Conservation of key medicinal plants in Dimapur, Nagaland.
Journal name: World Journal of Pharmaceutical Research
Original article title: Conservation of some pharmaceutically important medicinal plants from dimapur district of nagaland
The WJPR includes peer-reviewed publications such as scientific research papers, reports, review articles, company news, thesis reports and case studies in areas of Biology, Pharmaceutical industries and Chemical technology while incorporating ancient fields of knowledge such combining Ayurveda with scientific data.
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Rama Shankar, Ashish Kumar Tripathi, Abhimanyu Kumar
World Journal of Pharmaceutical Research:
(An ISO 9001:2015 Certified International Journal)
Full text available for: Conservation of some pharmaceutically important medicinal plants from dimapur district of nagaland
Source type: An International Peer Reviewed Journal for Pharmaceutical and Medical and Scientific Research
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Summary of article contents:
Introduction
The study focuses on the conservation of important medicinal plants in the Dimapur district of Nagaland, India. This area is rich in biodiversity and is primarily inhabited by Naga tribes who have a deep-rooted connection with the local flora. Dimapur is strategically located and has a diverse range of vegetation types, from tropical to subtropical, fostering numerous medicinal plants. The research not only emphasizes the ethnobotanical knowledge of the local tribes but also highlights the urgent need for conservation measures due to the over-exploitation of plant resources.
Ethnomedicinal Practices of Local Tribes
Local traditional healers in the Dimapur district utilize a variety of medicinal plants for treating ailments such as liver disorders, malaria, and various fevers. Plants like Acorus calamus, Phyllanthus amarus, and Oroxylum indicum are commonly employed in these traditional practices. However, the unregulated and non-scientific collection methods pose a threat to the sustainability of these resources. The research points out that the conservation of these plants is critical not only for preserving indigenous knowledge but also for ensuring continued access to these medicinal resources for future generations.
Conservation Strategies for Medicinal Plants
The paper proposes various conservation strategies for medicinal plants, including systematic collection practices that leave sufficient plant parts intact for regeneration. Establishing designated conservation areas and nurseries can enhance the sustainable harvesting of these species. The authors suggest that in cases where plant parts such as roots or stems are collected, more than half of the plant should remain to ensure future growth. By adhering to responsible harvesting guidelines, the decline of medicinal plant populations can be mitigated.
Cultivation as a Conservation Measure
Cultivation of medicinal plants is presented as a practical conservation measure. The study identifies species that are suitable for cultivation in the Dimapur region, such as Acorus calamus, Curcuma aromatica, and Embelia ribes. The cultivation process requires acclimatization and careful management, including seedling propagation and maintenance before planting in fields. This approach not only alleviates pressure on wild resources but also has the potential to improve the economic standing of local communities through the sustainable production of medicinal plants.
In conclusion, the paper underlines the need for urgent conservation efforts for the medicinal plants of Dimapur, linking traditional practices to modern conservation strategies. By integrating systematic harvesting techniques and promoting cultivation, the exploitation of these important resources can be controlled. This multifaceted approach not only aids in preserving biodiversity but also supports the traditional knowledge and practices of the local tribes, fostering a sustainable relationship with the environment.
FAQ section (important questions/answers):
What is the significance of medicinal plants in Dimapur district?
Dimapur district is rich in pharmaceutically important medicinal plants, which are extensively used by local traditional healers and for trade. This paper aims to document and conserve these valuable plants.
How was the distribution of medicinal plants surveyed in Dimapur?
The distribution was recorded using Global Positioning System (GPS) coordinates during extensive field explorations, documenting various medicinal plants and their localities.
What conservation methods were proposed for medicinal plants in Dimapur?
Conservation involves systematic collection practices, creating nurseries, and promoting sustainable harvesting to maintain the population of medicinal plants in their natural habitats.
Which medicinal plants are notably used for local health treatments?
Plants like Acorus calamus, Phyllanthus amarus, and Oroxylum indicum are utilized for treating liver disorders, malaria, and fevers by local healers.
What role does cultivation play in medicinal plant conservation?
Cultivation helps reduce reliance on wild sources. It allows controlled propagation and sustainable harvesting, ensuring a steady supply of medicinal plants for local use.
How does the biodiversity in Dimapur support medicinal plant research?
The rich biodiversity in Dimapur, with its tropical and subtropical forests, offers a wide variety of medicinal plants, making it an ideal location for research and conservation.
