SANDEEPAMOL P S
MEDICINAL PLANT DIVERSITY IN
KULATHUPUZHA LOCALITY, KOLLAM DISTRICT
ABSTRACT
The present study was conducted to identify the “Medicinal
Plant Diversity in Kulathupuzha Locality, Kollam District”. Medicinal
plants, also called medicinal herbs, have been discovered and used
in traditional medicine practices since prehistoric times. Plants
synthesize hundreds of chemical compounds for functions including
defense against insects, fungi, diseases and herbivorous mammals.
Numerous phytochemical with potential or established biological
activity have been identified. However, since a single plant contains
widely diverse phytochemicals, the effects of using a whole plant as
medicine are uncertain. Further, the phytochemical content and
pharmacological actions, if any, of many plants having medicinal
potential remain unassessed by rigorous scientific research to define
efficacy and safety. In this study involves the identification of
medicinal plants in Kulathupuzha Locality, Kollam District. Plants
with medicinal importance are identified and listed in the present
study. There are fifteen medicinally important plants are collected
from the locality.
I. INTRODUCTION
Nature is always a golden sign to show the prominent
phenomena of co-existence. Natural products from plants, animals
and minerals are the basis for treating human diseases. Plants are
used for variety of purposes. Medicinal plants also called medicinal
herbs, have been discovered and used in traditional medicine
practices since prehistoric times. Plants synthesis hundreds of
compounds for functions including defense against insects fungi,
disease and herbivorous mammals.
Plants have been used for medicinal purposes long before
recorded history primitive men observed and appreciated the great
diversity of plants available to them. The medicinal use of plants
seems to be developed through observations of wild animals, and by
trial and error as herbs in their area to its knowledge base they
methodically collected information on herbs and developed well
defined herbal pharmacopoeias
Various drugs listed as conventional medications were
originally derived from plants. Salicylic acid, a precursor of aspirin,
was originally derived from white willow bark and the medowsweet
plant. Cinchona bark is the source of malaria fighting quinine . The
Opium poppy yields morphine,codeine and puregoric,a remedy for
diarrhea. Morphine is the most important alkaloid of the opium
poppy remains the standard against which new synthetic pain
relives is measured similarly, tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), the
component Cannibas sativa responsible for the CNS effect,has also
been found to reduce nausea associated with cancer chemotherapy.
Substances derived from the plants remain the basis for a
large proportion of the commercial medications used for the
treatment of heart diseases, high blood pressure, pain asthma ,
cancer and other problems. Plants contain a number of metabolites,
only a small percentage has been investigated phytochemically and
some fractions of them have been submitted for biological screening.
Globally, there has been an unparalleled growth in the plane
derived medicinally useful for mutations, drugs and health care
products. It has a market covering more than 60% products derived
from plant origin. India exhibits remarkable outlook in modern
medicines that are based on natural products besides traditional
system of Indian medicines. Almost 70% of the modern medicines in
India are derived from natural products. Medicinal plants play a
central role not only as traditional medicines but also as trade
commodities, meeting the demand of distant markets.
To complete with the growing market, there is urgency to ex
peditiously utilize and scientifically validate more medicinally useful
plants while conserving these species, which seems a difficult task
ahead.
II. METHEDOLOGY
The present study mainly focus on field study. The method
of study involves the identification of Medicinal Plants from
Kulathupuzha Locality, Kollam District. Plants with medicinal
importance are identified and listed in he present study. Apart from
the medicinal use, the local names and a brief description about
each of the plants are identified and make a detailed study about
it. Finally a herbarium was prepared by using these plants.
III. ANALYSIS AND INTERPRETATION
1. Adhatoda vasica
Family : Acanthaceae
Local Name: Adalodakom
Adalodakam, also known as Vasaka plant or Malabar Nut Tree
is a tall shrub from the family Acanthaceae. Being a plant native
to India, it has been largely used in traditional medicinal systems
like Ayurveda.
There are in fact two species of plants referred to as Vasaka. One
is Adhatoda vasica while the other is Adhatoda beddomei (Cheru
Adalodakam). In this article, we are mainly considering the former.
MEDICINAL IMPORTANCE
Leaf of Vasaka plant is the most useful part which contains an
alkaloid called Vasicine. The presence of this alkaloid makes it an
effective remedy for cough and respiratory-related problems like
bronchitis and asthma. The roots and flowers also possess similar
medicinal properties.
2. Asparagus racemosus
Family: Asparagaceae
Local name: Shatavari
Asparagus racemosus (satavar, shatavari, or shatamull,
shatawari) is a species of asparagus common throughout India and
the Himalayas. It was botanically described in 1799. Because of its
multiple uses, the demand for Asparagus racemosus is constantly on
the rise. Because of destructive harvesting, combined with habitat
destruction, and deforestation, the plant is now considered
"endangered" in its natural habitat.
