Introduction
1.
Primordial literatures in India have cited the potential uses of medicinal plants to treat various human ailments. Traditional knowledge associated with herbal medicine is considered as the basis of all systems of traditional remedies in India. Most of the medicinal plants of India are extensively used in the preparation of Ayurvedic, traditional and tribal systems of medicine. Bacopa monnieri is a highly valuable creeping herb belongs to Scorphulariaceae family. It is widely distributed in the wet and marshy lands throughout India, Nepal, Sri Lanka, China, Taiwan, and Hawaii.[1] The herb has been mentioned in several ancient Ayurvedic treatises including the Charaka Samhita since sixth century AD. The plant is recommended for curing different mental disorders including anxiety, poor cognition and lack of concentration, as a diuretic and as an energizer for the nervous systems. B. monnieri is locally known as Brahmi[2] in India. The widespread distribution across different habitat, it is often recognized by different names in different regions and languages. Brahmi is a small creeping perennial with numerous branches and small, oblong, relatively thick leaves which are arranged opposite to each other on the stem.[3] The present study introduces a GIS based method to collect and analyze available information reported on ethno medicinal uses and distribution of B. monnieri in India.[4] Compilation of traditional knowledge database and integrating with GIS will be easy to store and accessible for quick analysis. However, the potential application of GIS in traditional knowledge mapping of B. monnieri has been under explored in India. In view of the wide spread utilization of B. monnieri by various ethnic groups this study is an effort to compile the available information reported on its ethno botanical uses with the aid of GIS.
Materials and methods
2.
The present study was carried out by collecting the primary data on ethno medicinal uses of B. monnieri from internet through Google search engine facility by means of specific search word as “B. monnieri”. The literatures includes articles published by government and non-governmental agencies, publishing houses of national and international scientific journals etc. The information relating to region, vernacular name, ethno-groups, parts used and types of uses were extracted from each article and compiled it together. Later the ethno botanical uses of B. monnieri among various indigenous communities in India were geo- tagged on a Quantum GIS 2.1.0 ‘Pisa’ (Q.GIS) platform. The database created during this study was converted as kml file and for data visualization it was integrated with Google Earth.
Results and discussion
3.
Mapping of traditional knowledge of B. monnieri (Figure 2 and 3) in India has compiled the diversified ethno botanical utility of the species. Utilization of different plant parts such as leaves, stem, tender shoot, fruits, roots and whole plant of B. monnieri are reported for more than thirty ailments by communities in different regions of India. In addition to this it is also used for culinary and cosmetics purposes. Table 1 summarizes the ethno medicinal uses of B. monnieri practiced by various ethno groups reported from different regions of India. Hundred and twenty one communities inhabits in fifty three localities identify B. monnieri by twenty two different vernacular names. The present study intends to bring together all the available information on ethno botanical uses of B. monnieri in single platform. Documentation helps to protect such valuable traditional knowledge from endangerment and Biopiracy.[5] Figure 1 depicts the distribution status of B. monnieri in different parts of India.
Table 1.
Ethnic medicinal uses of Bacopa monnieri by various indigenous communities in India
