Society of AppliedSciences

Ethnopharmaceutical Claims by the Vanjaris from Pathardi Tahasil in

Ahmednagar District (M.S.) India
Salave A.P., P. Gopal Reddy* and P.G.Diwakar**
Shri Dnyaneshwar Mahavidyalaya, Newasa. Dist. Ahmednagar-414 603
*Padmashri Vikhe Patil College Pravaranagar, Ahmednagar-413713
**Botanical Survey of India, Western Circle, Pune-411001
INTRODUCTION
MATERIALSANDMETHOD
StudyArea
India has got a centuries old ethno-medico-botanical heritage since long ago. Even today many people in villages,
towns and tribal areas practice home remedies and formulae, called as Ajibaicha batwa in Marathi, which has
passed fromone generation to other with establishment of an intact and close relationship with the endemic plants for
his basic needs and comforts. These relationships and interactions have contributed in the development of the
traditional ethnopharmaceutical knowledge in regard to uses of plants or their parts. 80 % of world's population
depends on plants for curing various ailments [1]. In recent years several botanists have brought to light the traditional
ethnobotanical knowledge of the people fromvarious parts of the country. The pioneering work of Janaki Ammal [2]
triggered interest in ethnobotanical explorations and documentation of traditional ethnobotanical knowledge for
human welfare [3-19]. The ethnopharmaceutical knowledge of the indigenous Vanjara community of Pathardi tahasil
withendemic ethnoflora for curingcertainhumanailments is presentedhere.
Pathardi is an ideal taluka place famous for its diverse wide ethnoflora and is situated at distance of 47 kms on north-
eastern side inAhmednagar district (M.S.) India. It lies at an altitude of 580-620 meters fromMSL(Mean Sea Level)
and is located in between 1914'38N 1916'31N latitude and 7475'37E 75 78'48E longitude. The area is
occupied by 38.7 % forests which are basically mixed-deciduous typed with an average rainfall of about 318cm and
temperature range of 26C to 39.8C [26] far study is concerned; this region has not been explored until today for
ASIAN J. EXP. BIOL. SCI. VOL 2(1) 2011:
ORIGINALARTICLE
ABSTRACT
KEYWORDS
The present paper deals with traditional ethnopharmaceutical knowledge of Vanjaris, an indigenous nomadic tribal
community located in the Pathardi tahasil. Ethnopharmaceutical claims on 24 plant species belonging to 19 families are
presented. The entire plant parts of Cuscuta reflexa Roxb., root of Convolvulus arvensis L., Tribulus terrestris L., Gymnema
sylvestre (Retz.)R.Br.ex Schult., Ficus benghalensis L., Cleome gynandra Linn. and Aerva javanica (Burm.f.) Juss.ex.
Schult.,leaf and shoot (stem) of Catharanthus roseus G. Don., Caesalpinia pulchermma Swartz. leaf of Lawsonia inermis L.,
Colocasia esculenta (L.) Schott.,Murraya koenigii (L.) Spreng., ,Adiantum capillus-veneris Linn.,fruit of Citrullus
colocynthis (L.)Schrad., Salanum xanthocarpum Schrad & Wend., Helicteres isora L., Anogeissus latifolia (Roxb. Ex.DC.)
Wall. ex Guill. & Perr.and Diospyros melanoxylon Roxb., seed of leome Indigofera cassioides Rottl.ex DC., Jatropha
podagarica H.f. and Eclipta prostrata (L.) Linn. and flower of Leonotis nepetaefolia (L.) R. Br.are used by the inhabitants for
various purposes.
: Pathardi, Vanjaris, traditional ethnopharmaceutical knowledge
ethnopharmaceutical studies. The Indigenous Vanara community forms about 56% of the total Population [28] is a
good source of ethnopharmaceutical informationinthis area.
