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O Sfl RECENT ADVANCES IN
ETHNOBOTANY Sanjeev Kumar
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ETHNOBOTANICAL EVALUATION OF SOME PTERIDOPHYTES IN NORTH BENGAL, W E S T BENGAL, INDIA
Sunit Mitra & Sobhan Kr. Mukherjee 1. Department of Botany, Ranaghat College, Ranaghat - 741201, Nadia, West Bengal, India
Sunit_mitra2003 @yahoo.co.in 'Department of Botany, University of Kalyani, Kalyani - 741235, Nadia, West Bengal, India
The value of medicinal plants is infinite in the human life. Knowledge of the use of medicinal plants is still valuable for human health care programme. The ancient medical knowledge possessed by various tribes and folklore systems of medicine which sometimes referred to as ethno therapeutics , has provided powerful and more effective strategies for clinically useful compounds. In the present paper an attempt has been taken to enumerate the ethnobotanical utility of the Pteridophytes from the northern part of West Bengal. It reveals that there are 23 species of pteridophytic plants belonging to 19 genera under 17 families. These are used by the 11 tribal communities of this area for the treatment of 34 different types of ailments. The list includes some common ailments like body ache, fever, haemostatic agents, etc. Besides these, some very critical diseases like diabetes, leprosy, jaundice, general and sexual diseases, etc. are also treated by different tribal communities. It is an initial attempt to record the empirical knowledge of different tribal communities of this region, which may be vanished due to rapid pace of westernisation and acculturation in younger generation.
Key Words: Pteridophytes; Ethnobotany; North Bengal; Tribal communities.
Introduction In human livelihood the value of medicinal
plant is infinite. The knowledge of the use of medicinal plants has been acquired through centuries by observing the nature and such plants are still valued as they make fundamental contribution to human health care needs. Besidesthe rich floristic diversity ofIndia,its rich and diverse heritage are also important. The ancient medical knowledge of various tribes and folklore systems of medicine which sometimes referred as ethnotherapeutics, has provided a powerful and more effective strategies for clinically useful compounds. Modern system of treatment by synthetic molecules and antibiotics shows a magical result in its therapeutic property but inthe long run this mode oftreatment becomes harmful to us by creating a numbers of health hazards to our societies. So, this is the prime reason whymany of the synthetic molecules and antibiotic drugs have been banned by different countries of the world. In case of medicinal plants no such type of cumulative adverse effect has been recorded so far in our present day knowledge.As a result the use of drugs from herbal world are now getting a stable shape again and are getting more popularity among all the groups of people throughout the world in both developing and developed countries. Traditional system of medicines in India can be broadly classified into following categories :
1. Shastriya .Systemcomprises Ayurveda,
Siddha and Unani system . 2. Empirical forms of folk medicine which is
actually village based, local resource based, region specific indigenous herbal based and in many cases community specific mode of treatment. This heritage based medicinal treatment process has not any written scripts and a group of people by their kin interest on plants and as a part of their traditional mode of profession practice this herbal mode of treatment process. They continue this mode of practice within limited boundaries. But at present due to fast pace of westernisation of villages and due to revolutionary change by new discoveries of different synthetic molecules and their magical results, the people of the village are now shading off these traditional system of medicine. Hence it may be vanished in course of time. In fact, the age old traditional knowledge related to plantshas paramount importance to the human societies, because this knowledge may provide clues of new molecules for unsolved disease management. So, it is required to document thevaluable knowledge before it is lost forever . To document this knowledge, ethnobotanical field exploration is absolutely necessary among dif ferent tribal communities and the present work is a reflection of such type of work.
Pteridophytes (Ferns and Fern allies) are considered as the primitive vascular plants, found throughout the world in the moist shady places.
ETHNOBOTANICAL EVALUATION OF SOME PTERIDOPHYTES IN NORTH BENGAL, WEST BENGAL, INDIA
27
There are about 305 genera, comprising of more than 10,000 taxa (Mabberly 2008) of which 191 genera with 1200 taxa are found in India (Chandra 2000). By virtue of possessing great variety and fascinating foliage they draw attention of the florists and the horticulturists. But as a representative of lower group of plants they are always neglected and their useful aspects are largely ignored.
