Pankaj Oudhia's Research Documents on Biodiversity and Traditional Healing. Part-17

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Medicinal herbs of Chhattisgarh, India having less known traditional uses. XIII. Saja (Terminalia alata, family : Combretaceae) Research Note - Pankaj Oudhia © 2001,2002,2003 Pankaj Oudhia - All Rights Reserved Saja is not a new tree for the natives of Chhattisgarh. Its timber is used in buildings, joints, beams, tool-handles, veneer, plywood, boards etc. It is also found useful in fire proof buildings. In Chhattisgarh, there are many places named on Saja. It shows that Saja is present in Chhattisgarh since long time and in abundance. Although Saja is not in the list of popular medicinal trees of the state but during my Ethnobotanical surveys in different parts of the state, I noted that that the natives and traditional healers are aware of its medicinal properties and uses. Unfortunately, this traditional knowledge in form of written document is not available. As these uses are limited to few natives and healers and they are not getting support from any one the valuable traditional knowledge is ending with them. This observation motivated me to write a separate article on medicinal uses of Saja. In reference literatures related to different systems of medicine in India I have got much information on other Terminalia species but do not found much on Terminalia alata (Saja). Common Indian names of Saja Languages Names Bengali Asan Gujarati Sadar Saja, Saj, Asan, Sain Kanarese Sadada Marathi Ain Sahaju Karramarda Telugu Nalamaddi Sanskrit Raktarjun English Indian Laurel Most of the modern literatures describe this tree as valuable timber giving tree. Saja is not in the list of non-wood est produces of Chhattisgarh. When I asked the herb traders whether they are aware of medicinal properties and uses of Saja or not, they showed ignorance. Botanically, Saja (T. alata syn. T. tomentosa) is a large deciduous, straight stemmed tree, with wavy crown, 32 meters or more. Stem clean, straight bole. Bark grey to black, with deep, longitudinal fissures and transverse cracks. Leaf elliptic or ovate, with one to two glands near the base. Flower dull yellow, in terminal axillary panicles, pedicel 1 mm long, thick, calyx villous, lobes. 1.5x1mm, ovate-triangular, filaments 3mm long. Fruits upto 5 cm long, with 5 broad, coriaceous horizontally veined wings, 400-700/kg. Seed 13000 per kg. Flowering time May to July whereas fruiting time February to May. According to reference literatures, bark yields tannins (upto 19%) and useful in tanning leather and dyeing cotton. As mentioned early , not much has been written in reference literatures about this herb as medicine, these reference literatures describe the bark as useful in medicines. Bark is bitter, styptic and useful in ulcers, fractures, bronchitis and haemorrhages. The natives and traditional healers of Chhattisgarh, aware of medicinal uses of Saja, use its bark both internally and rnally in treatment of many common diseases. As first aid remedy the aqueous paste of bark is prepared and applied externally in case of injuries. It stops the bleeding immediately. The powdered bark is used to heal the wound in less time. In order mature, the immature boils, the natives, extract the juice from bark and mix it with leaf juice of Kali Tulsi. This combination is applied externally on immature boils. According to the healers, the ash collected from burning the bark, is hot in nature. It is applied externally on the affected parts of patients having the problem of paralysis. They consider it one of the promising treatments. To stop the severe cough, ash is given with honey internally. Daily two doses are given and treatment is continued till complete cure. Through my Ethnobotanical surveys, I have noted that the natives and traditional healers specialised in use of Saja as medicine, are limited to Saja rich areas only. In my previous articles, I have mentioned frequently that in this part of earth over thousands villages have been named on herbs and these villages can be the bases for scientific studies related to diversity, ethnobotany and other related subjects. Through my surveys. I have identified Saja rich areas where these experts live. By systematic planning, we can encourage and support the natives and traditional healers and conserve valuable traditional knowledge about Saja herb. Thank you very much for reading the article. Medicinal herbs in Chhattisgarh, India having less known traditional uses XIV. Karaunda (Carissa carandas, family: Apocynaceae) Research Note - Pankaj Oudhia © 2001,2002,2003 Pankaj Oudhia - All Rights Reserved Karaunda is an evergreen diffuse, spiny shrub occurring throughout India. The natives of Chhattisgarh use the fruits for pickles, jams and chutneys. In Chhattisgarh, it is under cultivation as hedge plant particularly in forest region where wild animals enter in crop fields in search of food. This spiny shrub protects the fields efficiently. I have seen its practical use in Ambikapur region. The farmers successfully save their orchards full of sweet and delicious fruits from wild bear (Bhalu) with the help of Karaunda shrub planted as fence. In urban areas, you can see the fresh fruit available for sell during growing season. The neighbouring states also fulfill the demand of Karaunda fruits in local markets. The traders dealing with Karaunda inform that Karaunda fruits from Maharashtra State are good in quality and shape. During my Ethnobotanical surveys in different parts of Chhattisgarh, I noted that the natives are not much aware of its traditional medicinal uses. I have identified many traditional healers specialized in use of Karaunda as medicine. But they are very less in number. In general, Karaunda is not considered as medicinal herb in Chhattisgarh and also it is not in list of wood forest produces. The limited but promising traditional medicinal uses of Karaunda in Chhattisgarh, motivated me to write a separate article on this herb. For me, it is unknown herb in terms of medicinal properties and uses. Botanically Karaunda is large dichotomously branched evergreen shrub with short stem and strong thorns in pairs, Bark light grey in colour, scaly. Leaves simple opposite, elliptic or obovate, shortly mucronate, glabrous, shining and coriaceous. Flowers white, in pubescent terminal corymbose cymes. Fruits ellipsoid or globose berry, purplish black when ripe enclosing two or more seeds. According to Ayurveda, Karaunda roots are stomachic, anthelmintic, antiscorbutic and useful in treatment of stomach disorders, scabies, pruritus, intestinal worms etc. The unripe fruit is sour, astringent, bitter, thermogenic, constipating, aphrodisiac, appetizer and antipyretic. It is useful in treatment of diarrhoea, anorexia and intermittent fevers. The ripe fruit is sweet, cooling, appetizer and anti-scorbutic. It is useful in treatment of anorexia, burning sensation, biliousness, skin diseases, scabies, pruritus etc. The traditional healers of Chhattisgarh use Karaunda roots in treatment of common diseases. During my Ethnobotanical surveys in Bagbahera region, I got information on unique use of Karaunda roots. When the patients having -bite reach to the healers, they give the root juice of Karaunda to drink. If patients vomit, it means the snake was poisonous and vice-versa. This is the only test on which the healers rely with full confidence. As treatment, the root mixed with water is given. This use is popular among the traditional healers of Narharpur region. The traditional healers of Nagri-Sihawa region specialized in treatment of fevers informed that the aqueous paste of Karaunda root, if applied on patients body having high temperature, is able to reduce the temperature, in very less time. The healers also use the aqueous root extract to wash the wounds. The traditional healers ndagaon region prepare a special herbal oil from Karaunda roots. The fresh roots are boiled in base oil and when all watery contents evaporate, the oil is collected and stored for future use. As base oil Til (Sesame oil) is used. This oil is applied externally in case of skin troubles common in rainy season. The healers of this region informed me that on the basis of taste of roots, Karaunda can be divided into two types, i.e. Mitha (sweet) and Kadua (bitter). The healers consider the Kadua type more useful in terms of medicinal properties. In reference literatures, I have not found any such information. This is really interesting information. I am in regular touch with the experts and researchers of different states where Karaunda occurs either in natural or cultivated forms. My planning is to compile the Ethnobotanical uses of Karaunda from these states and to publish a complete book. I am confident that this type of publications will help the Karaunda to establish as potential medicinal herb. Thank you very much for reading the article. Medicinal herbs of Chhattisgarh, India having less known traditional uses XV. Shikakai (Acacia concinna, family : Leguminoaseae) Research Note - Pankaj Oudhia © 2001,2002,2003 Pankaj Oudhia - All Rights Reserved In the name of Shikakai soap or Shikakai based soap for hair care wash many brands are available in India. Like Reetha (Soap nut tree), Shikakai (Soap pod tree) is popular among natives as detergent for washing hairs. It is also used to wash silk and woolen fabrics. Chhattisgarh was the richest source of Shikakai. I have used the word 'was' because when few decades back, its demand increased in national and international drug markets, the greedy traders, instead of picking individual pod, put fire on whole tree, to collect the pods. This destructive and non-scientific exploitation reduced the natural population drastically. Chhattisgarh is still one of the leading supplier of Shikakai herb among other states. Shikakai is in the list of non-wood forest produces having regular demand. The use of Shikakai for hair wash was popular among natives. The young generation do not prefer natural Shikakai. They use Shikakai soap available in attractive packets in markets. Like other herbs, Chhattisgarh supplies raw material to other states and purchase value added products from these states. There is not a single pharmaceutical unit in Chhattisgarh engaged in manufacturing of Shikakai soap. This is really surprising and sad. During my Ethnobotanical surveys in different parts of Chhattisgarh, I have noted that the herb collectors engaged in collection of Shikakai are more aware of its traditional medicinal uses as compared to the traditional healers. Along with its use as hair wash, the herb collectors use in both internally and externally in treatment of many common diseases. In present article, I am describing these traditional uses but at first I am giving details about its botany and reported medicinal uses. According to reference literatures, Shikakai is an extensive woody climber, branches dotted with white lenticels and armed with hooked prickles. Leaves bipinnate, 5-10 am long, rachis armed with hooked pickles and with glands, pinnae 6 pairs with rachis ending in spine, leaflets 10-20 pairs, overlapping. Flowers in fascicled globose heads, yellow. Fruits pod, 7.5 12.5x2.0-2.8 cm, linear-oblong, fleshy when green, wrinkled when dry seeds 6-10. Flowering time March-July. According to Ayurveda, pod is bitter, pungent, cooling, digestible, deobstruent, detergent, purgative, anthelmintic, anti-diarrhoeal, improves appetite and cures biliousness, burning sensation, blood-diseases, erysipelas, leucoderma, stomatitis, ascites, piles, etc. It is also used as cardiac-tonic. Leaves cathartic and cure biliousness. The herb collectors informed me that Shikakai pods can be used successfully to cure Safed Dag (Leucoderma). As treatment, the pods mixed in cow urine are applied externally on spots to remove it. The traditional healers of Chhattisgarh are also aware of the use but they informed that alone this treatment is not enough and with external application, internal treatment with herbal combination is also essential. The herb collectors of Pendra region informed that the seeds can be used internally to facilitate delivery in child birth. In general, to treat the problem of constipation or in any treatment where clear intestine is required the traditional healers, give the aqueous extract of Shikakai pods internally. According to them, this use flushes out all the harmful elements from body and make the body clean, internally. The pods are used as veterinary medicine also. When the cattle eat any poisonous thing accidentally, the aqueous extract of Shikakai pod is given internally. In many places, the pods are given with whey (Mattha) for same purpose. The traditional healers of Bagbahera region, use Shikakai with Pan vine) internally in treatment of scorpion bite. The traditional healers of Basna region, prepare a special herbal decoction by boiling the pods in water and use it in treatment of Pelea (Jaundice) internally. The innovative herb growers of Chhattisgarh, aware of ts decreasing natural population, are planting this herb in fence. They are getting sufficient protection from cattle because of its spiny nature and also it provides additional income to them. This is positive sign. The herb growers do not have recommended package of practices for its commercial cultivation. I personally feel that specific and detailed scientific research on this aspect can help the innovative herb growers in many ways. Thank you very much for reading the article. Medicinal herbs of Chhattisgarh, India having less known traditional uses. XVI. Nunegach or Vakeri Mool (Caesalpinia digyna, family Caesalpiniaceae) Research Note - Pankaj Oudhia © 2001,2002,2003 Pankaj Oudhia - All Rights Reserved Nunegach or Vakeri Mool is one of the valuable herbs of Chhattisgarh used in treatment of diabetes and cancer. The traditional healers of Chhattisgarh use all parts of this herb both internally and externally in treatment of many common as well as complicated diseases. In Southern part of Chhattisgarh, this herb is known as Nunegach. Its Telugu name is also Nunegach. In southern par neighbouring state is Andhra Pradesh, and Telugu is main language in Andhra Pradesh. In parts of Chhattisgarh near to Maharashtra border, this herb is known as Vakeri Mool. I have yet not found its real local name. The traditional healers of Chhattisgarh, collect the oots after performing special worship and after boiling it in raw cow milk (i.e. without boiling), the roots are kept safely for future Botanical differences among major Caesalpinia species. Characteristics C. bonduc C. coriaria C.decapetala C.digyna C.pulcherrima 1) Habit Scandent or climbing shrub, branches hairy armed with straight prickles. Tall shrub or small trees, branches unarmed Scandent or climbing prickly shrubs, branches hairs with hooked or straight prickles. Scandent or climbing shrubs with uniformly scattered hooked prickles on glabrous or pubescent branches. Shrubs or small trees, sometimes with prickly branches. 2) Leaves Bipinnate, 30-45 cm long, rachis brown pubescent and bearing recurved spines, pinnae 5-10 pairs, leaflets 10-24 pairs, opposite elliptic-oblong, mucronate. Bipinnate, pari- or unipari-pinnate, 15 cm long, leaflets numerous, 6-7 mm long. Bipinnate, 10-35 cm long, leaflets 8-12 pairs, opposite, oblong, obtuse. Bipinnate, 15-30 cm long, leaflets 7-10 pairs, oblong, obtuse, sessile. Bipinnate, 10-45 cm long, leaflets 10-12 pairs, oblong, apiculate, mucronate, glabrous. 3) Flowers Yellow, in pedunculate, supra axillary and terminal, 15-30 cm long racemes, Bracts about one cm long, lanceolate. Yellow, in axillary and terminal dense panicles, 5 cm long. Bright yellow, in pedunculate 30-40 cm long terminal or axillary racemes. Bright Yellow, in supraaxillary and terminal racemes. Orange or yellow, interminal and axillary racemes. 4) Pods 5-7.5x3.8-5 cm covered with sharp wiry prickles. 7.5x1.2 cm twisted. 7-13x2-2.5 cm, glabrous, beaked Oblong, glabrous, fleshy, 4-5 cm long, constricted between seeds. Flattened, 5-8 cm long 5) Seeds 2, darl grey ----- 4-8. 2-4, dark brown, roundish 6-8. 6) Flowering and Fruiting time July-September and SeptemberNovember. October October-April October-December July-April The healers informed that the roots possess valuable medicinal properties. Its internal use can cure all types of wound effectively in very less time. In treatment of cancer, the healers use the roots both internally and externally. The powdered root is given with cow milk thrice a day (the dose depend upon the vitality of patients and severity if disease). The aqueous paste of root is applied externally in effected parts. After application of this paste, the healers suggest the patients to cover the paste with lukewarm leaves of Thura (Euphorbia neriifolia). The treatment continues till complete cure. In Chhattisgarh, very few traditional healers are specialized in treatment of complicated diseases like cancer. Common names of Caesalpinia digyna Languages Names 1) Assamese Teri 2) Bengali Umulkuchi 3) Myanmar Sunletthe 4) Hindi Vakerimul 5) Sinhalese Wakirimul 6) Telugu Nunugacha 7) Uriya Gila, Tari Through my Ethnobotanical surveys, I have noted twenty herbs that are used by these healers most frequently. Nunegach is one of this herbs. My guru, Shri Vishal Bharat, was also fond of this herb and on my request, he used it in treatment of visitors from different countries mostly from USA, successfully. As other healers, he treated many patients successfully, without taking any fees. I have seen its miracle healing effects in case of breast cancer. Last week, I attended one marriage ceremony at Kaknar village of Bastar region. During interactions with the natives, I got information on specific herb found in Tirathgarh region, that can be used potential anti-cancer drug. I am planning to visit and survey, this specific area very soon for further information. In Chhattisgarh, it is not wrong to say that majority of natural forests are still unexplored in terms of new herbs. Due to poor identification facilities, the young and difficult to get true identification. I have the local names of many herbs with its medicinal properties but I am unable to identify it. Mr. Mohammad Firoz of Jagdalpur city informed me that there is unique herb in Bastar region locally known as Ek Patti (Single leaf). This EK Patti herb completes its whole life cycle only with one leaf. The traditional healers use this herb in treatment of many complicated diseases. I personally feel that systematic research facilities can provide a great support to the interested researchers. Through this article, I would like to request the taxonomists to visit Chhattisgarh to guide and help us and also to get totally new experience. During the use of Nunegach in treatment of cancer, the traditional healers keep the patients in restricted diet. According to the healers, the heavy spicy food can make a beneficial herb, the harmful one. The healers also use this herb in treatment of jaundice, tuberculosis and syphilis. In treatment of diabetes, the leachates of roots are used. The fresh roots are dipped in water overnight and next day the leachate is given empty stomach to the patients. As mentioned earlier, very few traditional healers are aware of medicinal properties and uses of this herb, there is a strong need to document and conserve these uses. Nunegach is not in the list of non-wood forest produces of Chhattisgarh having regular demand. In reference literatures, I have not found much information on its medicinal uses and properties. I am describing its botany, I have noted from reference literatures. Nunegach is scandent or climbing shrub with uniformly scattered hooked prickles on glabrous or pubescent branches, leaves bipinnate, 15-30 cm long, pinnae 8-12 pairs, leaflets 7-10 pairs, oblong, obtuse, sessile. Flowers bright yellow, in supra-axillary and terminal racemes. Pods oblong, glabrous, fleshy, 4-5 cm long, constricted between seeds. Seeds 2- dark brown, roundish. Flowering time October-December. The Pods are known as Teripods in trade, yield about 28 percent tannin pod cases yield about 54 percent tannins. Although the above mentioned traditional medicinal uses are less in number but its use in treatment of cancer, makes this herb a valuable herb. The detailed and systematic scientific research studies on different aspects of this herb are essential, to establish this herb as potential medicinal herb in national and international drug markets. Thank you very much for reading the article. Medicinal herbs of Chhattisgarh, India having less known traditional uses. XVII. Kaitha (Feronia elephantum, family : Rutaceae) Research Note - Pankaj Oudhia © 2001,2002,2003 Pankaj Oudhia - All Rights Reserved Kaitha, Wood Apple or Elephant Apple in English, is a tree distributed throughout the country. In Chhattisgarh, this tree is presence since very long time. Like other herbs, Kaitha rich patches are present in different parts of Chhattisgarh. The villages situated in this Kaitha rich patches have been named on this herb. Although at present, most of the villages named on Kaitha are not rich in Kaitha trees but still the traditional healers and natives are aware of different traditional medicinal uses of Kaitha. Along with villages rich in Kaitha, this tree is also present in almost every parts of Chhattisgarh. The gum obtained from trunk and branches, is used as substitute for gum-Arabic. This use provides this herb special position in the list of non-wood forest produces of Chhattisgarh. As the basic source of gum-Arabic is available in plenty, Kaitha is not among the products having routine demand. It is used as adulterant. The wood is used for making walking sticks but for this use Kaitha is not sent to other states. The natives are aware of its presence and they use its delicious fruits. The farmers specially the paddy farmers of Durg region informed me that the presence of this tree in bunds (med), helps in reducing the rat population. This is common observation, according to them, that the fields having Kaitha in periphery remain free from rat population. This effect of Kaitha on rat population has yet not been reported. This is a matter of scientific investigation. One or two trees can serve the purpose successfully. I am conducting systematic research to evaluate the efficacies of different parts of Kaitha against rat, with the help of farmers. The traditional healers of Chhattisgarh use different parts of Kaitha in treatment of many common diseases, alone or in combination with other herbs. In present article, I am describing the traditional uses of Kaitha, I have noted through Ethnobotanical surveys. At first I am describing its botany and reported medicinal uses. According to reference literatures, Kaitha is a small deciduous spiny tree. Bark dark grey or nearly black, wrinkled and with longitudinal furrows. Leaves smelling of ani