Online: ISSN 2771-5868

Journal of Bioresearch 3(2): ..... (July - December, 2024) Print: ISSN 2771-585X

Original Research Article

Medicinal Plants Used by the Tribes for Snakebite Treatment at Jhargram
Area, West Bengal

Ipsita Banerjee 1 , Soumya Nandi 2 , Samiran Hota 2 , Sonali Ghosh 3 and Annalakshmi Chatterjee* 2
1
Department of Nutrition, Paramedical College Durgapur, Durgapur - 713212, Paschim Bardhhaman, India
2
Laboratory of Food Chemistry & Microbiology, Food & Nutrition Division, Department of Home Science, University of
Calcutta, Kolkata -700027, India
3
Department of Physiology, Ram Mohan College, Kolkata–700009, India
*Corresponding author: annalakiicb@gmail.com
Received: July 6, 2023; revised: October 10, 2023; accepted: October 20, 2023
Available Online: November, 2023

Abstract: Though the medical sciences have made enormous advances, plants are still considered as a potential source of
drugs for treating various diseases worldwide.Plants are used extensively for the treatment of different health conditions with
a high rate of recovery. The present study on ethnobotany was carried out to identify the plants and their parts that are used
for the treatment of snakebite by the tribal population of Jhargram district. The study was conducted by taking interviews of
the knowledgeable informants like tribal medical practitioners, elderly members of the tribal community and house-wives with
structured questionnaire in the remote places of the district. The study investigated and listed 43 plants that are commonly
used for snakebite treatment. Among them, herbs are dominated followed by trees, climbers, shrubs and grass. There are
total 29 families, out of which 23 families were dicotyledons and 6 families belong to monocotyledons. This ethnobotanical
study mainly emphasized on the documentation of those plants which are used for snakebite treatment and found it important
for future use. The study may also influence other pharmacologists, ethno botanists and phytochemists for further extensive
studies on medicinal plants used by tribal people of different parts of West Bengal.
Key words: Ethnobotany, Knowledgeable informants.Medicinal plants,Snakebite, Traditional knowledge

Introduction
Prevalence of snakebites all over the world has affected humans India about around 60 species are considered to be venomous
since the beginning of civilization, especially in the locations (Mana et al., 2019, Chaudhuri et al., 2019). As because of the
with presence of highly venomous snakes. Snake bite has climate and a rich snake fauna in west Bengal, the most cases
been reported by WHO as one of the most mistreated diseases of envenoming are reported in the farmers, plantation workers
which led to causalities worldwide (World Health and herdsmen’s mainly from the rural or remote areas.
Organization, 2007). WHO has also reported that Extensiveness of myths and superstitions has led to promotions
approximately around 2,500,000 snakebites crop up annually of unscientific and unreasonable methods of snakebite handling
worldwide which in turn leads to 1,25,000 causalities, out of in rural areas with low availability of proper treatment.
the total number, 1,00,000 takes place in Asia itself and India Since the beginning of time immemorial being the
contributes to almost 50000 of this data (Chaudhuri et al., major sources of bioactive compounds, medicinal plants-based
2019). Out of the recorded 216 species of snakes residing in remedies have attracted the eyes of researchers and medicine
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Ipsita Banerjee et al., 2024 Medicinal plants used for snakebite treatment

