Ethnobotanical survey and documentation of some orchid species of Kashmir Himalaya, J&K-India Gowhar A. Shapoo*, Zahoor A. Kaloo, Aijaz Hassan Ganie and Seema Singh Plant Tissue Culture Research Lab. Department of Botany, University of Kashmir, Hazratbal- Srinagar; 190 006. *gowharashapoo057@gmail.com SUBJECTS: ABSTRACT Background: The present study is an attempt to survey and document the less known or new ethno-medicinal uses of some orchids from Kashmir Himalaya. The ethnic knowledge can provide an insight for further research in pharmacology. Aims: The present investigation has been undertaken to collect base line information on ethno-medicinal importance of some orchid species traditionally used in this part of the world. Methods and Material: To collect the base line information regarding the traditional medicinal uses of different orchid species, interactions, personal interviews were carried out with local people, herbal healers (Hakims), traditional knowledge holders, shepherds and nomads. The orchid specimens collected from different areas were properly processed and herbarium specimen of each species was deposited at Kashmir University Herbarium (KASH). Results: The present study revealed that 7 orchid species are used in traditional medicine in Kashmir Himalaya. These orchid species are used to treat 24 types of different diseases. For particular diseases more than one orchid species is used to cure. Whole herb, tubers and rhizomes are the main part/parts to treat different types of diseases. Conclusion: The present study revealed that in Kashmir Himalaya 7 orchid species are used ethno-medicinally to treat different diseases. Total of 24 diseases are cured by these orchid species. Key words: Diseases, Ethno-medicine, Orchid, Pharmacology, Rhizome, Traditional medicine, Tuber, Whole herb. Introduction Orchids are known for their beautiful flowers and are among the most highly prized ornamental plants. In addition to their ornamental value, orchids are also known for their medicinal usage especially in the traditional systems of medicine (Jalal et al., 2008). It is believed that the Chinese were the first to describe orchids for medicinal uses (Bulpitt, 2005). As early as 200 BC the Chinese pharmacopoeia - the Sang Nung Pen Tsao Ching, mentions Dendrobium as a source of tonic, astringent, analgesic and anti-inflammatory drugs (Singh et al. 2007). Theophrastus in his Enquiry into Plants reported that the orchids had medicinal properties. Greeks also believed in the Doctrine of Signatures that orchids are good for human vitality. Later, the name was adopted by Disocorides (1st century AD) in his Materia Medica where descriptions of two orchids were given along with several species of medicinal plants. In India the medicinal properties of orchids have been used since Vedic period. Ashtawarga is a group of 8 drugs in Ayurvedic system which is used for preparation of tonics, such as Chyavanparas, which consists of 4 orchid species, viz; Malaxis muscifera (Lindl.) Kuntze, Malaxis acuminata D.Don, Habenaria intermedia D.Don and Habenaria edgeworthi Hook. f. Around 40 other orchid species are being used in indigenous medicine systems (Singh et al. 2007). Many orchids play a significant role in traditional systems of medicine because they are rich in alkaloids, flavonoids, glycosides and photochemical contents (Rosa, 2010). Kashmir Himalaya is a home of rich repository of orchids and till date studies on ethnomedicinal uses of orchids of the area has not been carried out. Therefore the present work has been undertaken to collect base line information on ethno-medicinal importance of some orchid species traditionally used in this part of the world. Material and methods Kashmir Himalaya is situated in northern fringe of the Indian sub-continent between 33 o 22 and 34 o 50 N latitudes and 73 o 55 and 73 o 33 E longitudes covering an area of about 2, 22,797sq Km. The present ethnobotanical study was carried out from 2010-2012 in different areas of Kashmir Himalaya (Fig 1) in different seasons. To collect the base line information regarding the traditional medicinal uses of different orchid species, interactions, personal interviews were carried out with local people, herbal healers (Hakims), traditional ISSN : 0976-285X Vol 4 Issue 2 Apr-May 2013 32
