Indigenous phytotherapy for filariasis from orissa
Journal name: Ancient Science of Life
Original article title: Indigenous phytotherapy for filariasis from orissa
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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R.D. Girach, M. Brahmam, M.K. Misra, M. Ahmed
Ancient Science of Life:
(A quarterly multi-disciplinary scientific research journal in Ayurveda)
Full text available for: Indigenous phytotherapy for filariasis from orissa
Year: 1998
Copyright (license): CC BY-NC-SA
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Summary of article contents:
Introduction
Filariasis poses a significant health challenge in the coastal regions of Orissa, particularly in the Bhadrak district, which is predominantly rural and home to various indigenous tribes. The population in this area is at a high risk for filariasis, with an estimated 18.24 million rural residents exposed to the disease. While modern medicine primarily employs Diethyl carbamazine (DEC) for treatment, its effectiveness has been limited, creating an urgent need for alternative herbal remedies. This study investigates indigenous phytotherapy practices, focusing on eight plant species utilized by local inhabitants for the prevention and treatment of filariasis.
Traditional Remedies for Filariasis
Among the identified plant species, Andrographis paniculata has been noted for its therapeutic potential, as the leaf juice mixed with honey is recommended for reducing swelling associated with filariasis. Other notable plants include Caesalpinia bonduc, whose seeds, after preparation, treat symptoms like filarial fever; Ficus bengalensis, which utilizes milky latex to alleviate glandular swelling; and Strebulus asper, known for its powdered stem bark used to manage recurrent attacks. The therapeutic efficacy of these plants, particularly Andrographis paniculata, Caesalpinia bonduc, and Strebulus asper, has been supported by scientific evidence highlighting their anti-pyretic and anti-inflammatory properties. Moreover, the findings emphasize the importance of continuing research into these indigenous methods, which could lead to the development of new, effective treatments for filariasis.
Conclusion
The study underscores the potential of indigenous phytotherapy in addressing health challenges like filariasis in Orissa. By documenting the traditional remedies employed by local populations, the research provides a foundation for future phytochemical, pharmacological, and clinical investigations aimed at validating the therapeutic effects of these plants. As the quest for effective treatments continues, integrating indigenous knowledge with modern scientific approaches may offer viable solutions to combat filariasis and contribute to the broader field of ethnopharmacology. The acknowledgment of local health practitioners' insights further enhances the cultural relevance and applicability of these remedies in contemporary medicine.
FAQ section (important questions/answers):
What is the major health problem addressed in the research?
The research addresses filariasis, a significant health issue in coastal Orissa, particularly in the Bhadrak district, affecting a large portion of its rural population.
Which plant species are used in indigenous treatments for filariasis?
Eight plant species were identified, including Andrographis paniculata and Caesalpinia bonduc, used in local phytotherapy for treating symptoms of filariasis.
What methods were used to gather information on herbal remedies?
Information was collected through ethnobotanical surveys, seeking firsthand accounts from native health practitioners and local informants in different areas of the Bhadrak district.
What is the conclusion about the herbal remedies studied?
The study highlights the therapeutic potential of various plant species, suggesting further phytochemical and pharmacological research to develop new treatments for filariasis.
Glossary definitions and references:
Scientific and Ayurvedic Glossary list for “Indigenous phytotherapy for filariasis from orissa”. 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 pertains to the science or practice of diagnosing, treating, and preventing disease. In the context of the text, it highlights both modern and indigenous approaches to healthcare, particularly the focus on herbal remedies for treating filariasis, an endemic health issue in Orissa, India.
2) Drug:
A drug is any substance used to diagnose, cure, treat, or prevent disease. The text discusses the traditional and modern drugs used in the treatment of filariasis, notably highlighting the inadequacies of traditional synthetics like Diethylcarbamazine (DEC), prompting the need for exploration into herbal alternatives.
3) Swelling:
Swelling is an abnormal enlargement of a body part typically associated with inflammation or injury. The document notes the use of various herbal treatments to alleviate swellings in conditions like filariasis, underscoring the relationship between herbal properties and symptom management in traditional medicine.
4) Pharmacological:
Pharmacological refers to the study of the interactions between drugs and biological systems. The text presents evidence for the pharmacological activities of various plants, particularly their anti-inflammatory and antipyretic properties, suggesting the potential for developing effective remedies for filariasis from indigenous knowledge.
5) Phytochemical:
Phytochemical pertains to the chemical compounds produced by plants that may have therapeutic effects. The article emphasizes the importance of studying the phytochemical composition of indigenous plants used for filariasis treatment, which can lead to potential new drug discoveries and insights into their health benefits.
