Plants in aid of family planning programme
Journal name: Ancient Science of Life
Original article title: Plants in aid of family planning programme
The ANSCI is a peer-reviewed, open-access journal focused on Ayurveda and traditional medicines. It publishes original research, reviews, and literary studies linking traditional knowledge with modern science, covering disciplines like botany, ethnomedicine, pharmacology, and clinical research.
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Original source:
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Mathew Oommachan, Shaukat Saeed Khan
Ancient Science of Life:
(A quarterly multi-disciplinary scientific research journal in Ayurveda)
Full text available for: Plants in aid of family planning programme
Year: 1981
Copyright (license): CC BY-NC-SA
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Summary of article contents:
Introduction
The study conducted by Mathew Oommachan and Shaukat Saeed Khan in Bhopal, India, during 1978-79 focused on the medicinal plants and their applications in fertility control and family planning. The region is abundant in flora, housing over 850 species of angiospermic plants, with around 10% identified as poisonous. Notably, over 25% of these poisonous plants are employed by local communities for fertility control and as abortifacients, highlighting the dual nature of these plants—both harmful and potentially useful.
Fertility Control and Abortifacients
The research identifies a variety of specific plant species utilized for fertility control and safe termination of pregnancy. For instance, Achyranthes aspera is used as fresh plant juice, while Amaranthus spinosus root paste is taken orally after menstruation. Other notable examples include Carica papaya and Aristolochia bracteata, which are recognized for their abortifacient properties. While providing a valuable resource for family planning, many villagers are unaware of the dangers posed by overdosing on these plants, which can lead to severe health consequences.
Conclusion
The findings from this study underscore the importance of conducting further research on the phytochemistry and pharmacology of these plants to educate rural populations on their safe and specific use in family planning. Given the issues of population growth, leveraging knowledge about indigenous plants could significantly contribute to effective family planning initiatives. Addressing both the beneficial and harmful aspects of these plants is critical for responsible application and overall public health in the context of family planning.
FAQ section (important questions/answers):
What was the focus of the survey conducted in Bhopal?
The survey focused on identifying medicinal plants in Bhopal and their utility, particularly those involved in fertility control and abortion, highlighting a significant portion of poisonous plants used for these purposes.
What percentage of plants in Bhopal have poisonous properties?
About 10% of the 850 flowering plant species in Bhopal are identified as poisonous, with over 25% of these poisonous plants used by locals for fertility control and safe termination of pregnancy.
Which plants are commonly used for fertility control and abortion?
Several plants, such as Achyranthes aspera and Carica papaya, are frequently used for fertility control and abortion by local people. Each plant has specific parts and methods of preparation for these purposes.
What risks are associated with using these poisonous plants?
Using these plants can have severe consequences; overdoses may cause harmful effects, such as dermatitis and other health issues. It's crucial to educate rural communities about the correct and safe applications of these plants.
Glossary definitions and references:
Scientific and Ayurvedic Glossary list for “Plants in aid of family planning programme�. This list explains important keywords that occur in this article and links it to the glossary for a better understanding of that concept in the context of Ayurveda and other topics.
1) Science (Scientific):
Science refers to the systematic study of the structure and behavior of the physical and natural world through observation and experiments. In the context of this study, it involves the exploration of plant properties, particularly their medicinal and toxic characteristics, contributing to understanding their therapeutic potentials in fertility control and family planning.
2) Botany:
Botany is the branch of biology that deals with the study of plants, including their physiology, structure, evolution, and taxonomy. This research specifically underlines the importance of careful botanic studies to categorize and understand the various plant species that are utilized for medicinal and reproductive health purposes.
3) Nerium indicum:
Nerium indicum, commonly known as Kaner, is a species identified in this research for its root extracts used for abortion. Its inclusion as an abortifacient highlights its significance within local practices and points to the need for further toxicological studies to ensure safe application among villagers.
4) Plumbago zeylanica:
Plumbago zeylanica, referred to as Chirchita or Chittwar, is noted for its roots, which are considered in the context of fertility control. Understanding its usage and potential side effects calls for scientific inquiry into its biochemical properties to ensure the safety of those who utilize it for reproductive health.
