Botanical notes on Thamalaki, an Ayurvedic herb in Kerala.
Journal name: Ancient Science of Life
Original article title: Botanical notes on the identity of certain herbs used in ayurvedic medicines in kerala -1-thamalaki
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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V.V. Sivarajan, Indu Balachandran
Ancient Science of Life:
(A quarterly multi-disciplinary scientific research journal in Ayurveda)
Full text available for: Botanical notes on the identity of certain herbs used in ayurvedic medicines in kerala -1-thamalaki
Year: 1984
Copyright (license): CC BY-NC-SA
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Summary of article contents:
Introduction
The identification of medicinal herbs in Ayurvedic medicine poses a significant challenge due to historical nomenclature issues and variations in local plant usage. In Kerala, a particularly controversial herb known as 鈥�Tamalaki鈥� (or 鈥楰izharnelli鈥�) has been the subject of confusion and misidentification. This paper by V.V. Sivarajan and Indu Balachandran aims to clarify the botanical identity of Tamalaki, emphasizing the importance of accurate identification for practitioners and botanists alike. The misunderstanding surrounding Tamalaki鈥檚 identity highlights the urgency of standardizing raw drugs used in Ayurveda.
Confusion Over Identification
A central finding of the research is that the commonly referred Tamalaki is often incorrectly identified as either Phyllanthus niruri L. or Phyllanthus fraternus Webster. The authors argue that these identifications are erroneous, revealing that the actual constituents of Tamalaki are not these species but rather a combination of Phyllanthus amarus Schum. & Thonn. and Phyllanthus debilis Klein ex Willd. This study underscores the complexity involved in the correct classification of these plants, as they belong to different subsects of the Phyllanthus genus, with significant differences in their botanical features. The clarification aims to serve as a resource for Ayurvedists, facilitating accurate identification of the species involved.
Conclusion
In conclusion, the research contributes valuable insights into the proper botanical identification of the herb Tamalaki, which plays a crucial role in Ayurvedic remedies, particularly for jaundice. By resolving misconceptions regarding its identity, the authors advocate for improved standardization of medicinal herbs. The collaboration between botanists and Ayurvedic practitioners emerges as essential in addressing the ongoing confusion surrounding herbal identifications, ultimately enhancing the integrity of traditional medicine practices in Kerala and beyond.
FAQ section (important questions/answers):
What is the main focus of the paper about Tamalaki?
The paper addresses the botanical identity of Tamalaki, an important Ayurvedic herb in Kerala, clarifying its confusion with other species and highlighting the necessity of correct identification for medicinal purposes.
Which herbs were incorrectly identified as Tamalaki in the past?
Tamalaki was often misidentified as Phyllanthus niruri L. and later Phyllanthus fraternus Webster, but further studies revealed it to be a mix of Phyllanthus amarus and Phyllanthus debilis.
What are the main species identified as sources of Tamalaki?
The commonly used herb Tamalaki is derived from Phyllanthus amarus Schum. & Thonn. and Phyllanthus debilis Klein ex Willd., both of which are found in Kerala.
What confusion exists around Phyllanthus species in Ayurveda?
There is considerable confusion around the identity of Phyllanthus species in Ayurveda due to polymorphism and overlapping characteristics, making accurate identification crucial among practitioners and herbal collectors.
Glossary definitions and references:
Scientific and Ayurvedic Glossary list for 鈥淏otanical notes on Thamalaki, an Ayurvedic herb in Kerala.鈥�. 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) Drug:
A drug is a substance used for medical purposes, in this context primarily referring to herbal remedies employed in Ayurveda. The text highlights the difficulty in identifying the correct drugs, like Tamalaki, that are asserted to treat specific ailments such as jaundice, crucial for effective patient treatment and safety.
2) Tamalaki (T膩malak墨, Tam膩laki):
Thamalaki, an alternative spelling of Tamalaki, is associated with the same herb in Ayurvedic practices. The text mentions it being frequently identified erroneously as Phyllanthus niruri L. This designation confusion underscores the necessity for botanical clarity to ensure that traditional medicinal practices are grounded in accurate plant identification.
3) Medicine:
Medicine encompasses methods, processes, and substances used for the diagnosis, treatment, and prevention of diseases. The text focuses on Ayurvedic medicine, emphasizing the importance of accurate identification of medicinal herbs. The challenges in standardizing herbs used in medicine are also highlighted, complicating practitioners' efforts in effective treatment.
4) Ayurveda (膧yurveda, Ayus-veda):
Ayurveda is an ancient system of traditional medicine from India that emphasizes a holistic approach to health. The text illustrates the significance of correct herb identification within Ayurveda, where various species are often confused, thus necessitating collaboration between Ayurvedists and botanists to enhance herbal drug efficacy.
5) Science (Scientific):
Science represents the systematic study of the natural world, including biological classifications and medicinal applications. In the text, it emphasizes the need for scientific methods in identifying medicinal plants. Collaboration between botanists and Ayurvedic practitioners exemplifies how science can resolve ambiguities in traditional medicine practices.
6) Vaidya:
Vaidya refers to a practitioner of Ayurveda who is trained in the healing arts. This term is essential in the text as it highlights the role of Vaidyas in utilizing herbs like Tamalaki for treatment, as well as the contemporary challenges they face regarding the authentication of these herbal remedies.
7) Indu (Imdu):
Indu represents the name of one of the authors involved in the research, Indu Balachandran. Individual contributions are often crucial in scientific literature, where authors collaborate to bring insights and findings. This name signifies the collaborative effort needed to clarify the botanical identities of herbs.
8) Shala (S膩l膩, S膩la, 艢ala, 艢膩l膩, 艢膩la, Sala):
Sala is part of the name 鈥楢rya Vaidya Sala,鈥� indicating an institution or organization dedicated to Ayurveda. This aspect underscores the importance of institutional and collaborative efforts in standardizing and researching medicinal herbs, providing a formal structure for Ayurvedic practices and the study of their botanical sources.
9) Hand:
Hand symbolizes the practical aspect of medicine, often involving direct application in treatments. In the context of Ayurveda, the hand could represent Vaidyas applying knowledge through herbal remedies. It signifies the melding of traditional wisdom with scientific validation, enhancing the effectiveness of treatment methods.
Other Science Concepts:
Discover the significance of concepts within the article: 鈥�Botanical notes on Thamalaki, an Ayurvedic herb in Kerala.鈥�. Further sources in the context of Science might help you critically compare this page with similair documents:
Botanical identification, Raw drug standardization, Phyllanthus niruri L..