An extensive field survey was carried out during pre-monsoon-2007 to post-monsoon- 2008 to gather traditional
ethnopharmaceutical information from the local inhabitants regarding usage of the endemic ethno-flora in their
routine life, through informal interviews, group discussions and questionnaires provided to them [20-22 & 5] The
information gathered was confirmed from the traditional healers (locally called Vaidya) and knowledgeable
informants. Simultaneously the plant species of ethnopharmaceutical significance were collected dried and mounted
on herbarium sheets and identified through the help of standard floras [23-27]. Such voucher specimens were
submittedinthe department of botany, P.V.P.college, Pravaranagar for future recordandreference.
Following twenty four plants belonging to nineteen families are enumerated alphabetically below with reference to
Binomials followed by family names (in parenthesis), vernacular and plant part used and the ethnopharmaceutical
usage.
Table 1 Details of plant species with their ethnopharmaceutical uses
Binomial and family
name
Vern Name Plant
Part
Ethnopharmaceutical usage
Adiantum capillus-
veneris L.
(Adiantaceae)
Hansraj Leaf 4-5 fresh leaves are crushed in a half cupful of water along with
little quantity of pomegranate (Punica granatum) fruit juice and
taken orally to relieve Scurvy and gingivitis.
Aerva javanica
(Burm.f.) Juss.ex.
Schult.
(Amaranthaceae)
Kapur-madhura Root Aatpav (aprox.100gm) of fresh roots and 2-3 Kanda (Allium
cepa) bulbs are extracted in about a half cupful of sheeps milk
and mashed on the body region to relieve pains and
inflammation due to wasp stings..
Anogeissus latifolia
(Roxb. ex DC.) Wall.
ex Guill. & Perr.
(Combretaceae)
Dhamora Fruit Aatpav(aprox.100 gm) of semi-ripen fruits are boiled with
Erand (Ricinus communis) seed oil and 1-2 tsp of Mohri
(Brassica compestris) seeds in a cupful of coconut oil to obtain
infusion which is applied topically on the body region twice a
day for 8-10 days to cure Measles and Chicken pox.
Caesalpinia
pulchermma Swartz.
(Caesalpinaceae)
Shankasur Leaf and
shoot
A handful of younger leaves and same amount of tender shoots
are crushed in a glassful of sheeps milk with 1-2 tsp of nilgir
(Eucalyptus globulus) oil to obtain extract which is given twice
a day for 6-8 days to cure amoebic dysentery.
Catharanthus roseus
G. Don.
(Apocynaceae)
Sadafuli Leaf and
shoot
A handful of fresh leaves and same amount of tender shoots of
the plant are crushed with a pinch of common salt in a half
cupful of water to obtain paste which is applied on forehead
once a day at night for 4-5 days to relieve headache.
Citrullus colocynthis
(L.) Schrad.
(Cucurbitaceae)
Kadu-indravan Fruit Fresh and semi-ripen fruits are soaked in lime water for 2-3
hours and then crushed with small amount of gur (Jaggery) to
obtain extract which is given orally once a day in early morning
regularly as a remedy to control diabetes.
Cleome gynandra
Linn.
(Capparaceae)
Safed Tilwan Root A cupful of root extract from the plant in coconut milk is given
with 1-2 tsp of honey to the children below twelve years age
twice a day for 5-6 days to drive out intestinal worms.
Colocasia esculenta
(L.) Schott.
(Arecaceae)
Alu Leaf Fresh and young leaves are teased by a sharp needle, smeared
with Karadi Carthamus tinctorius) oil and heated gently on
cooking pan for a while. same leaves are then bound on the
body region suffering from rheumatic pains.
Convolvulus arvensis
L. (Apocynaceae).
Chand-vel. Root 1-2 tsp fresh root extract is mixed with a pinch of sugar powder
in a glassful of coconut milk and given once a day for 18-21
days with groundnut (Arachys hypogea) seeds for curing
mumps.
Cuscuta reflexa Roxb.
(Cuscutaceae)
Amarvel Whole
plant
The fine paste from 2-3 tolas (aprox.20-30 gm) of entire plant
with a pinch of sunth powder (Zingiber officinale) in Til
(Sesamum indicum) oil is massaged thoroughly on forehead
once a day at night half hour before bedtime for 4-5 days to cure
headache.
