Gandhamardan hill range, Orissa, India - A Treasure trove of medicinal plants

          The district of Balangir in Orissa of India flanked in the northwest by the Gandhamardan hills, a name of Ramayana epic fame for harboring rare medicinal herbs is an area rich in indigenous herbal traditions. The forest of the district is dry, deciduous and is xerophilous in nature due to poor rainfall, sandy, dry soil and recurring forest fire. The total district is an undulating plain, rugged and isolated with hill ranges running in various directions, the highest among them being the Gandhamardan with a height of 3296 feet. Other hills deserving mention are Butel(2600 ft.), Chahadil (2630 ft.), Thuta (2056 ft.), Bender (1920 ft.), Mathakhai ( 2591 ft.). The undulating nature of the land with hills and plains provides scope for growth of plants of different altitudes. Hence the forest of the district with a rich bio – diversity contains varieties of important medicinal plants of tropical climate.

           Gandhamardan hill range of Balangir is such a tropical moist deciduous system in Orissa, due to diversified topography with twenty-two perennial streams and the hill range is having Most congenial environment for the luxuriant growth of plant resources.  Gandhamardan hill range (between 20°42' and 21°00' N latitude and 82°41' and 83°05' E longitude) stretches over 240 km 2  area in Bargarh and Bolangir districts of India. It is known as “Ayurvedic Paradise” and treasure house for potential medicinal plant species not only for Orissa but also for India. As per a recent study conducted by Forestry and Ecology Division, National Remote Sensing Centre, Hydrabad, Andhra Pradesh, India (2009),” The floristic composition of the hill is remarkable in its diversity and luxuriance. Altogether, 912 vascular plant taxa pertaining to 142 families and 556 genera were collected. The dicotyledonous plants belonged to 106 families, 418 genera and 685 species, and the monocotyledonous plants to 21 families, 122 genera and 206 species. Pteridophytes were represented by 21 species belonging to 15 families and 16 genera. Analysis of flora shows a omparatively higher representation of herbaceous species (519) followed by 173 trees, 119 climbers and 101 shrubs. In comparison with the Orissa flora (total area 155,707 sq km) consisting of 2727 species (Saxena and Brahmam, 1996), 33.4% of species were recorded in the present study area. The recorded genera of the Gandhamardan flora were 52.4% of the Orissa flora, whereas the families covered 62.3%. A total number of 776 indigenous wild species, 64 introduced wild species and 72 cultivated species were found in the area. “

        The Gandhamardan hill is considered sacred and is ancient as the prevalent legend says that Hanuman was sent to search for the herb Vishlyakarani here during the Ramayan age when Laxman fell unconscious with the strike of a spear in the war with Meghanada, a son of Ravana, the king of Lanka. The spear was piercing the navel of Laxman and could not be extracted. It is said the Hanuman could not identify the specific herb and uprooted the whole mountain and carried it to Lanka. 

The author is heading a voluntary organization named Nagarjun Education Society,Balangir doing research on traditional tribal system of ethno- medicines prevailing among the tribal population of the district. In this connection several explorations to different part of the Gandhamardan hill range, in search of medicinal plants, have been conducted. The present paper is mainly based upon the findings of the above activities. Attempt has been made to provide available ethno – medicinal information of the plants wherever possible. The local name of each plant is given in bracket next to its scientific name. Detailed information is provided on valuable plants, important plants are described briefly and less important ones find simple mention. To reduce the size of text, at places telegraphic language is resorted to. Plants are classified in to three categories i.e. 1. Medicinal plants rich in phyto – chemicals, 2. Medicinal plants having good demand in the market, 3. Some other important medicinal plants habit wise i.e tree, shrub, herbs, creepers & climbers. Finally a small part is added on medicinal plant exclusively important to ethno - medicinal practices of the area..

