindiones are well known today which are not only expensive but also produces serious side effects [66]. Therefore, there has been a growing interest in the ethno-botanical approach to examine the anti-diabetic properties of plants traditionally used by the ethnic groups in different parts of the world. A large number of plants and plant-parts have been investigated for their beneficial role and anti-diabetic properties [21], [68]. In view of its medical importance, the present study was focused to know the traditional medicinal plants wealth that is being used by the tribal people of the study area against diabetes. Over the past two decades several medicinal and ethno-botanical studies in Bangladesh have been carried out [1], [5], [6], [8], [11], [13], [16], [22-56], [59-65], [70-71]. The article focused on the traditional medicinal practices used for the treatment of diabetes in Joypurhat district of Bangladesh.

*Address for correspondence [email protected] International Journal of Research in Pharmacy and Biosciences V2 ● I5 ● June 2015 19 A.H.M. Mahbubur Rahman “Ethno-Botanical Survey of Anti-Diabetic Medicinal Plants Used by the Santal Tribe of Joypurhat District, Bangladesh” METHODOLOGY Study Area Akkelpur is an Upazilla of Joypurhat District in the Division of Rajshahi, Bangladesh. Akkelpur is located at 24°58′30″N 89°01′15″E 24.9750°N 89.0208°E with a total area of 139.47 km². It is the smallest in Joypurhat Zila. As of the 1991 Bangladesh census, Akkelpur has a population of 126,046, with it has 24,475 units of household as of the 1991 Census. Males constitute 52.9% of the population, and females 47.1%. This Upazila's eighteen up population is 68033. Akkelpur has an average literacy rate of 34% (7+ years), and the national average of 32.4% literate. The annual rainfall is 1350mm. Temperature of the area is low in January varies from 9.0 C to 14.1 C. From February an increasing trend of temperature is found up to April and thereafter temperature start to decline. In April temperature varies from 22.6 C to 36.9 C. The mean relative humidity is found to be low in March (65%) and high in July-September (88-89%) [9]. Ethno-Botanical Survey In the present survey, a total of 33 plant species belonging to 33 genera and 28 families were recorded during the year July 2013 to June 2014. A total of ten field trips were made for documentation. During the field interview, the information was noted in the documentation data sheet. All the information regarding plant species, biological forms, habitat, local names and uses was documented. Medicinal information was obtained through informal interviews following semi-structured from knowledgeable person’s particularly local Kabiraj/Herbalists, Ojha and elderly people. Plant specimens were collected with flowers and fruits and processed using standard herbarium techniques [7]. The specimens were identified consulting with the experts, by comparing herbarium specimens and available literatures [3], [17] and [22]. The voucher specimens were deposited in the Herbarium of Rajshahi University (RUH) for future reference. RESULTS AND DISCUSSION A total of 33 medicinal plants species belonging to 33 genera and 28 families were found to be used by the local people of the area surveyed under study for treatment of diabetes.It was observed that the plant parts used for the treatment included leaves, stems, roots, barks, fruits and seeds as well as whole plants. Almost all the plant/plant extracts were found to be prepared in aqueous solution and were consumed during the early hours of the day in empty stomach. In the present survey, a total of 33 plant species belonging to 33 genera and 28 families were recorded (Table 1). Out of these plants species, 15 (45.45%) belonged to herbs, 9 (27.27%) trees, 3 (9.09%) shrubs, and 6 (18.18%) climbers (Fig. 1). For each species scientific name, local name, family, habit, mode of uses and part(s) used are provided. The most frequently used species for the treatment of diabetes are Ageratum conyzoides L., Andrographis paniculata (Burm.f.) Wall., Annona squamosa L., Argemone Mexicana L., Azadirachta indica A. Juss.,Centella asiatica (L.) Urban.,Coccinia cordifolia (L.) Cogn., Ficus racemosa L., Momordica charantia L., Moringa oleifera L., Syzygium cumuni (L.) Skeels., Tinospora cordifolia (Willd.) Milers. and Xanthium indicum This finding of common medicinal plants in the study is in agreement with [2], [4], [17] and [69]. Distribution of medicinal plant species in the families shows variation (Table 1). Each of Fabaceae and Cucurbitaceae is represented by 3 species. A single species in each was recorded by 29 families while two species in each was recorded by 2 families. The survey indicated that the common medicinal plant families in the study area are Acanthaceae, Amaranthaceae, Apocynaceae, Annonaceae, Apiaceae, Asteraceae, Bombacaceae, Cucurbitaceae, Fabaceae, Lamiaceae, Liliaceae, Meliaceae, Moraceae, Moringaceae, Musaceae, Myrtaceae, Rutaceae and Zingiberaceae. This finding of common medicinal plant families in the study is in agreement with [2], [4], [17] and [69]. Table1. List of medicinal plants and their use in diabetes of Santals in Joypurhat, Bangladesh S/N Scientific Nane Local Name Family Traditional Formulation 1 Ageratum Ochunti Asteraceae A cup of maceration whole plant is taken twice conyzoides L. daily to treat diabetes. 2 Andrographis Kalomegh Acanthaceae Whole plant extract is used for diabetic cure. The paniculata crude extract is taken at a dose of 1 tea spoonful in (Burm.f.) Wall. empty stomach in the morning hours before meal.

