Medicinal Plant Research

Abstract Aim: The present study is to document the information on local health traditions used for various human and animal diseases by traditional healers of Koppal district, Karnataka, India. Materials and methods: Seasonal ethnomedicobotanical (EMB) Survey has been conducted in Koppal district Karnataka during 2013 to 2014 to document the local health traditions (LHTs) knowledge related to human and animal. Results: The EMB survey team documented 24 LHTs claims in Koppal district, Karnataka, which were related to joint pains, bone fracture, psychiatry, gastrointestinal disorders, skin disease, hemorrhoids, diabetics, aphrodisiac, infections, eye disease, neurological disorders, gynecological disorders, jaundice, migraine, and inducing of vomiting in human beings and few veterinary practices such as diarrhea, loss of appetite, stomatitis, and bone fracture. Conclusion: Traditional healers are sheltered in the remote rural and tribal pockets. This is the time to identify effective formulations to manage or treat human ailments and spread the awareness in public for use. Scientific society has to work to introduce modern techniques in traditional system, identify unique properties that are playing very important role in the treatment of health issues, and validate scientifically and recommend the formulations for large-scale production by pharmaceutical industry for the benefit of the common people. Keywords: Ethnomedicobotanical survey, Folk healers, Koppal, Medicinal plants, Traditional healing.

Aim: Tripura is a small state of the northeastern part of India. The floral biodiversity is playing an important role in the traditional system of treatment in tribal and rural population. The research pertaining to the use of medicinal plants in ethnomedico botany and formulations of study area is limited. The Medico Ethno Botanical Survey (MEBS) team of Regional Ayurveda Research Institute (RARI), Itanagar, documented the local health traditions (LHTs) from traditional healers of rural and tribal pockets of Dharamanagar sub-division, North district, Tripura. Materials and methods: The MEBS has been conducted in tribal pockets and villages of Dharamanagar Range, Damchera Range, and Panisagar Ranges of Dharmanagar sub-division of Forest, North Tripura district, Tripura. Local health traditions (LHTs) were documented through discussion and interview with traditional healers in the prescribed format along with global positioning system (GPS) location and digital photography of healer and plant raw drugs used in the traditional medicine and also prepared formulations. Medicinal plants were identified by using local and regional flora followed by processing, mounting, and preservation. Documented information has been processed for scientific validation and Ayurvedic names were provided to medicinal plants. Results and discussion: The MEBS conducted and documented six folk claims with six medicinal plants in prescribed formats to conserve traditional knowledge. The data presented systematically as botanical name, family, Sanskrit name, part used, morphological description of the plant, method of formulation, indication, and information of folk healer. Conclusion: Folk healers of Dharmanagar sub division, Tripura collects and use medicinal plants from surrounding area in the treatment of Sarpa Danstra (snake bite), Kamala (jaundice), Stanyajanan (galactagogue), Udarasula (acute abdomen), Alpamutrata (oliguria), and Vrana (fresh wound) popularly. Further, scientific validation is required to understand the useful therapeutic benefits and large-scale medicine production for the treatment. Clinical significance: The MEBS team noticed that some medicinal plants are used in the treatment of human diseases, such as Alstonia scholaris (L.) R. Br. in snake bite, Cuscuta reflexa Roxb. in jaundice, Euphorbia herita L. in galactagogue, Scoparia dulcis L. in acute abdomen, Sida acuta Burm. f. for oliguria, and Mikania micrantha Kunth for fresh wound. These plants need to be studied in detail in order to harvest the maximum benefit for the mankind. Keywords: Dharmanagar, Folk claim, MEB survey, Traditional, Tripura. Journal of Drug Research in Ayurvedic Sciences (2019): 10.5005/jdras-10059-0089

