Merremia emarginata as a substitute for Centella asiatica in Salem.
Journal name: Ancient Science of Life
Original article title: Merremia emarginata (Burm. F.) Hall. F.: A substituted market source for Centella asiatica (L.) Urban: An observation from Salem district, Tamil Nadu
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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Saravanan Subramanian, M. Padmasorna Subramanian
Ancient Science of Life:
(A quarterly multi-disciplinary scientific research journal in Ayurveda)
Full text available for: Merremia emarginata (Burm. F.) Hall. F.: A substituted market source for Centella asiatica (L.) Urban: An observation from Salem district, Tamil Nadu
Year: 2013
Copyright (license): CC BY-NC-SA
Summary of article contents:
Introduction
The study highlighted in the article examines the issue of adulteration and substitution of medicinal plants, specifically focusing on Centella asiatica (L.) Urban, known locally as Vallarai, renowned in Indian systems of medicine for its cognitive benefits and treatment of nervine disorders. The authors conducted field research in Salem district, Tamil Nadu, where they observed that fresh plant materials sold as Vallarai were not actually C. asiatica, but rather Merremia emarginata (Burm. F.) Hall. F. This finding raises significant concerns about the integrity of herbal medicine trade and the potential implications on consumer health and pharmaceutical efficacy.
Misidentification of Medicinal Plants
The misidentification of M. emarginata in place of C. asiatica poses critical issues not only for consumers but also for the pharmaceutical industry utilizing these plants. The morphological similarities between the two species contribute to the ease of substitution, complicating the identification process. The authors noted that M. emarginata is locally consumed under the name of Vallarai, leading consumers to believe they are gaining the benefits associated with C. asiatica. Previous workshops and studies from the Central Research Institute - Siddha have indicated the occurrence of adulteration, where samples submitted under the identity of C. asiatica were later identified as M. emarginata. The persistence of this issue emphasizes the urgent need for accurate taxonomic identification and quality control measures in herbal drug production.
Conclusion
In conclusion, the authors underscore the necessity for rigorous standardization and quality assurance in the trade of herbal medicines. The ongoing problem of adulteration and misidentification underscores the importance of using scientifically validated taxonomic methods for the authentication of herbal raw materials. Furthermore, promoting the cultivation of C. asiatica could provide a reliable supply of genuine products, thereby safeguarding consumer health and preserving the integrity of traditional medicine systems. The research calls for increased awareness and action from stakeholders in the herbal medicinal field to address these significant issues effectively.
FAQ section (important questions/answers):
What is the main issue highlighted in this study?
The study highlights the adulteration and substitution of Centella asiatica with Merremia emarginata, a plant that resembles it, in herbal markets. This could mislead consumers expecting the medicinal benefits associated with C. asiatica.
What are the medicinal properties of Centella asiatica?
Centella asiatica, known as Vallarai in Tamil Nadu, is valued for its memory enhancement and treatment of nervous disorders in Indian systems of medicine. It is traditionally used for improving cognitive function.
What are the consequences of substituting C. asiatica with M. emarginata?
Substituting C. asiatica with M. emarginata undermines the therapeutic efficacy expected by consumers, leading to ineffective treatment for their ailments. It poses significant challenges for quality control in herbal medicine.
How can the issues of adulteration be addressed?
Addressing adulteration requires strict standardization and identification of herbal drugs. Promoting the cultivation of C. asiatica ensures a reliable supply of authentic plant material, reducing the chances of substitution in the market.
Glossary definitions and references:
Scientific and Ayurvedic Glossary list for “Merremia emarginata as a substitute for Centella asiatica in Salem.”. 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) Siddha:
Siddha is a traditional Indian system of medicine that emphasizes the use of medicinal plants and holistic approaches to health. This system incorporates herbal remedies, yoga, and lifestyle practices aimed at balance and healing. It plays a crucial role in the article, which discusses medicinal plants and their proper identification.
2) Drug:
A drug refers to any substance used for medicinal purposes in the treatment, diagnosis, or prevention of diseases. In the context of the article, the focus is on herbal drugs derived from plants like Centella asiatica and their adulteration with other species, underlining the importance of accuracy in herbal medicine.
3) Science (Scientific):
Science encompasses systematic study and knowledge that arises from observations and experiments. The article calls for scientific approaches to validate herbal medicines, as it discusses the issue of substitute plants affecting therapeutic outcomes. Emphasizing scientific practices aims to enhance the reliability of traditional medicine systems.
4) Mandukaparni (Manduka-parni, Mamdukaparni):
Maṇḍūkaparṇī, known scientifically as Centella asiatica, is a significant herb in Siddha and Ayurveda, praised for its memory-enhancing and nervine properties. The article highlights the economic and medicinal value of this plant, focusing on its adulteration and the need for accurate identification to maintain therapeutic benefits.
5) Medicine:
Medicine is the science of diagnosing, treating, and preventing diseases. The article discusses how certain plants, like Centella asiatica, are utilized in traditional medicine systems for specific health benefits. It highlights the importance of understanding plant identities to ensure that medicinal products are safe and effective for consumers.