The New Nation - Internet Edition

Jamayet Ali

Deciduous aromatic shrub Nisinda grows gregarious in many places of rural Bangia. It is abundant along the banks of rivers, in moist situations, open wastelands and bushy areas. It is sometimes planted as a hedge plant along the roads and between the fields and is usually not browsed by cattle. The shrub is useful for planting against soilerosion and for afforestation, especially in the reclamation of forest lands which are affected by floods. It has been found suitable for shelter belts and wind breaks in side and outer rows.

Botanical name of this shrub is Vitex negundo Linn. It possesses flowers bluish purple. The name of another species of this shrub is Vitex trifolia. It possesses pale blue flowers. U.C. Dutt informs that, according to Sanskrit writers, the properties of both are said to be identical but the shrub Vitex negundo is generally used in medicine. The ashes of this plant are largely used as an alkali in dyeing. Grayish-white hard wood is used for building purposes, and as a fuel, and the branches for wattle works. The leaves are reported to possess insecticidal properties and are laid over stored grain to ward off insects.

Medicinal Properties: The plant has a pungent, bitter, acrid taste; heating, astringent, cephalic, stomachic, anthelmintic; promotes the growth of hair; useful in diseases of the eye, consumption, inflammations, leucoderma, enlargement of the spleen, bronchitis, asthma, biliousness, painful teething of children. The root is an antidote to snake-venom (Ayurveda) The root is considered tonic, febrifuge and expectorant. The leaves are aromatic, tonic and vermifuge. A decoction of Nirgundi leaves is given with the addition of long pepper in catarrhal fever with heaviness of head and dullness of hearing. A pillow stuffed with the leaves of Nirgundi is placed under the head of relief of headache. The juice of the leaves is said to have the property of removing field discharges and worms from ulcers. An oil prepared with the juice of the leaves is applied to sinuses and scrofulous sores.

The leaves are discutient, and are useful in dispersing swellings of joints from acute rheumatism and of the tastes from suppressed gonorrhoea. In the Konkan, the juice of the leaves with that of Maka (Eclipta alba) and Tulasi (Ocimum sanctum) is extracted, and Ajwan seeds are bruised and steeped in it, and given in doses of six massas for rheumatism. The juice in half tola doses with ghi and black pepper is also given, and in splenic enlargement 2 tolas of the juice with 2 tolas of cow's urine is given every morning. Hove, (1787), states that the Europeans in Bombay call it the fomentation shrub, and that it is used in the hospitals there as a foment in contractions of the limbs occasioned by the land winds. The decoction of the leaves is used as a bath in the puerperal state of women in India. The people of Mysore are in the habit of treating febrile, catarrhal and rheumatic affections by means of a vapour bath prepared with this plant. The dried leaves are smoked for the relief of headache and catarrh. The dried fruit acts as a vermifuge. In China and Malaya, the fruits are given for headache, catarrh, and watery eyes. In Ceylon, the leaves, bark and roots are used for toothache, rheumatism, eye disease; and as a tonic, carminative and vermifuge.

Among the Mundas of Chota Nagpur, an expectorant is prepared from the sap. Some six green branches are warmed over a fire and. the sap which flows from their cut extremity is collected in a vessel. This sap is wormed and mixed with clarified butter in which three pounded bulbs of garlic have been med. The patient drinks a little of this now and then. The plant is recommended for the treatment of snake-bite (Charaka, Sushruta, Vagbhata, Vrindamadhava, Rasaratnakara, Bapat) and scorpion-sting (Charaka, Sushruta). In case of snake-bites, the bruised roots, bark and leaves are applied to the wounds. The expressed juice of the &esh leaves is poured onto the nostrils in stupor and coma, and is given internally. A decoction of the roots and bark is also given internally (Roberts). In tarantula bites, the bruised bark and leaves are applied to the wounds. The expressed juice of the fresh leaves is given internally (Roberts). No part of the plant is an antidote to snake-venom. The leaves are useless as an errhone, and the bark, roots, and leaves are also useless as an external application in the treatment of snake-bite (Mhaskar and Caius). The plant is not an antidote to scorpion-venom (Caius and Mhaskar). (Indian Medicinal Plants, K.R.Kirtikar & B.D.Basu, 1938, 1939, 1940)

An extract of the leaves showed anticancer activity against Ehrlich ascites tumour cells. Clinical trials of a powder from the rhizome of Alectra parasitica which grows on the root of Citex negundo is found to be effective in the treatment of leprosy with no toxic effect (Masilungan, Indian J. Pharm., 1963, 25, 381; Prasad, Leprosy Rev., 1962, 33,207). (The Wealth of India, Raw Materials)

Medicinal Values: The flowers are astringent and are used in fever, diarrhoea and liver complaints. The fruits are prescribed in headache, catarrh and watery eyes; when dried they are considered vermifuge. They are much valued medicinally in China. An aqueous extract of the fruits was found to have good analgesic action, when tasted on rats by analgesiometric method. (Quisumbing, 808; Burkill, II, 2239). In the Philippines, the seeds are reported to be eaten after boiling. The young shoots are used in basket making. The ash of the plant is a source of potassium carbonate or pear ash, and is reported to be used as an alkali in dyeing (Monsalud etal, Philipp. J. Sci, 1966,95,43).