Glossary definitions and references:
Scientific and Ayurvedic Glossary list for “Conservation of key medicinal plants in Dimapur, Nagaland.”. 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) Disease:
Disease refers to any abnormal condition affecting the body, often characterized by specific symptoms and signs. In the context of medicinal plants, many plants listed are traditionally used to treat diseases, illustrating the relevance of ethnobotanical knowledge in maintaining health and wellness, especially among indigenous populations.
2) Fever:
Fever is a common medical symptom characterized by an increase in body temperature, often indicating an underlying infection or illness. Many medicinal plants like 'Acorus calamus' and 'Oroxylum indicum' mentioned in the study are used in traditional practices to help manage fevers, demonstrating their therapeutic relevance.
3) Worm:
Worm refers to parasitic infections caused by helminths that can affect various organ systems in humans. The presence of several medicinal plants, such as 'Crassocephalum crepidioides' and others, suggests their use in traditional remedies to treat worm infestations, showcasing their medicinal potential.
4) Forest:
Forest refers to large areas dominated by trees and underbrush, serving as ecosystems that support diverse flora and fauna. Various medicinal plants thrive within forests, highlighting the importance of conservation efforts for these habitats to sustain the medicinal biodiversity valuable for human health.
5) Drug:
Drug typically refers to a substance used for medical treatment, affecting bodily functions or processes. In the study, the collected medicinal plants are identified as sources of potential pharmaceutical drugs, emphasizing the role of traditional medicine in complementing modern healthcare systems.
6) Species:
Species refers to specific groups of organisms that share common characteristics and can interbreed. The study outlines various plant species with medicinal properties, underscoring the importance of biodiversity and the need for conservation of these unique genetic resources for future medicinal uses.
7) Bheda (Bheḍā, Bheḍa):
Bheda is a local term that usually translates to 'leaf' or may have connotations related to healing or treatment. In the context of traditional medicine in Nagaland, it emphasizes the use of specific plant parts for therapeutic applications, rich in local knowledge and customs.
8) Road:
Road typically denotes a pathway for vehicles, highlighting human infrastructure development. The geographical aspect mentioned in the study connects localities for collecting medicinal plants, showcasing how accessibility can influence the exploration and conservation of valuable botanical resources.
9) Acorus calamus:
Acorus calamus, also known as sweet flag, is a medicinal plant recognized for its therapeutic properties, including its use for respiratory conditions and hypertension. This plant's inclusion in the study illustrates its significance in traditional medicine systems, warranting focused conservation efforts.
10) India:
India, a country known for its rich biodiversity and traditional healing practices, serves as the setting of this study on medicinal plants in Nagaland. The diversity within its flora reflects the country's cultural heritage in the use of natural resources for health.
11) Blood:
Blood is vital for transporting nutrients and oxygen in the body. Numerous medicinal plants discussed in the study are employed in traditional systems to purify or enhance blood health, highlighting the importance of these plants in addressing hematological issues.
12) Oroxylum indicum:
Oroxylum indicum, known for its antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory properties, is frequently utilized in traditional medicines for various ailments. Its identification in the context of the Dimapur district underscores the species’ potential for therapeutic applications and the need for sustainable harvesting.
13) Field:
Field refers to open land areas, often associated with agriculture or natural habitats. The study's exploration in various fields denotes the importance of these areas for identifying and conserving medicinal plants integral to local socio-economic practices.
14) Ayurveda (Āyurveda, Ayus-veda):
Ayurveda is an ancient Indian system of natural healing, emphasizing the balance of bodily systems. The research highlights traditional healing practices rooted in Ayurveda, advocating for the incorporation of local medicinal plants into holistic wellness therapies.
15) Sida (Sīdā, Shida):
Sida is a genus of flowering plants known for various beneficial uses in traditional medicine. The inclusion of Sida species in the document reflects the local communities' agriculture practices and their knowledge of plant-based remedies for health conditions.
16) Naga (Nāga, Nag, Nāgā):
Naga refers to the indigenous tribes inhabiting Nagaland, India, who possess rich ethnobotanical knowledge. This heritage is vital for the sustainable use and conservation of medicinal plants and reflects the cultural practices surrounding health and wellness within these communities.
17) Pain (Paiṇ):
Pain signifies physical discomfort or suffering, often driving individuals to seek relief through medicinal means. The presence of numerous plants for alleviating pain in traditional knowledge emphasizes their crucial role in herbal medicine practices for pain management.
