UNIVERSITY OF HORTICULTURAL SCIENCES,

BAGALKOT-587102.

MEDICINAL AND AROMATIC CROPS, PMA-401(0+1)

RHWE-401(0+20)

ASSIGNMENT TOPIC :ROLE OF TRIBAL PEOPLE IN CONSERVATION OF

MEDICINAL PLANTS

SUBMITTED TO:

Dr. J. S. Hiremath

Asst. Prof. of PMA

SUBMITTED BY:

NAME: Vidyashree D M

I.D. NO:UHS15UG2484

CLASS :4th B.Sc (Horticulture)

SEMISTER:2nd

YEAR:2018-19

DEPARTMENT OF PMA

KITTUR RANI CHANNAMMA COLLEGE OF HORTICULTURE,

ARABHAVI-591218.
Role of Tribal people in conservation of medicinal plants

Introduction:
The term “medicinal plant” include various types of plants used in herbalism ("herbology" or
"herbal medicine"). It is the use of plants for medicinal purposes, and the study of such uses.
The word “herb” has been derived from the Latin word, “herba” and an old French
word “herbe”. Now a days, herb refers to any part of the plant like fruit, seed, stem, bark,
flower, leaf, stigma or a root, as well as a non-woody plant. Earlier, the term “herb” was only
applied to non-woody plants, including those that come from trees and shrubs. These
medicinal plants are also used as food, flavonoid, medicine or perfume and also in certain
spiritual activities.

