Ethno-medico-botanical survey of Cotigao Wildlife Sanctuary, Goa

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Journal name: World Journal of Pharmaceutical Research
Original article title: Ethno-medico-botanical survey of cotigao (villages nearby) wildlife sanctuary of goa
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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Author:

Das Sangram Keshari and Mohanty Bishnupriya


World Journal of Pharmaceutical Research:

(An ISO 9001:2015 Certified International Journal)

Full text available for: Ethno-medico-botanical survey of cotigao (villages nearby) wildlife sanctuary of goa

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

Doi: 10.20959/wjpr20222-22810

Copyright (license): WJPR: All rights reserved


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Summary of article contents:

Introduction

The study presented in this article focuses on the ethno-medicinal practices of the tribal communities residing near the Cotigao Wildlife Sanctuary in Goa, India. It highlights the traditional knowledge surrounding the use of various medicinal plants by local healers and community members to address a range of health issues. The research documents the usage, preparation methods, and applications of 20 medicinal plants from 15 different families. Findings aim to raise awareness about the significance of conserving these valuable plant species, which play a vital role in the region’s traditional health care.

Documentation of Traditional Medicinal Knowledge

This research emphasizes the compilation of indigenous ethno-medico-botanical knowledge prevalent among the local communities. By conducting a detailed survey from 2014-2015, the researchers engaged with medicine men and women, verifying their claims about the therapeutic properties of various plants. Each recorded instance of plant use was meticulously assessed alongside available literature to ensure accuracy. The study reveals the depth of knowledge held by traditional healers concerning the medicinal properties, collection methods, and preparation techniques of local flora, further underscoring the importance of preserving this knowledge for future generations.

Health Applications of Medicinal Plants

A significant aspect of the findings is the medicinal use of specific plant species for treating various ailments. For instance, Tectona grandis (Teak) is utilized for treating scabies, while Hemidesmus indicus (Indian Sarsaparilla) is known to improve breast milk production in lactating mothers. Other plants documented include Calotropis procera (King's Crown), which aids in Dhatura poisoning and diabetes, and Bombax ceiba (Silk Cotton Tree), used for managing abscesses. The range of ailments addressed by these plants showcases the rich biodiversity present in the region and the local communities’ reliance on it for health care.

Conservation Needs

The study advocates for the conservation of the medicinal plants highlighted, as many of these species are becoming increasingly threatened due to overexploitation from the surrounding forests. Continued harvesting without sustainable practices risks depleting these essential resources. The researchers emphasize the urgent need for comprehensive conservation strategies not only to protect the plants themselves but also to ensure that the traditional knowledge associated with them is preserved. This presents a dual goal of ecological preservation and cultural heritage maintenance.

Conclusion

In summary, the ethno-medicinal survey conducted in the villages near Cotigao Wildlife Sanctuary reveals a wealth of traditional knowledge regarding medicinal plants and their applications in local health care. Through the documentation of these practices, the study underscores the critical relationship between biodiversity and cultural practices in the region. However, it also highlights the importance of conservation efforts to protect these valuable plant species and ensure the survival of traditional knowledge. The findings from this research serve not only as a resource for future study but also as a call to action to prioritize both environmental and cultural preservation in the face of ongoing challenges.

FAQ section (important questions/answers):

What is the focus of the ethno-medico-botanical survey conducted in Goa?

The survey documents the medicinal usage of 20 plants by tribal people near Cotigao Wildlife Sanctuary, highlighting their applications for various health issues and traditional knowledge.

How many medicinal plant species were documented in the study?

A total of 20 medicinal plant species belonging to 15 families were documented, emphasizing their local names, useful parts, and medicinal applications.

What types of health problems do these medicinal plants address?

The plants are used to treat conditions such as scabies, diabetes, abscesses, epilepsy, skin diseases, and more, illustrating the diversity of traditional medicinal practices.

How was the data collected for this ethnobotanical study?

Data was gathered through interviews with local medicine men and women, ensuring each claim was verified and documented through rigorous checking against existing literature.

What conservation recommendations were made based on the findings?

The study calls for urgent conservation practices to protect the medicinal plants exploited in the Cotigao Wildlife Sanctuary, ensuring the sustainability of traditional medicine.

What role do traditional healers play in the communities studied?

Traditional healers possess extensive knowledge of medicinal plants, their uses, and preparation methods, serving as primary health care providers in their communities for generations.

