NOPR Collection:

Traditional practices of herbal medicines in the Lahaul valleys, Himachal Himalayas

Fri, 01 Apr 2005 00:00:00 GMT

Title: Traditional practices of herbal medicines in the Lahaul valleys, Himachal Himalayas Authors: Singh, Virendra; Chauhan, N.S. Abstract: Observations on the traditional practices of herbal medicines were recorded in the villages of Lahaul, a semi-arid region of district Lahaul-Spiti, a dry temperate region of Himachal Himalayas. The information was recorded for the habitat, plant characteristics, plant part used of 43 plant species, belonging to 25 families and diseases treated in the Lahaul valley. Page(s): 208-220

Traditionally used medicinal plants in Dharchula Himalayas of Pithoragarh district, Uttaranchal.

Fri, 01 Apr 2005 00:00:00 GMT

Title: Traditionally used medicinal plants in Dharchula Himalayas of Pithoragarh district, Uttaranchal. Authors: Garbyal, S S; Aggarwal, K K; Babu, C R Abstract: An attempt has been made to evaluate the traditionally used medicinal plants found in Dharchula areas of Kumaon Himalayas in Pithoragarh district, Uttaranchal, North India. The reported plant species are also highly valued in the Indian, Tibetan and Chinese Systems of Medicine. Based on interactions with the locals and traders and considering the potentials of some species for developing new drugs, the value of the species of medicinal importance occurring in the area has been worked out. The value is high enough for taking appropriate measures to conserve these valuable species and use them sustainable for the economic upliftment of the region. Page(s): 199-207

Socio-cultural and ethnobotanical value of a sacred forest, Thal Ke Dhar, central Himalaya

Fri, 01 Apr 2005 00:00:00 GMT

Title: Socio-cultural and ethnobotanical value of a sacred forest, Thal Ke Dhar, central Himalaya Authors: Negi, Chandra Singh Abstract: The sacred groves/forests have in the recent years drawn the attention of the environmentalists due to their undisturbed conditions, which enable them to be repository of gene pools. Apart from environmental significance the sacred groves are also indicative of the phenomenon of ethno environmental management. It is a social institution which permits management of biotic resources through people's participation. Unfortunately the social significance of the sacred groves has not been studied in depth and the environmental aspects are inevitably over emphasized. The present study deals with the traditional beliefs and social institutions surrounding the sacred forest- Thai Ke Dhar and makes an attempt to bring out the inherent environmental principles behind the conservation practices. In addition, the forest was assessed for its ethnobotanical value to the local herbalists and traditional folk medicine practitioners. Pragmatic approaches combining conservation and sustainable uses are considered as are traditional values that have preserved the sacred groves in the past. Integration of traditional values and protection mechanisms into the newly emerging cultural and religious contexts has been emphasized. Page(s): 190-198

Evaluation of Ayurvedic compound formulations 1-Nãrãca Cũrna

Fri, 01 Apr 2005 00:00:00 GMT

Title: Evaluation of Ayurvedic compound formulations 1-Nãrãca Cũrna Authors: Rastogi, Subha; Khatoon, S; Rai, V; Agnihotri, A K; Rawat, A K S; Mehrotra, Shanta Abstract: The proper and meaningful utilization of our medical traditional heritage can only be achieved if each and every formulation mentioned in our indigenous systems of medicine would be scientifically evaluated and their desired efficacy may be maintained. Therefore, an attempt has been made to evaluate Nãrãca Cũrna, an Ayurvedic compound formulation. Four samples from different manufacturers were procured and subjected to various physicochemical analysis, HPTLC fingerprinting and botanical characterization using authentic ingredients as controls. Chromatographic and microscopic analysis of the samples were found to compliment each other and are sufficient for establishing the identity of raw materials in the compound formulation. One of the four samples is shown to lack a major ingredient on the basis of these tests. Page(s): 185-189