NISCAIR Online Periodicals Repository Collection: IJTK Vol.03(2) [April 2004]

Indigenous moulting practices: Tradititional knowledge with Indian rural poultry farmers

Mon, 29 Mar 2004 22:58:59 GMT

Title: Indigenous moulting practices: Tradititional knowledge with Indian rural poultry farmers

Authors: Sharma, G R K; Sastry, K V H

Abstract: This paper outlines the salient features of cultural sustainability by emphasizing the traditional knowledge of poultry farmers of southern India. Two southern states of India namely Karnataka and Kerala were included in the study with an objective to explore the traditionally induced moulting practices. The study revealed five different traditional moulting practices namely dipping in water, applying mud, applying ash, quarantine of birds to dark locations and fixing the feathers on to the beak. This study has shown that the existence of traditional practices seems to make sense in areas without veterinary services and empowers local farmers to try to manage their flock's problems in a cost effective way.

Page(s): 208-211

Traditional therapeutic uses of animals among tribal population of Tamil Nadu

Mon, 29 Mar 2004 22:58:59 GMT

Title: Traditional therapeutic uses of animals among tribal population of Tamil Nadu

Authors: Solavan, A; Paulmurugan, R; Wilsanand, V; Sing, A J ARanjith

Abstract: Studies on the therapeutic use of animals and animal parts have been neglected compared to plants. This paper presents the findings of an ethno-zoological study carried out among nine tribes spread over four districts of Tamil Nadu, India. Detailed information was obtained on the traditional therapeutic uses of sixteen different animal species, consisting of mammals (6), birds (5), reptiles (2), arthropods (2) and annelid (1), for the treatment of over 17 kinds of diseases or ailments, including asthma, arthritis, epilepsy, paralysis, hydrocele and leprosy. Community research to confirm the medicinal value of these traditional remedies would go a long way leading to the discovery of novel drugs from bugs.

Page(s): 198-205

**Impact of Cordyceps sinensis in the rural economy of interior villages of Dharchula sub-division of Kumaon Himalayas and its implications in the society**

Mon, 29 Mar 2004 22:58:59 GMT

Title: Impact of Cordyceps sinensis in the rural economy of interior villages of Dharchula sub-division of Kumaon Himalayas and its implications in the society

Authors: Garbyal, S S; Aggarwal, K K; Babu, C R

Abstract: Cordyceps sinensis belonging to family Clavicipitaceae is a parasitic fungus on Lepidopteran larvae. It occurs at an altitude over 4,000 m and is known to be found in Chipla, Malpa top, Njyang top, Karschila, Budhi Galja, Chal, Baling, Bon, Dugtu, Panchachuli, Nampa and Api in Dharchula Himalayas. Cordyceps is known to be used for many centuries as tonic, medicine, and aphrodisiac and in religious ceremonies in China, Indonesia and upper Himalayas. Since last 4-5 years Cordyceps has been traded very extensively in Dharchula area of Pithoragarh District in Uttaranchal. It has had tremendous impact on the rural economy of the villages in Dharchula area. Local people have been getting about Rs. 55,000-65,000 per kg, thereby improving the living conditions of many poor villagers.

Page(s): 182-186

Credibility of traditional knowledge—The criterion of multilocational and multiethnic use

Mon, 29 Mar 2004 22:58:59 GMT

Title: Credibility of traditional knowledge—The criterion of multilocational and multiethnic use

Authors: Jain, S K

Abstract: Traditional knowledge often includes practices based on observations over time, but not substantiated by any technical experiments or statistics. Ethnomedicine or folk medical claims are an important component of this knowledge. The multilocational or multiethnic use, i.e. application of same traditional herbal cures in several distant regions, and among distinct tribal ethnic groups is suggested as a good criterion for credibility of folk claims and practices. Over 400 publications on ethnomedicinal plants were checked and over 100 recipes related to six health conditions namely fertility or conception, diabetes, leprosy, jaundice, malaria and skin diseases were found to be employed in more than one locality or ethnic group. On the basis of frequency of such reports, the plants were given a credibility rank on a scale of 1-5. About half of these recipes, which mostly had high ranking between 3-5 are already employed in codified Ayurvedic system. It is suggested that: 1. high credibility ranking based on frequency of reports of use seems directly related to their utility in health care systems, 2. the remaining recipes with high credibility ranking be given priority for laboratory and clinical research, and 3. more such analyses of frequency of particular medicinal use be undertaken for more plants, more diseases, and in more regions and ethnic groups in India.

Page(s): 137-153