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Major Cassia species of Chhattisgarh,
India : Natural Occurrence, Traditional Medicinal Knowledge and
Trade
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Research Note - Pankaj Oudhia
© 2001,2002,2003 Pankaj Oudhia - All Rights ReservedAlthough during rainy season, the qualified medical practitioners of Chhattisgarh publish a notice in local news paper stating that do not eat the Charota herb as potherb as it can cause great harms to the body but the natives always ignore this notice and use the young, newly emerged (Balak Patti) leaves of Charota as vegetable. They collect the young leaves and prepare the vegetable using Sarson Ka Tel (Mustard oil). It is one of the most preferred pot herbs of Chhattisgarh. The natives of all age group eat it because they love its specific taste. They are aware of this fact that over dose may cause diarrhea. It is poor man’s vegetable, but it is equally popular among rich natives. Charota occurs as wasteland weed in Chhattisgarh. No one cultivate it as vegetable. In urban areas, the natives purchase this herb from local markets. It is a source of income for the villagers who collect and sell it in urban markets. The natives eat it because of its specific taste and they are not aware of its unique medicinal properties and uses. For the traditional healers of Chhattisgarh, Charota is a valuable medicinal herb and according to them, its use as potherb have specific health benefits. Its use as potherbs is beneficial for the patients suffering from rheumatism and gout. The healers use this potherb as preventive to rheumatism and gout. For the natives, living in forest areas, it is more useful and revenue generating herb. Charota is one of the major non-wood forest produces of Chhattisgarh. According to the traders dealing in Charota, there is a heavy and routing demand of Charota in national and international drug markets. The natives collect the useful seeds of Charota after ripening and sell it to the village level traders. After many channels it reaches to the Dhamtari market situated 70kms far from capital of Chhattisgarh state, Raipur. Form this market, the traders supply it to national markets. You will be surprised to know that the first collector of these seeds get equal weight of common salt in exchange of Charota seeds. The ancient Barter system is still in practice in different interior parts of Chhattisgarh. In Chhattisgarh plains, the natives take more salt (double to the weight of seeds).
Common and popular names of Charota (Cassia tora) around the world. Languages/Regions/Countries Names 1) Arabic Didjer-el-akbar, Gurgul, Kolkol, Sunsub. 2) Bengali Chakunda, Kalkasham, Panwar. 3) Myanmar Dangwe, Dangywe, Kujne. 4) Kanarese Chagarche, Chogache, Chogata, Tagache 5) Srilanka Vaddatakarai, Vaddutakarai, Panditakarai 6) Chinese Chuck Ming, Tsao Chueh 7) English Fanlupa seed, Foetid Cassia, Metal seed. 8) French Petite casse puante 9) Gujarati Kawaria, Ponvadi, Kuvadio 10) Hindi Chakavi, Chakunda, Pamad, Panavar 11) Malayam Chakramandartam, Takara 12) Marathi Takala, Takla, Tankil, Tarota 13) Persian Sangsaboyah 14) Punjab Chakunda, Panwar, Pawar, Pawas 15) Sanskrit Ayudham, Chakramarda, Chakramardaka, Prishnaparni, Taga 16) Tamil Senavu, Sirutagarai, Tagarai, Tagashai, Usittagurai, Vanamavaram, Vindu 17) Telugu Chakanda, Tagirise, Tagarishaku, Tantiyamu 18) Oriya Chakunda My ethnobotanical surveys revealed that the first collectors are not aware of its use. The is the reason they easily give this important NWFP in exchange of common salt. They have no other source of getting common salt. I have noted that from end collectors to end users, there seeds transfer through more than 20 middlemen (Kochia). In most of the cases, these middle men are also not aware of its end uses. Even the traders at Dhamtari market have different opinions about its end uses. According to them, at first the companies situated at Gujarat state purchase the seeds and after grading, they sell it to Japanese companies. The Japanese companies use these seeds as alternative to coffee beans. They are not aware of its actual use. The seeds yield tannins and red , blue and yellow dyes but the main use is related to the gum, Charota sees yield upto 8 percent gum which is good agent for suspending and binding. This is a matter of shame, that in Chhattisgarh not a single gum extracting unit is active. There is a tremendous scope in this field. The traders at national