Medico – botanical survey of plans in kanjamalai hills of salem, tamil nadu
Journal name: Ancient Science of Life
Original article title: Medico – botanical survey of plans in kanjamalai hills of salem, tamil nadu
The ANSCI is a peer-reviewed, open-access journal focused on Ayurveda and traditional medicines. It publishes original research, reviews, and literary studies linking traditional knowledge with modern science, covering disciplines like botany, ethnomedicine, pharmacology, and clinical research.
This page presents a generated summary with additional references; See source (below) for actual content.
Summary of article contents:
Introduction
The article presents a survey conducted on the medicinal plants found in the Kanjamalai Hills of Salem, Tamil Nadu. This study was motivated by the region's historical significance as a site connected to Tamil siddhars and their reputed use of alchemical and medicinal herbs. The author documented 35 species of medicinal plants from 33 genera and 24 families, gathering valuable data on their usage in traditional medicine. This survey is noteworthy as it adds new information to the scant existing literature on the medicinal flora of Kanjamalai.
Medicinal Plant Applications
The survey highlights the diverse medicinal applications of the documented plant species. For instance, several plants within the Acanthaceae family, such as Andrographis echioides and Rhinacanthus naustus, are used for treating ailments ranging from fever and wounds to snake bites and lung diseases. Additionally, species like Aerva lanata and Achyranthes aspera from the Amaranthaceae family serve various medicinal functions, including diuretic and anthelmintic properties, as well as acting as antidotes for snake bites. The broad spectrum of ailments addressed, such as anti-inflammatory, antipyretic, and treatments for chronic conditions like asthma and diabetes, underscores the integral role these plants play in local healthcare practices.
Conclusion
This survey of medicinal plants in Kanjamalai not only contributes to the understanding of the local flora but also emphasizes the importance of traditional medicine in addressing various health issues. The gathered data serves as a foundation for further research into the pharmacological properties of these plants and their potential applications in modern medicine. By preserving this knowledge and continuing to explore the uses of such plants, we can enrich contemporary herbal practices and ensure the sustainability of traditional healing systems.
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.
C. Alagesaboopathi
Ancient Science of Life:
(A quarterly multi-disciplinary scientific research journal in Ayurveda)
Full text available for: Medico – botanical survey of plans in kanjamalai hills of salem, tamil nadu
Year: 1994
Copyright (license): CC BY-NC-SA
Download the PDF file of the original publication
FAQ section (important questions/answers):
What is the significance of Kanjamalai Hills in Tamil Nadu?
Kanjamalai Hills, near Salem, is known for its rich medicinal plants and historical connection to Tamil siddhars. Alchemists visit for herbal remedies, emphasizing its cultural and medicinal importance.
How many medicinal plant species are reported from Kanjamalai Hills?
The study reports 35 medicinal plant species belonging to 33 genera and 24 families, collected from local herbal doctors, highlighting the region's biodiversity and traditional healing practices.
What types of ailments do the plants in Kanjamalai Hills treat?
The plants are used for various ailments including anti-inflammatory issues, asthma, diabetes, snake bites, and skin diseases. Different parts of plants such as leaves and roots serve specific purposes in traditional medicine.
What methodologies were used in the medicinal plant survey?
The survey involved collecting plant specimens from local herbalists, documenting their uses, and comparing findings with previous literature, adding valuable data to the existing knowledge about regional medicinal plants.
Glossary definitions and references:
Scientific and Ayurvedic Glossary list for “Medico – botanical survey of plans in kanjamalai hills of salem, tamil nadu”. 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) Leprosy:
Leprosy is a chronic infectious disease that affects the skin, peripheral nerves, mucosal surfaces, and eyes. In the context of the Kanjamalai Hills, several medicinal plants, such as Aristolochia indica and Abutilon indicum, are referenced for their traditional use in treating leprosy and related skin diseases.
2) Ulcer:
An ulcer refers to a sore that develops on the lining of the stomach or intestines or on the skin. Medicinal plants like Abutilon indicum and Asparagus racemosus are noted for their efficacy in treating ulcers, demonstrating the traditional knowledge regarding plant-based remedies prevalent in this region.