seeds. Leaflets 5-7, cuneate or obovate, cuneate at tip. Flowers pale green, stained with red, in racemes or panicled. Fruits globose, 5-8 cm, with rough-grayish woody rind and white sour pulp. Flowering time February-May and fruiting October. In other states of India, Kaitha (F. elephantum syn. F. limonia syn. Schinus limonia) is under cultivation as fruit crop. The heavy natural population of Kaitha in Chhattisgarh, clearly indicates that the commercial cultivation can be done in Chhattisgarh conditions. Unfortunately, Kaitha is not in the list of fruit cro the regional research organizations are promoting. The natural variations of this herb in different parts of Chhattisgarh are valuable for future breeding programmes to develop suitable varieties for local needs and conditions. As the population is decreasing, due to urbanization and human population pressure, it is a need of the day, to start the collection of natural variants without loosing any time. During forest visits with the traditional healers of Chhattisgarh, specialized in use of Kaitha as medicinal plant, I noted that by specific characters of trees, they are able to identify the most potential tree. They prefer the potential tree for the collection of parts. I personally feel that from the vast experiences of these healers, the plant readers can learn a lot. As medicine, leaves, fruits and seeds of Kaitha are used most frequently. According to Ayurveda Kaitha fruit is sour, acrid, difficult to digest, refrigerant, aphrodisiac, alexipharmic and cures cough, dysentery, heart diseases, vomiting, blood impurities, fatigue, thirst, hiccup, throat problems, asthma, consumption, tumours, leucorrhoea etc. Seeds are anti dote to poison. According to Unani system of medicine, fruit is sour, tonic to heart, liver and lungs. Pulp is good for stomatitis and sore-throat. It is also useful in biliousness. Leaves are very astringent. Its Sanskrit name Kapipriya and English name Monkey ruit, clearly indicates that the monkeys are fond of Kaitha fruits. The traditional healers of Chhattisgarh believe that monkeys are aware of its unique medicinal uses as they have observed that these creatures use it at specific occasions. This is interesting information. When the communication will start with the monkeys with the help of modern science, I promise you that I will be first to interact with the traditional healers of monkeys to confirm these observations. Till that time we have to wait. The leading pharmaceutical companies of India, prepare herbal powder using Kaitha, and recommended it for the treatment of dysentery and diarrhoea. Its brand name is Kapittashtaka Churna. As mentioned early, the presence of Kaitha in bunds helps in reducing rat population, the use of Kaitha seed oil as antidote to rat poison, support this fact that there is some relation between Kaitha and rat population. The traditional healers apply the oil externally in affected parts. The traditional healers of Chhattisgarh use Kaitha leaves and fruit pulp as medicine, mostly. The traditional healers of Chhattisgarh plains, use it in treatment of gynaecological disorders. In treatment of dysmenorrhoea, the young leaves of Kaitha and Bans (Bamboo) are mixed in equal proportion and with honey (Shahad), given to the patients. The traditional healers of other parts are also aware of this use but they mix Kaitha and Bans leaves in different proportions. The juice of young leaves with cow milk is used in treatment of Pelea (Jaundice). As it is hard to get young leaves round the year, the healers collect the leaves during season and store it for future use. Instead of long term storage, they prefer mixing of juice in cow milk. This combination is kept as such for future use. The healers informed me that it is one of the promising uses. In case of sever asthmatic attack, the healers of Bagbahera region, mix the juice of leaves with honey and Pipal leaf juice and give it to the patients for immediate relief. In case of indigestion, the natives use fresh fruit pulp with sugar. The detailed Ethnobotanical surveys in Kaitha rich villages are in progress. I am confident that I will get more valuable information through these surveys. Thank you very much for reading the article. Medicinal herbs of Chhattisgarh, India having less known traditional uses. XVII. Kaitha (Feronia elephantum, family : Rutaceae) Research Note - Pankaj Oudhia © 2001,2002,2003 Pankaj Oudhia - All Rights Reserved Kaitha, Wood Apple or Elephant Apple in English, is a tree distributed throughout the country. In Chhattisgarh, this tree is presence since very long time. Like other herbs, Kaitha rich patches are present in different parts of Chhattisgarh. The villages situated in this Kaitha rich patches have been named on this herb. Although at present, most of the villages named on Kaitha are not rich in Kaitha trees but still the traditional healers and natives are aware of different traditional medicinal uses of Kaitha. Along with villages rich in Kaitha, this tree is also present in almost every parts of Chhattisgarh. The gum obtained from trunk and branches, is used as substitute for gum-Arabic. This use provides this herb special position in the list of non-wood forest produces of Chhattisgarh. As the basic source of gum-Arabic is available in plenty, Kaitha is not among the products having routine demand. It is used as adulterant. The wood is used for making walking sticks but for this use Kaitha is not sent to other states. The natives are aware of its presence and they use its delicious fruits. The farmers specially the paddy farmers of Durg region informed me that the presence of this tree in bunds (med), helps in reducing the rat population. This is common observation, according to them, that the fields having Kaitha in periphery remain free from rat population. This effect of Kaitha on rat population has yet not been reported. This is a matter of scientific investigation. One or two trees can serve the purpose successfully. I am conducting systematic research to evaluate the efficacies of different parts of Kaitha against rat, with the help of farmers. The tional healers of Chhattisgarh use different parts of Kaitha in treatment of many common diseases, alone or in combination wi other herbs. In present article, I am describing the traditional uses of Kaitha, I have noted through Ethnobotanical surveys. At first I am describing its botany and reported medicinal uses. According to reference literatures, Kaitha is a small deciduous spiny tree. Bark dark grey or nearly black, wrinkled and with longitudinal furrows. Leaves smelling of ani seeds. Leaflets 5-7, cuneate or obovate, cuneate at tip. Flowers pale green, stained with red, in racemes or panicled. Fruits globose, 5-8 cm, with rough-grayish woody rind and white sour pulp. Flowering time February-May and fruiting October. In other states of India, Kaitha (F. elephantum syn. F. limonia syn. Schinus limonia) is under cultivation as fruit crop. The heavy natural population of Kaitha in Chhattisgarh, clearly indicates that the commercial cultivation can be done in Chhattisgarh conditions. Unfortunately, Kaitha is not in the list of fruit crops, the regional research organizations are promoting. The natural variations of this herb in different parts of Chhattisgarh are valuable for future breeding programmes to develop suitable varieties for local needs and conditions. As the population is decreasing, due to urbanization and human population pressure, it is a need of the day, to start the collection of natural variants without loosing any time. During forest visits with the traditional healers of Chhattisgarh, specialized in use of Kaitha as medicinal plant, I noted that by specific characters of trees, they are able to identify the most potential tree. They prefer the potential tree for the collection of parts. I personally feel that from the vast experiences of these healers, the plant reeders can learn a lot. As medicine, leaves, fruits and seeds of Kaitha are used most frequently. According to Ayurveda Kaitha fruit is sour, acrid, difficult to digest, refrigerant, aphrodisiac, alexipharmic and cures cough, dysentery, heart diseases, vomiting, blood impurities, fatigue, thirst, hiccup, throat problems, asthma, consumption, tumours, leucorrhoea etc. Seeds are anti dote to poison. According to Unani system of medicine, fruit is sour, tonic to heart, liver and lungs. Pulp is good for stomatitis and sore-throat. It is also useful in biliousness. Leaves are very astringent. Its Sanskrit name Kapipriya and English name Monkey fruit, clearly indicates that the monkeys are fond of Kaitha fruits. The traditional healers of Chhattisgarh believe that monkeys are aware of its unique medicinal uses as they have observed that these creatures use it at specific occasions. This is interesting information. When the communication will start with the monkeys with the help of modern science, I promise you that I will be the first to interact with the traditional healers of monkeys to confirm these observations. Till that time we have to wait. The leading pharmaceutical companies of India, prepare herbal powder using Kaitha, and recommended it for the treatment of dysentery and diarrhoea. Its brand name is Kapittashtaka Churna. As mentioned early, the presence of Kaitha in bunds helps in reducing rat population, the use of Kaitha seed oil as antidote to rat poison, support this fact that there is some relation between Kaitha and rat population. The traditional healers apply the oil externally in affected parts. The traditional healers of Chhattisgarh use Kaitha leaves and fruit pulp as medicine, mostly. The traditional healers of Chhattisgarh plains, use it in treatment of gynaecological disorders. In treatment of dysmenorrhoea, the young leaves of Kaitha and Bans (Bamboo) are mixed in equal proportion and with honey (Shahad), given t the patients. The traditional healers of other parts are also aware of this use but they mix Kaitha and Bans leaves in different proportions. The juice of young leaves with cow milk is used in treatment of Pelea (Jaundice). As it is hard to get young leaves round the year, the healers collect the leaves during season and store it for future use. Instead of long term storage, they prefer mixing of juice in cow milk. This combination is kept as such for future use. The healers informed me that it is one of the promising uses. In case of sever asthmatic attack, the healers of Bagbahera region, mix the juice of leaves with honey and Pipal leaf juice and give it to the patients for immediate relief. In case of indigestion, the natives use fresh fruit pulp with sugar. The detailed Ethnobotanical surveys in Kaitha rich villages are in progress. I am confident that I will get more valuable information through these surveys. Thank you very much for reading the article. Interactions with the natives of Durg region, Chhattisgarh, India having rich traditional medicinal knowledge about common herbs used as veterinary medicine. Research Note - Pankaj Oudhia © 2001,2002,2003 Pankaj Oudhia - All Rights Reserved The natives and traditional healers of Chhattisgarh have rich traditional medicinal knowledge about common herbs used as vete medicine. I have written a lot on this important aspect in my previous articles. During the year 1999-2000, I conducted a special Ethnobotanical surveys in Durg region of Chhattisgarh to list out the common herbs and herbal combinations. In present article, I am giving details of the information collected. The natives use the herb Ketki (Agave americana) very frequently in treatment of bone fracture. Ketki is not native to Chhattisgarh but the rich traditional knowledge about its uses as human and veterinary medicine clearly indicates that the natives have welcomed and accepted this introduced species. It occurs as wasteland plant. The forest department of Chhattisgarh, plants this herb in periphery of there plantations in order to provide live fence and check the soil erosion. In neighbouring state, Orissa this herb is under cultivation. After setting the bone properly, the natives prepare a paste from Ketki leaves and apply it in broken portion as plaster. According to them, it is one of the promising treatments. I am describing the botany of Ketki in brief. According to reference literatures, Ketki is half-woody, almost stemless, perennial. Leaf patent, with strong, widely patent or recurved marginal spines with longitudinal, white or yellow streaks or bands, 1.8-3.6m x 20 cm. Flower yellowish green, funnel shaped, in large panicles. Fruit oblong, clavate, beaked capsule. The senior natives informed that if accidentally the cattle feed on Kodo crop (Paspalum scrobiculatum) and poison starts showing its harmful effects, it must be treated with the help of Harshringar herb. The juice is extracted from fresh leaves and given to the affected animal. This use is not in existence, as Kodo is not under cultivation now, in this part of Chhattisgarh. Harshringar (Nyctanthes arbor-tristis) is a common ornamental as well as medicinal herb in Chhattisgarh. When cattle eat, the seeds of Semal accidentally, the natives give one litre of Banana (Kela) juice to the affected animal. It acts as anti-dote to Semal seed poison. When cattle eat unknown poisonous herb or herb parts during grazing, as first aid the natives, mix the Shikakai (Acacia concinna) seeds in whey (Mattha) and give it to affected animal immediately. According to the natives, this combination flushes out the poison. Most of these traditional knowledge is developed by senior natives and their forefathers. At that time, they were capable of protecting and treating their cattle from any poison of plant origin. But now as young generation is taking less interest in this knowledge and not developing new formulations, the incidences and deaths due to new poisons are increasing in Chhattisgarh. As the pastures are heavily infested with exotic weeds like Gajar ghas (Parthenium hysterophorus), Goti Phool (Lantana camara) etc., the cattle have no option and as result they are feeding on these weeds. The senior natives informed me that they are still able to solve the problem but no one has time to get technical guidance from them. The natives of Chhattisgarh use Hing to dress the wounds and to make it maggot free. The Hing powder (Asafoetida) is applied directly on the wounds to heal it well in time. The natives use other herbs like Neem but they give preference to Hing. To treat the problem of Mirgi (Epilepsy) in cattle, the natives use Katha or Cutch. It is given internally as treatment till complete cure. According to the natives, the problem of Mirgi is not much common among cattle in Chhattisgarh but in case of problem, Katha is the only promising cure. I am describing the botany of Acacia catechu. According to reference literatures, it is a prickly tree, with a cylindrical stem, generally 3 meters, Bark dark grayish brown, exfoliating in long and narrow strips. Leaf pinnate, with a pair of recurved prickles at the base of rachis. Flower pale yellow in cylindrical spikes. Fruit glabrous, flat, oblong, pod, readily dehisces. Seed upto 40000/kg. To treat the problem of urine retention, the natives of Durg region use Banana juice with common salt and Black Pipper (Kali Mirch). The combination is given internally. In case of poisonous snake bite, the natives use Reetha both internally and externally. The froth of Reetha seeds mixed in water, is applied externally on eyes and the leachate in given internally, as anti-dote to snake venom. The above mentioned traditional medicinal uses have not been reported in reference literatures. Although as the government is trying the best to provide modern health care facilities for domestic cattle but I personally feel that there is a strong need to use this traditional knowledge and to encourage the natives specialized in traditional treatments. Thank you very much for reading the article. Interactions with the traditional healers of Chhattisgarh (India) specialized in use of Andi (Ricinus communis, family Euphorbiaceae) as medicinal herb. Research Note - Pankaj Oudhia © 2001,2002,2003 Pankaj Oudhia - All Rights Reserved Andi is well known medicinal herb around the world. The oil extracted from seeds, known as Castor oil, is famous purgative. I have written a lot on traditional medicinal uses of Andi oil, in my previous articles. The natives and traditional healers of Chhattisgarh use all parts of Andi both internally and externally in treatment of over 40 common and complicated diseases. Common names of Castor around the world. Language/Region/Country Names Afganistan Bazanjir, Buzanjir Arabic Charua, Djar, Hurua Assam Eri Bengal Bheranda Myanmar Kesu, Kyekesu Cambodia Lohong preng Canarese Avudala, Chittubaraly, Eranda Brazil Carapateiro Egypt Kharwa, Kiki English Castor-oil plant, Palma, Christi French Avanacoe, Avanacu, carapat, Grand ricin Greek Kiki German Wunderbaum Guam Agaliya Gujarati Divelli, Divelligo, Tirki Hindi Arand, Arandi, Arend, Erand, Erandi, Ind, Rand Iraq Khirwa Italian Caffee Ja olio, Lohong Malyalam Anandam, Avanaka, Chittavanaku, Erandam, Kotta, Panjangulam Marathi Erandi, Yarandicha Mauritius Palma Christi Mexican Tlaplati Mosambique Ambona Nepal Alha, Areta, Orer North America Castor bean, Castor plant Portuguese Carrapateiro, Ricina, Mammona Russian Kleshtshexika Sanskrit Amanda, Amangala, Bhanda, Eranda, Ishta, Kanta, Panjangula, Shukla. Sinhalese Eudaru, Telendary Spanish Higuera deldiablo Tamil Aimugi, Amanakku, Andagam, Asaram, Attagam, Kottai, Erandam Telugu Amudamu, Erandamu, Chittamudamy Urdu Eranda Uriya Bheronta, Chitroko, Erondo, Gobo, Joda, Kalo, Monto Through my Ethnobotanical surveys in different parts of Chhattisgarh, I have identified 57 traditional healers specialized in use of Andi as medicinal herb. Andi as oil seed crop is under cultivation in different Indian states viz. Andhra Pradesh, Orissa, Maharashtra, Karnataka etc. A lot of information on medicinal properties and uses have been mentioned in different reference literatures but in India Andi is not grown as medicinal crop. The area of Andi as oil seed crop is limited in Chhattisgarh. In rural areas, the natives plant this herb in surroundings and one can easily seethe wild and roadside population of self generated Andi plants, in almost all parts of the state. I am not aware whether Chhattisgarh is its place of origin or not but the in depth traditional knowledge present among the natives and traditional healers clearly indicates that this herb is present in Chhattisgarh since very long time. In my allelopathic studies, I have found the parts of this herb specially the roots, very effective in managing Leguminous weeds particularly the Sole grass (Aeschynomene americana). In my previous articles, I have written that this exotic plant locally known as Soli, is becoming curse for the villagers. Soli is entered in fertile land of Chhattisgarh through the process of endo-zoochory. The sheep keepers who travel in different parts of India, spread this plant through seeds from Rajasthan to other states. Soli has occupied the rice bunds, a r source for grassy weeds used as fodder in Chhattisgarh. Due to encroachments, the natural pastures are not available for cattle. For fodder, the villagers are dependent on rice bunds (in general constructed in 1/10 area of rice fields to hold the water). vigorous grown and smothering effect due to lethal allelochemicals of Soli on germination and growth of grassy weeds; useful as fodder, are becoming curse for the villagers. Through long experiences, the natives have found Andi herb enough potential to smother the growth of Soli. In my laboratory experiment, I have found it enough effective. I am in process of identification of allelochemicals responsible for this effect. The use of Andi to suppress the growth of this problematic weed has not been reported earlier. I am feeling proud to document this unique knowledge. One more thing I would like to mention here is that the traditional healers are not considering Soli as weed and through continuous experiments they are trying to find out its medicinal uses. The traditional healers of Narharpur region informed that when cattle feed on Soli, a leguminous weed, accidentally, it produces bloat and loose motions. According to the healers, as the Andi is dominating and suppressing this weed, then there is a possibility that the diseases resulted due to intake of Soli, may be treated with the help of Andi successfully. On this great hypothesis, the traditional healers of Chhattisgarh are working and getting new findings for future generations. They are also of opinion that the harmful effects produced by the Soli leaves may be treated by the leaves of Andi and similarly other parts may be used. The innovative herb growers of Chhattisgarh are aware of insecticidal properties of Andi and they use it frequently in herbal combinations used to repel away the insects from organically grown medicinal and aromatic crops. In present article, I am describing some promising traditional medicinal uses of different parts of Andi in Chhattisgarh, noted from my field diaries. At first I am describing its botany reported medicinal and industrial uses. According to reference literatures, Andi is perennial bush or occasionally a soft wooded small tree, upto 6 meters or more. Leaf green or reddish, 30-60 cm in diameter, palmately 5-11 lobed, serrate, long-petiolated with conspicuous glands. Flower monoecious, staminate on the lower part and pistillate on the upper part of 30-60 cm long peduncle. Fruit capsule, covered with soft, like process. Seed oblong, smooth, variously coloured, mottled, varying in size. As medicine, roots, leaves, flowers and seeds are used. Andi as medicinal herb holds a reputed position in different systems of medicine in India. According to Ayurveda, root is heating, carminative and useful in inflammations, pains, ascites, fevers, glands, asthma, bronchitis, leprosy, diseases of rectum and head. Leaves are useful in intestinal worms, strangury, night blindness, earache. It increases biliousness. Flowers are useful in glandular tumours, anal troubles and vaginal pains. Fruits are appetizer and useful in pains, tumours, piles, liver and spleen diseases. Seed and oil are cathartic, and aphrodisiac. Oil is anthelmintic, alterative and useful in fevers, ascites, pains, heart diseases, inflammations, leprosy, elephantiasis, convulsions etc. According to Unani system of medicine, root bark is purgative, and alterative and useful in treatment of skin-diseases. Leaves are galactagogue, and good for burns. Seed and oil are purgative , useful in liver troubles, body pains, lumbago, boils, piles, ring-worm, paralysis, inflammations, ascites, asthma, rheumatism, dropsy, amenorrhoea etc. Industrially, Castor oil is used for transparent soap, textile soap, type writer inks, varnishes and paints. It is also employed in ration of phenyls. Other uses