Ethnomedicines used by kochila tharu tribes living near bara district of nepal

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Journal name: World Journal of Pharmaceutical Research
Original article title: Ethnomedicines used by kochila tharu tribes living near bara district of nepal
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Author:

Shila Singh


World Journal of Pharmaceutical Research:

(An ISO 9001:2015 Certified International Journal)

Full text available for: Ethnomedicines used by kochila tharu tribes living near bara district of nepal

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

Doi: 10.20959/wjpr201714-13732

Copyright (license): WJPR: All rights reserved


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Summary of article contents:

Introduction

Ethnobotany focuses on the relationship between people and plants, especially how various cultures utilize indigenous flora for their needs, including food, shelter, and medicine. In developing countries, a significant portion of the population relies on plant-derived medicines as primary healthcare resources. The Kochila Tharu tribes residing in the Bara District of Nepal have a rich tradition of using local plants for medicinal purposes. This research documents 99 medicinal plant species used by these tribes, categorized into different ailments and preparation methods.

Medicinal Plants of the Kochila Tharu Tribe

The study identified 99 medicinal plant species from 50 families, with Asteraceae, Fabaceae, and Lamiaceae being the most prominent. These plants are employed to treat 49 different ailments, categorized into 14 broad categories such as digestive disorders, skin issues, and respiratory problems. The leaves and roots are the most commonly utilized parts of the plants. Notably, the use of herbs is predominant, accounting for 48% of the reported medicinal plants. The main methods of preparation include extraction, paste, and decoction, highlighting the diverse traditional knowledge of herbal medicine within the community.

Ethnomedicine Practices and Cultural Heritage

The Tharu tribes maintain robust ethno-medicinal practices facilitated by their deep understanding of local flora. Traditional medicine plays a crucial role in their daily healthcare routines due to limited access to modern medical facilities and the high rates of poverty in the region. Many Tharus continue to use indigenous knowledge for treating common ailments such as diarrhea, skin itching, and injuries. This reliance on traditional medicine underscores the importance of preserving such knowledge systems amidst the encroachment of modern medicine which is gradually diminishing the use of traditional remedies.

Statistical Analysis of Medicinal Uses

To assess the significance of the documented plant species, various quantitative techniques were employed, including frequency of citation and the informant consensus factor (FIC). The FIC values indicate a high agreement among informants regarding the use of specific species for particular ailments. The most frequently cited plants also align with high FIC values, suggesting that these species have promising potential for further phytochemical and pharmacological studies. Such analysis reinforces the validity and effectiveness of the Tharu medicinal practices based on centuries of empirical knowledge.

Conclusion

The study highlights the extensive knowledge of the Kochila Tharu tribes in utilizing local plants for medicinal purposes, reinforcing the essence of ethno-botanical studies as vital to conserving traditional medicine systems. With 99 medicinal plant species documented, the research not only preserves valuable ethnobotanical knowledge but also emphasizes the need for further exploration of these plants' pharmacological potentials. Maintaining this unique cultural heritage is crucial for future generations and could contribute significantly to the field of herbal medicine, blending traditional practices with modern scientific validation.

FAQ section (important questions/answers):

What is the main focus of the study on Kochila Tharu tribes?

The study focuses on documenting the ethnomedicinal plants used by Kochila Tharu tribes in Bara District, Nepal, and understanding their applications in traditional medicine for various ailments.

How many medicinal plant species did the study identify?

A total of 99 medicinal plant species were identified, belonging to 50 families, with the Asteraceae family being the most prominent.

What are the most common ailments treated by Tharu tribes?

Common ailments include diarrhea, injuries, cold & fever, jaundice, dermatitis, and sprains, often treated with traditional ethnomedicines.

How was data collected during this ethnobotanical study?

Data were collected through structured questionnaires, participatory observations, and interviews with local traditional healers and knowledgeable community members.

What preparation methods for remedies are commonly used?

Common methods include extraction or juice (31%), paste (20%), and decoction (15%) for preparing medicinal remedies from identified plants.

Why is traditional knowledge important according to this study?

Traditional knowledge is essential as it encompasses the cultural practices, medicinal uses, and ecological insights of indigenous communities, offering valuable insights for health care.

