Medicinal plants ethnobotanical study in Warangal Rural, Telangana
Journal name: World Journal of Pharmaceutical Research
Original article title: Ethnobotanical survey of medicinal plants in warangalrural district, telangana, india
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.
This page presents a generated summary with additional references; See source (below) for actual content.
Original source:
This page is merely a summary which is automatically generated hence you should visit the source to read the original article which includes the author, publication date, notes and references.
T. Mahender, K. Purnachander, M. Sunil and Wajid Ali MD
World Journal of Pharmaceutical Research:
(An ISO 9001:2015 Certified International Journal)
Full text available for: Ethnobotanical survey of medicinal plants in warangalrural district, telangana, india
Source type: An International Peer Reviewed Journal for Pharmaceutical and Medical and Scientific Research
Doi: 10.20959/wjpr20189-12232.
Copyright (license): WJPR: All rights reserved
Download the PDF file of the original publication
Summary of article contents:
Introduction
The ethno botanical survey conducted in Warangal Rural District, Telangana, India, focused on the collection and documentation of medicinal plants. This research highlights the importance of traditional knowledge in identifying plants that possess medicinal properties. The study gathered information from various herbal practitioners and indigenous communities, resulting in a significant catalog of eighty medicinal plants, most of which are used in Ayurvedic practices. The study not only aims to explore the therapeutic potentials of these plants but also emphasizes the necessity of traditional medicine in contemporary healthcare.
The Importance of Traditional Medicine
Traditional medicine, particularly Ayurveda, plays a crucial role in treating illnesses without the side effects often associated with synthetic medications. The survey underscores the urgent need for natural products, as the long-term use of synthetic drugs can lead to adverse effects, such as tolerance or gastrointestinal issues. By returning to nature's medicinal offerings, researchers hope to derive new drugs and formulations that are more effective and less harmful. This shift reflects the traditional understanding that plants have been used for healing since ancient times, with knowledge passed down through generations among indigenous communities.
Medicinal Plants Used in Common Treatments
The survey revealed a diverse array of plants that are utilized for treating common ailments. For instance, the plant Azadirachta indica (Neem) is known for its applications in treating skin diseases, while Curcuma longa (Turmeric) serves as an antiseptic. Other notable examples include Momordica charantia (Bitter Gourd) for jaundice and Datura metel for skin conditions. These plants demonstrate the extensive knowledge local people possess regarding the therapeutic uses of flora found in their environment, revealing a rich herbal tradition deeply rooted in culture and history.
The Role of Ethno Botanical Surveys in Modern Research
Conducting an ethno botanical survey is pivotal in linking traditional knowledge with modern research methodologies. This survey not only documented the usage of medicinal plants but also provided a platform for further scientific exploration. By identifying effective plants used by traditional healers, researchers can initiate clinical trials to validate their medicinal properties, potentially leading to the development of new therapeutic agents. Such research helps integrate traditional knowledge into modern pharmacological studies, expanding the understanding of natural medicine and its applications.
Conclusion
The findings of this ethno botanical survey are significant for the preservation and promotion of traditional healing practices. With eighty traditionally recognized medicinal plants documented, this research encourages a broader recognition of natural medicine's role in health care. It highlights the importance of valuing indigenous knowledge and indicates a pathway for future research to explore these plants further, ultimately contributing to the development of safe and effective therapies that reflect holistic approaches to health and wellness.
FAQ section (important questions/answers):
What is an ethnobotanical survey of medicinal plants?
An ethnobotanical survey is the collection and documentation of information about medicinal plants used by indigenous groups for treating various ailments, emphasizing the knowledge of herbal practitioners.
How many medicinal plants were documented in the survey?
The survey documented a total of eighty medicinal plants, including their uses for treating common skin diseases and severe conditions such as gonorrhea, syphilis, tuberculosis, and cancer.
What types of diseases are treated by these medicinal plants?
These medicinal plants are used to treat a variety of diseases, including skin diseases, jaundice, diabetes, abdominal pain, ulcer, and even serious conditions like cancer and tuberculosis.
Who were the sources of information for the survey?
Information was collected from local herbal practitioners and rural people in the Warangal rural district, who have traditional knowledge of medicinal plant usage passed down through generations.
What is the significance of traditional herbal medicine?
Traditional herbal medicine plays a crucial role in healthcare by providing natural remedies with fewer side effects compared to synthetic drugs, thus maintaining a holistic approach to health and wellness.