Medicinal plants rich in important Phyto - Chemicals

1.Gloriosa superba L. (Puraphula, Meriakanda, Lahalangali)

        This trailing herb is frequently met everywhere in the hill range. Both its seed and tuber contain valuable phyto-chemical named colchicines, which are considered a potent drug for gout disease in modern system of medicine. This is also an indispensable alkaloid with multifarious application in cytogenetic as a polyploidising agent (means when you submerge a plant tissue in this solution there will be cell division at chromosome level but inter-cellular plates will not form, thus a plant developed with this method will have same appearance with different chromosome numbers giving rise to different characters) . The tuber is also used in Ayurveda for treatment of gout and other rheumatic diseases. Local people consider this plant to be dangerous, as its presence in the house is believed to induce violent quarrel among the family members. However, local healers very much use the tuber for conducting illegal abortion and accelerating delivery process. The tuber is pulped and applied to the site in the feet where a thorn is pierced and could not be extracted manually. It is said that the thorn comes out automatically within a night. Therefore the plant is believed to be the famous Vishalyakarani of Ramayana, which was applied to the navel of Laxman to extract the Shakti or the spear. If the tuber is made into paste and applied to the nail of the opposite thumb cures pain in teeth and gum instantly. If a tuber is tied to the neck, it cures chronic fever in a miraculous way within a very short time. The tuber is pulped and applied to the varicose bulging of external piles for some days. The bulging piles shrink gradually and vanish within 10 days.

2.Costus speciosus (Koenig)sm. (Keu, Gaigendalia, Gaigobara, Kebuka)

        This shrub is mostly available in shrubby forest and foothill area. The rhizome of the plant contains diosgenin from which Betamethasone – corticosteroid is synthesized which find application numerous medicines of modern system. Local healers use this for age related waist pain and rheumatism.The pain relieving quality of the plant is so popular that in the day of Gambha Purnima(a festival day) after heavy ploughing works are over, farmers worship their bullock in gratitude of co-operating in strenuous agricultural operation. They feed bullock different kind of cakes specially prepared for the occasion. In the ritual the bullock is also beaten with the stem of a Costus plant, which is believed to relieve the animal of the strain in its body. The rhizome of the plant covered with mud is put to fire. When the covering mud is burnt red it is brought out and given to patients suffering from obstructive jaundice. In chronic bronchitis the rhizome is pulped with half quantity of garlic and a little tamarind and given with diet regularly for about a week. The rhizome is also given as a food to relieve post fever weakness.

3.Mucuna pruriens (L.)DC. (Baidanka, Banari, Kapikachchu)

        This climber is found commonly in the forest in the plain area. Its seed contains L-dopa, which has become an indispensable drug for Parkinson’s disease in modern system of medicine. Parkinson’s disease is mainly caused by decrease of a neuron transmitter called Dopamine in the Brain. We have got a body – brain barrier which prevents things from entering in to the brain except a recognized few. But L-dopa somehow passes in to the brain and after reaching converts itself in to Dopamine thus fulfilling the deficiency of the neuron transmitter and giving temporary relief to the patient. Local community uses it as aphrodisiac and also for cervical spondylitis. The tingling hairs on the fruit is mixed with sugar and administered in case of abdominal worms.

4.Diospyros Montana Roxb. (Puten, Manj, Tamala)

 
     This medium size tree is frequently met everywhere in the forest in the foothill region. Its bark contains diospyrin which is bisnapthoquinonoid having tumor inhibitory activity. Presently Dr. (Mrs.) Banasri Hazra of the Department of Pharmaceutical Technology, Yadavpur University, Calcutta is working upon it. Local healers use its bark powder for septic ulcer and urinary tract infections. Often, the bark and leaves of this plant is pulped and applied to small water bodies for stupefying fish.

5.Rauvolfia serpentina(L.)Benth. ex.Kurz (Patalagarud, Sarpagandha, Bhuinkeruan)


          This Important herb is found in black cotton soil and in high altitude is now endangered due to over exploitation. its root contains 55 important alkaloids of which reserpine is used in modern system of medicine for treatment of hypertension.Local healers also use this for the same purpose, The root is also used as an antidote to snake poison. It is also a valuable remedy for malaria fever and mental disorders (Schizophrenia, Maniac depression etc.).

