An inventory of ethno-medicinal climbers from the southern parts of West Bengal, India

Abstract

Present investigation reported 86 ethno-medicinal climbers from southern parts of West Bengal, of which 8 species are of monocots under 4 families; 77 species of dicots under 25 families and 1 species of pteridophyte (e.g. Lygodium pinnatifidum). Out of 86 climbers, 51 species are twiners, 4 species are liana, 17 species are tendril climbers, 7 species are scramblers, 3 species are ramblers, 3 species are root-climbers and 1 species is hook-climber. As many as 37 diseases and problems can be treated by the utilisation of medicinal properties of 86 climbers. Out of 37 diseases most common diseases are rheumatism, wound healing, asthma, gout, diabetes, jaundice, ulcers, dysentery, leprosy, lecucoderma, menstruation, cough, eye problems, bone fracture, piles, veneral diseases, etc. Local names, types of climbers, parts used and mode of treatment have been discussed.

Physicochemical and antistaphylococcal evaluation of two herbal ointments from Mikania micrantha Kunth and Tridax procumbens Linn

“…The plants belong to the family Asteraceae which is one of the largest Angiosperm family in the World. These two plants are very popular in treating complications related to wounds [11][12] and they are reported to have significant antibacterial activity against skin infection causing notorious bacterial strains 10,13 . According to our previous studies, ethanolic leaf extract of Mikania and methanolic whole plant extract of Tridax posses strong antibacterial potential against Staphylococcus aureus 14,15 .…”

Untitled

“…This weed is famous in many parts of the World for wound dressing and healing of sores [7][8][9] . In Purba and Paschim Medinipur district of West Bengal, the leaves of Mikania are popularly used to stop bleeding immediately from recent cuts and wounds [10][11] . Although maximum research has been done on the leaves of this plant, work on its flowers is still unexplored.…”