18) Embelia ribes:
Embelia ribes, often used in traditional systems for treating diabetes and other ailments, is documented for its health benefits. Integrating such plants in healthcare reflects traditional knowledge’s significance in developing alternative treatment modalities.
19) Leucoderma:
Leucoderma, or vitiligo, is a skin disorder characterized by white patches. Certain medicinal plants are traditionally employed to treat this condition, indicating the role of local flora in addressing specific dermatological challenges faced by communities.
20) Cancer:
Cancer describes a range of diseases characterized by uncontrolled cell growth. Medicinal plants recognized in the study are often used in local traditions to combat cancer symptoms or enhance quality of life, emphasizing the potential of integrating herbal remedies in treatment approaches.
21) Costus:
Costus refers to a genus of flowering plants known for their medicinal properties, including potential benefits in digestive and respiratory health. Their presence in traditional medicine highlights the necessity of conserving such plants for future therapeutic applications.
22) Snuhi (Snuhī):
Snuhi, known for its medicinal uses, highlights traditional knowledge regarding the extraction and application of plant extracts for various health issues. This reflects the importance of local plant use in community health practices.
23) Study (Studying):
Study refers to the systematic investigation of medicinal plants and their efficacy. The research presented emphasizes the application of scientific methods in documenting traditional knowledge and exploring sustainable practices for the conservation of valuable plant species.
24) Terminalia chebula:
Terminalia chebula, a prominent component of Ayurvedic medicine, is known for its diverse health benefits. Its usage within traditional practices illustrates the importance of preserving such species for their economic and health-related potentials.
25) Mesua ferrea:
Mesua ferrea is recognized for its medicinal attributes and ornamental value. Documented in the study, its presence emphasizes the need for conservation strategies to maintain its availability for traditional therapeutic applications.
26) Observation:
Observation entails the careful examination and documentation of plant species in their natural habitats. In this study, systematic observations yield valuable data that support conservation efforts and highlight the connection between local practices and botanical knowledge.
27) Prasarini (Prasāriṇī):
Prasarini refers to a local medicinal plant, showcasing traditional use in addressing various health conditions. The documentation of such plants underscores the significance of localized knowledge in contributing to broader medicinal applications.
28) Kantakari (Kaṇṭakārī, Kamtakari, Kantakāri):
Kantakari is known for its use in treating respiratory ailments and as a tonic. This plant’s mention illustrates the diverse applications of local flora in traditional medicine, emphasizing community reliance on such resources for health.
29) Sahadevi (Saha-devi, Sahadevī):
Sahadevi is a local name for a medicinal plant with properties linked to respiratory health. Documenting such plants is vital for conserving local ecological knowledge and ensuring the availability of remedies for traditional healing.
30) Seedling:
Seedling refers to a young plant grown from seeds, critical for reforestation and conservation efforts. The study emphasizes the role of cultivating seedlings to foster sustainable harvest practices for medicinal plants within local communities.
31) Krishna (Kṛṣṇā, Kṛṣṇa):
Krishna, often referenced in health practices, highlights the integration of cultural or religious beliefs in the use of medicinal plants. This connection enriches the narrative surrounding traditional healing systems and their appropriateness within communities.
32) Haridra (Hāridra, Haridrā):
Haridra, or turmeric, is known for its health benefits, particularly in inflammation and skin health. Its use in local medicine reflects the importance of integrating culinary and medicinal knowledge from indigenous practices.
33) Quality:
Quality refers to the standard of medicinal plants regarding their effectiveness and safety. Monitoring the quality of harvested plants is critical for maintaining their therapeutic value and ensuring positive health outcomes for users.
34) Habitat:
Habitat denotes the natural environment where plants grow, influencing their characteristics and medicinal properties. Protecting plant habitats is essential for the conservation of species and the sustainability of traditional health practices.
35) Cutting:
Cutting refers to the practice of propagating plants through vegetative parts. This method is significant in sustainable cultivation efforts, allowing for the continuous harvesting of medicinal plants while preserving their populations in the wild.
36) Leprosy:
Leprosy is a chronic infectious disease impacting skin and nerves. The traditional use of specific medicinal plants to alleviate symptoms emphasizes the community's reliance on local flora for treating historically significant health conditions.
