Diospyros cordifolia: An underutilized ethnomedicinal feed review

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Journal name: World Journal of Pharmaceutical Research
Original article title: Diospyros cordifolia roxb.- an under exploited potent ethnomedicinal feed- a review
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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T. P. Mall


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World Journal of Pharmaceutical Research:

(An ISO 9001:2015 Certified International Journal)

Full text available for: Diospyros cordifolia roxb.- an under exploited potent ethnomedicinal feed- a review

Source type: An International Peer Reviewed Journal for Pharmaceutical and Medical and Scientific Research

Doi: 10.20959/wjpr20168-6769

Copyright (license): WJPR: All rights reserved


Summary of article contents:

Introduction

The interdependence between humans and plants is crucial for survival, as plants provide food, fuel, construction materials, clothing, and medicinal resources. While modern medicine focuses on treatment via pharmaceutical means, traditional herbalists emphasize the body's ability to heal itself, using herbs that work synergistically with the body to promote recovery. This paper reviews Diospyros cordifolia (Roxb.), commonly known as Tendu, which is not only important commercially but also possesses significant ethnomedicinal properties.

Medicinal Applications of Diospyros cordifolia

Diospyros cordifolia has a wide range of medicinal uses in traditional medicine. Various parts of the plant, including leaves, fruits, and bark, are utilized to treat ailments such as liver disorders, whooping cough, dysentery, and skin infections. Notably, the alcoholic extract of the plant exhibits anti-inflammatory, antipyretic, and analgesic properties. Additionally, the aqueous extract is traditionally used to treat severe jaundice, particularly amongst tribal communities. The active compounds within the plant, including betulin and ursolic acid, contribute to its medicinal efficacy.

Commercial Significance in the Bidi Industry

The leaves of Diospyros cordifolia are a primary raw material for the Bidi industry, which produces local cigarettes. This economic potential is significant for communities engaged in its cultivation. The West Bengal Tribal Development Co-operative Corporation Limited prioritizes the harvesting and utilization of the plant, underscoring its commercial value. Beyond the Bidi industry, the plant also serves other purposes, such as fishing, where crushed leaves are used as fish poison, showcasing its diverse applications.

Nutritional Value and Socioeconomic Impact

The fruits of Diospyros cordifolia provide essential nutrients, including carbohydrates, calcium, and phosphorus, which contribute to preventing malnutrition among local communities. Consumption of the sweet, juicy fruit is reported to improve the nutritional security of impoverished populations. By enhancing dietary intake and boosting health, the plant can contribute to uplifting the socioeconomic conditions of those relying on it for sustenance and income.

Conclusion

Diospyros cordifolia is a valuable plant with significant ethnomedicinal, commercial, and nutritional applications. Although some literature suggests the fruits may be poisonous, anecdotal evidence from local inhabitants indicates they are safe for consumption. The plant not only bolsters wellness through its medicinal properties but also supports livelihoods through its commercial uses. Continued recognition and research into the plant’s benefits can foster a deeper understanding of its role within both traditional medicine and local economies, thus preserving the knowledge held by local communities.

FAQ section (important questions/answers):

What is Diospyros cordifolia commonly known as?

Diospyros cordifolia, locally known as Tendu, is a significant plant in the Ebenaceae family, valued for its medicinal properties and commercial uses, particularly in the Bidi industry.

What medicinal uses are attributed to Diospyros cordifolia?

Diospyros cordifolia is used for various ailments, including liver disorders, whooping cough, dysentery, skin eruptions, and as an emetic and anti-helmintic, benefiting overall health and wellness.

What are the potential benefits of Diospyros cordifolia fruits?

The fruits are consumed for their sweet, juicy nature and are rich in carbohydrates, calcium, and phosphorus, which can prevent malnutrition and enhance the socio-economic condition of local inhabitants.

How are the leaves of Diospyros cordifolia utilized commercially?

The leaves of Diospyros cordifolia are primarily used as a raw material in the Bidi industry, significantly contributing to local economies and providing livelihood opportunities for many.

What compounds have been isolated from Diospyros cordifolia?

Isolated compounds from Diospyros cordifolia include ursolic acid, lupeol, and betulin, which exhibit various therapeutic effects, including anti-inflammatory and hepatoprotective benefits.

What traditional uses have been recorded for Diospyros cordifolia?

Traditional uses of Diospyros cordifolia include treating jaundice, wounds, ulcers, and several other ailments, with local healers relying on its medicinal properties for various health conditions.

