Nomenclatural confusion on eclipta prostrate (l.) l.
Journal name: Ancient Science of Life
Original article title: Nomenclatural confusion on eclipta prostrate (l.) l.
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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S. Balu, G. R. Rao
Ancient Science of Life:
(A quarterly multi-disciplinary scientific research journal in Ayurveda)
Full text available for: Nomenclatural confusion on eclipta prostrate (l.) l.
Year: 1991
Copyright (license): CC BY-NC-SA
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Summary of article contents:
Introduction
Eclipta prostrata (L.) L., a plant in the Asteraceae family, is widely recognized for its medicinal properties and is utilized in Ayurvedic and Siddha medicine. However, there exists significant nomenclatural confusion surrounding this plant, particularly with the names Bhringaraja and Karisalanganni. Various species are referred to by these terms in Indian medical literature, leading to confusion in identification and proper usage. This study aims to clarify the nomenclatural irregularities and firmly establish the botanical identity of the species commonly known as Bhringaraja and Karisalanganni.
Circumstantial Nomenclatural Confusion
The confusion surrounding Eclipta prostrata is exacerbated by the use of multiple common names across different regions and languages in India, as well as the overlap of these names with other species. In Ayurvedic literature, three plants—Eclipta prostrata, Wedelia calendulacea, and Heliotropium brevifolium—are all referred to as Bhringaraja or Bhangra. Moreover, Siddha nomenclature introduces further complexity with several varieties of Karisalanganni, each corresponding to a different morphological type. Notably, while E. prostrata and W. calendulacea are more widely utilized for medicinal purposes, they are distinct species that differ in their morphological and cytological characteristics. This highlights the need for a standardized vernacular nomenclature that can alleviate the ongoing confusion and enhance accurate identification of medicinal plants.
Conclusion
The study concludes that the names Bhringaraja, Bhangra, and Karisalanganni should be exclusively linked to Eclipta prostrata within the Indian pharmacopoeia. The classification of these names as referring to other plants, despite their common medicinal applications, contributes to ongoing confusion in the sourcing and identification of these herbs. Implementing an effective vernacular nomenclatural code for Indian medicinal plants is imperative for resolving this enduring issue, thus facilitating more reliable usage in medical practices and pharmacology.
FAQ section (important questions/answers):
What is Eclipta prostrata commonly used for in India?
Eclipta prostrata (L.) L. is a valuable medicinal plant used in Ayurveda and Siddha systems for treating various human ailments, contributing to its significant role in traditional Indian medicine.
What is the primary issue with the nomenclature of Eclipta prostrata?
There is considerable nomenclatural confusion as different plants are referred to as Bhringaraja and Karisalanganni in Indian medical literature, leading to difficulties in correct identification and usage.
What are some other plants confused with Eclipta prostrata?
Other plants referred to as Bhringaraja include Wedelia calendulacea and Heliotropium brevifolium. These plants belong to different genera, complicating the medicinal and botanical understanding of their properties.
How can the nomenclatural confusion be resolved in India?
Establishing a vernacular nomenclatural code for Indian medicinal plants could help standardize the naming conventions, alleviating the long-standing confusion associated with various common names.
Glossary definitions and references:
Scientific and Ayurvedic Glossary list for “Nomenclatural confusion on eclipta prostrate (l.) l.”. 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) Bhringaraja (Bhṛṅgarāja, Bhringa-raja, Bhrimgaraja):
Bhringaraja is a significant vernacular name for Eclipta prostrata, a plant valued for its medicinal properties in traditional Indian medicine, namely Ayurveda and Siddha. The term is often associated with various other plants, leading to nomenclatural confusion which this study aims to clarify, establishing its proper identification and usage.
2) Siddha (Siddhā):
Siddha refers to one of the ancient systems of medicine practiced in India, particularly in the Tamil regions. It relies heavily on herbal remedies and spiritual practices. In this study, the Siddha nomenclature contributes to the identification of Eclipta prostrata, showcasing the diverse cultural relevance of the plant in healing practices.
3) Ayurveda (Āyurveda, Ayus-veda):
Ayurveda is a traditional Indian system of medicine that emphasizes a holistic approach to health, using natural remedies derived from plants. Eclipta prostrata is referred to as Bhringaraja in Ayurveda, signifying its use in treating various ailments and highlighting the critical role of proper identification of medicinal plants within this system.
