View metadata, citation and similar papers at core.ac.uk brought to you by CORE

provided by PubMed Central

Ancient Science of Life Vol. No. XXI (2) October 2001 Pages 87 - 91

HERBAL FOLK MEDICINES OF DISTRICT ()

SHUBHANGI FAWAR Department of Botany, Pratap College, Amalner- 425 401. Maharashtra, . D.A.PATIL Post-Graduate Department of Botany, L.K.Dr.P.R. Ghogrey Science College, Dhule-424005, Maharashtra, India ______Received: 7/11/2000 Accepted: 12/3/2001 ABSTRACT : Fifty plants belonging to 33 angiospermic families used by aborigines and rurals for different human ailments hitherto unreported from . Maharashtra, India are communicated. Further scientific evaluation on pharmacological and clinical lines is needed for these widely employed herbal medicines.

Keywords: Herbal folk medicines; Jalgaon district;Maharashtra.

INTRODUCTION

Jalgaon district is located on the northern women in the study area. The plants are part of the state of Maharashtra, India. It identified by the authors with the help of lies between 20o and 21o north latitudes and related literature (Cooke, 1901-1908; 74o55’ and 76o28’ east longitudes. It is Hooker, 1872-1897; Fatil, 1992, 2000) . inhibited by a large section of rural Voucher specimens are deposited in the population and different ethnic tribes. Herbarium, Department of Botany, Pratap Pawara, Bhil, Konkani, Tadwi and Vanjari College, Amalner, District Jalgaon, are some of the major tribal communities Maharashtra. (Anonymous, 1962). Although they make their living through agriculture, they have to OBSERVATIONS depend on Plant resources from their surroundings to meet different requirements. The plants are enumerated alphabetically The ethno-medico botanical data accrued with their correct botanical name, followed during this study are the first-hand by family in parenthesis, vernacular names information, except the sole report on and brief notes on methods of preparation medicinal plants from this sole report on and administration. medicinal plants from this region (Shisode and Patil, 1993) Abrus precatorius L. (Papilionaceae), Gunj, Charmatadi,. Seeds of this plant, leaves of METHODOLOGY Hibiscus rosa-sinensis L.and honey are homogenized. This paste is applied on the The observations are based on surveys scalp at night to promote hair growth. conducted in rural and tribal-dominated areas of Jalgoan District. Information was Acacia nilotica (L) willd. Ex Del-subsp. obtained through interviews with traditional Indica (Bth) Brenan Var vediana (Cooke) healers, medicinemen, headmen and elder Naik (Mimosaceae), Vedi Babhul.

1 pages 87 - 91 Decoction of thorns is used as a remedy for extract is added in bath water to check hiccough. biliousness and allergy.

Aegle marmelos (L.) Corr, (Rutaceae), Bel. Calotropis procera (Ait.) R.Br. and C. Decoction of leaves in which four black gigantean (L) R. Br. (Asclepiadaceae). Aak, pepper (dried unripe berries of Piper nigrum Rui, Mhatari, Latex is applied on gums to L.) is taken orally to treat jaundice. Sherbet reduce toothace. It is also applied in case of of ripe fruit pulp is administered as a body scorpion sting. coolant. Cassia auriculata L. (Caesalpiniaceae), Allium cepa L. (Liliaceae), Kanda, Paste of Chambhar-awali, Walanya, Awali. Flower bulb is applied on forehead to minimize the buds alongwith parched gram are beneficial effect of sunstroke. Bulb is halved and of patients suffering from jaundice. Extract immediately smelled to treat fit. of fresh flowers is taken internally as a cure against diabetes. Azadirachta indica A. Juss. (Meliaceae), Neem. A cup of leaf extract is drunk for 22 Cassia tora L. (Caesalpiniaceae), Tarota, days for cooling effect. Takala. Seeds of this plant alongwith the fruits of Tribulus terrestris L. are pounded. Baliospermum raziana Keshav. Et Yog. A single tablet of which is prescribed for (Euphorbiaceae), Dati Fresh stem pieces are seven days to treat rheumatism. Also root used as tooth brushes to keep mouth clean powder homogenized with fruit juice of and to prevent tooth decay. Citrus aurantifolia (Christmann) Swingle to cure wound caused due to thorns. Bauhinia purpurea L. (Caesalpiniaceae), Kanchan, Kachnar. Fruit wall pulp is made Cassine albens (Retz.,) Kosterm. into paste using decoction of rice grains. It is (Celastraceae), Bhutkes, Bhutya-palas. drunk and also applied locally to cure lymph Gum is applied externally for skin diseases. gland. Catunaregam spinosa (Thunb). Biophytum sensitivum (L.) DC. Tirvengadum (Rubiaceae), gel Fruit pulp (Oxalidaceae), Sharmi, Lajalu. Leaf paste is homogenized in water is given for vomiting applied externally to treat rheumatalgia. in case of poisoning.