practitioners worldwide because of their naturally healing Protease, Amino acid oxidase, Hyaluronidase, Cholineterase,
properties. It has been found that around 25% of the total Phosphodiesterases (Mitra and Mukherjee 2014, Upasani et al.
drugs prescribed come from different medicinal plants (Pullani 2017). The major physiological issues caused by snake venom
and Prabha 2020, Upasani et al. 2018). Ethnobotany considers are tissue injury at the site of snake bite (cytotoxicity), renal
as the systematic and scientific study of the traditional damage, renal failure, cardiotoxicity, flaccid paralysis
knowledge of rural and tribal people related to plants and (neurotoxicity), coagulopathy and hemorrhage (hemotoxicity).
their uses in medical purpose and religion (Upasani et al. Sometimes, it may also cause death (Upasani et al. 2017, Casewell
2018). There is a wide use of ethnobotanical science for et al. 2020).
understanding how indigenous knowledge can be used on Keeping the background in mind, the objective of
the utilization of natural resources (Shukla et al. 2022). Rural this ethnobotanical study is to document and provide
and tribal people of all over the country rely on different information regarding the medicinal plants used for treating
indigenous methods of treatment like Ayurveda, Unani and snakebites by the tribal communities in the Jhargram district
Siddha. The acceptance of plant-based remedies is increasing of West Bengal.
day by day. The traditional methods along with Ayurveda,
Unani and Siddha largely serve the rural and tribal people Materials and method
due to unavailability of modern treatment facilities in different Source of data
parts of India (Pullani and Prabha 2020, Bose et al. 2015). The data has been collected by preparing structured
Developing countries have a growing attempt of incorporating questionnaires and interviewing the knowledgeable informants
traditional medicines and herbal preparations for local health like tribal medical practitioners, elderly members of the tribal
care and treatments. India is famous for having a great community and house-wives. The questions were based on the
knowledge on medicinal plants. Various tribal groups in India, medicinal plants used for snakebite treatment and the part of
still depend on the medicinal plants for their primary health plants used for treatment. The information has been gathered
care (Bose et al. 2015, Mandal et al. 2020). Now-a-days many extensively from different parts of Jhargram district of West
researchers involve themselves in acquiring potential Bengal. Reported plants were identified on account of literature
ethnobotanical knowledge for the treatment of different and taxonomic workout (Shukla et al. 2022,Bose et al.
diseases (Bose et al. 2015). 2015,Mandal et al. 2020,Konar et al. 2022, Datta et al. 2014).
In India, different districts of West Bengal have a large
number of tribal habitats mainly due to the availability of Study area
appropriate environment (Ghosh et al. 2015). The districts include The selected area for conducting the present study is Jhargram
Purulia, Bankura, Jhargram, Alipurduar, Paschim Medinipur, district of West Bengal Fig. 1 (a and b). The district is renowned
Jalpaiguri, Jharkhand, Darjeeling and so on. Tribes living in these for its majestic wooded beauty along with Belpahari range.
districts majorly depend on the rich flora for their day to day This place becomes attractive for the royal palaces, ancient
purposes (Dolai et al. 2021). The main physiological issues treated temples and folk tunes. This district is located at 22.45° N and
by using the local medicinal plants are stomach problems, 86.98° E. The district has its head-quarters at Jhargram.
anaemia, common cough and cold, snake bite, insect sting, Currently the forests of this district are located under the
fractured bone, diarrhea, dysentery and so on (Mandal et al. sub-division of Paschim Medinipur district. It has eight
2020). The venom secreted from the glands of snakes is modified community development blocks which include Binpur-I,
saliva, and a combination of various enzymes and proteins. Binpur-II,Gopiballavpur-I, Gopiballavpur-II, Nayagram,
The major enzymes present in the snake venom are ATP-ase, Sankrail.
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Ipsita Banerjee et al., 2024 Medicinal plants used for snakebite treatment

