Ethnobotanical Leaflets 14: 976-85.  2010.

 

 

Ethnic practices on Urinary Disorders and Jaundice from the Tribes of Nellore District Andhra Pradesh, India

 

G. Penchala Pratap*, G. Sudarsanam* B. Jyothi**, G.P. Prasad***

 

                           *Dept. of Botany, S.V. University, Tirupati, Chittoor (Dt), A.P

**Dept. of Botany, S.P.W.D. and P.G college, Tirupati, Chittoor (Dt), A.P

***National Institute of Indian Medical Heritage, Osmania Medical College, Hyderabad.

 

*Corresponding author: E-Mail: penchalapratap.goli@gmail.com

 

Issued: August 01, 2010

 

Abstract

 

The present Ethnobotanical study represents “Ethnic Practices on Urinary Disorders and Jaundice from the Tribes of Nellore District Andhra Pradesh.” Tribal people of this area have authentic information on medicinal values of different plant parts like leaves, fruits, flowers, seeds, stem bark, tubers and roots. They have been using all these parts in the form of paste, powder, juice, decoction, infusion and also in crude form. Present study discloses the ethnic practices of these tribes, exclusively related to urinary disorders and Jaundice. It covers the claims on 44species belonging to 30 families of which, majorities are herbs followed by trees, climbers and shrubs.

 

Key words: Ethnic practices, medicinal plants, Tribes, Jaundice and Urinary disorders. 

 

Introduction:

             Ethnobotany is a science that reveals the relationship of man with his surrounding flora. Ethnobotany is the age old source for several medicinal systems like Ayurveda, Sidda and Unani. In India Ethnobotany emanated its roots from the time of Vedic culture. Now Indian herbal medicines occupy a valuable sector for curing particular urinary disorders and Jaundice in compete with modern medicine. With this back ground present work was taken up related to “Ethnic practices on Urinary Disorders and Jaundice from the Tribes of Nellore District Andhra Pradesh.. Nellore is located towards the south eastern part of Andhra Pradesh.  This district lies between 13.3’ and 15.6’ of Northern latitude and 80.15 of Eastern latitude. It has an average elevation of 19 meters. It is bordered by the Bay of Bengal to the East, the state of Tamil Nadu to the South, the district of Kadapa and the district of Prakasam to the North. Pennar, Swarnamukhi and Gunulakamma are the main rivers that flow through the district. The climate of Nellore district can be characterized as dry and salubrious. The hottest months of the region are April and may. The maximum and minimum temperatures of the district are 36-46°c during the summer and 23-25°c during winter. Most of the rain fall in the district is brought out by North – East monsoon winds and the average annual rain fall of the region is between 700 and 1000 ml, The total geographical area of the district is 13,076 square kilometers with 46 Mandals, 3 Revenue Divisions (Nellore, Kavali and Gudur) and 1204 villages. 2627.87 square kilometers of 20.9% of the total geographical area in this district is forest. The forest is tropical dry deciduous type. The medicinal importance of the flora in this district was reported in the literature.( R S. and K. Hemadri 1979; Sudarshanam, G. and N.B.B. Rao. 1994; Pullaiah.T, 2007; Bhakshu, L  & R.R.V. Raju. 2007; Aruneekumar, K., G. Satyanarayana and K. Nisteswar 1990.) The forest of this area is evolved with vast flora of medicinal plants like Aegle marmelos A.m(L.) Corr. , Cochlospermum religiosum (L.) Alston., Vitex negundo L., Vitex altissima L.F., Alangium salvifolium (L. F.) Wang. etc. Endemic plants of this area are Pterocarpus santalinus L.F., Shorea thumbuggaia Roxb., Terminalia pallida Brandis. The total population of this district is 26.68 laks in them about 10% of people are tribes. This area is mainly inhabited by 3 types of tribal groups they are Yanadi, Chenchu and Nakkalas. They have authentic information on curing of urinary disorders and Jaundice. They got this information from their fore fathers. The Tribes of Nellore District fallow 5 steps method in identifying the Jaundice patients. (1Step) First they observe the tongue. If it is with cracks and in pale color (II Step) then they observe the nails. If they are in pale color (III Step) then they observe the stomach. If the stomach is in stiff condition (IV Step) then they observe the eyes. If they are in yellow color (V Step) then they observe the urine. If it is in reddish yellow color, then they put some boiled rice grains in the urine and keep it for one day. If rice grains are changed into yellow color finally they decide the patient has Jaundice.        