are preparation of hair-oils, hair fixers and aromatic perfumes, as an ingredient in hair lotions and lipsticks. It is reported to be used in tanneries. Seed cake is used as organic manure. Writing and printing papers are made for wood pulp. Andi stems are used for straw boards and cheap wrappings. On the basis of appearance, the traditional healers divide Andi herb in two types Lal (Red) and Safed (White). On the basis of seed size, they further divide it into two categories, i. e. small and big. Although in reference literatures, red Andi is considered as medicinally rich but the traditional healers of Chhattisgarh, consider both the types equally important. The traditional healers of Bagbahera region specialized in treatment of poisonous bites by the venomous creatures, use this herb commonly. In case of scorpion bite, the healers extract the leaf juice and apply few drops into the ear. If the affected part is in right side, then the oil is applied in left ear and vice-versa. After application of oil, the patients are advised to lay cool and calm. In case of complication, the dose is repeated twice or thrice. With the help of this treatment, the patients get relief in less time. During this treatment, the healers perform special worship and utter Mantras. In case of poisonous snake bite, the healers take four parts of leaf juice and one part of water and give it to the patients. Externally the aqueous paste prepared from Andi leaves is applied in affected part. According to the healers, both treatments if given together, produces vomiting and make the patients healthy in less time. During visit to crop fields and dense forests the farmers and herb collectors of Chhattisgarh keep, fresh root pieces of Andi in shoes or tied it around fingers. It is common belief among them that this application keeps the poisonous creatures away from body. In my previous articles, I ha written a lot on root pieces and Herbal Mala used to hasten the process of delivery. The natives of Andi rich areas in Chhattisgarh, prepare a special Herbal Mala using Andi roots and pregnant women are advised to wear it as the pain starts in order to hasten the process of delivery. After child birth, it is removed without any delay. To prepare the Herbal Mala, red string is used. The traditional healers of Chhattisgarh Plains apply the aqueous paste of Andi roots around the umbilicus for same purpose. In treatment of Jaundice, the traditional healers of different parts use Andi parts in different ways. The traditional healer of Bhuthia village informed me that the young twigs can be used successfully with Dahi (curd) internally to cure this trouble within a week. He further informed that this use causes temporary drowsiness and dullness. To root out this associated effects, he uses Andi roots with honey (Shahad). The traditional healer of Mudpar village, use Andi bark in treatment of Jaundice. Four parts of cow milk and two parts of bark juice are mixed and given upto a week as treatment. During this treatment, the patients are advised to avoid the use of salt in any form. The traditional healers of Mahasamund region, use Andi roots as antidote to Dhatra (Datura sp.) poisoning. The roots mixed with the help of water is given internally for immediate relief. In treatment of testis related diseases, for intense pain, the leaf juice of Andi is applied externally. To root out the problem of vaginal pain, the traditional healers of Katghora region, apply the aqueous paste of Andi roots and Sonth (dried ginger) externally. They also give other herbs internally for treatment. In case of stomach ache and diarrhoea in children, the traditional healers of Sarguja region, mix the dried Andi root powder with the excreta of rat and with the help of Lemon (Nimbu) juice, paste is prepared. This paste is applied externally around the umbilicus. This use is not common in other parts of Chhattisgarh. The traditional healers of Chhattisgarh Plains, use Andi roots with whole herb juice of Bhengra (Eclipta alba) in treatment of Adhasisi (Migraine). The dried root powder is mixed in juice and paste is prepared. According to the healers, the external application of this paste is one of the promising treatments. The healers of Rajnandgaon region use the decoction of Andi roots internally as cardio-tonic. They use it under their strict supervision. They informed me that it is good remedy for lumbago also. In case of joint pains, the leaves of Andi are applied as the leaves of Fudhar (Calotropis gigantea). The lukewarm leaves are tied around the painful joints in order to suppress the intense pain. In many parts of Chhattisgarh, the poultice of Andi seeds is also applied. In treatment of Sciatica, the healers of Charama region, use Andi seeds. The seeds are boiled in milk and the concentrated ion is given to the patients. According to the healers, after two or three motions, the patients get rid from the intense pain. The poultice of leaves is also applied externally. To stop the flow of excess milk, the traditional healers of Durg region, use Andi leaves externally. The leaves in paste form are applied externally on breasts of lactating women. This use is popular among the natives also. The traditional healers of Chhattisgarh specialized in treatment of Pathri (Renal Calculi) frequently use the roots of Andi. The decoction is prepared by boiling the roots in water and adding Hing (Asafoetida) and common salt. According to these healers, the regular use of this decoction flushes out the stones easily. I personally feel that above mentioned traditional medicinal and allelopathic uses are enough to establish this herb as potential medicinal herb. Through my Ethnobotanical surveys in neighbouring states, where Andi is cultivated as oil seed crop. I got surprising information that most of the Andi growers are not aware of its unique medicinal properties and uses. They are also not aware of its national and international demand in drug industries. By giving sufficient training, we can generate, a new source of income for the Andi growers. In areas where Andi occurs as wasteland plant, this nature's gift can be collected and used more easily. There is a need to identify and demarcate the Andi rich areas in Chhattisgarh, so that Andi based industries can be established in these particular regions. Thank you very much for reading the article. Medicinal herbs of Chhattisgarh, India having less known traditional uses. XVIII. Mainphal (Randia dumetorum, family Rubiaceae) Research Note - Pankaj Oudhia © 2001,2002,2003 Pankaj Oudhia - All Rights Reserved Mainphal is a shrub or small tree found in monsoon and dry forests, in general. Its English name is Emetic nut. The leading pharmaceutical companies sell Mainphal based combination in name of Pancha Kashaya, used for causing emesis. In Chhattisgarh, very few traditional healers are aware of its medicinal properties and uses. In tribal belt of Chhattisgarh, it is used as fish poison. Through my Ethnobotanical surveys conducted in different parts of Chhattisgarh, I got information that the traditional medicinal knowledge about this herb is limited to very few healers. As these information are not available in documentation form, in present article, I am describing these uses. At first, I am giving information on its botany and reported medicinal uses. According to reference literatures, Mainphal (Randia dumetorum syn. Gardenia spinosa, syn. Xeromphis spinosa syn. Randia spinosa syn. Gardenia dumetorum) is armed shrub or small tree, spines axillary. Leaves mostly fascicled on branchlets, obovate or oblanceolate, sub coriaceous, glabrescent or pubescent, stipules ovate. Flowers solitary or 2-3 fascicles, creamy white, fragrant. Calyx campanulate, Corolla covered with appressed silky hairs. Fruits globose, fleshy. Flowering time May-June and fruiting October-January. As medicine, bark and fruit are used commonly. According to Ayurveda, Mainphal is bitter, sweet, heating, aphrodisiac, emetic, antipyretic, carminative, alexiteric and cures abscesses, ulcers, inflammations, tumours, skin-diseases, piles etc. According to Unani system of medicine, Mainphal is bitter in taste, emetic, purgative, carminative and useful in chronic bronchitis, muscular pains, paralysis, inflammations, leprosy, boils, eruptions etc. Common names of Mainphal in India. Languages/Regions Names 1) Assamese Gurol, Behmona, Mona 2) Bengali & Hindi Mainphal, Karhar 3) Gujarati Mindhal, Mindhola, Midhola 4) Kanarese Kare, Banegora, Mangari, Minkare 5) Khasia Diengmakasing-Khlaw 6) Kashmir Kirkla, Kokoa 7) Malyalam Kara 8) Marathi Ghela, Peralu, Mindhal,Wagatta, Gelphal 9) Oriya Palova 10) Sanskrit Madana, Pinditak, Dharaphal 11) Tamil Marukkalankay, Madkarai 12) Telugu Manga, 13) English Emetic nut Botanical differences between major Randia species. Characteristics R. uliginosa R. dumetorum 1) Habit Armed small tree, spines terminal at the ends of brachyblasts. Armed shrub or small tree, spines axillary. 2) Leaves On short branchlets, elliptic-lanceolate or oblanceolate, 7x15 cm. Mostly fascicled on branchlets, obovate or oblanceolate, sub-coriaceous, glabrescent or pubescent. 3) Flowers Solitary, white Solitary or 2-3 fascicles, creamy white, fragrant. 4) Fruits Oblong-globose, smooth young ones green, mature yellow. Globose, fleshy 5) Seeds Blackish 6) Flowering & Fruiting April-May May-June and October-January. To induce vomiting, in order to clean the stomach, the traditional healers of Chhattisgarh use the fruit rind of Mainphal. The rind is collected and dipped in water overnight. Next morning, the leachate is given internally to induce vomiting. After few seconds of intake, the vomiting starts. The natives are also aware of this use but they use it under supervision of the traditional healers. To flush out the intestinal worms, Mainphal is powered and given with Shahad (honey). The traditional healers of Chhattisgarh, use the fruit juice externally in hair care. According to them, its regular use makes the hair free from dandruff and lice. The traditional healers of Kondagaon region recommend it in treatment of breast related diseases. It is used externally. The fruits of Mainphal are edible. The natives of Chhattisgarh use this fruit with sugar, before sunrise, internally in treatment of Adhasisi (Migraine). In case of stomach ache as first aid remedy, the aqueous paste of bark is applied around the umbilicus. The traditional healer of Mudpar village use the dry fruit powder in treatment of liver related diseases. He prefers fresh fruit and in case of non-availability dry fruits are used. To treat gastric troubles, the healers of Rajnandgaon region, recommend dry fruit powder with fresh milk internally. The most of the above mentioned uses are of academic importance as other promising and effective alternatives are available, the traditional healers use above mentioned formulation less frequently. Mainphal is present in Chhattisgarh in abundance. This is really surprising that the natives and traditional healers are having very less traditional knowledge about this herb. Mainphal is not in the list of non-wood forest produces having regular demand. I am trying my best to gather more information of its medicinal uses through the Ethnobotanical surveys. Thank you very much for reading the article. My experiments and experiences with wonder crop Safed Musli (Chlorophytum borivilianum) : Recent visit to leading Musli farm of India Research Note - Pankaj Oudhia © 2001,2002,2003 Pankaj Oudhia - All Rights Reserved As weed expert, I was aware of the fact that Motha (Cyperus species) is one of the top ten worst weeds of the world but its heavy infestation, I have seen in Safed Musli fields, last week when I was at visit to one of the leading Musli farms of western India, was really shocking. The farm workers informed me that this heavy infestation is damaging the valuable Safed Musli roots and providing entry point for the disease agents and insects. I have seen the infestation of this hydra-headed weed in almost every part of 100 acres farm. Although the owners of this farm, claim that they are growing Safed Musli organically but in fact they have tried different herbicides alone or in combination to eradicate this weed but got no success. The workers informed that now they are using hand weeding method to manage this weed. The collected Motha weed is dried and used for vermicompost preparation. The in-charge of vermicomposting unit told the secret that the vermicompost prepared from Motha weed when applied on Safed Musli fields infest with Motha weed, it suppressed the growth and germination of this obnoxious weed. The autotoxic effect of Motha has not been reported. I am feeling proud to write that the farm workers aware of this fact are using this experimental finding to manage Motha successfully. The farm owners are not from agriculture background, hence they are not aware of worker's experiments. The weed scientists consider this weed very harmful and difficult to eradicate. I am confident that this new field observation will motivate them to start and focus their research on this specific aspect. Although the area under Safed Musli is increasing very rapidly in India but there are still limited growers known as big Musli growers. These growers were the pioneer growers that have taken risk to start commercial cultivation of this hi-value crop. The Musli farm of western India, where visited last week, is one of the well known farms. To purchase Safed Musli planting material for my farmer at Nagpur city, I visited this farm as unknown person without disclosing my identity. During my visit, I got very shocking information. Through this article, I am disclosing it for the benefit of new Musli growers that are investing big amount for commercial cultivation with big expectations. It is old saying that everything is fair in love and war. modified it as everything is fair in love, war and business (specifically in Indian herb business). As herb expert, I am awar that the high cost of planting material due to limited numbers of growers at initial stage has made Safed Musli, the costly crop. In fact it is a crop of poor farmers. As the government agencies particularly the research organizations at India, have not taken good initiative to stop the malpractice of selling Musli planting material at high cost, through providing the similar or high quality material to the farmers at actual (cheaper) rates, the private farm owners are taking advantage. The Safed Musli is among the medicinal crops, on which India owns full monopoly. Safed Musli is not under commercial cultivation as medicinal crop in any part of the world except in India. The policy makers of India can take maximum advantage of this fact through promoting commercial cultivation Safed Musli. In India, poor farmers own more agricultural lands than the rich farmers. Due to high cost of planting material, only the rich farmers are cultivating this crop in limited areas. As the planting material is in high demand, the growers are focusing on production i.e. Quantity and ignoring the Quality. I always write that in the field of herbs, Quality is more important than the Quantity. Most of socalled the organic herbal forms engaged in commercial cultivation of Safed Musli are growing crop using chemical inputs. Due to lack of scientific recommendations, the growers are adopting the recommended doses for commercial crop like paddy maize and wheat. This heavy use of chemicals is becoming curse for the medicinal crops like Safed Musli. As there is no strict rules and regulations, there is no monitoring agency active in India, to stop this malpractice. During visit to above mentioned Musli farm, I saw heavy infestation of fungal diseases on Safed Musli crop. There were many fungal species attacking this crop. The colour of normal root was changed into white, black and red due to this heavy infestation. There was also a typical rotting smell in infested parts. I was shocked to see that the purchasers (new growers) unaware of these fungal infestations, were waiting for their term to collect the roots (used as planting material). In the name of control, the farm owners were dipping the infested roots in very high concentration of mercury fungicide. In literature provided by this farm, they have clearly mentioned that there materials are best in terms of quality and free from all diseases and for root treatment, they use cow urine based solution but in reality I have found the roots infested upto very high degree and also in place of organic solution, they are using chemical fungicides without any hesitation. The farm workers informed that all plots are very sick. As herb expert, I am aware that crop rotation practice can root out this problem effectively. In this farm, Safed Musli is under cultivation since twelve years. Not a single other crop has been grown since twelve years. The heavy fungal infestation is result of this mono-cropping. The method of soil solarization during hot summer is second promising way to solve this problem effectively but as the purchasers are not technically sound, the owners are not giving importance to this increasing infestation. I am worrying of nation wide spread of these fungal species through planting material. From quality point of view, it is worst material of no use but the new growers are purchasing it at very - very high price and with them it is reaching in every corner of India. Through this article. I would like to request the concerned government authorities to stop this spread of infestation immediately as in future it can cause great damage to not only the medicinal crops but also to other crops. I also suggest the purchasers and new growers to examine the planting material carefully before purchase. I have observed that in most of the cases the farm owners do not allow the purchasers to examine (even to see), the planting material and pressurize them to believe on their promises. This is not good practices and in future, this malpractice can create problem for us to establish India, in leading position in the fields of medicinal and aromatic crops. I have noted one more fact that the leading Musli growers are not aware of quality parameters for best Safed Musli roots. Most of them consider the white coloured roots as best roots medicinally but in fact there is no relation between the colour and the medicinal value. The traditional healers of Chhattisgarh specialised in use of Safed Musli as medicine confirmed this fact. The estimation of saponin in roots is not a complicated method. I have already mentioned this fact in my previous articles on Safed Musli that there is positive relationship between Saponin content and medicinal properties. Many leading growers believe that the estimation of saponin requires sophisticated equipments. The owner of above mentioned farm, told that the charge for one sample is twenty five thou When informed that I can analyze the sample in less than 100 hundred rupees, he accepted the fact that he is not aware of actual method. How when the area is increasing, also the production, more and more growers are eager to sell the dried Musli roots to international buyers. It is very essential to educate them about real analysis and market requirements. In my articles, I always try to provide latest information developments and observations on different aspects of Indian Medicinal and aromatic crops. My intentions are very clear. The only objective is to aware the common person about the facts and real situations. I am expecting that this latest article in Safed Musli series, will help the new growers to select the genuine sellers as well as good quality planting material for commercial production of this hi-value crop. Thank you very much for reading the article. Bramhi (Bacopa monnieri, family : Scrophulariaceae) as medicinal herb in Chhattisgarh, India : Natural occurrence, Traditional medicinal knowledge, cultivation and trade. Research Note - Pankaj Oudhia © 2001,2002,2003 Pankaj Oudhia - All Rights Reserved Bramhi (Bacopa monnieri syn. Herpestis monnieria syn Moniera cuneifolia) is well known prostrate herb distributed in damp, marshy areas throughout India. In Chhattisgarh, it is present in limited pockets. The traditional healers and natives of Chhattisgarh are aware of different medicinal properties and uses of Bramhi and they are using it as medicinal herb since time immemorial. Bramhi is in the list of non-wood forest produces of Chhattisgarh having regular high demand. The herb traders informed me that the forests of Chhattisgarh are rich in six types of Bramhi. There is a big confusion about real Bramhi among the traders. In the name of Bramhi, most of them supply other herbs. As dried parts are supplied and in most of the cases, the herbs are supplied in powder form, in absence of advance laboratory facilities, it is very difficult to identify the true species through visual observations. The herb trader consider all species more or less similar in terms of medicinal properties. This is really surprising that in the name of Bramhi, the herb named Mandukparni, Jal Bramhi, Muscaini etc. are supplied without any problem or hesitation. In Chhattisgarh, these false species grow like weeds and easy to find. One of my trader friends disclose that the adulteration is possible only upto national level. At international level, the buyers are aware of this malpractice and they take full precaution before purchasing the herb in bulk. As mentioned earlier, Bramhi is one of the well known and frequently used herb in reputed herbal combinations. In India, the consumers purchase any formulation without any hesitation after seeing the name of Bramhi on packets. The adulteration is common in all of India then it is really surprising that how far the Bramhi based formulations are really effective ? Although the traders claim that all species used for adulteration possess similar medicinal properties but reference literatures related to different system of medicine in India do not support their claims. The traditional healers are also unanimous in opinion, that only true Bramhi is capable of treating specific troubles. They informed me the adulteration is not done in specific proportion every time, hence this malpractice can cause great harms to human health instead of benefits. This is shocking news for herb lovers and users of India but this is bare fact. Most of the leading pharmaceutical companies are dependent on the herb traders supplying different herbs from different corners of India. Very few companies have their own herbal farms where they are producing the herbs used in their products. One of my friends working at reputed Indian company, disclosed the fact that the herbs under cultivation in herbal farms of companies are for export purposes. According to him, the international rules are very strict. In India the rules are not strict and as result, the consumers are getting herbal formulations