Glossary definitions and references:

Scientific and Ayurvedic Glossary list for “Ethnomedicines used by kochila tharu tribes living near bara district of nepal”. 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) Taru:
Tharu refers to an indigenous ethnic group that primarily resides in the Terai region of Nepal and northern India. They have unique cultural practices, languages, and traditional medicinal knowledge, particularly related to the numerous plant species available in their environment. Their customs and traditions have been shaped by the surrounding natural landscape.

2) Species:
Species denotes distinct groups of living organisms classified by common characteristics, often in terms of shared evolutionary ancestry. The study of various species, particularly medicinal plants, reveals the relevance of biodiversity for traditional medicine, which is utilized by indigenous peoples like the Tharu for treating ailments.

3) Study (Studying):
Study refers to the systematic investigation of a specific subject or phenomenon. In this context, it involves ethnobotanical research to document traditional medicinal practices of the Tharu tribes, aiming to showcase their knowledge and the plants they rely on for healthcare, contributing to broader ethnobotanical understanding.

4) Bara:
Bara is a district in Nepal, part of Province No. 2, characterized by diverse ethnic populations, including the Tharu. The district's geographical and cultural landscape influences the medicinal plant species used by local communities, contributing to their traditional healthcare practices.

5) Shila (Sila):
Shila Singh is the author mentioned in the research article, serving as an Assistant Professor in the Botany Department at Amrit Campus. Her work reflects the importance of documenting indigenous plant knowledge and the ethnomedicinal practices of the Tharu tribes, contributing to ethnobotanical literature.

6) Knowledge:
Knowledge refers to the understanding and information accrued by a community over time, especially regarding traditional medicine and plant uses. The Tharu people's accumulated knowledge about medicinal plants underpins their healthcare practices, forming a vital component of cultural heritage and pharmaceutical potential.

7) Medicine:
Medicine involves the science and practice of diagnosing, treating, and preventing illness. In the context of ethnomedicine among the Tharu, it encompasses traditional healing practices rooted in local flora, revealing insights into how these communities engage with their natural environment to maintain health.

8) Language:
Language is a system of communication used by a particular community. In Nepal, the Tharu speak various dialects, contributing to cultural identity. Language plays a crucial role in transmitting traditional knowledge, including medicinal plant uses and cultural practices, across generations.

9) Itching:
Itching is a common symptom that can be caused by various conditions, including skin disorders. Many Tharu traditional remedies utilize specific plants known for their relief of itching, showcasing the intersection of symptoms, cultural practices, and local ecological knowledge in herbal medicine.

10) India:
India borders Nepal and shares cultural and linguistic ties with various ethnic groups, including the Tharu. The medicinal knowledge and practices of the Tharu extend across the border, influencing and shaped by the interplay of tradition in both Indian and Nepalese contexts.

11) Fever:
Fever is a common medical symptom often treated by traditional medicines in various cultures. Among the Tharu, specific plants are used to manage fever, illustrating the integration of local plant resources in addressing health issues found within their community.

12) Field:
Field refers to the area of study conducted on-site, encompassing practical research methods for collecting data and interacting with the local community. This research results in enriched understanding and documentation of traditional practices related to medicinal plant use.

13) Forest:
Forests are vital ecosystems that host diverse plant species, many of which are used by indigenous communities like the Tharu for medicinal purposes. The relationship between the Tharu tribes and their surrounding forests underscores the importance of biodiversity in their healthcare practices.

14) Pain:
Pain is the body's response to injury or illness and can significantly impact quality of life. Traditional remedies are often sought by the Tharu for managing pain, showcasing their reliance on Indigenous knowledge and plants for alleviating discomfort.

15) Inflammation:
Inflammation is a biological response to harmful stimuli often treated with traditional methods. The Tharu people utilize specific plants known for their anti-inflammatory properties, reflecting their deep-rooted understanding of plant-based remedies related to health and healing.

16) Observation:
Observation is a fundamental research method that involves careful monitoring of subjects to gather data. This study relied on observational techniques to document practices and knowledge among the Tharu, ensuring accurate representation of their use of medicinal plants.

17) Nepali:
Nepali is the national language of Nepal, serving as a lingua franca among diverse ethnic groups. It is intertwined with the cultural identity of regions like Bara, where the Tharu reside, highlighting the importance of language in documenting traditional practices.

