Traditional phytotherapy for the treatment of hydrocele in Odisha, India
Journal name: Ancient Science of Life
Original article title: Traditional phytotherapy for the treatment of hydrocele in Odisha, 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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Summary of article contents:
Introduction
The article discusses traditional phytotherapy practices for treating hydrocele among various tribal communities in Odisha, India. It highlights the ethnomedicinal uses of 15 plant species identified during an ethnobotanical survey conducted across Sundargarh, Mayurbhanj, Angul, and Balangir districts. The survey revealed that these traditional treatments, locally known as 'Eksira,' are largely undocumented and differ from existing literature on medicinal plants in India. Hydrocele, a condition characterized by the accumulation of fluid around the testicle, often requires treatment when persistent discomfort occurs, particularly in adults and children.
The Role of Plant Species in Treating Hydrocele
A notable aspect of this study is the enumeration and description of the 15 plant species used by local tribes to manage hydrocele. For example, the roots of Aerva lanata are ingested with an alcoholic local drink, while fresh corms of Amorphophallus paeoniifolius are applied as a paste externally on the affected area. Other methods include the use of Calotropis procera, where warm oil-coated leaves are placed over the swelling, and the paste of Plumbago indica prepared with cow urine, used for hot fomentation. Each plant's preparation and application method illustrate the diverse and culturally rich approaches employed by local practitioners to treat this condition.
Conclusion
The findings underscore the significance of local ethnomedicinal practices and their potential roles in contemporary treatment methodologies. Despite the promising results from the survey, further phytochemical and biological investigations are crucial to validate these traditional practices and isolation of active constituents from the identified plants. It would contribute to a better understanding of their efficacy against hydrocele, thereby bridging the gap between traditional knowledge and modern medicine. This research not only enriches the ethnobotanical literature but also emphasizes the need to preserve and leverage indigenous medicinal knowledge.
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.
Harish Singh
Ancient Science of Life:
(A quarterly multi-disciplinary scientific research journal in Ayurveda)
Full text available for: Traditional phytotherapy for the treatment of hydrocele in Odisha, India
Year: 2012
Copyright (license): CC BY-NC-SA
FAQ section (important questions/answers):
What is the focus of the study on hydrocele treatment?
The study explores traditional uses of 15 plant species by various tribal groups in Odisha, India, for treating hydrocele. The ethnomedicinal practices were compared with existing literature, revealing previously unreported applications of these plants.
Which regions in Odisha were involved in the ethnobotanical survey?
The survey was conducted in the Sundargarh, Mayurbhanj, Angul, and Balangir districts of Odisha, covering 165 remote tribal villages and 27 tribal groups, focusing on their traditional plant-based treatments for hydrocele.
What are the typical methods of treating hydrocele reported in the study?
The traditional methods reported include applying plant pastes externally, hot fomentation, and in some cases, oral consumption of plant preparations. These practices often involve using locally available plants known to tribal communities.
How do the traditional treatments for hydrocele differ from modern medicine?
Traditional treatments often involve herbal applications and natural remedies, while modern medicine typically recommends surgical intervention or aspiration for persistent hydrocele cases. The study highlights the reliance on local flora and traditional practices among tribal populations.
Glossary definitions and references:
Scientific and Ayurvedic Glossary list for “Traditional phytotherapy for the treatment of hydrocele in Odisha, 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) Mustard oil:
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2) Cow urine:
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3) Tamarindus indica:
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4) Gloriosa superba:
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5) Phytochemical:
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6) Accumulation:
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7) Inflammation:
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8) Discussion:
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9) Duralabha:
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10) Kalihari:
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11) Medicine:
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12) Swelling:
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13) Mustard:
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14) Coconut:
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15) Science:
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16) Vaidya:
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17) Misra:
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18) Rashi:
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19) Honey:
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20) Blood:
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21) Daru:
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22) Hand:
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23) Milk:
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