Blepharis repens (Vahl) Roth Cayratia trifolia (L) Domin (Vitaceae), (Acanthaceae), Hadsan. Leaf paste is Bailmal. Root paste is applied externally to applied externally in case of bone fracture to reduce muscle pains. accelerate healing. Centella asiatica (L) Urban (Apiaceae), Boerhavia diffusa L. (Nyctaginaceae), Bramhi Decoction of the entire plant is Punarva. Decoction of the entire plant is administered for dysentery. taken internally to treat jaundice. Cleome viscose L. (Capparidaceae), Bhera, Butea monosperma (Lamk.) Taub. Piwali Tilwan. There to four drops of leaf (Papilionaceae), Khakara, Palas. Root extract are dropped in ear to cure malarial fever.

2 pages 87 - 91 orally to treat fever. Leaf paste is applied Coccinia grandis (L.) Voigt onto the joints to relieve pains. (Cucurbitaceae), Tondli, Tongala. Leaf extract is taken orally to reduce acidity till Ficus benghalensis L. (Moraceae), Wad, cure. Wat. Latex is applied locally for rheumatism and lumbago. Leaf poultice is Cocculus hirsutus (L). Theob. applied on abscesses. (Menispermaceae), Vasan, Vasanwel. About ten grams of leaf powder mixed with equal Ficus religiosa L. (Moraceae), Pimpal, amount of animal ghee is consumed every Pippal. Infusion of stem bark is administered day to cure piles. for scabies.

Cuscuta chinensis Lamk. (Cuscutaceae), Glossocardia bosvallea (L.F.) DC, Amarwel. Stem paste is rubbed onto the (Asteraceae), Mirgi. Few drops of leaf scalp to remove dandruff. Stem Powder decoction are dropped into the ears for ear- mixed with borax powder (hydrated sodium aches. tetraborate), Santalum powder (about 1gm). (Powdered wood of santalum album L.) and Hygrophila auriculata schult. Sal ammonia (about 1gm) (ammonium (Acanthaceae), Talimkhana. Decoction of chloride) are-thoroughly missed and made leaves is advised for stomach complaints. unto pellets. These are given to patients to Indigofera linneae Ali (Papilionaceae). cure vitiligo. Roots are chewed to sure mouth ulcer.

Cymbopogon martini (Roxb.) (Poaceae), Lavandula bipinnata (L.) O.ktze. (Labiatae) Dubadi, Durva. Infusion of the plant is Leaf paste is applied on gums to relieve mixed with bath water. After eleven days of pains from tooth-ache. eruption of small pox, called devirog, this water is used for bath to cure early. Launea procumbens (Roxb.) Ramayya & Rajgopal (Asteraceae), Pathari. Leaf paste is Dichrostachys cinerea (L.) Wight et Arn. applied onto the mammery glands of women (Mimosaceae), Yellatur. Infusion of stem to increase lactation especially after bark is drunk for dysentery. Likewise, delivery. infusion of roots is used as a purgative and diuretic. Lawsonia inermis L. (Lythraceae), Mehandi. Leaf paste or decoction is used to treat boils Dolichandron falcate (wall. ex DC.) seem and bourns. Decoction is also given for (Bignoniaceae), medhshingi. Leaf paste is gargling for sore throat. applied onto the swellings. Luffa cylindrical (L.) M. Roem. Ensete superbum (Roxb). Cheesm. (Cucurbitaceae), Gilke. Leaf juice is taken (Musaceae), Devkela, Rankel. Seeds are orally for seven days for general body employed as an antidote for dogbite. swelling.

Erythrina variegate L. (Papilionaceae), Merremia emarginata (Burm.F.) Hall.f. Pangara. Decoction of stem bark is given (Convolvulaceae), Undirkani, Chuhakani.