Medicinal values of the Pteridophytes are well known to the human societies from the era of Theophrastus (327 - 287 B.C.) and Dioscorides (100A.D.), who first referred the medicinal utility of certain Pteridophytes. Suslirata and Charaka in their Samhitas (100 A.D.)also mentioned the medicinal utility of Marsilea, Adiantum etc. In modern India it is Caius (1935) who first described the utility of Pteridophytes. Later on Nayer 1957; Chowdhury 1973; Vyas & Sharma 1988; Padala 1988 and Kaushik & Dhiman 1995, described the ethnobotanical and medicinal utility of the Pteridophytes of India. Parihar et al. (2003a, 2003b, 2003c, 2003d, 2004a, and 2004b) described the antibacterial and anti-fungal activities of the pteridophytic plants of India. Singh 1999, presented an account of the medicinal importance of pteridophytic plants and their potent chemical constituents. May 1978, has briefly described the economic uses and associated folklore of the ferns and fern allies.
But in respect of West Bengal there is no such work is found except the publication of Dixit et al. 1978.
In this paper an attempt has been made to enumerate the ethnobotanical utility of Pteridophytes from the northern part of West Bengal.
The plains of North Bengal is the northern part of the West Bengal State lying south of the hills of Daijeeling district and of western Bhutan and stretches as far as south to the river Ganges. This flat montane track consists of the Terai region of Daijeeling district, and other districts like lalpaiguri, Koch Behar, Uttar and DakshinDianjpur and Malda. This region of North Bengal has been excluded fromPurnea district of Bihar in west and Bangladesh in east and northeast (Fig 1).
The region receives an annual rain fall of 3900mm. Summer temperature varies between 33°
- 35°C and the temperature varies between 7.5 -10 °C in its plain, but the hilly tract of Darjeeling shows temperature variation between 3 - 9°C in winter and 15 - 25°C during the summer. The damp climatic condition of this region helps to growth of diverse luxuriant vegetation which includes ferns and fern allies. The tract of land also comprises the habitat of a diverse group of tribal people.The major tribal communities of this region are Rabha, Rajbanshi, Santal, Oraon, Mech, Polia or Polley, Munda, Lepcha, Kheria, Sherpa, Nepali, Lepcha, Toto etc.
Fig 1. Map showing the districts of North Bengal (Area of Study)
Methodology An attempt has been taken to enumerate wild
Pteridophytesused profusely by the tribal population of the districts of North Bengal plain to meet up their day to day needs including the treatment of their ailments.
During field trips information regarding the Pteridophytic plants and their usages have been collected from the medicine men or the person
28 RECENT ADVANCES IN ETHNOBOTANY
having knowledge and interests about plants of different tribal communities. All the information have been cross checked carefully. A list of informants consulted during the field trips are given in the Table 1.
In present enumeration all the taxa are arranged alphabetically, followed by the synonym (if any), vernacular name of the taxa, its habitat, their uses and usages, which are documented by other workers
Enumeration: 1. Adiantum capillus-veneris L. Adiantaceae
VN: Hansraj (Mu) Grows on the rocks and on the dilapidated
walls, rather on exposed situation from plains to 1600m altitude.Mj/ra - 1196. (Fig 1) Uses:
1. Blood sugar: Fresh Rhizome (ca 20g) are chopped into small pieces. These are kept inwater for 12 - 18 hrs. This aqueous infusion is taken at early morning in empty stomach for 15 consecutive days to reduce the sugar level.
in the recent past are also mentioned and in that case the name of that respective worker(s) is given with their publication year within the parenthesis.
In the present enumeration following abbreviations are used - VN = Vernacular name. Me = Mech, Mu= Munda, Sa = Santal, Or = Oraon, Ra= Rabha, Rj = Rajbanshi, Kh = Kheria, Po = Polia / Polley, Nep = Nepali, Lep = Lepcha, Sh = Sherpa, Eng = English, B = Bengali.
2. Cold & Cough: Whole plant extracts is given with honey (1 - teaspoonful) twice a day to cure cough and cold.
3. General tonic: Aqueous decoction of the plant is given to the children up to the age of 13 years. One cupis taken in the morning in empty stomach as a general tonic.