MEDICINAL IMPORTANCE
Shatavari is important in traditional Ayurvedic medicine.
Extracts made from dried roots are used for various reproductive
and hormonal issues in women. It is also used in cases of gastric
ulcers and indigestion.
3. Ayapana triplinervis
Family: Asteraceae
Local name: Ayapana
Ayapana triplinervis (aya-pana, water hemp) is a tropical
American shrub in the family Asteraceae. This plant has long
slender leaves which are often used to make a stimulating medicine.
It contains Herniarin, a methoxy analog of umbelliferone, while its
essential oil contains thymohydroquinone dimethyl ether. The flowers
are pale pink and the thin, hairless stem is reddish in color.
MEDICINAL IMPORTANCE
The herb is stimulant, tonic in small doses and laxative when
taken in quantity. A hot infusion is emetic and diaphoretic.
Decoction of the leaves is antiseptic and haemostatic; useful against
various kinds of haemorrhage and to clean foul ulcers. An aqueous
extract of the dried leaves is a cardiac stimulant. Fresh leaves are
used by the Marma for cut and stomachache. Ethanolic extract of
the aerial parts of the plant possess antibacterial and anti fungal
properties.
4. Azadirachta indica
Family:meliaceae
Local name: Neem plant
Azadirachta indica, commonly known as neem, nimtree or
Indian lilac, is a tree in the mahogany family Meliaceae. It is one
of two species in the genus Azadirachta, and is native to the Indian
subcontinent, i.e. India, Nepa, Pakistan, Bangladesh, Sri Lanka, and
Maldives. It is typically grown in tropial and semi-tropical regions.
Neem trees also grow in islands located in the southern part of
Iran. Its fruits and seeds are the source of neem oil.
MEDICINAL IMPORTANCE
Products made from neem trees have been used in India for
over two millennia for their medicinal properties. Neem products are
believed by Siddha and Ayurvedic practitioners to be anthelmintic,
antifungal, antidiabetic, antibacterial, antiviral, contraceptive, and
sedative. It is considered a major component in siddha medicine and
Ayurvedic and Unani medicine and is particularly prescribed for
skin diseases. Neem oil is also used for healthy hair, to improve
liver function, detoxify the blood, and balance blood sugar levels.
Neem leaves have also been used to treat skin diseases like eczema,
psoriasis, etc.
Insufficient research has been done to assess the purported
benefits of neem, however. In adults, short-term use of neem is
safe, while long-term use may harm the kidneys or liver; in small
children, neem oil is toxic and can lead to death. Neem may also
cause miscarriages, infertility and low blood sugar.
5. Centella asiatica
Family: Apiaceae
Local name: Indian pennywort
Centella asiatica, commonly known as Indian pennywort,
Asiatic pennywort or goyu kola is a herbaceous, frost-tender
perennial plant in the flowering plant family Apiaceae. It is native
to the wetlands in Asia. It is used as a culinary vegetable and as
a medicinal herb.
MEDICINAL IMPORTANCE
In traditional medicine, C. asiatica has been used to treat
various disorders and minor wounds. Clinical efficacy and safety
have not been confirmed by high-quality medical research. Contact
dermatitis and skin irritation can result from topical application.
Drowsiness may occur after consuming it. The herb may have
adverse effect on liver function when used over many months.
6. Cyclea peltata
Family: Menispermaceae
Local name: lndian Moon Seed
Indian Moon-Seed is a slender twining shrub, frequently
climbing up on tall trees. Leaves are alternate, heart shaped, 2.5-10
cm long, 2.5-3.75 cm broad, stipule 5-10 cm long and nerves 7-11.
The flowers are unisexual, pale yellow. The fruits are spherical
drupes, white in color. Indian Moon-Seed is found in Western Ghats.
MEDICINAL IMPORTANCE
The roots of patha have great medicinal value and are used
for medicinal purpose, both, internally as well as externally.
External application of the paste of its roots and leaves is extremely
beneficial, in infected wounds, sinuses, and skin diseases like
erysipelas and pruritus. The external application of this paste is
said to be useful in serpant bite also. The root juice is salutary in
headache, as nasal drops. The roots have anti-inflammatory activity
and hence alleviated the edema. Patha is a valuable wound healer
and antidermatosis herb.
7. Eclipta prostrata
Family: Asteraceae
Local name: Bhringraj
Eclipta prostrata commonly known as false daisy, yerba de
tago, Karisalankanni , and bhringraj, is a species of plant in the
sunflower family. It is widespread across much of the world. This
plant has cylindrical, grayish roots. The solitary flower heads with
white florets. The achenes are compressed and narrowly winged.
This species grows commonly in moist places in warm temperate to
tropical areas worldwide. It is widely distributed throughout India,
Nepal, China, Thailand, and Brazil.