3 pages 87 - 91 Root powder is given to smell for preventing Tridax procumbens L. (Asteraceae), nosal bleeding. Ekdandi, Leaf juice is applied on wounds, bruises and to check haemorrhage. Moringa concanensis Nimmo ex Dalz. (Moringaceae), Kadu-shewga. Extract of Tridax procumbens L. (Asteraceae), bark missed in paste of garlic (Allium Ekdandi. Leaf juice is applied on wounds, sativum L.) is consumed for vertigo. bruises and to check haemorrhage.

Nyctanthes arbor-tristis L. (Oleaceae), Tridax procumbens L. (Asteraceae), Shiradi, Parijatak. One gram of stem bark Ekdandi. Leaf juice is applied on wounds, missed in water is taken orally in early bruises and to check haemorrhage. morning to cure asthma. Triumfetta rotundifolia lamk. (Tiliaceae), Pergularia daemia (Forssk.) Chiov. Zhila. Leaves are chewed for stomatitis. (Asclepiadaceae), Utaran, Popat-chonchi, Phal-kankati. Fruits are crushed in warm Vitex negundo L. (Verbenaceae), Nirgudi. water which are then applied to relieve from Root paste is applied externally onto the sprain. swellings.

Phyllanthus amarus schumach & Thonn Xanthium strumarium L. (Asteraceae), (Euphorbiaceae), Bhui-awala. Decoction of Landga, Five grams of fruit powder mixed the entire plant or leaves is taken orally to in water is given to the patients for seven treat jaundice. days to cure tumours.

Rotala serpyllifolia (Roth) Bremek. DISCUSSION (Lythraceae). Entire plants after heating gently are tied on chest of women to relieve The rural and tribal people exploit wild, pains of mammary glands. cultivated, introduced or naturalised plant Solanum virginianum L. (Solanaceae), Bhui- species as herbal medicines to treat different ringani,l Ran- wange. Fruits are dried and ailments. Out of 50 species presently powdered. Five grams of this powder per reported, some have primary uses such as day missed in warm water cures chronic vegetable (Coccinia indica, Luffa tumours. cylindrical), flavouring food (Allium cepa), religious plants (Aegle marmelos, Cynodon Terminalia arjuna (Roxb. Ex Dc.) Wight & dactylon, Ficus benghalensis. F. religiosa, Arn. (combretaceae), Kahu, Arjun-sadada. Nyctanthes arbor-tristis) and essential oil Stem bark powder is applied for body pains. (Cymbopogon martini). Few exotic floral elements of weedy nature (Cassia tora, Trichosanthes tricuspidata Lour, Tridax procumbens, Xanthium strumarium) (Cucurbitaceae), Gavlan. Two seeds of this or introduced for miscellaneous purposes plant alongwith betle leaf (Piper betle L.) (Lawsonia inermis, Erythrina variegate). and areca nut (Areca catechu L.) is advised The people in the study area, by and large, to eat three times a day for asthmatic still rely upon traditional medicines for their complaint. healthcare and treatment of diseases. The folk medicinal resources of plant origin provide fundamental data for further studies

4 pages 87 - 91 aimed at clinical tests, which will by useful Amalner, for constant inspirations and for rural healthcare and economic welfare of Principal shri. B.M. Patil, L.K. Dr.P.R. rural and tribal population of this region and Ghogrey science College, Dhule for world at large. necessary facilities, She gratefully acknowledges the financial support received ACKNOWLEDGEMENT through FLP programme of UGC, New Delhi, India. Junior author (Shubhangi Pawar) is thankful to Principal Dr. A.N.Mali, Pratap College,

REFERENCES

1. Anonymous (1962). Maharashtra State Gazetteers, Government of Maharashtra Jalgaon District, Director of Government Printing, Stationary and Publications. Maharashtra State, India.

2. Cooke, T. (1901-1908). The flora of the presidency ;of Bombay, Vol. 1-3. B.S.I (1958 Repr.)., Calcutta, India.

3. Hooker, J.D. (1872-1897). The Flora of British India Vol. 1-7. London: Reeve and Co.

4. Patil, D.A. (1992). Key to the angiospermic families of North Maharashtra. Pune Vidyarthi Griha Prakashan, Pune, India.

5. Patil, D.A. (2000). Flora of Dhule and Nandurbar Districts, Bishen Singh Mahendra Pal Singh, Dehra Dun, India.

6. Shisode, S.B. and patil, D.A. (1993). Native Medicinal Plants of Jalgaon District (Maharashtra) Biojournal 5(1-2): 79-82.

5 pages 87 - 91