Medicinal Practices : Herbal, Holistic and Traditional

Biography

Biography: Keerti C Unakall

Abstract

We live in the time of Renaissance. Old values, ancient traditions and logical concepts throw light on the new path we are walking on. Newer drugs with varied properties have been embraced all along the time. Irrespective of the region, the society is benefited by the contribution of varied class of people in the field of medicine. One such valuable source is the folk community, where the contribution is of great worth. Memecylon malabarica Cogn is a commonly available plant in the Western Ghats of India. It is well known for its bitterness and has been used by various folk practitioners in various ailments like worm infestation, Herpes, DM, etc. It is a known fact that the plants available in the vicinity are much beneficial in the management of the diseases especially of that region. There are no of regional works, which describe the use of plants in different eco-systems, this shows the focus on the local flora and diversity and this becomes the larger part of plant information which is preserved through the oral tradition. This belief helped to conduct the study using the very local drug - Ollekudi. Fatty oils, resin, mucilage, protein compounds, essential oils are few chemical components of this plant. The essential oil obtained from the seed is colorless or pale yellow with a strong odor and flavor of the fruit. Pharmacologically it is proven that the ethanol extract of the fruit is spasmolytic. Essential oils from the fruit are anti-bacterial and larvicidal. Essential oils from seeds are antifungal and anti-microbial. With these facts in front the tender leaves of the drug were used in the experimental study to evaluate for anti-spasmodic, analgesic activity and a clinical study in primary dysmenorrhea.