NISCAIR Online Periodicals Repository Collection: IJNPR Vol.1(2) [June 2010]

Elaeagnus kologa Schlecht. – An under utilized edible and endemic fruit plant in Nilgiris, the western ghats

Title: Elaeagnus kologa Schlecht. – An under utilized edible and endemic fruit plant in Nilgiris, the western ghats

Authors: Paulsamy, S; Kumar, P Senthil; Kumar, AM Ananda; Kumar, P Sathish

Abstract: The wild plant species, Elaeagnus kologa Schlecht. belonging to the family Elaeagnaceae, is endemic and generally distributed in the high altitudes of Nilgiris in the margins of moist deciduous forests with sizable populations. The fruits (drupe) of this species are edible and reported to have high content of proteins, minerals and vitamins comparable to common fruits like oranges, grapes, guava and others. Its fruits are available in the month of March and April and sold in the markets of Nilgiri district. For the past few decades due to the nutritional significance, the fruits are exploited severely by the local public, tribals and other herb gatherers due to which the population of the species is getting decreased. In addition, the lower germination percentage determined is also a factor for the less population of the species in Nilgiris. Hence, to conserve this species appropriate cultivation technology must be developed and can be practiced in degraded forests.

Page(s): 258-260

Ethnomedicinal wisdom of tribals of Kinwat forest of Nanded district (Maharashtra)

Title: Ethnomedicinal wisdom of tribals of Kinwat forest of Nanded district (Maharashtra)

Authors: Biradar, SD; Ghorband, DP

Abstract: Ethnomedicinal applications of plants by tribals of Kinwat forest range of Nanded district of Maharashtra were assessed through a survey during 2006-2008. First hand information on ethnomedicinal preparations, dosage and their mode of administration was gathered from herbal practitioners of Gond, Kolam, Andh and Pradhan tribes. Hitherto unreported applications of 25 plant species belonging to 22 families and 25 genera are presented in this paper. The study has brought to light some interesting data on plants which may form a potential source of information for new bio- dynamic compounds of therapeutic value in phytochemical researches.

Page(s): 254-257

Ethnomedicines of Kurichyas, Kannur district, Western Ghats, Kerala

Title: Ethnomedicines of Kurichyas, Kannur district, Western Ghats, Kerala

Authors: Rajith, N P; Ramachandran, V S

Abstract: The Kurichyas are one of the tribal communities of Kerala who have their settlements in Kannavam, Kannur district. Extensive field studies were undertaken in order to study the utilization of wild medicinal plants which has resulted in the collection of 50 species belonging to 31 families. The plant name, family, vernacular name and ethno-botanical uses have been enumerated in this communication.

Page(s): 249-253

Plants used in traditional healthcare of livestock by Gujjar community of Sub-Himalayan tracts, Uttarakhand, India

Title: Plants used in traditional healthcare of livestock by Gujjar community of Sub-Himalayan tracts, Uttarakhand, India

Authors: Gaur, R D; Sharma, Jyotsana; Painuli, R M

Abstract: The present paper highlights the indigenous knowledge on the ethnoveterinary medicinal plants used by the Gujjar community of Sub-Himalayan tracts in Garhwal Himalaya. This tribe is a nomadic one, lives with their livestock’s in the forests, roaming from one place to other in different habitats. Their herds of livestock constituted a substantive role, as their economy is totally dependent on selling milk and other dairy products. They are dependent on the surrounding vegetational wealth for the treatment of various ailments of their livestock, following traditionally based knowledge system. They also have distinct folk concepts regarding the diagnosis of cattle ailments. The following study includes 54 plant species belonging to 32 families, commonly employed in ethnoveterinary practices by the community.

Page(s): 243-248