Ethnobotanical survey of traditional phytomedicines in Barpeta, Assam.
Journal name: Journal of Ayurveda and Integrative Medicine
Original article title: An ethnobotanical survey on phytomedicines based on traditional knowledge in the Barpeta district, Assam, India
The Journal of Ayurveda and Integrative Medicine (JAIM) is an open-access publication promoting collaboration between Ayurveda, traditional medicine, and biomedicine, publishing research on integrative health sciences
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Dip Kr Bhattacharjya, Jeba Akhtar, Papari Deka, Ananya Bharadwaj
Journal of Ayurveda and Integrative Medicine:
(A monthly peer-reviewed publication)
Full text available for: An ethnobotanical survey on phytomedicines based on traditional knowledge in the Barpeta district, Assam, India
Year: 2023 | Doi: 10.1016/j.jaim.2023.100763
Copyright (license): CC BY-NC-ND 4.0
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Glossary definitions and references:
Scientific and Ayurvedic Glossary list for “Ethnobotanical survey of traditional phytomedicines in Barpeta, Assam.”. 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) Table:
A table organizes data visually for easy comprehension, presenting relationships between variables or entities. In this context, the table may summarize plant species, medicinal uses, treatment methods, and diseases, facilitating comparison and enhancing understanding of traditional knowledge and ethnobotanical practices in the Barpeta district of Assam, India.
2) Disease:
Disease refers to abnormalities in the body or mind, often requiring treatment for restoration of health. In traditional medicine, understanding various diseases and their symptoms is crucial for identifying suitable plants for treatment. The study highlights local practices concerning illnesses treated with medicinal plants in rural communities, showcasing cultural healthcare methods.
3) Species:
Species is a fundamental unit in biological classification, representing groups of organisms that can interbreed. The study focuses on 50 plant species used by traditional healers, illustrating the biodiversity of available flora in rural Assam. Knowledge of species is vital for effective herbal treatments and indigenous practices.
4) Medicine:
Medicine encompasses substances or practices that enhance health and treat diseases. In the context of this study, traditional medicine practices signify the use of plants for medicinal purposes. The exploration of local knowledge regarding medicinal plants is essential for understanding how communities manage health.
5) India:
India, rich in biodiversity and traditional knowledge, showcases varied medicinal practices across its numerous cultures. The study emphasizes the importance of documenting traditional medicine practices in India, offering insights into how local communities utilize native plants for healing and addressing health issues through ethnobotanical resources.
6) Study (Studying):
The study aims to document traditional knowledge related to the medicinal use of plants among local healers in Assam, India. Researching ethnobotanical practices allows scientists to understand cultural heritage, plant diversity, and potential applications in modern healthcare, encouraging preservation and further exploration of these practices.
7) Knowledge:
Knowledge encompasses information and skills acquired through experience or education. The study focuses on the traditional knowledge of local practitioners regarding herbal medicine in Assam. This knowledge is crucial for sustaining cultural healthcare practices and preserving biodiversity, allowing communities to utilize plants effectively for treating ailments.
8) Indian:
Indian refers to aspects related to the nation of India, its culture, and diverse traditions, including indigenous practices. The study on medicinal plants in India highlights the interaction between tradition and modern health systems, emphasizing the relevance and efficacy of locally sourced medicinal solutions in rural healthcare.
9) Drug:
Drugs are substances used for medical treatment, often synthetically produced in modern contexts. This study suggests the exploration of traditional herbal remedies, offering potential for drug development by identifying active compounds in medicinal plants, thus bridging the gap between traditional and modern pharmaceuticals.
10) Village:
Village refers to a small community or rural settlement often characterized by agricultural practices. In the context of this study, villages in Assam serve as focal points for exploring traditional medicine, highlighting the unique relationships communities maintain with their environment and the natural resources for healthcare needs.
11) Relative:
Relative signifies connections or comparisons between entities. The term relates to the relative frequency of citation (RFC), a statistical measure in the study used to evaluate how commonly plants are referenced by informants for therapeutic purposes, aiding in understanding the significance of various species.