20 International Journal of Research in Pharmacy and Biosciences V2 ● I5 ● June 2015 A.H.M. Mahbubur Rahman “Ethno-Botanical Survey of Anti-Diabetic Medicinal Plants Used by the Santal Tribe of Joypurhat District, Bangladesh” 3 Annona Ata Annonaceae Raw bark/or and leaf were grinded and the extracts squamosa L. were obtained by squishing. The extract is then filtered and used 2 to 3 tea spoon full of extract every morning. 4 Azadirachta Neem Meliaceae Raw leaf extracts mixed with little water is taken indica A. Juss. at a dose of 2-3 tea spoons daily in empty stomach. 5 Argemone Sialkata Papaveraceae Curry made from of stem is used in diabetes. mexicana L. 6 Asparagus Stamuli Liliaceae Juice made from the tuberous root is used in racemosus L. diabetes. 7 Bombax ceiba Simul Bombacaceae Juice made from immature roots is used in L. diabetes. 8 Brassica Badhakopi Brassicaceae Squeeze and drink Brassica oleracea leaves to oleracea L. treat diabetes. 9 Cajanus cajan Arhar Fabaceae Juice made from immature roots is used in (L.) Millsp. diabetes. 10 Catharanthus Nayantara Apocynaceae Fresh leaf extracts or fresh leaf may be chewed in roseus (L.) G. empty stomach. Don. 11 Centella Thankuni Apiaceae Fresh leaf extracts 2-3 tea spoon in empty stomach asiatica (L.) nearly 21 days in the early diabetic conditions. Urban. 12 Citrullus Tormuj Cucurbitacea The bark of the red ripens fruit is dried and lanatus (L.) e powdered. Powder being taken 5-10 gm with water in empty stomach. 13 Coccinia Telakucha Cucurbitacea Vegetable made from young leaves are used in cordifolia (L.) e diabetes. Cogn. 14 Curcuma Holud Zingiberaceae About 8 gm of raw turmeric were grinded, mixed longa L. with water and ½ tea spoon of honey and taken for 1 month after meal. 15 Erythrina Madar Fabaceae Fresh roots were grounded for obtaining juice. 25 variegata L. ml juice was taken for 1 week without water. 16 Ficus Jogadumur Moraceae Ripe fruits are eaten as remedy for diabetes. It is racemosa L. used as a supportive medicine for the diabetes treatment. 17 Ichnocarpus Loilata Apocynaceae Powdered root is used in diabetes. frutescens (L.) R.Br. 18 Kalanchoe Patharkuchi Crassulaceae I gm of raw leaves grinded with 100 ml of water. pinnata (Lam.) Leaf extract, 2-3 tea spoon early in the morning. Pers. 19 Leucas aspera Setodron Lamiaceae The plant is believed to be a liver corrective herb. L. It is used as a potherb during diabetic treatment. 20 Momordica Korolla Cucurbitacea Fresh extracts of fruit juice one ounce to be taken charantia L. e empty stomach in the morning. A cup of decoction of whole plant taken orally twice daily to treat diabetes. 21 Moringa Sajna Moringaceae Soak leaves in boiled water for few minutes and oleifera L. drink the water regularly/repeatedly for some weeks to treat diabetes. 22 Murraya Curry Leaf Rutaceae Leaf extract, 2-3 tea spoon early in the morning. Koiningii (L.) Spreng 23 Musa Kachakola Musaceae Cook and eat mature and unripe fruit or make flour sapientum L. out of it and eat to treat diabetes. 24 Phyllanthus Amloki Phyllanthacea About 10 numbers of fruits were grounded and emblica L. e juice were mixed with honey and taken every day. 25 Spinacea Palongshak Amaranthace About 200 gm of whole plant mixed with a most oleracea L. ae equal amount of fresh carrot and grounded to obtain juice which is taken every day in empty

