Next step of documentation of traditional medicinal knowledge about herbs and insects : An example of Aegle marmelos (Bel).

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

The readers and friends from different corners of the world, frequently ask this question that what will be the fate of my sincere documentation work? Who will take advantage of this documentation? Whether the traditional healers will be benefited by this documentation or not? Why do not I publish these findings in scientific journals? Etc. Their questions are genuine.

I always write in my articles, that there is a need for further systematic research to establish any traditional use scientifically. Initially, I published my findings in science journals and also presented several research papers in national and international conferences. You will be surprised to know that in India, the publication of research paper is not a joke. And to publish such huge information, that I have collected through my ethnobotanical surveys, I have to be a rich man. In Indian journals, there is a long, never ending queue . One have to wait three years at least to publish a single paper. For publication of paper there is a need to invest lot of money. Most of the journals charge membership fees annually and when the papers published in three years, one have to pay the membership fees of three years. Many private journals are also publishing in India. These private journals charge page charges. The journals published by scientific societies are peer reviewed. In journals having page charge, you have no hurdles because they publish the paper without seeing it. Unfortunately, for academic evaluation these page charge journals are given more importance by the academicians. The option of publication of research papers in foreign journals is also open for us but it is not only costly but I have personally observed that in the name of correction, the important information's are removed from the papers, I have wide experiences in publishing papers in all these journals. I have published over 110 research papers in more than 35 research journals of national and international repute. You will be surprised to know that I have invested over 100,000 Rs. (Nearly 2000 US $) to publish these papers, from my pocket. Why from my pocket? Why not from institution? I am expecting that you are aware of the answer.

In institutions particularly in Indian institutions, any paper goes through proper channel and to pass it smoothly this channel, one has to add the names of his seniors and professors in the papers. To smooth the process, I have added the names of over 45 research scientists of my University. When I started the documentation of traditional medicinal knowledge about common herbs and insects in Chhattisgarh, it was very difficult for me to invest such huge amount in the name of publication. I was aware the scientific journals are generally limited to specific readers. The common person have no access to it. During visits to Chhattisgarh forests, I got shocking information that many national and international agencies are already present in forests and engaged in collection of valuable information. I am sorry to write but it is bitter fact that most of these agencies were funded by the reputed organizations. This small but shocking observation motivated me to document the traditional knowledge in form of articles. I am trying my best to give all details about traditional healers, villages and local names of herbs so that the world can understand the treasure of traditional knowledge our people are having.

I always give credit to the God, that he has provided me a platform through Botanical.com to present this knowledge to the world community. Today I have written over 270 articles based on my ethnobotanical surveys and I have informed the Botanical.com team that I will write thousands of articles and will try to document all traditional knowledge in this small life. I will never forget the support the team of Botanical.com has extended. I am a free lancer and not associated with the culture where the number of publications helps in academic carrier. This is good news for the readers having the question that how my documentation is helping the traditional healers? After reading these article, many media persons visited Chhattisgarh and, met the traditional healers and published about them in their papers and news channels.

Many state government officials when read my articles, started thinking on welfare of traditional healers. The example of Shri B. Rao Godbole is one of the promising examples. The patients from all over the world are visiting Chhattisgarh to meet these healers. The healers are feeling proud and happiness to treat these patients. Seeing the great number of visitors, the natives are also understanding the value of the natural resources and the young generation is motivating and taking keen interest in traditional knowledge.. The traditional healers like Shri Hanumant Prasad Verma of Mudpar village is not getting recognition and as mentioned in previous articles, that L & T company has provided new hospital for him. I always write in my articles that the traditional healers of Chhattisgarh are not money crazy. They do not charge fees even for the treatment of cancer. They only expect honour from us. The licensed doctors harass these healers by saying them quacks. They want recognition to continue regular practice of traditional knowledge. I personally feel that this is just a start. After my departure (as it is a trend) the future generations will be benefited through documentation of herbs.

I would like to mention the great support provided to my work by Dr. Rishi Rajpal, a well known gynaecological of Mumbai. After reading my articles on Bel (Aegle marmelos) at Botanical.com, his team conducted many small experiments to verify the effects described in the articles. After getting good results, he contacted me with the proposal to conduct a systematic clinical trials with the help of biochemist. He prepared a detailed research project titled 'Investigation on broad-spectrum Therapeutics of Aegle marmelos (Bael) for economic prosperity through Bio-resource based value addition.' The project is proposed by the reputed organization Indian Institute of Environment Management, Mumbai, India. Professor P. Khanna, Directory, IIEM, is the project co-coordinator whereas Prof. H.M. Chawla, Prof. And Head (Chemistry department), Indian Institute of Technology and Dr. Rishi Rajpal are Principal Investigators. I am fortunate that they have associated me as Co-investigator in this project. We are confident that the deliverables of the project include novel, plant based, anti-microbial, anti-diabetics, anti-oxidants, anti-malarial, cardio- tonic agents, essential oils, anti-cancer agents and potential male contraceptives. I am expecting such initiatives by other researchers also. In my articles, I have written on various aspects of over 1000 herbs and insects. Such initiative will help the experts sitting at further next step to patent the products for the benefits of the traditional healers and natives of Chhattisgarh.

The articles based on ethnobotanical surveys and the encouraging responses from different parts of the world, have made me enough confident that I can continue my work honestly and sincerely.

Thank you very much for reading the article.