Ethnobotanical Survey of Medicinal Plants of Tehsil Deedwana, District Deedwana-Kuchaman, Rajasthan

Abstract

The aim of present survey is to identify and documenting the plants used in the area of Deedwana regions of Deedwana-Kuchaman district, Rajasthan, India. The study aimed to identify and classify the medicinal plants, document indigenous knowledge related to their therapeutic properties, and assess their cultural and economic significance. Recently, focus is given to study of herbal drugs and traditional remedies. The present study highlights useful ethnobotanical information about the uses of plants by the inhibitant of central part of Rajasthan specially of the Deedwana as medicine traditionally. A total of 331 species of angiospermic plants belonging to 218 genera and 65 families were recorded from this area, out of them a total of 83 species of plants representing 74 genera and 40 families employed in the literature as traditional medical practice have been recorded from the study area. Ailments such as mental disorder, diorrhoea, fever, skin-problems, dysentery, rheumatism, jaundice, piles etc. are mostly treated with the different medicinal plants traditionally. The survey will be helpful in formulate strategies for future conservation. Though many of these plant species have immediate attention for their conservation. Due to overgrazing, encroachments, unsustainable utilization and other developmental activities in the regions, several persistent medicinal plant species are on the verge of extinction.

Introduction

I. INTRODUCTION

The term “Ethnobotany” was coined by J. W. Harshberger in 1895 to indicate plants used by the aboriginals: From “ethno”-study of people and “botany”- study of plants. It deals with the study and evaluation of plant-human relations in all phases and the effect of plant environment on human society.The traditional wisdom of the indigenous people which is expressed in their ancient folklore and proverbs as well as in their beliefs and customs contain a fund of knowledge about local plants. This is particularly important source for obtaining information on the medicinal and nutritional properties of plants and on their ecological aspects.

India occupies a special status in terms of ecosystem, species and genetic diversity because of its location in the tropical zone, physical features and eco-climatic conditions. Rajasthan is the largest state of India and is situated in the north-western part of India between 2303’N and 30012’N latitude and 69030E and 78017’E longitude, occupying an area of 3,42,239 sq.km. The elevation of land surface varies from 214 to 1375 m. In shape, it is an irregular rhomb with north-south and east-west diagonals, the former about 784 km. and the latter 850 km. long. The remarkable feature of Rajasthan is the Aravalli range, perhaps the oldest folded mountain range in the world. It intersects Rajasthan from end to end, diagonally running from Delhi to the plains of Gujarat for a distance of about 692 km. It has a wide range of habitats, climatic factors, physiography, soil types and geological antiquity. Aravalli range divides the whole of Rajasthan into two natural divisions i.e. three fifth lying on north- west and two fifth on the east and south-east.

The present study is a report based on survey of angiospermic plants of Deedwana tehsil of Nagaur district (Now of Deedwana-Kuchaman newly created district). A total of three hundred thirty one species, grouped into two hundred eighteen genera, assigned to sixty five families according to Bentham and Hooker's system of classification have been recorded from Deedwana tehsil. The Tehsil is situated in a semi-arid region, making it an area of great ecological significance due to its distinctive flora and vegetation specially for salt loving plants (halophytes). Despite its ecological importance, the flora of Deedwana region has not received adequate scientific attention, and there is limited research focusing on the plant diversity and distribution in the area. Therefore, a comprehensive and systematic floristic study is essential to document and understand the plant diversity, conservation status, and ecological dynamics of Deedwana region.

The primary purpose of this research is to conduct a comprehensive floristic study of Deedwana Tehsil, District Deedwana-Kuchaman, Rajasthan including- document and enumerate the plant species found within the study area, including both native and exotic species, To assess the floristic diversity and composition, identification and classification of plant species, identify and document any endemic or rare plant species present in the region, and evaluate their conservation status, exploring the traditional uses of plants by local communities, including medicinal, cultural, and economic significance, analyze the various habitats and vegetation types of region, study the ecological factors influencing plant distribution.

II. REVIEW OF THE LITERATURE

Ancient Indian literature has recorded the use of plants as sources of medicine (Tulsidas 1631; Shastri et al. 1996).  The local use of plants as remedy are common, particularly, in those areas, which have little or no access to modern health services, such as the innumerable villages and hamlets in India (Jain and Rao, 1977; Joshi,2000; Singh and Karthikeyan, 2000; Sandhya et al. 2006).