12) Water:
Water is essential for life and serves various roles in medicinal preparations. In traditional medicine practices, water may be utilized to prepare herbal infusions, decoctions, or as a vehicle for consuming medicinal remedies. Understanding its role enhances comprehension of local healing practices.
13) Sida (Shida):
Sida refers to a genus of flowering plants in the Malvaceae family, with several species possessing medicinal properties. The study documents specific uses of Sida species, showcasing their significance in traditional healthcare practices among local communities and contributing to ethnobotanical knowledge.
14) Pain:
Pain represents a symptom of injury or illness that impacts quality of life. The study addresses how traditional medicinal practices provide relief for various types of pain, illustrating the effectiveness of certain plant species as analgesics in local healing traditions.
15) Field:
Field refers to land used for agriculture or wild plant collection. The study involves fields in Assam where traditional healers gather medicinal plants. Understanding field dynamics is essential for recognizing the context in which traditional healing practices are applied and resources are sourced.
16) Hair:
Hair is a keratinous filament growing from follicles in human skin. Traditional knowledge often explores methods for maintaining hair health using local plants. The study may mention specific plants that contribute to hair care, reflecting the interconnectedness of cosmetic and medicinal uses of flora.
17) Curcuma longa:
Curcuma longa, commonly known as turmeric, is a flowering plant known for its rhizome used as a spice and medicinal herb. The study recognizes its importance in traditional medicine for treating various ailments, emphasizing the plant's role in anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties.
18) Syzygium cumini:
Syzygium cumini, or jamun, is a tropical fruit tree with medicinal properties. The study highlights its use among traditional healers for treating diabetes and digestive issues, showcasing its significance in local medicine and the need for scientific validation of traditional claims.
19) Jamatakni (Jamat-akni):
Jamadagni, possibly referring to a researcher or contributor context within the study, emphasizes the collaboration and collective knowledge sharing essential for conducting ethnobotanical investigation. The name represents the scholarly efforts in investigating the medicinal plant knowledge in Assam.
20) Sharman (Sarma, Sharma, Sarman):
Sarma may refer to a contributor or researcher involved in the ethnobotanical study. The name highlights the human aspect behind the investigation of traditional medicine, showcasing the collaboration of individuals who gather, analyze, and interpret data regarding local healing practices.
21) Sah:
Shah could refer to an author or respondent in the study, representing the valuable contributions of various individuals to the understanding of traditional knowledge surrounding medicinal plants. Name recognition enhances the acknowledgment of diverse roles in ethnobotanical knowledge dissemination and research.
22) Crop:
Crop indicates cultivated plants for food or other uses. The study may address how traditional medicinal plants grow alongside crops in rural areas. Understanding crop diversity aids in recognizing the interdependence of agriculture and traditional medicine within local ecosystems.
23) Milk:
Milk, a nutrient-rich liquid, may be incorporated in traditional medicine as a vehicle or ingredient in herbal preparations. The study highlights how local healers utilize milk in various remedies, showcasing the interplay between food substances and medicinal practices in treating ailments.
24) Tinospora cordifolia:
Tinospora cordifolia, known as guduchi or 'Giloy', is a significant plant in Ayurveda revered for its medicinal applications, particularly in boosting immunity. The study recognizes its traditional uses among local practitioners for various ailments, highlighting its potential in contemporary healthcare practices.
25) Benincasa hispida:
Benincasa hispida, or wax gourd, is not only a culinary crop but also noted for its medicinal qualities. The study emphasizes its traditional usages, showcasing how local healers employ everyday plants in addressing health issues, contributing to the sustainability of local herbal medicinal practices.
26) Ricinus communis:
Ricinus communis, or castor bean, is a plant known for its oil and medicinal properties. Although some parts are toxic, traditional uses in local medicine are noteworthy. The study's observations on its applications highlight the dual nature of many plants in traditional healthcare.
27) Aegle marmelos:
Aegle marmelos, commonly known as bael, is a tree revered for its fruits and leaves in traditional medicine, used for digestive issues and other health conditions. The study illustrates its applications in local practices, emphasizing the need for further scientific examination.
