Traditional medicinal knowledge about Daphnis nerii L. (Deilephila nerii L.) [Lepidoptera: Sphingidae] feeding on Sarpgandha (Rauvolfia serpentina) in Chhattisgarh, India. Updated Version.

Traditional medicinal knowledge about Daphnis nerii L. (Deilephila nerii L.) [Lepidoptera: Sphingidae] feeding on Sarpgandha (Rauvolfia serpentina) in Chhattisgarh, India. Updated Version.

Pankaj Oudhia

Introduction

Entomophagy and Entomotherapy are well known in Asia since generations. Unfortunately not much work has been done to document valuable Traditional Medicinal Knowledge about Insects. Pankaj Oudhia is documenting this knowledge since year 1990. The present note “Traditional medicinal knowledge about Daphnis nerii L. (Deilephila nerii L.) [Lepidoptera: Sphingidae] feeding on Sarpgandha (Rauvolfia serpentina) in Chhattisgarh, India.”  is updated version of his previously published online research document available through pankajoudhia.com.

Keywords: Entomophagy; Entomotherapy; Medicinal Insects; Ayurveda; Chhattisgarh;

According to the reference literatures, Sarpgandha (Rauvolfia serpentina) is a well known herb of medicinal importance in India. The drug Rauvolfia consists of air-dried roots. Rauvolfia preparations are used as anti-hypersensitives and as sedatives. It is also employed for relief of various central nervous system disorders associated with psychosis, schizophrenia, insanity, insomnia and epilepsy. The extracts of roots are valued for treatment of intestinal disorders. Mixed with other plant extracts, they are used in treatment of Cholera, colic and fever. The dense forests of Chhattisgarh are rich in natural population of Sarpgandha. Sarpagandha is also under cultivation as commercial medicinal crop. Many insects attack on its wild population. Deilephila is one of these insects. The traditional healers of Sarpgandha rich regions of Chhattisgarh use the full fed caterpillars of this hawk moth as medicine. Although the caterpillars are common in Sarpgandha fields also but the caterpillars collected from wild population are only used as medicine. Through the Ethno-entomological surveys conducted in these regions, I have collected valuable information on traditional medicinal uses of this insect. The traditional healers collect the full fed caterpillars and after drying convert it into powder. Many healers use the caterpillars after purification. The caterpillars are dipped in herbal solution after collection, upto entire night. Next morning, after drying it is used as medicine. As traditional secret they do not disclose the contents of herbal solution but many healers informed that Bach (Acrous calamus) and Neem play important roles in the herbal solution. The dried caterpillars in powder form are used internally in combination with medicinal herbs in treatment of mental depression. Although the caterpillar powder is added in very small amount but without this powder, the combination is considered incomplete. The traditional healers of Southern Chhattisgarh add the freshly collected caterpillars in Til (Sesame seed) oil and kept the solution in sunlight for a month. After this duration, the special oil is filtered and used as medicine. This oil is considered as a boon for the patients suffering from Mirgi (Epilepsy). During attack, the oil is massaged on all over the body. In normal days, the oil is massaged in same manner in order to delay the further attack. According to the traditional healers of Narharpur region, the caterpillar powder can be used in treatment of insomnia, internally but as other promising alternatives are available, it is used less commonly. From documentation point of view it is an important information. The traditional healers of Chhattisgarh are not aware of its other traditional medicinal uses. 


In reference literatures, Deilephila nerii is not reported as medicinal insect. These traditional medicinal uses are coming for the first time among the world community through the present research article. 

New comments added on May, 2014

Through recent surveys I have collected information about over 2000 Formulations in which Deilephila is added as important ingredient. These Formulations are used in treatment of diseases of nervous sytem. In Traditional Santhi Rice based Formulations Deilephila is added as denary ingredient. These Formulations are used in treatment of old cases of Epilepsy. In Phyllanthus based Formulations it is added as secondary ingredient. These Formulations are used in treatment of sleep disorders. In Anogeissus based Formulations of Odisha it is added as tertiary ingredient. These Formulations are used in new cases of Epilepsy. In Terminalia arjuna based Formulations it is added as quinary ingredient. In Lannea based Formulations of Bastar it is added as quaternary ingredient. These Formulations are used in treatment of Insomnia. In Gardenia based Formulations of Kanker it is added as quinary ingredient. These Formulations are used both internally as well as externally in treatment of sleep disorders. In Litsea based Formulations used for Mental Depression it is added as octonary ingredient. These Formulations are popular among the senior Traditional Healers. In Ptercarpus based Formulations for Epilepsy it is added as senary ingredient. Deilephila caterpillars are purified before adding in these Formulations. Over 10 types of wild herbs are used to purify it. In Gymnema and Tinospora based Formulations it is added as septenary ingredient. These Formulations are used by the Traditional Healers of Chhattisgarh and Odisha. In Celastrus based Formulations for Mental Depression Deilephila is added as nonary ingredient. For complete Formulations and information on Dosage please visit pankajoudhia.com


Thank you very much for reading the article.