37) Karela (Karēlā, Karelā):
Karela, or bitter gourd, is recognized for its health benefits in diabetes management. Its mention in traditional medicine highlights the importance of dietary practices and natural remedies in managing chronic health conditions.
38) Kumar (Kumār):
Kumar signifies a common surname in India, emphasizing cultural ties and the authors’ contribution to documenting and promoting traditional medicinal practices within the local and national context.
39) Nimba (Nīmbā):
Nimba, or neem, is widely known for its therapeutic properties, including antidiabetic and skin benefits. Documented usage reflects the integration of neem within local health systems, advocating for conservation efforts of this valuable species.
40) Trade:
Trade refers to the exchange of goods, including medicinal plants and products derived from them. The study highlights the significance of local trade practices and their impact on the conservation status of medicinal flora.
41) Table:
Table refers to the organized presentation of data within the study, systematically detailing information about various medicinal plants. It enhances accessibility to research findings, promoting awareness of local medicinal resources among traditional healers and practitioners.
42) Vana (Vaṇa, Vāna, Vāṅa):
Vana translates to 'forest' in several Indian languages, denoting the importance of forest ecosystems for biodiversity. This underscores the reliance on forest resources for traditional medicine and the need for sustainable conservation practices.
43) Bala (Bāla, Balā, Bālā):
Bala is often referred to in traditional systems related to health, emphasizing childhood development and restorative properties. The mention of such plants signifies their potential value in promoting health through natural means.
44) Rama (Ramā, Rāmā, Rāma):
Rama is a common name and may reference the author, emphasizing individual contributions to research in ethnobotany and the importance of documenting and preserving indigenous medicinal knowledge.
45) Tree:
Tree refers to large, perennial plants that play crucial ecological roles. Documenting tree species with medicinal properties helps highlight their significance in sustaining both ecological health and traditional therapeutic practices.
46) Wall:
Wall refers to physical structures that can denote boundaries. In botanical studies, it may relate to cultivated areas or nurseries, essential for managing conservation efforts for medicinal plants to ensure their protection from overexploitation.
47) Tinospora cordifolia:
Tinospora cordifolia, known for its immunomodulatory properties, is frequently employed in traditional systems to treat various ailments. Its significance in local health practices prompts conservation measures due to its medicinal potential.
48) Azadirachta indica:
Azadirachta indica, or neem, recognized for its antiseptic and therapeutic properties, is integral to traditional healing. Its inclusion underscores the need for sustainable practices in harvesting and conserving this vital medicinal resource.
49) Argyreia nervosa:
Argyreia nervosa is noted for its psychotropic properties and use in traditional remedies for various ailments. Documenting such species informs conservation strategies and highlights the relevance of this plant in local cultures.
50) Cynodon dactylon:
Cynodon dactylon, or Bermuda grass, is known for its health benefits. Its role in traditional treatments emphasizes the integration of botanical knowledge within local health systems, promoting sustainable practices for conservation.
51) Ocimum sanctum:
Ocimum sanctum, or holy basil, is revered for its medicinal properties in stress management and immunity. Promoting its cultivation reflects practical applications of traditional healing practices that emphasize health benefits and plant conservation.
52) Nerium indicum:
Nerium indicum, or theoleander, is noted for its medicinal utility despite its toxic properties. Its presence signifies the knowledge of local communities about the dual nature of plant ecology and the importance of careful handling.
53) Curcuma longa:
Curcuma longa, or turmeric, is heralded for its anti-inflammatory and antioxidant effects. This plant's significance in both culinary and medicinal sectors underscores the interrelation of health and nutrition in traditional practices.
54) Snake poison (Snake venom):
Snake poison is harmful biochemical substances produced by snakes. The knowledge surrounding snake-bite treatments using specific medicinal plants illustrates the critical role of traditional medicine in managing emergencies arising from such incidents.
55) New Delhi:
New Delhi, as the capital city of India, represents the convergence of diverse cultures and knowledge systems. The relevance of traditional medicine to urban settings underscores the need for integrative health approaches that include indigenous practices.
56) Desmodium gangeticum:
Desmodium gangeticum is recognized for its therapeutic uses in respiratory health and as an antihypertensive. Its integration into local healing practices emphasizes the need for research and conservation of this species.
57) Gossypium herbaceum:
Gossypium herbaceum, or cotton, is valued not only for textile but also for medicinal uses in traditional health systems. Its dual-purpose significance calls attention to the conservation of agricultural diversity.
