Medicinal & Aromatic Plants

Documentation of Medicinal plants is the only way to preserve the fundamental knowledge of the plant resources for future endower. The present survey is designed to study the Medicinal plants in Swamymalai block of Yeshwantha nagar beat, Sandur, Karnataka, India. This study resulted in the documentation of 50 ethnomedicinal plants. The 50 plant species are belongs to 26 families of 46 genera. The documented families in the study area are Acanthaceae, Aloaceae, Amaranthaceae, Annonaceae, Apocyanaceae, Arecaceae, Asteraceae, Caricaceae, Combretaceae, Euphorbiaceae, Fabaceae, Lamiaceae Malvaceae, Menispermaceae, Moraceae, Moringaceae, Myrtaceae, Phyllanthaceae, Poaceae, Rhamnaceae, Rutaceae, Santalaceae, Solanaceae, Verbenaceae, Vitaceae, Zingiberaceae. The survey shows that, Fabaceae is the dominant family with 12 species. The survey also reviles that, the trees are dominant ones followed by the shrubs and Herbs. Majority of the documented plants are used against several diseases, either alone or in combination with other plants.


INTRODUCTION
India has one of the richest plant medical traditions in the world. Traditional medicine and ethnobotanical information's play an important role in plant science research. Herbal medicine is still practiced about 75 -80% of the world population mainly in the developing countries for their primary health care needs [1]. It is estimated that, around 46,000 plant species including higher plants such as angiosperms and gymnosperms and lower groups wise pteridophytes, bryophytes, fungi, lichen and algae are known to occur in India. Of which 19,395 taxa including infra-specific level are angiosperms. About 8,000 flowering plant species have been recorded in different codified and non-codified system systems of medicine practiced by 4,635 ethnic communities [2]. In India, there are about 7,000 species of angiosperms reported to be in medicinal use [3]. These figures have now obviously increased. Plants and its products have been used traditionally by the inhabitants of India from the time immemorial.
The state of Karnataka boasts an unparallel diversity of medicinal plants in the country. It is estimated that, Karnataka is the home to about 4800 species of flowering plants out of which about 2000 species are medicinal [4]. This is quite remarkable, as this number accounts for about 27% of the country's flora, with just 10% of the geographical area. Karnataka with its unique wild habitats spread across the Western Ghats and the Deccan Peninsula is also the home to several endemic species of commercial importance [5]. Some of the studies related to ethnobotany and floristic diversity have been reported from Karnataka state [6,7].
Nevertheless, there is a lack of current exact estimations concerning the use of medicinal plant resources by local people across the globe [8]. Up to date quantitative estimations about the plants used in home and folk therapies are needed, especially those supported by a complex analysis of variables influencing the importance and persistence of plant medicines in local communities [9]. Measuring medicinal plant knowledge can give an insight into the cultural importance of plant resources, i.e., which species are recognized as effective, appreciated and reported with major frequency. Measuring this knowledge may also provide information about the proportions of agreement (consensus) and variation in medicinal plant use by groups within the same region, as well as distant but culturally similar groups [10].
Hence, the current study on diversity indices and documentation of medicinal plants will provide the awareness and traditional knowledge of medicinal plants.

Study area
The present study provides a detail of Sandur talluk is located in the central part of Ballari district and eastern part of Karnataka state. Sandur is 565 m above sea level and lies between 15°00' and 15°15' N latitude and 76°20' and 76°55' E longitude. The total geographical area is 1,243,95 Sq.km. Sandur Medicinal plant area falls in Swamy malai block of Yeshwantha nagar beat extends over 345 hectare and is situated at an altitude between 550-773 MSR around forest guest house, it is the slopy area forming valley portion with local species and good generations, this is situated on main road from Sandur to Kudligi and is 5 km away from Sandur town shown in Figure 1.
Regular field visits to the study areas were made for observation and documentation of medicinal plants for a period of five months from first week of January 2018 till last week of May 2018. Personal interactions were conducted with the knowledgeable officers of -Range forest officer (RFO), Deputy Range Forest Officer (DRFO), Forest guides and herbal healers of study area during field trips and recorded ethnomedicinal information about the plants. Medicinal plants were documented and detailed field notes were taken along with voucher number, locality, habit, local name, floral characteristics, nature of the fruit, local medicinal uses, etc. The identification of plants was made by referring flora [11,12] and some medicinal plants books [13].