Glossary definitions and references:

Scientific and Ayurvedic Glossary list for “Diospyros cordifolia: An underutilized ethnomedicinal feed review”. 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) Food:
Food is essential for survival and sustenance, serving as the primary source of energy for humans. The text highlights the different plant-based foods that humans rely on, emphasizing their importance in maintaining health and the various forms these foods take—ranging from grains and fruits to vegetables and spices.

2) Animal:
Animals are interconnected with plants, as many rely on them for nourishment. The early human interactions with animals provided insights into which plants were safe to consume. This relationship emphasizes the co-dependency between species for survival and informs traditional practices in hunting and gathering food.

3) Knowledge:
Knowledge of plants and their medicinal properties has been historically significant, passed down through generations. This accumulated wisdom allows communities to differentiate between edible and poisonous plants and those that offer healing benefits, marking the foundation of ethnomedicine and traditional practices in diverse cultures.

4) Medicine:
Medicine, particularly traditional herbal remedies, has played a crucial role in human health. The text discusses the medicinal properties of Diospyros cordifolia, highlighting its use in treating various ailments. This underscores the importance of ethnomedicinal practices in maintaining health and well-being, especially in communities reliant on natural remedies.

5) Fever:
Fever, a common symptom of many diseases, indicates the body's immune response. The text mentions Diospyros cordifolia's potential anti-fever properties, illustrating how traditional medicinal plants can be utilized to alleviate this condition and emphasizing herbal medicine's role in treating symptoms and improving patient comfort.

6) Tree:
Trees are vital to ecosystems and human life, providing food, shade, materials, and overall environmental benefits. The text references Diospyros cordifolia, a tree with diverse uses including medicinal and commercial, showing how trees can fulfill multiple needs while contributing to ecological stability and human health.

7) Pain:
Pain is a universal experience indicating injury or illness. Diospyros cordifolia's analgesic properties highlight the importance of understanding and utilizing plants for pain management. This complements modern medicine while emphasizing traditional approaches to health through natural remedies able to provide relief.

8) Nature:
Nature directly influences human health and well-being, fostering a symbiotic relationship where humans benefit from natural resources. The text connects human health to herbal remedies derived from nature, promoting a holistic view of health that respects and utilizes the gifts of the natural world for healing.

9) India:
India is rich in biodiversity and traditional knowledge of medicinal plants. The text highlights various uses of Diospyros cordifolia within Indian communities, showcasing the cultural significance and the potential for medicinal plants in addressing health issues, reflecting India's deep-rooted herbal medicine traditions.

10) Bidi:
The Bidi industry is mentioned as a significant economic activity linked to Diospyros cordifolia, emphasizing the commercial value of the plant. This illustrates how traditional plants can contribute to local economies, support livelihoods, and highlight the interconnectedness of agriculture, commerce, and culture.

11) Bahraich:
Bahraich is referenced as a geographic location associated with traditional knowledge and the cultivation of Diospyros cordifolia. This highlights the regional importance of local resources and practices in herbal medicine, as well as the potential for preserving cultural heritage tied to medicinal knowledge.

12) Leprosy:
Leprosy, a chronic infectious disease, necessitates effective medicinal treatments. Diospyros cordifolia is noted for its use in addressing this condition, underscoring the role of traditional medicine in complementing modern treatments and retaining historical and cultural practices in disease management.

13) Bengal (Bemgal):
Bengal represents a region where Diospyros cordifolia thrives and is traditionally utilized. The text reinforces the biodiversity wealth in this area and the significance of exploiting local resources sustainably, showing how geography influences the availability and application of medicinal plants.

14) Forest:
Forests are crucial for biodiversity and serve as habitats for numerous plant and animal species. The mention of Diospyros cordifolia in forest ecosystems emphasizes the need for conservation and sustainable practices while highlighting the role of forests in providing resources for traditional medicine.

15) Family:
Family is a fundamental unit of society that operates across generations. The text's reference to families highlights the transmission of knowledge regarding food and medicine, emphasizing how familial bonds facilitate the preservation and interchange of traditional practices and cultural heritage.

16) Botany:
Botany, the study of plants, is crucial for understanding the diverse uses of plant species like Diospyros cordifolia. This scientific discipline supports traditional knowledge and informs the global community about plant-based resources that can contribute to medicine, nutrition, and sustainability.

17) Ulcer:
Ulcers can be painful and debilitating, aligning with the text's mention of Diospyros cordifolia as a potential treatment. This highlights the importance of traditional medicines in addressing common health issues, providing alternatives to modern medical treatments while supporting holistic health approaches.

