Indian Journal of Traditional Knowledge Vol. 9 (1), January 2010, pp. 55-60

Folk of NR Pura taluk in of

HM Prakasha, M Krishnappa*, YL Krishnamurthy & SV Poornima Department of PG Studies and Research in Applied Botany, University, Jnana Sahyadri, Shankaraghatta 577 451, Shimoga, Karnataka E-mail: [email protected] Received 26 October 2006; revised 7 June 2008

A study on the indigenous medicinal used by the people of NR Pura taluk in Karnataka, was carried out during 2004-2005 in view of documenting the folk medicine for different ailments. A total of 59 species belonging to 53 genera and 34 families were reported for different therapeutic uses which include about 31 wild plants species, 18 cultivated and 10 were both wild and cultivated species. Most plants used were either trees (22 species) or herbs (16 species) rarely others. Several new findings on the traditional folk practices were reported.

Keywords: Medicinal plants, Folk medicine, Ethnomedicine, Indigenous medicine, Rural herbalists, Medicinal plants, Karnataka IPC Int. Cl. 8: A61K36/00, A61P1/02, A61P1/04, A61P1/08, A61P1/16, A61P9/00, A61P11/04, A61P29/00, A61P39/02

India has a rich heritage of using medicinal plants. sea level, 13°19'-13°47' N lat, 75°22'-75°47' E long) The knowledge of medicinal plants has been extends to an area of 810 sq km. Being a part of accumulated in the course of many centuries 1. globally recognized biological hot spot Western Rigveda , which is one of the oldest books, supplies Ghats, 1/3 of the taluk comprised of semi evergreen to curious information on the medicinal plants. Two evergreen forests with about 80-90% canopy greatest treatises on the medicine Charaka samhita coverage. Paddy has been the major staple food of the and Susrutha samhita were written Charaka and taluk . The study covered five villages viz. NR Pura, Susrutha , respectively during 400-500 Ad 2. Medicinal Balehonnur, Muttina koppa, Maduguni and Kaanur uses and preparations of 700 plant species are located about 60-80 km away from the district town recorded in these volumes. Indo-Aryans, who are the Chikmagalur (Fig. 1). Frequent field visits were pioneers in the history of have acquainted with a undertaken during May 2004 to May 2005. profound knowledge on the plant based drugs and Household interviews were carried out and knew more than 1,200 plant drugs along with their information regarding their herbal knowledge was action and specific therapeutic applications. These collected through informal discussions using a plants have not been properly investigated earlier. standard questionnaire 17 . The plants mentioned by the Extensive ethnobotanical explorations were being people were identified using local floras, collected, conducted through out India 3-9. Most ethnobotanical deposited at the herbarium of Department of Applied surveys in Karnataka are restricted to Uttara Kannda, botany, Kuvempu University and confirmed 18,19 . Mysore and Shimoga districts 10-13 . Very few literatures were available on the herbal folk medicine Results and discussion of Chikmagalur district 14-16 . The study carried out at Fifty six herbalists in the age group of 25-80 yrs the NR Pura taluk of Chikmagalur district is one such were interviewed during the survey. The study attempt to document the herbal drug knowledge of the revealed the ethnobotanical information of 59 plant people and their usage. species belonging to 53 genera and 34 families. Of the total 59 species documented, 31 were growing wild, Methodology 18 were cultivated and 10 were found both wild and NR Pura (Narasimha raja Pura) taluk situated in the cultivated. Most plants used in the treatment were Chikmagalur district of Karnataka State (700m above trees (22 species) and herbs (16 species), rarely shrubs ______(11species), climbers (8 species) and grasses *Corresponding author (2 species). Further 7 plant species were used as 56 INDIAN J TRADITIONAL KNOWLEDGE, VOL 9, NO.1 JANUARY 2010

spices and 6 as vegetables. The common ailments, botanical and common names of the plants used to treat the corresponding ailment, parts used and mode of utilization are detailed (Table 1). Traditional uses of medicine are much practiced in NR Pura taluk as most plants are easily available and the drugs are free of any side effects. The efficacy of the treatments is tested through many centuries as heritage from their ancestors. Information gathered during the survey is in confirmatory with some other published works in other regions. Usage of Rauvolfia serpentina as antidote, album against herpes and Ruta graveolens to treat fever are similar to the Fig. 1 Map of N R Pura taluk