Abstract Introduction: The collection and documentation of folklore claims of the native population of Andaman and Nicobar Islands including tribes are very essential as these claims can pave the path for new drug discovery. The concept of treating a disease by using a single plant or utilizing it as health supplements are rapidly spreading all over the world and it is widely practiced by physicians. Objectives: This study sought to document the distinct plant species used in treatment by the native and tribes of Andaman and Nicobar Islands, India. Materials and methods: During the year 2013 to 2016, a total of 23 periodical surveys of 75 forest beats of Andaman and Nicobar Islands were conducted and 62 local traditional folk healers were interviewed as per the questionnaire based on ethnomedicinal, survey protocol. Observations: One hundred and forty-one folklore claims related to single-herbal remedies were registered which comprises 103 medicinal plant species used to treat 47 different diseases. Maximum numbers of species, i.e., 13 are utilized to cure abdominal pain followed by 12 species for headache and 11 species for fever. Discussion: Among the 103 plant species, 85 species have been quoted in the texts of Ayurveda and the remaining 18 plants have been also defined as folk medicine in other literature of plant studies. However, this study highlights their utilization in common disease by the native and tribal folk healers of Andaman and Nicobar Islands. Conclusion: This study gives immense output on the use of the individual medicinal plant in varied systemic and local diseases from the folk healers of the Andaman and Nicobar Islands. Organized and constructive information incorporated in this article may aid in conducting further pharmacological, toxicological, and clinical studies on reported claims to confirm their therapeutic efficacy and utility. Keywords: Andaman and Nicobar, Ekala Dravya Chikitsa, Medicinal plant, Tribes. Journal of Drug Research in Ayurvedic Sciences (2019): 10.5005/jdras-10059-0074

Introduction: Car Nicobar is a separate island and an administrative headquarter of Nicobar district. It is 260 km (162 miles) away from Port Blair, i.e., Capital of Andaman and Nicobar [(A and N) Union Territory] having a geographical area of 126.9 km2 , i.e., 49.0 sq miles. The Nicobar group of islands is inhabited by the two mongoloid group of tribes, viz., the Nicobarese and the Shompens. They are the sole aboriginals in these islands, who continue to sustain themselves with vigor and vitality and have been flourishing as a vibrant ethnic group. The total population of Car Nicobar is 17,841 including 9,735 males and 8,106 females. They get healthcare facilities through Bishop John Richardson (BJR) District Hospital and subcenters of A and N administration but mostly believe in their traditional remedies for various diseases. Objectives: Documentation of the day-to-day ethnomedicinal practices followed by the Nicobarese tribe of Car Nicobar Island for healing various common ailments. Materials and methods: An ethnomedicinal survey was carried out from July to August 2015 in 15 villages of Car Nicobar Islands of A and N Islands to gather the information on ethnomedicinal practices of Nicobarese tribe of Car Nicobar Island. Observations: During the survey 54 plant species belonging to 54 genera and 30 families which were used as herbal remedies by Nicobarese folk healer of Car Nicobar Islands in 29 common ailments was recorded. Conclusion: The present study, represents some interesting data on potential medicinal plants used by the tribes of Car Nicobar, and the lead obtained from these plants must be screened to determine their therapeutic and pharmacodynamic properties.

Aim: Tripura is a state with a rich biodiversity. Many rural and tribal communities of the Unakoti district of Tripura are depending on traditional systems for the treatment of ailments. The present work has been carried out to document the local health traditions (LHTs) with the help of traditional healers and uses of locally available medicinal plants. Materials and methods: Per-the Intramural Research (IMR) project (2018-19) allotted by the Central Council for Research in Ayurvedic Sciences (CCRAS), New Delhi, to Regional Ayurveda Research Institute (RARI), Itanagar, to conduct seasonal medico-ethno botanical survey (MEBS) in the forest subdivision of Kumarghat of Unakoti district, Tripura. The LHTs were documented by interviewing tribal healers of the rural area and collecting medicinal plant specimens and digital photograph of plants and healers have been carried out systematically and scientifically. Results and discussion: The MEBS team documented 50 folk claims with 13 compound and 37 single formulations of 53 plants from 13 tribal traditional healers in the study area. Single herbal formulations were validated for clinical importance with the classical Ayurvedic literature. Conclusion: The tribal and rural populace are benefiting from the home remedies in the management of ailments by using the plants available in the nearby forest area of their locality. Of the documented 50 traditional practices, few unique claims required further scientific validation for the benefit of humankind. Clinical significance: Of the documented 37 single herbal formulations, 7 claims vary in part use of the plant as generally mentioned in the classical text. It is noted that the use of different parts of the plant also having same indications as mentioned by the traditional healers, such as kokilaksha [Hygrophila auriculata (Schumach.) Heine], apamarga (Achyranthes aspera L.), rama seethalika (Amaranthus tricolor L.), mathysakshi [Alternanthera sessilis (L.) R.Br. ex DC.], ulatkambal [Abroma augusta (L.) L.f.], and bimbee [Coccinia grandis (L.) Voigt].

