Folk – medicine for diabetes from rayalaseema of andhra pradesh
Journal name: Ancient Science of Life
Original article title: Folk – medicine for diabetes from rayalaseema of andhra pradesh
The ANSCI is a peer-reviewed, open-access journal focused on Ayurveda and traditional medicines. It publishes original research, reviews, and literary studies linking traditional knowledge with modern science, covering disciplines like botany, ethnomedicine, pharmacology, and clinical research.
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Original source:
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N. Nagaraju, K.N. Rao
Ancient Science of Life:
(A quarterly multi-disciplinary scientific research journal in Ayurveda)
Full text available for: Folk – medicine for diabetes from rayalaseema of andhra pradesh
Year: 1989
Copyright (license): CC BY-NC-SA
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Summary of article contents:
Introduction
The article discusses the folk medicinal practices for treating diabetes in the Rayalaseema region of Andhra Pradesh, focusing on 26 antidiabetic plant species. This includes an investigation into the preparation methods and administration dosages as used by local tribal and non-tribal herbalists. It highlights the historical context of diabetes, referred to as Madhumeha in ancient texts, and the traditional reliance on herbs for treatment, emphasizing that indigenous methods often have fewer side effects compared to modern pharmaceuticals.
Ethnobotanical Significance of Antidiabetic Plants
The study documents the ethnobotanical knowledge associated with antidiabetic plants in Rayalaseema, underscoring the role of traditional healers, known as Natuvaidyulu, in preserving this information. The research indicates that knowledge of medicinal plants is rich in the region, with traditional healers frequently using either single plants or combinations to enhance therapeutic effects against diabetes. The paper also references existing literature to confirm that a subset of these plants has been recognized for their antidiabetic properties, thereby linking traditional practices to established ethnopharmacological knowledge.
Conclusion
In conclusion, the findings of this research illuminate the significant role of traditional medicine in treating diabetes within the Rayalaseema region, revealing a wealth of therapeutic plant species that merit further scientific exploration. The authors suggest that the indigenous knowledge held by local tribes could lead to the discovery of new medicinal compounds beneficial to public health, while also advocating for the documentation of these practices to enrich the understanding of ethnobotany. The study ultimately calls for greater attention from phytochemists and pharmacologists to explore this hidden treasure of tribal medicine.
FAQ section (important questions/answers):
What is the focus of the study conducted in Rayalaseema?
The study focuses on the folk-lore use of 26 antidiabetic plant species in the Rayalaseema region of Andhra Pradesh, including preparation methods and doses provided by local herbalists.
What historical texts mention Diabetes Mellitus in India?
Diabetes Mellitus, referred to as Madhumeha, has been known for over 2500 years in texts such as the Charaka Samhita and Sushruta Samhita, detailing ancient treatment methods including diet control and herbal remedies.
What methodology was used to gather information on medicinal plants?
From 1986 to 1988, researchers conducted trips across Rayalaseema, collecting data from tribal and non-tribal healers about commonly used plant species for diabetes and confirming their names through updated flora consultations.
How many plant species were noted for their antidiabetic properties?
The study identified 26 plant species utilized in diabetes treatment, with 6 plants already recognized for their antidiabetic properties, highlighting the potential of indigenous medicine in modern healthcare.
Glossary definitions and references:
Scientific and Ayurvedic Glossary list for “Folk – medicine for diabetes from rayalaseema of andhra pradesh”. This list explains important keywords that occur in this article and links it to the glossary for a better understanding of that concept in the context of Ayurveda and other topics.
1) Medicine:
Medicine refers to the science and practice of diagnosing, treating, and preventing diseases and disorders. In the context of the provided text, it highlights traditional healing practices using herbal remedies for conditions like diabetes, showcasing how indigenous knowledge plays a crucial role in health care in Rayalaseema.
2) Drug:
A drug is a substance that causes a physiological change in the body, often used for medical treatment. The text discusses herbal drugs derived from various plant species, emphasizing their antidiabetic properties. These drugs reflect the alternative medicine practices prevalent among the local tribal healers in Andhra Pradesh.
3) Discussion:
Discussion in the text refers to the analysis and presentation of findings regarding folk medicinal plants. It incorporates the authors' observations and previous literature on antidiabetic properties of certain plants, illustrating the importance of dialoguing about traditional knowledge and its validation in the context of modern scientific research.
4) Botany:
Botany is the scientific study of plants, their structure, growth, and classification. The article emphasizes botany by documenting various plant species used in traditional medicine. The method involves collecting plant samples and identifying their botanical characteristics, highlighting the intersection of botany and ethnopharmacology in addressing health issues like diabetes.
5) Science (Scientific):
Science is the pursuit of knowledge through observation and experimentation. It encompasses various disciplines, including ethnobotany and pharmacology, that inform the study on diabetes remedies described in the article. Scientific inquiry into traditional medicine aims to uncover therapeutic potentials and validate herbal treatments through empirical evidence.
6) Knowledge:
Knowledge in this context refers to the understanding and information regarding traditional healing practices held by tribal and non-tribal herbalists. The documentation of folk medicine serves to recognize and preserve this valuable empirical knowledge, fostering respect for indigenous practices that contribute to health solutions in the community.
7) Samhita (Saṃhitā, Saṃhita):
Samhita refers to ancient texts containing collections of hymns, verses, or medical knowledge. In the text, references to 'Charaka Samhita' and 'Sushruta Sahita' signal the historical foundation of Ayurvedic medicine. These texts exemplify the long-standing tradition of using herbal remedies for diseases like diabetes, rooted in ancient wisdom.
8) Famine:
Famine signifies a severe scarcity of food, often leading to detrimental health effects. The text mentions drought and famine in Rayalaseema, which can influence local diets and medicinal practices. In such contexts, traditional medicine becomes crucial as communities rely on local plants for sustenance and health during challenging times.
9) Diet:
Diet refers to the kinds of food one consumes, particularly in relation to health and disease management. The text acknowledges the historical treatment of diabetes through dietary control alongside herbal medicines. This highlights the integral link between diet and managing chronic conditions like diabetes within traditional healthcare systems.
Other Science Concepts:
Discover the significance of concepts within the article: ‘Folk – medicine for diabetes from rayalaseema of andhra pradesh’. Further sources in the context of Science might help you critically compare this page with similair documents:
Medicinal plant, Diet control, Traditional healer, Home remedies, Tribal knowledge, Ethnobotanical survey, Herbomineral Drug, Chemical constituent, Indigenous herbs, Herbarium collection, Phytochemists and pharmacologists.
Concepts being referred in other categories, contexts and sources.