What are the benefits of using medicinal plants?
Medicinal plants offer benefits such as treating illnesses without severe side effects, the potential for discovering new therapeutics, and a sustainable approach to healthcare by utilizing natural resources.
Glossary definitions and references:
Scientific and Ayurvedic Glossary list for “Medicinal plants ethnobotanical study in Warangal Rural, Telangana”. 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) Family:
In botanical taxonomy, 'Family' refers to a major group that includes various related plants sharing common characteristics. It acts as a classification level between 'Order' and 'Genus'. For example, the Asteraceae family includes many medicinal plants used in traditional medicine, showing how plant relationships affect their utilization.
2) Science (Scientific):
'Science' denotes a systematic enterprise that builds and organizes knowledge in the form of testable explanations and predictions about the universe. Ethnobotany as a science studies how various cultures utilize flora for medicinal purposes and the implications of these practices for health care and biodiversity.
3) Disease:
The term 'Disease' specifically refers to any abnormal condition affecting the body, often resulting in symptoms and affecting a person's health. Diseases can be caused by various factors, necessitating understanding and research to develop effective treatments. The exploration of medicinal plants often targets specific diseases for effective remedies.
4) Powder:
'Powder' refers to a form of herbal preparation where dried plant materials are finely ground into particles. This method enhances the potency and facilitates easy consumption and dosage for medicinal purposes. Traditional medicine frequently utilizes powdered herbs for treating various ailments, as seen in the survey findings.
5) Pain:
'Pain' denotes a physical discomfort that can vary in intensity and duration. It serves as a symptom of underlying health issues and motivates individuals to seek treatment. Many traditional plants acknowledged in the survey are used to alleviate pain, underscoring their therapeutic value in indigenous medicine.
6) Medicine:
'Medicines' encompass a variety of substances utilized in treating diseases or alleviating symptoms. This term applies to both synthetic pharmaceuticals and natural remedies, such as those derived from plants. The survey underscores the essential role of medicinal plants in traditional healthcare practices and their contributions to wellness.
7) Forest:
'Forests' are vital ecosystems that house diverse plant species with medicinal potential. Their preservation is key for sustainable development and research into traditional medicine, emphasizing the connection between biodiversity and health as recognized in the ethnobotanical survey.
8) Warangal:
'Warangal' is a district in Telangana, India, known for its cultural heritage and biodiversity. The area serves as the focal point for the ethnobotanical survey, highlighting the local knowledge and use of medicinal plants among indigenous communities, emphasizing the significance of regional studies in understanding traditional medicine.
9) India:
'India' is a country characterized by its vast biodiversity and rich heritage of traditional medicine practices like Ayurveda. The existence of various indigenous tribes in India leads to the use of countless medicinal plants. The survey reflects India's role in the global context of ethnobotanical research.
10) Knowledge:
'Knowledge' encompasses the understanding and awareness gained through experience and education. In the context of ethnobotany, it refers to the traditional wisdom regarding the use of medicinal plants that has been passed down through generations. This knowledge is crucial for preserving plant-based remedies within communities.
11) Rich (Rch):
'Rich' signifies an abundance or wealth of resources. In this context, it describes the diverse variety of medicinal plants available in specific areas, like Warangal. The rich biodiversity aids in identifying unique species with potential therapeutic properties, validating the need to document and study them.
12) Tuberculosis:
'Tuberculosis' (TB) is a serious infectious disease that primarily affects the lungs but can spread to other organs. The survey indicated that certain medicinal plants are used to treat TB symptoms. Understanding plant-based treatment options is essential for enhancing healthcare, especially in regions burdened by infectious diseases.
13) Practising (Practicing):
'Practicing' refers to the active engagement in a specific discipline or profession. In traditional medicine, it pertains to the methods and skills employed by herbal practitioners in using plants for healing. The survey highlights how traditional knowledge continues to be practiced among communities in Warangal.
14) Snake-bite:
'Snake-bite' is a medical emergency caused by the bite of a venomous snake, leading to a range of symptoms and requiring urgent treatment. This survey notes several plants traditionally used to manage snake-bite symptoms, emphasizing the significance of local plant knowledge in effectively addressing such emergencies.
15) Species:
'Species' is a fundamental unit of biological classification, identifying individual organisms that share similar characteristics and can reproduce. In the context of this survey, it highlights the rich variety of plant species used in traditional medicine, crucial for identifying potential new remedies and understanding their effects.
