Herbal remedies for snake bites in Chittoor, Andhra Pradesh.

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Journal name: Ancient Science of Life
Original article title: Herbal remedies for Snake bites in Ethnic practices of Chittoor District, Andhra Pradesh
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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Author:

G. Penchalapratap, Dr. G. Sudarsanam, Dr. Reshmi Pushpan, Dr. G. P. Prasad


Ancient Science of Life:

(A quarterly multi-disciplinary scientific research journal in Ayurveda)

Full text available for: Herbal remedies for Snake bites in Ethnic practices of Chittoor District, Andhra Pradesh

Year: 2010

Copyright (license): CC BY-NC-SA


Download the PDF file of the original publication


Summary of article contents:

Introduction

The study explores the traditional treatments for snake bites employed by tribal people in Chittoor district, Andhra Pradesh. With an increasing awareness of the health hazards associated with synthetic drugs, the significance of ethnobotany is on the rise, particularly in developing countries where approximately 80% of the population relies on traditional medicine. This research highlights how local tribes, such as the Chenchus, Yerukulas, Sugalis, and Yanadis, possess extensive knowledge about the medicinal properties of various plants and utilize this information for primary health care. Through interviews and fieldwork, information on around 30 medicinal species used as antidotes for snake bites was gathered, underscoring the cultural heritage and practical applications of their traditional medicine.

Unique Knowledge of Antidotes

The tribal communities in Chittoor district maintain a rich repository of knowledge regarding antidotes for snake bites derived from the surrounding flora. This knowledge is often passed down through generations, with elder tribe members, such as village leaders, serving as primary informants during the study. They utilize different parts of plants—leaves, fruits, flowers, and roots—to create antidotes in various preparations like pastes, powders, and infusions. For instance, plants like Achyranthes aspera and Andrographis paniculata are administered for specific snake bites, reflecting the tribes' ability to recognize the medicinal properties of local plants. Their methods of preparation and administration often involve the use of additives such as goat milk or butter milk, showcasing the intricate understanding of herbal remedies tailored to particular snake bite incidents.

Conclusion

The findings of this study reveal the vast, often undocumented traditional knowledge surrounding snakebite antidotes among the tribal inhabitants of Chittoor district. It underscores the importance of preserving this ethnobotanical knowledge, as the tribal communities boast an unparalleled grasp of local flora that could be invaluable in addressing health emergencies from snake bites. Furthermore, the study advocates for urgent scientific investigations into these traditional practices to evaluate the efficacy of the identified antidotes, which may lead to the integration of traditional remedies into contemporary medical practices and contribute to better health outcomes for populations relying on these age-old treatments.

FAQ section (important questions/answers):

What is the primary focus of the study in Chittoor district?

The study focuses on age-old traditional treatments for snake bites used by tribal people in Chittoor district, Andhra Pradesh, documenting various medicinal plants and their applications.

Which age group of tribal people was primarily involved in interviews?

Elderly individuals, specifically those around 60 years or older, particularly village leaders, were primarily involved in the interviews for gathering information on traditional remedies.

What types of plant parts are used as antidotes?

Various plant parts like leaves, fruits, flowers, seeds, stem bark, tubers, and roots are used as antidotes, often prepared in forms such as paste, powder, juice, infusion, or decoction.

What traditional methods do tribal people use to identify poisonous bites?

Tribal people assess whether a snake bite is poisonous by administering bitter Azadirachta indica leaf juice; if the patient cannot taste it, the bite is considered poisonous.

Glossary definitions and references:

Scientific and Ayurvedic Glossary list for “Herbal remedies for snake bites in Chittoor, Andhra Pradesh.”. 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) Knowledge:
Knowledge refers to the understanding and insights gained over generations by tribal peoples about the medicinal properties of plants. This accumulated wisdom is crucial in identifying antidotes for snake bites, showcasing a deep connection with their environment and a reliance on traditional practices in healthcare.

2) Milk:
Milk, particularly from goats, is mentioned in the context of traditional remedies. It serves as an additive in some antidotal preparations, combining with plant materials to enhance their effectiveness. The nutritional and medicinal properties of milk make it a valuable component in folk medicine.

3) Goat milk:
Goat milk is specifically highlighted as an additive in certain traditional treatments for snake bites. Its role in herbal concoctions may help in absorption or increase the efficacy of the medicinal plants used alongside. It reflects local practices that utilize readily available resources.

4) Medicine:
Medicine in this context refers to the herbal remedies derived from plants used by tribal communities to treat ailments like snake bites. These traditional medicines exemplify the reliance on natural substances and the cultural practices surrounding healthcare within the tribal knowledge systems.

5) Science (Scientific):
Scientific refers to methods that adhere to systematic observation and experimentation. In this study, scientific principles are applied to validate traditional practices, shedding light on the need for empirical evidence to support the efficacy of plant-based remedies among tribal communities.

6) Drug:
Drug pertains to any substance utilized for therapeutic purposes. In this document, it mainly relates to the crude plant extracts and concoctions prepared by tribal people to counteract snake venom. Recognizing these plant-based drugs helps in understanding local healthcare practices.

7) Botany:
Botany is the scientific study of plants, vital for identifying the various species utilized in traditional medicine. In the research context, botany plays a crucial role in documenting local flora and understanding their medicinal potential, particularly in relation to treating snake bites.