In recent years a large number of publications dealing with the flora and floral composition of Rajasthan have been published. These have been reviewed by Jain (1970) Bhandari (1978), Sharma (1980). Publication of Flora of Indian Desert (Bhandari, 1990), Flora of north-east Rajasthan (Sharma & Tiagi, 1979) and Flora of Rajasthan (Shetty & Singh, 1987) have further added to our knowledge of the flora and floral composition of Rajasthan. District flora of Tonk (Shetty & Pandey, 1983) and Banswara (Singh, 1983) district of Rajasthan have been published. Quereishi (2002), Sharma & Aggarwal (2008) and Quereishi & Vyas (2017), Quereishi (2018, 2023) have significantly contributed in the existing knowledge about the vegetation of Deedwana and Nagaur. Intensive botanical exploration of Nagaur district of Rajasthan is in progress including study of phytodiversity of traditional medicine and medicinal plant usage has been investigated in many parts of the country (Singh et al. 2020, Ozukum et al. 2019, Parkash and Aggarwal, 2010; Yadav and Bhandoria, 2013). Nevertheless, taking in consideration the rich biodiversity, huge area and multiculturalism of India, more ethnobotanical studies are the need of the hour for efficient documentation and conservation of this knowledge (Yadav and Bhandoria, 2013). Therefore, documentation of medicinal plants and their usage by local people of the tehsil is important. The objectives of this study were to collect and document information about the medicinal plants used by local people and traditional healers of deedwana tehsil, district Deedwana-Kuchaman, Rajasthan, India. Plants are the backbone of all life on Earth and an essential resource for human well-being.

III. AIM OF THE STUDY

Conservation and protection of natural wealth is urgent need of human being for survival. In the most part of Rajasthan mainly in desert and tribal areas. Many commercially and medicinally important species of tree flora such as Commiphora wightii, Tecomella undulata, and several others are facing severe threats of extinction due to grazing, lopping, mining and by the use of new instruments of agriculture. Some herbs specially Cucurbits like Momordica dioca and Citrullus colocynthis are also in same category i.e. over-exploited plants. The botanical researchers would play decisive role in conservation, bio-prospecting and sustainable utilization of plant diversity. Because of their knowledge of the requirements of the plants, their distribution status and their importance. The present work on the flora of  Deedwana tehsil has been taken up by the authors for investigation along these lines. This work will also be helpful in compilation of the district flora.

The aim of the study titled "Ethnobotanical Survey of Medicinal Plants of Deedwana Tehsil, District Deedwana-Kuchaman, Rajasthan" is to comprehensively document and analyze the traditional knowledge and usage patterns of medicinal plants within the Deedwana Tehsil region. Specifically, the study seeks to:

1. Identify and document the medicinal plant species utilized by the local communities in Deedwana Tehsil for various health and wellness purposes.
2. Record the traditional methods of preparation and administration of medicinal plants, including any associated rituals or cultural practices.
3. Assess the cultural significance of medicinal plants within the socio-cultural context of Deedwana Tehsil, highlighting their role in indigenous healing systems and community well-being.
4. Investigate the ecological distribution and abundance of medicinal plants in the study area, including their habitats, growth patterns, and conservation status.

Provide recommendations for the sustainable management and conservation of medicinal plant resources in Deedwana Tehsil, emphasizing community involvement and biodiversity conservation efforts. Through achieving these aims, the study aims to contribute to the preservation of traditional knowledge, support community health initiatives, and promote the sustainable utilization of medicinal plant resources in Deedwana Tehsil, Rajasthan.

IV. RESEARCH METHODOLOGY

The survey for plant collections and observation were conducted at regular interval throughout the year. Excursions were undertaken two to three times a month. field trips were arranged in such a way to cover all the locations at more or less regular intervals to collect most of the plants in flowering and fruiting stages. All the specimen collected were serially numbered. The field notes included habit, habitat, colour of flowers, associations etc. The present is also an attempt to work out  the phytodiversity of this region. Herbarium methodology given by Jain & Rao (1976) was followed. Provisional identification was made by the help of Duthie’s FUGP (Vol 1-2 repr. 1952), Santapau’s Fl. Saur. (Vol 1952), Hooker’s flora (Vol 1-7 repr. 1952) and Flora of North-Eastern Rajasthan (Sharma & Tiagi, 1979; Bhandari, 1990, and Shetty & Singh 1987). Further help was taken from many other monographs and revisions. These identification were later on confirmed by matching the plants with authentic specimens at the RUBL Jaipur and JAC Jodhpur.