4. Menstrual disorder: Fresh young sorus - less leaves (ca 30g) are made into paste with 9 and half pieces of black pipers (Piper nigrum)and a teaspoonful of honey. The paste thus obtained is given in early morning in empty stomach for 5 - successive days starting from the 5 t h day of
Table 1: List of the Informant consulted during field trips
SI. No. Name of the Informant Age (Years) Sex Area Tribal Group
1 Mr. Ganesh Pradhan 79 M Lower Bang Basti Nepali
2 Mrs SnehaChhetri 61 F Ghum Sherpa
3 Mr. Tapan Sherpa 68 M Pankha Ban tea estate Nepali
4 Mrs MinuTudu 59 F Koch Behar Santal
5 Mr. Dukhu Munda 55 M Dinajpur Munda
6 Mr. Budhon Oraon 65 M Dinajpur Oraon
7 Smt. Lakhi Polia, 46 F Dinajpur Polia
8 Upen Rabha 83 M Jalpaiguri Rabha
9 Biru Raj Banshi 89 M Jalpaiguri Rajbanshi
10 Dhani Ram Toto 67 M Totopara Toto
11 Sonam T. SeringLepcha 66 M Sixteenth mile Kalimpong Lepcha
12 Upen (Mech) Sarkar 56 M Jalpaiguri Mech
Fig 1: Adiantum capiUus-veneris !..; Fig 2: Adiantum caudat,„„l • , , . . Fig 4: A l s o p h a a s p m u l o s a (Hook.)Tryon.; Fig S: P , S u p p ^ ^ Z ^ U ^ ^
28
hav diff hav infc in !
alp] ver and
SI. 1 2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
1 1 I
E
30 RECENT ADVANCES L\ ETHNOB C 7W:
menstruation to cure menstrual disorder and excessive white discharge of women.
5. Magico-religious beliefs: It is a general belief in Rabha, Mech, Polia and Rajbanshi tribes that a fresh twig of the plant when kept under the bed of the children , preventsthem from the disease of chicken pox. Note:
1. Sen et.al. 2011, reported that the fronds of this plant are used in respiratory problem and also for the treatment of the menstrual disorders.
2. Singh et. al. 2012, reported that the juice of the fresh plants are usedby the Gond tribe of Panchmariof M. P. for the treatment of diabetes, cold and cough and as a general tonic. 2. Adiantum caudatum L. Adiantaceae
V N: Lai Hansraj (Sa) Grows on old dilapidated walls, it is a shade
and moist loving plant. Mitra- 1894. (Fig 2) Uses:
1. Whooping Cough: Fresh rhizome (ca, 20g) made into paste with a few drops of honey. The paste thus obtained is given 3 times a day for seven days to cure Whooping cough of the children. It is said that during the course of this medicine consumption of tamarind is strictly prohibited.
2. Fever: Fresh leaves extract is given with a few drops of rice beer (Pachai) to reduce the fever temperature. Note:
Sen et al. 2011, reported that leaves and rhizome of this plant is used in the treatment of cough and fever.
3.Adiantum lunulatum Burm. f.; (=A. Philippense L.; Pterislunulatus Retz ) Adiantaceae
V N: Bara Hansraj (Mu) It is the most common member of this genus
which grows on moist shady places and on old walls, in plains upto an altitude of 1500m. Mitra - 2603. (Fig 3) Uses:
Hair tonic: Young leaves are boiled with coconut (Cocos nucifera) and applied to the skull
30 minutes before a bah ID prevent hair fall. 1. Asthma: Diied leaves are smoked like
Bidi (a local cigari by the dderiy populace of the tribal communities to cure asduna.
2. Leprosy: Fresh leaves (ca 20g i are made paste with turmeric (rhizome of Curcuma domestica, ca lOg), a pinchful of karpur i Camphor i and a few drops of mustard oil. The paste thus obtained is applied for cleaning of leprct:: w ounds.
3. Boils & Blister: Fresh leave with a little karpur (Camphor) are made into paste and that paste is applied on the boils for early suppuration of the boils. Note:
1. Singh et al. 2012, reported that the Gond tribe of Panchmariuse rhizome for the treatment of throat swelling, leaves are used as tonic, expectorant, astringent, emetic and diuretic, by the.
2. Parihar et al. 2006, reported that, the leaves are used in the treatment of Leprosy, Cough, Asthma, and Fever by the Bhil tribe of Rajasthan.
3. Sen et al. 2011, reported that the local tribes of Assam use leaves and rhizome of this plant for the treatment of fever and dysentery.
4. Alsophila spinulosa (Hook.) Tryon. (= Cyatheas pinulosa Wall, ex Hook.; Alsophila descipiens Scott, ex Bedd.; Hemitelia descipiens (Scott.) Scott.; Amphicosmia decipiens (Scott.) Bedd.; Hemitelia beddomei Clarke; Cyathea decipiens (Scott.) Clarke & Bak.) Cyatheaceae.