8) Madhuca indica:
Madhuca indica is a plant documented for its medicinal use in antidotes for snake bites. The traditional preparation from its fruits shows the significance of this specific species among local tribes and emphasizes the importance of incorporating ethnobotanical knowledge in modern medicine.

9) Mantra (Mamtra):
Mantra represents the traditional belief and ritualistic aspects often accompanying the use of herbal remedies. In the case of snake bites, tribal people may recite mantras to invoke spiritual protection while administering phyto-drugs, highlighting the holistic approach to healing that combines physical and spiritual remedies.

10) Bitter:
Bitter pertains to a common characteristic of many medicinal plants used in antidotes for snake bites. The perception of bitterness is often associated with the presence of active compounds, indicating the possible therapeutic activity of these plants in traditional medicine.

11) Water:
Water is essential as a medium for preparing herbal remedies, be it in decoctions, infusions, or as a solvent to extract the medicinal properties of plants. Its role is fundamental in the preparation of antidotes to facilitate administration during snakebite treatments.

12) Tinospora cordifolia:
Tinospora cordifolia is highlighted as a significant plant with therapeutic uses, particularly for snake bites. Its traditional applications exemplify the deep-rooted knowledge tribal societies hold about specific flora and their health benefits, showcasing the diverse potential of indigenous plants.

13) Azadirachta indica:
Azadirachta indica, known as neem, is recognized for its medicinal properties and is commonly used in various traditional treatments. Its inclusion in antidote preparations indicates a local understanding of its curative potentials, reinforcing the importance of this species in ethnic medicine.

14) Butter milk (Buttermilk):
Butter milk is referenced as another additive used in traditional remedies for snake bites. The inclusion of such dairy products enhances the medicinal value of the plant concoctions and reflects the integration of available dietary resources in health practices.

15) Cow urine (Cow's urine):
Cow urine is specifically mentioned as an additive in certain antidote formulations. In traditional practices, it is reputed for its supposed purifying properties, reflecting the cultural significance of animal by-products in healing rituals and folk remedies.

16) Plumbago zeylanica:
Plumbago zeylanica is a plant noted for its use as an antidote for snake bites. The documentation of its application reveals the crucial relationship between local biodiversity and traditional knowledge, emphasizing the need for continued research on such plants.

17) Mimusops elengi:
Mimusops elengi is included in the list of plants with medicinal applications. Its discovery as a part of regional traditional remedies highlights the importance of documenting local flora in ethnobotanical studies, showcasing their historical use in healthcare.

18) Allium sativum:
Allium sativum, or garlic, is noted for its therapeutic properties and is used in various traditional treatments. Its role as a medicinal ingredient emphasizes the integration of culinary plants into ethnic medicinal practice, showcasing the diverse usage of plants.

19) Discussion:
Discussion in this research pertains to the analysis of findings regarding traditional treatments for snake bites. It reflects on the significance of the documented knowledge from tribal communities, supporting the need for more scientific exploration into these ethnic remedies.

20) Toxicity:
Toxicity refers to the harmful effects of snake venom, which traditional remedies aim to neutralize. Understanding toxicity levels of various species helps in evaluating the effectiveness of the antidotes derived from local flora, emphasizing the importance of safety in medicinal practices.

21) Vomiting:
Vomiting is mentioned in the context of certain traditional antidotes causing this reaction as a method of expelling toxins. This physiological response is considered a natural way to mitigate the effects of snake venom and showcases the body's reaction to poisoning.

22) Hemadri (Heman-adri):
Hemadri may refer to a contributor or researcher acknowledged in the context of documenting medicinal plant knowledge and practices. Such individuals play a pivotal role in preserving and disseminating traditional wisdom through scientific inquiry.

23) Habitat:
Habitat pertains to the natural environment where medicinal plants grow. Understanding the habitat helps in identifying and conserving these plants, crucial for sustaining the traditional practices that rely upon them and for potential future medicinal discoveries.

24) Tantra (Tamtra, Tantrism):
Tantra is associated with spiritual practices and rituals in the context of traditional medicine. It underscores the holistic approach employed by tribal peoples, where healing involves both physical remedies and spiritual beliefs to tackle health issues.

25) Vaidya:
Vaidya refers to traditional healers or practitioners of Ayurvedic medicine, playing a crucial role in imparting knowledge about medicinal plants. Their expertise is vital in the communication of ethnomedicinal practices and serves as a bridge between ancient knowledge and contemporary healthcare.

26) Garlic:
Garlic, or Allium sativum, is noted for its medicinal properties, commonly used in various cultural remedies. Its functionality in treating ailments highlights how culinary ingredients are integrated into traditional healing systems, showing the broad utility of flora in health.

27) Glass:
Glass likely pertains to the containers used for preparing and storing herbal remedies. The use of glass vessels reflects modern applications in traditional medicine, bridging the gap between old practices and contemporary methods of herbal preparation.

28) Rice (Rce):
Rice is mentioned as a common food staple and may indirectly relate to the preparation of certain antidotes where rice grains are included. Its mention emphasizes the interconnection between diet and traditional remedies in local cultures.

29) Hand:
Hand denotes the active practice of collecting and preparing herbal remedies, emphasizing human involvement in traditional medicine. It symbolizes the intimate relationship between practitioners and nature, highlighting the tactile knowledge passed down across generations.

30) Ghi (Ghee):
Ghee, or clarified butter, is noted as an additive in concoctions for snake bites. Its incorporation into traditional remedies showcases the use of fatty substances to improve the delivery and absorption of medicinal effects in herbal treatments.

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