Kalpnath: a trusted ethnomedicinal plant from U.P.'s Tarai forests.
Journal name: World Journal of Pharmaceutical Research
Original article title: Kalpnath-a trusted potent ethnomedicinal plant from north central tarai forests of u.p. india
The WJPR includes peer-reviewed publications such as scientific research papers, reports, review articles, company news, thesis reports and case studies in areas of Biology, Pharmaceutical industries and Chemical technology while incorporating ancient fields of knowledge such combining Ayurveda with scientific data.
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T. P. Mall and S. C. Tripathi
World Journal of Pharmaceutical Research:
(An ISO 9001:2015 Certified International Journal)
Full text available for: Kalpnath-a trusted potent ethnomedicinal plant from north central tarai forests of u.p. india
Source type: An International Peer Reviewed Journal for Pharmaceutical and Medical and Scientific Research
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Summary of article contents:
Introduction
The study conducted by T. P. Mall and S. C. Tripathi focuses on the ethnomedicinal plant Andrographis paniculata, also known locally as Kalpnath, found in the North Central Tarai forests of Bahraich, Uttar Pradesh, India. This region boasts a rich diversity of flora and is home to the Tharu tribal community, who have a deep-rooted belief in the therapeutic properties of local plants. Despite this wealth of traditional knowledge, it is at risk of being lost due to the diminishing traditional culture. This research aims to document and preserve the indigenous knowledge surrounding the uses of Kalpnath and its preparations for various ailments.
The Significance of Kalpnath in Ethnomedicine
Kalpnath as a Medicinal Herb
Kalpnath, or Andrographis paniculata, is widely recognized for its bitter taste and is revered in traditional Indian systems of medicine such as Ayurveda and Siddha. The herb is attributed with various medicinal properties, including its roles as an antipyretic, anti-inflammatory, expectorant, and liver tonic. The Tharu tribes utilize Kalpnath for treating diverse ailments, including typhoid, malaria, and liver issues, often in conjunction with other native plants. The therapeutic formulations typically involve the leaves of Kalpnath mixed with parts of other plants to create pastes or decoctions taken on an empty stomach for maximum efficacy.
Cultural and Biodiversity Context
The Rich Biodiversity of Bahraich
Bahraich is characterized by its diverse tropical deciduous vegetation, alongside tropical and subtropical climatic conditions that support various plant species. The intrinsic link between the Tharu tribes and their natural environment allows for the transmission of traditional ecological knowledge from generation to generation. The region's natural wealth has granted the tribes invaluable insights into the medicinal properties of local flora, thereby emphasizing the need for conservation efforts as these traditional practices face the threat of erosion.
The Methods of Research and Knowledge Documentation
Survey and Data Collection
The research involved extensive surveys conducted between 2010 and 2014 in Bahraich and the adjacent region of Shrawasti. Local elderly individuals, Ayurvedic physicians, and members of the Tharu community were interviewed to collect information regarding the traditional uses and preparation methods for Kalpnath. Observations gathered from social interactions, participation in local events, and direct inquiries facilitated a comprehensive understanding of Kalpnath's medicinal applications and cultural significance.
Conclusion
The documentation of Kalpnath's ethnomedicinal uses reflects a vital aspect of the traditional healthcare practices in the Bahraich district. The findings contribute not only to the preservation of indigenous knowledge but also provide insights into potential new applications for these plants in modern medicine. The study underscores the importance of safeguarding traditional practices and biodiversity, offering a pathway for future research that may benefit both local communities and the broader field of ethnopharmacology.
FAQ section (important questions/answers):
What is Kalpnath and its scientific name?
Kalpnath, known scientifically as Andrographis paniculata, is an herb with a reputation for its bitter taste and medicinal uses. It is commonly found in tropical regions and has various vernacular names across India.
What are the primary uses of Kalpnath in traditional medicine?
Kalpnath is used for treating ailments like typhoid, malaria, liver issues, and respiratory infections. Its leaves are often mixed with other native plants to create medicinal formulations.
Where is Kalpnath primarily found in India?
Kalpnath is commonly found in Bahraich and surrounding areas within the North Central Tarai forests of Uttar Pradesh, India. It thrives in various habitats including plains and hilly areas.
What are the notable properties of Kalpnath?
Kalpnath has multiple medicinal properties, including being antipyretic, anti-inflammatory, expectorant, and immunostimulant. It is also considered effective for liver complaints, ulcers, and various fevers.