MEDICINAL IMPORTANCE
The plant has traditional uses in Ayurveda. It is bitter, hot,
sharp, and dry in taste. In India, it is known as bhangra or
bhringaraj. Wedelia calendulacea is known by the same names, so
the white-flowered E. alba is called white bhangra and the yellow-
flowered W. calendulacea is called yellow bhangra.
In Southeast Asia the dried whole plant is used in traditional
medicine although there is no high-quality clinical research to
indicate such uses are effective.
8. Elephantopus scaber
Family: Asteraceae
Local name: Anachuvadi
Elephantopus scaber is a tropical species of flowering plant in
the sunflower family. It is native to tropical Africa, Eastern Asia,
Indian subcontinent, Southeast Asia, and northern Australia. It has
become naturalized in tropical Africa and Latin America. Its natural
habitat is subtropical or tropical moist montane forests.
MEDICINAL IMPORTANCE
E. scaber is used as a traditional medicine. Different parts of
the plant are used in traditional medicine of India as an astringent
agent, cardiac tonic, and diuretic, and is used for eczema,
rheumatism, fever, and bladder stones. E.scaber modulates
inflammatory responses by inhibiting the production of TNF α and and
IL-1β..
9. Hemigraphis alternata
Family: Acanthaceae
Local name:Waffle plant
Hemigraphis alternata is a member of the family Acanthaceae
native to Java. It is a prostrate plant with purple colored leaves.
MEDICINAL IMPORTANCE
In Indonesia, Hemigraphis alternata is used to promote
urination, check and heal hemorrhages, stop dysentery, and treat
venereal diseases. The plant is popular in the United States and
rarely the United Kingdom to use in hanging baskets for gardens.
10. Murraya koenigii
Family: Rutaceae
Local name: Curry tree
The curry tree (Murraya koenigii) or curry leaf tree is a
tropical to sub-tropical tree in the family Rutaceae (the rue family,
which includes rue, citrus, and satinwood), and is native to India.
Its leaves are used in many dishes in the Indian subcontinent.
Often used in curries, the leaves are generally called by the name
"curry leaves", although they are also actually "sweet neem leaves"
in most Indian languages.
MEDICINAL IMPORTANCE
The leaves of Murraya koenigii are also used as a herb in
Ayurvedic and Siddha medicine in which they are believed to
possess anti-disease properties, but there is no high-quality clinical
evidence for such effects. Curry leaves can help in dealing with
digestive issues. It is used to treat the stomach upset. It also help
maintain cholesterol level.
11. Ocimum tenuiflorum
Family: Lamiaceae
Local name: Tulsi
Ocimum tenuiflorum (synonym Ocimum sanctum), commonly
known as holy basil or tulsi, is an aromatic perennial plant in the
family Lamiaceae. It is native to the Indian subcontinent and
widespread as a cultivated plant throughout the Southeast Asian
tropics.Tulsi is cultivated for religious and traditional medicine
purposes, and for its essential oil. It is widely used as a herbal tea,
commonly used in Ayurveda, and has a place within the Vaishnava
tradition of Hinduism, in which devotees perform worship involving
holy basil plants or leaves. The variety of Ocimum tenuiflorum used
in Thai cuisine is referred to as Thai holy basil it is not the same
as Thai basil, which is a variety of Ocimum basilicum.
MEDICINAL IMPORTANCE
Tulsi (Sanskrit:-Surasa) has been used in Ayurveda and
Siddha practices for its supposed treatment of diseases. Its benefits
are unknown.
12. Phyllanthus niruri
Family: Phyllanthaceae
Local name: Stonebreaker
Phyllanthus niruri is a widespread tropical plant commonly
found in coastal areas, known by the common names gale of the
wind, stonebreaker or seed-under-leaf. It is a relative of the spurges,
belonging to the genus Phyllanthus of the family Phyllanthaceae.
MEDICINAL IMPORTANCE
Phyllanthus niruri, also known as Bhumyamalaki, Keezhanelli
(Malayalam, Tamil) has been used in Ayurveda, Siddha for problems
of the stomach, genitourinary system, liver, kidney, and spleen, and
to treat chronic fever.
Amazonian tribes historically used Phyllanthus niruri to treat kidney
stones and gallstones, naming it Chanca piedra or Quebra-pedra,
respectively, Spanish and Portuguese terms for stonebreaker.
Phyllanthus niruri is nowadays marketed as a herbal remedy under
the name Chanca piedra.
13. Plectranthus barbatus,
Family: Lamiaceae
Local name: Coleus
Plectranthus barbatus, also known by the synonym Coleus
forskohlii and vernacular names forskohlii and Indian coleus, is a
tropical perennial plant related to the typical coleus species. It
produces forskolin, an extract useful for pharmaceutical preparations
and research in cell biology.
