Traditional zootherapeutic studies in India: a review

Abstract

The present study aims to review the zootherapeutic practices of the different ethnic communities of India. This work is also an attempt to present a list of animals' use for medicinal purposes by different communities of India. Data were gathered from 15 published research papers of various authors on zootherapeutic studies in India from 2000 to 2007. Approximately 109 animals and their 270 uses are reported in traditional medicine in different parts of India. Of these, the highest numbers of animal species (42, 38.5%) with 50 (18.5%) uses have been reported for the treatment of Respiratory system related problems. Rheumatic and other pains are treated with 32 species (29.4%) in 34 (12.9%) uses. Gastric problems are reported to be treated with 22 (20.2%) species in 26 (9.9%) uses. The mammals constitute the highest number of animals used for medicinal purposes. 44 (40%) mammals, 24 (22%) invertebrates, 18 (17%) birds, 12 (11%) reptiles, nine (8%) fishes and two (2%) amphibians have been reported for medicinal purposes. Of the total 109 animal species reported, 76(70%) are included in IUCN red data list and 36 (33%) animal species are listed in CITES appendix I, II, and III. This work will be helpful in biodiversity conservation in India and also give a clue to investigate bio-active compound in these animal raw materials.

Birds of a Feather: Quantitative Assessments of the Diversity and Levels of Threat to Birds Used in African Traditional Medicine

“…In South America, for example, only six bird species (out of 97 animal species) were recorded in the comprehensive surveys of traditional medicine markets in Brazil (Alves and Rosa 2010). In India, only 12 bird species were used for traditional medicine out of 109 animal species (Mahawar and Jaroli 2008). In Brazil and India, medicinal use of domestic chickens was recorded.…”

“…In contrast to several quantitative studies on the bird trade for pets both internationally (Thomsen et al 1992) or nationally (Jepson and Ladle 2005), relatively few studies have been done documenting the trade in birds for traditional medicine in southern Africa (Whiting et al 2011), Asia (Mahawar and Jaroli 2008), or Latin America (Alves and Rosa 2010). Although Mahawar and Jaroli's (2008) review for India covers a large part of South Asia, this is a first attempt at a continentwide review of the richness of bird use for traditional medicine. Our inventory of birds used and traded for traditional medicine in Africa was compiled from published accounts (for example by Adjakpa et al 2002;Marshall 1998;Nikolaus 2000;Simelane and Kerley 1998) supplemented by our own research (Cunningham and Zondi 1991;Whiting et al 2011) and personal observations in various markets across Africa.…”

Etnoentomologia em comunidade rural do cerrado piauiense

“…Trabalhos etnoentomológicos são desenvolvidos em diversos países ao redor do mundo, dentre os quais se destacam a Índia e a Tailândia, os quais apresentam o uso de insetos principalmente na alimentação e na medicina (Mahawar & Jaroli, 2008;Durst & Shono, 2010;Meyer-Rochow, 2010;Meyer-Rochow & Chakravorty, 2013). O uso de insetos na alimentação, por exemplo, é apresentado como potencial fonte de renda para diversas comunidades, pois, quando comparada à produção de outros grupos animais para fins alimentícios, como mamíferos ou aves, a criação de insetos se torna muito mais econômica (Durst & Shono, 2010).…”

“…O uso de insetos na alimentação, por exemplo, é apresentado como potencial fonte de renda para diversas comunidades, pois, quando comparada à produção de outros grupos animais para fins alimentícios, como mamíferos ou aves, a criação de insetos se torna muito mais econômica (Durst & Shono, 2010). Já em comunidades indianas, os insetos se destacam como um dos principais invertebrados utilizados para fins terapêuticos (Mahawar & Jaroli, 2008).…”

Zootherapy Among the Ethnic Groups of North Eastern Region of India-a Critical Review

“…Mahawar and Jaroli inventoried approximately 109 animal species used in the treatment of different kind of ailments in India [13]. In Maharastra, tribal group's like-Bhils, Gamits, Koknas and Pawaras have been using almost 15 species of animals as medicine in combination with different plant species [14].…”