What is the significance of traditional knowledge on Kalpnath?
The traditional knowledge surrounding Kalpnath is vital, as it enhances cultural practices and provides insight into useful ethnomedicinal plants. However, this knowledge is at risk of being lost.
What methods were used to study Kalpnath in this research?
The study involved surveys conducted from 2010-2014, collecting data from local healers and the Tharu tribes. Interviews and participation in cultural events helped gather information on Kalpnath's uses.
Glossary definitions and references:
Scientific and Ayurvedic Glossary list for “Kalpnath: a trusted ethnomedicinal plant from U.P.'s Tarai forests.”. 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 and ailments. In the context of the text, it focuses on how local plants, particularly Kalpnath, are used as ethnomedicinal remedies by the Tharu tribes, showcasing traditional healing methods and the cultural significance of medicinal plants.
2) India:
India represents a rich tapestry of biodiversity and traditional knowledge, particularly in the use of medicinal plants. The text highlights the ethnomedicinal practices of the Tharu tribes in Uttar Pradesh, emphasizing India's role as a biodiversity hotspot and its cultural heritage in traditional medicine.
3) Forest:
Forests are crucial ecosystems that sustain biodiversity and provide a habitat for numerous plant and animal species. The text describes the North Central Tarai forests of Uttar Pradesh, which are rich in medicinal plant species and hold significant cultural relevance for the Tharu tribes, who rely on these resources for their survival.
4) Tarai:
The Tarai region refers to the lowland area adjacent to the Himalayas, characterized by rich biodiversity and seasonal marshy ecosystems. The text underscores the Tarai as a unique environment where the Tharu tribes utilize local resources for traditional medicinal practices, fostering a relationship between people and their landscape.
5) Bahraich:
Bahraich is a district in Uttar Pradesh, India, recognized for its ethnobotanical significance. The text details its biodiversity and the profound knowledge of local tribes, particularly the Tharus, regarding medicinal plants like Kalpnath, underpinning the district’s cultural and ecological wealth.
6) Bitter:
Bitter describes a strong taste characteristic of many medicinal plants, including Kalpnath. The text emphasizes this taste in relation to its therapeutic properties, as bitterness is often linked to medicinal efficacy in traditional healing systems, making it an essential quality in ethnomedicine.
7) Knowledge:
Knowledge encompasses the understanding and insights that local communities possess about their environment and resources. The text highlights how the Tharu tribes pass down medicinal knowledge through generations, emphasizing the importance of preserving this traditional wisdom in the face of modern changes and cultural erosion.
8) Fever:
Fever is a common symptom indicating illness that is often treated using medicinal plants. The text mentions how Kalpnath and its preparations are used to address various types of fevers, illustrating traditional approaches to disease management and the reliance on local flora for health solutions.
9) Tree:
Trees are integral components of forest ecosystems, contributing to biodiversity and providing resources. The text alludes to trees like Neem, comparing its properties with those of Kalpnath, and highlighting the importance of trees in traditional medicine and local culture as sources of healing substances.
10) Wall:
In this context, the wall metaphorically represents the natural barriers formed by the Himalayas that influence the ecology and climate of the Tarai region. The text suggests how such geographical features shape the biodiversity and cultural practices of local tribes like the Tharus.
11) Species:
Species refer to distinct biological classifications of living organisms. The text mentions over 1200 plant species in the Bahraich region, highlighting the ecological richness that supports the pharmacological applications of certain plants, especially those used in traditional medicine by local tribes.
12) Water:
Water is a vital resource for sustaining ecosystems and human life. In the context of the Tarai area, the text underscores its importance in providing the right conditions for plant growth and farmer livelihoods, especially for cultivating medicinal plants that the Tharu tribes utilize.
13) Taru:
The Tharu are an indigenous tribal community residing in and around the forests of Uttar Pradesh. The text emphasizes their rich knowledge regarding medicinal plants and traditional healing practices, showing how their cultural identity is intertwined with the forest biodiversity.
14) Neem:
Neem is a well-known medicinal tree in India, recognized for its diverse health benefits. The text compares Kalpnath’s properties to those of the Neem tree, illustrating how both plants share a tradition of use in Ayurvedic medicine, thereby reinforcing the significance of botanicals in healing.
