Rutaceous Plants from Tribal Medicine of Andhra Pradesh, India.
Journal name: Ancient Science of Life
Original article title: Rutaceous Plants from Tribal Medicine of Andhra Pradesh, India.
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. Hemambra Reddy, R.V. Reddy, R.R. Venkata Raju
Ancient Science of Life:
(A quarterly multi-disciplinary scientific research journal in Ayurveda)
Full text available for: Rutaceous Plants from Tribal Medicine of Andhra Pradesh, India.
Year: 1998
Copyright (license): CC BY-NC-SA
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Summary of article contents:
Introduction
The paper discusses the ethnobotanical importance of six Rutaceous plants commonly found in Andhra Pradesh, India. Conducted by M. Hemambara Reddy, R.V. Reddy, and R.R. Venkata Raju, the study is founded on personal surveys and discussions with local tribes such as the Chenchu, Yanadi, Erukala, and Sugali. The authors highlight the essential role plants play in traditional medicine, which continues to evolve, especially due to the adverse effects associated with synthetic drugs. As a result, the investigation focuses on the medicinal properties of selected Rutaceous plants, detailing their uses, identifying characteristics, and the ailments they can address.
Medicinal Uses of Rutaceous Plants
One significant concept is the variety of medicinal applications these Rutaceous plants offer to local tribal communities. For instance, Aegle marmelos is utilized for treating constipation, diabetes, and various types of poisoning, while Limonia acidissima serves for ailments like asthma and digestive complaints. Naringi crenulata is similarly employed for dysentery and body pain, and the stem bark of Pleiospermium alatum is used for post-natal complaints. The diverse uses emphasize not only the reliance of tribes on these natural remedies but also their potential for broader applications in pharmacology. This makes it imperative to conduct further research on their phytochemical properties and medicinal efficacy.
Conclusion
The study serves as a valuable resource for understanding the medicinal potential of Rutaceous plants in Andhra Pradesh and underscores a need for continued research. The authors draw attention to the significant volume of ethnobotanical knowledge that remains underexplored, particularly regarding the plants that reside within forested areas. By documenting local uses and encouraging phytochemical studies, the research paves the way for potential developments in natural medicine. The findings ultimately highlight the importance of integrating indigenous knowledge with scientific inquiry to explore new therapeutic avenues.
FAQ section (important questions/answers):
What are some common Rutaceous plants studied in Andhra Pradesh?
The study focuses on six Rutaceous plants: Aegle marmelos, Atalantia monophylla, Limonia acidissima, Naringi crenulata, Pleiospermium alatum, and Toddalia asiatica, which are utilized by local tribes for medicinal purposes.
How have plants been used in medicine historically?
Plants have been utilized in medicine for over 5000 years, playing a significant role in traditional and modern healing systems worldwide, as evidenced by around 2000 plant species recognized for their medicinal value.
What medicinal uses are associated with Aegle marmelos?
Aegle marmelos is used to treat various ailments including constipation, diabetes, snake bites, and dysentery. Different parts of the plant such as fruits and leaves are used in specific ways.
What is the importance of traditional medicine in recent years?
Traditional medicine using plants has gained importance in the last three decades due to the side effects of synthetic drugs; many people are turning to natural remedies to avoid such adverse effects.
Glossary definitions and references:
Scientific and Ayurvedic Glossary list for “Rutaceous Plants from Tribal Medicine of Andhra Pradesh, India.”. 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) Medicine:
Medicine refers to the science and practice of diagnosing, treating, and preventing diseases, commonly utilizing various substances, including plant extracts. The text highlights the long-standing historical use of plants in traditional medicine systems, asserting their relevance in both ancient and modern therapeutic practices, particularly as alternatives to synthetic drugs.
2) Water:
Water is a critical solvent used commonly in preparing medicinal concoctions. The text mentions its use in extracting beneficial compounds from plant materials through decoctions, underscoring its importance in the preparation, administration, and efficacy of herbal medicines derived from the Rutaceous plants discussed in the study.