4) Science (Scientific):
Science, in this context, relates to the systematic study of the natural world, including the identification and classification of medicinal plants. The research aims to resolve nomenclatural confusion surrounding Eclipta prostrata, utilizing scientific methods to ensure accurate botanical identification essential for the effective use of herbal medicine.
5) Kala (Kālā, Kalā, Kāla):
Kala refers to the 'black' variety of Eclipta prostrata, which has been confused with other species and varieties in traditional medicine. The study highlights that the black coloration is due to anthocyanin pigments rather than a distinct species, emphasizing the need for clear scientific classification in herbal nomenclature.
6) Kalobhangro (Kālobhāṅgro):
Kalobhangro is a colloquial name associated with Eclipta prostrata and broadly references the black variety of the plant. The nomenclatural confusion surrounding this name indicates the broader problem of multiple vernacular names assigned to a single plant, which complicates its identification in both medicinal and scientific communities.
7) Kayyonni:
Kayyonni is a name used in some South Indian languages for Eclipta prostrata. The presence of various vernacular names, including Kayyonni and others, exemplifies the urgent need for a standardized nomenclature in medicinal plant usage, aiding both practitioners and researchers in accurate identification and application of these plants.
8) Galagara (Galagārā):
Galagara is another vernacular name for Eclipta prostrata, specifically used in Telugu. The study illustrates how different regional names contribute to confusion in plant identification, reinforcing the necessity for a consistent vernacular system to avoid misuse and to enhance the understanding of herbal remedies across diverse linguistic backgrounds.
9) Himalaya (Himālaya, Hima-alaya):
Himalaya refers to the high mountainous regions of India, where Eclipta prostrata is known to grow. This geographical aspect underscores the diversity and ecological variations where the plant can thrive, illustrating its robustness and the importance of regional identification within the context of traditional medicine and biodiversity.
10) Medicine:
Medicine in this context refers to the practice of healing and the use of substances, particularly plants, to treat ailments. Eclipta prostrata is noted for its medicinal properties in Ayurveda and Siddha, highlighting the intersection of traditional knowledge and the ongoing need for precise scientific identification of medicinal plants.
11) Bhringa (Bhṛṅga, Bhrimga):
Bhringa is a component of the word Bhringaraja, which translates roughly to 'king of the bees.' This etymology underscores the historical and cultural significance of the plant in traditional medicine, as bees are often associated with health and vitality, hence its important role in various remedies.
12) Habitat:
Habitat relates to the natural environments where Eclipta prostrata can be found, indicating its adaptability to both moist and dry conditions. Understanding the plant's habitat is crucial for conservation efforts and ensuring sustainable harvesting in traditional medicinal practices, which rely on the availability of such important species.
13) Kesuti (Kesutī):
Kesuti is one of the vernacular names for Eclipta prostrata in Bengali. This diverse range of regional names highlights the cultural significance of the plant across different communities in India, necessitating a standardized naming convention to ensure accurate communication among practitioners and enhance the ethical use of traditional remedies.
14) Botany:
Botany, the scientific study of plants, is integral to understanding the identification and classification of Eclipta prostrata. This discipline aids in resolving nomenclatural confusion by providing clear botanical criteria to distinguish between similar plants, thus facilitating accurate application of traditional medicinal knowledge.
15) Nila (Nīlā, Nīḷa, Nīla):
Nila denotes the 'blue' variety of Karisalanganni, with reference to various traditional names attributed to Eclipta prostrata. The categorization of plants often relies on visual identification, illustrating how cultural interpretations of color contribute to the challenges of scientific classification and necessitate clarity in plant naming.
16) Pita (Piṭa, Pitā, Pīta, Pītā, Piṭā):
Pita signifies the 'yellow' variety in the nomenclature of the plant, particularly associated with Wedelia chinensis, a different species. This highlights the confusion surrounding the various plant names and varieties in traditional practices, underscoring the importance of accurate classification to prevent misidentification in herbal medicine.
17) Drug:
Drug, in this context, refers to any substance used for therapeutic purposes. The study emphasizes the need for correct identification of herbal materials, like Eclipta prostrata, as misidentification could lead to ineffective treatment and poses risks to patient safety, reinforcing the role of accurate terminologies in medicine.
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