V N: Gach Paloi (B). It is a common fern of Darjeeling district and
in the Duars, generally grows at anelevation from 300 - 1500m altitude. Mitra - 1202. (Fig 4) Uses:
1. Construction Work: The trunk of the plant is used as pillar in the construction work.
2. Antibiotic agents: The rhizome is used as haematostatic agent to check bleeding from cut wounds, it is said that the rhizomeacts as an antibiotic agent to prevent infection and also hastens healing of wounds by Mech tribe of lalpaiguri district.
ETHNOBOTANICAL EVALUATION OF SOME PTERIDOPHYTES IN NORTH BENGAL, WEST BENGAL, INDIA 31
Fig 7: Azolla pinnata R. Brrown; Fig 8: 1 0 . „. , . ,. Blechnum orientate L.; Fig 9: Cheilanthes tenuiflora (Burm. f.) Sw
Fig 10: Dicranoptens linearis (Burm. f.) Undrew • Fie 11-(L) J. Smith.; ' Diplazium esculentum (Retz) Sw.; Fig 12: Drynaria quercifolia
28 32 RECENT ADVANCES L\ ETHNOB C 7 W :
hav diff hav infc in I
alp] ver and
Si. l 2
3
4
5
Note: Sen et al. 2011, reported that rhizome paste is
used for the treatment of the cut wounds. 5. Angiopteris wallichiana Pr. Suppl. (= A.
evactasensu Grev. et Hook.) Angiopteridaceae V N: Gokhur (B); Godetape (Me); Skemamuidi
(Sh). Grows along the water course especially near
the falls in hills. It is a very common fern of Darjeeling hills and in the Duars region of North Bengal. Mitra - 1126. (Fig 5). Uses:
1. Leprosy: Young fronds (ca 50g) are made into paste with Turmeric (rhizome of Curcuma domestica ca 20g) and a pinch of "karpur" (camphor). The paste thus obtained is applied on Leprotic wounds for 15 consecutive days to cure Leprosy This is mostly used by the Mech tribe of Koch Behar District.
2. Bone fracture: The Sherpa tribe of Darjeeling districts use rhizome of this plant (ca 200g) in fresh condition .They apply rhizome externally in case of bone fracture to reduce pain as well as to cure fracture part soon.
3. Common use: Pith portion of the rhizome is used for the preparation of country liquor (Chliang) by the Lepcha,,; Nepali and Sherpa tribe of Darjeeling district. Note:
Shi I et al. 2009, reported that, the rhizome is used for the treatment of bone fracture by the Reang tribe of North East India, the same tribe uses the caudex portion of the plant for the treatment of Carbancle.
Sen et al. 2011, reported that the rhizome is used by the local tribes of North East India for the treatment of piles and the fronds are used for the treatment of Leprosy and to cure bodyache. 6. Asplenium nidus L. Aspleniaceae
V N: Jianta (Ra), Ghosala (Or). Grows in shady places, very common in the
Gorumaraforest, Jalpaiguri district and in the Duars region of North Bengal. Mitra- 855. (Fig 6)
Uses: 1. Jaundice: Fresh young twigs (ca 20g)
are crushed and squeezed, ihe juice thus obtained is mixed with 2 - 5 drops of latex of "Pempe" (fruit of Carica papaya» and is taken 2 - 3 times a day for 7 - days be: re liking breakfast, lunch and dinner to cure Jaundice by the Oraon tribe of Uttar Dinajpur district.
2. Sedative: Fresh young twigs (ca 30g) are crushed and squeezed, the juice thus obtained is taken with a glass of lukewarm goat milk at the bed time as a sedative by the Rabha tribe of Koch Behar district.
3. Common use: Rhizome paste is applied on the cut wounds as a haemostatic agent and to check infection. Note:
1. Parihar et al. 2006, reported that the tribes of Rajasthan use this plant as sedative, depeurative, and as well as antibacterial agent to protect from infection.
2. Sen et al. 2011, reported that the tribes of Assam of North East India use this plant for the treatment of Jaundice.
3. Singh et al. 2012, reported that the Gond tribe of Panchmari Hills use the whole plant for the treatment of enlarge spleen, the leaves are used for the treatment of Urine infection, Jundice, Headache, and for chest pain; rhizome part is used for the treatment of diabetes and malarial fever. 7. Azolla pinnata R. Brown Azollaceae
V N: Duck Weed (Eng) Very common aquatic fern,grows inpaddy
fields, bogs and in shallow ponds . Mitra - 1909. (Fig 7) Uses;