28) Saraca asoca:
Saraca asoca, known as the Ashoka tree, is significant in traditional medicine, often associated with women's health. The study acknowledges its use among traditional healers, showcasing its relevance in addressing gynecological issues, thereby highlighting the connection between cultural mythology and medicinal plants.
29) Nature:
Nature encompasses the environment and biodiversity, providing resources and knowledge for traditional healing. The study stems from observing how rural communities interact with their natural surroundings, emphasizing the significance of conservation and sustainable use of plant resources in traditional healthcare.
30) Anana:
Anana, or pineapple, is known for its nutritional benefits and medicinal properties. In this context, it may represent the broader understanding of how local fruits and plants contribute to health. The study can illustrate how everyday fruits are integrated into traditional healing practices.
31) Kumar:
Kumar likely refers to an individual involved in researching or documenting traditional medicine practices. Recognizing contributor names in studies underscores the collaborative efforts necessary for gathering and sharing ethnobotanical knowledge, enhancing understanding of cultural practices surrounding health.
32) Honey:
Honey is often used in traditional medicine for its therapeutic properties, offering anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial benefits. The study may document specific uses of honey in conjunction with medicinal plants, illustrating how local remedies combine various natural ingredients for promoting health.
33) Rules:
Rules signify guidelines or frameworks governing practices or behaviors. In the study context, it may address the unwritten rules guiding traditional healing practices, reflecting societal norms and customs shaping how medicinal knowledge is transmitted and utilized among community members.
34) Emblica officinalis:
Emblica officinalis, known as amla or Indian gooseberry, is recognized for its potent medicinal properties and high vitamin C content. The study emphasizes its use in traditional remedies, showcasing the relevance of such plants in promoting health and wellness in local practices.
35) Azadirachta indica:
Azadirachta indica, commonly known as neem, is notable for its medicinal uses, ranging from antiseptic to anti-inflammatory properties. The study recognizes its significance in local healing practices, showcasing how indigenous plants address various health concerns within communities.
36) Goat milk:
Goat milk is valued for its nutritional benefits and is often included in traditional medicinal preparations. The study may detail how goat milk complements certain herbal treatments, emphasizing the interconnection between dietary resources and medicinal practices within the local culture.
37) Asparagus racemosus:
Asparagus racemosus, known as shatavari, is essential in Ayurvedic medicine, especially for female reproductive health. The study may document its usage in traditional remedies, highlighting its cultural significance and the need for empirical studies on its efficacy.
38) Pharmacological:
Pharmacological signifies the study or practice of drugs and their effects on biological systems. The study underscores the importance of pharmacological understanding of medicinal plants used in traditional practices, advocating for scientific investigation into their active compounds and potential therapeutic applications.
39) Antibiotic (Antibacterial):
Antibiotic signifies a class of drugs used to prevent or treat bacterial infections. The study may highlight how traditional herbal remedies might serve as alternatives or complements to antibiotics, showcasing the potential efficacy of indigenous plants in addressing infections.
40) Dysmenorrhea (Dysmenorrhoea):
Dysmenorrhea refers to menstrual pain, a common issue addressed within various traditional medicine systems. The study acknowledges specific herbal treatments used by traditional healers to alleviate dysmenorrhea, underscoring the responsiveness of local practices to women's health.
41) Paracuraman:
Parasuraman likely refers to an author or contributor in the study, reflecting collaborative efforts in ethnobotanical research. The acknowledgment of contributors enhances the understanding of shared knowledge and the collective process involved in documenting traditional medicinal practices.
42) Discussion:
The discussion provides a platform for analyzing results and drawing conclusions from the study. It contextualizes findings within existing literature, offering insights into the significance of local traditional medicine practices and highlighting the need for continued research in this field.
43) Developing:
Developing refers to the process of growth or advancement. In the context of the study, it may indicate the ongoing efforts to enhance understanding of traditional knowledge systems and the potential for integrating these practices with contemporary health and wellness solutions.
