Journal name: World Journal of Pharmaceutical Research
Original article title: Herbal plants for mental health
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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Subtitle: survey of chandoli region
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Rekha R. Deokar, Shubhangi R. Kamble, Satish R. Mane and Sarjerao R. Patil
World Journal of Pharmaceutical Research:
(An ISO 9001:2015 Certified International Journal)
Full text available for: Herbal plants for mental health
Source type: An International Peer Reviewed Journal for Pharmaceutical and Medical and Scientific Research
Doi: 10.20959/wjpr20183-10913
Copyright (license): WJPR: All rights reserved
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Summary of article contents:
Introduction
The study conducted by Deokar et al. focuses on an ethno-botanical survey in the Chandoli National Forest within the Western Ghats, a region recognized for its rich biodiversity. Spanning from February 2014 to April 2016, the survey aimed to gather information on the traditional uses of medicinal plants among indigenous communities for the treatment of mental health issues. A total of 29 plant species from 28 genera and 20 families were documented, illustrating a reliance on local herbal remedies due to inadequate modern healthcare facilities and economic constraints.
Importance of Traditional Knowledge
Traditional knowledge plays a crucial role in the healing practices of local communities. The indigenous practitioners possess unique insights into the medicinal properties of various plants, which have been passed down through generations. This study highlights that about 2500 plant species are utilized across India for therapeutic purposes; however, traditional knowledge is diminishing. The documentation of such knowledge is vital not only for preserving cultural heritage but also for finding effective treatments for modern psychological and mental disorders using these indigenous remedies.
Medicinal Plants for Mental Disorders
The survey identified specific medicinal plants associated with various psychological disorders. For instance, plants like Abrus precotorius and Sida cordifolia are utilized for treating mental stress and schizophrenia respectively. Other plants, such as Bacopa monnieri, are linked to conditions like mental retardation and anxiety. The findings emphasize that traditional practitioners continue to rely on these plants, often recommending them based on their effectiveness, despite the lack of documentation in formal medical systems. Each plant's local name, family, and the corresponding mental disorders they are believed to treat were carefully cataloged in the study.
Challenges of Modern Healthcare
One of the significant challenges addressed in this study is the gap between the availability of healthcare and the needs of the population. Many individuals do not seek help from medical professionals due to high costs, limited access, and a lack of awareness. Consequently, traditional healers and herbal medicines become the primary sources of treatment, being both affordable and easily accessible. The reliance on these traditional methods underscores the urgent need for integrating indigenous knowledge with modern healthcare practices to improve mental health treatment and accessibility.
Conclusion
The research presented by Deokar et al. underscores the importance of documenting traditional medicinal practices in the Chandoli region, with a focus on mental health. By highlighting the variety of plant species used in treatment and the challenges faced by communities relying on these remedies, the study advocates for further pharmacological and clinical research. Such investigations could bridge the gap between traditional and modern medicine, ultimately leading to more holistic approaches in the treatment of psychological disorders. The continued reliance on these plants calls for their preservation and validation through scientific inquiry, ensuring their role in future healthcare solutions.
FAQ section (important questions/answers):
What was the main purpose of the survey conducted in Chandoli?
The main purpose was to document the traditional use of medicinal plants for mental health in the Chandoli Forest, focusing on emotional and psychological disorders experienced by local indigenous people.
How many species of plants were documented in the survey?
The survey identified 29 species belonging to 28 genera and 20 families, used by local practitioners for treating various psychological disorders.
What are some common psychological disorders treated with herbal plants?
Common disorders include mental stress, schizophrenia, depression, anxiety, bipolar disorder, insomnia, and dissociative disorder, often treated using traditional herbal remedies.
Why do local people prefer traditional herbal medicine over modern medicine?
Local people often prefer traditional herbal medicine due to its affordability, ease of access, and the limited availability of modern healthcare facilities in their region.
What methodologies were used for collecting data in the study?
Data was collected through intensive field surveys, interactions with local villagers, traditional practitioners, and identification of plants using established botanical resources.
Which plant families showed the highest number of species in the survey?
The predominant families identified were Papilionaceae and Apocynaceae, each containing four species, followed by Convolvulaceae, Annonaceae, and Poaceae with two species each.
Glossary definitions and references:
Scientific and Ayurvedic Glossary list for “Herbal plants for mental health”. 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) Tree:
Trees are significant components of forests and ecosystems, providing essential resources for traditional medicine, especially in the context of herbal treatments for mental disorders. They often have deep roots in cultural practices and are sources of various bioactive compounds used by indigenous practitioners for healing.