History
Plants have been used for medicinal purposes long before prehistoric period. Ancient Unani
manuscripts Egyptian papyrus and Chinese writings described the use of herbs. Evidence
exist that Unani Hakims, Indian Vaids and European and Mediterranean cultures were using
herbs for over 4000 years as medicine. Indigenous cultures such as Rome, Egypt, Iran, Africa
and America used herbs in their healing rituals, while other developed traditional medical
systems such as Unani, Ayurveda and Chinese Medicine in which herbal therapies were used
systematically.
Traditional systems of medicine continue to be widely practised on many accounts.
Population rise, inadequate supply of drugs, prohibitive cost of treatments, side effects of
several synthetic drugs and development of resistance to currently used drugs for infectious
diseases have led to increased emphasis on the use of plant materials as a source of medicines
for a wide variety of human ailments.
Among ancient civilisations, India has been known to be rich repository of medicinal plants.
The forest in India is the principal repository of large number of medicinal and aromatic
plants, which are largely collected as raw materials for manufacture of drugs and perfumery
products. About 8,000 herbal remedies have been codified in AYUSH systems in INDIA.
Ayurveda, Unani, Siddha and Folk (tribal) medicines are the major systems of indigenous
medicines. Among these systems, Ayurveda and Unani Medicine are most developed and
widely practised in India.
Recently, WHO (World Health Organization) estimated that 80 percent of people worldwide
rely on herbal medicines for some aspect of their primary health care needs. According to
WHO, around 21,000 plant species have the potential for being used as medicinal plants.
As per data available over three-quarters of the world population relies mainly on plants and
plant extracts for their health care needs. More than 30% of the entire plant species, at one
time or other were used for medicinal purposes. It has been estimated, that in developed
countries such as United States, plant drugs constitute as much as 25% of the total drugs,
while in fast developing countries such as India and China, the contribution is as much as
80%. Thus, the economic importance of medicinal plants is much more to countries such as
India than to rest of the world. These countries provide two third of the plants used in modern
system of medicine and the health care system of rural population depend on indigenous
systems of medicine.
Treatment with medicinal plants is considered very safe as there is no or minimal side effects.
These remedies are in sync with nature, which is the biggest advantage. The golden fact is
that, use of herbal treatments is independent of any age groups and the sexes.
The ancient scholars only believed that herbs are only solutions to cure a number of health
related problems and diseases. They conducted thorough study about the same, experimented
to arrive at accurate conclusions about the efficacy of different herbs that have medicinal
value. Most of the drugs, thus formulated, are free of side effects or reactions. This is the
reason why herbal treatment is growing in popularity across the globe. These herbs that have
medicinal quality provide rational means for the treatment of many internal diseases, which
are otherwise considered difficult to cure.
Medicinal plants such as Aloe, Tulsi, Neem, Turmeric and Ginger cure several common
ailments. These are considered as home remedies in many parts of the country. It is known
fact that lots of consumers are using Basil (Tulsi) for making medicines, black tea,
in pooja and other activities in their day to day life.
In several parts of the world many herbs are used to honour their kings showing it as a
symbol of luck. Now, after finding the role of herbs in medicine, lots of consumers started the
plantation of tulsi and other medicinal plants in their home gardens.
Medicinal plants are considered as a rich resources of ingredients which can be used in drug
development either pharmacopoeial, non- pharmacopoeial or synthetic drugs. A part from
that, these plants play a critical role in the development of human cultures around the whole
world. Moreover, some plants are considered as important source of nutrition and as a result
of that they are recommended for their therapeutic values. Some of these plants include
ginger, green tea, walnuts, aloe, pepper and turmeric etc. Some plants and their derivatives
are considered as important source for active ingredients which are used in aspirin and
toothpaste etc.
Apart from the medicinal uses, herbs are also used in natural dye, pest control, food, perfume,
tea and so on. In many countries different kinds of medicinal plants/ herbs are used to keep
ants, flies, mice and flee away from homes and offices. Now a days medicinal herbs are
important sources for pharmaceutical manufacturing.
Recipes for the treatment of common ailments such as diarrhoea, constipation, hypertension,
low sperm count, dysentery and weak penile erection, piles, coated tongue, menstrual
disorders, bronchial asthma, leucorrhoea and fevers are given by the traditional medicine
practitioners very effectively.
Over the past two decades, there has been a tremendous increase in the use of herbal
medicine; however, there is still a significant lack of research data in this field. Therefore
 since 1999, WHO has published three volumes of the WHO monographs on selected
medicinal plants.
Importance of some herbs with their medicinal values
 Herbs such as black pepper, cinnamon, myrrh, aloe, sandalwood, ginseng, red clover,
burdock, bayberry, and safflower are used to heal wounds, sores and boils.
 Basil, Fennel, Chives, Cilantro, Apple Mint, Thyme, Golden Oregano, Variegated Lemon
Balm, Rosemary, Variegated Sage are some important medicinal herbs and can be planted in
kitchen garden. These herbs are easy to grow, look good, taste and smell amazing and many
of them are magnets for bees and butterflies.
 Many herbs are used as blood purifiers to alter or change a long-standing condition by
eliminating the metabolic toxins. These are also known as 'blood cleansers'. Certain herbs
improve the immunity of the person, thereby reducing conditions such as fever.
 Some herbs are also having antibiotic properties. Turmeric is useful in inhibiting the growth
of germs, harmful microbes and bacteria. Turmeric is widely used as a home remedy to heal
cut and wounds.
 To reduce fever and the production of heat caused by the condition, certain antipyretic herbs
such as Chirayta, black pepper, sandal wood and safflower are recommended by traditional
Indian medicine practitioners.
 Sandalwood and Cinnamon are great astringents apart from being aromatic. Sandalwood is
especially used in arresting the discharge of blood, mucus etc.
 Some herbs are used to neutralize the acid produced by the stomach. Herbs such as
marshmallow root and leaf. They serve as antacids. The healthy gastric acid needed for
proper digestion is retained by such herbs.
 Indian sages were known to have remedies from plants which act against poisons from
animals and snake bites.
 Herbs like Cardamom and Coriander are renowned for their appetizing qualities. Other
aromatic herbs such as peppermint, cloves and turmeric add a pleasant aroma to the food,
thereby increasing the taste of the meal.
 Some herbs like aloe, sandalwood, turmeric, sheetraj hindi and khare khasak are commonly
used as antiseptic and are very high in their medicinal values.
 Ginger and cloves are used in certain cough syrups. They are known for their expectorant
property, which promotes the thinning and ejection of mucus from the lungs, trachea and
bronchi. Eucalyptus, Cardamom, Wild cherry and cloves are also expectorants.
 Herbs such as Chamomile, Calamus, Ajwain, Basil, Cardamom, Chrysanthemum, Coriander,
Fennel, Peppermint and Spearmint, Cinnamon, Ginger and Turmeric are helpful in promoting
good blood circulation. Therefore, they are used as cardiac stimulants.
 Certain medicinal herbs have disinfectant property, which destroys disease causing germs.
They also inhibit the growth of pathogenic microbes that cause communicable diseases.
 Herbal medicine practitioners recommend calmative herbs, which provide a soothing effect to
the body. They are often used as sedatives.
 Certain aromatic plants such as Aloe, Golden seal, Barberry and Chirayata are used as mild
tonics. The bitter taste of such plants reduces toxins in blood. They are helpful in destroying
infection as well.
 Certain herbs are used as stimulants to increase the activity of a system or an organ, for
example herbs like Cayenne (Lal Mirch, Myrrh, Camphor and Guggul.
 A wide variety of herbs including Giloe, Golden seal, Aloe and Barberry are used as tonics.
They can also be nutritive and rejuvenate a healthy as well as diseased individual.
 Honey, turmeric, marshmallow and liquorice can effectively treat a fresh cut and wound.
They are termed as vulnerary herbs.