International Journal of Research in Pharmacy and Biosciences V2 ● I5 ● June 2015 21 A.H.M. Mahbubur Rahman “Ethno-Botanical Survey of Anti-Diabetic Medicinal Plants Used by the Santal Tribe of Joypurhat District, Bangladesh” stomach. 26 Solanum Katabegu Solanaceae The juice extract of the fresh fruits (1-3) is taken xanthocarpum as a remedy to the high blood glucose in the body. L. 27 Syzygium Kalojam Myrtaceae Seed power about 1 teaspoonful is taken with cumuni (L.) water in the morning in empty stomach and also in Skeels. the evening before meals. 29 Scoparia Bondhanay Scrophulariac Fresh leaves 5-6 in number are eaten or chewed dulcis L. eae for three times a day before meals. 30 Triticum Gom Poaceae Cook and eat prepared Triticum aestivum flour to aestivum L. treat diabetes. 31 Tinospora Gulancha Menispermac Leaf stalk powder mixed with neem paste is used cordifolia eae in diabetes. (Willd.) Milers. 32 Vigna mango Mug Fabaceae About 50 gm of raw seeds grounded and soaked in L. 1 cup of milk overnight and taken for 20 days. 33 Xanthium Ghagra Asteraceae Vegetable made from young leaves are used in indicum diabetes. Koenig in Roxb.

No. of species

27.27% 45.45% Herbs Shrubs 18.18% Climbers 9.09% Trees

Figure1. Analysis of the data based on habit showed that leading medicinal plants species. CONCLUSION The present study reveals that traditional ethno-botany practices still play a very important role in Joyppurhat, Bangladesh. Ethno-botany practices not only play an important role of primary health care but also play a vital role of conservation of phytodiversity and cultural diversity. Based on the observations, it is expected that the results of this study will lead to phytochemical and pharmacological investigations. The result could also serve as a base to develop phytomedicine in combating diseases. ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS The author is grateful to the Ministry of Science and Technology, Government of the People’s Republic of Bangladesh for financial support to complete this research work. Thanks are also due to the Santal community at Abdullahpur Village under of Joypurhat District, Bangladesh for their co-operation and help during the ethno-botanical studies. REFERENCES