RESULT AND DISCUSSION
In the current study, plants belonging to medicinal uses were studied and were identified and collected during flowering, fruiting and seed developing stages described accordingly in a detailed alphabetic manner with respect to their family names. Total 50 plants were collected from the different parts of the study area. Those 50 plants include tress, herbs and shrubs. The documented plant species consists of 26 families of 46 genera. Present study shows that dicotyledons vegetation is dominating in the area. The dominant families such as Fabaceae (12) followed by Apocyanaceae (4)  Relieve from heartburn, anti-aging, reduce blood glucose level, natural laxative, lower cholesterol, in treating psoriasis, seborrhea, dandruff, and minor burns and skin abrasions, as well as radiationinduced skin injuries. Aloe gel also seems helpful in treating the sores caused by genital herpes in men.

Chenopodium ambrosioides
Warm seed Herb Amaranthaceae Used to expel parasitic worms from body. Whole plant shows analgesic, anti-asthmatic, carminative, properties. It has been used as a wash for hemorrhoids as a poultice to detoxify snake bites & other poisons & is thought to have wound -healing properties. Seed essential oil extract is very effective against most parasites, including the amoeba that causes dysentery. The plant is used as a fumigant against mosquitoes & is also added to fertilizers to inhibit insect larvae.

Annona squamosa
Sugar apple Shrub Annonaceae A bark decoction is used to stop diarrhea, while the root is used in the treatment of dysentery.

7.
Catharanthus roseus Vinca rosa Herb Apocyanaceae Whole plant is used in curing diabetes, while the leaves are used during body swelling.

8.
Nerium oleander Nerium Shrub Apocyanaceae The leaves and the flowers are cardiotonic, diaphoretic, diuretic, emetic, expectorant and sternutatory, A decoction of the leaves has been applied externally in the treatment of scabies and parasitic skin worms and to reduce swellings. An oil prepared from the root bark is used in the treatment of leprosy and skin diseases of a scaly nature.
The whole plant is said to have anticancer properties

9.
Coconut nucifera Coconut Tree Arecaceae The seed oil is cytotoxic, emetic, emollient, hypotensive and purgative. It is also used to treat rheumatism and back pains or as an ointment to maintain smooth, soft skin. The root is employed in treating stomach-ache and blood in the urine

10.
Artemisia parviflora Worm wood Tree Asteraceae It is most commonly used to treat disorders of the digestive tract & aid in all digestive functions & is said to have properties that use anti-fungal, anti bactrical, expectorative & antiasthmatic. Excellent insect repellent.

11.
Carica papaya Papaya Tree Caricaceae Papaya contains Vit-A which provides a fresh & glowing skin & protect the skin from infection and help to speed up the healing of wounds, the Vit-A rich, papaya help in preserving good eye sight, it also contains flavonoids &beta carotene that protects against macular degeneration, papaya fruit is rich in fiber that improves digestion & softens the bowel movement. The anti-oxidant activity coupled by rich fibers content of papaya fruit help in absorbing the toxins from the colon that protects the good cells from free radicals & damage. Help to prevent the colon cancer development. Fruit contains Ca & K these minerals are important in regulating the blood pressure & metabolism and boosts the immune system. Abortificient -extracts from papaya roots are used to absorb early pregnancy.

12.
Terminalia bellerica Beleric Tree Combretaceae The fruits cause loss of appetite and also provide anti-diastral because of its astringent property also useful for curing eye related problems such as immature cataract (or) any kind of infection lower the blood pressure and levelling the cholesterol. It promotes hair growth adds nutrition and useful against greying. Chewing of fruits is believed to cure cough, cold, asthma and hoarse voice. This has been proved beneficial against jaundice, leprosy and anaemia, cardiac problems, diabetes and urinary problems. The plant is known to be toxic when ingested but used as remedy for external injuries. The Roots (oil) can be used for Haemolytic disease. The leaves are used to relief the pains, Rheumatic, Fever ,malaria, Oedema, wounds, colic syphilis, jaundice , the leaves are made in the form of decoction to sterilize umbilicus of newborn babies, The twigs are used as cheeking stick to prevent tooth decay, oral thrush, bleeding and toothache. The latex is used to treat skin diseases such as ring worm, scabies, eczema, wounds, tooth decay, Snake bites and wasp strings