http://www.atmachittoor.com/images/im16.jpgnewmap                           

                                                        NELLORE DISTRICT  

 

Materials and Methods:   

             Ethno medicinal data were collected through conversation with traditional healers, tribal doctors and elder people in the field trips. During the interviews local names, useful plant parts, method of preparation and dosage were recorded. The plant species were identified with the help of local floras.( Hooker, 1897; Gamble, 1967; Kirtikar, and  Basu. 1935; Ramarao,  and Henry 1996, Rao and Hemadri 1979; Sudarshanam and Rao. 1994; Pullaiah, 2007; Suryanarayana and Rao 2002.) The method of collection of voucher specimens, preservation, herbaria and technique for the collection of Ethno medicinal information follows Jain and Rao (1977).

1.      Abelmoschus moscahtus Medic. (Family :Malvaceae)(Habitat: Herb) (Fl.andFrut:  Most  part of the Year ) (Local Name: Kasturi Benda)

Oral administration of seed powder, about 20 g daily at morning for 4 days relieves interstitial cystitis in ladies.

 

2.      Abrus precatorius L. (Family : Fabaceae)(Habitat: Climber) (Fl.andFrut:  Through out the year ) (Local Name: Gurivinda)

About 20 g of leaf paste and root paste in equal quantities, administered orally daily at morning with empty stomach for one week relieves Jaundice.

 

3.      Acacia nilotica (L.) Willd. ex Del. (Family : Mimosaceae)(Habitat: Small tree)(Fl.andFrut:  Most  part of the Year ) (Local Name: Nalla tumma)

About 30 to 40 ml. of bark infusion taken orally daily at morning for 3 days relieves Burning micturition and cools the body.

 

4.      Achyranthes aspera L.(Family: Amaranthaceae) (Habitat: Herb) (Fl.andFrut:  Through out the year) (Local Name :Uttareni)

Root paste, about 10- 20g. administered orally daily at morning, before taking the food, for 2 weeks along  with one cup of buttermilk relieves Jaundice.

 

5.      Acorus calamus L. (Family: Acoraceae) (Habitat: Herb) (Fl.andFrut:  June- October) (Local Name : Vasa)

Oral administration of rhizome powder, about 10- 20g. daily at morning for 2 days relieves Hematuria.

 

6.      Actiniopteris radiata (J.Konig ex Sw.) Link (Family: Pteridaceae) (Habitat: Herb)

      (Local Name: Mayurisikhi)

About 20- 30g. of whole plant paste ground with, about 5ml, cow milk administered orally daily at  afternoon before taking meals with one cup of buttermilk for 2 weeks relieves Jaundice.

 

7.      Alangium salvifolium (L.f.) Wangerin (Family: Alangiaceae)(Habitat: Tree) (Fl.andFrut: February- August ) (Local Name :Uduga)

Daily eating of fruits relieves Burning micturition.

 

8.      Alstonia scholaris (L.) R.Br. (Family: Apocynaceae) (Habitat: Tree) (Fl.andFrut: Most  part of the Year) (Local Name :Edakula Ponna)

In taking of bark infusion, about 20-30 ml, daily at afternoon before taking meals relieves Jaundice.

 

9.      Argemone mexicana L. (Family: Papaveraceae) (Habitat: Herb) (Fl.andFrut: Most  part of the Year) (Local Name : Brahma dhandu)

Oral administration of young stem branches paste mixed with little amount garlic paste, about 20-30g. daily 2 times at morning and evening for one week relieves Jaundice.