2) Mental disorder:
Mental disorders encompass a broad spectrum of psychological conditions affecting cognition and emotional regulation. Recognizing the indigenous knowledge of plants used to treat these disorders is crucial for integrating traditional practices into broader mental health care strategies.
3) Sangli:
Sangli is a district in Maharashtra, India, known for its rich biodiversity and cultural heritage. It is significant for ethnobotanical studies as local populations rely on traditional knowledge and medicinal plants from the surrounding forests for treating various ailments, including mental health issues.
4) India:
India boasts a vast diversity of medicinal plants and a rich cultural heritage of traditional medicine. The reliance on herbal remedies is prominent due to socio-economic factors, making it essential to document and study the plants used for mental health treatment across various regions of the country.
5) Depression:
Depression is a common mental disorder that manifests as persistent feelings of sadness and loss of interest. Various plants identified in traditional medicine, such as certain species in the southern Western Ghats, are noted for their antidepressant properties, contributing to local therapeutic practices in mental health.
6) Species:
In the context of botanical studies, species refers to specific types of plants that have unique characteristics. The documentation of 29 species in the Chandoli region illustrates the importance of biodiversity in providing medicinal resources for treating mental health issues among indigenous populations.
7) Anxiety:
Anxiety disorders are characterized by excessive worry and fear, impacting daily functioning. The study underscores the significance of traditional herbal remedies derived from local plants for managing anxiety symptoms, providing accessible and culturally relevant treatment options for local populations in Maharashtra.
8) Medicine:
Medicines derived from plants play a crucial role in treating various ailments, including mental disorders. The study emphasizes the importance of documenting traditional healing practices and their reliance on local medicinal resources for sustainable healthcare solutions.
9) Forest:
Forests are vital ecosystems that harbor a wealth of biodiversity, including numerous medicinal plants. They serve as living repositories of traditional knowledge, where local communities gather resources for health and healing, particularly for mental health challenges in regions like Chandoli.
10) Family:
In biological taxonomy, 'family' groups related plant species that share common characteristics. The families identified in the study (like Papilionaceae and Apocynaceae) represent valuable sources of medicinal plants that serve as therapeutic agents for various mental health disorders in the Chandoli region.
11) Knowledge:
Knowledge, especially traditional herbal knowledge, is essential for the sustainable use of local plant resources. The documentation of community practices in mental health treatment helps preserve cultural heritage and can inform modern pharmacological research and therapeutic applications.
12) Mental health:
Mental health refers to cognitive, emotional, and social well-being, impacting how individuals think, feel, and act. Traditional practices utilizing local medicinal plants are crucial for promoting mental health and addressing disorders among communities reliant on these remedies.
13) Disease:
Diseases encompass pathological conditions that can affect physical and mental health. The reliance on traditional herbal remedies for treating a range of diseases, including psychological ones, reflects the diverse pharmacological potential found within local flora.
14) Table:
The table presented in the study organizes and summarizes the information on plants used for treating mental disorders, providing a clear reference for researchers and practitioners. This structured format aids in understanding the relationships between plant taxa and their medicinal applications.
15) Study (Studying):
The study represents a systematic investigation into the use of herbal medicine within the Chandoli region, documenting indigenous knowledge and plant species employed in treating mental health disorders. This effort contributes to the preservation of ethnobotanical knowledge and potential pharmacological developments.
16) Ghat (Gham):
Ghat refers to the mountain ranges in Western India, particularly the Western Ghats, known for their high biodiversity. The unique ecology of the Ghats supports numerous medicinal plant species, essential for traditional healing practices studied in the Chandoli region.
17) Terminalia chebula:
Terminalia chebula, known as Behada, is a prominent medicinal tree in Ayurvedic medicine, utilized for various ailments. Its significance in treating mental disorders highlights the important role of specific species in traditional health practices among local communities.
18) Rekha:
Rekha R. Deokar is a lead researcher in the study, contributing to the documentation of traditional knowledge about medicinal plants used for mental health treatments. Her efforts exemplify the integration of academic research and indigenous practices.
19) Field:
Field surveys involve hands-on investigation in natural settings to collect data on flora and fauna. The study's fieldwork in the Chandoli region is crucial for understanding how local communities utilize and value medicinal plants for mental health.
20) Sida (Shida):
Sida cordifolia, commonly referred to as Chikana, is a plant used in traditional medicine for treating psychological disorders, such as schizophrenia and obsessive-compulsive disorder. Its inclusion in the study reflects local healing practices based on this species.