Ab s t rac t Introduction: Car Nicobar is a separate island and an administrative headquarter of Nicobar district. It is 260 km (162 miles) away from Port Blair, i.e., Capital of Andaman and Nicobar [(A and N) Union Territory] having a geographical area of 126.9 km2 , i.e., 49.0 sq miles. The Nicobar group of islands is inhabited by the two mongoloid group of tribes, viz., the Nicobarese and the Shompens. They are the sole aboriginals in these islands, who continue to sustain themselves with vigor and vitality and have been flourishing as a vibrant ethnic group. Total population of Car Nicobar is 17,841 including 9,735 males and 8,106 females. They get healthcare facilities through Bishop John Richardson (BJR) District Hospital and subcenters of A and N administration but mostly believe in their traditional remedies for various diseases. Objectives: Documentation of the day-to-day ethnomedicinal practices followed by the Nicobarese tribe of Car Nicobar Island for healing various common ailments. Materials and methods: An ethnomedicinal survey was carried out from July to August 2015 in 15 villages of Car Nicobar Islands of A and N Islands to gather the information on ethnomedicinal practices of Nicobarese tribe of Car Nicobar Island. Observations: During the survey 54 plant species belonging to 54 genera and 30 families which were used as herbal remedies by Nicobarese folk healer of Car Nicobar Islands in 29 common ailments were recorded. Conclusion: The present study, represents some interesting data on potential medicinal plants used by the tribes of Car Nicobar, and the lead obtained from these plants must be screened to determine their therapeutic and pharmacodynamic properties. Keywords: Car Nicobar, Folk healer, Herbal remedy, Nicobarese tribes. Journal of Drug Research in Ayurvedic Sciences (2020): 10.5005/jdras-10059-0088

The Nyishi tribes of Arunachal Pradesh have a rich legacy in the use of indigenous plants for treatment of various ailments. This paper gives a systematic presentation of 21 different plant species used by this tribe for treatment against various ailments. Such enduring traditional methods may give a strong insight in the development of modern medicines and health care management.

Aim: Tripura is a small state of the northeastern part of India. The floral biodiversity is playing an important role in the traditional system of treatment in tribal and rural population. The research pertaining to the use of medicinal plants in ethnomedico botany and formulations of study area is limited. The Medico Ethno Botanical Survey (MEBS) team of Regional Ayurveda Research Institute (RARI), Itanagar, documented the local health traditions (LHTs) from traditional healers of rural and tribal pockets of Dharamanagar sub-division, North district, Tripura. Materials and methods: The MEBS has been conducted in tribal pockets and villages of Dharamanagar Range, Damchera Range, and Panisagar Ranges of Dharmanagar sub-division of Forest, North Tripura district, Tripura. Local health traditions (LHTs) were documented through discussion and interview with traditional healers in the prescribed format along with global positioning system (GPS) location and digital photography of healer and plant raw drugs used in the traditional medicine and also prepared formulations. Medicinal plants were identified by using local and regional flora followed by processing, mounting, and preservation. Documented information has been processed for scientific validation and Ayurvedic names were provided to medicinal plants. Results and discussion: The MEBS conducted and documented six folk claims with six medicinal plants in prescribed formats to conserve traditional knowledge. The data presented systematically as botanical name, family, Sanskrit name, part used, morphological description of the plant, method of formulation, indication, and information of folk healer. Conclusion: Folk healers of Dharmanagar sub division, Tripura collects and use medicinal plants from surrounding area in the treatment of Sarpa Danstra (snake bite), Kamala (jaundice), Stanyajanan (galactagogue), Udarasula (acute abdomen), Alpamutrata (oliguria), and Vrana (fresh wound) popularly. Further, scientific validation is required to understand the useful therapeutic benefits and large-scale medicine production for the treatment. Clinical significance: The MEBS team noticed that some medicinal plants are used in the treatment of human diseases, such as Alstonia scholaris (L.) R. Br. in snake bite, Cuscuta reflexa Roxb. in jaundice, Euphorbia herita L. in galactagogue, Scoparia dulcis L. in acute abdomen, Sida acuta Burm. f. for oliguria, and Mikania micrantha Kunth for fresh wound. These plants need to be studied in detail in order to harvest the maximum benefit for the mankind. 10.5005/jdras-10059-0089