18) Burning (Burn, Burned, Burnt):
Burn is a common injury resulting from exposure to heat or chemicals. Ethnomedicinal knowledge among the Tharu includes utilizing certain plants to treat burns, indicating traditional practices that harness local flora for practical healthcare applications.

19) Simraungadh:
Simraungadh is a key location in Bara District, known for its historical importance. Within the context of the study, this area reflects the cultural heritage and medicinal plant knowledge prevalent among the Tharu communities in the region.

20) Agriculture:
Agriculture is the primary livelihood activity for the Tharu tribes, involving the cultivation of various crops. The agricultural practices are closely linked to their traditional medicinal knowledge, with many plants used for both food and health purposes derived from this context.

21) Science (Scientific):
Science pertains to systematic study and knowledge acquisition through observation and experimentation. The integration of scientific methodologies in ethnobotanical research helps validate traditional medicinal practices, offering insights into potential benefits of local plants.

22) Himalaya (Hima-alaya):
The Himalaya mountain range is significant both geographically and culturally in Nepal. Its diverse ecosystems provide a wide variety of plant species, shaping the traditional medicinal practices of indigenous groups like the Tharu, who reside in lower foothill regions.

23) Village:
Village refers to small rural communities where traditional practices are prevalent. The Tharu tribes predominantly live in villages, contributing to the preservation and transmission of ethnobotanical knowledge and customs, which are essential to their cultural identity.

24) Family:
Family in botanical terms represents a classification grouping various species sharing common traits. The study categorizes the medicinal plants utilized by the Tharu into families, revealing biodiversity within local flora essential for their traditional medicine.

25) Botany:
Botany is the scientific study of plants, including their physiology, structure, and usage. This field is integral to understanding the ethnobotanical practices of the Tharu, providing insights into the plant species they utilize for medicinal purposes.

26) Malla:
Malla likely refers to a specific researcher or a family name associated with studies on ethnobotany or traditional medicine practices in the region. Their works contribute to the academic understanding of plant use in indigenous cultures.

27) Joshi (Josi):
Joshi may denote an individual involved in ethnobotanical research, either as a researcher or academician. This name recognized in citations reflects a network of scholars focused on documenting and analyzing traditional plant knowledge.

28) Kumar:
Kumar represents a common name in South Asia, possibly referring to a researcher who studied ethnobotany or traditional practices in relation to medicinal plants. Their inclusion in the citations emphasizes the collaborative nature of academic research.

29) Table:
Table refers to a structured representation of data. In the context of this study, tables provide a concise summary of ethnomedicinal plants and their uses within the Tharu community, aiding in the organization of findings.

30) Male:
Male pertains to the gender which may influence health treatments and the use of specific plants culturally associated with male ailments in the Tharu community. This highlights the gendered dimensions of medicinal plant use.

31) Life:
Life embodies the biological, social, and cultural aspects of existence. The role of plants in the life of the Tharu encapsulates their dependence on nature for sustenance, health, and cultural practices integrated through traditional knowledge.

32) Piper longum:
Piper longum is a plant species significant in traditional medicine, notably used by the Tharu for ailments like cough and respiratory issues. This highlights the importance of specific plant species in local herbal remedies and health practices.

33) Phytochemical:
Phytochemical refers to compounds found in plants that have medicinal properties. Research on the phytochemical constituents of plants used by the Tharu contributes to understanding their therapeutic potential and validating traditional remedies scientifically.

34) Discussion:
Discussion represents the analytical conversation that emerges following research findings. In this context, it pertains to examining the implications of the documented ethnomedicinal knowledge of the Tharu tribes within broader ethnobotanical and pharmacological frameworks.

35) Kathmandu:
Kathmandu is the capital city of Nepal and serves as a cultural and educational hub. Research originating from various regions, including studies of the Tharu, often finds platforms for dissemination in institutions based in Kathmandu, highlighting regional knowledge connections.

36) Godavari (Go-davari):
Godavari refers to the location of the National Herbarium and Plant Laboratory in Nepal, where plant specimens are verified. It is a key site for botanic studies, essential for validating the plant species used by the Tharu in their traditional medicine.