MEDICINAL IMPORTANCE
In Ayurvedic traditional medicine, Coleus has been used to
treat heart diseases, spasmodic pain, painful urination and
convulsions.
14. Rauvolfia serpentina
Family: Apocynaceae
Local name: Indian snake root
Rauvolfia serpentina, the Indian snakeroot, devil pepper, or
serpentine wood, is a species of flower in the milkweed family
Apocynaceae. It is native to the Indian subcontinent and East Asia
(from India to Indonesia). Rauvolfia is a perennial undershrub
widely distributed in India in the sub-Himalayan regions up to
1,000 metres (3,300 ft). It is the source of the phytochemical,
reserpine, which has been used in the treatment of systolic
hypertension.
MEDICINAL IMPORTANCE
The root is used to make medicine. Indian snakeroot is used
for mild high blood pressure, nervousness, trouble sleeping
(insomnia), and mental disorders such as agitated psychosis and
insanity. Reserpine is used to treat mild to moderate hypertension,
schizophrenia, and some symptoms of poor circulation.
15. Scoparia dulcis
Family: Plantaginaceae
Local name: Kallurukki
Scoparia dulcis is a species of flowering plant in the plantain
family. Common names include licorice weed, goatweed, scoparia-
weed and sweet-broom in English, tapeiçava, tapixaba, and
vassourinha in Portuguese, escobillo in Spanish, and tipychä kuratu
in Guarani. It is native to the Neotropics but it can be found
throughout the tropical and subtropical world. Although S. dulcis is
considered a weed in many parts of Bangladesh, its use in
traditional medicine has led to overexploitation. The plant is also
found as a weed in Florida citrus groves.
MEDICINAL IMPORTANCE
As a traditional medicine, S. dulcis has been used for diabetes
in India and hypertension in Taiwan. In Siddha medicine it is used
for treatment of kidney stones, but it needs rigorous diet method. It
is called as Kallurukki (stone melter) in Tamil. In Brazil, it has
been used for various problems such as hemorrhoids and wounds.
VI. FINDINGS AND CONCLUSION
The present study states that many plants have high level of
medicinal uses. These plants could be used for indigestion, fight the
flu, treat poison, and rashes.
Medicinal plants are inseparable from local livelihoods because
they have long been collected, consumed, and managed through local
customs and knowledge. Management of traditional therapies is
urged, because the therapies are empirically and knowledge based,
often culturally inherited and important to pharmacology and local
livelihoods. However traditional therapies are currently being eroded
due to changing lifestyles.
V. REFERENCES
1. "Medicinal and aromatic plants trade programme". Traffic.org.
Retrieved 20 February 2017.
2. "Rauvolfia serpentina". Natural Resources Conservation Service
PLANTS Database. USDA. Retrieved 19 October 2015.
3. "Rauwolfia serpentina root". DrugBank, Canadian Institutes of
Health Research. 2 November 2018. Retrieved 25 November
2018.
4. Anne Gauvin-Bialecki, Claude Marodon (November 2008).
"Essential oil of Ayapana triplinervis from Reunion Island: A
good natural source of thymohydroquinone dimethyl ether".
Biochemical Systematics and Ecology. 36 (11): 853–858.
doi:10.1016/j.bse.2008.09.006s
5. Collins, Minta (2000). Medieval Herbals: The Illustrative
Traditions. University of Toronto Press. p. 32. ISBN .
6. Goyal, R. K.; Singh, Janardhan; Lal, Harbans (September
2003). "Asparagus racemosus—an update". Indian Journal of
Medical Sciences. 57 (9): 408–414. PMID 14515032.
7. Kumar, M., Dandapat, S., Kumar, A. and Sinha, M.P. Anti-
typhoid activity of Adhatoda vasica and Vitex negundo Persian
Gulf Crop Protection, 2013; 2(3): 64-75
http://corpprotection.ir/files_site/paperlist/Journal2-3-
130906213336.pdf Archived 2015-05-29 at the Wayback
Machine
8. Kumar, M., Dandapat, S., Kumar, A. and Sinha, M.P.,
Determination of Nutritive value and mineral elements of five-
leaf chaste tree (Vitex negundo L.) and Malabar Nut
(Adhatoda vasica Nees), Academic Journal of Plant Sciences,
2013; 6(3): 103-108. http://www.idosi.org/ajps/6(3)13/1.pdf
9. Nantana Sittichai; Chayan Picheansoothon, eds. (2014). Herbal
Medicines Used in Primary Health Care in ASEAN.
Department for Development of Thai Traditional and
Alternative Medicine. p. 148–149. ISBN .
10. Pawar, Shubhangi; Patil, D. A. (2008). Ethnobotany of Jalgaon
District, Maharashtra. Daya Publishing House. p. 400. ISBN .