and international markets are aware of unique Charota seeds of Chhattisgarh and they prefer the seeds of Chhattisgarh origin. Many biochemists and herb researchers of the state, are helping and guiding the processors of other states in gum extraction but unfortunately no one have the time to take advantage of in depth knowledge of the qualified experts in Chhattisgarh. Most of the traders sell this important herb without grading. As a result, they get relatively less price. As herb researcher, I want to provide more benefit to the first collector. I feel that by establishing the advanced processing units in the state and by decreasing the unwanted population of middlemen in long channel, this is possible. The non-governmental organizations active in rural and forest areas can play a vital role in this regard. I am not giving emphasis on governmental organization because they have their own limits and in the field of NWFP, we have seen many bad performances. The natives of Chhattisgarh, roast the collected seeds and use it as coffee bean. The traditional healers and natives have rich traditional medicinal knowledge about different uses of Charota. I have written a lot on various aspects of Charota in my previous articles, as it is one of my favorite herbs. Although the traders at national and international levels are aware of medicinal properties of its seeds only but the traditional healers and natives of Chhattisgarh, use all parts alone or in combination as medicine. Its promising use in case of Daad (Ringworm) has given it a name Dadmari (Mari means to kill). The natives of all parts of Chhattisgarh collect the Charota seeds for sell. As seeds are so small in size, it is tedious and time taking job to collect the seeds from plant. The natives have developed new method to solve this problem . During the Charota season, the natives cut the whole plant and spread it on the busy highways and roads. By the pressure imposed by passing heavy vehicles, the seeds automatically came out from the pods.
Major Cassia species of Chhattisgarh and the botanical differences among them. Characteristics Cassia Cassia Cassia Cassia Cassia auriculata fistula occidentalis senna tora 1) Habit A profusely branched, tall, fast growing, evergreen shrub having height upto 6 meters A deciduous, medium sized tree, upto 24 meters. An erect, foetid, annual herb, or under shrub, 60-150 cm. A variable, branching, errect shrub upto 1.8 meters. A foetid, annual herb or undershrub, upto 1.2 meter. 2) Bark Reddish brown, smooth Grey smooth, exfoliating in small, woody scales, upto 1.5 cm thick. -------------------- -------------------- -------------------- 3) Leaf 7-10 cm long with large, auricled or rotundate reniform, foliaceous stipules, leaflets 7-9 pairs, oblong-obovate, obtuse or emarginate 20-40 cm, glandless; leaflets 4-8 pairs, distinctly stalked, 5-15 cm long, oblong or ovate, clothed with silvery pubescent 10-20 cm long with cauducous stipules and a black gland near base secreting nectar, penduncled racemes. Pinnate, pubescent, leaflets pale green to bluish green, 3-9 pairs, lanceolate or elliptic, varying on the same plant 6.0-12.5 cm long, leaflets 3 pairs, membranous, ovate-oblong with glands in the last two pairs, showing sleeping movements. 4) Flower Yellow, 5 cm diameter, in terminal compund, corymbose- raceme; October-June Bright yellow, in axillaty, pendulous, lax recemes, April-July Yellow in short, peduncled racemes. Brilliant yellow, in erect, terminal racemes. Bright yellow, usually in pairs in very short, axillary peduncles. 5) Fruit Pale brown, oblong, flat, papery, flexible, crumpled, 6-12 seeded pod, January-June from first year onward. Cylindric, pendulous, smooth, hard dark brown or black 40-100 seeded, December-April Recurved, glabrous, compressed pod Fruit greenish when young to dark brown or black when mature, flat, thin, oblong, pubescent, 5-7 seeded Stout pod, 15-25 cm long. 6) Seed Compressed, tapering towards base Light brown, hard, smooth, shiny, biconcave, embedded in sweetish pulp. Dark, olive-green, ovoid, 20-30, smooth, shining Dark brown, obovate-oblong Green, 25-30 During my visit to Oodlabari region of West Bengal, I observed the same practice in case of paddy. As researcher of Allelopathy, I have found different parts of Charota herb having great allelopathic potential. It is one of the promising herbs that can suppress the natural population of obnoxious exotic weed Parthenium hysterophorus, a real curse for