37) Bhojpuri:
Bhojpuri is an Indian language spoken mainly in the southern regions of Nepal, including areas inhabited by the Tharu. It reflects the cultural and linguistic ties that influence traditional practices and healers' communication and knowledge sharing.

38) Vomiting:
Vomiting is a common symptom often treated with specific plants in traditional medicine. Within the Tharu's ethnomedicinal practices, certain plant species are utilized to alleviate this condition, showcasing their practical knowledge of health management.

39) Swelling:
Swelling is an inflammation-related symptom that can arise from numerous conditions. The use of traditional remedies among the Tharu for treating swelling emphasizes their ethnomedicinal knowledge and recognition of local plants with therapeutic effects.

40) Adhikarin (Adhikari):
Adhikari is likely a surname or identifier associated with researchers studying ethnobotany or the medicinal practices of various ethnic groups. Their contributions provide insights into the broader context of traditional medicine in Nepal.

41) Disease:
Disease refers to the abnormal condition affecting the body, which often prompts the use of traditional medicine. For the Tharu, specific plants are sought out for treating prevalent diseases, demonstrating the significance of herbal knowledge in their community.

42) Panthi (Pamthi):
Panthi may represent a researcher or contributor to ethnobotanical studies. Acknowledgment of individuals like Panthi highlights the collaborative effort in documenting and analyzing traditional medicinal practices within various ethnic communities.

43) Temple:
Temple signifies places of worship within Tharu culture, rich in cultural history. Temples also serve as community gathering centers, reinforcing traditional practices and possibly influencing local treatments through spiritual beliefs and practices.

44) Powder:
Powder describes the preparation form created by grinding plants into a fine texture, commonly used in traditional medicine. This presentation illustrates the various ways Tharu medicines are formulated and applied for efficacy.

45) Campu:
Campu is not explicitly defined in the provided text and may refer to a concept, location, or plant characteristic relevant to the study. Such terms usually encapsulate local knowledge specifics within the context of ethnobotanical research.

46) Bihar:
Bihar is an Indian state that borders Nepal and shares historical and cultural connections with the Tharu. The interactions between communities across the Nepal-India border enrich the understanding of traditional practices and medicinal knowledge.

47) Daya:
Daya is likely a local name for a medicinal plant used by the Tharu or may refer to a specific application within their ethnomedicine practices. Its inclusion in studies reflects the utilization of locally recognized plants for health remedies.

48) Rich (Rch):
Rich in this context signifies the abundance of cultural heritage, biodiversity, or resources such as medicinal plants. The Tharu's rich traditional knowledge about local flora underpins their health practices in the absence of modern medical facilities.

49) Worm:
Worm often refers to parasitic infestations, which are conditions commonly treated with medicinal plants in traditional practices. The Tharu community's use of specific plant species for these ailments highlights their empirical understanding of health and disease management.

50) Tinospora cordifolia:
Tinospora cordifolia is a recognized medicinal plant used traditionally for its health benefits, particularly in supporting immune function and treating various ailments. Its significance in Tharu medicine exemplifies the broader application of herbal remedies in traditional healthcare.

51) Azadirachta indica:
Azadirachta indica, known as neem, is a revered plant in various traditional medicinal systems for its antiseptic and anti-inflammatory properties. Among the Tharu, it exemplifies the recognition of specific plant-based solutions to common health issues.

52) Human life:
Human life encompasses the biological, cultural, and social aspects of existence. The integration of traditional knowledge in health management emphasizes how the Tharu community interacts with their environment to sustain health and well-being.

53) Terminalia bellirica:
Terminalia bellirica is a plant with significant traditional importance in herbal medicine, often utilized for its beneficial properties in digestion and respiratory support. Its use by the Tharu illustrates the empirical wisdom embedded in local ethnomedicine.

54) Tribulus terrestris:
Tribulus terrestris is a botanical species known for its various medicinal properties. Within the ethnomedicinal framework of the Tharu, its applications reflect the traditional practices that leverage local flora to address specific health concerns.

55) Plumbago zeylanica:
Plumbago zeylanica is a medicinal plant traditionally used for its therapeutic effects, including anti-inflammatory properties. Its relevance in the Tharu's ethnomedicine underlines the importance of documenting plant species that contribute to local healthcare practices.

