Nelumbo - The Bulletin of the Botanical Survey of India

N. K. Sharma ¹

Affiliations
1 Department of Botany, Govt. College, Jhalawar, IN

Abstract

The communication deals with enumeration of plant species used by tribals and rural people residing in the vicinity of Mukundara ranges, Jhalawar district (S.E. Rajasthan), as hebral medicine for Guinea worm (Naaru) disease. This disease is very common in tribal and rural areas of South East Rajasthan, and is communicated through contaminated water. The 12 plant species, along with their plant parts used are - Arisaema tortuosum (Tuber), Aristolochia bracteolata (Root), Blumea lacera (leaf), Calotropis procera (Root), Cleome viscosa (leaf), Ferula asafoetida (Oleoresin Root), Hemiadelphis polyspermus (Root), Piper betel (leaf), Psoralea corylifolia (Seed), Pueraria tuberosa (Root), and Ricunus communis(Root). Enumeration contains, Plant's name, Family, Local name, Voucher specimen and Phenology along with brief notes on preparation of plant drug, the plant part used, amount and periodicity of dosage given.

Brief notes on causal organism Dracunculus medinensis (Guinea worm) also given along with etiology, symptoms and mode of infection.

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N. K. Sharma ¹

Affiliations
1 Department of Botany, Govt. College, Jhalawar, IN

Abstract

No Abstract.

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N. K. Sharma ¹

Affiliations
1 P. G. Deptt. of Botany, Govt. College, Kota - 324 001, IN

Abstract

Studies regarding the floristic diversity and phytogeographical affinities of Jhalawar district tree flora reveal that out of 182 upper storey cover species recorded in the area, 31 species were planted (cultivated) for various economic uses, while 151 species were found naturalized in the the area, 29 of the naturalized species, were also planted for edible fruits or as avenue trees or for timber in different parts of the district. 27 species were found growing near streams, rivers or in low lying areas, while 88 species were recorded in deciduous forests&hills tracts. On the contrary 37 upper storey cover species were observed in open, dry, gravelly and in other xeric conditions e.g. scrubby vegetations. 89 tree species were microphanerophytes, (Mi) 69 species demarcated as mesophanerophytes (Ms) and only 24 remaining species were reported to be megaphanerophytes (Mg) (large sized trees). Phenological studies about tree-flora indicated that flowering of 30 species initiated in rainy season, 70 species bloom in summer, 8 species flower round the year, while maximum, 74 species are laden with flowers in winter season, possibly due to photoperiodic temperature, humidity and light intensity requirements of these species. Possible reasons and plausible assumptions about the habit, habitat and physiognomy diversities have also been described. Exceptional presence of some species e.g. Adansonia digitata, (Tropical Africa), Prosopis cineraria (Arid zone species), Adina cordifolia and Mangifera indica (Subtropical forests), add new dimensions to the floristic diversity of the area as well as this may be due to the phytogeographical location of the locality which represents 1 : 1 ratio between eastern and western elements.

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N. K. Sharma ¹

Affiliations
1 P. G. Department of Botany, Govt. College, Kota - 324 001, IN

Abstract

Appendicitis a well known intestinal disease now a days is caused by appendicular infection and inflammation. In modern allopathic system there is no perfect treatment of this disease except appendectomy. However, this disease is completely cured by the Bhil tribals of Jhalawar district (South-East Rajasthan), by the local application of plant paste of Ocimum americanum L. (Lamiaceae) on patient's abdomen. No further abdominal surgery of the patient is required in this particular mode of treatment. It is expected that after further researches this plant might prove a great source of safe, cheap and effective drug for the cure of appendicitis and will be a great asset for the welfare of human society.

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