Aim: Sikkim state is endowed with rich plant biodiversity. Most of the tribal and rural populations following organic techniques for their livelihood depend on traditional systems for treatment of human ailments. The present work has been carried out to understand the local health traditions and use of common plants for treatment by rural populace of Sikkim. Materials and methods: The medico-ethno botanical survey was conducted by documenting the local health traditions by interviewing traditional healers of tribal and rural population and by collecting medicinal herb specimens and digital photography of herbs and healers for further process. Results: The medico-ethno botanical survey team documented a total of 20 folk claims with 18 medicinal plants used by traditional healers for ailments like wounds, Conclusion: The tribal and rural population of Sikkim lives in remote rural areas with low income, and since it is difficult to afford modern medical treatment, local traditional healers use commonly available medicinal plants from nearby forests for the treatment of different ailments. It is high time to think and use common available medicinal plants in new formulations for treatment and to overcome the problem of substitutes and adulterations and also to conserve rare, threatened, and endangered medicinal plants.

Aim: Allium sativum L. is a cultivated medicinal plant, known as Lasuna in Ayurveda. In Asian countries, leaves of Lasuna are widely used in food recipes and as remedy for cough, asthma, malarial fever, facial paralysis, and cardiac disease. It is reported to have high medicinal value as nutrition, vitamin, and folk claims in the Asian continent. It is felt necessary to study the macroscopy, microscopy, histochemical and physi-cochemical, and thin-layer chromatography (TLC) parameters which were not reported earlier. Materials and methods: Plant specimen collected was identified and authenticated and preserved in the herbarium section of the Institute. Shade dried leaves were made into powder Macroscopic, microscopic and physicochemical parameters were performed as per the standard procedure described in the Ayurvedic Pharmacopoeia of India. Fluorescence analysis and behavior of powdered drug with different chemical reagent has been performed as per the procedure given in World Health Organization document/guidelines. Results: Organoleptic analysis showed that leaf powder is light yellowish green in color with pungent odor having acrid taste. It is revealed that anomocytic stomata are present on both surfaces. Thin-layer chromatography of aqueous and methanolic extract developed color band corresponding to the Rf of standards, gallic acid and quercetin. Conclusion: The findings would be useful for identification and standardization of leaf drug and would add the parameters in the pharmacopoeia of India.

Aim: Dhumrapatra is an important medicinal plant used in Indian system of medicine. Due to overexploitation and unsys-tematic collection, it is becoming rare and endangered in some parts of India. To meet the demand of the authentic drug and propagate the plant on a large scale, an in vitro propagation technique has been developed for Dhumrapatra. Materials and methods: The collected plant was identified with the help of floras. Murashige and Skoog basal (MS) medium was prepared as per the standard protocol. Surface sterilization of explants was done with the help of disinfectant and 0.1% solution of HgCl 2. Media were autoclaved at 121°C under 15 lb/inch 2 pressure for 15 minutes. Cultures were incu-bated at 22°C ± 2°C and 8 hours photoperiod with light intensity of 3000 lux. Observations were recorded after a 4-week period. Results: Best establishment of shoots (20 nos.) was found in MS media augmented with 0.5 mg/L kinetin (Kn). Maximum roots (2-3 nos) produced in MS were fortified with 3 mg/L indolebutyric acid (IBA). Maximum number of shoots and roots were achieved on nodal explants inoculated on MS + Kn (0.5 mg/L) + 0.1% polyvinylpyrrolidone (PVP). Conclusion: The in vitro propagation protocol developed for Dhumrapatra would be beneficial for rapid multiplication and conservation of important medicinal plant.