A Video on identification of medicinal plants discussed above

Medicinal plants with commercial importance

1. Bowswellia serrata Roxb.ex.Coleb.(Sale, Sallaki)

A big tree abundantly found uphill and in the foothill forest has gained international reputation for its gum resin which has exhibited anti - inflammatory activities in rheumatoid arthritis.Local healers use its bark both internally and externally to heal obstinate sore.The gum resin of the plant is sold in the market as Salai Guggul and lebana. It has got heavy demand in Ayurveda as numerous formulations for rheumatic diseases require it.

2.Chlophytum arundinaceum Baker.(Kanjer, Safed Musali)

This small herb is found almost everywhere in the foothill area with alluvial soil. Its tuber is famous in the market as Safed Musali and has international demand as a food supplement with nutritive and aphrodisiac values. Local people consume its leaves as vegetable and is popular in the local market as Kanger Sag.

3.Celastrus paniculata Willd. (Ping, Jyotismati)

This climber is famous in Ayurveda as Jyotismati and the oil of its seed is considered a powerful memory booster.Local healers mainly use its root bark for menstrual irregularity,Leucorrhoea, Urinary tract infection and skin diseases.

4.Clerodendrum Serratum(L) Moon. (Bhramarmal, Bhargi)

A small shrub sporadically found in the foothill and frequently met in the slope of the hills at high altitude is famous in Ayurveda as Bhargi. It's root bark is famous remedy for Asthma, Bronchitis,Irregular menstruation and Cervical Spondylitis.It is much sought after by people who resort to earthwork. They take the decoction of the root to get rid of chest pain occuring due to prolonged deep breathing during hard work.

5.Gymnema sylvestre(Retz)R.Br.ex.Sch. (Gudmari, Meshashringi)

This leafy climber is encounter very often in the plain forest of foothill area. It is reputed for having hypoglycemic activities and therefore a popular remedy for diabetes mellitus. Local healers use it as an anti - dote to snake poison. The plant is believed to have snake-repelling properties.

6.Embilia tsjeriam-cottam(Roem & Schult.)DC.(Bidanga, Baibidanga)

This is a small tree found in both hill slope and foothill in large number.The fruit of this plant is sold in market as Bidanga. It is a reputed vermifuge and used in many formulations of Ayurveda for intestinal worms. However, local healers apply it's root to dental caries.

7. Morinda citrifolia L. (Aal, Achhu,Noni)

     This medium size tree is now famous in the international market as NONI and its fruit extract is claimed to have anti oxidant, anti inflammatory, anti - infection,anti - cancerous properties and is said to have the capacity to restore damaged cells in the body. Citrifolia species is found in dense forest in Gandhamardan hill but the other species of this plant named Morinda tinctoria Roxb. famous in the market as Chhoti Noni or Small Noni is abundant in the foothill area,even in the surrounding common forest of the districts. The bark of this plant yields one orange color which was in past used by the wavers to dye cloth. Local healers use its fruit as alliterative and its bark to heal septic sore. Its fruit is also given orally in sever case of infections.