14.
Putranjiva roxburghhi Lucky been tree Tree Euphorbiaceae Its leaves, fruits and seeds are used for medicinal purpose. The leaves of tree are refrigerant analgestic and Anti:-inflammatory and used to treat fever and sterility, treat allergic of Red pimples on the body. Decoction of leaves is used for treating cold, fever and Rheumatism for swollen and inflamed joints; the leaves of the tree are used externally. The seeds paste is also useful against headache and seed powder used for Knee pain. Control LDL Cholesterol, protect against heart diseases, cancer. A combination of the Roots Bark and Leaves may be boiled into a medicinal tea , which is given to a patients a treatment for fever, Jaundice, Kidney disease and gastrointestinal disorder. Gurgling with a tea is also said to treat sores in the mouth (or) throat.

Cassia alata Candle bush Tree Fabaceae
It has anti-bacterial, antifungal, antitumor activity. The leaves and root is laxative they are taken internally as a remedy for constipation and to purify the blood, used in treating skin diseases and powder is mixed with oil as an ointment. The bark is used to treat skin diseases, diarrhoea, worms, parasitic skin diseases, scabies and eczema. Whole plant has the medicinal properties. Leaf extracts exhibits Anti-oxidant activity in the lives and is a common ingredient cardiac and blood sugar reducing medicines. The decoction of the leaves is good against throat infections, cough, fever and even intestinal worms. The decoction of the Flower buds is used as remedy for children bed wetting and urinary complaints. Syrup made from the ripe fruit is used to keep the digestive organs in good condition.

Ocimum americanum
Hoary Whole plant has medicinal uses. Tulsi oil is used against the insects and bacteria. It is an effective remedy for the severe acute respiratory problems. It helps in curing malaria, indigestion, headache, hysteria, insomnia and cholera. Helps in protecting one from the negative influences.

30.
Ceiba pentondra White silk cotton tree Tree Malvaceae Astringen, diuretic herb that lowers fevers and controls bleeding. used in treatment of scabies, diarrhoea, cough hoarse throats. Young leaves are warmed and mixed with palm oil to be eaten as a remedy for heart problems. The bark and the leaves are used in the treatment of bronchial congestion. A decoction of the stem bark is taken to treat stomach problems, diarrhoea, hernia, gonorrhoea, heart trouble, fever, asthma and rickets.

31.
Hibiscus rosa sinensis Chinese rose Shrub Malvaceae Flowers are aphrodisiac, demulcent, emollient and refrigerant. They are used internally in the treatment of excessive and painful menstruation, cystitis, venereal diseases, feverish illnesses, bronchial catarrh, coughs and to promote hair growth

32.
Thespesia populnia Pacific rose wood Tree Malvaceae All parts of the plant including bark, root, leaves flowers and fruits are used. Fruits and leaves possess Antibacterial properties. Crushed fruits are used in treatment of Urinary Tract Problems and Abdominal swelling. Decoction of leaves treats cough, influenza, and headache. The leaf sap is used externally for skin diseases. The bark decoction is used for cleaning of wounds, treats Dysentery, diabetes, yellow urine, Gonorrhoea and Thrush. The inner bark is used to treat constipation and Typhoid. The stem is employed in treating Breast cancer. Leaf and bark decoction are used as Remedy for high blood pressure 33.

34.
Artocarpus heterophyllus Jackfruit Tree Moraceae Leaves are used for treating ulcers, diarrhoea, boils, stomach-ache and boils. Seeds are aphrodisiac and as a cooling tonic like the pulp. Root decoction can reduce fever and can treat diarrhoea, skin diseases and asthma.