Table 1  Plants species used to treat different ailments Ailments Plant name, Family Local/English name Uses Cold & Ocimum sanctum L. Tulasi, decoction is taken orally for 2-3 days. Headache (Lamiaceae) Holy basil Coleus amboinicus Lour. Doddapatre, Indian Leaf extract is dropped into the nose during partial (Apiaceae) borage headache. Leucas aspera Spreng Thumbe Leaf paste is applied on forehead. Leaf extract with (Lamiaceae) honey is taken orally twice. Piper nigrum L. Kaalu menasu, Seed infusion ( Khashaya ) with ginger and garlic is (Endemic to WG) Pepper taken orally (Piperaceae) Piper betle L. Veelyada ele, Leaf extract of betel, R. graveolens and O. sanctum (Endemic to WG) (Betel ) with honey is taken orally. (Piperaceae) Ruta graveolens L. Sadapu Leaf decoction of leaves is taken orally. (Rutaceae) Santalum album L. Sreegandha Sapwood paste is applied on the forehead. (Vu-KA, End-KL & TN) White sandal () Myristica fragrans Houtt. Jai kai, Nutmeg Seeds decoction is used orally. (Myristicaceae) Cardio- Terminalia tomentosa Bedd. Karimatti, Lourel decoction is taken orally vascular (Combretaceae) Decoction of bark and of Vitis vini problems Terminalia arjuna W.&.A. Holematti, White fera & Feronia limonia is tak en orally milk. (Lr in TN, Nt in KA & KL) Maradhu with cow’s (Combretaceae) Centella asiatica Urb. Ondelaga Leaf infusion of C. asiatica with flowers of N. arbor- (Apiaceae) Indian Penny wort tristis and onion bulb is taken orally Nyctenthes arbor-tristis Linn. Paarijaata, Night every day to reduce blood pressure (Oleaceae) jasmine Withania somnifera Dunal Ashwagandha Root decoction of the W. somnifera with the roots of (Solanaceae) F Ficus microcarpa L.f. Jeevigida microcarpa is taken orally. (Moraceae) Carica papaya Linn. Pappayi, Papaya Papaya infusion with cow’s milk and honey is (Caricaceae) taken daily. Rubia cordifolia Linn. Manjatti, Whole plant decoction is taken orally. (Rubiaceae) Aegle marmelos Correa ex. Roxb. Bilwa patre, The Powdered dried leaves mixed with a cup of cow’s (Rutaceae) Bengal quince milk is taken orally. Contd  PRAKASHA et al .: FOLK MEDICINE OF CHIKMAGALUR DISTRICT OF KARNATAKA 57

Table 1  Plants species used to treat different ailments

Ailments Plant name, Family Local/English name Uses

Dentalgia Ocimum sanctum L. Tulasi, Powdered leaves mixed with salt is kept on (Dental (Lamiaceae) Holy basil infected part. problems) Eucalyptus globulus Labill Neelgiri Oil extracted from leaves and stem is (Myrtaceae) applied on infected part. Calotropis procera R.Br. Ekka, Plant milky latex mixed with salt is rubbed (Asclepiadaceae) Swallow wort on the infected part. Syzigium aromaticum (L.) Lavanga, Clove Flower buds are chewed during toothache. (Myrtaceae) Lecuas aspera Spreng Thumbe Leaf paste with camphor is kept on (Lamiaceae) infected region. Psidium guajava L. Seebe, Guava Leaves with salt are used to gargle during (Myrtaceae) pain. Solanum torvum SW. Kaadu badane Powdered dried fruit is kept on affected (Solanaceae) Wild brinjal area. Adhatoda vasica Nees. Aadusoge, Vasaka Leaf boiled in water is used to gargle (Acanthaceae) during pain. Nicotiana tabaccum Linn. Hogesoppu, Tobacco Dried leaf paste prepared with camphor (Solanaceae) and cow’s milk is applied on affected area. Dysentery Syzigum cumini (Linn.) Skiels. Nerale, Fruits are eaten with salt. (Myrtaceae) Black berry Myristica fragrans Houtt. Jai kai, Nutmeg Fruits decoction is taken orally. (Myristicaceae) Hibiscus rosa-sinensis Linn. Dasavala, China rose Leaf decoction is taken orally. (Malvaceae) Emetics Citrus limon (Linn.)Burm.f. Nimbe, Fruit juice with sugar is taken orally. (Rutaceae) Lemon Syzigium aromaticum Lavanga, Clove Powdered seeds mixed with jaggerry, (Myrtaceae) lemon and a cup of water is taken orally. Aegle marmelos Correa ex.Roxb. Bilwa patre, Bengal (Rutaceae) quince Vu-KA & TN, NE-KL Trachyspermum ammi (L.) Sprague Omu Leaf decoction with seeds (Apiaceae) of T. ammi is taken orally. Punica granatum Linn. (Punicaceae) Daalimbe, Pomegranate Stem bark, fruit peels and outer skin of the roots are chewed. Hibiscus rosa-sinensis Linn Dasavala, China rose Leaf decoction is taken orally. (Malvaceae) Mangifera indica L. Maavu, Mango Endosperm paste with water mixed with (Anacardiaceae) butter milk is taken orally. Herpes Azadirachta indica Linn. Bevu, Neem Leaf decoction is given two times a day. (Meliaceae) Vetiveria zizanioides (Linn.) Nash. Lavancha Root decoction of Lavancha is taken orally (Poaceae) Argemone mexicana Linn. Datturi, Mexican Prickly Squeezed leaves mixed with curd is (Papaveraceae) Poppy applied on the affected area. Aristolochia indica Linn. Eeshwari balli Root paste is applied as an external (Aristolachiaceae) liniment. Santalum album L. Sregandha, White Stem paste is applied on affected part. (Vu-KA, End-KL & TN) Sandal (Santalaceae) Memecylon malabaricum Valle kudi Young shoot tip paste of M. malabaricum (Melastomataceae) and cumin seeds is applied.