bio-diversity. Many researchers from different parts of India have reported positive (inhibitory) allelopathic effects of different parts of Charota on germination and growth of this obnoxious weed. The scientists of National Research Center for Weed Sciences have done a great job on this aspect. The scientific name of Charota is Cassia tora (Foetid Cassia, the Sickle Senna, Wild Senna; family: Leguminoaseae). An eminent Parthenium scientist Prof. M . Mahadevappa has identified another close relative of Cassia tora, Cassia sericea (Syn. Cassia uniflora) as herb having more smothering potential. In his book titled ‘’Parthenium and its management’, he has written that ‘During the visit to Dharwad in October 1982 and 1983, the author observed in and around the city that Cassia sp. was gradually replacing Parthenium plants in small pockets. During 1983, replacement of Parthenium by Cassia sp. had taken place to a larger extent compared to the previous year. Since the observation was of much interest, the observed Cassia species was got identified as Cassia sericea (Synonym uniflora) and a research project proposed was approved by the University of Agricultural Sciences, Bangalore forming a team for studying different aspects in the subject of Parthenium control;" Seeing the success of Cassia sericea against Parthenium, with the help of Karnataka Governemnt, Dr. Mahadevappa is now distributing several tones of Cassia sericea seeds to the farmers. The weed scientists of Chhattisgarh have introduced this new species in Chhattisgarh without taking permission of authorities active in the field of bio-diversity (in fact there is still no such authority active in the state). Natural occurrence of Cassia sericea is not reported in Chhattisgarh. As once it has reached in fertile soil of Chhattisgarh, it is spreading very rapidly in wastelands. As herb expert, I am not in favour of utilizing less harmful species in management of more harmful species. The rapid spread of this newly introduced species will become a threat to other native and useful herbs of Chhattisgarh. The weed scientists who have introduced this new species are not monitoring its spread as their projects are now over and they are now working on other weeds. It is hard to say that how efficiently Cassia sericea is suppressing the Parthenium population in Chhattisgarh. Before describing other Cassia sp. I am describing the botany and reported medicinal uses of Charota (Cassia tora), I have noted from the reference literatures. Botanically it is erect foetid annual herb having height upto 1.2 meters; Leaves 5-10 cm long; stipules 8-15 x 1mm, linear, hairy, acute; leaflets 3 pairs, obovate or obovate – oblong, mucronate, base unequal, with two subulate glands between two lower pairs of leaflets; Flowers yellow, paired on short axillary peduncles; sepals ovate, petals 8-10 mm long, unequal, stamens 7, perfect, unequal; pods subterete or sub tetragonal, slightly falcate, 10-20 cm long; seeds 20-30 rhomhoid with areole on both sides, 1.5-2.5 mm wide. Flowering and Fruiting time August to April in Chhattisgarh conditions. Charota holds a reputed position as medicinal herb in different systems of medicine in India. According to Ayurveda, herb is purgative, anthelmintic and antibacterial whereas leaves are useful in treatment of ringworm, skin diseases and ulcers. Seeds are tonic and stomachic and useful in treatment of ringworm and other complaints of skin, liver, eye and ear.
Common and popular names of Cassia alata around the world Languages/Regions/Countries Names 1) Bengal Dadmari, Dadumardan 2) Myanmar Maizali-gi, Simbo maizali 3) Cambodia Danghet 4) Kanarese Doddasagate, Simyagase 5) SriLanka Pannan, Takarai 6) French Bois puant, Dartrier 7) Hindi Dadmurdan, Vilayatiagati 8) Chinese Dang hoet, Muon trau, Tang hot 9) Malyalam Elakajam, Simayakatti 10) Mauritius Catepen, Seirme agathi 11) Mexico Tarotana 12) Philippines Acapulco, Capulao, Ganot sa buni 13) Pordu Rico Talantala 14) Sinhalese Attora, Ettore, Ratatora 15) Tamil Anjali, Simaiyagatti, Vandugolli 16) Telugu Mettatamara, Simayavisa 17) Uriya Dadumorddon, Jadumari Dhanbaher or Amaltas (Cassia fistula) is also a common Cassia species found naturally in Chhattisgarh. It is also planted as ornamental tree in front of home. It is common belief among natives that the presence of this tree in front of home, is sign of good luck and good fortune. The traditional healers and natives use different parts of Dhanbaher as medicine in