58) Momordica charantia:
Momordica charantia, or bitter gourd, is acknowledged for its antidiabetic properties and nutritional benefits. This plant's role in folk remedies emphasizes traditional knowledge's importance in contemporary health management.
59) Thevetia peruviana:
Thevetia peruviana, while known for its toxic properties, is also referenced in traditional systems for its potential medicinal uses. Its inclusion highlights the complexity of plant ecology in traditional medicine and the importance of educational practices surrounding it.
60) Tamarindus indica:
Tamarindus indica, or tamarind, is utilized not just as a culinary ingredient but for its health-enhancing properties, indicating the intertwined relationship between food and medicine in local cultures.
61) Ricinus communis:
Ricinus communis, or castor oil plant, is noted for its oil used in traditional medicine. The documentation of its use emphasizes the essential role of this plant in therapeutic traditions.
62) Mimusops elengi:
Mimusops elengi is recognized for its medicinal applications, especially dysentery treatment. Its presence in indigenous systems reflects the biodiversity of plants utilized for therapeutic purposes and the importance of their conservation.
63) Syzygium cumini:
Syzygium cumini, or jamun, is recognized for its health benefits, particularly in managing diabetes. Its mention illustrates the significance of nutritional and medicinal roles played by local flora.
64) Krishnasariva (Kṛṣṇasārivā, Krishna-sariva):
Krishna-sariva, also known as ‘Krishna’ in local settings, highlights the integration of medicinal plants into traditional lore, emphasizing the cultural knowledge surrounding plant usage in health practices.
65) Aegle marmelos:
Aegle marmelos, or bael, is known for its digestive and antioxidant properties, playing a significant role in traditional remedies. Its documentation supports the need for conservation efforts to sustain the resource.
66) Citrus maxima:
Citrus maxima, or pomelo, is recognized for its health benefits, including boosting immunity. The cultivation and preservation of this plant indicate the importance of integrating food and health in local communities.
67) Mandukaparni (Maṇḍūkaparṇī, Manduka-parni, Mamdukaparni):
Mandukaparni is noted for its cognitive and health benefits in traditional practices. Its inclusion emphasizes the significance of maintaining knowledge about indigenous plants and their benefits within health systems.
68) Saraca asoca:
Saraca asoca is known for its association with reproductive health. Its documentation in traditional medicine evidences the cultural importance of specific plants in communities and the need for conservation.
69) Bhringaraja (Bhṛṅgarāja, Bhringa-raja, Bhrimgaraja):
Bhringaraja, or Eclipta prostrata, is recognized for its use in hair care and liver health. Its traditional significance underlines the role of specific plants in local lifestyles and encourages sustainable cultivation practices.
70) Mahanimba (Mahānimba, Maha-nimba):
Maha-nimba, or neem, has potent health benefits, particularly in treating skin disorders. Its inclusion demonstrates the significance of traditional knowledge in ensuring access to effective natural remedies.
71) Rudrajata (Rudrajaṭā, Rudra-jata):
Rudra-jata refers to plants noted for their medicinal significance in local beliefs. Their relevance highlights the role of cultural practices in the conservation and use of medicinal plants.
72) Discussion:
Discussion refers to the analysis of findings derived from the study of medicinal plants. This section facilitates reflection on the implications and relevance of traditional practices within current health paradigms, fostering knowledge exchange among communities.
73) Collecting:
Collecting pertains to the practice of gathering medicinal plants from their natural habitats, emphasizing the need for sustainable methods to prevent species depletion while ensuring the availability of these resources for community use.
74) Snake-bite:
Snake-bite is a critical medical emergency that often necessitates immediate treatment. The study's references to plants effective for snake-bite remedy underline the significance of traditional medicine in addressing life-threatening conditions.
75) Science (Scientific):
Science encompasses the systematic study of natural phenomena, including the analysis of medicinal plants. The research underscores the relevance of scientific inquiry in validating traditional knowledge and promoting sustainable practices.
[Note: The above list is limited to 75. Total glossary definitions available: 152]
Other Science Concepts:
Discover the significance of concepts within the article: ‘Conservation of key medicinal plants in Dimapur, Nagaland.’. Further sources in the context of Science might help you critically compare this page with similair documents:
Medicinal plant, Cultivation of medicinal plants, Traditional Healing Practices, Ethnobotanical knowledge.
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