Folkloric uses of memecyclon malabaricum (c.b.cl.) cogn.
Journal name: Ancient Science of Life
Original article title: Folkloric uses of memecyclon malabaricum (c.b.cl.) cogn.
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.
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Original source:
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M. A. Iyengar, S.G.K. Nayak, Rajendra Singh
Ancient Science of Life:
(A quarterly multi-disciplinary scientific research journal in Ayurveda)
Full text available for: Folkloric uses of memecyclon malabaricum (c.b.cl.) cogn.
Year: 1994
Copyright (license): CC BY-NC-SA
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Summary of article contents:
Introduction
The article presents a detailed exploration of the folkloric uses of the medicinal plant Memecylon malabaricum, commonly known as ‘Volle kudi’. Conducted by researchers from the College of Pharmaceutical Sciences in India, this study illustrates the plant's popularity among local healers and Ayurvedic practitioners in South Kanara, Karnataka. Through personal observations and consultations with local residents, the research outlines various applications of the plant, particularly its uses in treating herpes, and highlights the significance of its bitter leaves in traditional medicine.
Therapeutic Applications of Volle Kudi
One of the most notable concepts discussed in the text is the plant's established role in the treatment of herpes. Local healers employ several methods utilizing the tender leaves of Volle kudi, often in combination with other ingredients such as fresh milk, caraway fruits, and various herbal roots. The fresh juice of the leaves is given to children as a tonic and anthelmintic, while the paste made from tender leaves and other mixtures is applied externally to affected areas. Healers claim impressive outcomes, stating that even chronic cases of herpes can be resolved within three weeks using these traditional remedies. Furthermore, the leaves are also ascribed to other medicinal uses, such as treatment for urticaria, vomiting, and female sterility, showcasing the versatility of this plant in local health practices.
Conclusion
The research underscores the importance of Memecylon malabaricum in local folkloric medicine, particularly regarding its applications for herpes and other ailments. Despite its prevalent use, the plant has remained largely unexplored in scientific terms, indicating a vital area for further study. The acknowledgment of local healers and their practices brings to light the potential benefits and contributions that folkloric knowledge can offer to modern medicinal research. Ultimately, by identifying the active compounds in Volle kudi responsible for its therapeutic effects, the medical community could significantly enhance our understanding and treatment of various conditions.
FAQ section (important questions/answers):
What is the common name and family of Memecyclon malabaricum?
Memecyclon malabaricum is commonly known as 'Volle kudi' and belongs to the Melastomaceae family. It grows abundantly in South Kanara, India.
How do local healers use 'Volle kudi' for herpes treatment?
'Volle kudi' is used in various forms: leaves ground with milk, combined with caraway fruits, or as a paste with roots of other plants. Applications are made multiple times a day.
What other medicinal uses does 'Volle kudi' have?
'Volle kudi' is also used for treating urticaria, eczema, female sterility, and as a blood purifier, highlighting its versatility in local folk medicine.
What preconceptions about herpes do local healers hold?
Local healers believe herpes is linked to cobra movements, environmental disturbances, and specific cultural practices, highlighting a blend of traditional beliefs and herbal treatments.
Glossary definitions and references:
Scientific and Ayurvedic Glossary list for “Folkloric uses of memecyclon malabaricum (c.b.cl.) cogn.”. 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) Shri (Śri, Śrī, Śṝ, Sṛ, Sṝ):
In Indian culture, 'Shri' is an honorific prefix used before names to show respect. It is often used with names of esteemed individuals in the context of education and healing, as seen in the acknowledgments where respect is paid to contributors in the study of folkloric medicinal plants.
2) Krishna (Kṛṣṇā, Kṛṣṇa):
Krishna is a significant figure in Hindu mythology, often associated with healing and divine wisdom. His teachings and philosophies often influence traditional practices, including Ayurvedic medicine, which emphasizes holistic approaches to health and well-being, resonating with the therapeutic practices involving Memecylon malabaricum.
3) Coconut (Cocoanut):
Coconut is a versatile fruit commonly used in traditional medicine. In the context of Memecylon malabaricum, tender coconut pericarp is utilized in various preparations for treating ailments like herpes, highlighting the culturally integrated use of both coconut and medicinal plants in local health practices.
4) Bitter:
The term 'bitter' describes the taste profile of the tender leaves of Memecylon malabaricum, which are recognized for their medicinal properties. Bitterness is often associated with various health benefits in traditional medicine, making the plant a vital part of treatments for conditions like herpes and digestive issues.