SN | State/Region | Study Region | Local Name | Ethnic groups | Parts Used | Type of Uses |
1 | Andhra Pradesh | Rayalaseema | Brahmi | Yanadis, Chenchus, Irulas, Yerukalas, Sugalis, Koyas, Reddi Dhoras, Konda Kapu, Kattunayaka, Manne Dora and Godabas | Whole plant | Neurotonic[6] |
2 | Andhra Pradesh | Polavaram forest area | Brahmi | Konda Reddy and Koya | Whole plant | Asthma[7] |
3 | Andhra Pradesh | Sriharikota | Brahmi | Yanadi | Leaves, whole plant | Whole plant as diuretic, leaves use to get relief from urinary problems’[8] |
4 | Andhra Pradesh | Siddeswarm sacred grooves | Neerisam braniaku, Brahmi | Yanadis | Whole plant | Powder is given for nervous debility and as brain tonic’[9] |
5 | Assam | Bajali sub-division | Brahmi | Kalita, Koch, Boro, Kosari, Rajbonshi, Nath, Brahmin | All parts of plant, leaf juice | All parts of plant is used as blood purifier, leaf juice is used as memory booster’[10] |
6 | Assam | Upper Assam | Brahmi | Ahom | Leaves and stem juice | Blood purifier’[11] |
7 | Assam | Nalbari district | Brahmi | Whole plant | Epilepsy, asthma, ulcers, tumors, ascites, enlarged spleen, indigestion, inflammations, leprosy, anemia and biliousness’[12] | |
8 | Assam | Baksa district | Thiphu, Bramhi | Bobo, Rabha, Garo | Tender shoot | Leaf and shoot as vegetable and extract taken to treat liver complaints’[13] |
9 | Assam | Sonitpur district | Brahmi | Mishing | Whole plant | Brain tonic[14] |
10 | Assam | Kaziranga national park | Bhahmi | Mishing | Whole plant | Tonic for nerves, mental diseases, and brain tonic; leaf juice is given to infants in bronchitis; leaves used as vegetables’[15] |
11 | Assam | Kamrup district | Brahmi haag/Bami-belai | Boro, Rajbonghi, Khoronia Kochari and Nepali | Whole plant | Diabetics’[16] |
12 | Chhattisgarh | Durg | Brahmi-sak | Whole plant | Nerve tonic, asthma, snake bite[17] | |
13 | Chhattisgarh | Jashpur district | Brahmi | Kanwar | Leaves | Leaves are eaten as vegetable’[18] |
14 | Chhattisgarh | Deogudi sacred grove, Bastar district | Brahmi | Gond, Murias, Halba and Maria | Leaves | Fever[19] |
15 | Chhattisgarh, Madhya Pradesh | Achanakmar Amarkantak biosphere reserve | Bramhi | Baiga | Leaves, fruits & stem | Hair growth’[20] |
16 | Himachal Pradesh | Bhattiyat | Brami | Gaddis, Gujjar | Root, shoot | Bilious disorders, chronic and acute liver disorders associated with hepatomegaly’[21] |
17 | Himachal Pradesh | Chamba | Brahmi | Gaddis, Gujjar | Leaves | Nervous tiredness’[22] |
18 | Jammu & Kashmir | Manjakote | Jal-neem | Gujjar ft Bakerwal | Leaves | Stomachache’[23] |
19 | Jammu & Kashmir | Jammu province | Jal-neem | Gujjars, Bakerwals, Gaddis, Sipis and Paharis | Whole plant | Poor production of milk in cows[24] |
20 | Jharkha nd | Hazaribag | Brahmi-sak | Local inhabitants | Whole plant | Nerve tonic, asthma, snake bite[25] |
21 | Jharkha nd | Wildlife Sanctuary Topchanchi, Dhanbad | Brahmi | Munda, Santhal, Oraon, Kharia, Gond, Kol, Kanwar, ft Savar | Leaves | Skin diseases’[26] |
22 | Kerala | Noolpuzha | Brahmi | Mullu kuruma | Whole plant | Asthma, epilepsy[27] |
23 | Kerala | Malappuram district | Brahmi | Kattunaikkans | Whole plant | Epilepsy’[28] |
24 | Kerala | Attappady | Brahmi | Irular, Mudugar, Kurumbar and Dhodugar | Leaves, stem | Enhance memory’[29] |
25 | Madhya Pradesh | Nimar Region | Brammi | Kol, Karku, Sahaiya, Baiga, Bhil, Bhilala, Barela, Tadvi, Banjara, Grond, Korku and Mankar | Leaves | Memory[30] |
26 | Madhya Pradesh | Badwani District | Bramhi | Gond, Bhaiga, Korku, Bhil, Halba, Kaul, Pawara | Leaves | To cure back-ache after delivery[31] |
27 | Madhya Pradesh | Hoshangabad and Sehore districts | Brahmi | Bhil, Bhilala, Gond and Korku | Whole plant | Jaundice[32] |
28 | Madhya Pradesh | Balaghat District | Brahmi Gond and Baiga | Whole plant | To increase sexual power[33] | |