having adulterated herbs. As herb expert, I have attended over 72 national and international conferences, seminars etc. on different aspects of herbs. In most of these programmes, I have noted the bitter fact that our researchers are also unaware of true identification. They conduct research on inferior species and due to poor identification, report the findings in the name of Bramhi. Every year, lot of money is wasted in such works and wrong information goes to scientific community. Last week I receive one Ph.D. thesis for review. The title indicates that the work has been done on Chirayata (Swertia chirayata) but when I read the botanical description given in introduction chapter, I found it as Kalmegh. When I informed his supervisor, I got shocking response. The supervisor wrote, please ignore this mistake for the sake of student's future. There are many such examples. But I personally feel that this must be stopped. In Chhattisgarh, due to heavy demand of Bramhi the pockets rich in Bramhi, are becoming empty. To reduce the pressure on natural forests, we are encouraging the farmers for its commercial cultivation. The confusion regarding species exists in the field of planting material supply also. The seed suppliers are supplying wrong species in the name of Bramhi and new growers are among the sufferers, because t are not aware that wrong species are present in abundance as wasteland plants, and there is no need for its commercial cultivation. The herb growers are adopting the Agronomical practices recommended by the CIMAP, Lucknow. But they have many local problems. Unfortunately, the research organizations at Chhattisgarh are not taking interest in developing package of practices for commercial cultivation of Bramhi. With the help of innovative herb growers of Chhattisgarh and non-governmental organizations, we have started field trials particularly in areas where Bramhi occurs naturally. We are aware that cultivation after domestication, interferes in medicinal properties of particular herb but in terms of natural chemical contents, we are getting more encouraging results from Bramhi cultivation in natural areas as compared to Bramhi cultivation far from these areas. Although through surface observation, I have observed that the natural population is decreasing and recent surveys by national organizations engaged in botanical surveys have confirmed this observation but the traditional healers of Chhattisgarh are not fully convinced. According to them, there are still many Bramhi rich pockets in dense forests, free from human interference. Through my on-going Ethnobotanical surveys, I am trying to visit these rich pockets. Now I am describing botany of Bramhi and related species Mandukparni (Centella asiatica) and Muscaini (Ipomoea reniformis) with their reported medicinal uses. I suggest you to read the botanical differences particularly the differences in leaves carefully, in order to avoid any type of confusion in future. According to reference literatures, Bramhi is a glabrous, succulent herb. Stems rooting at the nodes, branches many ascending. Leaves sessile, decussate, 6-25 x 2.5 - 10 mm, obovate - oblong or spatulate, fleshy, black dotted, entire (please note it). Flowers axillary, solitary. Corolla two lipped, pale blue or white, lobes equal spangled, when fresh with shining dots. Fruit capsule, avoid, acute. Seeds oblong, striate, pale. The leaves of Mandukparni and Muscaini are reniform and can be differentiated simply. Mandukparni is named Mandukparni because its leaf shape resembles Manduk i.e. frog (Parni-leaf). Muscaini leaf resembles the ears of mouse (Mus-mouse, Caini- ears). The size of Muscaini leaf is relatively less as compared to Mandukparni leaf. Other botanical differences are here. Mandukparni is a slender herbaceous plant, stem creeping with long internodes, rooting at the nodes. Leaves 1 3 from each node, orbicular, reniform, base deeply cordate stipulate. Flowers in fascicled umbels, minute, pink. Fruits 4mm long, ovoid, hard-rugose. Muscaini is a herb, stems many filiform, creeping and rooting at the nodes, clothed with long hairs. Leaves 1.3 2.5 cm broad, reniform or ovate-cordate, crenate, glabrous, petioles hairy. Flowers yellow, axillary, solitary or 2-3 together on a very short peduncle. Fruits capsule, sub-globose, surrounded by ciliate sepals. Seeds dark chestnut coloured. The above described botanical descriptions clearly indicates that it is not difficult to differentiate all socalled related species. These descriptions also indicate that the existing adulteration is intentionally not incidentally. We are dreaming to establish India as leading herb supplier but these malpractices are creating problems for us. The common Indian knows Bramhi as memory enhancer and hair growth promoter because the formulations used for these two problems, are in heavy demand in almost all parts of India. The recent research works have shown that the active principal, Hersaponin, resembles reserpine and chlororomazine in its central action and is reported to be promising new tranquillizer. The entire plant constitutes drug which is used in insanity, epilepsy and as potent diuretic, cardio-tonic and nerve tonic. According to Ayurveda, the whole plant is bitter, pungent, heating, emetic, laxative and useful in bad ulcers, inflammations, tumours, ascites , enlargement of spleen, indigestion, leprosy, anaemia, biliousness etc. According to Unani system of medicine, Bramhi is bitter, aphrodisiac, good in scabies, leucoderma, syphilis. It purifies blood, useful in diarrhoea and pyrexia, maturant and expectorant. As medicinal herb, there is no separate demand of Mandukparni (Centella asiatica) and Muscaini. I have noted that the Mandukparni possess more properties and popular uses as compared to Bramhi but never noted or heard that it is adulterated with Bramhi. According to Ayurveda, Mandukparni is acrid, bitter, digestible, tonic, cooling, laxative, alterative, alexiteric, antipyretic, improves appetite, voice , memory, cures leucoderma, anaemia, urinary discharges, blood diseases, bronchitis, inflammations, fevers, biliousness, spleen enlargement, thirst, asthma, small-pox etc. It is also used in insanity. According to Unani system of medicine, Mandukparni is bitter, soporific, sedative to nerves, cardio-tonic, tonic, stomachic, carminative, diuretic, clears voice and brains, hiccup, asthma, bronchitis, scalding of urine, headache and improves appetite. It is reported that sun-dried leaves of Bramhi possess less medicinal properties but the herb traders of Chhattisgarh are not aware of this fact and they are adopting this faulty practice of sun drying. The traditional healers of Chhattisgarh use Bramhi as nerve-tonic. Through my Ethnobotanical surveys nducted in different parts of Chhattisgarh. I have identified only fifteen healers specialised in use of Bramhi as medicinal herb. In general, they use whole plant as medicine alone or in combination with other herbs. The fresh juice is preferred. In specific cases, the healers use root powder also. The traditional healers of Narharpur region informed me that the leaf juice can be successfully used externally in treatment of rheumatism. But as other promising alternatives are available, the healers use it less frequently. The natives of Bastar region, burn the dried herb and suggest the patients having acute asthmatic attack to inhale the fumes to get immediate relief. The poultice of boiled plant is also applied externally on chest to treat the problem of suffocation. Although Chhattisgarh forests fulfill the national and international demand of Bramhi but it is bitter fact that not a single pharmaceutical company or processing unit is active in Chhattisgarh to utilize this important and relatively cheaper raw material. The problem of adulteration in Bramhi is serious problem and there is a strong need to stop this malpractice well in time. The promotion of its commercial cultivation is also necessary to prevent this herb to become endangered. Thank you very much for reading the article. Medicinal herbs of Chhattisgarh, India having less known traditional uses. XIX. Meetha Phool (Ixora coccinea, family : Rubiaceae) Research Note - Pankaj Oudhia © 2001,2002,2003 Pankaj Oudhia - All Rights Reserved Meetha phool is grown as hedge plant for its deep-red, attractive flowers. The children are fond of its sweet tasted flowers. This is reason it is known as Meetha (Sweet) phool (Flower). During my Ethnobotanical surveys in different parts of Chhattisgarh, I noted that his herb is popular as ornamental herb and many natives are aware of its medicinal properties and uses. Although, its medicinal uses are not much popular but from documentation point of view, it is important information. In reference literatures, related to different systems of medicine in India, I have yet not found any specific details regarding its medicinal properties and uses. In dense forests and home gardens, I have observed five species of Ixora and among these Ixora coccinea is most common. As medicinal h it is less known and also it is not in the list of non-wood forest produces of Chhattisgarh. Botanically, it is shrub, upto 4 meters high. Leaves opposite, elliptic-ovate to oblong, sessile or sub-sessile, coriaceous, cordate at base, rounded or apiculate at apex, 4-7x3 cm, stipules triangular, awned. Flowers in sessile or shortly pedunculate corymbose cymes, scarlet. Calyx urceolate, four lobed, lobes triangular, acute. Corolla scarlet or deep red, tube upto 3.5cm long, lobes broadly ovate. Stamens four, alternate with corolla lobes. Ovary 2-celled, ovules solitary in each cell. Fruits globose, fleshy. The natives aware of its medicinal properties and uses, use the fresh flowers internally in treatment of gynaecological trouble particularly in treatment of Safed Pani (Leucorrhoea). The curry prepared from fresh flower is given to the patients till complete cure. The natives also use the roots and flower alone or in combination, in treatment of dysentery but as other promising and cheap alternatives are available, these parts are used less commonly. The detailed surveys are in progress and I will write more on this herb as soon as I will get more information. Botanical differences among major Ixora species. Characteristics. I.coccinea I. cuneifolia I. pavetta 1. Habit Shrubs upto 4m high Shrubs Shrubs or small trees, upto 5m high . Leaves Opposite, elliptic-ovate to oblong, sessile or subsessile, coriaceous, cordate at base, rounded or apiculate at apex, 4-7x3-4 cm. Coriaceous, lanceolate, oblong or elliptic lanceolate, sometimes puberulous beneath, 8-13 x 4-4.5 cm. Elliptic -oblong , coriaceous, rounded or cordate at base, apex obtuse to acute, 6-14 x 3-5 cm. 3. Flowers In sessile or shortly pedunculate corymbose cymes, scarlet. White, in sessile or shortly pedicellate cymes White, in terminal pedicellate branched cymes 4. Fruits Globose, fleshy Like a Pea. globose, red, 5-7mm in diameter, seeds flattened. 5. Flowering and fruiting time February - April April - June May - June Common Indian names of Ixora conccinea Languages / regions Names 1. Kanarese Gudde dosal, Kepala, Kisukare 2. Marathi Bakali, Pankul, Pendgul 3. Sanskrit Bandhuka, Parali, Raktaka 4. English Flame of the woods. Thank you very much for reading the article Medicinal herbs of Chhattisgarh, India having less known traditional uses. XX Laung Lata (Quisqualis indica, family : Combretaceae). Research Note - Pankaj Oudhia © 2001,2002,2003 Pankaj Oudhia - All Rights Reserved Laung Lata is a climbing shrub, native to Java and Malaysia. In Chhattisgarh, it is well known and one of the most liked ornamental shrubs in home gardens. In ancient Indian literature, very less information is available about this shrub. The natives consider it as a plant that can bring prosperity and happiness for them. Like the Sadasuhagan (Vinca rosea) herb, it flowers round the year. The traditional healers of Chhattisgarh informed me that the presence of this shrub in any place, repel away harmful insects and other organisms. This is the reason, the natives are planting this shrub in home gardens. The natives have named a sweet dish as Laung Lata, based on appearance of the flowers in branches. In my allelopathic studies, I have found different parts of this shrub specially the leaves useful in suppressing the growth of many weeds common in paddy fields. The extracts and leachates of different parts of Laung Lata are safe for paddy crop. My studies have shown that preventive spray of Laung Lata plant part solution on standing paddy crop, not only suppresses the growth of common weeds particularly Sawa (Echinochloa colonum) but also repels away the harmful insects specially Green Leaf hopper, efficiently. Through my Ethnobotanical surveys in different parts of Chhattisgarh, I observed that the natives of Chhattisgarh plains are much aware about its medicinal and other uses, as compared to the natives of other parts. The traditional healers of Chhattisgarh are not much aware of its medicinal uses but they informed me that in many cases, there is no substitute to Laung Lata. Botanically, Laung Lata is woody climber. Young shoots pubescent. Leaves opposite or sub-opposite, 5-13x2.5-6.5 cm, ovate elliptic or elliptic - oblanceolate, papyraceous, tomentose or glabrous, apex acuminate, base rounded or sub-cordate. Flowers white turning to red or orange, showy, fragrant , in terminal and axillary upto 6cm long spikes, bracts leafy. Fruits dark brown, ovate-elliptic. The traditional healers of Chhattisgarh use the black ants feeding on Laung Lata flowers in powder form, in treatment of gynaecological disorders. The flowers are not used for this purpose. The ants are collected after feeding on flowers. The use of black ants feeding on Laung flowers, as medicine has yet not been reported. The traditional healers of Bastar region informed me about this use. I have s its practical use. I have mentioned in my previous articles, that the natives and traditional healers of Bastar region have rich traditional medicinal knowledge about uses of insects. After collection of fresh ants, the aqueous paste is prepared. The healers use it in both aqueous paste and powder forms. In normal days, it is recommended for all women in order to prevent the attack of common gynaecological troubles. It is given as medicine in treatment of dysmenorrhoea. The natives prepare curry from tender shoots and eat it with taste. The traditional healer of Mudpar village informed me that the seeds can be used successfully to flush out the intestinal worms. He further informed that the roosted seeds in combination with other herbs are given in treatment of malarial fevers. The innovative herb growers of Chhattisgarh are taking keen interest in this plant. They are eager to use it in organic cultivation of medicinal and aromatic crops. After getting encouraging results in paddy crop, I am trying it on other crops. The medicinal uses of black ant is not reported in countries from where Laung Lata is originated. This is the discovery of the natives and healers of Chhattisgarh. This discovery indicates that like other exotic species, the natives have welcomed this species and using it more efficiently as compared to the natives of countries from which it has came. Thank you very much for reading the article. Traditional Medicinal Knowledge about common weed Typha sp. in Chhattisgarh, India Research Note - Pankaj Oudhia © 2001,2002,2003 Pankaj Oudhia - All Rights Reserved Typha, locally known as patera or Sarpat is one of the common weeds in all most every part of Chhattisgarh state. Three species of Typha are of common occurrence in India, namely, T.latifolia, T. angustifolia and T. elephantina. These are robust, 2-4 m tall, perennial grass - like plants, growing in shallow waters (Gupta, 1984). In India, the young shoot, rhizome, marrow of immature inflorescence are eaten in various ways. The pollens are made into sweets. The medicinal uses of Typha have not been reported in available literatures. (Sastry and Kavathkar, 1990). The natives of Chhattisgarh are rich in traditional medicinal knowledge about common herbs, insects, mites and spiders (Oudhia, 2001, Oudhia et. al. 1999). In order to list out the traditional medicinal knowledge about common weed Typha, a detailed Ethnobotanical surveys were conducted in different parts of Chhattisgarh, during year 2001-2002. The surveys were conducted in all sixteen districts of Chhattisgarh State. From each selected district, four blocks are selected and from each block, a random sample of 8 villages was taken to make a sample of 250 respondents. Information regard existing uses was collected through personal interviews. The survey revealed that the natives specially the old villagers are aware of medicinal uses of Typha. Typha is used to treat over 25 diseases alone or in combination with other herbs. It is used both externally and internally. The leaves are used most frequently as compared to other plant parts. Leaves collected and used prior to flowering are considered as best. Some popular uses of Typha leaves are mentioned below. 1. In case of septic wounds, the ash of Typha leaves is applied externally. 2. During pregnancy, the women are advised to chew fresh leaves of Typha daily empty stomach. 3. With other herbs like Withania somnifera, Mucuna pruriens, Chlorophytum borivilianum and Pueraria tuberosa, dried leaves are used as aphrodisiac in many parts specially in southern part of Chhattisgarh. 4. The ash of leaves is applied externally with Sesamum oil to patients suffering from chronic gout. These medicinal properties of Typha, have not been documented. The survey suggested that there is a strong need to evaluate the efficacy of Typha scientifically. References. Gupta, O.P (1984). Scientific weed management Pbl. Today and Tomorrow’s Printers and Publishers, New Delhi (India) pp. 383. Oudhia, P. (2001). Traditional medicinal knowledge about an obnoxious weed Jal Kumbhi (Eichhornia crassipes) in Chhattisgarh, India. Aquaphyte. 21(2) : 18. Oudhia, P., Tripathi, R.S., Puri, S. and Chandel, D.S. (1999). Traditional knowledge about medicinal weeds in Chhattisgarh. Vasundhara The Earth. 1(1) : 12-15. Sastry, C.S.T and Kavathkar, K.Y. (1990) . Plants for reclamation of wastelands. Pbl. Publication and Information Directorate, CSIR, New Delhi (India) : 520-521. Allelopathic effects of selected leaf extracts on germination and seedling vigour of medicinal crop Kevatch (Mucuna pruriens L.) Research Note - Pankaj Oudhia © 2001,2002,2003 Pankaj Oudhia - All Rights Reserved Abstracts View All Tables- MS Word RTF Document Allelopathic effects of selected leaf extracts on germination and seedling vigour of medicinal crop Kevatch (Mucuna pruriens) were investigated. Fresh samples of leaves of selected plants were collected. To prepare extracts, the crushed leaves were allowed to decay in water in the ratio of 1:10 w/v. Mucuna seeds were soaked in these extracts and observations on germination and seedling vigour were taken. Different selected extracts produced significant allelopathic effects on Mucuna. Calotropis leaf extract was identified as most promising extract whereas Blumea leaf extract was noted as most harmful extract. words : Allelopathic; Mucuna; Medicinal crop; Jatropha; Acorus; Ipomoea; Blumea; Calotropis; Psoralea; Germination; seedling Introduction Mucuna pruriens, locally known as Kevatch or Kevanch, is one of the popular medicinal crops of Chhattisgarh. It is grown as kharif crop. Mucuna has long been known and valued in Indian systems of medicine( Oudhia, 2002; Oudhia and Tripathi, 2002). The allelopathic studies on Mucuna have yet not been done. Allelopathy is relatively a new branch of science. The term ' Allelopathy' includes all biochemical interactions ( inhibitory and stimulatory) among plants, including microorganisms. Different plants have different allelopathic effects on other plants. Negative (stimulatory) allelopathic effects of any plant on germination, seedling vigour, growth etc. of other plants can be utilized to develop bio-stimulators. Similarly, the positive (inhibitory ) allelopathic effects of any plant on other plants can be used to develop ecofriendly, cheap and effective plant killers ( Oudhia, 1999). In order to study the allelopathic effects of water extracts prepared from common medicinal plants viz. Ipomoea carnea, Jatropha curcas, Ipomoea reniformis, Acorus calamus, Blumea lacera, Psoralea corylifolia, Mucuna pruriens (for studying Autotoxicity), Acacia arabica, and Calotropis gigantea (Table-1) on germination and seedling vigour of Mucuna pruriens, a pot experiment was conducted at Research Farm, Srishti Herbal Academy and Research Institute (SHARI) situated at Doomar (Durg). India during 2001-2002. Materials & Methods Fresh samples of leaves of selected plants were collected at random at the vegetative stage. To prepare extracts, the crushed leaves were allowed to decay for 24 h in distilled water in the ratio of 1:10 w/v (plant material : water). The extracts were allowed to decay at room temperature (28±2oC ) following which the extract was taken using a sieve (2mm mesh). The bioassay experiment was don in earthen pots filled with neutral clay loam soil. Mucuna seeds were soaked in different extracts for 24 h. As a control, Mucuna seeds were also soaked in distilled water for the same duration. After soaking, 10 seeds of Mucuna were sown in each pot. The experiment was laid out in a randomized block design with four replications; the experiment was repeated twice. Germination was recorded at 5, 7, 9, 11 and 13 days after sowing (DAS) and root and shoot lengths were noted at 13 DAS. Results and Discussion Different leaf extracts produced significant effects on germination and seedling vigour of Mucuna seeds. At 5 DAS, Acorus and Ipomoea leaf extracts, at 7 DAS, Acorus leaf extract. at 9 DAS, Jatropha leaf extract, at 11 DAS, Ipomoea carnea, Acorus and Mucuna leaf extracts and at 13 DAS Ipomoea carnea, Acorus, Mucuna and Calotropis leaf extracts resulted in maximum germination whereas at 7 DAS, Psoralea leaf extract and at 13 DAS, Control (water) lowered the germination to the minimum. All extracts produced stimulatory allelopathic effects on germination of Mucuna as compared to control (water) and resulted in higher germination. Lethal effects on germination were not observed. In case of root elongation, significantly superior root elongation was noted in case of Calotropis leaf extract that was at par with elongation produced by Jatropha, Mucuna leaf extracts and control (water) whereas Ipomoea leaf extract resulted in lowest elongation. In case of shoot elongation, maximum elongation was found under control that was at par with elongation produced by all the extracts except Blumea leaf extracts. Blumea leaf extract lowered the elongation to the minimum. In the experiment, different interesting observation were noted. Calotropis leaf extracts has been identified as promising extract having stimulatory allelopathic effects on germination, root and shoot elongation. Stimulatory allelopathic effects of different parts of Calotropis on several agricultural crops have been reported (Oudhia and Tripathi, 1997, Oudhia, 2001). Blumea leaf extract has been identified as most harmful extracts as it resulted in lowest root elongation. In Mucuna fields of Chhattisgarh, Blumea is a common weed. Although stimulatory allelopathic effects of Blumea on different agricultural crops have been reported (Oudhia et al 1997) but in case of Mucuna it resulted in inhibitory allelopathic effects specially in case of root elongation. This observation confirms the hypothesis advanced by Ashraf and Sen (1978) that same allelochemicals acts differently in response of different crops. The autotoxicity effects of Mucuna leaf extract on Mucuna have not been observed. Mucuna leaf extract produced more stimulatory allelopathic effect on germination as compared to control, Jatropha, Ipomoea reniformis, Blumea, Psoralea and Acacia leaf extracts. It has produced comparable root and shoot elongation as compared to maximum elongations. Furthermore , repetition of this experiment under field conditions would provide better understanding of allelopathic phenomenon of these extracts on germination and seedling vigour of Mucuna. Acknowledgement The author is thankful to Mr. Umakant Tiwari, Mr. Dhanraj Sahu and Mr. SantRam for their co-operation during this experiment . References : Ashraf, N. and Sen, D. N. (1978). Allelopathic potential of Celosia argentea in arid land crop fields. Oecol. Plant. 