Glossary definitions and references:

Scientific and Ayurvedic Glossary list for “Ethno-medico-botanical survey of Cotigao Wildlife Sanctuary, Goa”. 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) Sanskrit:
Sanskrit is an ancient Indian language that serves as the liturgical language of Hinduism and is a key source for many classical texts. It is rich in philosophical, medical, and botanical terminology, making it crucial in the study of Ayurveda and traditional knowledge of medicinal plants in India.

2) Keshari (Kesari, Kesha-ari):
Keshari is often used as a name in the Indian context and translates to 'lion' in Sanskrit. It can symbolize strength and valor. In the context of the research article, it refers to one of the authors, encapsulating his identity and contribution to the field of ethnobotany.

3) Milk:
Milk is a vital nutrient source widely consumed in various forms. It is particularly significant in traditional healing practices, often used to enhance the effectiveness of herbal remedies. In the context of the study, it is mentioned as a vehicle for delivering medicinal properties through plant-based treatments.

4) Medicine:
Medicine encompasses the science and practice of diagnosing, treating, and preventing illnesses. In the article, it signifies the traditional and herbal remedies derived from plants, highlighting the rich medical knowledge among the local tribes around Cotigao Wildlife Sanctuary, which blends empirical experience with natural resources.

5) Worm:
Worm refers to parasitic organisms affecting human health, specifically intestinal worms like roundworms and ringworms. The article illustrates traditional remedies derived from local plants to treat such infestations, reflecting the indigenous people's understanding of herbal medicine in managing common health issues.

6) Village:
A village is typically a small settlement, often rural, where communities maintain traditional ways of living. The term highlights the specific context of the study, focusing on the local population's relationship with nature, medicinal plant usage, and the transmission of traditional knowledge across generations.

7) Pain:
Pain signifies a physical sensation often associated with illness or injury. The article discusses various traditional remedies for alleviating pain, showcasing the indigenous understanding of herbal medicine's efficacy in managing health issues across different conditions prevalent in the tribal areas of Goa.

8) Knowledge:
Knowledge in the context of the study refers to the understanding and information possessed by indigenous people regarding the use of medicinal plants. It underscores the importance of preserving traditional ecological knowledge and its potential application in modern medicine for various health concerns.

9) Disease:
Diseases are medical conditions that impair normal functioning. The study emphasizes the traditional healing practices targeting various diseases found in the human population, illustrating an enduring connection between local ecological knowledge and health management in tribal communities.

10) Powder:
Powder refers to a common form of medicinal preparation, often made by grinding plant materials. In traditional medicine, powders are used for their concentrated herbal properties, as illustrated in the article, showcasing how local remedies often utilize powdered forms of plants for effective administration.

11) Study (Studying):
Study indicates a systematic investigation or research into a particular subject. The article presents an ethno-botanical survey aimed at documenting the medicinal uses of plants by local tribes, reflecting a formal approach to understanding traditional medicine and its applications.

12) Swelling:
Swelling refers to an abnormal enlargement often due to inflammation or injury. The research highlights traditional plant-based remedies used for reducing swelling, showcasing the indigenous people’s resourcefulness in utilizing local flora for treating physical ailments.

13) Species:
Species refers to a group of living organisms with shared characteristics. The article discusses various species of medicinal plants identified through the survey, underscoring biodiversity and its significance in traditional medicine and the potential for future research and conservation efforts.

14) Itching:
Itching is an uncomfortable sensation that often leads to scratching. The study documents traditional remedies from medicinal plants that alleviate itching, illustrating how local populations apply their knowledge of nature to treat common skin irritations and conditions.

15) Forest:
Forest represents a dense area filled with trees and wildlife. It is essential for biodiversity and serves as a source of medicinal plants for the local tribes. The study emphasizes the importance of conserving such natural habitats for continued access to traditional medicines.

16) Family:
Family in this context refers to the taxonomic group of plants. The article categorizes medicinal plants into botanical families, signifying the organizational method used by researchers to understand plant relationships and their uses in traditional medicine.

17) India:
India is a diverse country rich in culture, traditions, and biodiversity. The study focuses on the ethno-botanical knowledge of its indigenous tribes, illustrating the integration of traditional medicine within India's cultural and ecological contexts.

18) Water:
Water is an essential resource for life and is often crucial for various medicinal preparations. The study notes how certain plants are used for hydration in emergencies, linking traditional knowledge with practical survival skills in dense jungle environments.

