International Journal of Scientific Research and Review ISSN NO: 2279-543X

THERAPEUTIC USE OF ETHNO- ZOOLOGY IN THE WELL- BEING OF HUMAN: A REVIEW

Sushmita Shrivastava* and Rajesh Singh Tomar

Amity Institute of Biorechnology, Amity University Madhya Pradesh

*[email protected]

Abstract:

Plants and animals are the basic biotic components of nature. Both are important and keep equal balance in the environment. Well being of all the components is must for the sustainability of nature and medicines play crucial role in the treatment of various diseases and make them compatible with environment. Plants from the long time had been widely utilized by the people for medicines. Like them, animals also keep unique place in the therapeutic world. They had been used by our tribal and aboriginals not only as food but also for medicinal purposes to treat several ailments and disorders. This knowledge regarding use of animals for curative purposes had been found to limited among few individuals of , which needs to scattered and flourished. Documentation and systematization of such information is must for its survival and future existence. is a branch of which deals with relationship among animals and humans. The present review is an effort to provide knowledge about traditional use of animals in the form of curatives for the benefit of mankind.

Keywords: Animals, ethnozoology, therapeutic, traditional, mankind.

Introduction:

Ethnobiology is the science of relationship among plants, animals and human beings. It is an ancient branch deals with traditional knowledge. and Ethnozoology are the sub branches of ethnobiology, which particularly deals with people’s belief, faith and knowledge. Ethnozoology is mainly related to interrelationship among animals and human beings. It involves people’s believes, faith, emotions and interactions with animals and their environment. It can be further categorized on the basis of type of fauna into , ethnoentemology, , , , etc. It is a traditional knowledge used by aboriginals and villagers for their livelihood. This knowledge is very meagre and transferred generation to generation only by means of mouth.

The relationship of animals with humans had a long history, which had been depicted by several paintings and sculptures of past. Initially the early man was hunter, used to kill animals for his food requirements. Further, he had started domestication of animals for fulfilment of his needs. From that prehistoric time to till now, man is continuously in association with animals. Although this relationship has both negative and positive perspectives according to mental status of person. Some people had misused their

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relationship with animals by killing them for leather, ivory, horns or by sacrificing them in wars, loading, etc. While others believe in their care, affection and conservation.

The knowledge regarding use of animals as medicines has been evolved through people’s keen observation and experience. Now a days such traditional aspects has been diminishing due to loss of biodiversity, deforestation, loss of habitat, expansion of modern drugs and lack of sufficient knowledge.

Methodology:

In most of the studies semi- structured questionnaire and open interview procedures had been adopted by the researchers to excavate out the knowledge regarding use of animals as traditional medicines. Mammals, aves, reptiles amphibians and pisces are found to be the maximally usd classes of animals for medicines.

Ethnozootherapeutic aspects:

Ethnozoology is basically the study of nature and society. It involves traditional use of animals for the welfare of society. The present article is an effort to elaborate use of animals and their parts as medicines for the treatment of various diseases of human beings. The noteworthy contributions done by various workers in different regions of world are as under:

An ethnozoological study had been done in Massif du Chaillu, Gabon by interviewing people regarding use of serpants. It had been reported that Grayia ornata, locally called dibomina in Gabon was widely used for various purposes by the local people of area. It was found to be used as food, fishing bait and in the form of medicines for pregnant women, etc. [1]

The distribution and ethnozoological aspects of frogs and toads had been surveyed out in the Gangan, north- eastern Arnhem land of Northern Australia. The area comprised 7 species of frog and 1 species of toad. Frogs were represented as the part of their civilization. Croaking sound symbolized as source of water, wet land, flora and fauna for their inhabitants. Cane toad imposed adverse effects for the availability of other amphibians in the area. [2]

A survey had been carried out regarding zootherapeutic uses of wild vertebrates in Southwestern Nigeria for the treatment of skin problems, leprosy, epilepsy, rheumatism, wounds, infertility etc. [3]

Three- cusped Pangolin found to play important role in Lama Forest Reserve, Benin for food and medicinal purposes. Pangolins of the area were found to be sensitive to the forest and considered as endangered species. They kept utmost importance for the inhabitant of area around Lama forest. [4]

A remarkable work was done in the Panch Pargana area of Jharkhand, which revealed that insects of the area were utilized for food and medicinal purposes. Insects like Mylabris used for hydrophobia, Danais larvae used in epilepsy, Sceliphron used in migraine, Termes used for anaemic condition in children, etc. [5]