Contd  58 INDIAN J TRADITIONAL KNOWLEDGE, VOL 9, NO.1 JANUARY 2010

Table 1  Plants species used to treat different ailments  Contd

Ailments Plant name, Family Local/English name Uses Cuminum cyminum Linn. (Apicaeae) Shetha geera, White cumin Cynodon dactylon Pers. Garike Leaf paste with milk is applied on affected (Poaceae) part. Stomachics Amethum sowa Roxb ex. Flem Sabbasige soppu, Leaf decoction is given to children. (Stomach (Apiaceae) Indian dill disorders) Butea monosperma (Lam.) Muttuga, Flame of the Half spoon of powdered seeds mixed with (Papilionaceae) forest water and filtered is taken orally with little sugar. Solanum nigrum Linn. Ghanike hannu, Leaf extracts of S. nigrum , coriander powder (Solanaceae) Black night shade and cumin seeds mixed in Syzigium cumini Lam. Nerale, Black berry cow’s milk and taken orally. (Myrtaceae) Bark decoction of S. cumini , E. officinalis Emblica officinalis Gaertn. Nelli, Indian gooseberry with young leaves of M. malabaricum is (Euphorbiaceae) taken orally. Memecylon malabaricum Valle kudi (Melastomataceae) Centella asiatica Urb . Ondelaga, Leaf extracts of C. asiatica and M. pudica (Apiaceae) Indian Pennywort mixed with lemon juice is taken orally in Mimosa pudica Linn. Naachike mullu, Touch empty stomach. (Mimosaceae) me not Asparagus racemosus Willd Bahumoola Bulb extract is taken orally with ginger. (Liliaceae) Jaundice Tinospora cordifolia (Willd.) Amrutha balli Stem extract with water is taken orally early (Menispermeaceae) in the morning. Leucas aspera Spreng Thumbe Leaf extract with water is taken orally in (Lamiaceae) empty stomach. Raphanus sativus Linn. Moolangi, Radish Leaf extract with salt is eaten daily. Radish (Brassicaceae) slices mixed with pepper seed Piper longum Linn . Kaalu menasu, Pepper powder, salt and lemon juice is taken orally. (Piperaceae) Tamarindus indica L. Hunase, Tamarind Fruit infusion of tamarind with seeds of C. (Caesaspiniaceae) cyminum and honey is taken orally. Azadirachta indica Linn. (Meliaceae) Bevu, Neem Leaf extract is taken orally with honey. Lawsonia inermis Linn. Madarangi, Henna Leaf decoction is taken orally. (Verbenaceae) Hemidesmus indicus R.Br . Sogade beru Leaf decoction is taken. (LR in WG and Peninsular India) Indian Sarasparilla (Aslepiadaceae) Phyllanthus amarus Thonn . Nela nelli Plant paste with milk is taken orally. (Euphorbiaceae) Pyretics Ruta graveolens L. Sadaapu Leaf extract mixed with jaggerry is taken (Drugs to (Rutaceae) twice. treat Fever) Caesalpinia bonducella Flem Gajjuga Burnt seeds are eaten. (Caesalpiniaceae) Zingiber officinale Rosc. Shunti, Ginger Decoction of plant rhizome, ginger, L. (Zingiberaceae) aspera leaves and pepper seeds is taken Leucas aspera Spreng Thumbe orally. (Lamiaceae) Piper nigrum L. Kaalu menasu, Pepper (Endemic to WG) (Piperaceae) Tinospora cordifolia Willd. Amrutha balli Stem and leaf decoction is taken orally. (Menispermeaceae) Contd 