 

10.  Asparagus racemosus Willd. (Family: Liliaceae) (Habitat: Climber) (Fl.andFrut: July to November.) (Local Name : Pilli Teegalu)

Daily eating of raw tuberous roots relieves Hematuria.

 

11.  Bauhinia variegata L. (Family: Fabaceae) (Habitat: Tree) (Fl.andFrut: February to July.) (Local Name : Adaviyavise)

In taking of bark infusion, about 20- 30 ml, daily at morning for one week relieves Burning micturition.

 

12.  Boerhavia diffusa L.(Family: Nyctaginaceae) (Habitat: Herb) (Fl.andFrut: Through out the year.) (Local Name : Atikamamidi)

Root paste, about 30-40g. mixed with small amount of garlic paste, about 5g daily administered orally at morning for one week relieves Jaundice.

 

13.  Butea monosperma (Lam.) Taub. (Family : Fabaceae) (Habitat: Tree) (Fl.andFrut: March - May.) (Local Name : Modhuka)

About 10g. of dried inflorescence powder, administered orally daily at morning for one month with small amount of honey relieves Hematuria

 

14.  Cassia fistula L (Family: Caesalpinaceae) (Habitat: Tree) (Fl.andFrut: March - August.) (Local Name : Rela)

Oral administration of very young seeds paste, about 20g. daily at night after taking the meals for 10 days controls frequent need of urination.

 

15.  Cassia occidentalis L. (Family: Caesalpinaceae) (Habitat: Small shrub) (Fl.andFrut: Most part of the year.) (Local Name : Kasinta)

Root paste, about 10g. administered orally daily at night before going to sleep for one month relieves Burning micturition and Urinary Calculi.

 

16.  Cassia senna L. (Family : Caesalpinaceae) (Habitat: Small shrub) (Fl.andFrut: Through out the year.) (Local Name : Senna mokka)

About 25g. of leaf paste taken orally twice in a day at morning and nights before taking food for one week relieves jaundice.

 

17.  Cassia tora L. (Family: Caesalpinaceae) (Habitat: Small shrub) (Fl.andFrut: Through out the year.) (Local Name : Tantepu)

Leaf paste, about 20g. administered orally daily at morning for 3 weeks relieves liver enlargement.

 

18.  Cleome gynandra L. (Family: Capparidaceae) (Habitat: Herb) (Fl.andFrut: Most part of the year.) (Local Name : Vaminta)

Oral administration of seed paste, about 20g. daily at morning for 2 weeks relieves interstitial cystitis in ladies.

 

19.  Curculigo orchioides Gaertn. (Family: Hypoxidaceae)(Habitat: Stem less Herb)(Fl.andFrut: July to December.) (Local Name : Nelatadi)

About 20g. of shadily dried root stock powder administered orally daily at nights before going to sleep, for 2 weeks relieves Jaundice. 

 

20.  Calycopteris floribunda (Roxb.) Lam. (Family: Combretaceae) (Habitat: Straggling Herb)(Fl .and Frut: February  to May.) (Local Name : Bandimurugudu)

Oral administration of fruit paste, about 25g. ground with little amount of butter milk, about 5g. daily  at morning with out taking food for 10 days relieves Jaundice. 

 

21.  Citrullus colocynthis (L.) Schr. (Family: Cucurbitaceae) (Habitat: Prostrate Herb)(Fl.andFrut: July  to November.) (Local Name : Erri Puchcha)

About 20-30g. of fruit pulp mixed 10g. sugar administered orally daily at morning for one week relieves Jaundice.     

 

22.  Clitoria ternatea L. (Family: Fabaceae) (Habitat: Climbing Herb) (Fl.andFrut: Most part of the year.) (Local Name : Sanku-Pushpamu)

In taking of leaf juice, about 20 ml, daily at morning for one week relieves Jaundice.     

 

23.  Coccinia grandis (L.) Voigh (Family: Cucurbitaceae) (Habitat: Climbing Herb) (Fl.andFrut: Most part of the year.) (Local Name : Kaki Donda)

Oral administration of paste made from the leaf powders mixed with a few drops of cow milk, about 20g. of this plant, Momordica tuberosa and Andrographis Paniculata in 1:2:1 ratio daily at morning up to one week relieves Jaundice.