Medicinally important tree species

          Among the trees with medicinal importance mention may be made of Aegle marmelos(L)Corr. (Bela, Bilwa), fruit of wild plant is considered intoxicating; Oroxylum indicum(L.) Vent. (Phanaphana, Syonaka, Sonapatha), bark is antiviral and anti – dysenteric: Stereospermum cheleonoides(L.f.) DC. (Padhel, Patali), bark decoction given for post delivery complications, fruits made into a garland given to wear in case of headache and hemicranias; Strebulus asper Lour.(Sahada, Sakhot) root bark used for vaginal infections; Strychnos potatorum L.f (Kaian, Nirmali, Kataka) seed is pulped and  applied to clean water of sediment, used for ocular disorders by local healers;  Spondias pinnata(L.f)Kurz. (Amira,Amada, Amrantaka) total fruit powdered along with kernel and applied to mouth ulcer and stomatitis; Sterculia urens Roxb. Ex. DC (Gindilia, Genduli) gum anti – diarrhoel and seeds yield edible oil; Symplocos racemosa Roxb. (Badchauldhua)bark used for viral diseases like chickenpox and measles; Acacia catechu (L.f) Willd. (Khaira, Khadira) decoction of bark and heartwood considered blood purifying and used for skin ailments; Acacia nilotica (L.) Willd. (Bamur, Babbul) gum used as restorative; Acacia fernasiana(L.) Willd.(Kurubeli, Gandhaguharia, Irimeda) root bark applied externally for mental disorder for mental disorder of psychosis type with hallucinations and delusions (Schizophernia), seed powder given internally for manse irregularity with spasmodic pain in lower abdomen; Ailanthus excelsa Roxb. (Mahalim, Maharuk) bark anti - dysenteric and hypoglycemic; Alangium salvifolium (L.f) Wang. (Ankel, Rudrakedar, Ankola) root bark anti pyretic, emetic in large doses, antidote to snake poison; Azadirachta indica A.Juss (Nimba, Neem) every part of the plant used for skin diseases and fever, seed kernel is used for piles; Borringtonia acutangula (L.)Taertn. (Hinjala, Samudraphala) frequent along streams, fruit is pulped and applied to abdomen to relieve flatulence; Hollarhena pubescens Wall.ex.G.Don(Kurei, Pitakeruan, Kutaja) bark and seed are anti dysenteric , root bark given internally to stop bleeding from uterus and piles; Hymenodictyon orixemsis (Roxb) Mabb. (Machcha, Kansa, Bhramarachhali) root bark used for acidity, gastritis and spermotorrhoea; Ixora arborea Roxb. ( Telkeruan, Tailakumari) heartwood yields a oil on distillation applied to the body of hysteria patient to reduce excessive sexual urge; Erhetia laevis Roxb. ( Tamul) bark powder anti diarrheal, given for gynecological disorders, infertility and urinary tract infections, it also relieves burning urination; Erythrina  suberosa Roxb. ( Baldia, Paribhadra, Paladhua) leaf juice anthelmintic, reduces pain in muscular  rheumatism, stem bark applied to swelling caused by abrasion, prolonged consumption of its leaf juice cures obesity; Gardenia gummifera l.f (Khurdu, Dekamali, Nadihingu) small tree,droplet of resin oozes out of buds called nadi hingu considered a powerful anthelmintic, fruit is edible; Mallotus phillippensis (Lam)Muell. (Shikari, Kamalagundi) leaf powder applied to fresh cut and wound, give internally for internal injuries, fruits covered with orange colored pigments called kamalagundi is a powerful vermifuge; Premna obtusifolia R.Br.(Agibathu, Agnimantha) stem bark used for urticaria and oedema; Semecarpus anacardium L.f (Bheluan, Bhallataka) oil from its nut is applied to fresh cut and wound as antiseptic, applied to tonsillitis diluted with butter, given internally for piles and various type of infections, oil being highly toxic and inflammatory micro dose with much caution is given; Soyamida febrifuga A.juss. (Ruhen, Suama, Mansarohini) stem bark is febrifuge, overdose causes vomiting and severe throbbing headache; Vitex negundo L. (Nirgundi, Begunia) popular hedge plant used for green fencing, leaf juice is used both internally and externally as analgesic; Vitex leucoxylon L.f.(Chadeigudi) found in high altitude, leaf juice used for malaria fever; Mesua ferrea L.(Nageswar) flower considered cooling, used as external application to burning hands and feet (neuritis), given internally to stop excessive bleeding from uterus; Alstonia scholaris(L)(Chhatiana, Saptaparni) stem bark used for malaria fever and general oedema; Nyctanthes arbortristis L.(Kharsel, Gutakhadka, Gangasiuli, Harsinghar, Sephali) leaf juice used for malaria, given for about a month to healthy person as preventive of malaria, root and stem bark is given in bronchitis; Cordia dichotoma Forst.f.(Bahal, Guanala, Slesmantaka) inflorescences popularly sold in the market  as vegetable; Bauhinia variegate L.(Kuler, Kanchanar) a popular remedy of goiter and tumor, tender leaves sold in the market as vegetable; Chocolospermum gossypium L.f.(Ganher, Girisalmali) very common in hill slope, stem bruised and steeped to water makes it mucilaginous  which is taken internally for urinary tract infections, venereal diseases; Croton oblingifolius Roxb. (Debanasan, Nagadanti) frequent in high altitude of the hill, root bark applied to sprain and swelling; Randia dumetorum (retz)Lam. (Patua, Mainphal, Madanaphala) fruit emetic used to cause vomiting in bilious conditions and in insanity arising out of that , fruit pulp applied to hair in head to get rid of lice, fruit applied to small ponds for stupefying fish; Randia uliginosa D.C (Thelco) tender fruits edible, matured fruits roasted and given internally for diarrhea, root bark given internally for leucorrhoea; Wrightia tinctoria L. (Malkurei), Bombax ceiba L.(Simuli),Butea monosperma L.(Palasa), Pterocarpus marsupium l. (Bija, Piasala), Shorea robusta Gaertn.f. (Rengal, Sala), Emblica officinalis  Gaertn. (Amla), Terminalia chebula Gaertn. Retz. (Harida) ,Terminalia bellerica (Gaertn.)Roxb.(Bahada), Terminalia arjuna Roxb.ex.DC(Kaa, Arjuna); numerous species of Ficus, Albizzia and Dilbergia are very common to the hills.