PRAKASHA et al .: FOLK MEDICINE OF CHIKMAGALUR DISTRICT OF KARNATAKA 59

Table 1  Plants species used to treat different ailments  Contd

Ailments Plant name, Family Local/English name Uses

Centella asiatica Urb. Ondelaga, Indian Penny Leaf decoction with leaves of T. cordifolia (Apiaceae) wort and seeds of C. asiatica is administered orally. Terminalia chebula Retz . Alale kai, Indian gall nut Fruit paste mixed with honey is given to (Combretaceae) children during high fever. Snakebite Rauvolfia serpentiana ex.Kurtz Sarpagandhi Squeezed root is tied on the snake bitten (Drugs used (End in KA, KL, TN, Ende to WG) area. as antidotes) (Apocynaceae) Alstonia scholaris R. Br. Maddale, Devil’s tree Stem bark given for chewing during (Apocynaceae) snakebite. Vitex negundo L. (Verbenaceae) Bili lakki, Chaste tree Leaf or root paste mixed with turmeric powder is applied on the bitten area. Erythrina indica Lam. (Papilionaceae) Kappu halivala, Coral Leaf paste of E. indica, L. aspera and a seed tree of pepper prepared with ghee is applied on bitten area. Leucas aspera Spreng (Lamiaceae) Thumbe Piper nigrum L. Kaalu menasu, Pepper (Endemic to WG) (Piperaceae) Withania somnifera Dunal (Solanaceae) Ashwagandhi Root paste is applied on the bitten area. Butea monosperma (Lam.) Muttuga, Flame of the Bark infusion with ginger is given (Papilionaceae) forest immediately for drinking. Asparagus racemosus Willd Bahumoola Leaf extract is applied on bitten area. (Liliaceae) Lobelia nicotinaefolia Heyne Heddumbe, Wild Leaf extract is applied on the bitten area. (Compunalaceae) tobacco Tabernaemontana divaricata (L.) Roem. Nandi battalu, Wax Roots paste is administered with butter milk. &. Scutl. (Apocynaceae) flower studies in the ; Meitei community in Terminalia arjuna to treat heart problems, Solanum Manipur use Aegle marmelos to treat dysentery, nigrum to treat dentalgia, Tinospora cordifolia to treat which is same as in the present study, while Leucas stomach problems, Tinospora cordifolia and aspera has found an extensive use against headache Lawsonia inermis to treat jaundice, Alstonia scholaris, among the tribal of Bhadra Wildlife Sanctuary, Asparagus racemosus, Lobelia nicotinaefolia and Centella asiatica in jaundice and Psidium guajava in Vitex negundo to treat snakebite, and Cynodon dental problems are of similar to the practices in NR dactylon to treat herpes are some the very new finding Pura 3,13,20 . However, herbal medicinal practices vary that were not referred in any of the early works. Many among different group of people in different regions. literary evidences on the pharmacological effects of Same plant used to treat one disorder in herbal drugs are available 1,23,24 . Traditional herbal one formulation may vary in the far away places. For culture is now under assault everywhere in world example Leucas aspera used to treat cold and under the impact of industrialization and they are fast headache in the study is also found usage against declining 17 . Disruption of forest covers is another many skin disorders in Shimoga district, toothache in reason for the degeneration of the herbal folk culture. 13,16 . Centella asiatica used in jaundice, The cause of forest destruction may be several but it cardiovascular and stomach problems in NR Pura is affecting the local people. It is necessary that the taluk has also been used as brain tonic in the indigenous ethnic communities of world, who have Amarkantak forest region of Madhya Pradesh, as provided so much for sustainable ecological cooling agent in Sringeri and against rheumatism in agriculture must also get the right as they have played Bahmundi , West Bengal 21,22 . a critical role in acquainting such knowledge 25 . Apart from the above, the usage of Aegle Further, open access to medicinal plants in the marmelos, Carica papaya, Terminalia tomentosa and wild is perhaps one of the main reasons for the current 60 INDIAN J TRADITIONAL KNOWLEDGE, VOL 9, NO.1 JANUARY 2010

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