1. Biofertilizer: Whole plant is used as a bio fertilizer.
2. Veterinary medicine: Toto tribe of Jalpaiguri district use this plant in dry condition as poultry bird feed. It is their common belief that this feeding helps to keep their birds healthy. Uses in Literature:
Sen et al. 2011, reported that this plant is used
ETHNOBOTANICAL EVALUATION OF SOME PTERIDOPHYTES IN NORTH BENGAL, WEST BENGAL. INDIA 3 3
y l a r m e a m i n u t a L.; Fig 18: Nephrolepis cordifolia (L.) Persl.;
28 34 RECENT ADVANCES L\ ETHNOB C 7W:
hav difi ha\ infc in
alp ver anc
SI 1 2
3
4
5
6
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9
1 1
as biofertilizer by the tribes of Assam state. 8. Blechnum orientale L. (Blechnaceae)
V N: Centipede fern (E); Aampaloi (B); Bada (Sa); Dopataya (Me); Bichha (Ra)
Very common in Duars, at the foot hills, generally grows at the moist shady places on rocks near streams or on tree trunk as an epiphyte. Mitra - 966. (Fig 8) Uses:
1. Fresh young shoots are fried by Nepali tribes and eaten as vegetable with rice.
2. Fresh rhizome made into paste and that paste is appliod on the boils for early suppuration by the Mech tribe of Koch Behar district.
3. Fresh leaves decoction is used for cleaning of septic wounds of the cattle by the Santal tribe of Uttar Dinajpur district.
4. Fresh rhizome (ca - 1 inch long) is kept in a glass of water for overnight. The aqueous extract thus obtained is taken at early morning in empty stomach for the treatment of dysuria. It is stated that this is administrated for 3 - successive days and during these days consumption of pork is prohibited. Notes:
1. Sen et al. 2001, reported that this plant is eaten as vegetable; used in boils, blister, urinary disorder, cuts and wounds, by the tribes of Assam.
2. Sahil et al. 2006, reported the use of this plant for the treatment of Boils and blister by the reang tribes of Tripura.
3. Singh et al. 2012, reported that, the rhizome portion of this plant is used for the treatment of the typhoid fever and as anthelmentic by the tribes of Panchmarihills of Central India. 9. Cheilanthes tenuiflora (Burm. f.) Sw. (Pteridaceae)
Trichomanestenui folium Burm. f V N: Dalamkund (Sh) Very common, found in the moist places near
streams, Mitra - 1149. (Fig 9) Uses:
Paste of the fresh leaves mixed with "Karpur"
(Camphor) and is applied on the boils for early suppuration and cure. This medicine is applied till the boils is dried up completely, by the Sherpa tribe of Bong Basti of Kalimpong. Notes:
Sahil et al. 2009, reported that the fronds and rhizome is applied as antiseptic. 10. Dicranopteris linearis (Burm. f.) Undrew. (Glechiniaceae).
Polypodiumlineari Burm. f Vernacular Name: Hans (Mu). Common in the forest and the waste land. Mitra
- 789. (Fig 10) Uses:
1. The Mundasof Malda district take fresh decoction of the plants (ca 5g) in early morning empty stomach as a laxative.
2, Fresh rhizome (ca 0.5inch length) is used as anthelmintic by the Munda of Koch Behar district. Note:
Singh et al. 2012, reported thatthe tribes of Panchmari hills of central India uses whole plant for thatching purposes, as laxative, as antibacterial agents, as vermifuge, for treatment of women sterility, by. 11. Diplazium esculentum (Retz) Sw. (Athyraceae).
Hemionitisesculenta Retz. Vernacular Name: PaloiSak (Po); Dhekisak (B). Very common in all waste shady and moist places
of North Bengal plains. Mitra- 1908. (Fig 11) Uses:
1. Young fronds are fried and taken as vegetable by all the inhabitant of this region. In the local market it is sold at a price of ? 21= peranti (a bunch of sag).
2. Polia or polly tribe of Uttar and Dakshin Dinajpurdistricts use the fresh rhizome of this plant as anthelmintic. Note:
Common use in the literature is that the plant is used as vegetable.