The juice of the leaves is largely employed for soaking various metallic powders before making the latter into pills. A pillow stuffed with the leaves is placed under the head for relief of headache. The juice of the leaves is said to remove foetid discharges and worms from ulcers. An oil prepared with the juice of the leaves is applied to sinuses and scrofulous sores (Chakra datta).

Dymock states that, "Vitex trifolia is highly extolled by Bontius, under its Malayan name; he speaks of it as anodyne, diuretic and emmenagogue and testifies to the value of fomentations and baths prepared with 'this noble herb', as he term it in the treatment of Beri-beri and in the obscene affection of 'Burning of the fact' in natives. Of Vitex negundo, Fleming remarks that the leaves have a better claim to the title of discutient than any other vegetable remedy with which he is acquainted, and he adds that their efficacy in dispelling inflammatory swellings of the joints from acute rheumatism and of the tastes from suppressed gonorrhoea has often excited his surprise. The mode of application followed by natives and adopted according to Dr. Fleming by some European practitioners in India, is simple the fresh leaves, put into an earthen pot, are heated over a fire till they are as hot as can be borne without pain; they are then applied to the affected part, and kept in situ by a bandage, the application is repeated three or four times daily until the swelling subsides" (pharm., Ind.)

Roxburgh describes both species as medicinal and mentions that the leaves of Vitex negundo are employed to form a warm bath for women after delivery. Rumphius and Rhude both particularly notice V. trifolia, the first recommending it externally in swellings and diseases of the skin, while the latter asserts that the powdered leaves taken with water cure intermittent fevers. Ainslie writes that the fruit of the same species is supposed by the Vytians to be nervine, cephalic, and emmenagogue, and is prescribed in powder, electuary and decoction. The medicinal qualities of V. negundo he considered to be similar to but weaker than those of V. trifolia. He adds, however, that the root of the former is a pleasant bitter and useful in fever, and that the Muhammedans smoke the dried leaves in cases of headache and catarrh. Invine states that a decoction of the leaves is used in Patna as an internal remedy for fever. Taylor writes that in Dacca the leaves are given with garlic, rice, gur etc., as a remedy for rheumatism.

Both species are given a place in the pharmacopoeia of India, where, in addition to part of the above information, it is stated that Dr. W. Nigledew has described a very interesting method of treating febrile, catalThal and rheumatic affections in Mysore, by means of a rude vapour bath prepared with the plant. The dried fruit is considered vermifuge.

Special Opinions: "The leaves, baked and applied to the head while warm or used a s a pillow, relief headache" (Surgeon-Major Lionel Beach Coconada). "Given also in ftontal head ashes" (Surgeon W.F. Thomas, 33rd M.N.I., Mangalore). The leaves (fresh) are credited with the power of destroying the smell of high tainted meat or fish when boiled with it. The leaves, bruised and formed into cakes, may be applied to the temples to relieve headache" (Civil Surgeon Banku Behary Gupta Poori). "I have often used a bath medicated with the leaves in cases of rheumatism and swelling of joints with excellent results"(Honorary Surgeon E.A. Morris, Tranquibar). "Leaves and root diuretic, diaphoretic and tonic, Tincture, root bark 2 ounces, proof spirit 10 ounces, dose 1 to 2 drams three times a day is found useful in irritable bladder and rheumatism" (Apothecacy

Thomas Ward, Madanapalla, Allahabad) (Dictionary Of The Economic Products Of India)

Professor Muhammad Aman Ullah

Allah has created mankind and for the benefit of mankind He has created the universe with entire completion and perfection. So any thing that naturally exists in the universe is for the need of mankind. However, Allah has created plant kingdom for human and animal livelihood and also for their treatment of diseases. There are plants of particular properties for the treatment of particular diseases and these group of plants are called medicinal plants. So, if we know the proper use of medicinal plants with its remedial actions we can make our treatment easily and successfully with the best use of them.

In ancient times, plants, herbs and shrubs were used only as medicinal agents for the treatment of diseases and healing of wounds. Medicines prepared from different plants are being used orally considered to be non-toxic having no side effects like synthetic drugs. Toxic plants still-to-day, are considered to be used for healing of wounds successfully. Now-a-days, with the development of Unani and Ayurved system many drugs have come into the market from plants origin for the treatment of various diseases side by side alongwith the allopathic drugs.

Besides, considering the importance of finding new remedies for incurable diseases like Cancer, AIDS and Diabetes are being discovered from plant origin by some research institutions. In this regards, research programmes have taken up by BCSIR and Department of Chemistry, University of Dhaka with the collaboration of BIRDEM, Shaman Pharmaceutical, San Francisco and National Cancer Institute Maryland, USA. A number of plant materials from different parts of Bangladesh also have been studied for their anti-diabetic, anti-cancer, and anti-HIV properties by toxicologist of the Bangladesh National Herbarium (BNH) Dhaka, under a separate agreement (as per report at a seminar on Medicinal Plants for Health by Prof. M. Mosihuzzaman, Chairman, BCSIR, Dhaka).