Important Medicinal Shrub Species

        Among medicinal shrubs most notable are Woodfordia fruticosa Kurz.(Dhatki, Dhai, Dhatuki) flower anti – dysenteric, root bark used for ascites; Helictres isora L.(Anti, Modimodika, Avartani) fruit looks like a screw used for colic pain and dysentery; Adhatoda vasica Nees.(Basanga, Adusa) mostly found in live fencing, leaf juice expectorant and stops bleeding from different organs; Clerodendrum phlomides L.f(Dankari, Laghu Agnimantha) popular plant for live fencing , fumigation of leaves applied to swollen knee joints in osteo –arthritis, root powder taken internally for rheumatism and diabetes; Olax scandens Roxb. (Bhalabhadria) tender leaves taken as vegetable relieves constipation and enhances blood, root bark given in case of severe uterine bleeding; Hyptis suaveolens (L) Poir. (Bantulsi) common weed in the roadside, leaves used for skin ailments; Indigofera cassioides Rott.ex.DC(Girdi, Mahanila) flowers edible, root used to cure cough with bleeding; Barlaria prionites L. (Kantamalati, Dasakerenta, Sahachara) leaf juice used for treatment of paralysis, root applied to dental caries; Calotropis gigantean R.Br.(Arakah) leaf ash used for cough, latex used for skin ailments (It is inflammatory and blister forming), root bark taken internally for venereal infections; Dhatura fastuosa L. (Dudura, Dhatura)     seeds are toxic and hypnotic, but with due purification it is given orally in case of insanity, leaf juice is antispasmodic and is used for earache, dry leaf is smoked to relief asthmatic fits; Cassia sophera L. (Kalakasunda) leaves juice taken internally as a remedy for cough, root is considered a potent antidote to snake poison(The plant is a rare one); Clerodendrum viscosum Vent. (Bhuasen, Ghantakarna) mostly found in foothill area, leaf juice anthelmintic and antimalerial, root bark antispasmodic  given in colic pain; Desmodium gangeticum (L) DC. (Salaparni) an ingredient of famous DASAMULA of Ayurveda; Uraria picta Desv. (Chitraparni) ; Uraria lagopodioides Desv. ( Krishnaparni) an ingredient of famous DASAMULA of Ayurveda, decoction of total plant is given in fracture of bone; Flemingia macrophylla L. (Sabalghan) occurs  in high altitude of the hill, root bark applied externally to rheumatic swelling; Grewia  hirsute Vahl. (Sunaragada) glutinous root is applied to septic sore and swollen scrotum; Jatropha curcas L. (Ramjada, Lankakala, Dravanti, Ratanjot) a popular plant for green fencing, extract of tender twig applied to aching tooth to clear it of infection, five drop juice with a spoon of sugar given internally twice daily in empty stomach to relieve swelling of scrotum (In large dose it causes diarrhea), recently this shrub has gained international fame for yielding bio-diesel; Jatropha  gossypifolia L. ( Putkijada) stem is brushed to cure infection of gum; Lawsonia inermis L.(Benjati, Manjuati, Mehendi) very common in hedges, root purgative and hepatic protective; Leea indica (Burm) Merr. (Chhelanthu) tuber is pulped and applied to swollen joints; Abutilon indicum L. Swee. (Kuthelchitra, Pedipedika, Atibala) leaf powder given internally in prolepses of uterus, root decoction given in piles, fumigation of seed is applied to anus of children in case of intestinal worm; Cassia tora L. (Chakunda, Chakramarda) seeds and root used for ringworm and other fungal infections; Cassia occidentalis L. ( Kasunda, Kasamarda) leaf powder given internally in cough.