Advantages and Disadvantages

There are numerous advantages and disadvantages of herbal medicine. Anyone considering
using herbal medicine to treat health conditions should speak with a qualified health
professional.

Advantages
There are a number advantages associated with using herbal medicines as opposed to
pharmaceutical products. Examples include the following:

 Reduced risk of side effects: Most herbal medicines are well tolerated by the patient,
with fewer unintended consequences than pharmaceutical drugs. Herbs typically have
fewer side effects than traditional medicine, and may be safer to use over time.
 Effectives with chronic conditions: Herbal medicines tend to be more effective for long-
standing health complaints that don't respond well to traditional medicine. One example
is the herbs and alternative remedies used to treat arthritis. Vioxx, a well-known
prescription drug used to treat arthritis, was recalled due to increased risk of
cardiovascular complications. Alternative treatments for arthritis, on the other hand,
have few side effects. Such treatments include dietary changes like adding simple herbs,
eliminating vegetables from the nightshade family and reducing white sugar
consumption.
 Lower cost: Another advantage to herbal medicine is cost. Herbs cost much less than
prescription medications. Research, testing, and marketing add considerably to the cost
of prescription medicines. Herbs tend to be inexpensive compared to drugs.
 Widespread availability: Yet another advantage of herbal medicines are their
availability. Herbs are available without a prescription. You can grow some simple
herbs, such as peppermint and chamomile, at home. In some remote parts of the world,
herbs may be the only treatment available to the majority of people.

Disadvantages
Herbs are not without disadvantages, and herbal medicine is not appropriate in all situations.
These are a few of the disadvantages to consider:

 Inappropriate for many conditions: Modern medicine treats sudden and serious illnesses
and accidents much more effectively than herbal or alternative treatments. An herbalist
would not be able to treat serious trauma, such as a broken leg, nor would he be able to
heal an appendicitis or a heart attack as effectively as a conventional doctor using
modern diagnostic tests, surgery, and drugs.
  Lack of dosage instructions: Another disadvantage of herbal medicine is the very real
risks of doing yourself harm through self-dosing with herbs. While you can argue that
the same thing can happen with medications, such as accidentally overdosing on cold
remedies, many herbs do not come with instructions or package inserts. There's a very
real risk of overdose.
 Poison risk associated with wild herbs: Harvesting herbs in the wild is risky, if not
foolhardy, yet some people try to identify and pick wild herbs. They run a very real risk
of poisoning themselves if they don't correctly identify the herb, or if they use the wrong
part of the plant.
 Medication interactions: Herbal treatments can interact with medications. Nearly all
herbs come with some warning, and many, like the herbs used for anxiety such as
Valerian and St. John's Wort, can interact with prescription medication like
antidepressants. It's important to discuss your medications and herbal supplements with
your doctor to avoid dangerous interactions.
 Lack of regulation: Because herbal products are not tightly regulated, consumers also
run the risk of buying inferior quality herbs. The quality of herbal products may vary
among batches, brands or manufacturers. This can make it much more difficult to
prescribe the proper dose of an herb.

Different types of tribal community in India and associated medicinal

crops

State Name/ Tribal Botanical Name/Local Part Mode of

Disease
communities trial name Used administration
Chhatisgarh/ Gond, Aloe
Annonace One teaspoonful of leaf
Bhunjia, Baiga, barbadensis Linn.(Gaur Leaves
ae juice with sugar
Bisonhom, Maria Parghi patha)
Vitex Leaves powder with
Abortion Leaves
negundo Linn.(Sambhalu) cow milk
Haldinia cordifolia Body Stem Paste is applied on body
(Haldu) pain bark for 3 days.

Moringa pterygosperma Leaf powder with

Cold and
Gaern Leaves mustard oil is given
cough
(Munga) orally for 3 days.