tribal population of Jhargram region for the snakebite and

snake envenomation treatment. Among the recorded plants,
herbs (37.20%) are mainly used for the treatment along with
trees, climbers, shrubs and grass. Based on the bioactive
component present, different parts of plants like roots
(46.51%), seeds (13.95%), leaves (23.25%), latex (4.65%), bulb
(2.32%), bark (4.65%) stem (2.32%) and rhizome (2.32%)
are used.
1(a) 1(b)
Discussion
Fig. 1. 1(a): Map of West Bengal 1(b): Location of the study area (Jhargram
District).
The main focus of the present study is to create a
comprehensive picture of the ethnobotanical plants containing
Jhargram district has an average elevation of 81 metre (above anti snake venom activity frequently used by the tribal
mean sea level). The highest place is Kakrajhore, having an population of Jhargram district, West Bengal. Jhargram is a
altitude of 300 metre and Gopiballavpur with height of 65 storehouse of faunal and floral resources. The district is
metre being the lowest altitude. Temperatures of Jhargram inhabited by a number of tribal communities like Lodhas,
varies from maximum 46° C in summer and minimum 4° C Santals, Sabars, Bhumijs, Koras, Mahalis and so on (Sahoo
in winter. The climate is very humid and tropic with an average et al., 2023). Snakebite is one of the major problems of the
annual rainfall of 1400mm. The nature of soil is laterite, red, tribal population residing all over West Bengal. Snake venom
high in potassium and phosphorus, low in organic matter has neurotoxic, cytotoxic, hypotensive and anticoagulant effects
(Das and Das 2016, Sen and Bhakat 2020). which results in blister formation, oedema, tissue necrosis
and intense pain. Various research has found that
Result ethnobotanical plants actively take part in antivenom activities
The study also noted that these traditional medicines mainly by reducing haemorrhagic and necrotic activity (Kadir et al.,
work against the toxins of snakes like Red Sand Boa, Indian 2015).
Rat Snake, Saw Scaled Viper, Common Krait, Russell’s Viper, In the present study, a total of 43 medicinal plants
Common Vine Snake and Spectacled Cobra (Table 1). are found in the Jhargram region which are used for snakebite
The data collected from the knowledgeable remedies by the tribal people. Among the different plants
informants have been tabulated (Table 1and 2) and it has recorded, herbs are dominated followed by trees, climbers,
been found that 43 medicinal plants (Table 2) are used by the shrubs and grass. There are total 29 families, out of which 23
families were dicotyledons and 6 families belong to
Table 1. Common species of snakes found in Jhargram. monocotyledons. The study has been showed that different
Sl.No. Common Name Scientific Name parts of plants are used for the treatment of snakebites by
1 Russell's viper Daboia russelii the tribal people. In very few cases the whole plant is used
2 Common krait Bungarus caeruleus but in most of the cases roots, seeds, leaves, latex, bulb, stem
3 Spectacled cobra Naja naja
4 Saw Scaled viper Echis carinatus and rhizome used for treatment. A study conducted by Sarkhel
5 Indian Rat snake Ptyas mucosa in 2014 also showed that tribal population of different districts
6 Common vine snake Ahaetulla nasuta of West Bengal also depend on parts of ethnobotanical plants
7 Red sand boa Eryx johnii for preparing anti venom against snakebites. The commonly
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Ipsita Banerjee et al., 2024 Medicinal plants used for snakebite treatment

Table 2. Enumeration of different plant species.

S l . Local Name Fami ly Parts used Method to use Image
No.
1 . Apang, Chirchiti Amaranthaceae (Herb) RootsSeeds Root extractwith crushed
(Achyranthesaspera L) blackpepper is given orallyfor
snake bite.

2. Bach (Acorus calamus) Acoraceae (Herb) Rhizome Rhizomeextract withwarm

watergiven orallyfor snakebites.

3. Rosun (Allium sativumL.) Amarylidiaceae (Herb) Bulb Paste of bulbgiven orally.

4. Nim (Azadirachtaindica Meliaceae (Tree) Leaf Leaf paste/extract is usedas

A.Juss.) snakebiteantidote.

5. Ishermul, Iswarmul, Aristolochiacea Root Juice extractedfrom roots isused

Bhedijanetet (Santali) (TwiningHerb/climber) orallyfor snakebites.
(Aristolochiaindica Linn)

6. Patharkuchi Crassulaceae (Herb) Leaves Juice extractedfrom leaf isused

(Bryophyllumpinnatum forsnakebites.
(Lam.) Kurz)

7. Akanada (Calotropis procera Asclepiadaceae (Shrub) LatexRootsLeaves Root bark paste is usedorally
R.Br) andlatex isapplied ontothe
affectedarea.

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Ipsita Banerjee et al., 2024 Medicinal plants used for snakebite treatment

8. Kansira Commelinaceae (Herb) Leaf Leaves pasteis used forinsect

(Commelinabenghalensis L.) andsnake bites.

9. Dhutra (Datura metel L.) Solanaceae (Shrub) Root Garlic pastetaken withDhutra
rootare used insnakebite.

1 0 . Amla (Emblicaofficinalis Euphorbiaceae (Tree) Root Root extractWith blackpepper is

Linn) used in snake bites.

1 1 . Manasa (Euphorbianeriifolia Euphorbiaceae (Shrub) Latex Latex is applied locally on

L) affectedarea due to snakebite.

1 2 . Gamar (Gmelina arborea Verbenaceae (Tree) RootBark Decoctionof the root andbark is
Roxb.) usedas oral liquid insnakebite.

