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Gadmal: An endemic pulse crop from Betul district, Madhya Pradesh, India
Full text link‘‘Gadmal’’ is one of the important pulse crops of the local people living in the southern parts of Betul, Madhya Pradesh, India. An expedition was undertaken in December, 2022 to gather germplasm of gadmal from Betul, a district lying almost wholly on the Satpura plateau. From the results of a structured questionnaire administered to gadmal cultivating farmers in targeted villages, it seemed that gadmal is the pulse crop cultivated in this region by tribal farmers. Gadmal is being used as split pulse, chapati and vada preparations by the farmers. The food items and recipes prepared from the gadmal are traditionally offered to tribal Gods. However, the area under this crop is shrinking due to severe infestation of yellow mosaic disease. Indian Council of Agricultural Research-National Bureau of Plant Genetic Resources (ICAR-NBPGR) has collected and conserved a specimen in the National Herbarium of Cultivated Plants (Herbarium specimen, HS25749). On-spot evaluation of morphological traits was done across the locations. The study was undertaken for preliminary morphological, biochemical and molecular assessment. Based on preliminary evaluation, gadmal seems to be closer to blackgram than other cultivated Vigna species. However, detailed taxonomic studies are required to validate the identity using morpho-molecular tools. An exploratory note was presented with indigenous traditional knowledge along with cultural practices and economic uses. The work aimed to facilitate germplasm collection, detailed evaluation and systematic study of this valuable material with the prospects of crop diversification and value addition. The preliminary morphological, biochemical and molecular profiling of collected accessions being undertaken by us will provide avenues for better utilization and recognition of this crop. Efforts are being made to document the traditional knowledge and facilitate the tribal community for germplasm registration
Inhibition of Bungarus caeruleus snake venom toxicity by Citrus reticulata methanolic extract and in silico analysis of possible binding modes
Full text linkSnakebite envenomation has been one of the major causes of morbidity and mortality around the world. Though intravenous administration of commercial anti-venom systemically neutralizes the toxicity, adverse effects are commonly seen in the post-treatment period. Plant metabolites and their derivatives have been shown to exhibit a wide range of antiophidian properties. In this study, we have investigated the Bungaruscaeruleus venom neutralization potential of Citrus aurantium and Citrus reticulata Blanco peels in terms of phospholipase and hemolytic inhibition. Methanolic extract of C. reticulata exhibited the highest inhibition (93%) of PLA2 activity. However, the extracts of both these Citrus species significantly inhibited the hemolytic activity of the venom (54–82%). Molecular docking indicated the binding of the citrus metabolites to catalytic site residues (TRP19, GLY30, TYR31, GLY32, and HIS48) of PLA2 . In vivo studies using Swiss Albino mice confirmed the neutralising capacity of the citrus peel extract, as reflected by the increase in survival time. Therefore, the study reveals that these metabolites in the methanolic extract of the citrus peel can be used as supplements for the management of snake bites
Efficacy of a traditional herbal formula against drug-resistant childhood epilepsy
Full text linkIn about one-quarter of childhood epilepsies, there is no complete response to the routine, available antiepileptic drugs (AEDs). In traditional Persian medicine (TPM), Paeonia lactiflora and Anacyclus pyrethrum have been known for their anticonvulsant effects. The aim of this study was to evaluate the therapeutic efficacy of a combined herbal formula consisting of the dried root of P. lactiflora and A. pyrethrum in childhood drug-resistant epilepsy (DRE). This single-arm before/after clinical trial was conducted on 46 children with DRE. The patients were observed for three months before as well as thirteen weeks after the administration of this traditional herbal preparation at a dose of 15 mg/kg/day. The frequency and duration of seizures were evaluated using the Hague seizure severity scale (HASS). There was a statistically significant reduction in both the frequency and duration of seizures after treatment with the herbal preparation (p-values were <0.001 and <0.05, respectively). A statistically significant response to the herbal formula started after eight weeks of treatment. The traditional formula of P. lactiflora and A. pyrethrum could be considered as a complementary medicine for treating childhood DRE. However, further studies are needed to provide more evidence of its benefits and possible harms and also determine the precise mechanisms of action of this formula as a medicinal remedy for epilepsy