Moringa oleifera Moringa Tree Moringaceae
It is a good source of protein, vitamins, beta-carotene, amino acids & various phenolics. Moringa can act as cardiac & circulatory stimulants, possess anti-tumor, antipyretic antiepileptic, antiinflammatory, anti-ulcer anti-oxidant, anti-diabetic, antifungal & anti-bacterial activities, Flower juice improve the quality & flow of mother's milk when breast feeding & useful for urinary problems. Guava leaf extract has analgesic, Anti-inflammatory, Antimicrobial, hepato protective and Anti-oxidant activities, inhibits pancreatic cholesterol esterase, which decrease cholesterol levels, diabetes. The Anti-oxidant properties of the guava seeds extract can be associated to anti-cancer effects on both Hemato logical and solid neoplasm.

37.
Phyllanthus acidus Star goose berry Tree Phyllanthaceae The root is used to cure skin itching, asthma. Leaves to control fevers. The decoction of the bark is used to treat branching catarrh. The fruit is used as laxative and also tonic to enrich the blood. The juice of fruit is rich in vit "c".

39.
Vetiveria zizanoides Lavancha Herb Poaceae Used for cooling in juice (or) sharbat. Treatment of nervous disorder, insomnia, muscular and joint pain and circulation problem, diabetics, regular menstruation, blood pressure and cardiac problems etc. Flavouring agent in alcoholic beverages. Used against lice and other insects.

Zizipus jujuba Indian jujube Tree Rhamnaceae
It is used for improving muscular strength and weight, for preventing liver and bladder diseases and stress ulcers, and as a sedative. It is also used to reduce constipation and to reduce symptoms of some medications.

41.
Aegle marmelos Wood apple Tree Rutaceae Lowering of blood cholesterol, anti-inflammatory, roots are antidiarrhoetic, antidote to snake venom. Chewing of raw leaves help to solve many gastric problems. Bael juice is rich in vitamin 'c', and good for scurvy treatment also acidity, heartburn, indigestion and hyperacidity.

Citrus limon Lemon tree Shrub Rutaceae
Used to treat scurvy, a condition caused by not having enough vitamin C, common cold and flu, H1N1 (swine) flu, ringing in the ears (tinnitus), Meniere's disease, stomach upset and vomiting from pregnancy, and kidney stones.

Murraya koenigii Curry leaves Tree Rutaceae
Used externally to treat skin eruptions and bites of poisonous animals. The fresh leaves are eaten to treat dysentery, and a leaf infusion is drunk to stop vomiting. In northern Nigeria Murraya koenigii is used traditionally as a stimulant and for management of diabetes 44.

Ruta chalepensis Fringed rue Herb Rutaceae
The leaf dedication is taken to treat stomatch-ache and headache, fevers and cold. Leaf juice is given to suffering from convulsions, fits.
It is potentially toxic and carcinogenic when consuming orally and can produce dermatitis when touches.

Santalum album
Indian sandal wood Tree Santalaceae Widely used in folk medicine for treatment of common colds, bronchitis, skin disorders, heart ailments, general weakness, fever, infection of the urinary tract, inflammation of the mouth and pharynx, liver and gallbladder complaints and other maladies.

Withania somnifera Ashwagandha Herb Solanaceae
Whole ahshwaganda plant is used to cure many diseases like root drug finds an important place in treatment of rheumatic pain, cold, cough female disorders, normalize high blood sugar & improve insulin sensitivity for diabetes,breast& colan cancer cells,increase sperm count &sexual potency & also a increase iron content in the blood.

Clerodenrum inerme Glory bowel Shrub Verbenaceae
Leaf is ground in water and the juice is taken orally to treat fever. It is an important medicinal plant reported to be used in the treatment of skin diseases, venereal infections, elephantiasis, asthma, topical burns and for rheumatism. It is also used as substitute of quinine

CONCLUSION
The current study provides the basic information about the medicinal uses of plant species and provides the information about the distribution and description of the medicinal plant species which is useful for further research and field work in Sandur region. It is concluded that, 50 medicinal plant species are documented in the study area which belongs to 26 families and 46 genera. The family Fabaceae has 12 species Rutaceae 4 species, Apocynaceae 4 species, Malvaceae 3 species, Lamiaceae 3 species and followed by Phyllanthaceae 2 species, Verbenaceae 2 species and others are one from each family. These wild medicinal plant species treasure are encouraged to be conserved because many of the valuable plant species are under threat to became rare, endangered and some are on the verge of extinction due to various external factors.