Introduction: Medicinal plants have been used in the mitigation and treatment of various ailments since ancient time. Several medicinal plants described in various traditional medicine systems serve as a potential lead for the development of lead compound in drug discovery process. Identification of the crude drug is the fundamental step in the formulation of plant-based drugs. The preeminent objectives for cultivation of medicinal plants include the adaptability, growth, flowering and fruiting time of medicinal plants, and suitable maturity time. Considering these facts, the Central Council for Research in Ayurvedic Sciences (CCRAS) has initiated the steps for developing of medicinal plant gardens at different geographical zones for demonstrative purposes, which are used in the traditional systems of medicine.

India is one among such countries that enjoys great antiquity of health practices backed by a strong base of its indigenous traditional knowledge (TK). The TK on medical and health sciences is systematically documented in dedicated compen-dia, such as Charaka Samhita, Sushruta Samhita, Ashtang Samgraha, etc., and also as supplementary health information in several nonmedical literatures, while certain health traditions in vogue, which are being transmitted from ancestors as oral health traditions (OHTs), and ethnomedical practices (EMPs) remain undocumented. The Central Council for Research in Ayurvedic Sciences (CCRAS) has been putting efforts to document and validate local health traditions (LHTs), and EMPs prevalent among individuals and communities through the Tribal Health Care Research Program (THCRP), and medicoethno botanical survey (MEBS). Moreover, certain leads provided by individuals, claimants, and traditional healers are also being documented from time-to-time. Such information is further examined for its scientific relevance and merit on their attributes and principles to ascertain the suitability for further validation and drug development.

Aim: Manjishtha-Rubia cordifolia L. (family: Rubiaceae) is an important medicinal plant and used in various Ayurvedic formulations. Plant parts like roots, stems, leaves and fruits are being used to treat various respiratory and skin diseases. Manjistha is excessively collected from natural habitat and becoming rare and vulnerable in different parts of country. Therefore, it is decided to develop a systematic in vitro protocol for rapid multiplication of the plant. Materials and methods: Nodal segments collected from healthy, desease free plant were used as explants. Pretreated and surface sterilized nodal segments were implanted on to MS basal medium as well as MS fortified with different concentrations of plant growth regulators viz., BAP, TDZ, Kn, NAA, IAA, IBA singly or in combinations. Then, the cultures were incubated at 22°C ± 2°C for 8 hours photoperiod with light intensity of 3000 lux. Results: Maximum number of shoots (20-25) developed from the nodal segments inoculated on MS + TDZ (0.5 mg/l) + 0.1% PVP liquid medium. The best rooting (2-3 roots) were developed in MS + IBA (2 mg/l) in 8 to 14 days. Conclusion: The in vitro protocol developed would be beneficial to multiply the plants of R. cordifolia on large scale within the short period with low cost and to conserve the plant.

“Vrikshayurveda” is a primeval classical compendium of India wrote by Salihotra around 400 B.C. Vrikshayurveda consists of twelve vast chapters namely Bhumi nirupana, Bijoptivithi, Padapavivaksa, Ropana vidhana, Nise canavidhi, Posana vidhi, Drumaraksa, Taru Chikitsa, Upavanakriya, Nivasa sanna, Taru Subhasubha Laksana, Taru Mahima and Citrikarana. Different chapters of Vrikshayurveda emphasized in detail on underground water detection, inter-plant spacing, classification of soil, cultivation practices including soil selection, various propagation techniques, seed treatments and plant pathology. The only ancient copy of Surpala’s Vrikshayurveda (written on palm leaves) is preserved at Bodleian Library, Oxford University, UK, which clearly reflects the relevance of Vrikshayurveda. Indian Himalayan region faces potential challenges due to its topography and adverse livelihood conditions. Challenges for mountain regions of the Himalayan region include the non-sustainability of agriculture and less employment opportunities which lead to heavy migration of people from rural areas. People of mountain regions in general and rural areas, in particular, are mainly dependent on cultivation and nearby forests for their daily needs. Terrain agriculture system is adopted in most of the places for cultivation process. Problems faced by farmers in the rural areas of Himalaya are soil erosion, natural disasters, poor connectivity, lack of proper agricultural education and poor economic conditions. In this paper, we describe in detail about different techniques mentioned in Vrikshayurveda pertaining to agriculture of the crops and medicinal plants. Further, a concept of utilizing Vrikshayurveda techniques for the sustainable and cost effective cultivation is also described. The paper also deals with different intercropping technologies which can be applied in the Indian Himalayan Region for better and diverse crop yield. One of the major advantages of adopting ancient Vrikshayurveda techniques in the agricultural system is the production of organic plant material which may use at large by the medicinal plant based pharmaceutical industries. Additionally, scientific experiments based on the Vrikshayurveda literature can offer diverse opportunities for research in the field of agriculture and Ayurveda.

