Pharmacology and ethno-pharmacology of traditional bengali cuisine ‘choddoshak’

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Religious traditions are the backbone of anthropological knowledge for any country. Sometimes in disguise they become an integral part for the general wellbeing for a specific community. The tradition of taking ‘ Choddoshak’ (leaves of fourteen leafy vegetables) during the season of autumn byBengali people of West Bengal, India and Bangladesh may be a ritualistic event by them but in contrary this fourteen herbs may have synergistic effect to collectively fight against the common health problems that occur particularly during the season of autumn. This review discusses the possible ethno pharmacological role and pharmacology of the individual plants of ChoddoShak and helps to justify the intake of ChoddoShak in the particular season of autumn by Bengali community Keywords: Choddoshak, Ethno medicine, Bengali people INTRODUCTION Starting from the ancient civilizations, human beings always rely on medicines of natural origin for day to day treatment of their ailments. They mainly depend on natural resources for general well being. Hence they made some life style changes and incorporated some good habits within their daily routine which unknowingly enhance their health. This incorporation of good habits is contributed mainly through religious festival or local customs. India and Bangladesh are the countriesof rich cultural heritage of vivid anthropological knowledge. One such religious custom by the Hindu Bengali people of West Bengal, India and Bangladesh are eating ChoddoShak , a group of fourteen leafy vegetables during the months of Diwali (the festival of light) TRADITIONAL BENGALI COUSINE CHODDOSHAK There are numerous customs and believes within the Hindu people residing in the state of INTERNATIONAL AYURVEDIC MEDICAL JOURNAL International Ayurvedic Medical Journal, ( ISSN: 2320 5091) (October, 2017) 5(10) PHARMACOLOGY AND ETHNO-PHARMACOLOGY OF TRADITIONAL BENGALI CUISINE ‘CHODDOSHAK’ Abhijit Singh 1 , Sagnik Mondal 1 , Manas Kundu 1 , Satadru Palbag 2 1 Under graduate student, 2 Assistant professorB.I.P.S, SPLPIM Campus, Kalyani, Nadia, West Bengal, Pin: 741235, India Email: spalbagju@gmail.com ABSTRACT Religious traditions are the backbone of anthropological knowledge for any country. Sometimes in disguise they become an integral part for the general wellbeing for a specific community. The tradition of taking ‘ Choddoshak’ (leaves of fourteen leafy vegetables) during the season of autumn byBengali people of West Bengal, India and Bangladesh may be a ritualistic event by them but in contrary this fourteen herbs may have synergistic effect to collectively fight against the common health problems that occur particularly during the season of autumn. This review discusses the possible ethno pharmacological role and pharmacology of the individual plants of ChoddoShak and helps to justify the intake of ChoddoShak in the particular season of autumn by Bengali community Keywords: Choddoshak, Ethno medicine, Bengali people INTRODUCTION Starting from the ancient civilizations, human beings always rely on medicines of natural origin for day to day treatment of their ailments. They mainly depend on natural resources for general well being. Hence they made some life style changes and incorporated some good habits within their daily routine which unknowingly enhance their health. This incorporation of good habits is contributed mainly through religious festival or local customs. India and Bangladesh are the countriesof rich cultural heritage of vivid anthropological knowledge. One such religious custom by the Hindu Bengali people of West Bengal, India and Bangladesh are eating ChoddoShak , a group of fourteen leafy vegetables during the months of Diwali (the festival of light) TRADITIONAL BENGALI COUSINE CHODDOSHAK There are numerous customs and believes within the Hindu people residing in the state of INTERNATIONAL AYURVEDIC MEDICAL JOURNAL International Ayurvedic Medical Journal, ( ISSN: 2320 5091) (October, 2017) 5(10) PHARMACOLOGY AND ETHNO-PHARMACOLOGY OF TRADITIONAL BENGALI CUISINE ‘CHODDOSHAK’ Abhijit Singh 1 , Sagnik Mondal 1 , Manas Kundu 1 , Satadru Palbag 2 1 Under graduate student, 2 Assistant professorB.I.P.S, SPLPIM Campus, Kalyani, Nadia, West Bengal, Pin: 741235, India Email: spalbagju@gmail.com ABSTRACT Religious traditions are the backbone of anthropological knowledge for any country. Sometimes in disguise they become an integral part for the general wellbeing for a specific community. The tradition of taking ‘ Choddoshak’ (leaves of fourteen leafy vegetables) during the season of autumn byBengali people of West Bengal, India and Bangladesh may be a ritualistic event by them but in contrary this fourteen herbs may have synergistic effect to collectively fight against the common health problems that occur particularly during the season of autumn. This review discusses the possible ethno pharmacological role and pharmacology of the individual plants of ChoddoShak and helps to justify the intake of ChoddoShak in the particular season of autumn by Bengali community Keywords: Choddoshak, Ethno medicine, Bengali people INTRODUCTION Starting from the ancient civilizations, human beings always rely on medicines of natural origin for day to day treatment of their ailments