29 | Madhya Pradesh Chhattisgarh | Achanakmar-Amarkantak Biosphere Reserve (AABR), | Brahmi | Baiga, Gond, Bharia, Bhils, Oraon, Kol, Kanwar and Uikey | Leaves | Epilepsy’[34] |
30 | Maharashtra | Mula river valley region of Ahmednagar district. | Brahmi | Baragaon, Nandur, Daradgaon, Chikhalthana, Sakur, Ghargaon | Whole plant | Bone fracture, improvement of mental functions, promotes memory and urinary disorders, diuretic, blood purifier and laxative’[35] |
31 | Maharashtra | Marathwada | Brahmi | Andh, Bhil, Pardhi, Thakar | Leaves | To prevent hairfall’[36] |
32 | Maharashtra | Armori, Wadsa, Kurkheda, Korchi forest range of Gadchiroli District | Bhramimarrh | Gond and Madiya | Whole plant | Epilepsy, fever, Brain Tonic, rheumatism, Diarrhea, Abdominal diseases’[37] |
33 | Maharashtra | Purandhar district | Bramhi | Dhangars and Gowlis | Leaves | Menstrual disorder[38] |
34 | Maharashtra | Nundurbar, Dhule and Jalgaon district. | Brahmmi | Bhills, Garits, Kokanis, Mavschis, Valvis, Pawras | Leaves | To cure nephrotoxicity/ kidney problems[39] |
35 | Maharashtra | Kanher and Mahadare Reservoir from Satara district, | Nir Brahmi | Ketkadi, Bhoi, Mahadev Koli, Pradhan, Tambat and Bhavsar | Whole plant | Astringent, bitter used in digestive, antinflammatory, cardiotonic, epilepsy, leprosy, lephantiasis, fever and general debility condition’[40] |
36 | Maharashtra | Amba-barwa wild life sanctuary | Brahmi | Bhil,Bhilala, Nihal, Tadvi Bhil | Whole plant | Plant extract on skin itching[41] |
37 | Odisha | Khurda | Bramhi | Savaras | Leaves | Against malaria[42] |
38 | Odisha | South Odisha | Brahmi | Bhumia, Bonda, Dangaria Kandha, Didayi, Gadaba, Kandha, Koya, Kuti Kandha, Langia-Saura, Paika, Paraja, Sabara, Saura | Young shoots | As vegetable’[43] |
39 | Odisha | Jaipur District | Braahmi | Kolha, Munda, Bonda and Santal | Leaves | Memory power, to treat chickenpox[44] |
40 | Tamil Nadu | Kolli hills | Neerbrami | Malayali tribals | Whole plant | Paste of the whole plant applied |
41 | Tamil Nadu | Palamalai | Neer brammi | Malayali tribals | Whole plant | externally for dog bite’[45] Memory power’[46] |
42 | Tamil Nadu | Servarayan hills | Niirbrahmi | Malayali tribals | Whole plant | Epilepsy, memory power, mental disorder, nervous weakness’[47] |
43 | Telangana | Pocharam Wildlife Sanctuary | Brahmi | Yerukalas and the Lambadis | Whole plant | Cooling effect, tonic’[48] |
44 | Tripura | Kanchanpur, Gandacherra, Baramura, Twidu, Amarpur, Karbook | Bramhi | Tripuri, Jamatia, Halam, Santhal and nontribal community. | Leaf | Jaundice’[49] |
45 | Uttarakhand | Dehradun, Haridwar, Pauri and Udham Singh Nagar | Niirbrahmi/Brahmi | Gujjar | Leaves | Epilepsy’[50] |
46 | Uttarakhand | Haridwar, Dehradun and Pauri. | Nir-brihmi/Barmi | Gujjar | Whole plant | Whole plant crushed and applied externally on eczema’[51] |
47 | Uttarakhand | Tehri Garhwal | Pan-Brahmi | Gujjars and Bhotiyas | Leaves | To cure flatulence in children’[52] |
48 | Uttarpr adesh | Aligarh, Bulandshahr, Budaun, Farrukhabad | Brahmi | Local people | Whole plant | Spermatorrhoea’[53] |
49 | West Bengal | Hili, Panjul, Dhalpara, Jamalpur and Binsira | Brahmi | Santhals, Oraon and Munda | Whole plant | Nerve tonic, asthma, insanity, diuretic, tranquilizer’[54] |
50 | West Bengal | Maldah district | Bramhi | Santal, Oraon, Malpaharias | Tender shoot | Vegetable’[55] |
51 | West Bengal | Bamangola block | Brahmi-saag | Santhal, Oraon, Munda, Baskey, and Hembram | Young Shoot | Green vegetable’[56] |
52 | West Bengal | Paschim Medinipur district | Brahmi | Lodha | Whole plant | Gonorrohea’[57] |
53 | West Bengal | Birbhum Distr | Brahmisak, Baramb | Santal, Kora and Orao | Whole plant | Improvement of intelligence ft memory, youthful vitality’[58] |