16) Pasupu:
'Pasupu' translates to 'turmeric' in Telugu and is a widely used medicinal plant known for its antiseptic and anti-inflammatory properties. The ethnobotanical survey highlights turmeric's potential uses in traditional remedies, showcasing the importance of local flora in treating various health issues.
17) Cancer:
'Cancer' represents a group of diseases characterized by uncontrolled cell growth that can invade and harm surrounding tissues. The survey reflects the use of specific traditional plants believed to possess anti-cancer properties, highlighting the significance of continued exploration of herbal treatments in the fight against cancer.
18) Nature:
'Nature' refers to the physical world and the ecosystems within it, including plants, animals, and the environment. It serves as the source of materials for traditional medicine, emphasizing the intrinsic relationship between human health and natural resources, as documented in the survey of medicinal plants.
19) Ulcer:
'Ulcer' is a sore that develops on the skin or mucous membrane, often causing pain and leading to inflammation. The survey indicates various traditional herbal remedies used to treat ulcers, showcasing the relevance of natural medicine in addressing specific health conditions experienced by individuals.
20) Drug:
'Drug' refers to any substance that has a physiological effect when introduced into the body, particularly for medical purposes. Understanding the role of plants as drugs is essential, as many traditional herbal remedies function similarly to pharmaceuticals in treating diseases, showcasing their importance in healthcare.
21) Food:
'Food' symbolizes the nourishment necessary for sustaining life, providing essential nutrients and energy. In traditional practices, some medicinal plants serve dual purposes, being consumed both as food and medicine. This highlights the interconnectedness of diet and health, emphasizing plant-based diets in traditional medicine systems.
22) Life:
'Life' encompasses the condition of living organisms, characterized by metabolic processes, growth, and reproduction. The exploration of medicinal plants emphasizes their significance to human life, as they provide natural remedies for health issues, advocating for the integration of traditional practices into contemporary medicine.
23) Solanum xanthocarpum:
'Solanum xanthocarpum' is a species of plant known for its medicinal properties, particularly in traditional healthcare practices. The documentation of its uses, as highlighted in the survey, emphasizes the importance of local flora in addressing various health conditions and reinforces the value of ethnobotanical research.
24) Azadirachta indica:
'Azadirachta indica', commonly known as neem, is a well-known medicinal plant in traditional medicine with wide applications, including antibacterial and anti-inflammatory properties. Its presence in the survey correlates with its numerous traditional uses, showcasing its relevance in treating common ailment across communities.
25) Nelumbo nucifera:
'Nelumbo nucifera', or lotus, is a significant aquatic plant revered in various cultures for its medicinal properties. The survey identifies its uses in traditional remedies, reflecting the importance of local knowledge in promoting biodiversity and utilizing natural resources for healthcare-enhancing practices.
26) Butea monosperma:
'Butea monosperma', often referred to as flame of the forest, is a plant noted for its traditional uses in treating various ailments. Recognizing its applications in indigenous medicine emphasizes the wealth of knowledge surrounding plant-based treatments and their integration into contemporary healthcare systems.
27) Mangifera indica:
'Mangifera indica', or mango, is not only a popular fruit but also possesses medicinal properties revered in traditional medicine. The inclusion of mango in the survey indicates the diverse uses of both its fruit and other plant parts, underscoring traditional nutritional and health practices.
28) Ocimum sanctum:
'Ocimum sanctum', known as holy basil or tulsi, is a revered herb in traditional Indian medicine. It is recognized for its adaptogenic and anti-inflammatory properties, largely used to promote overall health. The survey highlights its significance in traditional remedies and cultural practices.
29) Curcuma longa:
'Curcuma longa', commonly known as turmeric, is a spice with powerful anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties. It's noted in the survey for its diverse medicinal uses, reinforcing its status as a vital component of traditional medicine widely utilized for various therapeutic applications.
30) Ziziphus mauritiana:
'Ziziphus mauritiana', or Indian jujube, is recognized for its nutritional and medicinal properties. The survey indicates its role in traditional remedies, highlighting the need to document lesser-known plants and their applications in indigenous medicine to ensure their significance is not overlooked.
31) Plumbago zeylanica:
'Plumbago zeylanica' is a plant used traditionally for its medicinal qualities. Its inclusion in the survey reflects the continuing relevance of ethnobotanical knowledge and the necessity of sustaining cultural practices that utilize native plants for healthcare.