knowledge holders, shepherds and nomads. The orchid specimens collected from different areas were properly processed and herbarium specimen of each species was deposited at Kashmir University Herbarium (KASH). Results and discussion The present study revealed that 7 orchid species are being used in traditional medicine in Kashmir Himalaya. The scientific name, vernacular name, english name, diseases cured, part/parts used, method of preparation, dosage and precautions are depicted in Table 1. Theses 7 species belongs to 6 genera and are used to cure different diseases in traditional medicinal system of Kashmir Himalaya. These orchid species are used to cure 24 types of different diseases. For particular disease like general weakness, skin diseases, sexual weakness and wounds more than one orchid species are used. Tubers are used to treat maximum (12) number of diseases followed by whole herb (8) and rhizomes (7) respectively (Fig.2). The drugs prepared from these orchid species are taken orally or applied externally in the form of decoction, tea, poultice, infusion and paste. The medicinal plants provide a major part of the medicines for treatment of different diseases and until now, tribal people living in poor communities in remote areas depend on the plant-based medicines largely. Today, the local people of different regions throughout the world use many orchids for a variety of folk medicines and cures, which suggests a wealth of knowledge on herbal healthcare. Scientists are looking for possible cures in traditional herbs and are painstakingly collecting, studying and analyzing ancient recipes in an effort to identify the active ingredients. Many plants used in traditional medicine are reported to contain various chemical compounds responsible for their curative properties (Phondani, 2011). In India the orchids are used as medicine in different parts to cure various diseases. Jalal et al. (2008) and Joshi et al. (2009) have reported 12 and 17species of orchids respectively from Uttarakhand which are used in traditional medicine. Dash et al. (2008) reported 20 medicinal orchid species from Orissa which are used to 33 different kinds of diseases. In Madhya Pradesh 15 orchid species are used to treat 14 different types of diseases (Tiwari et al., 2012). In Astervarga of the eight plant species used, four belongs to orchids (Balkrishana et al., 2012). The present study is an attempt to survey and document the less known or new ethno-medicinal uses of orchids from Kashmir Himalaya. The ethnic knowledge can provide an insight for further research in pharmacology. The wild populations of these species are restricted in distribution and are not sufficient to meet the demand in drug industry. Hence propagation through tissue culture is recommended for mass multiplication and conservation of these wild medicinal orchids. Conclusion The present study document 7 orchid species for treatment of different diseases in Kashmir Himalaya. The number of diseases cured, part/parts used, method of preparation and administration, dosage and precautions if any to cure various diseases have also been recorded. Total of 24 diseases are cured by these orchid species. Acknowledgements We are highly thankful to the Head, Department of Botany, University of Kashmir, Srinagar, for providing necessary facilities. Authors highly acknowledge the co-operation rendered by the herbal healers (Hakims) and local inhabitants. References [1] Balakrishana, A., Srivastava, A., Misra, R.K., Patel, S. P., Vashistha, R. K., Singh, A., Jadon, V., Saxena, P., Astarvaga plantsthreatened medicinal plants of the North- West Himalaya. Int. J. Med.Arom. Plants 2012, 2 (4), 661-667. [2] Bulpitt, C. J. 2005., The uses and misuses of orchids in medicine. QJM: An International Journal of Medicine 2005, 98, 625-631. [3] Dash, P. K., Santilata, S., Subhasisa, B. Ethnobotanical Studies on Orchids of Niyamgiri Hill Ranges, Orissa, India. Ethnobotanical Leaflets 2008, 12, 70-78 [4] Jalal, J. S., Kumar, P., Pangtey, Y. P. S., Ethnomedicinal Orchids of Uttarakhand, Western Himalaya. Ethnobotanical Leaflets 2008, 12, 1227-30. [5] Joshi, G. C., Lalit, M., Tewari., Nidhi Lohani., Kanchan Upreti., Jeevan S. Jalal., Geeta Tewari., Diversity of Orchids In Uttarakhand And Their Conservation Strategy With Special Reference To Their Medicinal Importance. Report and Opinion 2009, 1(3), 47-52. [6] Phondani, P. C., Worth of Traditional Herbal System of Medicine for Curing Ailments Prevalent Across the Mountain Region of Uttarakhand, India. Journal of applied and Pharmaceutical Sciences 2011, 1 (9), 81-86 [7] Rosa, M. P. G., Orchids: A review of uses in traditional medicine, its photochemistry and pharmacology. Journal of Medicinal Plants Research 2010, 4(8), 592-638 [8] Singh, A.K.R. Mer., C. Tiwari., Harnessing the economic potential of Orchids in Uttaranchal. ENVIS Bulletin on Himalayan Ecology 2007, 14 (2) [9] Tiwari, A. P Bhavana Joshi., Ansari, A. A., Less Known Ethno medicinal Uses of Some Orchids by the Tribal inhabitants of Amarkantak Plateau, Madhya Pradesh, India. Nature and Science 2012, 10(12) Captions and legends Fig. 1: Map showing different study areas Fig.2: Part/parts used to treat different types of diseases Table 1: Ethno-medicinal uses of some important orchid species of Kashmir Himalaya ISSN : 0976-285X Vol 4 Issue 2 Apr-May 2013 33
Figures Fig. 1: Map showing different study areas Fig.2: Part/parts used to treat different types of diseases ISSN : 0976-285X Vol 4 Issue 2 Apr-May 2013 34
Table 1: Ethno-medicinal uses of some important orchid species of Kashmir Himalaya Gowhar A. Shapoo et al. / International Journal of Pharmaceutical and Biological Research (IJPBR) S. No. Plant species Vernacular name/ English name Diseases cured Part/parts used Method of preparation Dosage Precaution 1 Cephalanthera longifolia (L.) Fritch 2 Dactylorhiza hatagirea D. Don (Soo) Lampatter /Sword leaved Helleborine Hatapanja/Himalayan Marsh orchid 1.Weakness Rhizome 20gms of rhizome are boiled in 500ml of milk and 20gm of dates, 50gm sugar is added. 1.Stomachic Tubers Dried powders of tubers are mixed water and sugar is added. 2.Head ache Tubers Fresh tubers are poultice is prepared. 3.Fracture Tubers The fresh tubers are mixed with turmeric powder to form a paste by adding little 4.Cough and cold Tubers and The tubers and flowers dried flowers are boiled in water for about 5 minutes to get the decoction, and then honey is added to it. given twice a day. 100-200ml/ day Avoidance of fatty food items. 1-2 times / day Avoidance of cold Once a day particularly at bed time. Avoidance of cold water and complete rest. 2-3 times a day Avoidance of cold water, fatty food items and pickles. 5.Vermifuge Tubers Fresh Tubers are Once a day at bed Avoidance of ISSN : 0976-285X Vol 4 Issue 2 Apr-May 2013 35
mixed with milk then a little sugar is added. time. pickles, cold water and fatty food items. 6.Weakness nervous system of Tubers Fresh Tubers are mixed with milk then a little honey is added. Twice a day Avoidance of cold water 8.Diarrhea Tubers and flowers The tubers and dried flowers are boiled in water for about 5 minutes to get the decoction. 9.Wound healing Leaves and tubers Fresh leaves and tubers are poultice is prepared. 10.General Whole herb The powder of weakness after dried plant is delivery mixed with ghee. Twice a day Avoidance of sugary and fatty food items 1-2 times / day Avoidance of cold 2-3 times a day Avoidance of pickles, cold 11.Aphrodisiac Tubers Fresh Tubers are mixed with milk then a little sugar and almonds are added. Once a day at bed time Avoidance pickles. of ISSN : 0976-285X Vol 4 Issue 2 Apr-May 2013 36