Ethnopharmaceutical claims by the vanjaris from pathardi tahasil in ahmednagar district (m.s.) india.................................................. A.P salave et al
Diospyros
melanoxylon Roxb.
(Ebanaceae)
Tembhurni Fruit An extract from a handful of fresh and semi-ripen fruits in a
cupful of yogurt is mixed in 1-2 tsp of honey and given orally to
the patient once daily for two days to cure Hoarseness.
Eclipta prostrata (L.)
Linn.
(Asteraceae)
Kesuti Seed 2-3 tolas (20- 30 grams) of dried seeds are soaked in lukewarm
water overnight and on next day morning crushed with a tsp of
Lasun (Allium sativum) cloves extract in a cupful of coconut oil
to obtain extract which is applied topically on hair once a day at
night for 12-15 days to eradicate lice.
Ficus benghalensis L.
(Moraceae)
Wad Aerial
(stilt)
root
A handful of aerial (stilt) roots are dried into the shade, ground
to obtain fine powder which is boiled in a glassful of goats
milk and same preparation is given to the pregnant women for
relieving morning sickness.
Gymnema sylvestre
(Retz.) R. Br.ex
Schult.
(Asclepiadaceae)
Bedaki-vel Root A cupful of fresh root extract in goats milk is given with a
pinch of sugar once daily for 10-12 days to cure acidity
(Pyrosis).
Helicteres isora L.
(Sterculaceae)
Murud-sheng Fruit 1-2 tsp of dried fruit powder of the plant is boiled in a glassful
of sheeps milk for 1-2 minutes and the decoction is given to the
little children twice a day up to 12-15 days to cure bed wetting.
Indigofera cassioides
Rottl.ex DC.
(Fabaceae)
Seed 2-3 tsp of dried seed powder of the plant is mixed in 2-3 handful
of wheat flour to make chapatti which is given internally to the
children once in early morning after exercise during winter
season for muscular strength.
Jatropha podagarica
H.f.
(Euphorbiaceae)
Pardeshi- Erand Seed An extract from a handful of seeds in water is mixed with 2-3
tsp of Kanda (Allium cepa) bulb extract and applied externally
on face of elder girls once daily at night for 12-15 days to clear
pimples, scars and warts.
Lawsonia inermis L.
(Lythraceae)
Mehandi Leaf An extract from 2-3 tolas (aprox. 20-30 gm) of fresh leaves is
boiled in a cupful of water for 0.5-1.0 minute in cooking pan
with a pinch of sugar obtain paste which is mixed in a tsp of
honey and applied on palms and feet once a day at night for 8-
10 days to reduce body heat.
Leonotis nepetaefolia
(L.) R. Br.
(Acanthaceae)
Deepmal Flower An extract from 2-3 tolas (aprox.20-30gm) fresh flower in little
quantity of luke warm water is given with a pinch of sugar to
the patient twice a day upto 10-12 days to cure night blindness.
Murraya koenigii (L.)
Spreng.
. (Rutaceae)
Kadhi-patta Leaf A cupful of leaf decoction in hot water is given internally with
1-2 tsp of honey twice a day for 8-10 days to cure Flue fever
and dizziness.
Salanum
xanthocarpum Schrad
& Wend.
(Solanaceae)
Bhui-ringni Fruit 2-3 tsp of dried fruit powder is boiled with 4-5 black (Piper
nigrum) peppers, 1-2 tsp of jire seed (Cuminum cyminum)
powder in a glassful of water for 1-2 minutes and the decoction
is given internally to the patient twice a day for 10-12 day to
cure joint pains due to Arthritis.
Tribulus terrestris L.
(Zygophyllaceae)
Sarata Root Certain amount of fresh roots of the plant are crushed with 1-2
fresh Panfuti (Kalanchoe pinnata) in specific quantity of curd
and same preparation is given internally with a pinch of
common salt once daily in early morning with empty stomach to
dissolve kidney stone.
