The ancient Indians were the custodians of a highly evolved civilization. Their approach towards life was very comprehensive, highly integrated with the environment, and, therefore, was ecologically sound and sustainable. It was aimed at promoting a peaceful coexistance with all living organisms as well as a fullar harmony with the physical environment. The ancient people observed their surroundings with great awe and wonder. Many useful plants and their antimicrobial properties were known to people in the form of customs and rituals. The ancient masters tactfully implimented much of their value oriented teachings through certain rituals, taboos and totems and made the people to observe it as spiritual duty.
METHODOLOGY
The plants with their antimicrobial properties were collected during the last 4 years while working on folklores and poisonous plants. These information and folklore collections has been done by interviewing the tribal and rural people of Baster, Mandla, and Bhopal Districts. The traditional practices were observed and recorded. The plants with antimicrobial properties were collected identified and their antimicrobial activity was also observed.
ENUMERATIONS
The plants which possess antimicrobial properties and their method of use by the rural and tribal people is also given in the form of traditional practice of folklore.
Azadirachta indica (L.) A. Juss.
It is a large tree of the family meliaceae, commonly called as Neem. Leaves pinnate, crowded towards the end of branches. Flowers white. Drupes ovoid-oblong, greenish yellow when riped.
FOLKLORES ASSOCIATED
If a branch of Neem with fresh leaves is hung in front of a bullock cart or any vehicle it is a sign of dead body lying inside the vehicle or cart.
It is believed that the garlands of Neem fruits are hung on doors and varandas in the belief that such a practice wards off the smallpox infection.
Patients suffering from measles get cured, if they sleep under Neem tree.
During journey a pregnant woman or a lactating mother generally carries a bunch of Neem leaves for protection against evil elements.
A dead body in transition always covered with fresh Neem leaves. It is believed that the soul of the person died remain in peace by this doing.
The possible explanations behind all these thoughts clearly show antimicrobial properties of Neem. Now-a-days, it is widely studied that leaves and seeds of this tree have oleic acid, steric acid, palmatic acid together with traces of linoleic acid and arachidic acids. Certain glycerides and traces of sulphur are also reported by certain authors. These elements are responsible for Neem’s antimicrobial properties. It also contains an important compound nimbidinic acid which is responsible for its properties.
So this plant, due to presence of such compound in it reduce the activities of infectious micro-organisms which cause several diseases like small-pox or measles.
Butea monosperma (Lam.) Kuntze.
It is a middle-sized tree with large, leathery leaves. Bark whiti3h-brown. Flowers are bright red. It isalso called as “flame of the forest”. The common traditional folk practice associated with B. monosperma is that the flower extract is poured on each other during Holi-festival with the indication of love and affection.
The flower of this plant has a beautiful, brilliant yellow dye, which has 18% of fixed oil called moodooga oil, and large quantity of a water soluble albuminoid. It is proved that the flower-dye has antimicrobial properties. So at the time of Holi festival the season is just changing, at this transitional phase microbial activites are on their peak, and human beings are likely to be attacked by them, so by this practice the activity of micro-organisms may be checked.
Ocimum basilicum Linn.
An erect, much branched, pubescent herb. Leaves entire with gland dotted, petiole slender, hairy. Flowers violet or pink. It is commonly called as Shyama Tulsi.O. basilicum is widely grown in the courtyard. It is considered to be the most pious as many spiritual and religious customs are associated with this plant.
During eclipse, leaves and inflorescence of this plant is kept in food material to preserve from evil spirits actfve.
Cinnamate, methylchaviol, linalool, cineole, ocimene, borneol, sambulene and safrole is obtained from essential oils gratissimin as dimenthyl easter of tryxillic acid extracted from leaves and inflorescence of Tulsi. These essential oils and bio-chemicals are responsible for plants antimicrobial properties. These are capable of absorbing the harmful extra erthen radiations which are active during the eclipses.
Ocimum canum Sims.