Important Medicinal Herb Species 

          Medicinally important herbs deserving mention are Aerva lanata Juss.ex.Sch. (Chauldhua, Paunsia) total plant given internally for filarial; Andrographis paniculata (Burm)Wall.ex.Nees.(Bhuinlim, Kalmegh, Kiratatikta) total plant considered anthelmentic, hepato protective, febrifuge and is also given for skin ailments; Tephrosia purpurea L.Pers. (Bankulthia, Saraphunka) leaf juice is given for oedema, root used as hepato protective and for spleen enlargement, overdose causes vomiting, seed is used for cataract; Indigofera tinctoria (L)(Nila, Nilikulthia) seeds are powdered and administered internally to stop vomiting with diarrhoea; Peristrophe bicalyculata Nees. (Dhuben, Kakajangha) total plant is reduced to ash and mixed with oil, the ointment is applied to dry eczema and other skin ailments; Tragia involucrate L. (Baikhujen) total plant used for fever, root used for tuberculosis, fruits used for fungal infection of scalp; Trianthema portulacastrum L. (Gadhapuruni, Sweta Punarnava) total plant used for oedema, root applied to eyes for conjunctivitis and night blindness; Boerhavia diffusa L. (Raktapunarnava, Khaparisag) total plant used as diuretic, root decoction is given in asthma; Plumbago zeylanica L.(Dhala chintamool, Sweta chitraka) mostly found cultivated in the backyard of local healer’s house and in the bund of paddy fields as insect repellent, naturally occurs in hill slope in a high altitude, root used for piles, oedema and abdominal disorder, root applied to skin creates blisters;Vernonia cinerea (L) Less. (Sahadevi) is a popular remedy for viral fever; Centratherum anthelminticum (L) O.Kurz. (Parbat jira, Somaraji) seeds        considered a powerful vermifuge, given internally regularly for 15 days;Cressa cretica L.(Dhalakandri,Rodanti,Rudrabanti) total plant given orally in tuberculosis and general debility; Medicinal herbs commonly found under big trees are Elephantapus scaber L. (Mayurchulia, Totamula, Gojivha) root extract used in case of choleric diarrhea of infants; Curculigo orchioides Gaertn. (Talamuli, Musali) tuber used for post delivery hemorrhages; Curcuma aromatic Salish. (Chainhaldi, Banahaldi) tuber applied externally to various skin infections

 and bite of poisonous insects; Eulophia nuda L. (Chhuriakanda, Bharatbatuli, Manakanda) Bulb of this orchid 
is used for spermatorrhoea, acidity and general debility;

Eulophia compestris L. (Patharkela, Salabmisri) bulb of this orchid is very rarely found, considered a potent aphrodisiac; Urginea indica Kunth. (Jangali piaja) bulb is given in micro dose in case of bronchitis, large dose causes severe vomiting,it is poisonous;

Some of the roadside herbs are

Achyranthus aspera L. (Kukurdanti, Apamarga); Martynia annua L.