Introduction: Desmodium oojeinense (Roxb.) H. Ohashi, (Syn. Ougeinia oojeinensis (Roxb.) Hochr. is a tree belonging to family Fabaceae. Bark is reported to be astringent, acrid, cooling, anti inflamatory, sadorrificand rejuvenating and used in the treatment of diabetes. Method: Detailed macroscopy , microscopy, histochemical tests, fluorescense analysis, behaviour of powdered drug with different chemical reagents were performed for pharmacognostic evaluation of stem bark by following standard methods. Results: Stem bark showed presence of rhytidomes, groups of stone cells, resin ducts, uni and biseriate medulary rays, starch grains, prismaic crystals of calcium oxalate. Histochemical tests, behaviour of drug with different chemical reagents and fluorescense analysiss howed the presence of lignin, resin, oils and crystals which would prove to be a unique parameters for identification of the drug. Conclusion: Findings of this study will be helpful for identification and authentication of stem bark. KEYWORDS Fluorescense, Microscopy, Ougeinia oojeinensis, Pharmacognosy.

India is one amongst such countries possessing diversified bio resources and Eco climatic condition housing wide range of medicinal plants. Ethno Medical practices and Local and Oral Health Traditions are prevailing among the ethnic groups and tribal population catering the Local Health needs of remote tribal pockets. Documentation of such undocumented Local and Oral Health Traditions and Ethno Medical Practices (EMPs) are pivotal for preservation of medicinal hepatize of any country. To realize this CCRAS has been engaged in documenting and validating Ethno medicinal claims through Tribal Health Care Research Programme (THCRP), Medico-Ethno Botanical Survey (MEBS) across 14 states (including 5 States) of the country and publishing the research papers and monographs from time to time. Currently Medico-Ethno Botanical Survey is being executed in a project mode in 5 states through CCRAS Institutes viz RARIMD, Bengaluru (Karnataka), RARIGID, Guwahati (Assam), RARI, Itanagar (Arunachal Pradesh), RARI, Jhansi (Uttar Pradesh), RARI, Tarikhet (Uttrakhand). Exhaustive work has resulted in Screening of Ethno Medical claims and their validation. Further, Central Digitization of Herbarium is being setup at RARI, Jhansi . This concise and comprehensive compendium being presented embodied with highlights of recent contributions in this field by CCRAS. This would serve as a ready reference document for Scientist, Academicians, Scholars perusing PG and Doctoral Research.

Folk m edicines in Arunachal Pradesh, N ortheastern region India have very comm on practice o f herbal medicines used in the treatm ent o f various ailm ents. Nyishi tribe people practice various types o f traditional healing practices for preventing disease, A M edico-ethnobotanical survey on folk medicinal plants and folk healers o f Nyishi tribe was conducted in different parts o f Papum Pare district o f Arunachal Pradesh, where these folk healers are living since ancient time. Several plant species like Oroxylum indicum (L.) Kurz, Curcuma caesia R oxb.Tinospora cordifolla (W illd.) Miers, D atura m etel L., C oplis teeta Wall., A ndrographis paniculata (Burm .f.) Nees, Bixa orellana L. Asparagus racemosus Willd., etc. have been recorded. The plant species recorded to be used for the m anagem ent o f various diseases were either found around the vicinity o f their habitation or in the forest area o f Arunachal Pradesh. All traditional healing information was recorded based on interview and field survey studies with local healers within the com m unity. Such folk m edicines have been show n to have considerable therapeutic pow er, either in their natural state or as the source o f new products processed by them. This study is m ainly focus on m edicinal plants used to treatment o f various ailments, and to enquire about different types o f healing practices. The traditional healers o f Arunachal Pradesh and whole N ortheast Region have an incredible know ledge o f m edicinal plants, accum ulated through generations to generations and they are contributing in the m anagem ent o f human health care. Keywords: Folk-m edicines, Folk healers, Treatm ent, M edico-ethnobotanical