An erect, much branched, pubescent herb. Leaves entire with dotted gland. Flowers pale-violet or purplish-white. Lax inflorescence.
This plant has similar belief and activities like O. basilicum.
Ailthus excelsa Roxb.
A large deciduous tree producing abundant root suckers. Leaves upto 3 feet long, glandular teeth near the base. Flowers small. Samara twisted. It is commonly called as Akash Neem.
It is used by tribal people of Bastar and Mandla for various skin infections. They apply the paste of leaves of this tree on the skin and urenogenital infections.
It is effective against certain fungal infections of human and animal skin. Three bitter substances- 2,6 dimethoxyqui-nons, ailanthone and other compounds are isolated from leaves, bark and flowers of this plant which are proved to be antimicrobial.
Melia azadirachta Linn.
A moderate sized tree. Leaves bi-occasionally tripinnate. Flowers fragrant, yellow seeds with pulp. It is known as Ba-kain.
It is widely, used in skin diseases. The inner bark of plant which is stated to contain a yellowish-white resin with melinine and meldenin from bark and seed oil is effective against the micro-organisms causing skin disease.
Curcuma longa Linn.
A herbaceous plant, with underground stem. Leaves green, large. Rhizome is reddish yellow. Commonly known as Haridra or Haldi.
At the time of wedding Hindus used to apply Haldi powder on bodies of bride and bridegroom to enhance their beauty and project them from evil eyes.
Haldi powder is used by many rural as well as tribal people for healing wounds. It is common practice and in many Ayurvedic antibiotic ointments Haldi is main component drug.
Tectona grand is Linn.f.
It is generally known as Teak or Sagone tree. It is a large deciduous tree with high economical value, leaves large, green oval-oblong.
Teak is a valuable wood producing tree. The wood-oil of the tree is. used as powerful antifungal agent.
Tridax procumbens Linn.
A small herb with stem. Leaves hirsute glabrous dentate. Flowers yellow, small.
The tribals generally apply the fresh leaves on the cuts and deep wounds, and it is observed that the wound or cut gets cured without any microbial infection. In some cases it is also observed that anti-tetanus injections are not needed, if it is properly applied on the wounds or cuts.
Lantana camara Linn.
A straggling aromatic shrub with minute prickles on the branches. Leaves opposite. Flowers variously coloured, short capitate, spike’s. Fruits drupe, greenish blue or black.
The extract of leaves of plant is used as an antiseptic and said to be an alternative of tincture iodine.
An oxosteroid – camaron and a triterpene – lantalonic acid are found. These are the main constituents for its antiseptic or antimicrobial property.
Allium sativum Linn.
Bulbs short, compressed, with bulblets, enclosed in white or pink envelope. Leaves flat. Flowers white or pink. Anthers and style exserted.
It is common practice among the Muria tribes of Baster that the garlands of bulbs of plant is hung around the neck of children to protect them from infection and evil spirits.
The seeds and bulbs has 5-cystine and high sulphur contents. These 2 components are responsible for its antimicrobial activity.
Nicotiana plumbaginifolia Viv.
An erect scabridly hairy herb with spreading radicle leaves and slender leafy stems flowers in terminal lax, white, or pale pink. Calyx tubular. Capsule ovoid. Commonly called as Jangli Tambaku.
The fresh leaves and roots of the plant are chewed by tribals for mouth infections. They said that it is good remedy for tooth and gum problems. Nomicotine, anatabine is isolated from roots of the plant, which is effective against bacteria and mouth flora of the human beings.
Urginia coromandeliana Hook.
A bulbiferous herb. Bulb pale, ovoid thick with longer neck. Leaves flat. Flowers dirty-brown. Capsule ellipsoid.
Bulb-paste is used for external wounds and supposed to be effective against a wide range of microbes.
Many other such plants are identified and their antimicrobial properties are observed.
*22\218\2*
COMMON PLANTS USED AS TRADITIONAL ANTIMICROBIALS BY TRIBAL PEOPLE OF M.P.