32) Tamarindus indica:
'Tamarindus indica', or tamarind, is widely known for its culinary uses and medicinal properties. It is featured in the survey for its traditional applications, signifying the plant's importance in local diets and its dual role in nutrition and health care.
33) Gloriosa superba:
'Gloriosa superba', known for its beauty and medicinal value, is mentioned in the survey due to its various applications in traditional medicine. This highlights the significance of ornamental plants in functional uses, showcasing the interconnectedness of aesthetics and utility in nature.
34) Ficus religiosa:
'Ficus religiosa', or sacred fig, holds significant spiritual and medicinal importance in various cultures. Its mention in the survey underscores its versatility and relevance in both traditional healthcare practices and cultural rituals, reinforcing the need to preserve such vital ecological relationships.
35) Punica granatum:
'Punica granatum', or pomegranate, is not only a nutritious fruit but also holds numerous health-related benefits. The survey notes its therapeutic uses, linking traditional dietary choices with health outcomes and promoting awareness of the roles that certain fruits play in wellness.
36) Antibiotic (Antibacterial):
'Antibacterial' refers to substances that inhibit bacterial growth. Many plants used in traditional medicine possess antibacterial properties, making them valuable resources in treating infections. The study emphasizes these properties as essential in developing natural alternatives for managing bacterial diseases across various communities.
37) Dysmenorrhea (Dysmenorrhoea):
'Dysmenorrhea' describes painful menstruation and is a common condition experienced by many women. The recognition of medicinal plants that alleviate its symptoms indicates the potential of traditional remedies, highlighting the need for research into plant-based solutions for common health issues faced by women.
38) Indravalli (Indra-valli):
'Indravalli' refers to a specific plant known for its medicinal uses in traditional Indian medicine. Its investigation in the survey highlights the value of local flora and continued recognition of indigenous plants in contributing to healthcare solutions within communities.
39) Drowsiness:
'Drowsiness' is a state of feeling sleepy or lethargic, often a side effect of various medications. The context of the survey suggests that traditional remedies offer alternatives that may mitigate such effects, highlighting the need to research plant properties further in providing effective treatments.
40) Ulligadda:
'Ulligadda' refers to a plant known for its medicinal properties in certain traditional practices. Identifying and documenting its uses is crucial for preserving knowledge surrounding lesser-known plants and ensuring they have an opportunity for further research and potential therapeutic applications.
41) Ayurveda (Ayus-veda):
'Ayurveda' is a traditional Indian system of medicine focusing on balance and holistic approaches to health. With its emphasis on herbal remedies, it greatly influences the practices highlighted in the survey, indicating a rich heritage of plant-based healing that is intricately tied to the local culture.
42) Uttareni:
'Uttareni' refers to a specific plant utilized in traditional practices, showcasing the importance of regional species in addressing various health issues. The documentation of such plants signifies the value of local knowledge and the role of ethnobotanical studies in discovering potential remedies.
43) Ranapala:
'Ranapala' is a term used to refer to a specific medicinal plant. Its study and documentation within the survey reflect the ongoing significance of local knowledge in traditional remedies, emphasizing the need to continue exploring the therapeutic potential of diverse flora.
44) Vomiting:
'Vomiting' is an involuntary action of expelling the contents of the stomach, often a symptom of various illnesses. The survey indicates medicinal plants that address this condition, highlighting the relevance of plant-based treatments in managing common ailments experienced in daily life.
45) Epilepsy:
'Epilepsy' is a neurological disorder characterized by recurrent seizures. The recognition of plants that may alleviate symptoms or manage the condition in the survey demonstrates an intersection between traditional medicine and neurological health, emphasizing the necessity for ongoing research into herbal treatments.
46) Cannabis:
'Cannabis' is a plant with various medicinal properties, notably used for pain management and other therapeutic applications. Its mention in the survey underscores the growing recognition of cannabis in both traditional and modern medicinal practices, expanding the discourse on its beneficial uses.
47) Mandara (Mamdara):
'Mandara' refers to a specific plant noted for its traditional medicinal uses. The attention given to plants like Mandara illustrates the importance of thorough documentation in preserving indigenous knowledge and exploring potential applications within modern medicinal contexts.