Aim Medico-Ethno Botanical Survey (MEBS) was initiated by the Central Council for Research in Ayurvedic Sciences (CCRAS) in 1969 with the main aim of survey and documentation of medicinal plants of India used in Ayurveda system of medicine. Through its five peripheral institutes, namely Regional Ayurveda Research Institute for Metabolic Disorders (RARIMD)— Bengaluru, Regional Ayurveda Research Institute for Gastro-Intestinal Disorders (RARIGID)—Guwahati, Regional Ayurveda Research Institute (RARI)—Itanagar, RARI—Jhansi, and RARI—Ranikhet, the Council has surveyed every part of phytogeographic regions across the country, including the Andaman & Nicobar Islands and Lakshadweep. During these survey tours, various medicinal plants were collected and preserved as Herbarium and Museum specimens. The survey team collects and supplies authentic raw drug samples for studies under various projects inside and outside the Council, including the projects under Central Scheme of Ayurvedic Pharmacopoeia Committee (APC). Herbarium and Museum centers located in various institutes of CCRAS are being used as reference centers for UG/PG/M.Phil./Ph.D. students and researchers for correct identification/authentication of their plant specimens or raw drug materials. Further, the folk-claims collected during the exploration work provide lead for validation and effective development of drugs based on traditional knowledge and not from any codified system of medicine. Ayurvedic ancient texts also explain the importance of medicinal plant survey. Materials and methods The gross physical achievements including the beneficiaries of MEBS, details of forest divisions, medicinal plant species collected, and preparation of Herbarium specimens during the reporting period 1969 to 2016 were compiled, summarized, and presented based on the information available in the published monographs, technical reports, and annual reports of CCRAS. Conclusion India is rich in its diverse natural resources and treated as one of the biggest natural biodiversity countries of the world. The cultural diversity in the country is represented by many cultural groups, including the tribes and others. The contributions of CCRAS are significant in extending Medico-Ethno Botanical Program across the country and also preserving the valuable ethnomedical knowledge prevailing among tribal communities through systematic survey, identification, preservation, documentation, and validation of medicinal plants. How to cite this article Rath C, Susmitha B, Tripathi AK, Chincholikar MB, Mangal AK, Srikanth N. Medico-Ethno Botanical Survey: An Overview of CCRAS Contributions. J Drug Res Ayurvedic Sci 2017;2(3):188-240.

About 80% of population in India is reported to use Ayurveda and medicinal plants to help in meeting their primary health care needs and the safety of this vibrant tradition is attributed to its time tested use, textual reference and further endorsement by scientific studies. With the growing use of Ayurveda, the safety and efficacy as well as quality control have become major concerns and are being addressed systematically backed by scientific evidence. This compendium enriched with proficient contributions by experienced workers in diverse interrelated fields would certainly serve as useful reference document.

Trianthema portulacastrum L., a member of aizoaceae is indigenous to South Africa but is widely distributed in tropical and subtropical areas as a noxious weed. The mycoflora namely Alternaria alternata (Fr.) Keissler., Colletotrichum capsici(Syd.) E.J. Butler & Bisby., Bipolaris maydis (Y.Nisik. & C.Miyake) Shoemaker.,Curvularia lunata (Wakker) Boedijin., Curvularia tuberculata Sivan. and Gibbago trianthemae E.G. Simmons was isolated from highly infected portions of the weed. The pathogenesis of fungal isolates was confirmed by Koch’s postulates primarily and the host specificity of the isolates was evaluated on green house plants by spore treatment. Among the isolates, Gibbago trianthemae was highly aggressive to weed and it was considered as potential biocontrol agent (Mycoherbicidal agent).

Weed control is still a major issue in modern agriculture in India, despite the development of several tools for weed eradication. The exploration on fungal plant pathogens as weed biocontrol agents have been increased as alternative method to chemical control. Trianthema portulacastrum L. was found as a noxious weed plant in many agricultural crops of India and many tropical and subtropical countries. The weed abundance was studied in various crop fields to understand the adverse effects of the weed. Simultaneously the epidemic investigation was accomplished to identify the natural enemies of the weed. To understand the significance of mycoherbicides, a critical review on weed management with special reference to biological control of horse purslane weed was attempted.