order to treat many common diseases. They have rich traditional medicinal knowledge. In reference literatures related to different systems of medicine in India, Dhanbaher holds a reputed position. According to Ayurveda, root is useful in skin diseases, leprosy, tuberculous glands, syphilis whereas leaves are antiperiodic and useful in treatment of rheumatism and erysipelas. Flowers improve taste and it is laxative and antipyretic. Fruits are digestible, cooling, purgative and useful in treatment of heart and abdominal pains. Seeds are oily, carminative and improves appetite. According to Unani system of medicine, leaves are useful in case of inflammations, flowers are purgative whereas fruits are demulcent, abortifacient and antipyretic. I have listed out the traditional uses of Dhanbaher in treatment of over 50 common diseases. Its use as purgative is very common in Chhattisgarh. The traditional healers use it alone or in combination with other herbs. As purgative, the fruit pulp is used very frequently. According to the traditional healers, one should use fresh pulp only for the preparation of any herbal combination because stored pulp looses the medicinal properties in very short time. The traditional healers of Bastar region prepare a special herbal oil using the roots of Dhanbaher in combination with other herbs. This special herbal oil acts as hair remover. In order to get rid from unwanted hairs the traditional healers instruct the person to apply it externally. They also prepare another oil for skin troubles. In this oil, leaves of two Cassia species i.e. Cassia tora and Cassia fistula are mixed in equal proportion and boiled in base oil. As base oil mustard oil is used In order to treat Safed Dag (Leucoderma) the traditional healers of Gandai region prepare a herbal oil using roots of Dhanbaher, Bemchi (Psoralea corylifolia) and Ratti (Abrus precatorius) . All herbs are mixed and boiled in seasmum oil. After evaporation of watery content, the healers add Pen herb (Celastrus paniculatus) and boil it again. This special oil is applied externally on white spots. For the treatment of spleen and liver related troubles, the healers use the fresh flowers very frequently. Tonsilitis is a common problem in Chhattisgarh but there are very few herbs that can root out this trouble. Dhanbaher is one of these herbs. The natives collect the bark of Dhanbaher and prepare a decoction. The patients are advised to gargle with this decoction for quick relief. I have tested this decoction successfully. The natives use aqueous paste prepared from fresh leaves in order to manage the skin diseases common in rainy season. The paste is applied externally. They also use Sirsa flowers (Albizia species), Lisora bark (Cordia obliqua) and Makoi, whole herb (Solanum nigrum) in this paste. According to them, alone Dhnbaher leaves are capable of treating common problems. The traditional healers of Chhattisgarh plains add Haldi (Turmuric) powder in this aqueous paste and use it in treatment of Nasur (Carbuncle). The herb vendors of Chhattisgarh always keep the seeds with them. According to them, the Dhanbaher seed possess anti venom properties. It is useful in scorpion bites. They simply rub the seeds in stone and press it in affected spot. The vendors informed me that the seeds suck the poison from spot automatically. The fruit pulp is popularly used for treatment of diabetes. I have written a lot on various aspect of this herb also. For more details, I suggest you to read the previous articles. Before describing other Cassia species, I am describing its botany in brief. According to reference literatures, it is a deciduous medium sized tree having height upto 30 meters; stem-straight bole; Bark- gray, smooth, exfoliating in small, woody scales, upto 1.5cm thick; Leaves 20-40 cm, gland less, leaflets 4-8 pairs, pubescence; Flowers – bright yellow (its English name is Golden shower because of these bright yellow flowers; in Chhattisgarh, the name Dhanbaher is coined because the colour of flower resemble to the gold), in axillary, pendulous, lax racemes; Fruit – Cylenderic, pendulous, smooth, hard, dark brown or black, 40-100 seeded, seeds-light brown, hard, smooth, shiny, biconcave, embedded in sweetish pulp (that is medicinally very important). Dhanbaher is in list of non-wood forest produces of Chhattisgarh. There is a routine demand of this NWFP in national and international drug markets. It is not under cultivation as commercial crop in Chhattisgarh.