13, 331-338. Oudhia, P. (1999), Studies on Allelopathy and medicinal weeds in Chickpea fields. International Chickpea and Pigeonpea Newsletter. 33. Oudhia, P. (2001). Allelopathic research on chickpea seeds in Chhattisgarh (India) region: An overview. Ecol. Env. And Cons. 7(1) : 34. Oudhia, P.(2002).Cultivation of Mucuna for medicinal uses in India. Mucuna News 5 : 6. 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. (2002). Prospects of cultivation of medicinal plants in Chhattisgarh, India. In : Series Recent Progress in medicinal plants Vol.5-Crop Improvement, Production Technology, Trade and Commerce. SCI TECH. Pub. USA pp. 211-236. Oudhia, P. Kolhe, S. S. and Tripathi, R. S. (1997). Allelopathic effect of Blumea lacera L. on Chickpea and rabi weeds. Agric. Sci. Digest 17 (4): 275-278. Interactions with senior farmers of Chhattisgarh Plains having traditional medicinal knowledge about common plants and animals. Research Note - Pankaj Oudhia © 2001,2002,2003 Pankaj Oudhia - All Rights Reserved Gahun (Wheat) is not a popular crop in Chhattisgarh. The farmers cultivate this crop without irrigation. Chhattisgarh is well known for paddy production. After paddy, they grow pulse and oil seeds crops. In area, where wheat is grown as second crop due to introduction of new seeds and technologies, many new pests have entered in Chhattisgarh. Gahunsa (Phalaris minor) is among th pests. Gahunsa is well known weed in wheat fields. It is an annual, graminaceous weed and according to reference literatures, it has spread widely in many wheat growing areas of the world. Like wild Oat (Avena fatua), it mimics wheat plants and sets seeds at almost the same height and time as the crop. Each plant of Gahunsa, (in English Canary grass) produces about 300-460, shiny black, very small, flat seeds which readily contaminate wheat seeds. In wheat growing regions of India, it has became headache for the farmers. As it emerges with the germination of wheat and resembles wheat seedling, therefore, it is difficult to recognize it in the initial stage. The weed scientists are recommending many weedicides to eradicate this weed from wheat crop well in time. According to them, this weed causes great damage to wheat crop and there is no promising alternative to weedicides. The reference literatures related to weed management in wheat crop are full of information on chemical control. As the Gahunsa is becoming resistant to existing weedicides, the scientists are conducting research to get more powerful molecules. The more powerful molecules are making this weed more resistant and according to experts, this war will lead to make Gahunsa, a super weed, that can not be managed by any tools. The war between scientists a Gahunsa is becoming curse for the environment of wheat fields. The strong chemicals are causing harms to farmers and polluting the ground water. In Chhattisgarh, like other new herbs, the natives also welcomed Gahunsa and through regular experiments, they have discovered its medicinal uses. As result, the farmers are not using the chemicals to manage this so called weed. They are using it as nature's gift in preparation of herbal combinations to treat many common diseases. The representatives of multi-national companies engaged in promotion of weedicides to eradicate Gahunsa are in great trouble. The wheat growers are not ready to consider Gahunsa as weed. The representatives informed me that the farmers adopt hand weeding method and after collection of uprooted plants, they use it for different purposes. They are not ready to dump lethal chemicals in their fields in the name of Gahunsa eradication. The traditional healers aware of its use, informed me that as this herb grows with wheat, it possess many medicinal properties similar to wheat. Both are grasses and getting same treatment from mother nature. Many healers prepare fresh juice from wheat seedlings and use it in treatment of common diseases. These healers mix both species (i.e. wheat and Gahunsa) in equal proportion to make the treatment more effective. The wheat growers further told me that when they permit wheat and Gahunsa to grow together, the combination of these two species, suppresses th growth of all other major weeds. These weeds are more harmful to wheat, as reference literatures say, as compared to the Gahunsa. By education, I am weed scientist, but I have noted the bitter fact that the most of the weed scientists consider the weed as great enemy and try to develop strategies to eradicate it. Many leading multinational companies are engaged in production of weedicides to eradicate the Gahunsa. The wrong thinking and attitude towards specific herbs by few scientists, are making our earth more and more polluted. I am proud to say that the Chhattisgarh farmers are aware of this pollution and through their in depth knowledge they are adopting 'Management through Utilization' concept to manage the unwanted plants in crop fields. You will be surprised to know that the farmers use this so called weed for hair care. The fresh herb is collected and with the help of water, aqueous paste is prepared. According to them, this paste is a boon for the patients having the problem of Alopecia. In herbal combinations used for hair care, the farmers never miss to add Gahunsa during cropping season. Its internal use, acts as carminative and flushes out the worms. In case of skin diseases, particularly in ringworm, the farmers burn the herb and collect the ash. This ash is applied externally on affected parts to treat it in very less time. The farmers also told me that it can be used successfully in treatment of gastric troubles. These uses of Gahunsa (Phalaris minor) have yet not been reported in reference literatures. This article is the first written document on this aspect and I am feeling proud to write this information, in this form and to present it, among world community. Gahunsa is also used as fodder. The farmers believe that its use as fodder develops resistance in cattle bodies to fight diseases. The reference literatures support its use as fodder. According to these literatures, young plant contains upto 15 percent protein whereas hay contains 7.7 percent protein. Seed can be used as bird-feed. Although majority of allelopathic studies, conducted to evaluate the effects of different parts of Gahunsa, on wheat, indicates that all parts possess lethal allelochemicals that can cause great harms to wheat, but many workers have shown that the allelopathic effects depend upon the methods adopted for the studies and no body knows, the method, the mother natures adopts. In my studies, I have not found harmful effects of Gahunsa on germination and early seedling vigour of wheat. I personally feel that there is a strong need to evaluate the Gahunsa in terms of medicinal properties, scientifically. Its popularity among natives clearly indicates it effectiveness. The problem of hair loss is common problem and the use of Gahunsa in this problem can establish it as potential medicinal herb. I am hoping that like the farmers of Chhattisgarh, the farmers of other states are also aware of various uses of Gahunsa, but as no one is asking them, this knowledge is still hidden. Through this article, I would like to request the researchers of wheat growing areas around the world, to focus their dies on this untouched aspect also. Rice grass hopper is one of the common insects of paddy crop. Both hoppers and adults damage paddy by feeding on leaves and shoots and by cutting off earheads. The eggs are laid in soil in masses of 30-40 between October to December. Hoppers emerge in the following June after the first monsoon rains. They grow feeding on leaves of rice or grass on the bunds and become adults in about 70-80 days. Very often it appears as a major pest. The farmers of Chhattisgarh Plains aware of medicinal properties and uses of Grasshoppers (Hieroglyphus banian, Orthoptera, Acridiidae). According to them, the nature of Grasshopper, locally known as Tiddi or Tidda, is hot as medicine. It is sour in taste. In early days when medicinal rice varieties were under cultivation, the farmers were using the grasshoppers feeding on specific varieties for different purposes. It is common belief among them that as a source of drug, the insect feeding on herb is more useful as compared to the herb. Today when limited number of high yielding varieties are under cultivation, the farmers are not using the traditional knowledge. The young generation is not aware about the relationship between grasshoppers and medicinal rice varieties, and al importance of this relationship for the benefits of mankind. The farmers collect the hoppers from field and dry it. After drying, th bodies are put on fire and patients having the problem of Bavasir (piles) are advised to expose the affected parts in fumes in order to get early relief. The farmers informed me that internal use of hoppers purifies the blood and improves the sexual health. It is also used to prepare curry. This curry is also used as blood purifier. Many farmers told me that the hoppers can be used successfully in treatment of respiratory and urinary troubles. The use of hoppers as medicine is also not reported in reference literatures. In general, the farmers eat the hopper for taste. They get health benefits as a bonus. I have written a lot of ditional medicinal knowledge about common insects and mites in Chhattisgarh, in my previous article. Through my Ethnobotanical surveys, I am getting new unique knowledge everyday. I am confident that these information will prove the quote mentioned in ent Indian literatures that everything on this earth is useful and it is our ignorance that we have categorized few plants and animals as useful and others as waste. Common crabs in paddy fields are headache for the paddy farmers. These crabs build their home in bunds and in this process, the stored valuable rain water collected in field drains out through this tunnel. In Chhattisgarh, the paddy farming is dependent on monsoon rains and to store the rain water the farmers build big bunds (Medh). Since generations, the farmers are using crabs as food. This habit manages the crab population and protects their field bunds. The farmers have rich traditional knowledge about medicinal uses of crab. I have written many valuable information related to crabs as medicine, in my previous articles. Here I am describing, some new uses, I have noted during recent surveys. The paddy growers informed me that they collect the crabs and drying, bum it and collect the ash. According to them, the ash is used internally. This ash is a promising tonic and beneficial in the diseases of blood, respiratory and urinogenital diseases. In general, they take this ash upto one week, in any time of the year. According to them, this intake, develops enough resistance to protect body from diseases round the year. The farmers also use alone or in combination with other herbs in case of renal calculi (Pathri). The one or two doses of ash flushes out the stones from body. I personally feel that there is a need for scientific evaluation and standardization of this unique use. Since generations, the farmers around the world are aware of benefits of earthworms. It is one of best friends of farmers. In Chhattisgarh, the farmers use earthworms, locally known as Gangerua, as medicine both internally and externally, During my surveys in Chhattisgarh Plains, the farmers informed me that they prepare a special decoction by boiling fresh earthworms in water. This decoction is very useful for the patients having the problem of urine retention. This is new information for me. Like the natives of other parts of Chhattisgarh, the farmers of Chhattisgarh Plains are also aware of its use as aphrodisiac. The farmers of Chuikhadan area informed me about med uses of specific soil known as Chui. They use it in treatment of boils. The aqueous paste is applied externally on boils to suppress it. It is also applied externally on piles. According to them, this application is one of the promising cures for piles. The farmers also add many common herbs with Chui soil to make it more effective. Internally the farmers use it under supervision of the traditional healers because if taken in large doses, it sticks in intestinal walls and very hard to flush. Common Centipede (Scolopendra sp.) is also used as medicine by the farmers. They use it externally in treatment of eye diseases. The Centipede is collected, and dried. The dried Centipede with Mustard (Sarson) oil is applied externally on eyelids and eye-brows, to reduce tension in eyes and to root out the eye pain. This use is also not reported in reference literatures. The above mentioned uses are not only valuable but also of great practical utility. All the above mentioned herbs and animals are considered as useless by scientists. Now time has come to learn rom real scientists i.e. the farmers. With the help of farmers and traditional healers, we are trying to develop these herbs and animals based formulations and also potential markets for these formulations. As you know, that the Chhattisgarh farmers are already earning additional income from so called weed species by selling it in national markets, the addition of medicinal animals particularly the insects will make this venture more profitable. This is good thing for me that the regular readers of my articles are increasing but I am expecting some potential workers that can help me to make these dreams true. This is 180th article on Botanical.com website. The endless information about common herbs and animals present in Chhattisgarh motivate and remind me that I have to write more articles regularly and at very high speed, as very less time is available with me. Thank you very much for reading the article. Masor (Lens esculenta) as medicinal herb in Chhattisgarh, India. Research Note - Pankaj Oudhia © 2001,2002,2003 Pankaj Oudhia - All Rights Reserved The well known Agronomist Dr. Chhida Singh writes in his book "Modern techniques of raising field crop" about Masor. It is one of the important Rabi (winter) pulses. Pulses are a very important source of protein in the Indian diets as majority of population is vegetarian. Masor is one of the oldest pulse crops and the most nutritious of the pulses. It is mostly eaten as 'dal'. The pulse is first converted into split pulse or 'dal' by the removal of the skin and the separation of the fleshy cotyledons. Masor contains about 11 percent water, 25 percent protein, and 60 percent carbohydrates'. Masor (Lens esculenta syn. L. culinaris syn. Ervum lens) is native to South-West Asia and is under cultivated in almost all parts of India, including Chhattisgarh. Although the reference literatures consider this herb as nutritious herb and good for patients as diet but the traditional healers of Chhattisgarh warn the natives to use this pulse carefully as it can cause harms in majority of cases. The detailed Ethnobotanical surveys conducted in Masor growing areas in Chhattisgarh revealed that the natives and traditional healers grow this herb for good economic returns but use other herbs as pulse. Since generations they are aware of this fact that this is a medicinal herb with specific uses and they prefer its use under vision of the healers. The healers informed me that regular consumption of this herb as dal in diet causes many complicated problems. It produces blindness and harmful for sexual health. Also it is responsible for constipation, piles and leprosy. Its natur dry and hot. This is the reason, the natives avoid its use. In reference literatures related to different systems of medicine in India, many medicinal properties and uses of Masor have been mentioned. As medicine, mostly seeds (rarely leaves) are used. According to Ayurveda, seeds are cooling, astringent to bowels, diuretic, improves appetite, remove biliousness, causes pain, cures strangury, tumours, dysentery, skin diseases and useful in diseases of heart and eyes. According to Unani system of medicine, seeds are indigestible, constipating, tonic, laxative, enrich blood, and useful in diseases of chest, bronchitis, stomatitis, good for eye diseases and inflammation of breast. The traditional healers of Chhattisgarh suggest the natives using Masor 'dal' to add sufficient amount of Ghee (Cow ghee is preferred) in order to minimize the harmful effects. The traditional healers of Bastar region recommend the use of Sirka (Vinegar) also for the same purpose. I have noted that when the young natives approaches to the healers complaining about vivid dreams and the problem of night pollution, the healers instruct them to stop the use of Masor as first step. According to the healers, this small precaution, cures the problem in many cases. As medicine, the healers use all parts of Masor in treatment of many common diseases both internally and eternally. The traditional healers of Pendra region, suggest the patients suffering from throat related diseases to gargle with the decoction of Masor plant. For preparation of decoction, whole herb before flowering is used. The natives use the seeds externally alone or in combination with other herbs in face care. It removes black spots and keep the face fresh. The traditional healer of Mudpar village informed that if Masor is used for limited time, it enriches the blood and removes the impurities. According to him, this herb can be used successfully in treatment of gynaecological troubles particularly in treatment of Amenorrhoea. The farming communities of Chhattisgarh, use fresh plant as potherb or curry. According to them, its taste is bitter and it is easy to digest. The traditional healers are also aware of this use. They informed me that its use during cropping season, removes extra fat from body and purifies the blood. The healers are also aware that the Masor seed coverings are styptic but as other promising and cheap alternatives are available they use it in specific cases. Botanically, Masor is a herbaceous annual plant, mostly erect or bushy type with four to six primary branches. It is low growing not exceeding 50-60 cm in height. It has well developed root system including a central tap root, with several lateral branches spread out in all directions. The stem is weak and quadrangular. Leaves small compound and pinnate. The end of leaflets form tendrils. The inflorescence is a raceme of two or four flowers. Flowers are small, white tinged with blue, violet or pink. Pods are short, flattened, 1-1.5 cm, with a curved peak. Pods contain mostly two seeds. Grains are often light brown in colour and lens-shaped. For commercial cultivation of Masor, the natives use chemical inputs. The healers do not use this chemically treated herbs as medicine. To fulfill their requirement, they grow Masor in their own fields, organically. sor is grown in Chhattisgarh for its use as 'dal' in regular diet but the natives are also using it as medicine. In this sense, it is a medicinal crop rather then the pulse crop as projected. Through my Ethnobotanical surveys, I am trying my best to collect more information on its traditional medicinal uses. With the help of the traditional knowledge , the natives are avoiding the use of Masor in their daily diet but it is also necessary to make aware the natives of other states, where it's use is very common and popular. Thank you very much for reading the article. Medicinal herbs of Chhattisgarh, India region having less known traditional uses. XXI. Kaju (Anacardium occidentale, family Anacardiaceae). Research Note - Pankaj Oudhia © 2001,2002,2003 Pankaj Oudhia - All Rights Reserved Kaju is a small evergreen tree, native to tropical America from o to Peru and Brazil but now cultivated largely in Malabar, Kerala, Karnataka, Tamilnadu and Andhra Pradesh and to some extent in Maharashtra, Goa, Orissa and West Bengal in India. In Chhattisgarh, the experts found the climatic conditions of Bastar ion suitable for commercial plantation of Kaju. Few decades back the governmental organizations planted several thousands of Kaju trees in Bastar region. Like other government schemes, this scheme also failed and today thousands acres, having Kaju tation are of no use. Last week during my visit to Rajnagar area of Bastar region, I observed this wasteland plantation. The caretakers told me that due to the problem of poor fruit setting, this plantation is of no use. Kaju is not native to Chhattisgarh but the natives and traditional healers of Bastar region are aware of its medicinal properties and uses. In general, the natives plant this herb for ornamental purposes in home gardens. Many farmers have tried commercial cultivation of Kaju in private lands but do not get much success. In this article, I am describing the promising medicinal uses of Kaju in Chhattisgarh, I have observed and noted during my Ethnobotanical surveys. Botanically Kaju is a much branched tree, 8-12 meters. Leaf obovate or obovate oblong, obtuse- retuse or rounded tip, 10-12 cm long, hard, coriaceous, glabrous above. Flower small, yellow with pink stripes, staminate and hermaphrodite, in terminal, 15-25 cm long panicles, flowering starts when two years old. Fruit grayish-green, hard, smooth, shining, oleaginous, kidney shaped, one seeded nut, 2-5 cm long, borne on 5.0-7.5 cm long, fleshy, pyriform receptacle, called