15) Ayurveda (Ayus-veda):
Ayurveda is a traditional system of medicine originating in India that emphasizes holistic health and the use of natural substances. The text details how Kalpnath is utilized within Ayurvedic practices, showcasing its therapeutic relevance and the integration of botanical knowledge into health systems.
16) Himalaya (Hima-alaya):
The Himalayas represent a crucial geographical and ecological region influencing climate and biodiversity in North India. In the text, the Himalayas are described as a barrier shaping the environment of the Tarai, contributing to the unique plant species and traditional medicinal knowledge held by the Tharu community.
17) Habitat:
Habitat refers to the natural environment where plant and animal species live. The text discusses the Tarai's diverse habitats that support a range of medicinal plants, emphasizing the intricate relationship between biodiversity and traditional medicinal practices as cultivated by local tribes.
18) Burning sensation:
Burning sensation often indicates inflammation or irritation in the body, frequently treated with herbal remedies. The text mentions how Kalpnath's medicinal properties include relief from burning sensations, underscoring the plant's therapeutic value in traditional remedies related to digestive and inflammatory conditions.
19) Eastern India:
Eastern India is a geographically significant area known for its ecological diversity and cultural richness. The context of the text acknowledges the unique ethnobotanical practices found in eastern regions, illustrating how indigenous cultures like that of the Tharus have thrived amid local biodiversity.
20) Neem tree:
The Neem tree is renowned for its myriad medicinal properties, particularly in traditional medicine systems. The text draws a parallel between the properties of Kalpnath and Neem, highlighting the importance of such well-regarded species in ethnomedicine and their roles in local health practices.
21) Inflammation:
Inflammation is a biological response to injury or infection, often treated with natural remedies. The text describes Kalpnath as possessing anti-inflammatory properties that make it relevant in traditional medicine, showcasing the significance of local plants in managing health conditions.
22) Kalamegha:
Kalamegha is a vernacular name for Andrographis paniculata. The text highlights its various traditional uses and relevance as a bitter herb in Ayurvedic practices, underscoring its significance in local healing traditions and its broader implications in ethnopharmacology.
23) Lucknow:
Lucknow is the capital city of Uttar Pradesh, serving as a key administrative and cultural center. The text mentions it in the context of permissions and facilities granted for the ethnobotanical study, highlighting its role in facilitating research and documentation of traditional knowledge.
24) Leprosy:
Leprosy is a chronic infectious disease that has historically been treated using various herbal remedies. The text cites Kalpnath’s use in treating skin ailments, illustrating how traditional medicine addresses complex diseases like leprosy in local practices.
25) Disease:
Disease encompasses a range of health disorders that can impact individuals and communities. The text underscores how local ethnomedicinal practices, particularly those involving Kalpnath, serve as integral strategies for managing various diseases prevalent in the tribal communities of the Tarai region.
26) Burning (Burn, Burned, Burnt):
Burning can refer to both a physical and metaphorical sensation, often used to describe discomfort. In the context of traditional medicine, it highlights the significance of addressing such symptoms with effective herbal remedies like Kalpnath, illustrating traditional practices in managing pain and health issues.
27) Siddha:
Siddha is a traditional system of medicine predominantly practiced in South India, emphasizing a holistic approach to health. The text mentions Siddha in parallel with Ayurveda, suggesting a broader cultural spectrum of traditional healing practices involving local plants across different Indian regions.
28) Botany:
Botany is the scientific study of plants, examining their structure, properties, and biochemical processes. The text incorporates botany in the discussion of ethnomedicinal plants, emphasizing the scientific validation of traditional knowledge and its importance in understanding plant-based remedies.
29) Ciriya (Siriya):
Siriya is one of the vernacular names for Andrographis paniculata within the text. This highlights the regional linguistic diversity in herbal nomenclature, emphasizing how local knowledge systems categorize plants based on cultural and linguistic perceptions within the community.
30) Cloud:
Clouds in this context serve as a metaphor for the name 'Kalmegh,' meaning 'dark cloud.' The text illustrates how such poetic nomenclature in local languages reflects the cultural significance and perceived qualities of plants used in traditional medicine.
31) Acrid:
Acrid describes a sharp or irritating taste, often associated with certain medicinal plants like Kalpnath. The text explains this characteristic in relation to its therapeutic actions, indicating that such qualities can enhance the efficacy of herbal remedies in treating specific health issues.
