Research Paper Folklore Claims of Some Medicinal Plants Used by Tribal Community of Chhattisgarh, India Amia Ekka School of life Sciences, Pt. Ravishankar Shukla University, Raipur (C.G) 492010 INDIA Abstract The sea-horse shaped Chhattisgarh state come into existence on 1 st November 2000 by the Bill Madhya Pradesh Reorganization Act. 2000 passed in the parliament. Until then it was a part of Madhya Pradesh state. The significant tribes of the state are: Gond, Korwa, Manjhi, Oraon, Munda, Baiga, Nagesia, Kol, Agarias etcthe life style of tribal people depends upon the land. Agriculture, hunting, fishing, collection of forest products, bamboo work or labour of any kind is their livelihood. The rich trible areas are Raigarh,Jashpur,Surguja,&Baster district, tribes are still unaware of the scientific and cultural progress of the society and still are being exploited by the people of the modern society.the paper reports the results of an ethnobotanical study conducted in Chhattisgarh.The study has been carried out in Baster, Jagdalpur, Surguja, Korba,Raigarh and Jashpur district. Folk uses are described for 25 species, of which 05 are for food, 17 for medicine, and 04 for miscellaneous uses, such as oil, dye, fodder, etc. These species are used among the Oraon, Gonds, Korwas, Majhwars, Bharias, Halba and Chamars of the region. About 03uses reported here seem to be lees known ( Jain 1991) in India, or not recorded for the region. Some magico-religious beliefs about plants prevalent. in the area have been mentioned for record. Keywords: Folklore, Ethnobotany, Ethnomedicine, Tribes, Chhattisgarh, India 1. Introduction Chhattisgarh, the 26th State of India is situated between 17 to 23.7 degree north latitude and 8.40 to 83.38 degree east longitude. Chhattisgarh abounds in hilly regions and plains. It receives an annual average rainfall of 60 inches. Rice is the principal crop of the State. Uttar Pradesh to the north, Jharkhand to the north- east, Orissa to the east, Andhra Pradesh to the south-east and south, Maharashtra to the south-west and Madhya Pradesh to the west and north-west form its boundaries. A predominantly tribal State endowed with rich mineral and forest wealth, Chhattisgarh has about 35 big and small tribes inhabiting the State. The climate of Chhattisgarh is mainly tropical, humid and sub-humid. The climate is hot because of its position on the tropic of cancer. May is the hottest month and December and January are the coldest ones. The State is completely dependent on the monsoons for rains. The Mahanadi is the principal river of the State. The other major rivers are - Sheonath, Hadeo, Mand, Eeb, Pairi, Jonk, Kelo Udanti, Indrawati, Arpa and Maniyari. The scheduled tribes with a population of over 57,00,000 constitute 32.5 % of the State s population as per the 1991 census. Almost 98.1% of this population lives in the rural areas and only 1.9 % in urban Chhattisgarh. Among the larger States in India, Chhattisgarh has the highest percentage of population of people from the scheduled tribes. The scheduled tribes are concentrated in the southern, northern and the north-eastern districts of the State. The highest concentration is in the erstwhile Bastar Available online at www.scientific-journals.co.uk 16
district. The new district of Dantewara has 79 % tribal population followed by Bastar (67 %) Jashpur (65 %), Surguja (57 %) and Kanker (56 %).The Gonds at 55.1 % form the largest proportion within the tribal population. They are distributed almost equally in the urban and rural areas. The Oraons, the Kawars, the Halbis, the Bharias or Bhumiars, the Bhattras and the Napesias also form a substantial portion of the tribal population. Thirty other scheduled tribes have small population residing in various pockets across Chhattisgarh. The Gonds are concentrated in the hilly parts of southern Chhattisgarh but are also spread across most districts whereas the Baigas, Bharias, Korwas and Napesias occupy only specific pockets. The Bhattras, Kolams and Rasjas largely live in Bastar and the Kamars in Raipur. The Halba tribe inhabits parts of Bastar, Raipur and Rajnandgaon. The Oraons live in Surguja and Raigarh districts. Chhattisgarh is rich in forest resources. About 44 % of the total area of the State is under forest cover. Chhattisgarh is famous in the entire country for its sal forests. In addition teak, bamboo, saja, sarai and haldi are also found in large numbers. Tendu leaf which is used in beedi-making is the principal forest produce of the State. Chhattisgarh produces a large number of minor forest products as well. A detailed perusal of the ethnobotanical records reveal that a number of outstanding botanists led several ethnobotanical studies in different parts of C.G. (Bajpai et al, 1997; Brij, 1993 ; Goel, 1990 ; Jain, 2002; Tirkey, 2000, 2004, 2005; Kumar, 2003) are available. It reveals from the literature that State with rich flora has remained botanically almost unexplored. Therefore study has been undertaken to record less-known ethnobotanicals from different tribal communities of this state. 