3) Azadirachta indica:
Azadirachta indica, commonly known as neem, is mentioned in the context of traditional medicine. Its significance lies in its combined use in decoctions with other plants to address post-natal complaints. This highlights its application in ethnomedicine, showcasing the collaborative use of multiple plant species in tribal healing practices.
4) Limonia acidissima:
Limonia acidissima, also known as wood apple, is a Rutaceous plant referenced for its various medicinal uses. The text mentions its potential to remedy ailments such as asthma and digestive complaints, demonstrating both its nutritional value and therapeutic properties, which are integral to tribal medicinal practices in Andhra Pradesh.
5) Aegle marmelos:
Aegle marmelos, or bael, is highlighted for its extensive medicinal applications among tribal communities. The text illustrates its use in treating conditions such as constipation, diabetes, and snake bites, emphasizing its significance in traditional health practices and the importance of preserving indigenous knowledge for future medicinal use.
6) Sharman (Śarma, Sarmā, Sarma, Sharma, Śarman):
Sharma refers to a source cited within the study regarding the medicinal uses of Aegle marmelos. This reference indicates the integration of various scholarly works in supporting the claims made about the plant’s efficacy and safety in treating ailments, underlining the collaborative nature of ethnobotanical research.
7) Butter milk (Buttermilk):
Butter milk serves as a medium for administering herbal remedies. The text states that leaves of Toddalia asiatica are ground in butter milk for treatment. This illustrates how traditional preparations often utilize commonly available substances, enhancing the absorption and palatability of herbal mixtures within tribal medicinal practices.
8) Discussion:
Discussion in this context refers to the scholarly conversations that are critical for interpreting the findings of ethnobotanical research. The authors highlight personal surveys and interactions with tribal communities, emphasizing the importance of firsthand narratives in understanding the medicinal uses and cultural significance of Rutaceous plants.
9) Antibiotic (Antibacterial):
Antibiotic refers to substances that inhibit bacterial growth or destroy bacteria, commonly introduced in modern medicine. The text contrasts antibiotics with traditional plant-based remedies, suggesting a resurgence in interest for the latter due to the adverse effects associated with synthetic drugs, thus advocating for the exploration of natural alternatives.
10) Ayurveda (Āyurveda, Ayus-veda):
Ayurveda is an ancient Indian system of medicine that emphasizes balance in bodily systems and uses plant-based treatments. The text mentions Ayurveda as part of the indigenous medicinal framework, showcasing the historical depth and cultural significance of plant research in understanding holistic health approaches within the framework of traditional practices.
11) Science (Scientific):
Science refers to the systematic study of the natural world through observation and experimentation. The text represents an intersection of traditional knowledge and scientific inquiry into the medicinal properties of Rutaceous plants, advocating for further research to validate ethnobotanical practices through phytochemical studies and bioassays.
12) Siddha (Siddhā):
Siddha is another traditional Indian system of medicine revered for its holistic health approaches, utilizing herbs among other therapies. The text’s reference to Siddha alongside Ayurveda supports the notion of diverse ethnomedicinal practices and emphasizes the need to document and study medicinal plants used across different indigenous systems.
13) Botany:
Botany is the scientific study of plants, their physiology, development, and utility. Within the context of the paper, botany serves as a foundation for understanding the Rutaceous plants' classifications, characteristics, and medicinal uses, reinforcing the crucial role of plant sciences in ethnobotanical research and conservation.
14) Milk:
Milk, in a broader sense, represents a nurturing substance used in various traditional remedies. The text refers to butter milk, which, serves as a medium for administering herbal medicines. This exemplifies cultural practices where common dietary items are utilized to enhance the effectiveness of herbal therapies.
15) Post:
Post, in this context, relates to complaints occurring after childbirth. The text details the combination of specific plant extracts to address post-natal health issues, underscoring the importance of traditional knowledge in managing maternal health and the role of ethnobotanical practices in catering to women's health needs.
16) Drug:
Drug refers to substances used for medical treatment, primarily synthetic in modern medicine. The text contrasts traditional herbal remedies with synthetic drugs by emphasizing the resurgence and importance of ethnomedicinal plants due to the adverse effects associated with pharmaceutical drugs, advocating for a return to natural healing practices.