32) Maha (Maha°):
Maha, meaning 'great' or 'king' in various languages, relates to the name Maha-tita in reference to Kalpnath, which translates to 'king of bitters.' The text uses this to highlight the cultural reverence and prominence of this plant in traditional medicine practices.
33) Nila:
Nila, meaning 'dark' or 'blue,' is often associated with Kalamegha, reflecting its significance in Ayurvedic nomenclature. The text employs this term to underline the cultural connections between colors, themes, and the properties of plants used for healing.
34) Ghat (Gham):
Ghat refers to a series of steps leading down to a water body, often associated with rituals and spirituality in India. The text, while not directly related, evokes cultural practices tied to geographical features, reinforcing the connection between the natural landscape and traditional medicinal uses.
35) King:
King symbolizes a position of high status or excellence. In the context of 'Maha-tita' or 'king of bitters,' it emphasizes the esteemed position of Kalpnath within the realm of medicinal plants, reflecting its powerful attributes celebrated in traditional healing traditions.
36) Road:
Roads play a crucial role in connecting habitats and communities. The text highlights how roadsides are often populated with medicinal plants like Kalpnath, suggesting the intersection of human activity and ecological resources vital for traditional medicine and local livelihoods.
37) Line:
Line may refer to boundaries or divisions, both physical and metaphorical. In the context of this study, it can represent the geographical and ecological lines that define habitats, emphasizing the importance of understanding local contexts in ethnobotanical research.
38) Soil:
Soil is the foundation of terrestrial ecosystems, providing nutrients essential for plant growth. The text discusses the alluvial soils of Bahraich, linking them to the lush vegetation that supports diverse medicinal plant species and the livelihoods of the tribal communities that depend on them.
39) Civilization:
Civilization denotes the complex societies developed by humans, marked by distinctive cultural and technological achievements. The text highlights how traditional medicinal practices are rooted in the historical evolution of societies, emphasizing the intertwining of cultural awareness and biodiversity in health practices.
40) Observation:
Observation refers to the careful monitoring and examination of natural phenomena. The text mentions the importance of observation in identifying plant features and understanding their medicinal uses, fostering a deeper appreciation for local plant knowledge and its implications for modern science.
41) Discussion:
Discussion pertains to the exchange of ideas and information, often in scholarly contexts. The text invites discussion on the relevance of traditional knowledge in modern medicine, highlighting how ethnobotanical studies can bridge gaps between old practices and contemporary healthcare.
42) Collecting:
Collecting refers to the gathering of plant materials for study or use. The text underscores the significance of collecting medicinal plants like Kalpnath as part of documenting ethnobotanical knowledge, reinforcing the importance of preserving traditional practices for future generations.
43) Antibiotic (Antibacterial):
Antibiotic refers to substances that combat bacterial infections. The text notes that Kalpnath has demonstrated antibiotic properties, indicating its relevance in traditional medicinal preparations and highlighting the increasing recognition of natural remedies within contemporary healthcare frameworks.
44) Suffering:
Suffering captures the experiences of pain and distress due to health issues. In the context of the text, it reflects the conditions that local communities face, which drives the utilization of effective herbal remedies like Kalpnath for healing and relief from ailments.
45) Seedling:
Seedling denotes an early stage of plant development. The text hints at the cultivation of Kalpnath, suggesting that knowledge of seedlings is vital for sustainable practices, promoting the continued availability of medicinal plants critical for traditional healing.
46) Brahman:
Brahman is mentioned in a historical context, referencing local scholarly work on ethnobotany. This highlights the significance of research and literature in documenting the traditional knowledge systems of indigenous communities, emphasizing the importance of academic contributions in preserving this information.
47) Cutting:
Cutting refers to the practice of harvesting or removing parts of plants. In the text, it alludes to the detrimental impacts of excessive cutting in forests, emphasizing the need for sustainable practices to protect plant biodiversity crucial for traditional medicine.
48) Account:
Account signifies a record or narrative of experiences. The text serves as an account of ethnobotanical research, documenting the uses and significance of Kalpnath, fostering greater appreciation for indigenous practices and their vital contributions to health and wellness.
49) Surface:
Surface denotes the outer layer or appearance of an area. The text discusses the land's surface in Bahraich, emphasizing its ecological characteristics and how these features support the rich biodiversity essential for the traditional medicinal framework practiced by local tribes.
50) Bengal (Bemgal):
Bengal represents a region that is culturally rich and historically significant in the use of medicinal plants. The text highlights the use of Kalpnath in Bengal for treating ailments, illustrating the geographical variations in plant application and the shared cultural heritage of herbal medicine in India.