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A study done among Galo tribes of Arunachal Pradesh revealed that about 12 species of edible insects belonging to Hymenoptera and Hemiptera order, even some unidentified species were utilized in raw form as nutrient supplement for fat and protein. [6]

An ethnozoological study had been done among Garasiya tribal group of Mount Abu wildlife sanctuary, Rajasthan and about 24 animal species had been reported to be used in various medicinal purposes like tuberculosis, asthma, cough, paralysis etc. The animals were mostly mammals, followed by birds, reptiles, amphibians, etc. Elephus, Semnopithecus, Cervus and Sus were also found to be important source of medicines. [7]

Brazil had been reported as land of great faunal diversity, so an ethnozoological studied had been carried out in Brazil and found out the ethnozoology achieved significant advancement in the area but still it required proper quantitative and qualitative approach by more dynamic methodologies and research works. [8]

About 31- animal based remedies had been found out among two neighbouring communities of Serbians and Albanians, living in the Pester plateau while conducting an ethnobiological study. It had been found out that various animal belongings like bee wax, urine, cattle fat, milk, saliva could be utilized in the treatment of earache, wounds, antihelmintic medicines etc. [9]

There was found to have rich faunal diversity in Mexico. In an ethnozoological survey, it had been reported that approximately 163 animal species from 4 different taxonomic categories were utilized in the treatment of several diseases in human beings. These include majorly birds, fishes, insects, mammals and reptiles. The most used species was Mephitis, followed by Crotalus, Dasupus and Didelphis. [10]

Kore people of Southern Ethiopia were reported to use 21 animal species for the preparation of remedies against various ailments like stomach pain, wound and rheumatism. The major animals were mammals, followed by reptiles and birds. Most animal part used include flesh, fat, bone and blood which could be administered either orally or through skin or by ear and nasal canal. [11]

Ethnozoological information related to amphibians were found out among Bodo tribes of Assam. They used frogs for food and medicinal purposes. Flesh of Hoplobatracus used in stomach problems and blood pressure, skin of Duttaphrynus toad was found to possess antimicrobial properties, thus used as medicine for skin problems by tribes. [12]

Pangolins were also utilized for various purposes in extended areas of Botswana. Various parts of pangolins were used in the treatment of cracked heels, epilepsy, hypertension and psoriasis. [13]

It had been reported among the tribal of Tripura region animal parts like blood, excreta, meat could be used for the treatment of 23 health problems like asthma, fever, arthritis etc. The animals include both invertebrates and vertebrates. Their system of medicine used by tribal was multidimensional; they even used their senses for diagnosis. [14]

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Medicinal uses of animals were also studied among Mestizo communities near San Guillermo Biosphere reserve. Fat of bird Rhea pinnata was the most widely used part, followed by Bezoar stone and leg of Lama gaunicoe. Animal fauna were used for the treatment of respiratory and nervous disorders. [15]

Tanzania was also reported as land of several tribal communities which rely on local communities for their survival. A study was done among Sukuma tribe of Busega district and 42 animal species specifically mammals, birds, reptiles, molluscs were reported to be used for various ailments like STD, paralysis, prevent bleeding, reproductive disorders, cough, etc. [16]

It had been reported that invertebrate animals like arthropods were also extensively used by the tribal people and rural people of Chhindwara district for the cure of diseases like eye defects, children sickness, mental illness, bed wetting, wounds, asthma, etc. Various animals of different classes and orders of Arthropods had found to imposed significant therapeutic impact. [17]

A survey regarding remedial uses of animals and their products was carried out among indigenous inhabitants in the adjoining areas of Pobitora wildlife sanctuary, Assam which revealed the use of about 26 animals and their products in the treatment of asthma, jaundice, chicken pox and anaemia. Most of the animals were mammals including porcupine, jackal, rhino etc. [18]

Birhor tribes of West Bengal had been found to use several domestic and wild animals for the treatment of several ailments. Embryos of deer were used as medicine for convulsions, Fowl liver oil used as medicine for skin eruption, Mangoose tooth used for snake bite treatment, frog flesh used to overcome impotency etc. even skin of some animals were also used for making musical instruments. [19]

An ethnozoological survey had been carried out in Chhindwara district of Madhya Pradesh and revealed some important use of animals as medicines. It had been found that Pavo feather ash and lac of Laccifer could be used in diarrhoea, Pteropus ash could be used for asthma, even stool of Canis could be used in poisoning. [20]