56) Erythrina stricta:
Erythrina stricta is another plant recognized for its traditional medicinal uses. Within the Tharu community, understanding its applications and preparation methods highlights the profound knowledge of local flora as integral to health management.

57) Cordia dichotoma:
Cordia dichotoma is a species valued in traditional medicine for its potential health benefits. For the Tharu tribes, the inclusion of such plants in their herbal repertoire demonstrates the relationship between local biodiversity and traditional healing.

58) Gmelina arborea:
Gmelina arborea is known for its diverse medicinal applications, often employed for treating various ailments in traditional practices. Among the Tharu, its use signifies the importance of local tree species in community healthcare strategies.

59) Syzygium cumini:
Syzygium cumini, commonly known as jambolan or black plum, is recognized for its health benefits, such as antidiabetic properties. In traditional Tharu medicine, its application underscores the nutritional and therapeutic potential of regional fruit plants.

60) Pharmacological:
Pharmacological relates to the study of drugs and their interactions with biological systems. Understanding the pharmacological properties of plants used by the Tharu can validate traditional practices, bridging the gap between indigenous knowledge and modern scientific inquiry.

61) Performance:
Performance in this context can refer to the effectiveness of medicinal plants in treating ailments as reported by traditional healers. Evaluating the performance of these ethnomedicines is crucial for understanding their role in local health systems.

62) Developing:
Developing regions or countries often depend on traditional knowledge systems for healthcare due to limited access to modern medical facilities. For the Tharu tribes, integrating their ethnic knowledge into broader health frameworks illustrates how developing societies sustain health.

63) Narayani:
Narayani refers to a geographic location in Nepal, likely connecting to the broader ecosystem and cultural context of the Tharu. The term signifies linguistic and ecological diversity that shapes local medicinal practices.

64) Maithili:
Maithili is an Indian language spoken in the southern parts of Nepal, again showcasing the linguistic diversity in the region. Its cultural significance among the Tharu reflects the interconnectedness of language, tradition, and medicinal knowledge.

65) Sambhālū (Sambhalu):
Sambhalu is potentially a local or regional name associated with a plant species known for its medicinal properties. It signifies the everyday references used within the community to communicate knowledge about flora for health purposes.

66) Activity:
Activity denotes functioning processes of organisms or systems. Understanding the interaction between human activities and local plant ecosystems can highlight sustainable practices and the management of resources crucial for the Tharu’s traditional medicinal knowledge.

67) Cannabis:
Cannabis is a plant known for its psychoactive and medicinal properties, used traditionally in various cultures. The mention of cannabis in the context of the Tharu emphasizes traditional uses within their community for specific health conditions.

68) Mithila:
Mithila is a culturally rich region that spans parts of Nepal and India, known for its unique art and traditions. The Tharu's ethnomedicinal practices are likely influenced by the broader cultural facets of Mithila.

69) Bharati:
Bharati may refer to an individual, possibly a researcher recognized in ethnobotanical studies. Their contributions would provide additional context to the body of knowledge surrounding traditional practices and medicinal plant usage.

70) Bhangra:
Bhangra may refer to both the traditional dance and the culturally significant use of cannabis for medicinal or ritualistic purposes among communities like the Tharu. This underscores the intertwining of cultural practices and plant use.

71) Surface:
Surface can refer to the geographical or ecological context in which communities like the Tharu exist. Understanding the surface of their environment is essential for studying plant species utilized for traditional medicine methods.

72) Brahmi:
Brahmi is recognized as a potent medicinal plant known for its cognitive benefits and mentioned in traditional usage among the Tharu. This highlights the relevance of specific plant species in their herbal medicine repertoire.

73) Rohini:
Rohini likely denotes a locality or may refer to a plant within the traditional medicine practices of the Tharu. It signifies the connection between geographic locations and the resources available for health management.

74) Bahera:
Bahera is a tree known for its medicinal properties, often used in traditional remedies within various communities including the Tharu. Its significance in ethnobotanical studies underscores the importance of local species for health solutions.

75) Mahato:
Mahato may refer to an individual associated with ethnobotany or traditional medicine research. Their contributions emphasize the interconnected nature of academia and local indigenous knowledge in documenting medicinal plant usage.

[Note: The above list is limited to 75. Total glossary definitions available: 107]

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