2. Methodology Ethnobotanical field work was conducted in several tribal rich villages of Baster, Jagdalpur, Surguja, Korba,Raigarh and Jashpur district. Voucher specimens related to ethnobotanical uses were collected. These were dentified with the help of herbarium and floras (Verma et al, 1989, Mudgal et al, 1997). Forest working plan (Dave, 1988) of this area was also studied. Data on uses were recorded in the field from experienced people. Some very common plants like well known trees were not collected for voucher specimens. Only information provided by the tribal people for these species was recorded. 3. Results and Discussion The tribals of Chhattisgarh have developed vast knowledge of plants as observed by the author during their field survey from 2006 to 2009 of ethnobotanical work which they have acquired through their traditional practices since time immemorial. Use of certain plants for some particular purposes (e.g. Insect repellants, Stupefiers, Cancer, Rheumatism, Diabetes etc) is restricted to some people only and normally they are quite reluctant to share their knowledge with any outsider. There is an urgent need of documentation of this irreplaceable knowledge. It may be lost when traditional cultures collapse with advent of modernization. The present studies aimed at documenting all Ethnobotanical Products data covering most important eco-sensitive zones of the state. The photographic documentation is more useful in identification of plant species in the field and it may also useful for conservation strategies. Generally, it was noted some rare traditionally useful plants knowledge and values which accounts for 25 plant species with 25 genera in 22 families. Most of the claims are found to be new and interesting to the indigenous system of Indian medicine. The present enumerations about medicinal plants of the area studied is not last the only account of medicinal plants but a treasure of folk lore uses of plants can be explored from these tribal areas. Considering previous studies and the present exploration indicate that such kind of ethno-medicobotanical studies may be highly useful to human race in fighting disease with cheap and best non-side effect remedies. In the following enumeration given in Table 1, plants are arranged alphabetically by botanical names, followed by family and local name. A brief description of the plant is followed by ethnobotanical uses, locality and collection number of the plant. It was observed that some uses described by the folk were not widely known or recorded (Jain, 1991).These uses are marked with an asterisk. Some uses reported by the folk in Surguja, Baster, Raigarh and Jashpur district are commonly known, but even these plants are not mentioned in the above-noted publications on this state. Photograph of some the plants are given in Figures 1-6. A large number of plant species occur in tribal inhabited localities of Jashpur, Surguja, Raigarh and Baster districts. Looking to the intellectual property rights of indigenous people, documentation of such knowledge is necessary now a day. The people of Oraon and Korwa community possess a vast knowledge regarding multifarious uses of plants. Almost all species are commonly available in the area but many people are not aware about their importance. Some species are facing threats due to various reasons and require immediate attention for their conservation. It is clear from observation that some species are also used for curing the cattle of tribals. Such information should be spread among other societies living in urban area and villages. Available online at www.scientific-journals.co.uk 17
A. Ekka / Research Journal of Biology (2011), Vol. 01, Issue 01, pp. 16-20 Figure 1. Asparagus Racemosus Wild Figure 3. Ficus Benghalensis L Figure 5. Porana Paniculata Roxb ISSN 2049-1727 Figure 2. Erycibe paniculata Roxb Figure 4. Curculigo Orchioides Gaertn Figure 6. Thespesia populnea Solandex Correa Available online at www.scientific-journals.co.uk 18
Table 1. Medicinal Plants used Against Various Ailments Plant Name (Family) Local name Uses Aegle marmelos (L.) Correa (Rutaceae) Alternanthera sessilis (L)R.Br.exdc (Amaranthaceae) Andrographis paniculata(brum.f.) Wall.(Amaranthaceae) Bel,Belpatra Garandi Shak Kalmegh Pulp of unripe or half ripe fruit mixed in water is given in diarrhea; Pulp of ripe fruit mixed with water for making Sharbat (Syrup), acts as soothing agent. Pulp mixed with water and kept for 7-8 days is applied on roof for plastering and checking seepage of water. One cupful decoction of whole plant twice A day for three days cure Malaria. One leaf taken in Dysentery. Two spoonful extract of leaf is given twice a day for four to five days in Cholera. Decoction is also used for blood purification. Asparagus racemosus willd.