Ethnobiological studies on animal based medicines had been carried out indigenous inhabitants of Gibbon wildlife sanctuary, Assam. About 44 genera and 36 families had been reported to be used for the treatment of 40 various diseases asthma, pneumonia, cancer, snake bite etc. Insects were maximally used, followed by mammals, fishes, reptiles, amphibians, etc. Most of the treatment procedures used whole animals as compared to animal parts. [21]

An ethnozoological survey had been carried out in Bayelsa state, Nigeria and found out that 43 species of phylum chordate, mollusc and arthropod had been utilized as medicines for the treatment of pain, inflammation, arthritis, reproductive problems, epilepsy, ear, nose and throat problems. Mammalia was first to be the highest used class and Agamidae was the most used family among three phyla of animals. [22]

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Although pangolins were found to be endangered mammal but still its parts like scales, blood and fat were utilized as medicines by several rural communities of South Africa, which adversely affects its population. [23]

Traditional use of animals in the form of medicines had been surveyed out from indigenous people of Wolchulsan national park of Korea and found that 60 species of animals majority from fishes, then mammals and arthropods were utilized for veterinary purposes against pain, wounds, genitourinary disorders, poisoning etc. [24]

A study on animal – based products had been carried out among tribal inhabitants of Kollihills, Namakkal district, Tamil Nadu which revealed use of 45 species belonging to 45 genera and 32 families for the treatment of 55 different ailments. Mammals were found to be the highest used animals and fat or meat was found to be the highest used part as medicines. [25]

Discussion & Conclusion:

Animals are the integral part of nature, which also play important role in the civilization of human beings. They are found to be continuously used by our tribal and aboriginals for the treatment of various ailments, which are found to be quite useful, beneficial, effective and economic. Traditional knowledge about animals in the form of medicines provides new way for establishing relationship with nature. It opens new areas of researches in the field of ethnobiology, pharmacy and ecology. It provides alternatives in the area of therapeutics and possess cultural and economic importance. Although it has been reported that use of animals for medicines may harm their population and hinder ecological balance. But if we properly utilize animals and their by products without sacrificing their lives, this knowledge of ethnozoology will prove to be highly beneficial and effective for the welfare of human race. This study is very useful for the conservation of traditional knowledge and faunal diversity.

References:

[1] O. S. G. Pauwels, A. K. Toham and V. Mamonekene, “ Ethnozoology of the Dibomina (Serpentes: Colubridae: Grayia ornate) in the Massif du Chaillu Gabon”, Hamadryad, vol. 27(1), pp. 136-141, 2002

[2] V. Boll, “ The distribution and ethnozoology of frogs (and toad) in north-eastern Arnhem Land (Australia)”, Anthropozoologica, vol. 39(2), pp. 61-72, 2004

[3] G. A. Dedeke, D. A. Soewu, O. A. Lawal and M. Ola, “ Pilot survey of ethnozoological utilization of vertebrates in southwestern Nigeria”, Indilinga: African Journal of Indigenous Knowledge systems, vol. 5(1), pp. 87-96, 2006

[4] H. A. Akpona, C. A. M.S. Djagoun and B. Sinsin, “Ecology and Ethnozoology of the three- cusped pangolin Manis tricuspis (Mammalia, Pholidota) in the Lama forest reserve, Benin”. Mammalia, vol. 72(3), pp. 198-202, 2008

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[5] B. Kumari and S. Kumar, “An insight into the ethnozoology of Panch Pargana area of Jharkhand, India”, Journal of Threatened Taxa, vol. 1(8), pp. 441-443, 2009

[6] K. Dagyom and G.V. Gopi, “Ethnozoology of Galo tribe with special reference to edible insects in Arunachal Pradesh”, Indian Journal of Traditional Knowledge, vol. 8(1), pp. 81- 83, 2009

[7] D. P. Jaroli, M. M. Mahawar and N. Vyas, “An ethnological study in the adjoining areas of Mount Abu sanctuary, India”, Journal of Ethnobiology and , vol.6, pp. 6, 2010, doi: 10.1186/1746-4269-6-6

[8] R. R. N. Alves and W. M. S. Souto, “Ethnozoology in Brazil: current status and perspectives”, Journal of Ethnobiology and Ethnomedicine, vol. 7, pp. 22, 2011, https://doi.org/10.1186/1746-4269-7-22