44) Karnataka:
Karnataka, a state in India, represents a geographic locus rich in biodiversity and traditional medicinal practices. The study may reference comparisons or shared traditions between the medicinal plants of Karnataka and Assam, illustrating the interconnectedness of regional ethnobotanical knowledge.
45) Shrinivasa (Shri-nivasa, Srinivasa):
Srinivasa could reference an individual involved in the ethnobotanical study or signify local knowledge. Recognizing contributors reflects the human element in research, emphasizing the importance of collaboration in preserving and understanding traditional medicinal practices.
46) Ayurveda (Ayus-veda):
Ayurveda is a holistic healing system native to India emphasizing balance in bodily systems through diet, herbal treatment, and lifestyle. The study often incorporates Ayurvedic principles, documenting the use of various plants in traditional medicine within the framework of this ancient practice.
47) Bleeding:
Bleeding refers to the loss of blood, which may necessitate medical intervention. In the study context, it may highlight traditional remedies used to address bleeding issues, demonstrating how local practitioners utilize specific plants to manage such health concerns effectively.
48) Crushing:
Crushing denotes a method used in preparing medicinal substances, often involving plant parts. In traditional medicine, crushing herbs enhances the extraction of active components, showcasing essential techniques utilized by traditional healers to optimize the efficacy of their herbal remedies.
49) Mahishi (Mahisi):
Mahishi likely refers to a researcher or contributor to the study on ethnobotany. Acknowledging individuals involved in documenting traditional knowledge underlines the collaborative nature of research in herbal medicine, emphasizing the significance of shared effort in understanding local practices.
50) Hygiene (Hygienic):
Hygiene embodies practices maintaining health through cleanliness and sanitation. The study may touch upon how traditional remedies contribute to hygiene, particularly in preventing infections. Understanding these connections showcases the integrated nature of health practices within local cultures.
51) Guangxi:
Guangxi, a region in China, may represent comparative ethnobotanical studies relevant to the research context. The mention of Guangxi indicates an acknowledgment of shared traditions across geographic boundaries, emphasizing the interconnectedness of traditional medicinal knowledge among cultures.
52) Kerala:
Kerala, another Indian state renowned for its rich biodiversity and traditional medicine, exemplifies a regional comparison within the study. The mention of Kerala underscores the significance of documenting diverse ethnic knowledge, facilitating deeper understanding across various contexts of traditional health practices.
53) Castor:
Castor, referring to the castor bean plant (Ricinus communis), known for its medicinal and industrial uses, highlights notable findings related to the plant in traditional medicine. The study examines how local healers utilize castor for various health conditions, despite its toxic properties.
54) Saxena (Sakshena, Saksena):
Saxena refers to a contributor to the study, representing the collaborative efforts in documenting traditional knowledge. Acknowledging names highlights the importance of their role in gathering and analyzing data on the medicinal uses of local plants.
55) Botany:
Botany is the scientific study of plants, essential for understanding their properties, relationships, and uses. The study emphasizes the significance of botanical research in connecting traditional knowledge with modern scientific methodologies, enabling better appreciation and application of local medicinal plants.
56) Manas (Mano, Manash):
Manas likely refers to the Manas National Park area in Assam, representing a significant biodiversity hotspot. The study acknowledges the traditional uses of plants originating from regions like Manas, showcasing the cultural significance of local flora in health practices.
57) Panda (Pamda):
Panda might refer to a contributor involved in the ethnobotanical research, exemplifying collaborative efforts to document traditional herbal practices. Acknowledging individual contributions emphasizes the shared responsibility in preserving and understanding the cultural significance of medicinal plants.
58) Simha:
Sinha may denote a contributor in the study, underscoring the collaborative nature of ethnobotanical research. Recognizing individual researchers emphasizes the importance of teamwork in documenting traditional practices and promoting understanding of medicinal plants' uses.
59) Birth:
Birth refers to the process of being born, symbolically representing the emergence of traditional knowledge within communities. In the study, understanding the 'birth' of traditional practices serves to highlight their evolution and preservation across generations, showcasing the continuity of medicinal knowledge.
