Medicinal herbs of Chhattisgarh, India having less known traditional uses. XXX. Kharmor (Rungia repens, family Acanthaceae)

Research Note - Pankaj Oudhia
© 2001,2002,2003 Pankaj Oudhia - All Rights Reserved

In my previous articles, I have mentioned that Rungia is considered as noxious weed by the natives of Gandai region of Chhattisgarh because its spread in dense forests is becoming curse for natural bio-diversity. In recent ethnobotanical surveys, I have noted its presence and increasing population in Chhattisgarh Plains and Bastar region. In reference literatures related to weed science, it is mentioned as common weed. In Australia also, it is considered as weed and harmful to agricultural crops. Naturally this herb is spread throughout the warmer parts of India and Srilanka. The natives and traditional healers of Rungai infested areas are not aware of medicinal properties and uses of this herb. Even they have yet not coined its local name. In general the natives keep unidentified weeds in category of Vankachra (Van-forest; Kachra-waste). Kharmor is its Hindi name given in reference literatures. As herb lover, I am not ready to accept this herb as weed. Few years back, I have seen practically its dominance over native species in Gandai forest. The forest officer Mr. Namdev clearly challenged me to search its potential uses as it is creating problem in his range forest and also available in abundance. Seeing its nature of dominance and considering it strong herb having super allelopathic potential, I tried the leaf extract on common herbs reported as weeds in agricultural crops. I have screened its effect on over 30 weed species and found it effective against Doobi (Cynodon dactylon) and Gahunsa (Phalaris minor). Doobi (Bermuda or lawn grass) is considered as one of ten worst weeds of the world. Gahunsa is a weed of wheat fields. This year I am repeating this experiment in farmer's fields where Cynodon and Phalaris are common weeds. (As you know, it is very hard for me to write any herb as weed. I am sorry for using the word weed for these two useful species). Few months back, I visited Bilaspur region to meet my herb grower friend. We got opportunity to interact with the traditional healers of this region. Rungia is common in this region also. Surprisingly, the healers of this region are aware of medicinal uses and properties of Rungia. Without missing this great opportunity, I noted all the uses and also got opportunity to see its practical uses. But a first I am giving details regarding its botany. According to reference literatures, Rungia is a herb with stems usually decumbent, often rooting near the base, then erect. Leaves sub-sessile, oblong, lanceolate, acute. Flowers in erect terminal imperfectly one-sided spikes, bracts elliptic, ciliate. Corolla white, blue or pink, with darker spots, two- lipped, upper emarginate, lower shortly 3-lobed. Fruits capsule, ovoid oblong, acute, with scarious faces and hard ridges. Seeds suborbicular, rugose with furrow, pale brown. Flowering time Nov- January. Its Sanskrit name is Parpatha. This is really surprising that in reference literatures related to different systems of medicine in India, I have yet not got detailed information about this herb.

The traditional healers of Bilaspur region, use the leaves of Rungia in herbal combinations used to make hairs dandruff and lice free. According to the healers, its specific smell and worm killing properties are specific. Many healers boil the fresh leaves in Til Oil. When all watery contents evaporate, oil is collected and stored for future use. This herbal oil is massaged on the palms and soles in order to get sound sleep. It is also used as hair growth promoter. With Gorakhmundi (Sphaeranthus indicus) it is used to treat eosinophilia. The decoction of both herbs is prepared and given internally. During rainy season, to repel away the houseflies the natives burn the dried leaves with dried Neem (Azadirachta indica) leaves.
The above mentioned uses in Chhattisgarh have not been reported in reference literatures. Through my on-going ethnobotanical surveys. I am trying to inform the healers of Rungia rich areas about these uses. The healers are showing great interest in the uses of this herb. This is positive sign. I have also communicated there findings and information to Mr. Namdev, the forest officer of Gandai range. Through this article, I am requesting the researchers of Rungia rich areas of the world, to share their experiences related to utilization of Rungia, so that it can be managed effectively in Chhattisgarh forests.

Thank you very much for reading the article.