18) Pur:
Poor communities often rely heavily on traditional medicine due to limited access to modern healthcare. The text emphasizes how Diospyros cordifolia can promote health and nutrition, thereby improving the socio-economic standing of marginalized populations through sustainable and accessible medicinal practices.

19) Male:
In ethnomedicine, male and female plants may have different uses or characteristics. The reference to male flowers of Diospyros cordifolia underscores the need for understanding both plant sexualities for effective cultivation and maximization of their medicinal and commercial potential.

20) Common People (Common Folk):
Common people form the backbone of traditional medicinal practices, often relying on local knowledge for health. The text emphasizes how these individuals use Diospyros cordifolia for various ailments, reflecting the vital interconnectedness between traditional knowledge and the health practices of everyday individuals.

21) Fossil fuel:
Fossil fuels derive from ancient organic matter and provide energy for human activities. The text contrasts the healthful and sustainable benefits of plant-based resources against the reliance on fossil fuels, promoting an understanding of alternative energy sources that are more environmentally friendly.

22) Fish poison (Fish venom):
Fish poison derived from Diospyros cordifolia illustrates the plant's diverse applications beyond medicine. This traditional method emphasizes indigenous knowledge of natural resources, showcasing how communities utilize local plants to meet various needs, including fishing techniques, reinforcing the significance of sustainable resource management.

23) Malnutrition:
Malnutrition primarily stems from inadequate dietary intake, leading to health issues. Diospyros cordifolia is highlighted for its nutritional value, emphasizing the importance of traditional dietary practices in addressing malnutrition, particularly in resource-limited settings and underscoring the role of indigenous foods in health security.

24) Surrounding:
Surrounding environments, including vegetation, directly affect human wellbeing. The text emphasizes how plant-rich areas enhance ecosystem diversity and contribute to healthy living spaces. This interaction highlights the importance of preserving natural areas for holistic health and the wealth of resources they provide.

25) Shravasti (Sravasti):
Shravasti is highlighted as a location tied to traditional practices and the use of Diospyros cordifolia. This geographical significance underscores how local landscapes inform cultural and medicinal practices, aligning with the larger narrative of utilizing indigenous resources for health and wellness.

26) Furniture:
Furniture manufacturing often relies on natural materials, including wood from trees. The text relates to Diospyros cordifolia, a source of hardwood, highlighting the intersection of traditional knowledge and craftsmanship, showcasing the plant’s multifaceted uses within local economies and cultural practices.

27) Activity:
Activity encompasses various human interactions, from gathering food to medicinal practices. The text alludes to the activities associated with Diospyros cordifolia, emphasizing the importance of engaging with plants for health and wellness, reflecting broader cultural practices surrounding resource use.

28) Krishna (Krsna):
Krishna, often referenced in Traditional practices, signifies the spiritual and healing aspects tied to nature. The text connects the medicinal use of Diospyros cordifolia to cultural narratives, showcasing the blend of science, spirituality, and community practices in traditional medicine.

29) Chandra:
Chandra refers to the contextual importance of research or knowledge associated with Diospyros cordifolia. This highlights how studies contribute to a better understanding of plant properties, linking traditional medicine to scientific validation of its uses in treating various ailments.

30) Disease:
Disease represents the conditions traditionally treated by ethnomedicine. The text connects Diospyros cordifolia's various applications to health issues, underscoring the plant's role in providing natural remedies for prevalent ailments, enhancing the conversation around the importance of herbal medicine.

31) Surface:
Surface characteristics of plants, such as leaf texture, can inform their uses and medicinal properties. The text's mention of the physical attributes of Diospyros cordifolia highlights the relevance of botany in exploring the functional applications of plants in traditional medicine.

32) Madhya:
Madhya signifies a region enriched with biodiversity and traditional knowledge of Diospyros cordifolia. The text highlights the significance of local plants in addressing health needs and reflects the socio-cultural dynamic of utilizing regional resources for community well-being.

33) Andhra (Amdhra):
Andhra is another region where Diospyros cordifolia is present. This context emphasizes the geographical distribution of medicinal plants, underlining the need for regional awareness of their uses and developing sustainable practices to leverage such biodiversity for health and wellness.

34) Shrine:
Shrines often symbolize cultural and religious significance which may include using local plants for offerings or medicinal purposes. The text connects Diospyros cordifolia with spiritual practices, highlighting the intertwining of natural resources with cultural heritage and tradition.