Objective: This study was conducted to prepare records of medicinal plants used in various traditional practices in Northeast India for the management of different diseases.

Andaman & Nicobar Islands are one of the India’s richest biodiversity hotspot. With a diversified ecosystem like tropical evergreen forest, wetlands, mangroves, coral reefs etc. some of the promising medicinal plants used in Indian system of medicines are located in this region. According to Pandey and Divakar (2008) the indigenous flora of these Islands mainly derived from its having Burmese & Malaysian relatives with similarities those of South East Asia, Srilanka, North East, Western Ghats of South India. Hence the flora of Andaman group of Islands exhibit similarities towards the taxa of South East Asia and main land India. Whereas flora of Nicobar Islands exhibit towards the taxa of Malaysia. Herbal medicines which formed the basis of health care throughout the world since time immemorial are still widely being used and have considered importance in National and International health sectors especially in Indian systems of medicines. Many herbs are being used directly as therapeutic agents. Besides, there are several medicinal plants which act as starting material for synthesis of drugs or as models for pharmacological active compounds. Due to the above reasons and as explained, Andaman & Nicobar Islands are one of the richest biodiversity hotspot having many medicinal plants. There is a great need to systematically study the medicinal flora of this region. Andaman & Nicobar Islands are an abode of 6 primitive tribes, Viz., Andamanese, Jarwas, Onges, Nicobarese, Shompens, and the Sentinelese. These tribes and also the other locals largely depend on the plants for the treatment of various ailments. Documenting the folklore used by various medicinal plants from the various tribes is an asset to the Nation for exploring new drugs. With the above issues in mind Regional Research Center of Ayurveda (RRCA), Portblair under Central Council for Research in Ayurvedic Sciences under Ministry of Ayush has taken up a project entitled: “Medico-Botanical survey of Andaman and Nicobar Islands (selected areas)”. CCRAS had its presence in Andaman & Nicobar Islands since 1984. Since then CCRAS has been instrumental in serving the needs of the people of Andaman & Nicobar in the health sector. In 1988 CCRAS has published a book entitled “Observation on Medico-Botany of Andaman & Nicobar Islands”, where it has covered 305 medicinal plants of this region along with the folklore uses. After the Tsunami in Dec. 2004 there is a great change in the medcinal flora of Andaman & Nicobar. Out of the 305 plants which were collected during the earlier study only 118 plants the survey team could collect in the present exploration even after extending their surveyed areas. Present publication encompasses 560 medicinal plants out of which 163 plants are being used in Ayurvedic system of medicine. 204 folk uses were reported for various health ailments like Kamala (Jaundice), Madhumeha (Diabetes), Netradosha (Ophthamolic diseases) ,Tvak Roga (Skin diseases), Ashmari (Kidney stones), Shewtha pradar (Leucorrhoea), E.N.T. diseases, Cuts & wounds (Vrana) etc..

Page 85 of 94 There are various medicinal plants or folk medicines that are still require documentation at taxonomic and pharmacological level for database and clinical trial based validity. Indigenous system of healing practice is well adopted by the folk healers using locally available medicinal plant species. Central Council for Research in Ayurvedic Sciences (CCRAS) is conducting Traditional Health Care Research Programme and Medico-Ethno-Botanical survey programme with the objective to provide health care facilities and to explore the information from local traditional folk healers on traditional knowledge of undocumented medicinal plants or it may be classically depicted as “Anuktadravya” used for various ailments. Various survey units of CCRAS located at Guwahati, Itanagar, Jhansi, Bangalore, Tarikhet etc. is being regularly conducting survey tours to explore and identify the information based on traditional knowledge on undocumented medicinal plants by contacting with local traditional folk healers through Local Heath tradition format (LHT) which includes interview and questionnaire. During the course of study some of the medicinal plants were explored from folk healers and their doses and uses were recorded for future reference study.Expert opinion of plant taxonomists was also sought for cross checking and confirmation on identity. The present paper deals with the undocumented medicinal plants along with other relevant information which are being collected and cross checked with the documented literature available with CCRAS including herbarium database, classical text of survey books and state regional flora’s. KEYWORDS: Anuktadravya, Medicinal Plants, Ethno-Botanical Survey, Folk healers