V. ETHANOBOTANICAL  SURVEY OF MEDICINAL PLANTS OF DEEDWANA  TEHSIL

The traditional wisdom of the indigenous people which is expressed in their ancient folklore and proverbs as well as in their beliefs and customs contain a fund of knowledge about local plants. This is particularly important source for obtaining information on the medicinal and nutritional properties of plants and on their ecological aspects. For instance, one of their sayings comments on the indiscriminate foraging habits of live-stock and the resultant degradation: “ Oont chhode aakro, bakri chhode kankaro”  which means that camels eat anything except ‘Aak’ (Calotrpis procera), while goats eat everything leaving only stones. Other such proverbs include: “ Naam phogari, phogara ko naam ni” means village name is phogari in respect of plants in district, but village lacks the phog (Calligonum polygonoides).

“ Aayoo Makoro, ni chhodiyo Palo na Matiro” means it is about the agricultural friend the tractor  sowing of seeds by tractor in semi-arid region is harmfull for indigenous plants.

Ethnobotanical description of the flora of Deedwana tehsil has been discussed. Human life is dependent to a very large extent on the plant life, specially the green ones. Besides the general uses, some specific uses to which the plants are put in the area under survey by the local inhabitants have been recorded under following sub-heads :

Table-1 List of medicinal plants

VI. Acknowledgements

I am thankful to late Dr. C. B. Gena, Ex Vice Chancellor, M.G.S. University, Bikaner  for his valuable guidance.