Related References

Oudhia, Pankaj and Thakur, B.S. (1996). New record of the leaf beetle on a weed. Current Research 25: 218.

Oudhia, P. (1997) Evaluation of host specificity of Blumea leaf beetle (Chrysolina sp. nr. madrasae Jackoby). Insect Environment. 3 (3): 80.

Oudhia, P. and Tripathi, R.S. (1997).Allelopathic potential of Calotropis gigantea R.Br. World Weeds.4:109-119.

Oudhia, P. and Tripathi, R.S. (1998). Allelopathic potential of Datura stramonium L. Crop. Res. 16 (1): 37-40.

Oudhia, P. and Ganguali, R.N. (1998). Is Lantana camara responsible for Sal-borer infesttation in M.P.? Insect Environment. 4 (1): 5.

Oudhia, P. (1998). Medicinal insects and spiders. Insect Environment. 4(2): 57-58

Banwarilal and Oudhia P. (1999). Beneficial effects of Allelopathy: I . Crop Production.Indian J. Weed Sci. 31(1&2): 103-105

Oudhia, P. (1999) Effect of some botanicals on hatchability of Blumea leaf beetle eggs. Insect Environment. 4(4): 154

Oudhia, P. (1999). Studies on Allelopathy and medicinal weeds in chickpea fields. International Chickpea and Pigeonpea Newsletter (ICRISAT) 6: 29-33.

Oudhia, P. (1999) Blumea leaf beetle in Chhattisgarh Plains. Insect Environment. 5 (1): 22.

Oudhia, P. and Ganguli, J. (1999). Outbreak of Tortoise beetle Aspidomorpha miliaris F. (Coleoptera ; Chrysomelidae) in Chhattisgarh plains. Insect Environment 5(3): 110-111.

Oudhia, P. (1999). Effects of Total Solar Eclipse on activities of some insects and mites. Insect Environment 5(3): 113-114.

Oudhia, P. (1999). Traditional medicinal knowledge about Red velvet mite Trombidium sp. (Acari : Trombidiidae) in Chhattisgarh. Insect Environment 5(3): 113.

Oudhia P., Pandey N. and Tripathi R.S. (1999). Allelopathic effects of obnoxious weeds on germination and seedling vigour of hybrid rice. Internaitonal Rice Research Notes (IRRI). 24(2): 36.

Oudhia P, Pandey N, Ganguli RN & Tripathi RS (1999) Gall midge (Orseolia oryzae) infestation in hybrid rice as affected by agronomical practices. Insect Environment 4: 123–124.

Oudhia P, Pandey N, Tripathi RS & Ganguli RN (1999) Effect of nitrogen and water management practices on gall midge (Orseolia oryzae) infestation in hybrid rice. Insect Environment 4: 119–120.

Oudhia P, Pandey N, Tripathi RS & Ganguli RN (1999) Reaction of hybrid rice varieties to gall midge (Orseolia oryzae).. Insect Environment 4 (4): 134.

Oudhia P, Pandey N, Tripathi RS & Ganguli RN (1999) Effect of different fertility levels on the gall midge (Orseolia oryzae) infestation.. Insect Environment 4 (3): 66-67.

Gupta A., Thakur M.P. and Oudhia P.(2000). Effects of different Homoeopathic drugs prepared from common weeds on radial growth of Oyster mushroom (Pleurotus membranaceus) under in vitro condition. Research on Crops 1(2):255-257.

Oudhia, P. (2000). Studies on host specificity and preference of the metallic coloured Tortoise beetle (Aspidomorpha miliaris F.) Ecol. Env. And Cons. 6(3):357-359.

Oudhia, P. (2000). Effects of leaf extracts on Metallic Coloured Tortoise beetle Aspidomorpha miliaris F. Insect Environment 5(4): 165.