3) Tuberculosis:
Tuberculosis (TB) is a serious infectious disease that mainly affects the lungs. In the herbal traditions documented from Kanjamalai Hills, plants such as Datura metel and Vitex negundo are said to have medicinal properties that can aid in the treatment of tuberculosis and respiratory illnesses.
4) Epilepsy:
Epilepsy is a neurological disorder characterized by uncontrollable seizures. Asparagus racemosus, found in the Kanjamalai region, is among the plants traditionally used to manage epilepsy, showcasing the local knowledge of plants that could support neurological health.
5) Azadirachta indica:
Azadirachta indica, commonly known as neem, is a significant medicinal plant from Kanjamalai Hills, utilized for its properties against leprosy, skin diseases, and as an insecticide. Its leaves and seed oil play a crucial role in various traditional remedies, emphasizing the plant's extensive medicinal applications.
6) Asparagus racemosus:
Asparagus racemosus, or Shatavari, is valued in traditional medicine for its health benefits, including treating epilepsy and skin diseases. This plant, commonly found in the Kanjamalai region, represents the integration of local flora into wellness traditions, highlighting its relevance in herbal therapies.
7) Tamarindus indica:
Tamarindus indica, or tamarind, is a widely used plant for its medicinal properties, such as treating skin diseases and as an antidote for numerous ailments. Grown in Kanjamalai, tamarind reflects the reliance on local resources for both culinary and healing practices within the community.
8) Akashavalli (Ākāśavallī, Akasha-valli):
Akasavalli, or Cuscuta reflexa, is a plant documented in the Kanjamalai Hills known for treating fever and diarrhea. The local nomenclature and usage underscore the cultural significance and medicinal value attributed to this plant, showcasing traditional healing methodologies in the region.
9) Scorpion:
Scorpion stings can lead to severe pain and require immediate medical attention. Traditional remedies from the Kanjamalai area, such as Calotropis gigantea, are utilized for treating scorpion stings, reflecting the integration of local knowledge in managing venomous injuries with botanical solutions.
10) Nannari (Nannāri, Naṉṉāri):
Nannari, or Hemedesmus indicus, is cherished for its medicinal properties, including treatment for fevers and skin diseases. This plant features prominently in local healing practices and illustrates the rich herbal tradition that characterizes the Kanjamalai Hills, dedicated to preserving and utilizing native flora.
11) Science (Scientific):
Science in this context refers to the systematic study and classification of plants based on their medicinal properties as observed in Kanjamalai Hills. The integration of botanical knowledge with scientific methods aids in the validation and documentation of herbal remedies used in traditional medicine.
12) Kantha (Kaṇṭha, Kamtha):
Kantha refers to a particular water stream associated with the Kanjamalai Hills, which plays a role in the local ecosystem and plant life. The name evokes the region's historical and cultural connection to nature, showcasing how geography influences the availability of medicinal plants.
13) Cancer:
Cancer is a group of diseases characterized by uncontrolled cell growth. The medicinal plant Catharanthus roseus, indigenous to the Kanjamalai region, is traditionally used for treating cancer and high blood pressure, highlighting the importance of local herbal knowledge in addressing serious health conditions.
14) Botany:
Botany is the scientific study of plants, encompassing their physiology, structure, genetics, ecology, distribution, and classification. The survey of medicinal plants in Kanjamalai Hills aligns with botanical research by documenting indigenous plant species, their uses, and the ecological dynamics of the region's flora.
15) Blood:
Blood plays a vital role in transporting oxygen and nutrients throughout the body. Medicinal plants noted in Kanjamalai Hills, like Catharanthus roseus, are used in treating blood-related ailments such as high blood pressure, illustrating the intersection between local botany and health management.
16) Nocci:
Nochi, or Vitex negundo, is a medicinal plant recognized for treating tuberculosis, headaches, and other ailments in traditional practices. Its presence in Kanjamalai Hills signifies the local community's reliance on native flora for health remedies, stressing the cultural importance of this plant.
17) Puli (Pulī, Puḷi, Pūḻi):
Puli, or Tamarindus indica, is known for its numerous health benefits and culinary uses. It serves as a prominent part of traditional remedies in Kanjamalai, representing the integration of food and medicine in local healthcare practices, and showcasing the versatility of this plant.