3 Epipactis helleborine (L.) Crantz. Sabazl poosh-e- panja/ Broad Leaved Helleborine 4 Epipactis royleana Lindl. Wazul poosh-e- panja/ Red Flowered Helleborine 1. Boils Rhizome 50gms of rhizome powder is mixed with 80ml of hot 2. Fever Leaves 50gms of leaves are boiled in 500ml of 3. Nerve tonic Rhizome 20gms of rhizome are boiled in 500ml of milk and 10gms of almond, 10gms of date and 50gms of sugar is added. 4. Aphrodisiac Tuber 10gms of tuber powder is mixed in 300ml of milk. 1. Wounds Rhizome The powder of dried rhizome is used to cure wounds Applied on boils. externally given twice a day. given twice a day. taken at bed time The dried powder is applied on affected body parts Avoid pickles, fatty food items and cold water Avoid pickles. 2. General weakness Rhizome 20gms of rhizome are boiled in 500ml of milk and 50gm sugar is added 3. Seminal debility Rhizome 20gms of rhizome are boiled in 500ml of milk and 10gm almonds, 50gm sugar is added given twice a day given twice a day Avoid pickles ISSN : 0976-285X Vol 4 Issue 2 Apr-May 2013 37
5 Goodyrea repens (L.) R.Brown Meend/ Rattlesnake Plantain 4. Aphrodisiac Tuber 10gms of tuber powder is mixed in 300ml of milk 1. Toothache Leaves The leaves are chewed Taken at bed time The chewed leaves are kept under the affected teeth for few minutes Avoid pickles Avoid sugary food items 2. Wounds Whole herb 100gm of herb is crushed in 50ml of water 3. Loss of appetite Whole herb 100gms of whole 300ml of water The poultice is applied on affected body parts given to patient twice a day Avoid pickles and fatty food items 4. Urinary irritation Whole herb 200gms of whole 2liters of water Decoction is given to patient twice a day Avoid pickles and fatty food items 5. Irregular menstruation Roots and leaves 200gms of roots and leaves are boiled in 300ml of water Decoction is given to patient twice a day Avoid pickles and fatty food items 6. Insect bites Roots and leaves The roots and leaves are crushed The juice of plants parts are used to give soothing effects of insect bites and scratches ISSN : 0976-285X Vol 4 Issue 2 Apr-May 2013 38
6 Listera ovata (L.) R. Brown Chareed/ Twayblade 1. Stomach ailments Whole herb 50gm of whole water 300ml of 2. Skin diseases Rhizome 15gm of flower powder is mixed with 20-30ml of oil 3. Indigestion Whole herb 100gm of whole water 300ml of 4. Tonic Leaves 500gm of leaves are cooked as vegetable given to patient twice a day The paste is applied on affected skin given to patient twice a day The vegetable is used as tonic Avoid fatty and sugary food items Avoid fatty and sugary food items 7 Spiranthes sinensis (Pers.) Ames Masti-loth/Lady s Tresses 1. Skin eruptions Flowers The powder of dried flower are mixed with mustard oil The mixture of dried flower powder and oil is applied on affected body parts 2. Weakness Tubers The tubers are fried and taken with meals Vegetable is taken with meals twice a day 3. Sour throat Tubers 50gms of tubers are mixed with 100ml of milk 4.Cough and cold Whole herb 50gms of whole 300ml of water 5. Swelling Tubers The tubers are salt is added and applied on applied externally around gullet taken orally Crushed tubers and salt is applied externally Avoid pickles, fatty and sugary food items and dust Avoid pickles, fatty and food items and cold water ISSN : 0976-285X Vol 4 Issue 2 Apr-May 2013 39
affected parts 6. Wounds Tubers The powder of dried tubers is used to cure wounds 7. Fever Whole herb 100gms of whole 300ml of water The dried powder is applied on affected body parts given to patient twice a day Avoid pickles, fatty food items and cold water ISSN : 0976-285X Vol 4 Issue 2 Apr-May 2013 40