19) Snake-bite:
Snake-bite refers to an injury inflicted by a snake's fangs, which can lead to severe medical emergencies. The study documents traditional plant-based remedies used by local populations to treat snake bites, highlighting their sustainable knowledge of emergency healthcare.

20) Ayurveda (Ayus-veda):
Ayurveda is an ancient Indian system of medicine emphasizing balance among body principles. The article hints at Ayurveda’s influence on local healing practices, as many tribal treatments are rooted in Ayurvedic concepts of health and wellbeing.

21) Epilepsy:
Epilepsy is a neurological disorder characterized by recurrent seizures. The study mentions traditional remedies used by local tribes to manage epilepsy, illustrating the importance of plant medicine in addressing such chronic medical conditions in indigenous healthcare systems.

22) Cutting:
Cutting refers to a method of preparing plants, often to utilize their sap or fluids for medicinal purposes. The article details how specific plant parts are cut to access resources necessary for creating effective herbal remedies, emphasizing practical knowledge in ethnobotany.

23) Thirst:
Thirst indicates a physiological need for water or fluids. The study notes how specific plants serve as emergency hydration sources in forests, demonstrating local populations’ capacity to fulfill basic needs with surrounding natural resources.

24) Ulcer:
Ulcer is a sore that develops on the lining of the stomach or intestines. The article shares traditional treatments from various plants aimed at healing ulcers, reflecting indigenous knowledge in addressing gastrointestinal issues through herbal applications.

25) Life:
Life signifies the existence of living organisms and their biological processes. The study addresses traditional practices linked to health and wellbeing, emphasizing how indigenous knowledge surrounding medicinal plants is integral to sustaining life and health in these communities.

26) Butea monosperma:
Butea monosperma is a medicinal tree known for its applications in traditional medicine. Commonly referred to as Flame of the Forest, it demonstrates significant uses in treating conditions like worm infestations, illustrating the wealth of resources derived from local flora.

27) Bombax ceiba:
Bombax ceiba, also known as Silk Cotton Tree, is noted for its various medicinal properties, particularly in treating abscesses. The article highlights its significance among local tribes, showcasing the wealth of traditional knowledge inherent in using native plants.

28) Dravyaguna (Dravya-guna):
Dravyaguna is a branch of Ayurveda focused on the properties and effects of medicinal substances. The study reflects principles of Dravyaguna by documenting local plants, their uses, and the indigenous understanding of therapeutic potentials in traditional healing practices.

29) Dhataki:
Dhataki refers to a medicinal plant used in traditional practices, reflecting the significance of local flora in healthcare. The article mentions its use in remedies, underscoring the deep-rooted relationship between the indigenous communities and their surrounding environment.

30) Vijnana:
Vijnana refers to knowledge or science in Sanskrit. It underscores the integration of empirical knowledge and practical skills. The study illustrates how traditional healers possess profound Vijnana about medicinal plants and their uses for various health ailments.

31) Konkani (Komkani):
Konkani is the local language of Goa, integral to the identity of its people. The study emphasizes the significance of local names and terms in documenting ethno-botanical knowledge, illustrating the cultural context and indigenous understanding of medicinal plants.

32) Tanduli:
Tanduli is a term often used for a type of plant or local name in the context. Understanding local names reinforces the study’s focus on plant identification and supports the preservation of traditional knowledge within the communities around Cotigao.

33) Sariva (Shariva):
Sariva, or Hemidesmus indicus, is an important plant noted for its medicinal properties, especially in increasing breast milk. The study sheds light on its uses in local traditions, emphasizing the cultural and health significance of indigenous plants.

34) Danti (Damti, Dantin):
Danti, or Baliospermum montanum, is a plant recognized for its efficacy in local traditional medicine. The article highlights its uses, emphasizing the depth of indigenous knowledge regarding various plants and their specific health applications.

35) Takla:
Takla refers to Cassia tora, a key plant in the indigenous medicinal repertoire. The study points to its use in treating skin conditions, demonstrating how traditional knowledge effectively utilizes local flora to address common health concerns.

36) Sugar:
Sugar serves as a common ingredient in many traditional remedies, often used to enhance the palatability of medicinal preparations. The study indicates how sugar can be incorporated into herbal remedies, showcasing a combination of taste and therapeutic effects in traditional practices.

37) Table:
Table refers to a formatted arrangement of information presented systematically. In the study, tables are used to compile data about medicinal plants, providing an organized overview of their uses, promoting clarity, and facilitating knowledge transfer between researchers and local practices.