(Baghanakhi) seeds yield one black oil on distillation, used for skin diseases; Leucas aspera L.(Gubi, Gayasa, Dronapuspi) leaf juice given in malaria; Acalypha indica L. (Kaphagajri, Indramarisha, Haritamanjari) leaf juice given in bronchitis and constipation; Sida cordifolia L. (Bajramuli, Bala) root decoction is given as restorative and nervine tonic; Solanum surttense Burm.f.(Chepabhejri, Kantakari, Byaghri)                 

 leaf juice given for bronchitis,

 root is given orally for swelling of scrotum; Baliospermum Montana Muell-Arg.(Danti) root is highly purgative, used in oedema and ascites; Medicinal herbs common to swampy area are Eclipta prostrate (L) (Kalabhamar, Bhrungaraj) leaf juice applied to scalp in case of headache due to sinusitis, taken internally for constipation and tonsillitis, regular use of its juice promotes liver function and reduces obesity; Bacopa monniari (L) Penn. Leaf juice is given in case of epilepsy, prolonged use enhances memory, large dose causes severe palpitation of heart;Centella asiatica L(Thalkudi,Mandukaparni) leaf juice and powder given to improve memory, cures skin ailments; Limnophila rugosa L. (Bhrungaraj, Kalaphul) leaf juice taken internally to stop bleeding from different organs, applied to head as a cooling application; Hygrophila schulli (Ham) Alm & Alm. (Koilekha, Talmakhana, Kokilaksha) leaf juice increases blood and promotes liver function, root cures piles, seeds promotes sperm count; Pavonia odorata (Willd) found in high altitude is applied to bilious conditions; Medicinal herbs occurring in paddy fields after post harvesting period are Sphaeranthus indicus L.(Guder, Bhukadamba, mundi) leaf juice given in goiter, root used for burning urination and enlargement of prostate gland, flower used as alterative; Hedyotis corymbosa (L)Lam. (Gharapodia, Pittapapada) total plant used for bilious fever, jaundice and other bilious conditions; Centipeda orbicularis (Nakchhikini) leaf powder inhaled to relieve blocked sinus, total plant given orally to cure spleenomeghaly, however it causes severe burning of chest soon after consumption which lasts for about 15 minutes; Euphorbia hirta L. (Dudhni) total plant given in amoebic dysentery, root given for toothache, its latex used in diseases of eyes; Psoralea corylifolia L.(Bakuchi) seeds are famous remedy of vitiligo, given orally for other skin ailments; Apium graveolens L.(Ajamoda) seeds given orally in rheumatism; Phyllanthus fraternus Webster.(Badiainal, Bhuamalaki) total plant cures jaundice, considered a hepato tonic; Argimone maxicana L.(Asatia, Odasamari, Swarnakshiri) yellow juice of stem applied to conjunctivitis, total plant extract used for various skin ailments and venereal infections; Evolvulus alsinoides (L) L.(Vishnukranta) total plant used orally to boost memory; Tridax precumbens L. (Bishalyakarani) used to stop bleeding, is anti septic; Ammania baccifera L. (Agnikumari) total plant pulped and applied to ringworm, it creates blisters in skin; Cyperus rotundus (L) Pers. (Gandhakanda,Mutha)given in diarrhoea; Important herbs in the streams are Rotula aquatic Lour. (Jamchi) given in kidney stone; Crinum defixum Ker-Gawl(Kandhei) bulb is analgesic, Cyperus scarisus R.Br.(Masankanda, Kaibartamutha) tuber is cooling, given in heat stroke and sunstroke

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Medcinallly Important Climbers & Creepers 