 

24.  Cocculus hirsutus L. Diers (Family: Menispermaceae) (Habitat: Climbing Herb)(Fl.andFrut: Most part of the year.) (Local Name : Dusara Tiga)

About 15-20g. leaf paste, mixed with little amount of sugar administered orally daily at morning cools the body and also works as Diuretic.

 

25.  Cordia dichotoma  Forst.F. (Family: Boraginaceae) (Habitat: Tree)(Fl.and Frut: Most part of the year.) (Local Name : Banka Nakkera Chettu)

Daily eating of ripen fruit pulp relieves Burning micturition and Haematuria.

 

26.  Cyperus rotundus L. (Family: Cyperaceae) (Habitat: Herb with tuberous root stocks)(Fl.andFrut: November to January.) (Local Name : Tunga)

Oral administration of rhizome powder, 15g. mixed with 3ml, cow milk relieves Burning micturition   and Haematuria.

 

27.  Eclipta prostrata (L.) L.Mant. (Family: Asteraceae) (Habitat: Prostate Herb) (Fl.andFrut: November to January.) (Local Name : Gunta Kalagaraaku)

Leaf and root powder in equal quantities, about 10-15g. administered orally daily at nights for 2weeks relieves Jaundice.

 

28.  Gardenia gummifera L.f. (Family: Rubiaceae) (Habitat: Small tree) (Fl.andFrut: November to March.) (Local Name : Chitta-mitta chettu)

      Oral administration of fruit paste, about 20g daily at morning for a week cures       Jaundice.     

 

29.  Helicteres isora L. (Family: Sterculiaceae) (Habitat: Tree) (Fl.andFrut: May to December.) (Local Name : Nulidhada)

Shadily dried fruit powder, about 15g administered orally daily at morning for 4 days relieves Haematuria.

 

30.  Hygrophila auriculata (Schum.)Heine.(Family: Acanthaceae) (Habitat: Herb)(Fl.andFrut: November to February) (Local Name : Niti Gobbi)

Oral administration of seed powder, about 15g. with one cup of buttermilk (daily at morning and evening for 5 days) cures Jaundice.   

 

31.  Ixora pavetta Andr. (Family: Rubiaceae) (Habitat: Herb)(Fl.andFrut: Most part of the year) (Local Name : Korivi chettu)

In taking of root bark infusion, about 30 ml, mixed with sugar, daily at morning for a week cures Jaundice and Burning micturition. 

 

32.  Merremia emarginata (Burm.f.) Hall.f. (Family: Convolvulaceae) (Habitat: Prostate weak stemmed herb) (Fl.andFrut: October –February )(Local Name : Elikajemudu)

Leaf powder infusion, about 30 ml, administered orally for a week daily 2 times at morning and at nights cures Jaundice            

           

33.  Momordica dioica Roxb.ex.Willd. (Family: Cucurbitaceae) (Habitat: Climbing herb.) (Fl.andFrut: Most part of the year) (Local Name : Anga Kakara)

Oral administration of fruit paste, about 10-15g daily at morning for a week with one cup of buttermilk relieves Jaundice.

 

34.  Nyctanthes arbor-tristis L. (Family: Verbenaceae) (Habitat: Tree)(Fl.andFrut: Most part of the year) (Local Name : Parijatham)

Oral administration of shadily dried flower powder, about 20g. mixed with 5 ml, cow milk, for a week relieves Burning micturition and Jaundice.

 

35.  Ocimum basilicum L. (Family: Lamiaceae) (Habitat: Herb)(Fl.andFrut: Most part of the year) (Local Name : Bhoo Tulasi)

Leaf powder, about 15g. administered orally daily at morning for one week relieves Hematuria.

 

36.  Ougeinia oojeinensis Roxb. (Family: Fabaceae) (Habitat: Tree) )(Fl.andFrut: July to October) (Local Name : Tella-Modgu)

In taking of infusion, about 20-30 ml, daily at morning for a week   relieves Jaundice. 