38) Tora:
Tora refers specifically to the plant Cassia tora, which is notable for its medicinal uses, particularly for skin ailments. The study highlights its relevance, showcasing how local names link to broader ethnobotanical applications in the region's healthcare practices.

39) Ashan (Asan):
Asan is generally related to a medicinal plant used in local traditional health practices. Its mention in the study emphasizes the need to identify and preserve the knowledge surrounding local flora and their therapeutic applications.

40) Pala:
Pala typically refers to a type of tree or plant valued for its medicinal properties. The study highlights its importance in local traditions, connecting the significance of native flora with cultural healthcare practices in the region.

41) Tree:
Tree represents a fundamental component of ecosystems and local medicine. The study demonstrates how trees provide vital resources for traditional remedies, illustrating the interconnection between local communities, health, and the environment.

42) Cow milk (Cow's milk):
Cow milk is a common dietary item with several nutritional benefits. It also holds significance in traditional medicine where it is combined with herbal remedies to enhance effectiveness or improve palatability, reflecting the integration of diet and healthcare in indigenous practices.

43) Matsyagandha (Matsya-gandha):
Matsyagandha refers to a plant with medicinal uses, often noted in traditional treatments. Its mention emphasizes the diversity of local plants utilized for health and healing, reinforcing the wisdom embedded in indigenous botany.

44) Surrounding:
Surrounding is a term reflecting the context or environment encompassing a specific area. It reinforces the connection between the local flora used in traditional medicine and the cultural practices of the communities utilizing these resources.

45) Matsyakshi (Matsya-akshi, Matsyaksi):
Matsyakshi is a term related to a plant or familial term in the context of medicinal herbs. Its inclusion highlights the importance of local names and their significance in documenting and preserving ethnobotanical knowledge among indigenous communities.

46) Discussion:
Discussion represents a reflective examination of findings in research. In this article, the discussion section evaluates the data collected, draws connections to broader implications for conservation strategies, and emphasizes the significance of preserving traditional ecological knowledge.

47) Practising (Practicing):
Practicing refers to the application of knowledge and skills in real-world settings. The study showcases the practicing of traditional medicine by local healers who utilize their profound understanding of medicinal plants to treat various ailments in their communities.

48) Science (Scientific):
Scientific denotes a systematic approach to investigation and understanding of phenomena based on empirical evidence. The study seeks to bridge traditional knowledge with scientific methods, suggesting a validation and documentation of medicinal uses through research methodologies.

49) Saptaparna (Sapta-parna):
Saptaparna refers to Alstonia scholaris, a tree with significant medicinal properties. The study mentions its uses, highlighting how specific plants are recognized for their contributions to traditional healthcare practices within local knowledge systems.

50) Siddhanta (Siddha-anta, Siddhamta):
Siddhanta refers to the principles or theories in traditional Indian systems of medicine. The study aligns traditional knowledge with these principles, showcasing the cultural significance embedded in indigenous healing practices and the need for documentation.

51) Vishamushti (Visamusti, Visha-mushti):
Visamusti refers to a plant or its medicinal usage, often associated with indigenous remedies. Its inclusion underscores the importance of local flora in traditional healthcare approaches, emphasizing the wealth of knowledge surrounding plants in specific cultural contexts.

52) Nagadanti (Naga-danti, Nagadamti):
Nagadanti is related to a specific plant used in traditional medicine, showcasing the diversity of flora used in local health practices. The article points to its medicinal applications, reinforcing the depth of indigenous knowledge about plants.

53) Suffering:
Suffering indicates the experience of pain or distress due to health conditions. The study focuses on traditional remedies aimed at alleviating suffering, demonstrating how local populations utilize their knowledge of plants for effective healthcare solutions.

54) Gathering:
Gathering refers to the collection of plants or resources from nature. In the context of traditional medicine, it signifies the practice of foraging local medicinal plants, emphasizing the connection between indigenous people and their natural environment.

55) Mahavira (Maha-vira):
Mahavira refers to a particular plant known for its medicinal applications. Its mention underscores the connection between local names and the importance of documenting indigenous knowledge associated with various flora utilized in traditional healthcare.

56) Apamarga:
Apamarga refers to Achyranthes aspera, a plant recognized for its medicinal uses. The study highlights its relevance in traditional remedies for pain management, showcasing the depth of knowledge surrounding local flora and their therapeutic properties.

