The Biobrio 10(3 & 4), 2023

Ethnomedicinal rhizomes of Ranchi district of Jharkhand used as anti-urolithiatic (kidney-stone) and anti-cholelithiatic (gall-stone) agents

Renu Sahu & Kunul Kandir

ABSTRACT:

Rhizomes are important underground modified stems, meant for perennation and food storage in plants. They have major bioactive compounds (mainly in aromatic rhizomes), thus, used in therapeutics. Ethnomedicinal rhizomes found in Ranchi District of Jharkhand are also being used traditionally by the endemic-ethnic tribe in their herbal preparations to cure many diseases, especially in the management of urolithiasis (kidney-stone) and cholelithiasis (gallstone). Urolithiasis and cholelithiasis are lifestyle diseases, there frequency of occurrence and recurrence is very high in the society. About 12% of world population are the sufferers. Modern medicines and surgery are costly steps with many side effects and no definite cure. The present work was carried out through survey-study in consultation with many Baidyas, Allopathic doctors, Knowledgeable persons and the lithiatic patients. Here 7 widely used ethnomedicinal rhizomes are presented, belonging to 3 Botanical families (Zingiberaceae, Cyperaceae and Nelumbonaceae) and 6 genera. These rhizomes are rich in phytochemicals, especially flavonoids and phenolics. Some of them are starchy and non-aromatic. They all possess many therapeutic properties such as antioxidant, immunomodulator, carminative, anti-inflammatory, antipyretic, antimicrobial, anti-ulcerative, antidiabetic, hepatoprotective, diuratics, etc. Rhizomes are good source of spice, tonic and perfume. Rhizomes of Curcuma Longa L. (Turmeric) and Zingiber officinalis Roscoe (ginger) are used in culinary as spices for marvelous taste, aroma and colour, whereas rhizomes of Nelumbo nucifera Gaertn is a royal vegetable. The aim of this study is to explore the much valuable traditional classic knowledge of the rhizomes in the successful management of urolithiasis and cholelithiasis, which will lead the further study.

Keywords:    

Ethnomedicinal rhizomes, urolithiasis, cholelithiasis, Zingiberaceae

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