6) Activity:
Activity in this context refers to the biological effects of various herbal remedies on health conditions. The study mentions several plant species and their activities, particularly their potential anti-inflammatory and anti-filarial effects, providing a basis for their ethnopharmacological significance in treating filariasis.
7) Mishra (Miśra):
Misra refers to the surname of one of the authors contributing to the study. The authors are affiliated with institutions focused on botanical and ethnobotanical research, lending credibility to the findings regarding indigenous phythotherapeutic practices in combating filariasis in Orissa.
8) Milk:
Milk is noted in the context of preparation methods for certain herbal treatments. The text mentions using cow's milk as a medium for preparing remedies with seeds from Caesalpinia bonduc, highlighting cultural practices that integrate common dietary elements into traditional medicine for therapeutic purposes.
9) Antibiotic (Antibacterial):
Antibacterial describes the property of a substance that kills or inhibits the growth of bacteria. Several plants discussed in the study are noted for their antibacterial properties, which is significant for addressing infections or complications associated with filariasis and showcases the diverse therapeutic potentials of these herbs.
10) Discussion:
Discussion in scientific texts often evaluates findings, drawing connections to previous research. In this article, it refers to elaborating on the efficacy of the recorded herbal remedies and their overlap with traditional and scientific knowledge, providing direction for future research in ethnobotany.
11) Ayurveda (Āyurveda, Ayus-veda):
Ayurveda is a traditional system of medicine originating from India, emphasizing balance in bodily systems. The text references various herbs known in Ayurvedic practice, indicating the long-standing knowledge of plant-based treatments for diseases such as filariasis, thereby illustrating cultural relevance and historical practices.
12) Godavari (Godāvarī, Godāvari, Go-davari):
Godavari refers to a district in Andhra Pradesh where some of the ethnobotanical data were collected. Mentioning the Godavari district situates the study geographically, indicating that regional plant use and efficacy against filariasis may vary based on local flora and indigenous knowledge systems.
13) Sahdevi (Sahdevī):
Sahdevi is the local name for Vernonia albicans, one of the plants used in treating filariasis. Highlighting this local terminology emphasizes the relevance of culturally specific terminology in ethnomedicine and the importance of local biodiversity in providing remedies for diseases endemic to the region.
14) Science (Scientific):
Science focuses on the systematic study of the structure and behavior of the physical and natural world through observation and experimentation. The text advocates for scientific validation of indigenous phytotherapy, aiming to bridge traditional knowledge with modern pharmacological research to combat filariasis effectively.
15) Edema (Oedema):
Oedema refers to swelling caused by excess fluid trapped in the body's tissues. In the context of filariasis, the document discusses herbal remedies employed to alleviate oedema, demonstrating how traditional medicine addresses symptoms of a condition that significantly impacts patients' quality of life.
16) Botany:
Botany is the scientific study of plants, which encompasses the understanding of plant classification, structure, and ecology. The study is grounded in botany, documenting local flora's medicinal uses, which can inform both conservation efforts and the search for new therapeutic agents.
17) Gupta (Guptā):
Gupta is another author's surname associated with the research. As a contributor, they bring knowledge and expertise in the field of botany and ethnomedicine, emphasizing collaborative research efforts in documenting and validating traditional practices against diseases like filariasis.
18) Simha (Siṃha):
Sinha is the third author's surname in the research paper. Their collaboration in the study reflects a multidisciplinary approach to documenting indigenous knowledge, which strengthens the validity and depth of research into phytotherapy applications for filariasis.
19) Water:
Water serves as a fundamental component in the preparation of herbal medicines, often used to extract active compounds from plants. The text implies that water is intrinsic to formulation processes, thus highlighting its role in both cultural and practical aspects of traditional medicine.
20) Honey:
Honey is mentioned as an ingredient in the preparation of herbal remedies, specifically in conjunction with Andrographis paniculata to enhance its therapeutic effects. This inclusion illustrates the synergy between natural substances and the cultural practices surrounding their medicinal use.
21) Guru:
Guru in this context refers to significant local practitioners or knowledgeable persons who facilitate the sharing of indigenous medicinal knowledge. Their role is crucial in preserving and transmitting traditional practices for herbal remedies, ensuring their continued use in communities struggling with diseases like filariasis.
22) Hand:
Hand signifies the manual preparation and application of herbal remedies, emphasizing the traditional methods of processing plants for medicinal use. This aspect underlines the artisanal knowledge of local practitioners in utilizing natural resources for healthcare.
23) Worm:
Worm refers to the filarial worms causing filariasis, a significant health challenge in Orissa. Understanding the active ingredients from the plants noted in the study can lead to the development of effective treatments targeting these parasites, addressing a widely prevalent health concern.