Rechristening the Zabo integrated farming system to the Ruza integrated farming system practised at Kikruma village of Nagaland, India
Full text linkKikruma village in the Phek district of Nagaland state is known for its integrated traditional farming system termed Zabo (which means impounding rainwater) for paddy cultivation in terrace fields by the Chakhesang tribe. A visit was conducted by a team of researchers from ICFRE-Rain Forest Research Institute, Jorhat, Assam to Kikruma village in September 2021, when during an interaction with a progressive farmer Mr. Zanehu Tunyi, it was informed that the term Zabo farming has been popularly used by the researchers and exists in the literature, however, the term Ruza is more appropriate for this integrated traditional farming system. A research article “Zabo: A time-tested integrated farming system practised by Chakhesang Tribe of Nagaland” published in the year 2018, reported that the term Zabo is also known as Dzüdü or Ruza system in certain areas of the Phek district. During the visit, the team of researchers from the ICFRE-Rain Forest Research Institute observed that Zabo and Ruza terms are used for two different types of ponds constructed for different purposes. The progressive farmers of Kikruma village explained the farming processes practised in their region. He suggested popularizing the Zabo farming as the Ruza farming system owing to the reasons that the actual water harvesting ponds used for paddy cultivation are known as Ruza in their local area and dialect instead of Zabo. The term Zabo is mainly used for small ponds or pits dug for rearing fish and fish fingerlings during the dry season
A preliminary study of zoo therapy of Dimasa society of Dima-Hasao District, Assam
Full text linkIndia has diverse range of cultural affinities and also diverse numbers of indigenous communities which share a varied quantum of knowledge related to traditional practices. The present research aims to focus on zoo therapeutic knowledge and practices of the indigenous ethnic community of Dimasa in Dima-Hasao district. The study includes a preliminary survey stating animal usage and use of their by products to cure medical ailments. Data was collected through in person interviews based on a series of questionnaires. A total number of 16 species is used for the cure of 11 medical ailments for the use of zoo therapeutic practices. Conservation strategies and resource use managements of the species used by the ethnic community was studied for better use of species in resource management in the surrounding environment of the study area
Defining creativity in Kangri: Innovation of change in the Kashmir Valley
Full text linkThis article explores an innovative solution to address a century-old design limitation in the traditional Kashmiri Kangri, a cherished winter essential in the region. The introduction of the "Spill-proof Kangri" design, based on the principles of gyroscopic effect and gimbal lock, has successfully mitigated the issue of spillage, making it safer and more user-friendly. The National Innovation Foundation - India (NIF) has filed a patent application to protect this intellectual property and has actively supported its diffusion. Research into technology standardization and feedback from trials in the Kashmir valley have been encouraging, emphasizing the enhanced safety standards and potential for cultural preservation. The Spill-proof Kangri design represents a significant case of incremental innovation, highlighting the need for holistic development and adaptability in the value chain. It also underscores the importance of bridging the gap between innovations from the informal sector and formal scientific research. Collaboration is encouraged to disseminate this innovation and benefit end-users while preserving cultural traditions.
A report on the International conference on “Communication and Dissemination of Traditional Knowledge (CDTK-2024)”
Full text linkReviving the traditional cloth toy craft of Haryana
Full text linkHaryana has a rich tradition of handicrafts. Traditional cloth toys are one of the most valuable handicrafts. The rural women of Haryana were expert in making variety of these toys. The most common toys were gindu (ball) gudia (doll), jhoonjhana (rattle), saikal (bicycle with a rider), bail (pair of bullocks, in khadar zone) or oont (a camel in bagar zone), baandar- baandri (pair of monkeys), ghora (horse rider), etc. This traditional art of making cloth toys is now extinct. The present study was an attempt to prove the potential of revival of traditional cloth toy crafts of Haryana. For this purpose the traditional stuffed toy bullock was modified to suit the needs and taste of potential contemporary users. The market potential of the modified toy bullock was got assessed by Indian as well as foreign people at trade fair, Delhi. The assessment was done on the basis of aesthetic appeal, utility, workmanship, uniqueness, colour combination, fabric and traditional value. The overall acceptability of modified toy bullock was found to be very good