Conclusion

A. Plants Carrying Medicinal Importance 1) As Tonics: leaf infusion of Ailanthus excelsa is used as tonic during pregnancy; seeds of Zaleya redimita cause abortion; mucillaginous water extract of Pedalium murex (‘Bada Gokhroo’), and Tribulus terrestris is used for treating impotency. Tinospora cordifolia (stem decoction), Corchorus aestuans, C. depressus (root decoction), Ocimum canum (leaves and seeds), Salvia aegyptiaca (leaves and seeds), Mimosa hamata (leaves and seeds), are taken in boiled buffalo milk as the brain tonic. Convolvulus microphyllus and Evolvulus alsinoides (plant extract), Cassia fistula (pod pulp in water) and Zizyphus nummularia (Powdered root bark) are used as the general tonics or brain tonics. 2) For Curing Cuts / Wounds / Ulcers: Acacia nilotica s.sp. indica (bark), Derris indica (seed oil), Sida ovata and Zizyphus nummularia (leaf –paste) are applied on cuts or wounds to check the bleeding and are believed to bring quich healing, Ageratum conyzoides (dried powder), Argemone mexicana (seed oil), Cleome gynandra, Cocculus pandulus, Portulaca oleracea (leaf-extract), Balanites aegyptica (fruit pulp) Tamarix sp. (root and stem bark), Eclipta indica (plant extract) are applied to cure burns, ulcers and many eruptions. The boiled phylloclades of Opuntia elatior (after removing the thorns) are tied over wounds for a speady recovery. An ointment of leaf-juice of Datura sp. with turmeric (‘Haldi’) is applied to heal the wounds. Latex of Calotropis procera or Leptadenia pyrotechnica are applied to help removal of barbs, thorns etc. from the part of body. The warmed leaves of former are smeared with ‘ghee’ and are applied over pimples; its stripped bark is tied over cuts, made by sharp instruments, for healing them; the juice of Tridax procumbens serves as an antiseptic on wounds or cuts.The leaf-paste (ash of the leaves mixed in ‘ Deshi ghee’) is applied as a disinfectant on the sores on the neck of the cattle or are used for quick healing of the wounds. 3) In Skin Diseases: Cassia occidentalis (leaf extract and seed powder) and Prosopis cineraria (juice from young twigs) are applied against ring worm disease. Acacia nilotica s.sp. indica, Azadirachta indica, Zizyphus sp. (crushed leaves) Euphorbia caducifolia, Ficus benghalensis (latex), F. religiosa (bark and latex), Lycium barbarum (crushed leaves with ‘Deshi ghee’) are useful for curing the abscesses. 4) As cure for Swellings / Body Pains / Rheumatism: Leaves of Calotropis procera are applied on local swellings after warming them. Argemone mexicana (Yellow sap and seed oil) is useful to cure cutaneous diseases and swelling in the joints and muscles. Acacia leucophloea, Tamarindus indica, withania somnifera (dried pounded leaves), Solanum nigrum (fruits), Cyamopsis tetragonoloba (boiled seeds) are applied on the local swellings. Citrullus colocynthis (root extract), Leptadenia pyrotechnica (root and plant juice) and Momordica charantia (root and fruit extract) are useful in treating rheumatism. 5) As Remedies in Diarrhoea and Dysentery: Desmostachya bipinnata and fruit pulp of Aegle marmelos are proved antidiarrhotic and antidysentric medicines. The seeds of Cucumis melo, fruits of Foeniculum vulgare, black pepper and petals of rosa ( Rosa sp. ) are mixed together to prepare cold drinks and are useful in dysentery. 6) For Curing Abdominal Pains and Constipation: Amaranthus viridis (root decoction), Citrullus colocynthis (fruit with common salt), Cocculus hirsutus (stem powder), Trigonella corniculata (seeds) and Wrightia tinctoria (root and stem extract) are useful in the stomachache. 7) In Toothache, Asthma, Cold and Cough: Cymopsis tetragonoloba (dried roots, stems), Datura sp. (dried leaves), Tephrosia sp., (dried roots), Wrightia tinctoria (dried leaves) are smocked for giving a relief in toothache and asthma. The tender shoots of Capparis decidua are also reported to relieve toothache. Leaves of Barleria prionitis and Lindenbergia indica, Ocimum sp., and berries of Solanum surattense (‘Bhoorangi’) are chewed for curing cough and toothache. Decoction of Ephedra foliata is used to cure asthma. The root of Abutilon indicum, Blumea lacera, Molugo cerviana and Solanum nigrum, root decoction of Solanum surattense and Withania somnifera (also for asthma), seeds of Cleome gynandra and wood of Grewia tenax are boiled in water and taken to bring down the body temperature to the normal. Leaf extract of Achyranthes aspera is used to cure cough. 8) In Urinary Troubles: Jaundice and urinary troubles are cured by application of root extract of Citrullus colocynthis, decoction of Desmostachya bipinnata and Glinus lotoides. Leaf-juice of Chenopodium album, flowers and seeds of Celosia argentea and Digera muricata are reported to be very useful in urinary disorders. 9) In Diabetes: Decoction of Momordica charantia cures the sugar disease. 10) Against Scorpion / Snake / Dog Bites: Juice of Portulaca sp. Is applied to cure scorpion-sting. Plant extract of Achyranthes aspera and root powder of Aristolochia bracteolata (‘Hukka bel’) are said to be antihydrophobic and used to cure snake, dog and insect bites. It is reported that a snake bite victim is asked to chew the leaves of Calotropis procera till they taste bitter, before venum is treated, the leaves taste sweet to the victim. 11) As Eye Lotions: Alternanthera sessilis (leaf-juice), Bidens biternata (leaf and flower juice), Boerhavia diffusa (leaf and root extract) and Cocculus hirsutus (stem powder) are used as eye lotions. 12) Ear Ailments: Seed oil of Derris indica and Cleome viscosa is useful to cure ear ailments. 13) For Curing Pin Worms: Leaves of Clerodendrum phlomidis are used in a paste-form for curing pin worms in children. The present study revealed the ethnobotanical knowledge of people in Deedwana-Kuchaman district of Rajasthan. Among 83 plant species of 74 genera and 40 families, Mimosaceae was represented by seven species, Solanaceae, Asteraceae by six and Fabaceae were represented by five species. Euphorbiaceae, Caesalpinaceae, Menispermaceae and Tiliaceae were represented by three species. The present study mainly focuses on the medicinal plants used by the local people in Deedwana-Kuchaman District for primary health care and to cure various diseases like paralysis, skin infections, rheumatism, diarrhea, ulcers, skin ailments, toothache, headache, wounds, diabetes, liver problems, menstrual disorders, pyorrhea, piles, jaundice, asthma, mental illness etc. Most of the earlier ethno botanical studies confirmed that most of the plant’s part are useful and used in the treatment of diseases. This study clearly reveals that most of the plants were used to treat dysentery and diarrhoea skin diseases, fever, wounds & itching, asthma, bronchitis, urogenital diseases, whooping cough & cold and rheumatism, piles and stomachic leprosy and ulcers, scabies & ophthalmia, indigestion and sore throat, reproductive disorders and other diseases were treated by several species as enlisted (Table 1). The present study focused on the need of proper documentation of the medicinal plants used by various communities for common diseases prevailing in this area. However, present generation are least interested about traditional medicines. Proper documentation and conservation of the plants used is necessary which should play a great role in Ayurveda, homoeopathy and in modern medicine. Though we know about the use and importance of every plants that’s are useful in our daily life. Plants fulfill our daily life demand i. e. Food, Cloths and Shelter. Plants utilized in various forms as Food, famine food, supplementary food, as brain tonic, as timber, as vegetables, oils, fruits, fodder, in agriculture practices, fuel, raw material for different types of industries. But valueable role of plants for human beings is medicinal importance.

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Copyright © 2024 Jehangeer Rehman Quereishi . This is an open access article distributed under the Creative Commons Attribution License, which permits unrestricted use, distribution, and reproduction in any medium, provided the original work is properly cited.