5) Milk:
In the study, milk is used as a medium for preparing remedies from Memecylon malabaricum, demonstrating the integration of common dietary components in therapeutic practices. The combination of bitter leaves and milk is specifically noted for treating herpes, emphasizing the role of nutrition in herbal medicine.
6) Drug:
The term 'drug' refers to a substance used for medical treatment. The researched plant, Memecylon malabaricum, is explored for its folkloric medicinal uses, suggesting its potential role as a drug in herbal therapeutics, especially given its application in treating ailments such as herpes.
7) Science (Scientific):
The term 'scientific' denotes an approach based on empirical evidence, experimentation, and observation. The authors' work aims to apply scientific methods to the folkloric uses of Memecylon malabaricum, establishing a framework for validating traditional healing practices through objective investigation.
8) Water:
Water is a fundamental component in many traditional remedies, including those involving Memecylon malabaricum. It is often mixed with herbal substances to create pastes or decoctions, demonstrating its essential role as a solvent facilitating the extraction of medicinal properties from plants.
9) Pharmacognostical:
Pharmacognostical refers to the branch of pharmacy that deals with the study of medicinal drugs derived from plants and other natural sources. The evaluation of Memecylon malabaricum includes pharmacognostical analysis, underscoring the importance of understanding its biological and chemical properties for therapeutic applications.
10) Pharmacological:
Pharmacological studies examine the effects of drugs on biological systems. The research on Memecylon malabaricum involves pharmacological evaluations to validate its folkloric uses, which may lead to standardized applications in medicine, specifically in treating conditions like herpes through scientifically backed methods.
11) Phytochemical:
Phytochemical analysis involves studying the chemical compounds produced by plants. In the context of Memecylon malabaricum, such analysis aims to identify active ingredients responsible for its medicinal properties, ultimately contributing to the understanding of its efficacy in traditional therapies and public health.
12) Ayurveda (Āyurveda, Ayus-veda):
Ayurveda is an ancient system of medicine in India that focuses on balancing bodily systems using natural remedies. The use of Memecylon malabaricum in the treatment of various ailments aligns with Ayurvedic principles, illustrating the integration of herbal knowledge in holistic health approaches.
13) Vomiting:
Vomiting is a physiological response indicative of underlying health issues. In Ayurvedic practice, Memecylon malabaricum is acknowledged as beneficial for treating vomiting caused by pitha imbalance, showcasing traditional medicine's focus on restoring balance in bodily functions through herbal interventions.
14) Turmeric:
Turmeric, known for its anti-inflammatory and medicinal properties, is often incorporated into traditional remedies. Its combination with Memecylon malabaricum highlights the practice of blending multiple herbs in treatments, emphasizing the holistic approach in managing ailments like herpes in local folk medicine.
15) Garlic:
Garlic is revered for its pharmacological properties, including antibacterial and antiviral effects. Its inclusion in remedies with Memecylon malabaricum represents the synergy of various herbal constituents in traditional treatments, playing a part in enhancing the overall efficacy of the therapeutic approach.
16) Rakta (Raktā):
The term 'Rakta' refers to blood in Sanskrit. In traditional medicine, blood purification is crucial for overall health. The use of Memecylon malabaricum as a blood purifier in the local context illustrates the integrative approach of Ayurveda in promoting bodily harmony and healing.
17) Sarpa (Sārpa):
In Kannada, 'Sarpa' means snake. The association made between herpes and the concept of cobra movements in local beliefs reflects cultural interpretations of disease causation. This significance of 'Sarpa' emphasizes the intertwining of mythology and folk medicine in understanding health conditions.
18) Blood:
Blood is vital in the body, and its health is often indicative of overall well-being. The traditional use of Memecylon malabaricum for blood purification shows the plant's perceived significance in promoting health, highlighting the cultural belief in optimizing blood quality through herbal remedies.
19) Pita (Piṭa, Pitā, Pīta, Pītā, Piṭā):
Pitha refers to one of the three doshas in Ayurveda, representing metabolic functions. The role of Memecylon malabaricum in treating conditions related to pitha imbalances, such as vomiting, illustrates the focus on restoring dosha balance in traditional health systems for improved physiological harmony.
20) Cutu (Cūṭu, Cuṭu, Cūtu):
In the context of local beliefs, 'Suthu' relates to the concept of harm or attack. The phrase 'Sarpa suthu' emphasizes the cultural understanding of disease causation within the community, linking physical ailments like herpes to supernatural beliefs and environmental influences.
21) Worm:
Worms can cause various gastrointestinal issues, and traditional remedies often target these infections. The use of Memecylon malabaricum in treating worm infections demonstrates the plant's significance in folk medicine, providing insight into community health practices aimed at addressing prevalent parasitic conditions.