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24 International Journal of Research in Pharmacy and Biosciences V2 ● I5 ● June 2015 A.H.M. Mahbubur Rahman “Ethno-Botanical Survey of Anti-Diabetic Medicinal Plants Used by the Santal Tribe of Joypurhat District, Bangladesh” [45] Rahman AHMM. Ethno-botanical Survey of Traditional Medicine Practice for the Treatment of Cough, Diabetes, Diarrhea, Dysentery and Fever of Santals at Abdullahpur Village under Akkelpur Upazilla of Joypurhat District, Bangladesh. Biomedicine and Biotechnology 2013; 1(2): 27-30 [46] Rahman AHMM. Ethno-gynecological study of traditional medicinal plants used by Santals of Joypurhat district,Bangladesh. Biomedicine and Biotechnology 2014; 2(1): 10-13 [47] Rahman AHMM. Ethno-medicinal investigation on ethnic community in the northern region of Bangladesh. American Journal of Life Sciences 2013; 1(2): 77-81 [48] Rahman AHMM. Ethno-medicinal Practices for the Treatment of Asthma, Diuretic, Jaundice, Piles, Rheumatism and Vomiting at the Village Abdullahpur under Akkelpur Upazilla of Joypurhat District, Bangladesh. International Journal of Engineering and Applied Sciences 2014; 1(2): 4-8 [49] Rahman AHMM.Ethno-medico-botanical investigation on cucurbits of the , Bangladesh. Journal of Medicinal Plants Studies 2013; 1(3): 118-125 [50] Rahman AHMM. Graveyards angiosperm diversity of Rajshahi city, Bangladesh with emphasis on medicinal plants.American Journal of Life Sciences 2013; 1(3): 98-104 [51] Rahman AHMM. Medico-botanical study of commonly used angiosperm weeds of Rajshahi, Bangladesh. Wudpecker Journal of Medicinal Plants 2014; 2(3): 044-052 [52] Rahman AHMM. Medico-botanical study of the plants found in the of Bangladesh. Prudence Journal of Medicinal Plants Research 2013; 1(1): 1-8 [53] Rahman AHMM. Medico-Ethnobotany: A study on the tribal people of Rajshahi Division, Bangladesh. Peak Journal of Medicinal Plants Research 2013; 1(1): 1-8 [54] Rahman AHMM. Traditional Medicinal Plants in the treatment of Important Human Diseases of Joypurhat District, Bangladesh. Journal of Biological Pharmaceutical and Chemical Research 2015; 2(1): 21-29 [55] Rahman AHMM. Traditional Medicinal Plants Used in the Treatment of different Skin diseases of Santals at Abdullapur Village under Akkelpur Upazilla of Joypurhat district, Bangladesh. Biomedicine and Biotechnology 2013; 1(2): 17-20 [56] Rahman, AHMM. Ethno-medicinal Survey of Angiosperm Plants Used by Santal Tribe of Joypurhat District, Bangladesh. International Journal of Advanced Research 2015; 3(5): 978-989 [57] Sharma KA, Kumar R, Misra A, Gupta R. Problem associated with clinical trials of Ayurvedic medicines.Rev Bras Farmacogn Braz J Pharmacogn 2010; 20: 276-281 [58] Swargiary A, Boro H, Brahma BK, Rahman S. Ethnobotanical Study of Anti-diabetic Medicinal Plants used by the local people of Kokrajhar District of Bodoland Territorial Council, India, Journal of Medicinal Plants Studies 2013; 1(5): 51-58 [59] Tripura SL. Nature and Culture of the Chittagong Hill Tracts. Tribal Culture Institute. .1994; 1-192 [60] Uddin K, Rahman AHMM, Islam AKMR.Taxonomy and Traditional Medicine Practices of Polygonaceae (Smartweed) Family at Rajshahi, Bangladesh. International Journal of Advanced Research 2014; 2(11): 459-469 [61] Uddin M, Roy S, Hassan MA, Rahman MM. Medicobotanical report on the Chakma people of Bangladesh. Bangladesh Journal of Plant Taxonomy 2008; 15(1): 67-72 [62] Uddin MZ, Hassan MA, Rahman M, Arefin K. Ethno-medico-botanical study in Lawachara National Park. Bangladesh. Bangladesh Journal of Botany 2012; 41(1): 97-104 [63] Uddin MZ, Hassan MA, Sultana M. Ethnobotanical survey of medicinal plants in Phulbari Upazilla of Dinajpur District. Bangladesh Journal of Plant Taxonomy 2006; 12(1): 63-68 [64] Uddin MZ, Khan MS, Hassan MA. Ethno medical plants records of Kalenga forest range (), Bangladesh for malaria, jaundice, diarrhea and dysentery. Bangladesh Journal of Plant Taxonomy 2001; 8(1): 101-104 [65] Uddin SN, Uddin MZ, Hassan MA, Rahman MM. Preliminary ethno-medicinal plant survey in Khagrachari district, Bangladesh. Bangladesh Journal of Plant Taxonomy 2004; 11(2): 39-48 [66] Venkatesh S, Reddy GD, Reddy BM, Ramesh M, Rao AVN. Antihyperglycemic activity of Caramulla attenuate, Fitoterapia 2003; 74: 274-279