ETHNOBOTANICAL EVALUATION OF SOME PTERIDOPHYTES IN NORTH BENGAL, WEST BENGAL. INDIA 11
™ ™ — M ** 20= PalMnkaea cernua <L, Franco et Vasco, Fig 2 1 : Pterissenipinnata L , Fig 22: Ptensvittata L.; Fig 23: Selaginella bryopteris (L.) Baker
36 RECENT ADVANCES IN ETHNOBOTANY
12. Drynaria quercifolia (L) J. Smith. Polypodiumquercifolium L. (Drynariaceae). Vernacular Name: Uphatkorul (B); Bandartal
Ra, Kh). Very common epiphytic plant, grows on old
tree trunk. Mitra - 1809. (Fig 12) Use:
1. Fresh rhizome (ca 30g) is made paste with Zinger (Rhizome of Zingiber officinale, ca lOg), "Vasak" (Leaves of Adhatoda vasica, ca 5g) and honey (ca 1 - teaspoonful). The paste thus obtained is given twice a day for 15 days to reduce bleeding during tuberculosis. This is used mainly by the Polia tribe of Uttar Dinajpur district.
2. Paste of the fresh rhizome (ca 50g) is mixed with paste of "Haldi" (Rhizome of Curcuma domestica ca 50 - 60g), this mixture is warmed and then applied as plastering material for the setting of fractured bone. Often equal amount of lime is added to it reduce the pain. Used by the Kheria tribe of Koch Behar district.
3. Fresh leaf juice mixed with a few drops of honey is given 3 - 4 times a day for the treatment of throat infection, by the Rabha tribe of Jalpaiguri district. Note:
1. Singh et al. 2006, reported the use of rhizome as cardiac tonic by the tribes of Panchmari hills of Central India.
2. Sahil et al. 2009, reported the use of rhizome as cardiac tonic and in bone fracture by the Rehang tribe of Tripura.
3. Sen et al. 2011, reported the use of fronds in throat infection and rhizome for the treatment of tuberculosis. 13. Gymnosphaera gigantean (Wall.) Hook.
Alsophilagigantea Wall.; (Cyatheaceae) Vernacular Name: Gachpaloi (B) It is very common tree fern found in all the
places of Duars growing from plains to 1300 altitude. Mitra - 966. (Fig 13) Use:
1. Trunk is used as pillar in construction work.
2. Rabha tribe of Koch Behar district use the soft portion of the stem (Pith portion) as fodder. It is stated that this feeding keeps the cattle healthy. Note:
Sen et al. 2011, reported that the trunk is used as pillar for construction work. 14. Helminthostachys zeylanica (L) Hook. f.
Osmunda zeylanica L. (Helminthostachyaceae). Vernacular Name: Hat pan (Po) Generally grows in the moist and shady forest
floor. At present has become very rare due to overexploitation and habitat destruction. Mitra -1192. (Fig 14) Uses:-
1. Fresh rhizome (ca 20g) are chopped into small pieces and those pieces are kept in a glass of water for overnight, the aqueous infusion thus obtained is given at early morning in empty stomach to the women as an oral contraceptive. The medicine is given for 3 - successive days just after the menstruation. Note:-
1. Sen et al. 2011, reported that the leaves and rhizome are used for the treatment of whooping cough, and for the treatment of impotency by the tribal people of Assam.
2. Singh et al. 2012, reported that the leaves and rhizome are used for the treatment of sciatica pain and as aphrodisiac by the tribals of Panchmari, central India. 15. Lygodium flexuosum Sw. (Lygodiaceae)
Vernacular Name: Durgajhampi (Sa) Very common climbing fern. Normally found
on bushes, tree trunk and on the electrical poles near the forest. Mitra - 1845. (Fig 15) Uses:-
1. The leaf paste is applied on the abdomen of the children (below the age group of 8 - years) to reduce the abdominal pain.
2. Fresh rhizome (ca 50g) is made paste.mixed with equal amount of "Haldi" (Rhizome of Curcuma domestica) and after warming gently applied to reduce rheumatic pain.
ETHNOBOTANICAL EVALUATION OF SOME PTERIDOPHYTES IN NORTH BENGAL. WEST BENGAL, INDIA
37
3. The above preparation mixed with equal amount of "Chun " (Lime), is applied after warming slightly to reduce the pain due to sprain, or applied to treat the complaint of bone fracture. Note:-
1. Singh et al. 2012, reported that the tribes of the Panchmari hills of Central India use the rhizome powder in skin disease, and the whole plant is used as expectorant in rheumatic pain, in sprains and in cut-wounds.
2. Sen 2011, reported that, the decoction of the fronds are used for the treatment of the Jaundice by the Reang tribe of Tripura.
3. Shil et al. 2009, reported that Reang tribe of Tripura use the fronds of this plants to reduce the headache. 16. Lygodium japonicum (Thumb.) Sw.
Ophioglossum japonicum Thumb. (Lygodiaeeae)
Vernacular Name: Kalijhampi (Santal); Murajhumpi (Rabha).
