Hitherto unreported medicinal uss of plants of lucknow district
Journal name: Ancient Science of Life
Original article title: Hitherto unreported medicinal uss of plants of lucknow district
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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C. S. Singh, N. C. Shah
Ancient Science of Life:
(A quarterly multi-disciplinary scientific research journal in Ayurveda)
Full text available for: Hitherto unreported medicinal uss of plants of lucknow district
Year: 1991
Copyright (license): CC BY-NC-SA
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Summary of article contents:
Introduction
The paper by C. S. Singh and N. C. Shah, published in the Ancient Science of Life journal, presents hitherto unreported medicinal uses of thirteen plants from the Lucknow District of India. The research was conducted by one of the authors while compiling the flora of the district and collecting traditional medicinal knowledge from local elders and herbal practitioners. Out of a total of 70 medicinal plants documented, thirteen unique folk uses were identified, which had not been previously recorded in available literature.
Traditional Remedies for Common Ailments
One notable concept from the paper is the use of Achyranthes aspera L. for various ailments. This plant, known locally as Latjira or Chirchita, is used in multiple medicinal applications according to local traditions. For sciatica, an extract of its leaves is massaged onto the affected area, while a decoction made from its crushed roots combined with leaves of Cymbopogen jwarancusa and black pepper is consumed to alleviate fever. Additionally, the same leaf extract is reported to promote abortion in certain cases when taken consistently over four days. These varied uses illustrate the plant's significance in traditional healing practices and the intricate knowledge locals possess about its benefits.
Conclusion
The study underscores the continued relevance of traditional medicine in the Lucknow District, despite the availability of modern medical treatments. The recorded uses of plants address a range of common health issues, including fever, sciatica, and eye troubles. The findings not only highlight the importance of traditional knowledge in contemporary healthcare but also pave the way for further research into the medicinal properties of these plants, potentially leading to the discovery of new therapeutic applications. The authors acknowledge the support received from the Central Institute of Medicinal and Aromatic Plants, indicating the collaborative effort in documenting and preserving valuable ethnobotanical knowledge.
FAQ section (important questions/answers):
What plants were reported for medicinal uses in Lucknow District?
Thirteen plants from Lucknow District were reported, including Achyranthes aspera, Argemone Mexicana, and Ficus benghalensis, among others, detailing various traditional medicinal uses.
How is Achyranthes aspera used for sciatica treatment?
For sciatica pain, the extract of Achyranthes aspera leaves is massaged onto the affected area to provide relief.
What is the traditional use of Argemone Mexicana's sap?
The yellow sap from Argemone Mexicana is utilized for treating eye inflammation, particularly during the summer months.
Which plants are used to alleviate fever in folk medicine?
Decoctions from plants like Enicostema hyssopifolium and Achyranthes aspera, as well as mixtures with Cymbopogen jwarancusa and black pepper, are traditionally used to alleviate fever.
Glossary definitions and references:
Scientific and Ayurvedic Glossary list for 鈥淗itherto unreported medicinal uss of plants of lucknow district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) Inflammation:
Inflammation refers to the body's response to injury or infection, often resulting in redness, swelling, and pain. In the context of the article, it highlights the medicinal use of latex from plants like Ficus benghalensis and Argemone Mexicana for treating eye inflammation, showcasing traditional remedies.
2) Latjira (La峁璲ir膩):
Latjira is the local name for the plant Achyranthes aspera, known for its medicinal properties. The paper discusses its uses in treating sciatica and fever, emphasizing its significance in folk medicine within Lucknow District. Traditional knowledge remains vital despite modern medical advances, as illustrated by Latjira's applications.
3) Dalbergia sissoo:
Dalbergia sissoo, or Shisham, is a medicinal plant extensively used in traditional healing. Its leaves are combined with those of Zizyphus nummularia for treating flatulence, as noted in the article. It underscores the importance of plant-based remedies and local botanicals in folk medicine practices alongside scientific validation.
4) Discussion:
Discussion in the paper focuses on the relevance and application of reported medicinal uses from traditional practices. It compares modern medicine with folk remedies, illustrating how certain plant uses have persisted in community health despite technological advancements, supporting cultural heritage and local wisdom in healthcare.
5) Medicine:
Medicine encompasses practices, theories, and systems used for diagnosing and treating health ailments. This paper highlights the intersection of modern medicine and traditional plant-based remedies in Lucknow. It demonstrates that locals still rely on herbal applications alongside contemporary treatments, preserving knowledge of therapeutic plant uses within the community.
6) Pathari (Path膩r墨):
Pathari symbolizes the local name for Trianthema portulacastrum, a plant documented for its medicinal benefits. It is used in traditional practices to help with bladder stones when combined with Kigelia pinnata. This highlights the specific traditional uses of this plant in the local healthcare framework, showcasing regional biodiversity.
7) Science (Scientific):
Science refers to systematic knowledge based on observation and experimentation. The paper applies scientific methodology in verifying folk uses of plants in Lucknow District. Through literature comparison and empirical documentation, it aims to bridge traditional knowledge and scientific validation, emphasizing the importance of ethnobotany in modern phytotherapy.
8) Sukha (Sukh膩):
Sukha translates to scurvy, a disease commonly due to vitamin C deficiency. The article describes how local plants are employed to treat scurvy, primarily through the combination of Solanum nigrum leaves with other herbs. This highlights the role of traditional knowledge in addressing nutritional deficiencies in local communities.
9) Water:
Water serves as a vital medium for extracting medicinal properties from plants in traditional practices. The article mentions decoctions made with water, using different plant parts to treat ailments. It underscores the importance of water in herbal preparations, crucial for the efficacy of traditional medicine within the community.
10) Guma:
Guma refers to Leucas cephalotes, which is noted in the study for its role in treating fever. It exemplifies the significance of local flora in traditional medicine practices. Guma's medicinal applications illustrate the reliance on specific plants to manage common health issues in local populations, enhancing ethnic healing practices.
11) Milk:
Milk is associated with the galactagogue properties attributed to Ficus benghalensis' aerial roots, which are given to cattle post-delivery to increase milk yield. This illustrates the interconnectedness of botany, animal husbandry, and traditional practices, emphasizing how local communities utilize plants to enhance livestock productivity for economic livelihood.
Other Science Concepts:
Discover the significance of concepts within the article: 鈥�Hitherto unreported medicinal uss of plants of lucknow district鈥�. Further sources in the context of Science might help you critically compare this page with similair documents:
Chronic fever, Galactagogue, Argemone mexicana L., Traditional uses of plants, Achyranthes aspera L., Folk medicinal uses, Solanum nigrum L., Trianthema portulacastrum L..