In Bangladesh National formulary of "Unani" and "Ayurved" have been formulated by the Bangladesh National Unani And Ayurvedic Board. There are ample scopes for development of medicines from plant material in Bangladesh and for these aspects due facilities may be provided to the Unani and Ayurved enterprises by the authorities concerned. Medicines of plant origin with formulary of Unani and Ayurved systems have been well developed and popularised in China, India, Malaysia, Thailand and Sri Lanka. Maximum percentage of the populations of those countries are getting treatments of their illness by these system of medicines quite successfully.

Meicinal plants are valuable for preparing medicines for the treatment of various types of diseases. So, proper steps should be taken to conserve and cultivate different types of medicinal plants in our country like other countries in the sub-continents. India, China, Malaysia and other Asian countries have vast project to conserve and cultivate medicinal plants in their countries. Whereas, ruthless deforestation and ignorance of general people are mainly responsible for the depletion of existing important medicinal plants of our country which also endangers the ecological system of the over-all environment. Nevertheless, plant kingdom has a vital role in the balance of System of the environment both local and worldwide as a whole. However, a plan for national gardens for cultivation of medicinal plants may be taken by the Government. Ministry of Forest may take necessary steps to conserve and cultivate medicinal plants with a separate department by engaging knowledgeable personnels in the field those who have degree from the Unani and Ayurved Colleges. We desire and hope, Forest Ministry will take the initiative to implement the plan in collaboration with the Ministries of Land and Health for the acquisition of land and recruitment of persons respectively. Private concern also can take this profitable plan for cultivation of medicinal plants side by side with the government. A good number of people can be employed with jobs for livelihood in this sector as well as a huge amount of foreign-exchange can be earned by exporting medicinal plants to the foreign countries. However, there should be Herbarium Musium along with the gardens of the medicinal plants for their identification with the description of the medicinal properties.

However, misconceptions regarding the Traditional Asian Medical System (TAMS) should be removed. Practitioners of Unani and Ayurved systems receive full medical training covering same length of time in the degree course as modern doctors do. Qualifying Doctors obtaining degree from the Unani and Ayurved Colleges should be appointed at hospitals and clinics in the country for giving easy treatment to the people at a minimum cost through government and private concern.

However, towards the treatment of the traditional Asian Medical System is being modernised with the development of science and research works are going on in this sector to make the system as Modern Asian Medical System (MAMS).

MTW, (McAlpine, Thorpe and Warrier), a leading international consulting firm of Great Britain provides information of Unani and Ayurvedic medicines to the European countires which is a project jointly sponsored by the government of India and the Commonwealth Secretariat in London. Through this, Unani and Ayurvedic medicines are getting recognition and popularity in Western countries as well as India earns foreign exchange through exporting these system of medicines. Export and Industrial Development Division (EIDD) of the Commonwealth Fund has taken a project for exportation of Unani and Ayurvedic medicines from Bangladesh, India, Kenya, Nigeria, Pakistan and Zimbabowe.

As Unani and Ayurvedic medicines have no harmful side-effect like modern Allopathic medicines which are gaining popularities for safe treatment and thereby demand of these system of medicines are increasing and thus theis type of pharmaceutical industries can serve for the benefit of mankind producing quality products.

(This Paper has been presented at the International Conference on "Holistic Approach of Unani Medicine In Lifestyle Diseases" on 6, November 2007 at Aligarh Muslim University, India).

Twenty-five days. That's how long it took Dr. Shinya Yamanaka of Kyoto University to undo more than 30 years of exquisitely programmed biology packed into a woman's cheek cell - and just maybe change the world. In a procedure that some scientists thought could take decades to discover, Yamanaka tricked the cheek cell into acting like an embryonic stem cell - capable of dividing, developing and maturing into any of the body's more than 200 different cell types. And he wasn't alone: on the same day that he published his milestone in the journal Cell, James Thomson, a pioneering University of Wisconsin molecular biologist, reported similar success in Science.

Their papers cap a year of remarkable research, in which scientists have surged ahead of ethicists and politicians in finding ever more clever ways to generate stem cells. But where other breakthroughs relied on using cells from living embryos - tiny bits of inchoate life, fraught with ethical issues - the work by Yamanaka and Thomson sidesteps that abyss by nursing adult cells into a state in which their cellular destiny is yet to be fulfilled. No embryos, no eggs, no hand-wringing over where the cells come from and whether it is ethical to make them in the first place.

Stem cells generated by this method are ideal not just because they are free of political and moral baggage. They can also be coaxed into becoming any type of tissue, and then be transplanted back into the donor with little risk of rejection. Still, these cells are far from ready for medical use. The viruses used to ferry the genes that manipulate the cells can introduce genetic mutations and cancer. And with myriad ways to reprogram a cell, sorting out the best ones will take time - meaning that stem cells from embryos will remain useful (and controversial) for a while. Both Yamanaka and Thomson admit that we still know too little about how the process works to exploit the method's full potential. Nevertheless, their discovery has moved stem-cell research back to an embryonic state of its own - in which anything, it seems, is possible.