Oudhia, P. (2000). Toxic effects of Parthenium leaf extracts on Aspidomorpha miliaris F. and Zonabris pustulata Thunb. Insect Environment 5(4): 168.

Oudhia, P. and Ganguli, R. N. (1999) Chrysolina madrassae: A potential bio-control agent for Blumea lacera. VIII Biennial Conference of Indian Society of Weed Science held at BHU, Varanasi 5-7 Feb. p 134.

Oudhia,P. (2000).Evaluation of some botanicals against orange banded blister beetle(Zonabris pustulata Thunb.).Crop Research 20(3):558-559

Oudhia,P.(2000).Record of Orange Banded Blister Beetle Zonabris pustulata Thunb.(Coleoptera: Meloidae) on Safed Moosli(Chlorophytum borivilianum).Insect Environment.6(3):138

Oudhia,P.(2000).Effect of some leaf leachates on hatchability of Blumea leaf beetle(Chrysolina madrasae Jackoby) Eggs.Indian J. Weed Sci. 32(3&4):206-207.

Oudhia, P. (2000). Traditional medicinal knowledge about green leaf hopper, Nephotettix spp. in Chhattisgarh (India). International Rice Research Notes.25 (3):40

Oudhia, P. (2000). Common housefly Musca nebulo Wiedemann (Diptera: Muscidae) as medicinal insect in Chattisgarh. Insect Environment. 6(1):36-37.

Oudhia, P. (2000). Germination and seedling vigour of kodomillet as affected by Allelopathy of Ipomoea carnea Jacq..Indian J. Plant Physiol. 5(4) NS: 383-384.

Oudhia, P. (2000). Parthenium hysterophorus : a new weed in upland rice fields of the Chattisgarh Plains(India).International Rice Research Notes (IRRN).25.1:34.

Oudhia, P. (2000). Positive (inhibitory) Allelopathic effects of Parthenium hysterophorus leaves on germination and seedling vigour of sunflower.Crop Research 20(3):560-562.

Oudhia, P. (2001). Traditional medicinal knowledge about Pod borer Helicoverpa armigera in Chhattisgarh, India. International Chickpea and Pigeonpea Newsletter.8:14-15.

Oudhia, P. (2001). Allelopathic research on chickpea seeds in Chattisgarh (India) region: An overview. Ecol. Env. and Cons.7(1):31-34.

Oudhia, P. (2001). Stimulatory Allelopathy of Ageratum conyzoides L. on soybean.Agri. Sci. Digest. v.21(1):55-56.

Oudhia, P. (2001). Medicinal insects of Kharif crops and weeds of Chattisgarh (India). VII National Science Conference, Bharitya Krishi Anusandhan Samitee, Directorate of Cropping System Research, Meerut, India, 12-14 April.

Oudhia, P. (2001). Record of Aphis craccivora Koch.(Hemiptera: Aphididae) on medicinal crop Mucuna pruriens L. in Chhattigarh (India). Insect Environment. 7(1):24.

Oudhia, P. (2001). Traditional medicinal knowledge about Bed Bug Cimex lectularius L.(Hemiptera: Cimicidae) in Chhattisgarh (India). Insect Environment. 7(1):23.

Oudhia, P. (2001). Phyllotreta crucifera Goeze: A new pest of medicinal crop Lepidium sativum L. in Chhattisgarh (India).In: Souvenir cum Abstracts. National Research Seminar on Herbal Conservation, Cultivation, Marketing and Utilization with Special Emphasis on Chhattisgarh, ‘The Herbal State’. Srishti Herbal Academy and Research Institute (SHARI) and Chhattisgarh Minor Forest Produce (Trading & Dev.) Co-operative Fedration Ltd., Raipur (India), 13-14 December, 2001. p.74.

Oudhia, P. (2001). Improved cultivation practices for medicinal crops: glimpses of research of farmers' fields in Chhattisgarh (India).In: Oudhia P, editor. Souvenir-cum-abstracts. National Research Seminar on Herbal Conservation, Cultivation, Marketing and Utilization with Special Emphasis on Chhattisgarh, The Herbal State, Srishti Herbal Academy and Research Institute (SHARI), 13-14 December 2001. p 44.

Oudhia, P. (2001). Evaluation of Allelopathic effects of some fruit tree leaf extracts on emergence and seedling vigour of Lathyrus var.Biol-212.Legume Res. 24(3):207-208.