21) Withania somnifera:
Withania somnifera, also known as Ashwagandha, is an important medicinal herb used in Ayurveda for its adaptogenic properties. It is recognized in traditional practices for addressing stress and anxiety, underscoring the relevance of documenting its traditional uses.
22) Musa paradisiaca:
Musa paradisiaca, commonly known as Kela, is utilized in traditional medicine in the Chandoli region for its potential benefits in treating depression and dissociative disorders. Its use demonstrates the importance of familiar local foods in mental health treatment.
23) Ziziphus mauritiana:
Ziziphus mauritiana, or Bor, is employed in traditional herbal medicine for conditions like obsessive-compulsive disorder and schizophrenia. This plant's role in mental health care reflects the broader reliance on indigenous botanical resources.
24) Plumbago zeylanica:
Plumbago zeylanica, known as Chitrak, is utilized for its potential to aid in treating dissociative disorders. Its inclusion in traditional medicinal practices underscores the significance of specific plants in addressing mental health issues, as documented in the study.
25) Pharmacological:
Pharmacological studies assess the therapeutic properties of plants and substances. The study highlights the need for further pharmacological research on the identified plants, as they hold potential for developing natural treatments for mental health disorders.
26) Maharashtra (Maharastra, Maha-rashtra):
Maharashtra, a state in India, encompasses diverse ecosystems and traditional medicinal practices. The study of Chandoli National Park within Maharashtra illustrates the interface between biodiversity and indigenous healing methods for mental health and psychological disorders.
27) Ashvagandha (Asvagandha, Ashwagandha, Ashvagamdha, Ashva-gandha):
Ashwagandha, or Withania somnifera, is revered in traditional medicine as a powerful adaptogen assisting in stress relief. Its widespread use for mental health treatment emphasizes the cultural significance of this plant in Ayurvedic practices.
28) Discussion:
The discussion section of the study evaluates findings, contextualizing the relevance of the identified medicinal plants for mental health. It provides insights into how traditional practices can inform contemporary therapeutic approaches, bridging gaps between indigenous knowledge and modern science.
29) Science (Scientific):
Scientific research underpins the investigation, establishing credibility through systematic study of traditional knowledge and plant uses. The integration of scientific methods ensures that the findings can contribute meaningfully to ethnobotanical literature and pharmacological advancements.
30) Education:
Education surrounding herbal medicine benefits both practitioners and communities, enhancing awareness of traditional treatments for mental health. The study contributes to educational resources, promoting the sustainable use of local plants and cultural heritage preservation.
31) Kolhapur:
Kolhapur, a nearby district to Chandoli, shares similar biodiversity and cultural practices in traditional medicine. Its proximity highlights the interconnectedness of regional practices and the importance of documenting ethnobotanical knowledge across neighboring areas.
32) Kalmashi (Kalmasi):
Kalmashi, or Rostellularia diffusa, is a plant documented in the study for its use in traditional medicine aimed at mental health. Its incorporation emphasizes the need to consider local flora in addressing psychological disorders among indigenous populations.
33) Swelling:
Swelling, a common symptom associated with several health conditions, can be treated using various medicinal plants. The study highlights how certain species, like Terminalia chebula, are utilized in addressing this symptom, showcasing their multifaceted therapeutic properties.
34) Village:
A village is a small community where traditional knowledge is often preserved and practiced. The significance of villages in the study underscores the role of localized practices in the broader context of ethnobotany and mental health treatment.
35) Jangali (Jamgali, Jamgalijvara):
Jangali refers to a local climbing plant, Trichosanthes anguina, included in the study. Its relevance in treating obsessive-compulsive disorder showcases how specific plants are identified and utilized in indigenous medicinal practices.
36) Nirgudi:
Nirgudi, or Vitex negundo, is recognized for its therapeutic potentials in traditional medicine. Its use for treating dissociative disorders underlines the importance of indigenous plant species in addressing mental health and the local wisdom surrounding such applications.
37) Leprosy:
Leprosy is a chronic infectious disease that can be treated using various herbal remedies. Documenting traditional uses of plants, especially in rural areas, highlights the potential for utilizing indigenous knowledge for treating historical diseases.
38) Behada:
Behada refers to the fruit of Terminalia chebula, used in traditional medicine for its potential benefits in various ailments, including mental health disorders. Its impact on treatment illustrates the relevance of specific plants in cultural health practices.