International Journal of Research in Pharmacy and Biosciences V2 ● I5 ● June 2015 25 A.H.M. Mahbubur Rahman “Ethno-Botanical Survey of Anti-Diabetic Medicinal Plants Used by the Santal Tribe of Joypurhat District, Bangladesh” [67] World Health Organization, Geneva, Switzerland 1999 [68] Yeo J, Kang YM, Cho SI, Jung MH. Effects of a multi-herbal extract on type 2 diabetes. Chinese Medicine 2001; 6: 1-10 [69] Yusuf M, Begum J, Hoque MN, Choudhury JU.Medicinal plants of Bangladesh-Revised and Enlarged. Bangladesh Coun. Sci. Ind. Res. Lab. Chittagong, Bangladesh 2009 [70] Yusuf M, Choudhury JU, Wahab MA, Begum J. Medicinal Plants of Bangladesh. Bangladesh Council of Scientific and Industrial Research.Dhaka, Bangladesh, 1994; 1-340. [71] Yusuf M, Wahab MA, Choudhury JU, Begum J. Ethno-medico-botanical knowledge from Kaukhali proper and Betunia of Rangamati district. Bangladesh Journal of Plant Taxonomy 2006; 13(1): 55-61 AUTHOR’S BIOGRAPHY Dr. A. H. M. Mahbubur Rahman was born in Adamdighi of , Bangladesh on 31st August, 1975. He passed S.S.C. examination from Adamdighi I.P.J. High School, Bogra in 1990 and H.SC. examination from New Govt. Degree College, Rajshahi in 1992.Dr. Rahman as a research scholar and as a teacher of very high standard. Dr. Rahman was a student of Department of Botany, Rajshahi University in B.Sc. Honours and M.Sc. classes. He was all along a good student and obtained well deserved first class second position in B.Sc. Honours and first class first position in M.Sc. examinations 1995 (held in 1997) and 1996 (held in1999), respectively. Due to his brilliant success, He achieved Shahid Habibur Rahman Hall Gold Medal and University Award (the highest award of Rajshahi University). After passing M.Sc. in 1999 he joined as a research fellow in this department and started research work on Plant Taxonomy under the supervision of Professor Dr.A.K.M. Rafiul Islam and submitted a thesis for M. Phil. Degree in 2003 and obtained the degree in 2004. Dr. Rahman completed his Ph.D.degree from Rajshahi University, Rajshahi in 2009 in the field of Plant Taxonomy. He joined as a Lecturer in the Department of Botany, in 25-09-2004 and he promoted to Assistant Professor in 26-09-2005. At present he is an Associate Professor in this department. His research experience is 17 years and teaching experience is 11 years.He has guided 1Ph.D,42 B.Sc. (Honours) and 15 M.S. research fellows. He is an Editorial Board Member of 21 International Journals. He has published 57 research articles in different national and international referred journals and published 6 online books from Lambert Academic Publishing (LAP), Germany. His specialization is Plant Taxonomy, Ethno-botany, Biosystematics and Molecular Plant Systamatics.

26 International Journal of Research in Pharmacy and Biosciences V2 ● I5 ● June 2015