Cashew Apple, with bright yellow to scarlet skin. Seeds 300/kg. The seeds are source of Cashew nuts. They find use in confectionery and as dessert, and also yield edible oil. Nearly 90 percent of the International trade in Cashew Kernels and cashew-shell-oil is monopolized by India. Kaju is not known and marketed for its medicinal properties and uses. In ancient literatures, related to different systems of medicine in India, many valuable medicinal properties and uses of Kaju have been reported. As medicine, bark leaves, flowers and swollen peduncle of fruit are used. According to Ayurveda, ripe peduncle of fruit is acrid, sweet, hot, digestible, aphrodisiac, anthelmintic and useful in treatment of tumours, ascites, fever, ulcers, leucoderma, skin diseases, dysentery, piles, and loss of appetite. The traditional healers of Bastar region, use Kaju roots as purgative in combination with other herbs. The tar from the bark is used externally in treatment of skin diseases particularly in treatment of ringworm. The traditional healers specialized in treatment of sciatica use the latex of Kaju externally. The latex is massaged externally on affected parts to reduce the pain. To mature the immature boil, the aqueous paste of Kaju seeds is applied externally. The natives use cashew shell oil externally on corns and for treating cracks on soles of feet. The natives also eat fruit apple because of its taste. In reference literatures it is mentioned that the intake of fruit apple cures the scurvy. The natives are not aware of this fact. The above mentioned uses are not enough to establish Kaju as potential medicinal herb in Chhattisgarh but from documentation point of view, it is very valuable information. The detailed surveys are in progress and I am confident that I will get more information on traditional uses of Kaju as medicine through these surveys. Thank you very much for reading the article. Medicinal herbs of Chhattisgarh, India region having less known traditional uses. XXII Patla (Stereospermum personatum, family Bignoniaceae) Research Note - Pankaj Oudhia © 2001,2002,2003 Pankaj Oudhia - All Rights Reserved The traditional healers of Chhattisgarh use the seeds of Patla in pecific manner to treat Adhasisi (Migraine). The seeds are tied with the help of red string in opposite side ear of painful part. In pain is right sided, then seeds are tied in left ear and vice versa. In southern pats of Chhattisgarh, the healers tie the seeds in both ears as treatment. The natives are also aware if this use. Its popularity among them clearly indicates its effectiveness. The aqueous paste of seeds are also applied externally on painful parts. According to the healers, all these reatments given simultaneously, cure the trouble in less time. Patla is a common tree distributed throughout the moist parts of India. It is popular for multi-useful wood. The wood is used for canoes, tea boxes, match boxes, splints, furniture, fancywork, plywood and floor-boards. The wood is reported to yield excellent charcoal. Patla is less known for its medicinal uses. In reference literatures, related to different systems of medicine in India, many valuable medicinal properties and uses of Patla have been described. Although Patla is present in Chhattisgarh in abundance but this is bitter fact that the natives and traditional healers are not much aware of its medicinal properties and uses. In this article. I am giving information on medicinal uses of Patla, I have noted during my Ethnobotanical surveys conducted in different parts of Chhattisgarh. At first I am describing its botany and reported medicinal uses. Botanically Patla is a large deciduous tree 18-30 meters in height with a straight trunk and fairly smooth yellowish brown bark; leaves imparipinnate, large, clustered towards the end of branchlets, leaflets 3-6 pairs, short stalked, often unequal sided at the base, main nerves 8-10 pairs; flowers yellow, tinged with red, fragrant in lax drooping terminal cymose panicles; fruits capsules , cylindric, slender, curved, somewhat rough with elevated white capsules; Seeds winged at each end, wings membranous. As medicine, roots, leaves, flowers, fruits and seeds are used. According to Ayurveda, roots are bitter, heating, useful in inflammation, eructations, vomiting, asthma, fevers, blood diseases, thirst, loss of taste etc. flowers are acrid and useful in treatment of bilious diarrhoea, and burning sensation. Fruits are useful in hiccup, leprosy and strangury. Through my surveys, I got information that the natives of Southern parts of Chhattisgarh are more aware of its medicinal uses as compared to the natives of northern hilly region and Chhattisgarh Plains. The traditional healers of Chhattisgarh use the bark, flowers and seeds most frequently. To stop the hiccup (Hichki), the fresh flowers are given with shahad (Honey) internally. In treatment of diseases like rheumatism and gout, the traditional healers prepare a decoction by boiling the barks in water and give it to the patients internally till complete cure. I have talked to the patients taking this treatment. According to them, this is very promising treatment and good pain killer. In treatment of Bavasir (piles) the bark is used both internally and externally. Internally it is given with water. Externally, the patients are advised to wash the affected parts with the decoction. The decoction of bark is also used to manage the problem of acidity. From the petals the natives prepare a syrup and a conserve named Gulkand This Gulkand is given to newly wed couples . According to the natives it is and sex tonic both for males and females. With the help of surveys and documentation of existing uses, we are trying to establish this herb as potential medicinal herb. I will write more on this herb in my future article, after getting more information. Thank you very much for reading the articles Stevia rebaudiana : A new herb in Chhattisgarh, India Research Note - Pankaj Oudhia © 2001,2002,2003 Pankaj Oudhia - All Rights Reserved Since generations, the traditional healers of Chhattisgarh are using the leaves of Ratti as natural sweetener. Ratti is available in natural forests in abundance and it is one of the most frequently used herbs in the treatment of common diseases. Besides sweetening properties, the leaves of Ratti posses many valuable medicinal properties and uses. These uses have been mentioned in reference literatures related to different systems of medicine in India. According to these literatures, the Ratti leaves cure fevers, stomatitis, head complaints, asthma, thirst, tuberculous glands, caries of teeth etc. Also it improves taste and complexion. Ratti (Abrus precatorius) leaves also known as Indian liquorice or Gomchi, contain glycyrrhizin, a substance 50-60 times sweeter than sugar. Few days back when I presented new leaf powder, said to be 200-300 times sweater than sugar, to the traditional healers of Chhattisgarh, they got surprised. Curiously, they asked the name of new leaf powder, I replied this is new introduced species in Chhattisgarh named Stevia, and now be ready to start new experimentation with this herb. I am not aware that whether the government officials or concerned departments are knowing about the introduction of Stevia in India or not but this is the fact that it has reached to India and now many herb growers are planning for its commercial cultivation. Within few days, after receiving the leaf powder samples, the healers started complaining that they are not ready to use this new herb as they are feeling uneasy to use it regularly. I gave the information described in brochure about the benefits of this herb. According to the brochure, Stevia is useful as -tonic, to reduce acidity, to lower uric acid level etc. After taking the first dose, Stevia powder seems like miracle but I have perienced during my visit to well known hill station of South India, Ooty, but long use causes many uneasy feelings. The farm Chhattisgarh engaged in propagation of Stevia informed me that they have purchased the plants from South India. Many firms o Maharashtra particularly at Pune are also engaged in Stevia plants business. Unfortunately, the Indian scientists and research organizations are not aware of this introduction of new crop and like other medicinal and aromatic herbs the innovative farmers taking risk to cultivate this herb on the basis of information available. The available information are not enough and most of these informations are based on experiments and farming done outside the India. In absence of information and slow initiative by Indian Scientists, The businessmen are taking advantage by selling Stevia planting material at very high rates. Without knowing the processing method and possible market, they have declared Stevia as hi-value crop having many times importance than the Safed Musli (Chlorophytum borivilianum) crop. The extreme heat and cold conditions of Chhattisgarh Plains are becoming curse for the Stevia farmers. The farmers are growing it in controlled conditions. In Southern parts of Chhattisgarh, the farmers are getting encouraging results. As bio-diversity expert, I am not in favour of this exotic species without detailed field trials by our scientific community. In past, we have introduced many such herbs for their beneficial properties but in India, most of them spread like weeds and today, they are damaging the farmer's budget. One of my farmers at Nagpur city, is eager to plant Stevia commercially after seeing the websites of Canada.. The conditions of Canada and India are totally different. Only through systematic research farmers of different parts of India must be encouraged to plant specific herbs like Stevia. This article is the first document describing the introduction of Stevia in Chhattisgarh. I will write more as the area under this new crop will increase and farmers start the experimentation on its organic cultivation. Also about the results of experiments of traditional healers with this herb. Thank you very much for reading the article. Traditional medicinal knowledge about common plants and animals : The results of recently conducted Ethnobotanical surveys in Bastar region, Chhattisgarh, India. search Note - Pankaj Oudhia © 2001,2002,2003 Pankaj Oudhia - All Rights Reserved Aphomia gularis Zell. (Pyralidae ; Lepidoptera) is a common insect in Amli or Imli tree (Tamarindus indicus). The eggs are laid singly in cracks or holes in the fruits, about 2-7 eggs on a fruit. The larva bores into the fruit constructing galleries of silk and frass within it and feeds on the pulp an even on the seeds. It pupates in a silken cocoon within the fruit or seed for about 22 days. Although it is a serious pest for the Agriculture scientists but for the traditional healers of Bastar region specialised in use of medicinal insects and other creatures, it is a valuable insect and they use it in treatment of many common diseases both internally and externally. The traditional healers informed me that this insect is useful in diseases caused by deranged bile, such as body-burning, intoxication etc. They use the crushed insect as poultice to suppress the inflammatory swellings. They further informed me that the Imli fruits on which this insect feed are having less medicinal properties and compared to the insect in many cases. In reference literatures related to different systems of medicine in India, the medicinal properties and uses of Aphomia sp. have yet not been reported This article is first written documentation on this important as well as existing traditional medicinal use. Unfortunately, very few healers are aware of this use. The natives have showed ignorance towards this medicinal use. Imli or Amli is one of the major non-wood forest produces of Chhattisgarh having regularly high demand in national and international markets. The Agriculture scientists have identified this insect as harmful storage insect and they are planning to eradicate it through irradiation method. Possibly they are not aware of its traditional uses. I personally feel that there is a strong need to conserve and establish this traditional medicinal utilization of Aphomia species through scientific studies and detailed research. The healers are also aware of medicinal insect Assara albicostalis but they consider Aphomia more useful as compared to this species. From the herb collectors of Bastar region, I got information on traditional uses of common spider web. They collect the web and put it in the special locket. According to them, this locket prevents the attack of fevers. The locket is also recommended to the patents having the problem of chronic fever. This use is also not reported and there is a need for scientific evaluation and study on this aspect. I have mentioned many traditional medicinal uses of spider webs like its use as styptic, in my previous articles. During my Ethnobotanical surveys in Bastar region, when I got small injury to stop the bleeding, the local guide, basically a herb collector, ask me to give a piece of any paper (Kagaj). He burnt it and applied the ash, in injured part. This application stopped the bleeding immediately. For further dressing, he used the paper ash with other herbs externally and within few days, I mal skin. This is new information for me. I was not aware of this promising first aid remedy. The herb collector informed me that with the help of simple paper ash, one can treat the carbuncles easily. It is common belief among natives of Chhattisgarh that the gentle massage of Sarson Tel (Mustard oil) on leg's thumb just before the bath , makes the eye healthy and reduces the tension. Many healers have confirmed these effects. The healers of Bastar region informed that like Mustard oil one can use the Peng oil (Celastrus paniculata) on hand's thumb to get even better results. They also suggest to massage the oil on palms, just before bath. Peng is known as Black-oil tree or Intellect tree in English. For detailed information on its reported and traditional uses, please refer to my previous articles. Peng is well known herb in Bastar region and also one of the major non-wood forest produces of Chhattisgarh. In case of rheumatic pain, the traditional healers of Bastar region, use the oil prepared from Kalihari. They informed me that the roots are collected and boiled in base oil. This special oil reduces the pain and inflammation effectively. I have seen rich patches of Kalihari in this region, during recent Ethnobotanical surveys. In case of kidney troubles, the roots of Kevatch (Mucuna pruriens) are used by the healers. Black seeded Kevatch species are preferred. The roots spreading in north direction are used. The decoction is prepared and given to the patients. Roots collected before flowering is considered best. The herb growing in rocky areas is not used. Like the roots of Satavar (Asparagus racemosus) the traditional healers of Bastar region, use Patal Kumhda (Pueraria tuberosa) roots in combination with other herbs internally to increase the flow of milk in lactating women. This use is popular among the natives also. Satavari roots in combination with Gokhru roots (Tribulus terrestris) are used in treatment of diseases of urinary systems. The herbs are collected and by mixing it in equal proportion, decoction is prepared. This decoction is given internally to the patients. I have noted very rare occurrence of Gokhru in Bastar region. In case of availability, they use the Satavari alone. The healers use the bark of Bauhinia species both internally and externally in treatment of Bavasir(piles). Internally powdered bark is given with whey (Matha) whereas externally, the decoction of bark is applied externally. The healers consider it one of the promising treatments. The natives prepare curry from flowers with the help of cow ghee and use it in case of dearranged bile and related troubles. It is also liked for its good taste. The trees of Gmelina (Kamhar) sp. are common in this region. The flowers are dried by the healers and use it in treatment of Chhapaki, internally. The flowers are boiled in milk and give internally till complete cure. The natives of this region, use the powdered bark of Alstonia sp as tooth powder. They mix the powdered bark in honey and use it externally. According to them, it cures all the troubles of mouth. Its popularity among natives confirms its effectiveness. The healers of Bastar region informed me that the latex of Alstonia and Aak (Fudhar, Calotropis gigantea) mixed in equal ratio, can be used successfully as more promising tooth powder. It stops the intense pain due to dental carries immediately. The above mentioned uses particularly the use of medicinal insect Aphomia sp require immediate attention from scientific community. As my surveys are increasing and approaching to remote areas, the list of medicinal insects and related creatures are increasing. These documentation works are trying to convert me from Ethnobotanist to Ethnoentomologist. From my surveys, I am now realizing that the science should not be divided into branches and there must be freedom for the workers like me, to work on any branch of science without questioning about the basic and formal education. Thank you very much for reading the article. Medicinal herbs of Chhattisgarh, India having less known traditional uses XXIII. Bijarra (Citrus medica, family Rutaceae). Research Note - Pankaj Oudhia © 2001,2002,2003 Pankaj Oudhia - All Rights Reserved Like the roots of Chirchita (Achyranthes aspera), the natives and traditional healers of Chhattisgarh use the roots of Bijarra to hasten the process of delivery. The roots spreading in north direction are collected after performing special worship ceremony. The root piece is tied around the waist with the help of red string as the labour pain starts. The root piece is removed just after the delivery and buried near the trees of Neem or Bar. The natives and healers of all parts of Chhattisgarh are aware of this unique use. In case of complications, they change the red string and use white string. I am trying to find out the scientific reasons responsible for using strings of different colours. In southern parts of Chhattisgarh, many healers use black string also. The traditional healers are not aware of it scientific reason and according to them, they are using it since generations as per standard method developed by their forefathers. The healers are also unable to answer the query that either Achyranthes root is more effective or the Bijarra root and what will be the effect, if both roots are used? This is a new aspect on which the young researchers can focus their studies. Through my Ethnobotanical surveys conducted in different parts of Chhattisgarh, I have noted that the natives and healers use Achyranthes roots more commonly. The healers of Bijarra and Mahua (Madhuca sp.) rich areas use the combination of Bijarra roots and Mahua bark with ghee and shahad (honey) internally to hasten the process of delivery. The roots and barks are mixed in equal proportion. This combination is not much popular among the natives. Bijarra is not under commercial cultivation in Chhattisgarh. It can be seen at home gardens (in of Chhattisgarh villages. The natives grow it for its fruits. It is not a well established medicinal herb but through my surveys, I got information that the natives and healers are aware of its many medicinal properties and uses and the good sign is that they are still using it as medicine is their routine life successfully. In present article, I am describing the information on traditional uses, I have noted through these surveys. This is first written document describing the valuable traditional medicinal knowledge about Bijarra, in Chhattisgarh. According to reference literatures, it is shrub or small tree. Young shoots glabrous, purple. Leaflets 5-12 cm long, elliptic-ovate or ovate lanceolate, glabrous, petiole naked or winged. Flowers upto 2.5cm long, in racemes, white often tinged with pink, frequently unisexual. Stamens 20-60. Ovary many-celled. Fruits large, globose, ovoid, oblong and rind leathery. Flowering and fruiting time January - December. As medicine roots, flowers, seeds and fruits are used. As medicine, Bijarra holds a reputed position in different systems of medicine in India. According to Ayurveda, roots are anthelmintic, used in constipation and tumours, removes colic, useful in vomiting, urinary troubles and caries of teeth. Flowers are stimulant, astringent to bowels, increase appetite, relieve vomiting, useful in abdominal complaints, asthma, cough, hiccup, intoxication etc. fruits are sweet and sour, stimulant, digestible, tonic, cures leprosy, relieves sore throat, thirst, asthma and cough, the juice allays ear-ache, rind of the fruit is bitter, sharp, oily, aphrodisiac etc. Seeds are indigestible, good for piles and in biliousness. The traditional healers of Kanker region, informed me that to hasten the process of delivery, in place of Mahua bark, one can use the roots of Safed Ratti (Gunja) successfully. In my previous articles, I have written a lot on traditional uses of common herbs in Chhattisgarh and also about unique ways of these uses. Most of these information are new for the world community. Through recent survey I got information on unique use of Bijarra roots. The Children having the problem of frequent vomiting are given the roots boiled in milk, internally and simultaneously, the piece of root is kept inside the locket and the patients are advised to wear it till treatment duration. According to the healers, this procedure cures the trouble in very less time. For boiling the roots, cow milk is preferred. The traditional healer of Chhattisgarh Plains, use the decoction of Bijarra Chhal (bark) to flush out the intestinal worms. It is used both alone or in combination with other herbs. The traditional healers of Bhopalpatnam region use the roots with salt to flush out the Pathri (renal calculi) . During summer season, to treat the earache the natives of Chhattisgarh, mix the fruit juice of Bijarra and Aam (Mangifera indica), and juice of Adrak (Zinger) in equal proportion and apply few drops inside the affected ears as first aid measure. The traditional healers of Kondagaon region use the combination of Bijarra and Anar (Punica granatum) roots as purgative. The healers of Sarguja region informed me that the leaf juice of Bijarra and Nirgundi (Vitex negundo) are promising combination to treat the epilepsy. In other parts of India, the reference literatures claims, that the natives are much aware of different medicinal properties and uses of Bijarra. In Chhattisgarh, the experts having traditional medicinal knowledge about this herb are very less and except some promising uses like its use in delivery and vomiting, the other uses are not much popular and as other promising and cheap alternatives are available, its other uses are becoming obsolete. Through documentation, I want to