39) Shatara (Satara):
Satara, neighboring Sangli, is part of Maharashtra's rich cultural landscape and biodiversity. The proximity of these districts reinforces the significance of collaborative ethnobotanical research, emphasizing inter-community sharing of traditional medicinal knowledge.
40) Bombay:
Bombay, now Mumbai, was a historical center for botanical studies. References to the flora of Bombay highlight the longstanding relationship between urban centers and the nature around them, influencing the study of ethnobotany in Maharashtra.
41) Indian:
The term Indian pertains to the rich cultural and botanical diversity of India, which is known for its vast array of medicinal plants and traditional healing practices. Recognizing indigenous knowledge is instrumental for sustainable healthcare applications.
42) Botany:
Botany is the scientific study of plants, encompassing their structure, function, and classification. The documentation of ethnobotanical practices in Chandoli contributes to the broader understanding of plant diversity and its applications in mental health treatment.
43) Sagar (Sagár):
Sagar refers to Vasant Sagar, a dam located near Chandoli National Park. The availability of water resources in the area supports rich biodiversity, including medicinal plants significant for local health practices.
44) Patil:
Sarjerao R. Patil, one of the researchers involved in the study, contributes expertise to document traditional medicinal knowledge. The collaboration among researchers emphasizes the importance of integrating academic research with local practices for comprehensive understanding.
45) Water:
Water is essential for the growth and sustainability of plant species in ecosystems. The availability of water resources influences the distribution of medicinal plants used by local populations for treating psychological and physical ailments.
46) Edema (Oedema):
Edema, characterized by excess fluid buildup, can be treated using herbal remedies. The study mentions specific plants for addressing such conditions, demonstrating the connection between traditional knowledge and effective treatment strategies.
47) Musha (Musa, Musá):
Musa refers to the genus encompassing banana plants, known for nutritional and potential medicinal properties. The utilization of Musa species in traditional medicine reflects the intersection of diet and health in managing mental disorders.
48) Maka:
Maka refers to maize, or Zea mays, recognized within the study as used for bipolar disorder. This highlights the significance of local food crops in traditional herbal practices, showcasing how they can play a role in managing mental health.
49) Kela:
Kela is the local name for the banana plant, Musa paradisiaca, recognized for its cultural significance and medicinal uses. Its application in treating psychological ailments exemplifies how familiar local foods intersect with traditional medicine practices.
50) Fear:
Fear is a fundamental emotion that can manifest in various mental disorders, particularly anxiety. Documenting the use of specific herbal remedies for managing fear illustrates the importance of traditional perspectives on mental well-being.
51) Hair:
Hair may be mentioned in the context of traditional beliefs and practices surrounding health. Some plants are used in treatments aimed at improving well-being holistically, which may include attention to physical attributes like hair health.
52) Rich (Rch):
Rich in biodiversity, regions like the Western Ghats provide an abundance of plant species that local communities use for medicine. This richness underlines the potential for discovering effective traditional treatments for various ailments, including mental health disorders.
53) Pain:
Pain, whether physical or emotional, is a common condition addressed by traditional herbal remedies. The study emphasizes the significance of plant-based treatments for alleviating pain experienced by individuals with various mental health disorders.
54) Hand:
Hand might refer to the manual methods used in preparing herbal medicines. The action of hand-processing plant material signifies the labor-intensive connection between people and their heritage of traditional healing practices.
55) Drug:
Drugs are substances used in the prevention, diagnosis, or treatment of diseases. The study underscores the importance of exploring traditional herbal remedies as potent alternatives and complements to modern pharmaceuticals in the realm of mental health care.
56) Mud:
Mood reflects a person's emotional state and can be influenced by various factors, including mental health disorders. Understanding how traditional plant remedies can support mood improvement is essential in utilizing ethnobotanical knowledge for therapeutic interventions.
57) Pur:
Poor mental health conditions can lead to reliance on accessible traditional remedies among underserved populations. The study highlights how indigenous knowledge serves as a valuable resource for those who may not have access to modern medical facilities.
Other Science Concepts:
Discover the significance of concepts within the article: ‘Herbal plants for mental health’. Further sources in the context of Science might help you critically compare this page with similair documents:
Medicinal plant, Mental health, Depression, Traditional knowledge, Insomnia, Western Ghats, Mental stress, Schizophrenia, Traditional herbal medicine, Pharmacological studies, Bipolar disorder, Mental Retardation, Angiosperms, Psychological disorder, Ethno botanical survey, Field survey, Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder, Anxiety disorder, Traditional Practitioner.