Common in the forest as climber. Mitra - 1959. (Fig 16) Uses:
1. The Santal of Uttar Dinajpur district uses rhizomes in various ways.Fresh rhizome (ca 20g) is made into paste with a pinch of "karpur" (camphor) and equal amount of "haldi"(paste of Curcuma domestica rhizome). The paste thus obtained is applied to cure skin eruption (Eczeeme). This drug is applied for 9 - 13 days, 3 - 4 times a day. It is continued twice a day for another 7 days or till the oozing or irritation is stopped..
2. Decoction of the leaves are used 3 - 4 times a day for 3 - successive days to cure the diarrhoea of the children by the Rabha tribe of Koch-Behar district. Note:
Sen et al. 2011, reported that the root paste is taken to cure food poisoning by the tribals of Assam. 17. Marsileaminuta L. (Marsileaceae)
Vernacular Name: Sushni (Beng.)
Very commonly found in ditches, near the pond and by the side of the drains and in marshy places. Mitra- 1830. (Fig 17) Uses:-
1. The Oraon of Dakshin Dinajpur district use the decoction of the fresh leaves and administer one teaspoon full twice a day for the treatment of Insomnia.
2. The leaves are fried and eaten as vegetable by the local people. Note:-
More or less common use of this plant is as sedative. 18. Nephrolepis cordifolia (L.) Persl. (Nephrolepidaceae)
Vernacular Name: Palnijhapi (Santal) Grows near the marshy places where there is
water throughout the year. Mitra - 899. (Fig 18) Uses:
1. The Santal tribe of Jalpaiguri district use fresh leaves extract is as the haematostatic agent to stop bleeding from the cut wounds by.
2. Watery tubers are eaten to quench thrust by the local tribal people of this region. Note:
Singh et al. 2012, reported that the tubers are used to quench thirst and the leaves as the haematostatic agent by the tribal people of Panchmari hills Central India.
19. Ophioglossum reticulatum L. (Ophiglossaceae)
Vernacular Name: Brahmijhampi (Oraon); Brahmi (Kheria).
It is a very rare fern occasionally foundat the floor of the Bamboo forest where the soil contains a greater amount of moisture and is acidic .Mitra - 1892. (Fig 19) Uses:-
1. Fresh plant made into paste with a few drops of coconut oil and this paste is applied on burn wounds as a cooling agent by the Oraon tribe of Koch - Behar district.
38 RECENT ADVANCES IN ETHNOBOTANY
2. Fresh plant extract is given with a glass of lukewarm goat milk, to the children up to the age of 12 years in early morning empty stomach as a tonic for good health and as an appetiser by the Kheria tribe of Koch - Behar district. Note:-
Singh et al. 2012, reported that the leaves are used as vulnerary and as a remedy for wounds; paste of whole plant is applied as a cooling agent by the local tribe of the Panchmari hills of Central India. 20. Palhinhaea cernua (L.) Franco et Vasco. (Lycopodiaceae). Syn. Lycopodium cernuum L.
Vernacular Name: Dara (Lepcha) Grows in the moist rock, near the stream very
common in Darjeeling and in Jalpaiguri districts. Mitra- 970. (Fig 20) Uses:-
1. Dried rhizome powder mixed with a spoonful of honey is taken 3 - times a day for 7 days as an expectorant by the Lepcha tribe of Darjeeling district.
2. Fresh rhizome powder made into paste with a pinch of coconut oil and the paste is applied to cure skin disease (itching) by the Lepcha tribe. Notes:-
Singh et al. 2012, reported that the whole plant paste is used as a lotion to cure Beri - Beri, the rhizome paste is applied to cure skin disease and cough by the tribals of Panchmari hills of Central India. 21. Pterissemi pinnata L. (Pteridaceae)
Vernacular Name: Skaimindu (Nepali) Grows in all moist places along the stream, on
