Medicinal plants exploited commercially in Velliangiri Hills, Tamil Nadu.
Journal name: Ancient Science of Life
Original article title: A note on the commercially exploited medicinal plnts of the velliangiri hills, coimbatore district, tamilnadu
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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Summary of article contents:
Introduction
The Velliangiri Hills, located in the Coimbatore District of Tamil Nadu, India, host a diverse range of medicinal plants that are heavily exploited by the indigenous communities inhabiting the area. These communities, including groups such as the Irulas and Paniyans, primarily rely on ethnobotanical resources for their livelihoods. The commercial importance of medicinal plants has surged due to the increasing demand from pharmaceutical companies and local markets, which has led to significant pressures on these natural resources. The study identifies 41 species of medicinal plants that are being extensively harvested, raising concerns about the sustainability of these practices and the potential for endangerment of various plant species.
Overexploitation of Medicinal Plants
One critical issue highlighted in the study is the heavy exploitation of certain medicinal plants, with 29 out of 41 species being fully harvested for their roots, rhizomes, or entire plants. The peak season for this exploitation occurs between February and April, coinciding with local festivals when demand from pilgrims increases. This rampant collection not only threatens the biodiversity of the region but also poses risks to the traditional knowledge and practices of the indigenous communities that depend on these plants. There is an urgent need for strategies and action plans to conserve these vital resources while supporting the livelihoods of local tribes.
Conclusion
The findings from the Velliangiri Hills underscore the critical need for conservation measures to protect the region's medicinal plant biodiversity amid increasing commercial pressures. The reliance of local communities on these plants for income, combined with the threats posed by overexploitation, calls for a balanced approach that promotes sustainable harvesting practices. Effective conservation strategies could not only safeguard the medicinal plants but also ensure the continued availability of these resources for future generations, while empowering indigenous communities that have traditionally managed these ecosystems.
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.
V. Balasubramaniam, M. Murugesan
Ancient Science of Life:
(A quarterly multi-disciplinary scientific research journal in Ayurveda)
Full text available for: A note on the commercially exploited medicinal plnts of the velliangiri hills, coimbatore district, tamilnadu
Year: 2004
Copyright (license): CC BY-NC-SA
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FAQ section (important questions/answers):
What is the focus of the study conducted in Velliangiri Hills?
The study focuses on the commercially exploited medicinal plants in the Velliangiri Hills, highlighting the effects of exploitation on biodiversity and the socio-economic conditions of indigenous peoples.
How many medicinal plant species are commercially exploited in the area?
The study identifies a total of 41 species of medicinal plants that are commercially exploited by indigenous people in the Velliangiri Hills, with 29 of these species being heavily exploited.
What are some reasons for the heavy exploitation of these plants?
Economic pressures due to unemployment and low wages encourage local tribal people to exploit medicinal plants. Additionally, there is a high demand from pharmaceutical companies and pilgrims during festive seasons.
What measures are suggested for conserving these medicinal plant resources?
The authors recommend developing suitable strategies and action plans to protect the medicinal plant resources, which would help in conserving biodiversity and ensure sustainable livelihoods for indigenous communities.
Glossary definitions and references:
Scientific and Ayurvedic Glossary list for “Medicinal plants exploited commercially in Velliangiri Hills, 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) Science (Scientific):
Science refers to the systematic study of the natural world through observation and experimentation. It encompasses various branches, including botany, which focuses on plant life. The study of medicinal plants, as highlighted in the Velliangiri Hills article, falls under the domain of science, combining knowledge of ecology, biology, and pharmacology to understand the potential benefits of these plants.
2) Asparagus racemosus:
Asparagus racemosus, commonly known as Shatavari, is a species of flowering plant in the asparagus family. It is recognized for its medicinal properties, being used in traditional medicine for its purported benefits in boosting the immune system, enhancing fertility, and providing nutritional balance. The plant is commercially exploited in the Velliangiri Hills for these therapeutic uses.
3) Terminalia arjuna:
Terminalia arjuna, known as Arjuna, is a tree native to the Indian subcontinent. It is valued for its bark, which is used in traditional medicine for heart-related ailments. The prominence of Terminalia arjuna in the Velliangiri Hills emphasizes its significance in local ethnobotanical practices and the increasing demand for its medicinal properties.
4) Medicine:
Medicine refers to the science and practice of diagnosing, treating, and preventing diseases. It encompasses various disciplines within healthcare, including pharmacology, which studies the effects of medicinal plants. The commercially exploited plants in the Velliangiri Hills highlight the intersection of traditional knowledge and modern medicinal practices in addressing health issues.
5) Nannari (Nannāri, Naṉṉāri):
Nannari, or Hemidesmus indicus, is a medicinal plant known for its roots that are used in herbal remedies. It is prized for its cooling properties, aiding in detoxification and respiratory issues. The high demand for Nannari during festive seasons in the Velliangiri Hills reflects its cultural significance and health benefits, emphasizing conservation needs.
6) Vetiver:
Vetiver refers to Vetiveria zizanoides, a perennial grass valued for its aromatic roots used in perfumes, incense, and traditional medicine. It is recognized for its soil stabilization properties and medicinal applications. The exploitation of Vetiver in the Velliangiri Hills showcases its economic importance and the role of local knowledge in sustainable practices.
7) Arjuna:
Arjuna refers to Terminalia arjuna, a prominent medicinal tree well-known in Ayurveda for its cardiac benefits. The bark is used in formulations to support heart health and maintain blood pressure levels. In the context of Velliangiri Hills, Arjuna is a critical species that reflects local healthcare traditions and the urgent need for conservation.
8) Botany:
Botany is the scientific study of plants, a branch of biology dealing with their structure, function, ecology, and classification. The study of commercially exploited medicinal plants in the Velliangiri Hills is a key aspect of botany, highlighting biodiversity, ecological roles, and the importance of preserving plant species for future medicinal use.