The pulp of unripe fruit

Meghalaya/Balamagre, is dipped in ginger oil
Aegle marmelos Correa. Burning Pulp of
Modupara and for a week, and this
(Selpri) sensation fruit
Dumnigaon mixture is applied over
body.
Artocarpus
Anaemia Fruit Fresh fruit are use.
lakoochaRoxb (Arimu)

Jaundice Fruit
Averrhoa carambola L. Juice of fruit and leaf
and
 (Amillenga) Leaves are use for treatment.
Diabetics
Dillenia pentagyna Roxb and
bark Powder of Bark is used.
(Agatchi) stomacha
che
Bulbs of garlic are
Uttarakhand/Tharu, Allium sativum L. Diarrhoea Plant boiled in Till oil; after
Bhotia, Jaunsari, Raji (Lehsun) , earache part cooling it is pour into
ear.
½ tablespoon dry root
Abdomin
Aconitum powder is boiling in
al pain Dry
heterophyllumWall.(Atee water during fever. Root
and Root
s) is also chewed twice a
vomiting
day.
Bergenia ligulata (Wall)
Engl. Kidney Dry form of rhizome is
Root
stone chewed
(Pashanbhed)
Juice of plant and tuber
Abdomin
Acorus calamus L. paste is taken orally to
Kerala/ Paniya, Kurich, al pain Whole
control abdominal pain
Adiyan, Kattunaika (Vayambus) and Plant
blood circulation
diarrohea
respectively.
Baliosperm montanum Root paste is applied
Piles Root
(Nagadenth) over piles.

Skin
Chonemorpha fragrans diseases,
Paste is applied over
blood Root
(Perumkurumba) skin.
purificati
on
Rajasthan/ Bhils, Lohars, Capparis sepiaria Bath with leaf
Sanshi, Meena, Itching Leaves
(Kather) decoction.
Raibari,Gadarias.
An infected finger is
Cucumis colossus Rotl. Finger placed into the hole
Fruit
(Cogn) infection made in fruit, into some
time intervals.
Crushed leaves and
Solanum nigrum Linn kama Leaves fruits are used to treat
infection.

W.Bengal/ Santhali and Dendropthae falcate Linn Antibacte Decoction of the plant
leaves
Pahari (Shibphul) rial use
 Tectona grandis Skin Wood oil used for
Wood
(Sagoan) infection treatment.

Cassia sophera Skin Leaf juice is

leaves
(kalkasunda) disease appliedinn ringworm

One cup rootdecoction

Crotalaria albida Heyne mixed with 2-3 spoon
Tripura/Auchai, Kabiraj, ex Roth Body
Root ginger extract is taken
Ozai swelling
(Banatasi) regularly in empty
stomach
Cuscuta reflexa Jaundice, Plant juice mixed with
cough Whole coconut water is taken
Roxb.
and plant early morning for 2
(Bannalata) diabetes week.
Leaf paste of plant
and Achyranthus
aspera (Apang)along
Euphorbia hirta L. Skin with sulfur (gandhi),
Leaves
(Shyamkhai) disease copper sulphate and
mustard oil in
6:2:1:1:2 is applied
on the skin for

Institutes involved in the conservation:

MPCN:Medicinal Plants Conservation Network

CMPR:Centre for Medicinal Plant Research

Present Status :
According to WHO analysis out of the total world’s population, 80% are still relies on
traditional medicine. In developing countries like India, 65% rural communities are still uses
traditional form of medicine to full fill their primary health care need. Traditionally this
treasure of knowledge has been passed on orally from one generation to other without any
written document and is still retained by various indigenous tribe groups around the world.

Each tribe has its own culture specific developed mechanism with which the
practitioners conserve the knowledge and performance strategic method to get free
from most of the languishing disease of the present society. It can also provide as an
effective foundation for the innovation and growth of modern therapeutic drugs.
Approach towards documenting the indigenous knowledge through ethno botanical
studies is important for the preservation and utilization of biological heritage.
Additionally due to the side effects of modern allopathic drugs in the present days,
people are paying attention towards herbal medicines and their consumption. The
global market for traditional therapies estimated to be at $60 billion a year and is
steadily growing however the knowledge of medicinal plant is rapidly dwindling due to
the influence of western life styles, reduction in number of traditional healers and the
lack of interest of younger generations to carry on the tradition. These medicinal
products are complex mixtures, which derive from natural sources, immense efforts
are required to assurance an even and sufficient quality of plant extract. By carefully
selecting the plant substance and a standardized manufacturing method, the pattern
and concentration of constituents should be kept as constant as possible, as this is a
prerequisite for reproducible therapeutic results. The cultivation practices offer
Standard Operating Procedures for use of fertilizers, irrigation systems and disease
management allied with insects and pest prevention and cure.

REFERENCE :
International Journal of Humanity and social science Invention.
www.trimed.co.in