48) Vempali:
'Vempali' denotes a plant recognized for its medicinal qualities in local practices. Assessing its uses in the survey contributes to understanding plant diversity and highlights the role of ethnobotanical studies in revealing local medicinal resources that may benefit broader health practices.
49) Leprosy:
'Leprosy' is a chronic infectious disease caused by Mycobacterium leprae, characterized by skin lesions and nerve damage. The identification of traditional plant remedies used to combat leprosy in the survey highlights the importance of exploring various herbal treatments in managing long-standing health challenges.
50) Burning (Burn, Burned, Burnt):
'Burning' refers to a sensation of irritation or pain, often related to wounds or certain conditions. The survey identifies plants aimed at alleviating such sensations, demonstrating how traditional practices address specific symptoms and enhance comfort through natural remedies.
51) Ashoka (Asoka):
'Ashoka' refers to a plant traditionally used in Indian medicine with significance in treating various ailments. Documenting its uses strengthens the connection between traditional herbal knowledge and contemporary therapeutic practices, highlighting the ongoing importance of plant studies in health.
52) Pasana (Pashana):
'Pasana' denotes a specific plant traditionally recognized for its health benefits. Its documentation in the survey illustrates the significance of local knowledge in promoting various medicinal practices and the therapeutic potential harbored in indigenous flora.
53) Nausea:
'Nausea' is a common condition characterized by an uneasy feeling in the stomach, often leading to vomiting. The survey points to traditional plants utilized for managing nausea, indicating the valuable role of herbal medicine in alleviating symptoms of common health complaints.
54) Pathin (Pathi):
'Pathi' refers to a plant recognized for traditional medicinal uses. Its inclusion in the survey reinforces the relevance of local flora and the wealth of ethnobotanical knowledge that can inform future research and promote the appreciation of indigenous healing practices.
55) Usiri (Ushiri):
'Usiri' is known as Phyllanthus and is noted for its medicinal uses. The survey emphasizes its importance in addressing various health issues, highlighting the need for continued recognition and utilization of local plants within traditional medicine.
56) Fever:
'Fever' is a common symptom indicating infection or illness, leading to an elevation in body temperature. The recognition of specific plants used to reduce fever symptoms showcases the importance of plant-based remedies in symptom management and traditional healthcare systems.
57) Earth:
'Earth' refers to the planet that sustains all life forms and is home to diverse ecosystems. Understanding the interactions between plants and microorganisms is crucial for identifying potential medicinal applications of flora and promotes the conservation of natural resources that provide healing.
58) Study (Studying):
'Study' refers to the systematic exploration of a particular subject, which is crucial in establishing knowledge and understanding. The studies conducted on medicinal plants in the survey signify the importance of research in discovering new treatments and documenting health-related indigenous practices.
59) Ravi (Ravin):
'Ravi' relates to Ficus religiosa, a tree revered in many cultures for its spiritual and medicinal properties. Its presence in the survey emphasizes the importance of cultural plants within traditional practices and the significance of integrating such plants into contemporary health discussions.
60) Bala:
'Bala' denotes a plant with applications in traditional medicine, illustrating how local knowledge contributes to healthcare. Including plants like Bala in the survey showcases the need to document and explore the medicinal properties of diverse flora in enhancing treatment options.
61) Naga (Nag):
'Naga' refers to a plant known for its medicinal properties within traditional practices. Documenting such plants is vital for preserving their historical significance and their contributions to contemporary healthcare practices, illustrating the value of ethnobotanical research.
62) Rela:
'Rela' is a plant recognized for its uses in traditional medicine. Its documentation in the survey emphasizes the importance of local flora in providing health solutions, ensuring that indigenous knowledge remains relevant in contemporary medical approaches.
63) Atti:
'Atti' is a term associated with specific plants used in traditional medicine. Recognizing and documenting plants like Atti in ethnobotanical surveys is crucial for preserving knowledge about their medicinal properties and ensuring community access to herbal remedies.
Other Science Concepts:
Discover the significance of concepts within the article: ‘Medicinal plants ethnobotanical study in Warangal Rural, Telangana’. Further sources in the context of Science might help you critically compare this page with similair documents:
Medicinal plant, Dangerous disease, Adverse effect, Traditional medicine, Ayurvedic medicine, Common skin diseases, Collecting information, Indigenous group, Food habit, Knowledge base, Rural area, Clinical trial, Traditional healer, Cancer treatment, Ethno botanical survey, Biological diversity, Natural source, Herbal practitioners, Oral information.