[9] A. Pieroni, M. E. Guisti and C. L. Quave, “ Cross- cultural ethnobiology in the Western Balkans: Medical ethnobotany and ethnozoology among Albanians and Serbs in the Pester plateau, Sandak, South-Western Serbia”, , vol. 39, pp. 339-349, 2011

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[11] D. W. Yohannes and M. Chane, “Ethnozoological study of traditional medicinal plants used by the Kore people in Amaro Woreda, Southern Ethiopia”. International Journal of Molecular Evolution and Biodiversity, vol. 4(2), pp. 1-9, 2014, doi: 10.5376/ijmeb.2014.04.0002

[12] J. Narzary and S. Bordoloi, “Ethnozoological practices on frogs of Bodo tribe from Kokrajhar distrct, Assam, India”, American Journal of Ethnomedicine, vol. 1(6), pp. 368- 370, 2014

[13] M. R. Setlalekgomo, “Ethnozoological survey of the indigenous knowledge on the use of pangolins (Manis sps) in traditional medicine in Lentsweletau extended area in Botswana”, Journal of Animal Sciences Advances, vol. 4(6), pp. 883-890, 2014

[14] D. Das, “Ethnozoological practices among tribal inhabitants in Khowai district of Tripura, North-East India”, Journal of Global Biosciences, vol. 4(9), pp. 3364-3372, 2015

[15] J. Harnandez, C. M. Campos and C. E. Borghi, “Medicinal use of wild fauna by mestizo communities living near San Guillermo Biosphere Reserve (San Juan, Argentina)”’ Journal of Ethnobiology and Ethnomedicine, vol. 11, pp. 15, 2015, doi: 10.1186/1746- 4269-11-15

[16] R. Vats and S. Thomas S. “A study on use of animals as traditional medicine by Sukuma tribe of Busega district in North- western Tanzania”, Journal of Ethnobiology and Ethnomedicine, vol. 11, pp. 38, 2015, doi: 10.1186/s13002-015-0001

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[17] N. Bagde and S. Jain, “Ethnozoological practices of Arthopod animals by tribes and rurals of Chhindwara district of Madhya Pradesh, India”, World Journal of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences, vol. 5(12), pp. 1155-1167, 2016

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[19] S. Chaudhary, C. H. Rahaman and H. Singh, “Some ethnozoological uses of Birhor tribe of West Bengal, India”, Journal of Traditional and Folk practices, vol. 2,3,4(1), pp. 33-42, 2016

[20] N. Bagde and S. Jain, “Traditional and Ethnozoological practices by tribes and rurals of Chhindwara district of Madhya Pradesh, India”, World Journal of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Research, vol. 3(8), pp. 263-268, 2017

[21] M. P. Borah and S. B. Prasad, “Ethnozoological study of animals based medicine used by traditional healers and indigenous inhabitants in the adjoining areas of Gibbon wildlife sanctuary, Assam, India”, Journal of Ethnobiology and Ethnomedicine, vol. 13, pp. 39, 2017, https://doi.org/10.1186/s13002-017-0167-6

[22] G. O. Alade, A. Kola and K. K. Ajibesin, “Animals and animal products as medicines: A survey of Epie- Atissa and Ogbia people of Bayelsa state, Nigeria”, Journal of Pharmacy and Pharmacognosy Research, vol. 6(6), pp. 483-502, 2018

[23] A. O. Baiyewu, M. K. Boakye, A. Kotze, D. L. Dalton and R. Jansen, “Ethnozoological survey of traditional uses of Temminck’s Ground Pangolin (Smutsia temminckii) in South Africa. Society and Animals, vol. 26(3), 2018, https://doi.org/10.1163/15685306-12341515

[24] G. Kim, H. Kim and M. Song, “Ethnopharmacological implications of quantitative and network analysis for traditional knowledge regarding the medicinal use of animals by indigenous people in Wolchulsan national park, Korea. Journal of Ethnopharmacology, 213: 1-11,2018, https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jep.2017.10.033

[25] L. Raja, P. Matheswaran, M. Anbalagan, V. Sureshkumar, D. Ganesan and S. B. Gani, “Ethnozoological study of animal- based products practices aming tribal inhabitants in Kollihills, Namakkal district, Tamil Nadu, India”, World Journal of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences, vol. 7(12), pp. 785-797, 2018

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