Ethnopharmaceutical claims by the vanjaris from pathardi tahasil in ahmednagar district (m.s.) india.................................................. A.P salave et al
RESULTSANDDISCUSSION
In all total 22 plant species from 22 families having ethnopharmaceutical significance are reported and found curing
certain human ailments(Table 1).Out of these, entire plant parts in one plants, seed in three plants, leaf in four plants,
leaf and shoot(stem) in two plants, root in six plant, fruit in five plants and flower in one plant are used for
ethnopharmaceutical purposes by the inhabitants (Table 2).More surveys are needed in future to be carry out in the
study area to know the plant resources which have an immense scope and value in the routine life of the community.
Such studies may prove helpful in preservation and passing of the traditional ethnobotanical knowledge from the
tribals to other ethnic communities and also to the next generations. Efforts should be taken in protection,
conservation and maintainance of the endemic valuable ethnoflora which is on the verge of extinction due to
deforestation, global warming, industrialization and urbanization. These plants have been used by themas a remedy
for curing certain human ailments. Few plants of this locality possess potential of better economic exploitation viz.
Lawsonia inermis L., Colocasia esculenta (L.)Schott. Murraya koenigii (L.)Spreng. and Adiantum capillus-veneris
Linn., Tribulus terrestris L., Gymnema sylvestre (Retz.)R.Br.ex Schult., Ficus benghalensis L., Cleome gynandra
Linn. and Aerva javanica (Burm.f.) Juss.ex. Schult., Citrullus colocynthis (L.) Schrad., Salanum xanthocarpum
Schrad & Wend., Helicteres isora L., Indigofera cassioides Rottl.ex DC., Jatropha podagarica H.f. and Eclipta
prostrata (L.) Linn. Anogeissus latifolia (Roxb. ex DC.) Wall. ex Guill. & Perr.and Diospyros melanoxylon
Roxb.,etc. Since all these plant species were used in more or less proportion throughout the world, and have wide
scope for bio-prospecting, it's our prime duty protect andconserve themurgentlyina proper way.
Table 2 Number of plant part used in the plant species
Figure1 study area in Ahmednagar district (M.S.) india
Plant part used No. of plant
part
Name of plant species
Root 6 Convolvulus arvensis L., Tribulus terrestris L., Gymnema sylvestre
(Retz.)R.Br.ex Schult., Ficus benghalensis L., Cleome gynandra
Linn. and Aerva javanica (Burm.f.) Juss.ex. Schult.
Leaf and shoot
(stem)
2 Catharanthus roseus G. Don., Caesalpinia pulchermma Swartz.
Ethnopharmaceutical claims by the vanjaris from pathardi tahasil in ahmednagar district (m.s.) india.................................................. A.P salave et al
ACKNOWLEDGEMENT
Author is thankful to the Dr. C.R. Jadhav, Botanical Survey of India, Pune and Dr. K.J.Salunke, Padmashri Vikhe Patil
Mahavidyalaya, Pravaranagar, Dist-Ahmednagar for valuable guidelines, hearty support and cordial help in editing of
this paper.
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Fruit 5 Citrullus colocynthis (L.)Schrad., Salanum xanthocarpum Schrad
& Wend., Helicteres isora L., Anogeissus latifolia (Roxb. Ex.DC.)
Wall. ex Guill. & Perr.and Diospyros melanoxylon Roxb.
Whole plant 1 Cuscuta reflexa Roxb.
flower 1 Leonotis nepetaefolia (L.) R. Br.
seed 3 Indigofera cassioides Rottl.ex DC., Jatropha podagarica H.f. and
Eclipta prostrata (L.) Linn.
0
1
2
3
4
5
6
Plant part used
Graph 1:Plant part used vs Number of plant species
Root
Leaf and shoot (stem)
Leaf
Fruit
Whole plant
flower
seed
Ethnopharmaceutical claims by the vanjaris from pathardi tahasil in ahmednagar district (m.s.) india.................................................. A.P salave et al
Ethnopharmaceutical claims by the vanjaris from pathardi tahasil in ahmednagar district (m.s.) india.................................................. A.P salave et al
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Corresponding Author: Salave A.P., Shri Dnyaneshwar Mahavidyalaya, Newasa. Dist. hmednagar-414 603. Email:
salave_ap@yahoo.com.