51) Sharman (Sarma, Sharma, Sarman):
Sharma is a surname often associated with scholars and researchers in India. In the text, it references a specific work related to plant identification, underscoring the contribution of various researchers in enhancing the understanding of local flora and its medicinal applications.
52) Nature:
Nature embodies the physical world and its living organisms. The text reflects on nature's richness in Bahraich, framing it as both a healing resource and a cultural heritage critical for the Tharu community's survival, illustrating the interconnection between humans and their environment.
53) Summer:
Summer refers to one of the seasons characterized by warmer temperatures. In the text, it is linked to the growth cycles of plants, underlining the agricultural practices surrounding the cultivation of medicinal herbs and their availability for traditional use.
54) Animal:
Animal signifies the component of biodiversity that interacts with plants and humans in various ecosystems. The text hints at how domestic animals and wildlife influence the practices of local tribes, tying in the broader ecological web that supports traditional medicine.
55) Sutra:
Sutra signifies a rule or thread of instruction, often found in ancient texts. The mention in the context of traditional medicinal practices demonstrates the historical roots of botanical knowledge and its transmission through culturally significant texts in Ayurvedic and Siddha medicine.
56) Gupta:
Gupta refers to a common surname in India and is often associated with scholars or practitioners. The text references Gupta’s work to exemplify research contributions to ethnomedicine, illustrating the scholarly dialogue around traditional practices and plant use.
57) Sahni:
Sahni is a surname, likely referencing a researcher or academic who has contributed to botany or ethnomedicine. The text emphasizes the collaboration of scholars in identifying plant species and documenting traditional uses, showcasing the importance of academic engagement in preserving local knowledge.
58) Field:
Field refers to an area of study or practical observation. The text highlights fieldwork conducted in Bahraich, emphasizing the significance of direct engagement with the environment and local communities to gather relevant ethnobotanical knowledge.
59) Earth:
Earth denotes the planet as a whole, underpinning the discussion of terrestrial ecosystems. The text emphasizes the need to protect Earth's biodiversity, particularly in the local context of the Tarai forests, crucial for sustaining traditional knowledge and resources for future generations.
60) Study (Studying):
Study signifies the systematic investigation of a subject. The text describes an ethnobotanical study, aiming to document and preserve the traditional uses of plants like Kalpnath, exemplifying the importance of research in validating indigenous practices and informing modern medicine.
61) Bile:
Bile is a digestive fluid produced by the liver, often associated with bitter substances. The text references the plant’s popular name in Malaysia, reflecting its historical medicinal uses and the broader acknowledgment of its therapeutic properties in enhancing digestive health and managing liver ailments.
62) Genu:
Genu is a term referring to the anatomical structure of the knee. While not directly referenced in medicinal applications, it signifies the importance of understanding human anatomy in the context of health, hinting at the comprehensive approach needed in ethnomedicine.
63) Food:
Food encompasses all sources of nourishment for both humans and animals. The text indirectly alludes to the significance of local plants, like Kalpnath, as nutritional elements and their integration into traditional diets, reinforcing the connection between sustenance and health practices in rural communities.
64) Cult:
Cult refers to a system of religious veneration and devotion directed toward a particular figure or object. In the context of the text, it reflects the cultural reverence for plants seen as sacred or important in healing, highlighting the significance of integrating spirituality into traditional medicine practices.
65) Rich (Rch):
Rich denotes abundance in resources, diversity, or cultural heritage. The text frames Bahraich as a district rich in medicinal plant species and traditional knowledge, underscoring the value of biodiversity and local expertise in supporting health and wellness in indigenous communities.
66) Fire:
Fire signifies a natural element that can impact ecosystems. The text notes how human activities like fire affect forest health, highlighting the necessity for sustainable management practices to maintain the habitat's integrity and protect the valuable resources it offers for traditional medicine.
67) Shand (Sand):
Sand refers to the granular material found in soil profiles and habitats. In the text, it implies the ecological attributes of the terrain in Bahraich that enables the growth of specific plant species, emphasizing the relationship between soil composition and biodiversity in traditional medicine.
68) Salt (Salty):
Salt is a mineral essential for human and animal life. In the text, it is used in traditional formulations, emphasizing its importance in the preparation of herbal medicines and the practical wisdom that guides local dietary and health practices.