INTRODUCTION
The ancient Indians were the custodians of a highly evolved civilization. Their approach towards life was very comprehensive, highly integrated with the environment, and, therefore, was ecologically sound and sustainable. It was aimed at promoting a peaceful coexistance with all living organisms as well as a fullar harmony with the physical environment. The ancient people observed their surroundings with great awe and wonder. Many useful plants and their antimicrobial properties were known to people in the form of customs and rituals. The ancient masters tactfully implimented much of their value oriented teachings through certain rituals, taboos and totems and made the people to observe it as spiritual duty.
METHODOLOGY
The plants with their antimicrobial properties were collected during the last 4 years while working on folklores and poisonous plants. These information and folklore collections has been done by interviewing the tribal and rural people of Baster, Mandla, and Bhopal Districts. The traditional practices were observed and recorded. The plants with antimicrobial properties were collected identified and their antimicrobial activity was also observed.ENUMERATIONS
The plants which possess antimicrobial properties and their method of use by the rural and tribal people is also given in the form of traditional practice of folklore.
Azadirachta indica (L.) A. Juss.
It is a large tree of the family meliaceae, commonly called as Neem. Leaves pinnate, crowded towards the end of branches. Flowers white. Drupes ovoid-oblong, greenish yellow when riped.
FOLKLORES ASSOCIATEDIf a branch of Neem with fresh leaves is hung in front of a bullock cart or any vehicle it is a sign of dead body lying inside the vehicle or cart.It is believed that the garlands of Neem fruits are hung on doors and varandas in the belief that such a practice wards off the smallpox infection.Patients suffering from measles get cured, if they sleep under Neem tree.During journey a pregnant woman or a lactating mother generally carries a bunch of Neem leaves for protection against evil elements.A dead body in transition always covered with fresh Neem leaves. It is believed that the soul of the person died remain in peace by this doing.The possible explanations behind all these thoughts clearly show antimicrobial properties of Neem. Now-a-days, it is widely studied that leaves and seeds of this tree have oleic acid, steric acid, palmatic acid together with traces of linoleic acid and arachidic acids. Certain glycerides and traces of sulphur are also reported by certain authors. These elements are responsible for Neem’s antimicrobial properties. It also contains an important compound nimbidinic acid which is responsible for its properties.
So this plant, due to presence of such compound in it reduce the activities of infectious micro-organisms which cause several diseases like small-pox or measles.
Butea monosperma (Lam.) Kuntze.
It is a middle-sized tree with large, leathery leaves. Bark whiti3h-brown. Flowers are bright red. It isalso called as “flame of the forest”. The common traditional folk practice associated with B. monosperma is that the flower extract is poured on each other during Holi-festival with the indication of love and affection.
The flower of this plant has a beautiful, brilliant yellow dye, which has 18% of fixed oil called moodooga oil, and large quantity of a water soluble albuminoid. It is proved that the flower-dye has antimicrobial properties. So at the time of Holi festival the season is just changing, at this transitional phase microbial activites are on their peak, and human beings are likely to be attacked by them, so by this practice the activity of micro-organisms may be checked.
Ocimum basilicum Linn.
An erect, much branched, pubescent herb. Leaves entire with gland dotted, petiole slender, hairy. Flowers violet or pink. It is commonly called as Shyama Tulsi.O. basilicum is widely grown in the courtyard. It is considered to be the most pious as many spiritual and religious customs are associated with this plant.
During eclipse, leaves and inflorescence of this plant is kept in food material to preserve from evil spirits actfve.
Cinnamate, methylchaviol, linalool, cineole, ocimene, borneol, sambulene and safrole is obtained from essential oils gratissimin as dimenthyl easter of tryxillic acid extracted from leaves and inflorescence of Tulsi. These essential oils and bio-chemicals are responsible for plants antimicrobial properties. These are capable of absorbing the harmful extra erthen radiations which are active during the eclipses.