35) Powder:
The powder derived from Diospyros cordifolia points to its preparation methods and application forms in traditional medicine. This signifies the importance of processing plants to extract beneficial compounds, enhancing their usability in treating ailments and supporting health within communities.

36) Cotton:
Cotton, a natural fiber derived from plants, relates to the comprehensive need for plant resources in daily life. The text emphasizes the diverse applications of plants beyond food and medicine, showcasing the integral role of adequate raw materials in human commerce and crafts.

37) Indian:
Indian relates to the cultural context of Diospyros cordifolia, highlighting the traditional knowledge and practices within Indian society. This emphasizes the importance of indigenous plants in addressing community health needs while honoring unique cultural perspectives around ethnomedicine.

38) Ranga (Ramga):
Ranga may allude to a geographical identifier showcasing diversity. Tied to Diospyros cordifolia, it represents the localized practices and traditional knowledge associated with specific regions, emphasizing how environmental context influences resource use and medicinal applications.

39) Kanda (Kamda):
Kanda, as a local name reference for Diospyros cordifolia, highlights the significance of vernacular terminology in understanding plant uses within regional contexts. This fosters greater recognition of indigenous knowledge systems and facilitates learning how local communities engage with their environments.

40) Bihar:
Bihar represents a region of diverse flora and ethnomedicinal practices. The text's reference to this area emphasizes the rich biodiversity of medicinal plants, showcasing how local practices inform health strategies and intertwine ecological stewardship with cultural identity.

41) Kohli:
Kohli represents the scientific exploration related to Diospyros cordifolia. This underscores the role of research and validation in traditional medicine, connecting empirical evidence to cultural practices and enhancing understanding of plant-based therapies within community health.

42) House:
House serves as a metaphorical representation of human habitation and community structures. It emphasizes how the use of local resources, like Diospyros cordifolia, contributes to the physical and social well-being of individuals, linking health, culture, and environment.

43) Dhar:
Dhar may refer to key figures in traditional or scientific studies related to Diospyros cordifolia. This highlights the collaborative efforts between local knowledge holders and scientific research in validating the ethnomedicinal uses of plants, enhancing communal health strategies.

44) Mise:
Mise likely references a subject in the context of ethnomedicinal studies. This highlights the significance of academic inquiry and its role in understanding traditional practices and promoting the value of plants like Diospyros cordifolia within community health frameworks.

45) Flax:
Flax, like cotton, highlights the importance of plant fibers in daily life and industry. Tied to the conversation about Diospyros cordifolia, it underscores the diverse applications of plants in creating resources that support human needs and livelihoods.

46) Meat:
Meat represents a dietary component typically reliant on plant-based animals for provision. The text ties into traditional practices surrounding hunting and grazing, emphasizing the interconnectedness of plant and animal resources within the ecological and cultural fabric of society.

47) Fish:
Fish serves a pivotal role in nutrition and livelihood, highlighting the interconnectedness of ecosystems. In this context, the use of Diospyros cordifolia as fish poison promotes a broader understanding of natural resource management and traditional ecological knowledge in communities.

48) Road:
Roads symbolize human endeavors to connect as well as traverse landscapes for various resources. The mention of Diospyros cordifolia growing along roadsides illustrates the adaptability of plants and fosters conversations about the utilization of accessible natural resources.

49) Hand:
Hand symbolizes human interaction with the environment. The mention of Diospyros cordifolia’s applications in traditional medicine reinforces the significance of manual practices in cultivating and utilizing plants for health, underscoring the role of human agency in community wellness.

50) Milk:
Milk denotes a critical dietary component sourced from animals fed by plants. The connection between plants and livestock emphasizes the ecosystem's balance and underscores the importance of maintaining agricultural biodiversity for sustainable food sources.

51) Drug:
Drugs derived from plants, like Diospyros cordifolia, underscore the importance of natural compounds in healthcare. The text highlights the historical and contemporary relevance of herbal medicine, showcasing the need for ongoing exploration of plant-based pharmaceuticals.

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Discover the significance of concepts within the article: ‘Diospyros cordifolia: An underutilized ethnomedicinal feed review’. Further sources in the context of Science might help you critically compare this page with similair documents:

Pain relief, Urban environment, Anti-inflammatory activity, Tribal knowledge, Anti-pyretic activity, Bradycardia, Hypotension, Ethnomedicinal use, Nutritional security, Whooping cough, Tropical tree, Liver Disorder, Herbal Remedie.

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