the old walls. Mitra- 1055. (Fig 21) Use:-
1. Fresh leaves decoction is filtered and the filtrate is given thrice a day for three days to cure dysentery.
2. Mature fronds are burned and the ash is made into paste by mixing coconut oil, the whole mixture thus obtained is applied as skin balm to cure skin disease specially itching of the children. The drug
is applied three times a day for first three days and then twice a day for another three days or till the disease is cured. Note:-
Sen et al. 2011, reported that the tribals of Assam apply the paste of the leaves on the carbuncle for early suppuration. 22. Pterisvittata L. (Pteridaceae)
Vernacular Name: Kukurmutha (Santali) Very common , grows on the old walls and in
the marshy shady places. Mitra- 1896. (Fig 22) Uses:-
The Santal of Uttar Dinajpur district apply fresh rhizome paste on the carbuncle for early suppuration and cure. Note:
Sen et al. 2011. reported that the fronds of this plant are used as tonic, the paste of this plants is used to cure wounds. 23. Selaginella bryopteris (L.) Baker (Selaginellaceae)
Vernacular Name: Sanjabani (Bengali) It is a xerophytic plant able to tolerate a brief
period of drought. Normally grows in the moist shady places. It has medicinal value and in the market it is sold as sanjibani. Due to over exploitation it is now rare. Mitra- 1282.(Fig 23) Uses:-
The Rabha tribe of Jalpaiguri district applies the paste of the plant three times a day to cure venereal diseases like gonorrhoe. Note:
Singh et al. 2012, reported that this plant is used as expectorant and in venereal disease, by the tribe of Panchmarhi hills of Central India. Result and Discussion
North Bengal region of West Bengal state is rich in biodiversity. There are 16 different tribal communities who are inhabitant of this region, out of which 11 tribal communities have been discussed in the study. These people use various plant specimens and their products for the treatment of
ETHNOBOTANICAL EVALUATION OF SOME PTERIDOPHYTES IN NORTH BENGAL, WEST BENGAL, INDIA
39
different human ailments along with the aliments of their pets. Though there is a long list of references of utilisation of Angiosperms for the treatment of the ailments but the lists do not show any entry of the reference of the Pteridophytes. Here 37 information have been collected about 23 species of Pteridophytes belonging to 19 genera under 17 families (Table 2). These 23 species of Pteridophytes are used in 37 different preparations. All the information have been collected from 11 different tribal group (Table 3). Out of these 11 tribal group there is a unique tribal group "Toto" which is the sole endemic tribe inhabitant of this region.
Table 3 Statistics of the tribal group wise Prescription collection SI. No. Tribal Group No. of Information 1 Munda 4 2 Santal 9 3 Mech 3 4 Sherpa 2 5 Rabha 7 6 Oraon 3 7 Nepali 2 8 Polley/Polia 3 9 Kheria 2 10 Lepcha 1 11 Toto 1
From the Table 2, it is evident that Adiantum is the most exploited genus, of which 3 species are exploited followed by Cheilanthes&nd Lygodium,of which 2 species are used.
From the Table 3, it is evident that, Santal group of people are the most knowledgeable tribal group regarding the exploitation of the natural resources as they provided highest numbers of information (9), followed by the Rabha (7) and Munda (4) group of people. Regarding the knowledge of utilization of the bio resource the Mech,Oran and Polley group of people are noteworthy as they also provide 3 information of utility of plants respectively.
It is evident from the present study that the tribal inhabitant of this region treated several human diseases by utilising different parts of the Pteridophytes. These list include some simple disease like cold & cough, menstrual disorder of women, throat sore, sprain, etc. besidesthese ,some very critical disease like blood sugar, leprosy, jaundice, etc. are also treated.
Enumeration of the collected taxa reveals that among 23 species of Pteridophytes, 2 Species i) Helminthostachys and ii) Ophiglossum are in the list of rare and threatened plants and their numbers are decreasing due to habitat loss and over exploitation. Conservation for these two groups are necessary. Acknowledgements
Authors are grateful to all the tribal informants
Table 2
SI. No. Family Genera Species 1 Adiantaceae Adiantum 3 2 Cyatheaceae i. Alsophila
ii Gymnosphaera 1 1
3 Blechnum Angiopteris 1 4 Aspliniaceae Asplinium 1 5 Azollaceae Azolla 1 6 Blechnaceae Blechnum 1 7 Pteridaceae i. Cheilanthus
ii. Pteris 1
8 Glechiniaceae Dicranopteris 1 9 Athvraceae Diplazium 1 10 Drynariaceae Drynaria 1 11 Helminthostachyaceae Helminthostachys 1 12 Lygodiaceae Lygodium 13 Marseliaceae Marselia 1 14 Nephrolepidaceae Nephrolepis 1 15 Ophioglossaceae Ophioglossum 1 16 Lycopodiaceae Lycopodium 1 17 Selaginellaceae Selaginella 1
40 RECENT ADVANCES IN ETHNOBOTANY
who provided necessary information to make this work noteworthy. Authors are also thankful to all the Divisional Forest Officers, Range Officers , Beat Officers, and other forest personal, who provided us uncountable help in various ways during field trips.
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