Common and popular names of Dhanbaher (Cassia Fistula) around the world. Languages/Regions/Countries Names 1) Arabic Bukbur, Chiar schambar, Katha-ul-Hind 2) Assam Honalu, Honaru, Sonari, Sonaru, Sunaru 3) Bengal Amultas, Bandarlati, Sonali, Sondala, Sundali 4) Brazil Canna-fistula, Chuva de ouco 5) Myanmar Gnookye, Hnooshway, Gnu 6) Kanarese Aragina, Arerata, Kaki, Kakkai 7) Cambodia Reach chhpus 8) Chienese A Po Le, Koui Hou Ts in 9) Egypt Chiar schambar 10) English Cassia, Golden Shower, Indian Laburnum, Pudding-Pipe, Pudding-Stick, Purging Cassia 11) French Canefice, Caneficier, Cassier. 12) German Fistel Kassie, Purgirkassie, Rohrkarrie 13) Greek Glykokolamon, Melaina kassia 14) Gujarati Balla, Garmala, Garmalo, Girmala 15) Hindi Amaltas, Girmalah, Khyar, Sundaraj 16) Hawaii Golden shower 17) Italian Cassia, 18) Malyalam Konna, Konnai, Svarnnakam, Kritamalam 19) Marathi Bahava, Bawa, Boya, Chimkani, Girmala 20) Mexico Cuauhnacazfli, Honxin 21) Nepal Rajbirij, Rajbriksha 22) Philippines Canapistola 23) Potuguese Canna fistula 24) Sanskrit Aragvadha, Arevata, Arogyashimbi, Aruja, Chakra parivyadha, Dirghaphala, Drumotpala, Nripadruma, Svarnabhushana, Himapushpa 25) Sinhalese Ahalla, Ahilla, Ehela 26) Tamil Appai, Ar, Aragoram, Isandur, Idali 27) Telugu Aragavadhamu, Kolaponna, Rola, Reylu 28) Urdu Amaltas 29) Uriya Sandari, Sonari, Sunari, Soturongulo The natural occurrence of Cassia senna (syn. Cassia angustifolia, C. acutifolia, C. obovata) is not reported in Chhattisgarh. It is introduced as medicinal crop few years back. As medicinal crop it is limited to isolated patches. Due to many constraints the herb growers are not adopting this high value crop. One of the major problems is the seed germination. In field conditions, we have observed hardly 10-20 percent germination. In order to root out this trouble we have developed many organic seed treatment solutions using herbal extracts and leachates. The hot summer is very much suitable for its growth but heavy rainfall at flowering stage damage this crop to great extent. The failure of our field demonstrations in different parts of Chhattisgarh discouraged the herb growers to adopt this new crop. Although it is not a native of Chhattisgarh but the traditional healers and natives have rich traditional medicinal knowledge about different parts of Sanai in Chhattisgarh. They use Sanai alone or in combination with other herbs in treatment of over 70 common and complicated diseases. For details, I suggest you to refer previous articles. In Rajasthan, Gujarat and states of South India, it is under cultivation in commercial scale. I personally feel that there is a need to develop complete package of practices for commercial cultivation of Sanai in Chhattisgarh. Botanically, it is a variable , branching, erect shurb having height upto two meters; Taproot upto one meter long; Leaf pinnate, pubescent; leaflets pale green to bluish-green, 3-9 pairs, lanceolate or elliptic, varying on the same plant; Flower brilliant yellow, in erect terminal racemes; Fruit greenish when young to dark brown or black when mature, flat, thin, oblong, pubescent, 5-7 seeded; Seed dark brown, obovate oblong, 14,000-35000 per kg.