5) Ricinus communis:
Ricinus communis, known as Arandi or Arand, is mentioned for its seeds' application post-menstruation for abortion. Its inclusion implies a need to unravel its biochemical makeup and medicinal effects, especially given its potential toxicity, thereby emphasizing the relevance of pharmacological studies in understanding such plants.
6) Sesamum indicum:
Sesamum indicum, or Til, has been highlighted for its seeds, which may cause abortions in overdoses. The mention of this plant underscores the need for awareness of its toxic potential and the importance of safe usage practices, reflecting the necessity for community education and pharmacological validation in medical applications.
7) Pharmacological:
Pharmacological pertains to the study of drug action and how substances interact with biological systems. Its relevance in this context underscores the importance of conducting rigorous pharmacological research on the medicinal plants identified, enabling a clearer understanding of their effects, dosages, and potential health risks for effective family planning.
8) Pharmacology:
Pharmacology is the branch of medicine that focuses on drugs and their effects on living organisms. In relation to the discussed plant species, pharmacology becomes crucial for assessing the therapeutic capabilities and toxicity profiles of these herbs, aiming to optimize their use in fertility control while minimizing health risks.
9) Knowledge:
Knowledge is the understanding and information gained through experience or education. The paper emphasizes the necessity of providing rural communities with accurate knowledge regarding the safe and effective use of medicinal plants for family planning, thus potentially improving their reproductive health outcomes while reducing misinformation and misuse.
10) Indrayan (IndrÄyan):
Indrayan, or Jangli indrayan, is a plant whose root extract is investigated for its abortifacient properties. Its presence in the study exemplifies the rich flora in the Bhopal region that may significantly contribute to local medicinal practices, warranting further exploration into its efficacy and safety in fertility control.
11) Latjira (Laá¹jirÄ):
Latjira refers to Achyranthes aspera, which is specifically noted for its fresh plant juice used in fertility control. This highlights the traditional knowledge surrounding local flora and the urgent need for scientific validation of its healing properties to ensure effective and safe usage in reproductive health practices.
12) Madhya (MÄdhya):
Madhya refers to Madhya Pradesh, the region under study where diverse plant species, including those used for family planning, are found. Recognizing its rich biodiversity and the cultural context enhances the relevance of this research, as it seeks to marry traditional plant knowledge with scientific study for effective health interventions.
13) Karela (KarÄ“lÄ, KarelÄ):
Karela, or Momordica chantia, is listed among plants utilized for abortion, indicating its local significance in reproductive health. This emphasizes the need for comprehensive research into its pharmacological properties to explore its safety, efficacy, and potential side effects when used for fertility control.
14) Kanta (KÄnta, Kaṇá¹a, KÄntÄ, Kamta, KÄná¹Ä�):
Kanta refers to Bambusa arundinacea, known for its decoctions used in reproductive health. The usage of Kanta in traditional contexts accentuates the importance of understanding the local ethnomedicinal practices linked to plant use, while also necessitating scientific investigation into its safety and effectiveness in family planning applications.
15) Water:
Water is essential for the preparation of plant-based remedies and infusions from various species. Its mention reinforces the vital role of solubility in herbal medicine as many plant medicinal properties can be extracted through aqueous solutions, underlining its importance in preparing effective herbal treatments for fertility control.
16) Rice (Ṛce):
Rice is highlighted in the preparation of herbal remedies, specifically as a medium to administer the paste of Amaranthus spinosus (Kantevali chulai). This use illustrates the interconnectedness between local food practices and medicinal applications, supporting the idea that everyday materials can play a significant role in traditional medicine formulations.
Other Science Concepts:
Discover the significance of concepts within the article: �Plants in aid of family planning programme�. Further sources in the context of Science might help you critically compare this page with similair documents:
Medicinal plant, Poisonous plant, Population explosion, Family planning programme, Ayurvedic application, Fertility control, Rural people, Bhopal region, Indigenous plant.