57) Shalmali (Salmali):
Shalmali refers to the Bombax ceiba tree, valued for its medicinal properties. The article highlights its uses in treating conditions like abscesses, emphasizing the wealth of traditional knowledge regarding various species used in local health practices.

58) Shakhota (Sakhota):
Shakhota denotes a specific plant recognized within local medicinal practices. Its mention in the study emphasizes the diversity of plant knowledge within indigenous communities, showcasing how such knowledge addresses various health concerns.

59) Gingelly (Gingelli):
Gingelly or sesame seeds are used in traditional medicine for their health benefits. In the context of the study, they may be part of formulations highlighting the intersection of diet, herbal medicine, and traditional health practices.

60) Elephant:
Elephant in this context suggests either a reverence for the animal in Indian culture or may relate to specific herbal remedies used for conditions often attributed to large mammals. It could highlight traditional ecological knowledge concerning wildlife interactions and plant medicine.

61) Samhita:
Samhita refers to a collection of texts or scriptures in ancient Indian traditions, often encompassing knowledge about medicine. This term underscores the intellectual heritage from which traditional medicinal knowledge emerges, demonstrating the significance of written records in sustaining herbal wisdom.

62) Vitunna:
Vitunna refers to Celosia argentea, a plant used in traditional remedies for various ailments. Its inclusion highlights the diversity of local flora recognized for their therapeutic properties, emphasizing the need for documentation and conservation of such knowledge.

63) Palasha (Palasa, Pala-asha):
Palasha refers to Butea monosperma, a tree with significant medicinal properties noted in the study. Its prominence in traditional medicine highlights the connection between local flora and the health practices of indigenous communities in Goa.

64) Coconut (Cocoanut):
Coconut is a versatile fruit prized for its nutritional and medicinal qualities. In traditional remedies, coconut products are often incorporated for their health benefits, reflecting the cultural and practical significance of this resource in local health practices.

65) Surface:
Surface often refers to the outer part of a plant where medicinal compounds may be accessed. The study emphasizes how traditional practices utilize these external plant parts to create effective remedies, reinforcing the relationship between form and function in herbal medicine.

66) Musali (Mushali):
Musali commonly refers to Curculigo orchioides, a medicinal herb used in traditional treatments. Its significance in the study illustrates the diverse applications of local flora and the depth of knowledge surrounding plant-based remedies in indigenous practices.

67) Castor:
Castor oil is derived from the castor bean plant, widely used in traditional medicine for various therapeutic applications. The study encompasses its uses, highlighting how local knowledge integrates such resources in managing health and wellbeing.

68) Sushavi (Susavi):
Susavi refers to Calycopteris floribunda, noted for its hydrating properties. The study points out its relevance during water scarcity, demonstrating the practical knowledge of local tribes in utilizing plants for survival in challenging environments.

69) Weapon:
Weapon in this context implies the concept of plants as tools for healing and protection against ailments. The article underscores the perception of medicinal plants as vital weapons in combating diseases and maintaining health in traditional practices.

70) Cotton:
Cotton signifies a valuable plant product used in various applications, including textiles and traditional medicine. Its mention may indicate the cultural significance of cotton in local practices and its relationship to the region’s agricultural heritage.

71) Indian:
Indian denotes the vast cultural and geographical diversity of India, incorporating its rich heritage in traditional healing practices. The study connects local ethno-botanical knowledge with the broader narrative of India’s medicinal history and cultural identity.

72) Shaka (Saka):
Shaka refers to a plant used in traditional medicine, often recognized in local contexts. Its mention emphasizes the wealth of ethno-botanical knowledge surrounding diverse flora and their specific health applications within indigenous healthcare.

73) Tumbo:
Tumbo generally signifies a local plant or common herb, relevant in traditional practices. Its documentation illustrates how local names and uses are interwoven with community health practices, reflecting the indigenous understanding of nature.

74) Blood:
Blood signifies a vital fluid in the human body, often associated with health and healing. The study discusses various plant remedies that may aid in managing blood-related issues, reflecting traditional knowledge in addressing such health concerns.

75) Kali:
Kali could refer to a type of plant or herbal remedy significant in local practices. Its presence emphasizes the cultural importance of naming and recognizing specific plants that have medicinal applications among indigenous populations.

[Note: The above list is limited to 75. Total glossary definitions available: 86]

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Medicinal plant, Dosage, Botanical name, Mode of application, Traditional healer, Route of administration, Health condition, Health problem, Plant part, Herbal healers, Mode of use.

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