Study of plants used as anti diabetic agents by the nilgiri aborigines
Journal name: Ancient Science of Life
Original article title: Study of plants used as anti diabetic agents by the nilgiri aborigines
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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P.N. Arul Manikandan, M. Jayendran, C. Sebastian Rajasekaran
Ancient Science of Life:
(A quarterly multi-disciplinary scientific research journal in Ayurveda)
Full text available for: Study of plants used as anti diabetic agents by the nilgiri aborigines
Year: 2006
Copyright (license): CC BY-NC-SA
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Summary of article contents:
Introduction
The Nilgiri region, known for its rich ethnobotanical and anthropological traditions, is home to six primitive tribes: Toda, Kota, Kurumba, Kattunayaka, Irula, and Paniyas. Situated in Tamil Nadu, India, these tribes possess extensive knowledge of medicinal plants used to treat various ailments, including diabetes. The current study focuses on plants utilized as anti-diabetic agents by these tribal communities, highlighting eleven specific species identified through ethnobotanical surveys conducted in the area over the past two decades.
Traditional Anti-Diabetic Remedies
One significant aspect of this research is the identification of key medicinal plants used by the Nilgiri tribes for diabetes management. For instance, Azadirachta indica (neem) leaves are prepared into a paste and consumed on an empty stomach to control blood sugar levels. Another notable plant is Gymnema sylvestre, which is valued for its effectiveness in treating diabetes and gastrointestinal issues; its leaf juice is consumed by the Irular tribe for these purposes. The study notes that the local communities have deep faith in these traditional remedies, demonstrating the practical applications of their knowledge in addressing health challenges.
Conclusion
The findings of this research underscore the importance of preserving traditional knowledge surrounding herbal treatments among the Nilgiri tribal communities. By documenting the use of these eleven plants for diabetes management, the study contributes to a greater understanding of ethnotherapeutics and the potential for discovering new medical drugs based on traditional practices. The work advocates for the protection of this invaluable cultural heritage, which not only serves the current health needs of these tribes but may also inspire future medical advancements.
FAQ section (important questions/answers):
What tribes are present in the Nilgiri district?
The Nilgiri district is home to six tribes: Toda, Kota, Kurumba, Kattunayaka, Irula, and Paniyas, who possess extensive knowledge of medicinal plants.
What is the purpose of this study on plants?
The study aims to profile plants used as anti-diabetic agents by the Nilgiri aborigines, highlighting their ethnobotanical knowledge and potential for drug identification.
How was the information about plants collected?
Information was gathered during regular field trips to tribal settlements, where tribal medicine men shared their traditional knowledge about medicinal plants used for diabetes.
What is the significance of traditional health care systems?
The Nilgiri tribal communities have a strong belief in traditional healthcare through herbal treatments, which can lead to the preservation of valuable ethnobotanical knowledge.
Glossary definitions and references:
Scientific and Ayurvedic Glossary list for “Study of plants used as anti diabetic agents by the nilgiri aborigines”. 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. In the context of the Nilgiri tribes, traditional medicine primarily relies on the use of local plants with medicinal properties. These plants serve as alternative treatments for ailments like diabetes, deeply rooted in tribal knowledge.
2) Paniya (Paṇiya, Pānīya, Pāṇiyā):
Paniya is one of the six primitive tribes residing in the Nilgiri district of Tamil Nadu. This ethnic group possesses unique cultural and medicinal traditions, including the knowledge of plants used for treating various health issues, particularly diabetes. Their contributions to ethnobotany are significant.
3) Knowledge:
Knowledge in this context refers to the understanding and information gained by Nilgiri tribes regarding medicinal plants and their uses. This traditional ecological knowledge has been passed down through generations, enabling these communities to utilize local flora effectively for health care, particularly in diabetes management.
4) Kurumba:
Kurumba is another tribal community found in the Nilgiri hills. Like other tribes, they have developed a comprehensive understanding of local plants and their medicinal uses, which plays a crucial role in their healthcare practices, especially as anti-diabetic agents among other treatments.
5) Azadirachta indica:
Azadirachta indica, commonly known as neem, is a tree whose tender leaves are used by the Paniya tribe to manage diabetes. This plant is noted for its therapeutic properties in traditional medicine, showcasing the integration of botany and tribal healing practices within the Nilgiri tribes.
6) Asparagus racemosus:
Asparagus racemosus, known locally as kayasoppu, is a climbing shrub used by the Irula tribe as a remedy for diabetes. Its root paste serves as an internal remedy, illustrating the use of specific plant parts in traditional treatments from the region's diverse flora.
7) Momordica charantia:
Momordica charantia, or bitter gourd, is a climbing herb whose boiled fruit extract is given to reduce blood sugar levels. The plant's incorporation into the traditional healing practices of the Nilgiri tribes exemplifies the significance of natural remedies in managing diabetes.
8) Abrus precatorius:
Abrus precatorius, known as jequirity bean, is used by the Kattunayaka tribe as a component in a remedy for diabetes. The binding of this plant’s leaves with the seeds of another species illustrates tribal innovation in utilizing available resources for health benefits.
9) Science (Scientific):
Science refers to the systematic study of the structure and behavior of the physical and natural world through observation and experimentation. In this research, science is applied to explore the medicinal properties of local plants used by Nilgiri tribes, bridging traditional knowledge with modern scientific inquiry.
10) Botany:
Botany, the scientific study of plants, plays a vital role in understanding the flora of the Nilgiri region. The identification of plant species used by tribes for medicinal purposes highlights the importance of botany in preserving indigenous knowledge and potentially discovering new remedies.
11) Kunda (Kuṇḍa, Kumda):
Kunda is one of the taluks in the Nilgiri district where various tribal communities, including the Nilgiri aborigines, reside. The geographical location influences the availability of medicinal plants and the local traditional practices associated with them, particularly herbal treatments for ailments like diabetes.
12) Sugar:
Sugar, specifically blood sugar, is a key concern for diabetic patients. The Nilgiri tribes utilize various plants like Syzygium cuminii and Momordica charantia to help regulate blood sugar levels, demonstrating the integration of dietary and medicinal strategies in their traditional health care systems.
13) Blood:
Blood in the context of diabetes refers to the bodily fluid that carries glucose and other nutrients. The Nilgiri tribes aim to manage and lower blood sugar levels through traditional plant-based remedies, reflecting their understanding of the body's needs and the impact of herbal treatments.
14) Tala (Tāla, Talā, Ṭala, Tāḷa, Taḷā, Tāḻa):
Thala, or 'head' in Tamil, is part of the vernacular names associated with various medicinal plants used by the Nilgiri tribes. The cultural significance of language and nomenclature reflects the deep-rooted connection between identity, plant use, and traditional medicinal practices among indigenous communities.
15) Drug:
Drug refers to any substance used to treat, cure, or prevent disease. Many traditional remedies derived from plants used by Nilgiri tribes can be classified as drugs, illustrating the potential of ethnobotanical knowledge in contributing to modern pharmacology and the pursuit of new therapeutic agents.
16) Soil:
Soil is the natural resource that supports plant growth, and in the Nilgiri region, the clay and clay-loam soils foster various medicinal plants. The composition of soil affects the diversity and availability of plant species, influencing the traditional medicine practices of the local tribal communities.