Ocimum canum Sims.
An erect, much branched, pubescent herb. Leaves entire with dotted gland. Flowers pale-violet or purplish-white. Lax inflorescence.
This plant has similar belief and activities like O. basilicum.
Ailthus excelsa Roxb.
A large deciduous tree producing abundant root suckers. Leaves upto 3 feet long, glandular teeth near the base. Flowers small. Samara twisted. It is commonly called as Akash Neem.It is used by tribal people of Bastar and Mandla for various skin infections. They apply the paste of leaves of this tree on the skin and urenogenital infections.
It is effective against certain fungal infections of human and animal skin. Three bitter substances- 2,6 dimethoxyqui-nons, ailanthone and other compounds are isolated from leaves, bark and flowers of this plant which are proved to be antimicrobial.
Melia azadirachta Linn.
A moderate sized tree. Leaves bi-occasionally tripinnate. Flowers fragrant, yellow seeds with pulp. It is known as Ba-kain.
It is widely, used in skin diseases. The inner bark of plant which is stated to contain a yellowish-white resin with melinine and meldenin from bark and seed oil is effective against the micro-organisms causing skin disease.
Curcuma longa Linn.
A herbaceous plant, with underground stem. Leaves green, large. Rhizome is reddish yellow. Commonly known as Haridra or Haldi.
At the time of wedding Hindus used to apply Haldi powder on bodies of bride and bridegroom to enhance their beauty and project them from evil eyes.
Haldi powder is used by many rural as well as tribal people for healing wounds. It is common practice and in many Ayurvedic antibiotic ointments Haldi is main component drug.
Tectona grand is Linn.f.
It is generally known as Teak or Sagone tree. It is a large deciduous tree with high economical value, leaves large, green oval-oblong.
Teak is a valuable wood producing tree. The wood-oil of the tree is. used as powerful antifungal agent.
Tridax procumbens Linn.
A small herb with stem. Leaves hirsute glabrous dentate. Flowers yellow, small.
The tribals generally apply the fresh leaves on the cuts and deep wounds, and it is observed that the wound or cut gets cured without any microbial infection. In some cases it is also observed that anti-tetanus injections are not needed, if it is properly applied on the wounds or cuts.
Lantana camara Linn.
A straggling aromatic shrub with minute prickles on the branches. Leaves opposite. Flowers variously coloured, short capitate, spike’s. Fruits drupe, greenish blue or black.
The extract of leaves of plant is used as an antiseptic and said to be an alternative of tincture iodine.An oxosteroid – camaron and a triterpene – lantalonic acid are found. These are the main constituents for its antiseptic or antimicrobial property.
Allium sativum Linn.
Bulbs short, compressed, with bulblets, enclosed in white or pink envelope. Leaves flat. Flowers white or pink. Anthers and style exserted.
It is common practice among the Muria tribes of Baster that the garlands of bulbs of plant is hung around the neck of children to protect them from infection and evil spirits.
The seeds and bulbs has 5-cystine and high sulphur contents. These 2 components are responsible for its antimicrobial activity.
Nicotiana plumbaginifolia Viv.
An erect scabridly hairy herb with spreading radicle leaves and slender leafy stems flowers in terminal lax, white, or pale pink. Calyx tubular. Capsule ovoid. Commonly called as Jangli Tambaku.
The fresh leaves and roots of the plant are chewed by tribals for mouth infections. They said that it is good remedy for tooth and gum problems. Nomicotine, anatabine is isolated from roots of the plant, which is effective against bacteria and mouth flora of the human beings.
Urginia coromandeliana Hook.
A bulbiferous herb. Bulb pale, ovoid thick with longer neck. Leaves flat. Flowers dirty-brown. Capsule ellipsoid.Bulb-paste is used for external wounds and supposed to be effective against a wide range of microbes.
Many other such plants are identified and their antimicrobial properties are observed.*22\218\2*