(liliaceae) Satawar Fresh tuberous roots considered good tonic. Roots are mixed with cow fodder to increase lactation. *Balanites aegyptiaca (L.)Delile (Balanitaceae) Hingot Pulp of ripe fruit mixed with mothers milk is given twice a day for children suffering from pneumonia. Leaf powder is used as cigarette in Asthma. One *Baliospermum montanum Muell.Aug. Dantimool glassful decoction of leaf is taken in empty stomach (Euphorbiaceae) once a day to cure Jaundice. Boswellia serrata Roxb.ex Colebr.(Burseraceae) Sala,Salai Leaf paste is applied on eyes against eye infection. Buchanania lanzan Spr. (Anacardiaceae) Chironji Paste of young leaves applied to cure fresh cuts, wounds and eczema. Curculigo orchioides Gaertn (Hypoxidaceae). Kalimusli Two or three spoonful Root juice is given twice a day for two days to cure Dysentery. *Diospyros melanoxylon Roxb. (Ebenaceae) Tendu, Tenu Pulp of unripe fruit is applied externally in cracked or inflamed soles of feet. Ripe fruits are edible. Elytraria acaulis (L.f.) Lindau (Acanthaceae) Patthar chata Roots are tied on forehead during cholera. Erycibe paniculata Roxb. (Convolvulaceae) Kari Extract of young leaves put in eyes before bed time till one month for night blindness. Ficus benghalensis L.(Moraceae) Bargad Milky latex is massaged externally on scalp to prevent loss of hair. Helicteres isora L.(Sterculiaceae) Maror phalli Seeds pounded in water are given during gripping of bowels. Holarrhena pubescens (Buch-Ham) Flowers and fruits are used as vegetable specifically Dudhi Wallich ex G.Don (Apocynaceae), consumed in joint pain. Hyptis suaveolens (L.)Point.(Lamiaceae) Bantulsi Seeds soaked in water are given as soothing agent. Plumbago zeylanica L. (Plumbaginaceae) Chitrak Young leaf paste is applied on affected portion on any type of skin disease. Decoction is used in Abortion. Porana paniculata Roxb. (Convolvulaceae) Masbandhi Paste of fresh root is tagged as bandage for 12 to 15 days for Fractured bone and paste is also used in wounds. Solanum virginianum L.(Solanaceae) Bhatkatiya Roots are boiled in water, cooled and given to children twice a day in cold and cough. Sphaeranthus indicus L. (Asteraceae) Gorakhmundi Children suffering from dysentery are exposed to fumes of whole plant. Terminalia alata Heyne ex Roth.(Combretaceae) Saja Gum is edible and leaves are used as fodder. Thespesia populnea Solandex.Correa. (Malvaceae) Bankapas One cupful extract of fresh stem bark is given orally and also applied on affected part on mad dog bite. Vicia hirsuta (L.)S.F.Gray (Fabaceae) Churingli Leaves are eaten as vegetable and also used as fodder. Ziziphus mauritiana Lamk. (Rhamnaceae) Ber Cooled decoction of dried fruits is given during cold and cough. Ziziphus xylopyrus (Retz.) Willd. (Rhamnaceae) Jangli ber Dye yielded from fruits is used in tanning of leather. Available online at www.scientific-journals.co.uk 19
Acknowledgements The Author thanks are due to the HOD, School of life sciences, Pt. R.S.U., Raipur for facilities provided. She expresses her thanks to Dr. S.K. Jain for his cooperation, moral support, inspiration, affection and timely encouragement. She express her sincere thanks to the Director NBRI, Lucknow for providing their kind help and library staff, Finally, gratefully express her sincere thanks to Dr. Ashok Jain, Hon. Director, IOE, Jiwaji University, Gwalior for financial support. Tirkey, A. (2005) Bibliography of Ethnobotany of Chhattisgarh State, India. Project report submitted to IOE, Gwalior (M.P.) Verma, R. (1989) Madhya Pradesh District Gazetters Surguja. Directorate of Gazetters, Dept. of Culture, Madhya Pradesh, Bhopal. References Bajpai, H.R., and Mishra, M. (1997) Problem and prospective of primitive hill Korwa tribe. Vanyajati, 45(1), pp. 2-4 Brij, L. (1993) Ethnobotany of Baigas of Madhya Pradesh a preliminary report. Arunachal forest news, 11(1), pp. 17-20 Dave, R.K. (1988) Working plan for North Surguja forest Division Ambikapur (M.P.) (1988-89 to 1997-98) Mimeographed. Goel, M.R. (1990) Chhattisgarh Ke Surguja Ke Aadivasiyon Ka Mahotsav Ghirra. Vanyajati, 38(4), pp. 5-7 Jain, S.K. (1991) Observations on Ethnobotany of the tribals of Central India. In: Jain, S.K. ed. Glimpses of Indian Ethnobotany. New Delhi, Oxford and IBH, pp. 192-198 Jain, S.K. (2002) Bibliography of Indian Ethnobotany. Jodhpur, Scientific Publisher. Kumar, V., and Sikarwar, R.L.S. (2003) Plants used as fish poison by tribals of Surguja district in Chhattisgarh State, India. Ethnobotany, 15, pp. 87-89 Mudgal, V., Khanna, K.K., and Hajra, P.K. (1997) Flora of Madhya Pradesh. vol. 2, Calcutta, B.S.I. Tirkey, A., Khan, F., and Khan, S.S. (2000) Medicinal plants used in the treatment of hair in Raigarh District of Madhya Pradesh (India). Vistas in Ethnobotany, 1, pp. 104-110. Tirkey, A., Khan, S.S., and Khan, F. (2004) Ethnomedicinally Important plants used in the treatement of skin afflictions by the tribals of Chhattisgarh. Ethnomedicine and Human Welfare, 3, pp. 68-90 Available online at www.scientific-journals.co.uk 20