Common and popular names of Senna (Cassia angustifolia) around the world Languages/Regions/Countries Names 1) Arabic Sanaehindi, Sonna 2) Bengal Sannamakki, Shonpat, Sonpat 3) Myanmar Puvekainyoe 4) Kanarese Nelavare, Nelavarike, Sonamukhi 5) Chinese Fan Hsieh Yeh, Ta Hwai Yeh 6) English Bombay Senna, Indian Senna, Lotus Senna, Medicinal Senna, Tinnervelly Senna. 7) Gujarati Middiawal, Sonamakhi 8) Hindi Hindisana, Sanay, Sonai, Sonamukhi 9) Marathi Bhuitarvada, Mulkacha, Shonamukhi 10) Malyalam Nilavaka 11) Persian Sanaehindi 12) Sanskrit Bhumiari, Bhupadma, Svarnamukhi, Svarnapatri, Pitapushpi 13) Sinhalese Nelavari, Nilavari, Sanakola 14) Tamil Kattunilaviraj, Nilavagai 15) Telugu Nelaponna, Nelatangedu 16) Uriya Shonamukhi In India forty species of Cassia are reported. In Chhattisgarh 18 species occur naturally. These species are C.absus, C. alata, C. auriculata, C. fistula, C. glauca, C. javanica, C. marginata, C. mimosoides, C. obtusifolia, C. occidentalis, C. pumila, C.renigera , C. roxburghii, C. siamea, C. sophera, C. surattensis, C. tora and C. tora sensu. The species like Cassia sericea and Cassia senna are among introduced species. Kasunda (Cassia occidentalis) and Kasuandi (Cassia sophera) are another Cassia species of great importance in Chhattisgarh. Both species are used as alternative to each other. The traditional healers of Chhattisgarh have rich traditional medicinal knowledge about these Herbs. The traditional healers of Bilaspur region use the roasted seeds to prepare strong coffee. The English name of Cassia occidentalis, is Coffee Senna. It clearly indicates its utility as substitute to coffee. The healers of Bilaspur region use this coffee as medicine. It is specially recommended for the patients having poor vitality. It is considered as good tonic. In case of acute asthma attack or after the attack of hysteria, the patients are advised to take this coffee like drink as medicine. It is more strong in effect as compared to Cassia tora seeds. The common names Kasuda, Kasaundi or Kasmard clearly indicates its utility in treatment of Kas (cough). The traditional healers of Chhattisgarh prepare a herbal decoction using the leaves of these species and give it to the patients suffering from chronic cough. In case of whooping cough, the fresh juice of leaves is given with pure honey. The natives use these species for special bath also. The fresh juice of these species is added in water and child patients suffering from Sukhundi (Marasmus) are advised to take bath with this medicated water. For the patients having skin troubles, the healers prepare a decoction using all plant parts of Kasunda and Kasaundi and instruct the patients to take bath regularly using this decoction. The traditional healers of Bagbahera region use the leaf juice in treatment of eye diseases. They also instruct the patients suffering from Rataundhi (Night blindness) to prepare Roti (Chapti) using the powdered leaves and seeds of Kasaundi with wheat flour and after preparation, smear Til oil (Sesamum oil) in place of ghee and eat it regularly in lunch. The traditional healers specialised in treatment of Sujak (Gonorhhoea) and Garmi (Syphilis) frequently use these herbs in their routine practice in combination with other herbs. According to them it is one of the promising remedies at initial stage of attack. They use the decoction of whole herb to wash the genitals also. In treatment of Jaundice (Pelia) the natives use the leaves with Kali Mirch (Black Pipper). According to healers it is good supplement to main treatment. Like other Cassia species, it is also a good purgative. It is also used as carminative. The traditional healers prepare a decoction by using roots. This decoction is used in many ways. For the female patients having problem of hysteria it is very useful. It is also used in treatment of Hathi Pav ( Filaria). In case of poisonous insect bites, the natives use this herb very frequently as first aid measure during their field work. They simply crush the leaves and apply the juice in affected portion for immediate relief from intense pain. I am describing the botany of both Cassia occidentalis and Cassia sophera, I have noted from reference literatures. Cassia occidentalis is an erect, foetid, annual herb or under shrub having height upto 150cm long, with caducous stipules and a black gland near base secreting nectar; leaflets ovate or lanceolate, membranous; Flower yellow, in short peduncled racemes; Fruit recurved, glabrous, compressed pod; Seed hard, olive-green, ovoid , 20-30 smooth and shining. Botanically Cassia sophera is a shrub having height upto five meters ; Leaves 18-23 cm long; rachis grooved, with a solitary conical gland near the base; leaflets 6-10 pairs, opposite, lanceolate, base rounded; Flowers in axillary few flowered corymbose racemes; Corolla petals five, ovate, obtuse, yellow; fruit pos, slightly recurve, turgid, septate between the seeds. Seeds 30-40 broadly ovoid, dark brown; Flowering time November to July in Chhattisgarh conditions. Both species are in list of non wood forest produces of the state but there is less demand as compared to Cassia tora.
The rich traditional medicinal knowledge about different Cassia species clearly indicates that there is a tremendous scope for research on these species and for herb processors and pharmaceutical companies, Chhattisgarh is gold mine both in terms of traditional knowledge and natural raw material.