conserve these knowledge for future generations. Thanking you very much for reading the article. Medicinal herbs of Chhattisgarh, India having less known traditional uses XXIV. Patha (Cissampelos pareira, family Menispermaceae) Research Note - Pankaj Oudhia © 2001,2002,2003 Pankaj Oudhia - All Rights Reserved Many herb collectors of Chhattisgarh collect this herb in the name of Harjori but in fact it is not the true Harjori or Hadjori. The real Harjori (Cissus quadrangularis) is totally different from Patha. Due to this confusion, many times the herb traders supply the wrong herb to the buyers at national levels. Patha is a twining, perennial shrub distributed in the tropical and sub-tropical tracts of the India. In Chhattisgarh, it is common herb. The traditional healers and herb collectors are aware of its natural occurrence but as medicine it is used less frequently. It is not in the list of non-wood forest produces of Chhattisgarh having routine demand The herb traders at national and international levels are not aware of its natural occurrence in the state. This is the reason that there is no threat to this species in forest. The natives are also not much aware of its medicinal properties and uses. Through my Ethnobotanical surveys in different parts of Chhattisgarh, I noted many existing and traditional uses of Patha as medicine. In present article, I am giving details of these uses. Botanically, Patha is a climbing shrub, branches more or less pubescent. Leaves peltate, orbicular or reniform, cordate at the base, mucronate, margins ciliate, flowers minute, yellowish, male flowers in axillary cymes, petals combined into cup shaped corolla, female flowers in elongate, solitary or twin, axillary racemes. Fruits drupe, sub-globose, compressed, hairy, red. Flowering time July-September. As medicine, roots and leaves are used. According to Ayurveda, Patha is hot with bitter taste, removes pain, fever, dysentery, skin eruptions, heart troubles, burning, itching etc., alleviates vomiting, asthma, removes intestinal worms, cures enlarged spleen and ulcers, useful in hemicrania, piles, uterine complaints, helps parturition. Recent research have revealed that the roots and vines, possess the alkaloid called hayatine, It is good substitute for curare, d-tubo curarine and other curariform drugs (Muscular relaxants). The traditional healers of Chhattisgarh use the leaves of Patha in treatment of diarrhoea. The leaves are given with fresh curd (Dahi) internally. The healers give roots with whey (Mattha) to the patients having the problem of indigestion. In treatment of Bavasir (piles) the roots are given with Sonth (dried Ginger). The traditional healers specialised in treatment of cancer use the roots alone or in combination with other herbs to cure the problem. In general, it is given with shahad (honey). The healers of northern hilly regions of Chhattisgarh use the decoction of Patha roots in treatment of urinary troubles but as other promising and cheap alternatives are available, it is used rarely. In reference literatures related to different systems of medicine in India many other uses of Patha are given but unfortunately the natives and healers are not aware of these uses. Through my surveys, I am trying hard to get more information on this herb. Thank you very much for reading the article. Medicinal herbs of Chhattisgarh, India having less known traditional uses XXV. Sonpatha (Oroxylum indicum,family: {Bignoniaceae) Research Note - Pankaj Oudhia © 2001,2002,2003 Pankaj Oudhia - All Rights Reserved Sonpatha (Oroxylum indicum syn. Calosanthes indica) roots are much esteemed being an ingredient of the Dashmula (Das- Ten; Mula - Roots). In Dashmula, the roots of ten different herbs are used viz. Aegle marmelos, Oroxylum indicum, Stereospermum suaveolens, Gmelina arborea, Clerodendron phlomoidis, Pseudarthria viscida, Uraria picta, Solanum indicum, Solanum xanthocarpum and Tribulus terrestris. Sonpatha is one of the major ingredients of Dashmul. Sonpatha is a common herb found in Chhattisgarh. Although it is not in the list of non-wood forest produces having routine demand but many herb traders informed me that they supply this herb very frequently to some leading pharmaceutical companies of India. They further informed me that the adulteration in this root is common practice and buyers at national levels are aware of this malpractice. The forests of Chhattisgarh, rich in bio-diversity, supply almost all major ingredients of Dashmula but it is a bitter fact that not a single pharmaceutical unit is active in preparation of Dashmula in Chhattisgarh. There is a tremendous scope in this field. This is positive sign that the traditional healers of Chhattisgarh are aware of use of Dashmula and they prepare it and use it in routine treatment. Through my Ethnobotanical surveys in different parts of Chhattisgarh, I collected many valuable information on traditional uses of Sonpatha. I have noted that the experts using Sonpatha are less in number and the valuable information is ending with these experts. The young generation is not taking interest in these information. In present article, I am describing some traditional uses of Sonpatha as medicine. Botanically Sonpatha is a small to medium sized deciduous tree found throughout the greater part of India. Bark grayish brown with corky lenticles; Leaves very large, 0.5 1.5 metre in length, 2-3 pinnate, leaflets 12 cm long and 8cm broad; Flowers reddish. Purple outside, pale pinkish yellow within ; Fruits flat capsu upto one metre long, 5-10cm broad, sword-shaped. Seeds numerous, flat and winged all around except at the base. As mentioned earlier, Sonpatha holds a reputed position as medicine in different systems of medicine in India. As medicine, roots and fruits are used most frequently. According to Ayurveda, root bark is acrid, astringent to bowels, cooling, aphrodisiac, tonic, appetiser and useful in biliousness, bronchitis, fevers, intestinal worms, vomiting, dysentery, leucoderma, asthma, inflammations, and troubles etc. fruits are acrid, stomachic, anthelmintic, good in heart and throat diseases, piles, bronchitis etc. According to Unani system of medicine fruits are expectora improves appetite and useful in leucoderma. Industrially, the bark and fruits are used in dyeing and tanning. The natives of Chhattisgarh eat the young shoots and unripe fruits with taste. The thin light seeds are also edible. In ancient times, the traditional healers of Chhattisgarh were using the thin light seeds to prepare special hats in order to treat the Adhasisi (Migraine). The traditional healers of northern hilly regions of Chhattisgarh informed me about this use during my survey. This is really unique use and not reported in available literatures. I personally feel that there is a need for detailed scientific investigation. In case of rheumatic pain, the traditional healers use the Sonpatha roots. They prepare a decoction and give it internally. Also they suggest the patients to expose the affected parts to the fumes coming from decoction to get relief. The aqueous paste of root bark is used externally in treatment of urinary system diseases. The healers of Chhattisgarh Plains use this herb in treatment of diarrhoea internally. They take precaution during this treatment as over-dose can cause constipation. It is also as veterinary medicine. Due to these limited traditional medicinal uses, I have kept this herb in the category of less known herb but through my on-going surveys, I trying to get more information on Sonpatha. Thank you very much for reading the article. Medicinal herbs of Chhattisgarh, India having less known traditional uses XXVI. Petha (Benincasa hispida, family Cucurbitaceae) Research Note - Pankaj Oudhia © 2001,2002,2003 Pankaj Oudhia - All Rights Reserved The fruits of Petha, in English Ash gourd or White gourd, are candied with sugar and used to prepare a popular sweet called Petha. The sweet ation is popular in al over India, In Chhattisgarh, the confectioners engaged in preparation of this item are present in every city and also in big villages. In Raipur, these confectioners are limited to the heart of city known as Petha line or lane. They sell it in the name of Agre Ka Petha (Agra is a city in northern India, famous for Taj Mahal) but in fact they prepare it in Chhattisgarh. For the natives, Petha is just a sweet dish, but for the traditional healers it is a valuable medicinal preparation. You will be surprised to know that this sweet dish is a boon for the patients having the problem of hypertension. Its regular intake as medicine promotes good sleep and also improves memory. It is good substitute for sweet chocolates for children. This herbal preparation is also useful for the patients having the problem of Bavasir (Piles). The confectioners of Chhattisgarh are aware of its medicinal properties and uses. Like sweet dish they prepare different other items using fruits but Petha is most popular. I have found Petha as good hair growth promoter. The herb of Petha is present in natural forests of Chhattisgarh. It is also under cultivation. Most of the confectioners grow this herb in order to fulfill their regular demand. Petha is not in the list of non-wood forest produces of Chhattisgarh, having regular demand. Its natural occurrence in other parts of the country is one of major reasons responsible. In Indian states Uttar Pradesh, Punjab, Rajasthan and Bihar, it is under cultivation in large areas. During my Ethnobotanical surveys in different parts of the state, I have collected many information on its traditional medicinal uses. At first , I am describing its botany and reported medicinal uses, I have noted from reference literatures. Petha (Benincasa hispida syn. B. cerifera syn. Cucurbita hispida) is annual branched climber. Leaves 10-25 cm in diameter, reniform to rounded in shape, deeply cordate, 5-7 lobed, scabrous above, shortly hispid beneath, margin sinuate, dentate; petioles hirsute, 5-20 cm long; tendrils slender. Male peduncles 5-15 cm long; female peduncles 2-4 cm long, calyx tube densely villose. Fruits fleshy, hairy when young waxy blood when mature; seeds compressed, ovoid, yellowish-white, distinctly marginate, 10-11x 5-7 mm. Flowering and fruiting June to October. In reference literatures related to different systems of medicine in India, many valuable medicinal properties and uses have been mentioned. As medicine fruits, seeds and oil from seeds are used commonly. According to Ayurveda, fruit is laxative, diuretic, tonic, aphrodisiac, cures strangury, urinary discharges and calculi, thirst, biliousness, blood diseases, removes foul taste from mouth. It is good heart tonic. According to Unani system of medicine, Petha fruits is antiperiodic, cardiac and general tonic and also good aphrodisiac. It enriches blood. Seed is cooling and useful in dry cough, fever, urethral discharges, biliousness and thirst. Seed oil is soporific and good for brain and liver. It is also useful in treatment of syphilis. Common Indian names of Petha. Regions/Languages/Countries Names English Ash Pumpkin, Tallow-White Gourd Gujarati Bhurukoholu, Dorokaru, Koholu Hindi Golkaddu, Kondha, Kudimar Kanarese Budekumbalkai Marathi Kohala Sanskrit Karkutika, Kushmanda, Timisha, Shikhivardhaka I have written on tree shade therapy, herbal glasses, herbal huts, herbal mala etc. in my previous articles now I am writing about the herbal cap. The traditional healer of Mudpar village aware of medicinal uses of Petha prepares a special cap by removing the pulp from Petha fruit and give it to the patients having the trouble of insanity and epilepsy. The suggests the family members of the patients to use this cap during the attack. The healer informed me that this herbal cap reduces the intensity of attack and induces the sleep. The traditional healers of other parts of Chhattisgarh are not aware of this unique use. They use the Aloe gel for the same purpose. The traditional healer of Mudpar, collects the fruit pulp of Petha and with the help of cow ghee prepares special Halwa (a sweet dish). This dish is given to the patients having the problem of insanity. The use of Petha cap is not mentioned in reference literatures. I am proud to write that the healer of Chhattisgarh is aware of this unique use and using it in regular practice. In general, the healers recommend thi herb as medicine to the patients having hot nature (Garm Tasir). According to them, it plays important role in heat balance of human body. As mentioned earlier, that the confectioners prepare common sweet meat from Petha fruit, locally known as Petha. Since my student life I am taking this sweet meat as medicine. I have found it promising memory tonic. The traditional healers of southern Chhattisgarh, prefer fresh juice of Petha herb as compared to the sweet dish. The juice is given empty stomach to the patients suffering from hypertension and insomnia. During hot summer, the natives prepare special herbal drink from Petha seeds to protect themselves from hot winds "Loo" during field works. The healers of Kanker region, use the fruit rind with sugar in treatment of chronic respiratory diseases. It stops the bleeding from any part of respiratory tract. The natives use the fruits as vegetable but they are not aware of its medicinal uses. The sweet meat prepared from Petha fruit is good food for the children. There is a need to promote it among the natives, particularly the natives from young generation fond of harmful chocolates like sweets. As the natives eat it for taste, it is necessary to aware them about the medicinal properties and uses of this sweet meat. With the help of innovative herb growers, we are trying to establish this herb as potential medicinal crop in Chhattisgarh. ank you very much for reading the article. Medicinal herbs of Chhattisgarh, India having less known traditional uses XXVII. Sinduri (Mallotus philippensis, family Euphorbiaceae) Research Note - Pankaj Oudhia © 2001,2002,2003 Pankaj Oudhia - All Rights Reserved is a common tree found throughout the tropical regions of India. According to reference literatures, tree is a source of Kamela dye which is used in coloring silk and wool. Also it is used as anti-oxidant for ghee, vegetable oils. Kamala oil is used in formation of hair fixers and ointments. Seed oil is used in paints and varnishes and seed cake as manure. Wood pulp is suitable for writing and printing-paper. In trade, Sinduri is known as Kamala. Sinduri is a common tree present in dense forests of Chhattisgarh. There is a heavy demand of different parts both as source of natural dye and medicine. The coloring matter in Sinduri is present in the red glandular pubescence covering the ripe capsule and is usually collected when the fruits ripen. The dye is obtained either by agitating the fruits or by stirring the fruits vigorously in water. The principal coloring principles are the salmon coloured rottherin and its yellow isomer isorottelerin. It produces a bright orange or flame colour which is fast to soap and alkalies and acids but fades in sunlight. Like the natural dye of Lipstick tree (Bixa orellena), the natives of Chhattisgarh particularly the natives living in tribal areas, use this dye for various purposes including its use to decorate themselves. Although reference literatures claim that with advent of synthetic dyestuffs, the demand of this material has practically ceased but according to the herb traders of Chhattisgarh, from past tree to four years, its demand has increased three to four times. Now the world is coming back from synthetic to natural dyes. All parts of Sinduri are used as medicine both internally and externally to treat many diseases. The natives an traditional healers are aware of its medicinal properties and uses but I have found the herb collectors are equally aware of different practical uses. Through my Ethnobotanical surveys in different parts of Chhattisgarh, I have identified 25 traditional healers specialised in use of Sinduri as medicine. Common Indian names of Mallotus sp. Regions/Languages/Countries Names Assam Jorat, Lason Bengali Kamala Gujarati Kapilo Hindi Kamala, Rohini, Sindur Kanarese Kunkum adamara Lepcha Puroakung Malayalam Kuramadakku, Manjana Marathi Shendri Oriya Kapilogundi, Kukumo, Sinduri Tamil Kapil, Kungumam, Kurangu manjanatti Telugu Chendiramu, Kunkuma, Sinduri English Monkey-face tree Sanskrit Kapila, Kampillaka Botanically, Sinduri is a small tree, height 8-10 meters, trunk 1 meter diameter, pale bark and slender branches. Leaves articulated, alternate, tomentose, blade 4-10 cm long, ovate or rhombic ovate. Flowers dioecious, female flowers in lax spike like terminal and axillary racemes and male flowers 3 to-gather in the axils of small bracts. Capsule trigonous-globular, covered with a bright crimson layer of minute easily detached reddish granules. Seeds one in each cell, short, flat in front, round on back. According to Ayurveda, leaves are bitter, cooling, appetiser, and causes flatulence and constipation. Fruit is heating, purgative, anthelmintic, vulnerary, detergent, maturant, carminative, alexiteric, healers ulcers, wounds, tumours, stone in bladder and useful in bronchitis, diseases of abdomen, enlargement of spleen etc. The use of Sinduri as anthelmintic is reported in reference literatures related to different systems of medicine in India. The traditional healers of Chhattisgarh are also aware of this use. They use the powdered fruit with ghee and gud (Jaggery) to flush out the harmful worms. The natives use the powdered fruit to dress the wounds. According to them, there is no alternative to this herb for wound dressing. The traditional healers informed me that even the syphilis and gonorrhoea can be treated successfully with this herb. They use in alone in simple cases and with other herbs in case of complicated cases. To treat the itching in anus the healers suggest the patients to dip the cotton in seed oil of Sinduri and put it inside the anus. This treatment cures the trouble effectively. In previous articles, I have mentioned the use of kerosene oil for the same purpose. The traditional healers of Bilaspur region, use the powdered fruit in treatment of constipation. The powdered fruit is given with Shahad (Honey) but as other promising and cheap alternatives are available, it is not used commonly. The increasing demand of natural dyes has attracted the attention of herb traders towards this common but useful herb. This demand can creat pressure on natural population of Sinduri. There is a need to think in direction timely and also to promote the commercial plantation of Sinduri in the Thank you very much for reading the article Traditional medicinal knowledge about common herbs and animals used as aphrodisiac in Chhattisgarh, India : The results of recent surveys Research Note - Pankaj Oudhia © 2001,2002,2003 Pankaj Oudhia - All Rights Reserved The traditional healers of Dalli- Rajhara region use the latex of Thura (Euphorbia neriifolia) in unique way. They mix the latex and cow milk in equal proportion and put the mixture in direct sunlight whole day. At night the mixture is rubbed in soles before intercourse. They informed me that this use increases the stamina as well as the retention time in case of males and one can use this mixture every day without any side effects but as it is not readily available in packets, the natives of this region use it at special occasions. For milk, black coloured cow is preferred and raw milk is used. This mixture is harmful for the patients having the problem of Bavasir (piles). Why ? The healers were unable to answer this question but they never recommend this use for such patients. There is no specific method for massage. In cold winter days, they put the mixture in sunlight for more duration. The healers further informed me that this massage is also beneficial for eye related diseases. After massage, the users are not allowed to take water. The natives are well aware of this mixture and its effects but unfortunately, they are not aware of precautions to be taken during its use. This is the reason in many cases, the mixture produces the side effects. Thura is wild herb in this part of Chhattisgarh. The fresh latex is used to prepare the mixture. The traditional healers of Dondi-Lohara region use the leaves of Black Dhatura (Datura metel) for the same purpose. They extract the leaf juice and rub it on both ankles. After drying the users are advised to perform intercourse. The leaves before flowering are collected for juice extraction. Insect or disease infested leaves are not used for this purpose. Like collection of other herbs, the healers perform special worship ceremony before collection of Dhatra leaves. In general, the healers do not disclose the secret formula. This is the reason the natives of this region are not much aware of this use. Black Dhatra is common in this part of Chhattisgarh. In Tirathgarh region of Bastar, the healers recommend the external use of fresh blood of Bats (Chamgadur). The blood is applied on male genitals just before the intercourse in order to get more stamin and retention time. Many healers prefer the blood of Kabutar (Pigeons) as compared to the blood of Bats. The Mahanadi river belts is having the rich population of Hurhur or Hulhul herb (Cleome viscosa). This is the reason, that the natives and traditional healers of this region are aware of many unique traditional uses of Hulhul. As aphrodisiac, they use the seeds and bark. Seeds and bark are mixed in (2:1) ratio and boiled in base oil. As base oil Til oil is used commonly. When all watery content evaporates, the oil is collected and kept for future use. The users are advised by the healers to apply this special oil externally on male genitals in order to stimulate it. The oil stored over one year is not used. The herbs growing in polluted areas are not preferred. Through the interaction with the natives of Balladilla hills, I got information that in this part of Chhattisgarh, Asgandh (Withania somnifera) is present naturally. I have yet not visited the hills to confirm this natural occurrence. He told me that the traditional healers of this part, mix the Asgandh roots in Chameli oil and use this combination externally as stimulant. The healers recommend regular use upto long time for real effect. He further informed me that the bile of cow mixed with Shahad (honey) is also a promising aphrodisiac and one must use this mixture atleast upto fifteen days to get real and complete effects. The procedure of use is very simple. Wash the genital with this mixture during bath and apply lukewarm water to remove the mixture from genitals. But it is very difficult for common person to get the bile regularly and this is the reason, this method is also not much popular. From documentation point of view it is an important information. In my previous articles. I have mentioned the natural occurrence of Munga (Sahajan, Drumstick tree ) in