 

37.  Pedalium murex L. (Family: Pedaliaceae) (Habitat: Herb)(Fl.andFrut: Most part of the year) (Local Name : Yenugu-Palleru)

Paste prepared from the Fruit powder, about 15g. mixed with few drops of cow milk, administered orally relieves Jaundice. 

 

38.  Portulaca oleracea L.(Family: Portulacaceae) (Habitat: Herb) (Fl.andFrut: Most part of the year) (Local Name : Pappu Kura Aaku)

Oral administration of leaf paste, about 20g. for 2 days relieves Burning micturition and increases urination.

 

39.  Solanum anguivi Lam. (Family: Solanaceae) (Habitat: Under shrub)(Fl.andFrut: Most part of the year) (Local Name : Adavi Uchinta)

Fruit paste, about 20g. administered orally daily at morning for 2 weeks relieves Jaundice. 

 

40.  Terminalia chebula Retz. (Family: Combretaceae) (Habitat: Tree)(Fl.andFrut: April to November) (Local Name : Karakkai-Chettu)

Fruit powder, about 10-15g. administered orally daily at morning for a week relieves Jaundice.

 

41.  Tinospora cordifolia (Willd.) Miers.(Family: Menispermaceae)(Habitat: Climber) (Fl.andFrut: February to September ) (Local Name : Tippa Teega)

In taking of fruit powder decoction, about 10-15 ml, daily at morning for a week relieves Jaundice.

 

42.  Trachyspermum ammi (L.) Sprague (Family: Apiaceae) (Habitat: Herb) (Fl.andFrut: April to August ) (Local Name : Vamu)

In taking of fruit powder decoction, about 20 ml, daily at morning before taking food for 2 days relieves Burning micturition, increases urination and cures Hematuria. 

 

43.  Vigna unguiculata (L.) Urban. (Family: Fabaceae) (Habitat: Climber)(Fl.andFrut: November to March ) (Local Name : Ulavalu)

Oral administration of seed powder decoction, about 20 ml, daily at morning for a week relieves Urinary Calculi.

 

44.  Vitex negundo L. (Family: Lamiaceae.) (Habitat: Tree)(Fl.andFrut: July to November ) (Local Name : Vavili)

In taking of inflorescence decoction, about 20 ml, daily at morning for 5 days relieves Jaundice.

 

Discussion

                Ethnobotanical studies especially medicinal uses are extensively studied in Nellore district forests of Andhra Pradesh. The Tribal inhabitants of Nellore district have immense traditional knowledge in curing urinary disorders and Jaundice based on their ancient culture and ethnic practices. Urinary disorders and Jaundice are frequently occurring diseases at tribal pockets due to unhygienic surroundings, impure water and lack of personal hygiene. After a lot of trail and error based crude methods of studies, individual sufferings and sacrifices now there are perfect traditional medicines which are often cheaper and easier to access for the local tribes and more over these remedies does not produce any side effects. With this back ground special attention is given for the present study. During the study the tribal inhabitants revealed medicinal importance of 44 species belonging to 30 families. Majority of the members are belonging to Fabaceae(6) Caesalpinaceae (4) Cucurbitaceae (3). Most of the plants are herbs followed by trees, climbers and shrubs. The Tribes have been employing all these plants in the form of paste, powder, juice, decoction, infusion and also in crude form. All these indications are given orally. Many indications revealed by the tribes are new in comparison to present herbal medicinal systems like Ayurveda, Sidda and Unani.

 

Conclusions

              For the benefit of the common man we have to prove all the claims scientifically with international standards to improve perfect herbal medicines at global level.  There is an urgent need to undertake these types of studies because the tribes are rapidly being migrated to modern societies and their treasure of knowledge is fast disappearing.     

 

Acknowledgements

                The authors are thankful to herbarium keeper, department of botany Sri venkateswara University, for his help in identifying the plant sample. The authors also wish to acknowledge the help received from the local and tribal people of Nellore district.

 

References

 

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