Among the important medicinal climbers and creepers mention may be made of Pergularia daemia (Forsk)Chior.(Gosinga, Uturuli, Ustran) leaf juice used for jaundice, dropped to the opposite ear in case of toothache, root given to promote labor pain and accelerate delivery; Ipomoea nil (L) Roth.(Gurveli, Kaladana) seed powder taken with jiggery relieves constipation; Operculina turphethum (L) Silva. (Tihudi, Tribrut, Nisoth) very occasional in foothill area, root is laxative; Butea superba Roxb. (Budellaha, Latapalasa, Hastikarnapalasa) root bark is considered antioxidant; Butea parvifolia L.(Bardalaha) very frequent in foothill forest, stem bark considered antioxidant, seed yield one edible oil consumed by local people; Abrus precatorius L. (Gunja, Kaincha, Rati, Kakadani) leaves taste sweet, if chewed in considerable quantity reduces hunger, seed is aphrodisiac; Tinospora cordifolia (Willd)Miers. (Guluchi, Amruta) stem soaked in water overnight given in fever, promotes immunity, given orally in bilious conditions, matured stem yields one starch powder given for the same purposes;      Hemidesmum indicus R.Br. (Baskhapari, Anantamula, Sariba) considered alterative, given in skin ailments and leucorrhoea; Ichnocarpus frutescens (L) R.Br. (Thapalaha, Krishna sariba) root is considered blood purifying, given in skin diseases, leaves chewed to cure dental caries; Cryptolepis buchanani L. (Gopakanhu, Gopakanya) root is used as a substitute of Hemidesmus indicus; Caesalpinia crista (L)(Gila, Kantakaranja, Kuberakshi) seed kernel fried and given in malaria fever, same application is also given in filarial and swelling of scrotum; Cocculus hirsutus (L) Diel. (Pittamari, Jaljamani, Dahidahia) leaf and root applied to cure bilious headache, taken internally for urinary tract infections; Anamirta cocculus (L)Wt & Am. (Chakrakedar, Kakamari) root is a trusted antidote to snake poison; Holostemma adi-coden L. (Khadu, Arkapuspi jivanti) considered alterative, root  promotes lactation; Trichosanthes bracteata (Lam) Voigt. (Mahakal, LalIndrayan) root applied to breast abscess,applied to foot for tuberculosis; Cissampelos pareira L. (Akanabindha, Patha) root given for colic pain, diabetes, cancer, leaf bruised and applied to scorpion sting; Aristolochia indica L. (Panairi, Hansalata, Iswarmul) given in ascites and urticaria, leaves applied to bite of poisonous insects; Pueraria tuberose D.C (Patalkumuda, Bidarikanda) Tuber is cooling, promotes lactation, relives burning sensation of palm and feet, promote libido.

Medicinal plants exclusively used in ethno – medicine

 Among the plants exclusively used in ethno-medicine most notable are Smilax zeylanica(L) (Muturi, Ramdatun) root given in gynecological disorders, sinusitis, venereal infections;Cappris zeylanica L.(Lahabihankudi, Ashadhia, Gobindi) root bark given in poly arthritis, fruit in tuberculosis and other rheumatic diseases;  
Croton blonogifolium Roxb (Debanasana, Nagadanti) root bark given in sprain; Listea sebifera Pers. (Desandh, Baghaairi) bark used for septic sore;Byttneria herbacea Roxb. (Samarkhai) root applied externally and given internally for various infections; Drosera burmannii Vahl. ( Patkandri) promotes libido; Glossogyne bidens (Retz) Alston.(Kamraj) root is given to enhance sexual power; Cynoglossum glochidiatum Wall.ex.Benth (Tejraj) total plant given to enhance sexual power; Lapidagathis cristata Willd. (Bhalupania) total plant burnt to ash mixed with oil applied to eczema for about a month, plant boiled with water given in fever; Peucedanum nagpurense (Cl.) Prain.(Bansigopal) tuber used for tuberculosis; Diplocyclos palmatus (L)Jeffery.(Sivilingi) seeds given orally to promote conception of infertile female; Ampeloceissus latifolia (Roxb) (Masanlaha) root applied to bone fractures and sprains; Entanda pursaetha D.C.(Hanumanlaha) given for skin ailments; Chloroxylon swietiana DC (Bheru, Bhairaba) stem bark applied to eczema, it is blister forming; Watakaka volubilis L. (Medhamul) root given in cervical spondylosis; Marsdenia tennacisima  W & A (Chandur) root bark given to female in  post delivery period for speedy recovery; Ventilago madraspatanam Gaertn. (Keunti, Raktapitta, Raktapichhuli) stem and root bark given in vaginal infections, leucorrhoea, septic ear; Symphorema polyandrum Wight. (Badichang) seed given in piles, applied externally to eczema, a potent antidote to snake poison.

A Video for identification of important medicinal plants of Orissa