Chhattisgarh. It is also under cultivation. The traditional healers of Chhattisgarh , collect the roots of wild Munga and dry it in shade. The potential Munga trees are selected on the basi experiences. The dried roots are powdered and mixed with Ajwain and Urd (Vigna mungo). The patients having poor sexual desire as well as power are advised by the healers to take this combinations in form of globules daily. The globules are prepared as the size of Ber (Ziziphus jujuba) fruits. On the basis of vitality of patients and severity of trouble, the duration is fixed but in general, it is given upto six months. The healers also suggest the patients to take Singhara with cow milk round the ear to maintain the sexual health. The natives prepare special sweet dish from Singhara known as Singhare Ka Halwa for themselves. It is specially recommended for newly wed couples. Both males and females are advised to take this medicinal Halwa. I am describing the botany and reported medicinal uses of this useful aquatic herb in short. According to reference literatures, Singhara (Trapa natans syn T. bispinosa) is floating annual herb; stems long, flexuous; Floating leaves in rosette, crowded in upper part of stem, lamina rhomboid, crenate-toothed on upper margin, 1.5 - 5.5 X 1.5 - 7.0 cm, glabrous, glossy dark green and mottled brown above, villous hairy and reddish - purple beneath; submerged leaves finely dissected into root-like inner segments. Flowers solitary, axillary, white or purple, pedicels incurved during flowering, afterwards bending down beneath water. Drupes top shaped, two-horned, one seeded, 2.5-3.5 cm across, dark brown on black, ripening under water. Flowering and fruiting time August to December. The English name of fruits is Water Chestnuts. It contains starch and fat in sufficient amount and eaten raw or cooked. As medicine, fruits are used most commonly. According to Ayurveda, it is cooling, indigestible, aphrodisiac, astringent to bowels, antipyretic and useful in treatment of leprosy, burning sensation, fatigue, inflammation, blood diseases, urinary discharges, biliousness, bronchitis, bad teeth etc. The traditional healers of Bagbahera region, use the pods of Bambri (Acacia nilotica) with whole herb of Chhoti Duddhi (Euphorbia hirta) as aphrodisiac. The immature pods and whole herb of Duddhi are mixed in equal proportion and converted into powder. This combination is given internally upto long time. During Basant (Spring), the natives of Gandai forest region, use the Baur of Aam (Mango inflorescence) in combination with other herbs as aphrodisiac. As other herbs both Musli i.e. Safed Musli (Chlorophytum sp.) and Kali Musli (Curculigo orchoides) and gum of Semar (Bombax ceiba) are used. All herbs are mixed in equal proportion and herbal mixture is prepared This combination is given with cow milk in order to maintain the sexual health round the year. For collection of inflorescences, the indigenous trees are preferred. It is not collected from the high yielding Mango trees. According to the traditional healers of this forest region, all four herbs alone act as aphrodisiac but this combination makes them more useful and potent. The natural forests of Gandai region are rich in natural population of both Kali and Safed Musli. Semar is also a common tree. The natives of Chhattisgarh plains are aware of use of desi (indigenous) Genda or Gonda seeds (Marigold) as aphrodisiac. This is considered as poor man's aphrodisiac. The seeds are collected and users are advised to take it with equal quantity of sugar. I interviewed the users of this herb. They informed that it is very promising herb but regular use can cause harmful effects. I would like to mention here that the traditional healers of Chhattisgarh never suggest the users to use aphrodisiac regularly. According to them, the nature has provided these gifts for specific occasions. But unfortunately the natives ignore this instruction and this is the reason they face problems in terms of harmful side effects. The natives also use husk of Kasaundi (Cassia sophera) as aphrodisiac. They powdered the husk and with honey, prepare the ixture. This mixture is given with a cup of hot milk (cow milk). Kasaundi occurs as natural herb in Chhattisgarh. The traditional healers of Dhamtari region use the common weed Duddhi (Euphorbia hirta) as aphrodisiac. The whole herb is crushed and globules are prepared. These globules are given twice a day with cow milk. This use increases the desire and power both. The size of globules should not be more than the size of Ber fruits as over-dose can cause loose motions. As mentioned earlier, that in Bagbahera region, Duddhi is used with Babool Pods, this is a matter of scientific investigation that which combination is more potential and what are the advantages and disadvantages of these different combinations and The traditional healers of all parts of Chhattisgarh have the opinion that there is no substitute to the globules prepared from fresh Gangerua (earthworms) as female aphrodisiac. According to them, its regular intake during rainy season, make the female genital enough potent for whole he traditional healers of Sirsa (Albizia sp.) rich areas use the Sirsa seeds mixed with Parsa (Butea monosperma) seeds as aphrodisiac. Both seeds are powdered and mixed in equal proportion. This mixture is given internally with cow milk. According to the healers, the seasonal use is good for sexual health. The use of Gokhru (Tribulus terrestris) as aphrodisiac is mentioned in reference literatures related to different systems of medicine in India. The traditional healers of Chhattisgarh are also aware of this use. The healers use to Gokhru with sugar, ghee and Shahad (honey) internally. The healers purchase the seeds of Uttangan from the herb vendors of Chhattisgarh and use it as aphrodisiac in specific cases. The Uttangan (Blepharis edulis) seeds are mixed in water and aqueous paste is prepared. This paste is applied twice a day on male genitals in order get good stamina and retention time. I have already written a lot on Aphrodisiacs of Chhattisgarh but the results of recently conducted surveys indicated that these information are just the top of iceberg. I am aware that I have to work harder to collect more information on this important aspect. I am trying to get details regarding precautions during uses, side effects and efficacies etc. and hoping that these informations will be of great help for the coming generations. Thanking you very much for reading the article. Medicinal herbs of Chhattisgarh, India having less known traditional uses. XXIX. Chota Aonla or Harpharevadi (Cicca acida, family Euporbiaceae). Research Note - Pankaj Oudhia © 2001,2002,2003 Pankaj Oudhia - All Rights Reserved Harpharevadi is not a native to Chhattisgarh. It is introduced as garden plant for delicious and nutritious fruits. For the natives and traditional healers of Chhattisgarh, it is new herb. In Chhattisgarh- Maharashtra border region, the natives plant this tree in home gardens. The natives and traditional healers of present generations are aware of its medicinal properties and uses. All parts of Harpharevadi are used as medicine. This is not in the list of medicinal herbs having demand in national and international mar Through my Ethnobotanical surveys in different parts of Chhattisgarh, I have noted some promising traditional uses of this herb. Common Indian names of Harpharevadi. Regions/Languages/Countries Names English Country Gooseberry Hindi Chalmeri, Harparauri, Harphanevadi Kanarese Rayara nelli Marathi Roi-avala, Harparrevdi Sanskrit Lavali, Laveni, Pandu, Skandhaphara I am describing these traditional medicinal uses in this article. According to reference literatures related to botany, Harpharevadi (Cicca acida syn. Phyllanthus acidus syn. Averrhoa acida) is small tree. Leaves pinnated 1-2 feet long, often flower bearing; leaflets numerous, alternative, stalked, nearly orbicular, 1-3 inches long, petioles round, smooth, tapering, sometimes ending in a short raceme of male flowers. Racemes numerous, terminal, axillary and from the old buds on the naked branches. Flowers numerous, small, reddish, in globular beads. Drupe 3-4 lobed, 4-6-8 grooved, the size of a gooseberry (its English name is Star gooseberry). Nut 3-4 parted, each part one celled and one seeded. In reference literatures related to different systems of medicine in India, not much has been written on medicinal properties and uses of Harpharevadi. According to Ayurveda, fruit is slightly bitter, fragrant, acrid, sour, improves digestion, useful in bronchitis, biliousness, urinary concretions, piles etc. According to Unani system of medicine, fruit is very sour, tonic to liver, useful in thirst, biliousness, vomiting, constipation, purifies and enriches blood. This herb is a native to Malay Islands and Madagascar. The traditional healers of Chhattisgarh aware of its medicinal uses, use the fruit juice to flush out the renal calculi (Pathri). According to them, it is one of the promising treatments. The fruit juice is also considered best for the Bavasir (Piles). The healers mix the leaf juice of Tinpania (Oxalis corniculata) and fruit juice of Harpharevadi in equal proportion and give it internally to the patients having the problem of piles. For the patients having the problem of constipation , the healers extract the juice from fresh bark and mix Kali Mirch (Black Pipper), Laung( Clove) and Bel pulp (Aegle marmelos). This combination is given internally. It is good purgative. To stop the motions due to over dose of this combination, the healers suggest the patients to take cooked rice (Bhat) with ghee immediately. In case of Chhapaki (Urticaria), the healers extract the fruit or leaf juice and mix it with Kali Mirch. This solution is applied externally on body. Many healers suggest to lukewarm the solution in order to make the solution more powerful. In case of septic wounds or carbuncles, the healers of Southern Chhattisgarh prepare a special solution by mixing the juice of fruit, juice of Imli (Tamarind) bark and cow ghee in 1:3:5 ratio and give it internally to the patients once in a day upto seven days. The above mentioned uses are not enough to establish Harpharevadi as potential medicinal crop in Chhattisgarh. I am aware that I have to work hard to collect more information on this herb in Chhattisgarh. Thank you very much for reading the article. Medicinal herbs of Chhattisgarh, India having less known traditional uses. XXVII. Shankhpushpi : (Evolvulus alsinoides; family : Convolvulaceae Research Note - Pankaj Oudhia © 2001,2002,2003 Pankaj Oudhia - All Rights Reserved Shankhpushpi is one of the popular herbs used as brain tonic and memory enhancer. Many leading pharmaceutical companies of India, prepare formulations using Shankhpushpi. In these formulations they use Shankhpushpi alone or in combination with other herbs. The natives of India have deep faith in this herb. And from childhood they give Shankhpushpi based herbal populations to their children in order to enhance the memory power. In Chhattisgarh, Shankhpushpi occurs as wasteland plant. Although for agriculture scientists it is harmful weed that compete with agricultural crops for light, moisture and food but for the natives and traditional healers, it is valuable herb. Every year the herb collectors collect tons of Shankhpushpi herb and after shade drying supply it to the traders at state level. This is good thing that the buyers at national and international levels are aware of its natural occurrence in Chhattisgarh and according to them, in terms of quality and medicinal value, the Shankhpushpi of Chhattisgarh is better than the Shankhpushpi of other states. This herb is in the list of non-wood forest produces of Chhattisgarh having regular demand. Although Shankhpushpi occurs as wasteland plant (i.e. in abundance), but the adulteration of other herbs in Shankhpushpi is common and according to the traders most of the pharmaceutical companies use it as such without sorting out the adulteration. This is the reason that the formulations prepared by the traditional healers using fresh herb acts more quickly and effectively as compared to the formulations available in attractive packets. In my allelopathic studies, I have found the extracts and leachates of whole herb of Shankhpushpi effective in promoting the growth of petrocrop Ratanjot (Jatropha curcas). It also hasten the germination and initial seedling vigour. This is very sad that considering this useful herb as crop weed, many research organizations in Chhattisgarh are engaged in evaluation of effective weedicides. I personally feel that these evaluations are mere wastage of money, time and effort. Many herb growers unaware of this natural occurrence are trying to cultivate this herb commercially. For cultivation they are selecting good soil and using growth promoters. In nature, Shankhpushpi grows in poor soils. The cultivation in good soil increases the production but from quality point of view, the produce is inferior. The detailed package of practice for commercial cultivation has yet not been developed. Seeing the encouraging allelopathic effects of Shankhpushpi on Jatropha, we are trying Shankhpushpi - Jatropha intercropping in small plots at different agroclimatic locations of Chhattisgarh. We are also studying the allelopat effects of Jatropha on Shankhpushpi. The Shankhpushpi - Jatropha intercropping is never tried earlier in any part of the world. I will write more on this unique intercropping, in my future articles after completion of trials. Botanically, Shankhpushpi is perennial herb with woody rootstock; stems many, more than 5cm long, prostrate, spreading, wiry, usually clothed with long hairs; Leaves many, elliptic-oblong, base acute, silky hairy; Flowers light blue (It is also known as Nilpushpi, Nil-blue; Pushp --- flower), solitary or sometimes 2, peduncles very long, axillary; Fruits capsule, globose, thin, four - valved; Seeds glabrous; Flowering time July-November. As medicine whole plant is used. According to Ayurveda, Shankhpushpi is bitter, pungent, alexiteric, alternative, tonic, anthelmintic, brightens intellect, improves complex, increase appetite, useful in bronchitis, biliousness, epilepsy, leucoderma and teething troubles of infants etc. On the basis of flower colours, three types of Shankhpushpi are described in reference literatures viz. Red, white and blue. According to refere literatures, white flowered Shankhpushpi is most powerful and genuine. But for the traditional healers of Chhattisgarh, blue flowered Shankhpushpi is the best one. They give second preference to red flowered type and least preference to white flowered type. I personally feel that there is a need for scientific evaluation. The herb collectors are not aware of these specifications and they collect all types of Shankhpushpi for sell. Through my Ethnobotanical surveys in different parts of Chhattisgarh, I have identified about 45 traditional healers specialised in use of Shankhpushpi as medicine. As memory enhancer they use Shankhpushpi with Kali Mirch and sugar. According to the healers, its regular use gives desirable effects in very short time. Beside memory enhancer, the healers also use this herb in treatment of respiratory troubles. They prepare herbal cigarettes using this herb. According to them , the use of this herbal cigarettes is much beneficial in case of asthma and bronchitis. In treatment of chronic cases, they use other herbs like Blumea, Adhatoda, Datura etc. in this herbal cigarette. I interviewed many patients taking this treatment. They were satisfied with the effects of these cigarettes. The healers of Chhattisgarh plains, use this herb internally in treatment of insanity and epilepsy. The juice of fresh herb is given daily to the patients till complete cure. It is also good for chronic constipation. In treatment of hysteria, the healers use Shankhpushpi in combination with other herbs mainly Bach (Acorus calamus), Shatavari (Asparagus racemosus) etc. It is considered as good female tonic. Chhattisgarh forests are fulfilling the national and international demand but this is bitter fact that there is not a single pharmaceutical unit in ttisgarh engaged in processing of this herb. There is a tremendous scope in this field. Recently during my visit to Kondagaon region, I got information from healers that the Shankhpushpi herb growing under specific trees in natural forests, possess specific medicinal properties. I have fixed my visit to dense forests with these healers to get more information on this unique aspect. I will write about it in my upcoming articles. Thank you very much for reading the article. National Workshop on Indian Medicinal and Aromatic Plants with special emphasis on Safed Musli, the Millennium Crop : My observations and views Research Note - Pankaj Oudhia © 2001,2002,2003 Pankaj Oudhia - All Rights Reserved As Chairman of organizing committee of National workshop on Indian Medicinal and Aromatic plants with special emphasis on Safed Musli, the millennium crop held at Raipur, Chhattisgarh on 11th June, 2003, I was busy from last one month. This National workshop was organized by Chhattisgarh State Minor Forest produce (Trading and Development) Co-operative federation Ltd. , Raipur and SAMPDA (Samagra Adivasi Medicinal Plants Development Association), Kondagaon and Co sponsored by National Horticulture Board, Gurgaon. This workshop was the first workshop on Safed Musli (Chlorophytum borivilianum) in the world. Over 30 herb experts and researchers attended this workshop and shared their vast experience on different aspects of Indian medicinal and aromatic plants. These experts were Dr. Rajendra Gupta, Dr. M.R. Uniyal, Dr. Shinji Takara (Japan), Dr. G. P. Garg, Dr. Sunita Garg, Dr. Gyanendra Pandey, Dr. M.P. Thakur, Dr. Laxminarayan Hegde,Dr. Resina Hansda etc. Over 500 herb growers from different parts of Chhattisgarh participated actively in this National workshop. The Honorable Chief Minister of Chhattisgarh State Mr. Ajit Jogi inaugurated the workshop. The forest minister Mr. D. P. Dhritlahare and President, Chhattisgarh Minor Forest Produce Federation Mr. Rajendra Pambhoi were with the Chief Minister . The leading Safed Musli grower of India Mr. Raja Ram Tripathi have also shared his experiences with the participants. On second day i.e. 12th June, the interested participants visited the research farms of SAMPDA where the experiments on different aspects of Indian medicinal and aromatic plants are in progress. All invited speakers gave emphasis on organic cultivation of Safed Musli crop. They unanimously ruled out the use of Chemical inputs (in any form) in Musli production. This is the bitter fact that most of the Safed Musli farmers are using chemical fertilizers and pesticides in order to get higher production. They are giving more emphasis on quantity not on the quality. The speakers informed the participants that the field experiments have shown that Musli crop do not show positive response when more fertilizers are applied. The use of chemical inputs, affects the saponin content drastically. As you know, Saponin is the natural chemical, responsible for the medicinal properties of Safed Musli. The experts recommended the use of cow dung and cow urine based herbal solutions as input and as plant protection measure. The use of Genda (Marigold) as guard crop protects the Musli crop from insects and diseases specially the attack of nematodes. Many participants raised the problem of increasing soil borne fungal infection on Safed Musli roots. The experts suggested that the adoption of crop rotation can solve the problem. One must not take more than four crops of Musli in same land. The rotation helps in destroying the soil borne fungal species. They also suggested to go for soil solarization treatment. In India, the Musli farms having the problem of fungal infestation are using fungicides in excess. This regular and over use is making the pathogenic fungus more and more resistant to these fungicides. The experts gave emphasis on the proper drying and storage of Musli tubers. Many farmers complained that when they peel off the roots, its colour changes into black and due to this black colour they get very less price in drug markets. According to the experts, the discoloration is due to insufficient drying. They suggested them to dry the freshly collected Musli roots in sunlight upto three days and then dry it further in shade. The traditional healers of Chhattisgarh informed the experts that they are using Musli roots without peeling. The experts showed ignorance about this and replied that this as new information for them. For drying, the experts suggested the use of advanced solar driers. The experts and participants also discussed about the common malpractices in Safed Musli production and trade and requested the government officials to take serious actions against the cheaters. They were agree that through systematic approach and planning, India can lead the world in the field of herbs and Musli can be established like Ginseng. One thing I have noted that in India, very few experts are working on this wonder crop. We have invited the leading experts but unfortunately most of them repeated the information already available in reference literatures. The experts were also worrying that the young researchers are not taking keen interest in this wonder crop. I am proud to write that in this field Indian farmers are ahead and with the experiments of these farmers, the scientists are learning. It is not wrong to say that the innovative farmers are engaged in Search and scientists, as always, are engaged in Research. One of the main objectives of this workshop is to provide a forum to scientists, traders, farmers, processors etc. associated with Safed Musli crop. We have achieved this target. In participants-experts interaction session, the special attraction of this workshop, the participants asked many practical questions and got detailed answers from the experts. This session continued upto 2 hours. In near future we are planning to organize day brain storming interaction in same way. Through this article I would like to request the scientists reading this article to organize such interactive sessions instead of routine lecture sessions where the speakers repeat the same findings with repeated slides. After the formation of Chhattisgarh, the herbal state, this National workshop was the second National event focused on herbs. Fortunately, both events were organized under my guidance and leadership. In the year 2001, I organized the National Research Seminar on Herbal Conservation, Cultivation, Marketing and Utilization with special emphasis on Chhattisgarh, the Herbal State. This is positive sign that the natives are taking keen interest in these events and as result the number of herb growers is increasing very rapidly. k you very much for reading the article (Contd.)