NISCAIR Online Periodicals Repository Collection: IJTK Vol.03(1) [January 2004]

Indigenous healthcare practices and their linkages with bioresource conservation and socio-economic development in Central Himalayan region of India

Title: Indigenous healthcare practices and their linkages with bioresource conservation and socio-economic development in Central Himalayan region of India

Authors: Samal, Prasanna K; Shah, Anubha; Tiwari, Sushil C; Agrawal, Devendra K

Abstract: In this study, covering nineteen settlements between 800-2000 m asl and as many as 500 respondents drawn equally from both the sexes in Central Himalayan region of India, an effort was made to document indigenous knowledge system of medicine and health care practices and its relevance in physical well being of the local people, resource conservation and socio-economic development. Documentation of more than fifty indigenous healthcare practices that are in practice among the local people revealed that females are the real custodians of the indigenous knowledge system as 52% of them have the knowledge on thirty practices against that of 26% for males. This indigenous knowledge system of medicine existing as a super structure, effectively serves the people of the region. Further, the indigenous practices being easily administrable and cheaper, relieve the practitioners from time and financial hardship. However, growing requirements of the continually increasing population and associated poverty besides largescale commercial use of bioresources is resulting in their uncontrolled exploitation, leading to their erosion and extinction. Their non-availability may threaten the continuation of these practices.

Page(s): 12-26

Therapeutic uses of some seeds among the tribals of Gandhamardan hill range, Orissa

Title: Therapeutic uses of some seeds among the tribals of Gandhamardan hill range, Orissa

Authors: Misra, R C

Abstract: The traditional use of seeds in different forms, viz. raw, seed-paste, powder, decoction, infusion or oil as medicines for ameliorating diseases is still prevalent among the tribal communities inhabiting the forest areas of western Orissa. This investigation highlights manifold uses of 33 species whose seeds are used on a minor scale by the tribal inhabitants of Gandhamardan hill range for the treatment of various ailments.

Page(s): 105-115

**Mineral content and microbial impurity of Triphala churna and its raw materials**

Title: Mineral content and microbial impurity of Triphala churna and its raw materials

Authors: Lalla, J K; Hamrapurkar, P D; Mamania, H M

Abstract: Atomic absorption spectrophotometric study of the powdered fruits of amala, beheda, harda and market samples of triphala churna along with a laboratory preparation indicated that the highly toxic elements such as As, Hg, Co and Cd were absent, Pb being within the limits whereas less toxic or beneficial elements were within the limits specified by American Conference of Governmental Industrial Hygienists (ACGIH). The microbial studies of these samples showed complete absence of pathogens and presence of non-pathogens in amounts lower than the number specified in BP limits. The raw materials and triphala churna samples investigated in this study were considered safe for internal consumption.

Page(s): 86-91

Traditional knowledge and biodiversity conservation in Gujarat

Title: Traditional knowledge and biodiversity conservation in Gujarat

Authors: Gavali, Deepa; Sharma, Diwakar

Abstract: Gujarat has rich traditional knowledge associated with biodiversity. This indigenous knowledge has been acquired over ages and treasured by the local communities and the tribals, particularly those living in and around the forests and agro-ecosystems. Very little of this knowledge has been documented which coupled with alienation of younger generation from traditional lifestyles, further poses threat to its erosion. This paper briefly presents the extent of the traditional knowledge available in Gujarat, its contribution in biodiversity conservation and the threats of its erosion under changing life-style.

Page(s): 51-58