Oudhia, P. (2001). Germination and seedling vigour of wheat as affected by allelopathy of some obnoxious weed.Agric.Sci.Digest. 21(4):275-276.

Oudhia, P. (2001). Phyto-sociological studies of rainy season wasteland weeds with special reference to Parthenium hysterophorus L. in Raipur (India) district. Asian Jr. of Microbiol. Biotech & Env. Sc.3 (1-2):89-92.

Oudhia, P. (2001). My experiences with world’s top ten Indian medicinal plants: Glimpses of research at farmer’s field in Chhattisgarh (India).In: Abstract. Workshop cum Seminar on Sustainable Agriculture for 21st Century, IGAU, Raipur, India, 20-21 Jan.

Oudhia, P. (2002). Traditional medicinal knowledge about common insects and mites in India. Eco. Env and Consv. 8(4):339-340.

Oudhia, P. (2002). Rice-Acorus intercropping: a new system developed by innovative farmers of Chhattisgarh (India).International Rice Research Notes. 27 (1):56.

Oudhia, P. (2002). Traditional medicinal knowledge about Red Ant Oecophylla smaragdina (Fab.) (Hymenoptera: Formicidae) in Chattisgarh, India. Insect Environment.8 (3):114-115.

Oudhia, P. (2002). Traditional medicinal knowledge about Fireflies, Photuris sp.(Coleoptera : Lampyridae)in Chhattisgarh (India). Insect Environment, Vol.8 (1):25

Oudhia, P. (2005). Traditional Knowledge about medicinal insects and mites in Chhattisgarh, India: An overview. International Conference on “Promotion and Development of Botanicals with International Coordination: Exploring quality, safety, efficacy and regulations”. February 25- 26, 2005 Supported by: Drug Information Association, USA Secretariat: School of Natural Product Studies Jadavpur university, Kolkata 700032.)

Costa-Neto, E. M. (2005). Entomotherapy, or the medicinal use of insects.Journal of Ethnobiology, 25(1), 93-114.

Oudhia, P., 2007. Caesalpinia bonduc (L.) Roxb. [Internet] Record from PROTA4U. Schmelzer, G.H. & Gurib-Fakim, A. (Editors). PROTA (Plant Resources of Tropical Africa / Ressources végétales de l’Afrique tropicale), Wageningen, Netherlands

Oudhia, P., 2007. Agave americana L. In: Schmelzer, G.H. & Gurib-Fakim, A. (Editors). Prota 11(1): Medicinal plants/Plantes médicinales 1. [CD-Rom]. PROTA, Wageningen, Netherlands.

Oudhia, P., 2007. Cordia myxa L. [Internet] Record from PROTA4U. Schmelzer, G.H. & Gurib-Fakim, A. (Editors). PROTA (Plant Resources of Tropical Africa / Ressources végétales de l’Afrique tropicale), Wageningen, Netherlands. . Accessed 27 April 2014.

Oudhia, P., 2008. Phyllanthus amarus Schumach. & Thonn. In: Schmelzer, G.H. & Gurib-Fakim, A. (Editors). Prota 11(1): Medicinal plants/Plantes médicinales 1. [CD-Rom]. PROTA, Wageningen, Netherlands.

Oudhia, P., 2008. Phyllanthus fraternus G.L.Webster. In: Schmelzer, G.H. & Gurib-Fakim, A. (Editors). Prota 11(1): Medicinal plants/Plantes médicinales 1. [CD-Rom]. PROTA, Wageningen, Netherlands.

Oudhia, P. (2008). Series on Wilderness medicines (Expedition medicines) of Indian state Chhattisgarh. http://www.Ecoport.org

Oudhia, P. (2008). The Indian experiences on organic farming of medicinal and aromatic crops useful for African herb growers. http://www.Ecoport.org

Oudhia, P. (2008). New record of Aspidomorpha miliaris F. (Coleoptera; Chrysomelidae) on Shorea robusta in Gariaband region of Indian state Chhattisgarh. http://www.Ecoport.org

Oudhia, P. (2008). One summer day with Traditional healers, Herb Collectors and forest of Gariaband and Rajim regions of Indian state Chhattisgarh. Part-I. http://www.Ecoport.org

Oudhia, P. (2008). Dataiya (Paper Wasp) in Biodiversity rich Indian state Chhattisgarh. http://www.Ecoport.org