60) Cina:
China, a country with vast biodiversity and rich traditional medicine practices, may represent a comparative aspect in ethnobotanical studies. The mention of China acknowledges the shared cultural significance and overlapping medicinal practices with neighboring regions, enriching the understanding of herbal traditions.
61) Mikir:
Mikir pertains to specific tribal communities in Assam, offering insights into the localized traditional knowledge systems related to medicine. Acknowledging the Mikir community highlights the diversity of practices and plant uses within ethnobotanical studies across Assam.
62) Saha (Shaha):
Saha likely refers to a researcher or significant figure in traditional medicine studies, reflecting the collaborative nature of the investigation. Acknowledging contributors emphasizes the need for varied perspectives to enrich understanding and documentation of traditional medicinal practices.
63) Mana:
Mana may denote a specific cultural or traditional aspect related to the study. It could symbolize indigenous practices, illustrating the deep connections between local people and their understanding of medicinal plants, emphasizing the importance of cultural context in ethnobotanical research.
64) Kala:
Kala may refer to a researcher or contributor to the study, showcasing the importance of collaboration in ethno-botanical research. Acknowledging various individuals enhances the understanding of shared efforts needed to document and preserve traditional medicinal knowledge.
65) Ghat (Gham):
Ghat refers to an area often characterized by steps leading to a body of water. In the context of the study, it might represent local geographical features influencing biodiversity and traditional healing practices, emphasizing the significance of place in harvest and application of medicinal plants.
66) Tree:
Tree signifies large perennial plants that are often vital in traditional medicines. The study documents various tree species known for their medicinal properties, underlining their ecological and cultural significance in local health practices and the preservation of biodiversity.
67) Diet:
Diet refers to the customary allowance of food considered for maintaining health. The study acknowledges traditional medicinal practices, highlighting how local diets intertwine with herbal remedies, reflecting the holistic approach to well-being embraced by communities reliant on natural resources.
68) Rich (Rch):
Rich characterizes biodiversity as abundant and diverse, reflecting the ecological wealth present in regions like Assam. The study emphasizes the rich repository of traditional knowledge associated with various plant species utilized for medicinal purposes, stressing the need for conservation efforts.
69) Wall:
Wall may refer to a conceptual boundary distinguishing traditional knowledge systems from modern practices. The study highlights how cultural barriers can limit the exchange of knowledge, advocating for bridging gaps between indigenous practices and contemporary research to enhance mutual understanding.
70) Gold (Golden):
Gold may reference either an author or represent a quintessential element associated with value and worth. In the study context, it might symbolize the intrinsic value of traditional knowledge and medicinal plants, emphasizing the importance of preserving and valuing these cultural resources.
71) Tar:
Thar refers to the Thar Desert region of India and surrounding areas, known for its unique biodiversity and traditional medicinal practices. The mention suggests a geographical contextualization of shared knowledge and practices, highlighting the role of deserts in shaping ethnobotanical traditions.
72) Kun:
Koon likely pertains to a contributor or name associated with the study of ethnobotany. Recognizing contributors underscores collaboration and acknowledgment of diverse roles in gathering and interpreting knowledge regarding the significance and usage of medicinal plants.
73) Terminalia chebula:
Terminalia chebula, commonly known as Haritaki, is valued in traditional medicine for its numerous health benefits. The study indicates its relevance among local practitioners, showcasing how this plant is utilized for digestive and detoxification purposes, reinforcing its traditional importance.
74) Northern India:
Northern India represents a geographic area rich in cultural diversity and traditional medicine systems. The study emphasizes the variations in ethnobotanical practices across different northern regions, highlighting the importance of documenting indigenous knowledge in these diverse cultural contexts.
75) Common People (Common Folk):
Common people denote the average members of a community, often acting as custodians of traditional knowledge. The study illustrates how these individuals preserve and transmit medicinal practices, emphasizing the role of grassroots knowledge in maintaining cultural heritage and plant utilization.
[Note: The above list is limited to 75. Total glossary definitions available: 110]