Oudhia, P. (2008). Note on Scientific Report titled ‘Traditional medicinal knowledge about herbs and herbal combinations used in treatment of Type II Diabetes in India with special reference to Chhattisgarh’. http://www.Ecoport.org

Oudhia, P. (2008). That’s how Climate Change is affecting Traditional Healing. 1. Interactions with Traditional Healers having expertise in use of medicinal mite Trombidium in Indian state Chhattisgarh. http://www.Ecoport.org

Oudhia, P. (2008). Extremely Complex Traditional Formulations are important in treatment of Type II Diabetes and associated troubles. http://www.Ecoport.org

Oudhia, P. (2008). The search for Man faced bug Catacanthus incarnatus in Indian state Chhattisgarh. http://www.Ecoport.org

Oudhia, P. (2008). Through Bhavri and Medicinal Herbs Epilepsy is treated in Chhattisgarh. http://www.Ecoport.org

Oudhia, P. (2008). Impact of Globalization on Biodiversity with Special emphasis on Livelihood of poor and marginalised: A case study of Raigarh Region, Chhattisgarh, India. http://www.Ecoport.org

Oudhia, P. (2008). Search for New Medicinal Insects and Mites in Indian State Chhattisgarh. http://www.Ecoport.org

Oudhia, P. (2008). Prevent and cure Chikungunya through traditional medicinal knowledge this time. http://www.Ecoport.org

Oudhia, P. (2008). Bird diversity of Barnawapara wildlife sanctuary, Chhattisgarh , India . http://www.Ecoport.org

Oudhia, P. (2008). My observations and experiences with Parrots of Chhattisgarh with special reference to Barnawapara wildlife Sanctuary region. http://www.Ecoport.org

Oudhia, P. (2008). Recent Interactions with Farmers of Barnawapara wildlife sanctuary region, Chhattisgarh , India having traditional knowledge about organic farming. http://www.Ecoport.org

Oudhia, P. (2008). Recent interactions with farmers of Chhattisgarh Plains , India facing problem of Monkey nuisance. http://www.Ecoport.org

Oudhia, P. (2008). Traditional Shurbut (Sherbet) based 365 days schedule (XVIII) for Heart patients (at second stage) suggested by Traditional Healers of Indian state Chhattisgarh. http://www.Ecoport.org

Oudhia, P. (2008). Ethnobotanical survey in Ghata Rani Forest region of Indian state Chhattisgarh during July. 2008. Part-I. http://www.Ecoport.org

Oudhia, P. (2008). Ethnobotanical survey in Ghata Rani Forest region of Indian state Chhattisgarh during July. 2008. Part-II. http://www.Ecoport.org

Oudhia, P. (2008). Ethnobotanical survey in Ghata Rani Forest region of Indian state Chhattisgarh during July. 2008. Part-III. http://www.Ecoport.org

Oudhia, Pankaj and Paull Robert E. (2008). Monkey Jack Artocarpus lakoocha Roxb., Moraceae p485-487. Encyclopedia of Fruit and Nuts - 2008, J. Janick and R. E. Paull -editors, CABI, Wallingford, United Kingdom

Oudhia, Pankaj and Paull Robert E. (2008). Butter tree Madhuca latifolia Roxb. Sapotaceae p827-828. Encyclopedia of Fruit and Nuts - 2008, J. Janick and R. E. Paull -editors, CABI, Wallingford, United Kingdom

Oudhia, Pankaj and Paull Robert E. (2008). Chironji Buchanania lanzan Spreng. Anacardiaceae p14-15. Encyclopedia of Fruit and Nuts - 2008, J. Janick and R. E. Paull -editors, CABI, Wallingford, United Kingdom

Oudhia, Pankaj and Paull Robert E. (2008). West Indian Almond Terminalia catappa L. Combretaceae. p273-276.. Encyclopedia of Fruit and Nuts - 2008, J. Janick and R. E. Paull -editors, CABI,Wallingford, United Kingdom

Horgan, F. G., & Crisol, E. (2013). Hybrid rice and insect herbivores in Asia. Entomologia Experimentalis et Applicata, 148(1), 1-19.

Citation

Oudhia, Pankaj (2014). Traditional medicinal knowledge about Daphnis nerii L. (Deilephila nerii L.) [Lepidoptera: Sphingidae] feeding on Sarpgandha (Rauvolfia serpentina) in Chhattisgarh, India. Updated Version.  pankajoudhia.com