1 3 . Gudmar (Gymnemasylvestre Asclepiadaceae (Climber) Root The root is famous for itsaction
(Retz) R.Br.ex Schult) againstreputed as aremedy
forsnakebite.

1 4 . Anantmula Apocynaceae (Herb) Roots Roots ofAnantmulaalong

(Hemidesmusindicus L. withAlliumsativum(1:1) boiled
R.Br.) and given as decoction and
paste is applied on the site of
the snakebite.

1 5 . Kurchi tree Apocynaceae(Tree) Seed Seed paste is applied externally

(Holarrhenaantidysenterica on the site of the bite.
(L.) Wall)

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Ipsita Banerjee et al., 2024 Medicinal plants used for snakebite treatment

1 6 . Swetadrona (LeucasAspera Lamiaceae (Herb) Leaves The crushed leaves areapplied

(willd) Link.) locally on thesnake bites.

1 7 . Sajna (Moringa oleifera Moringaceae(Tree) Root Root paste areused orally

Lam) forsnakebite.

1 8 . Alkushi shrub (Mucuna Fabaceae (Climber) Seed Seeds paste used orally forsnake
pruriens (L.) Dc.) venoms.

1 9 . Ghikalla (Momordica dioica Cucurbitaceae (Climber) Root The root paste frommale plant
Roxb) isapplied externally on
snakebites.

2 0 . Shiuli (Nyctanthes arbor- Oleaceae (Tree) Leaves Juice of leaves is used as

tristis L) antidote to snakevenoms.

2 1 . Sarpagandha( Rauvolfia Apocynaceae (Shrub) Root Root decoction isused orally

serpentine Benth.ex Kurz) forSnakebite.

2 2 . Tentul (Tamarindus indica Caesalpineaceae (Tree) Seed Seed extract isused orally for
L.) snakebite.

2 3 . Gulan-cha (Tinospora Minispermaceae (Climber) Root Paste of root is applied on the

cordifolia (Willd)) snake bite.

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Ipsita Banerjee et al., 2024 Medicinal plants used for snakebite treatment

2 4 . Nishinda (Vitex negundo Verbenaceae (Tree) Root Root extract isgiven orally
Linn.) alongwith warmwater.

2 5 . Ashwagandha Solanaceae (Herb) Root Root powder with warm water is

(Withaniasomnifera) usedfor snakebites.

2 6 . Kalmegh (Andrographis Acanthaceae(Herb) LeafRoot Dried leaf decoctions orally and

paniculata) root paste applied externally for
snakebites.

2 7 . Bishalaya Karani (Justicia Acanthaceae (Shrub) Leaf Leaves extract is given as an

gendarussa Burm. f.) antidote to snake venom.

2 8 . Githa (Thunbergia Acanthaceae (Climber) Whole plant Whole plant especially root and
grandiflora Roxb) rhizome paste is used for
snakebite.

2 9 . Chanchi (Alternanthera Amaranthaceae (Herb) Whole plant Paste of whole plant is given as
sessilis (L.) R. Br. ex an antidote to snake bite.
DC. LC)

3 0 . Baunati (Amaranthus Amaranthaceae (Herb) Whole plant Paste of whole plant along with
viridisL.) residue got after washing
unboiled rice is used against
snake venom.

3 1 . Nati (Ichnocarpus Apocynaceae (Herb) Root Aqueous extract of squeezed and

frutescens (L.) W.T. Aiton) crushed root is used.

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Ipsita Banerjee et al., 2024 Medicinal plants used for snakebite treatment

3 2 . Sinduri (Bixa Bixaceae (Tree) Root Paste of root is used applied on

orellana L. LC) snake bite as antidote.

3 3 . Luban Boswellia Burseraceae (Tree) Seed Powdered seed is used on

serrata Roxb. ex Colebr. affected area to stop bleeding
caused by snakebite.

3 4 . Hurhure (Capparis Capparaceae (Shrub) FruitSeed Dried and powdered fruit and
zeylanica L.) seed with warm water is used
against snake venom.

3 5 . Gothubi Cyperaceae (Herb) Whole plant Aqueous extract of whole plant

(Kyllingabrevifolia Rottb. LC) is used for snakebite.

3 6 . Mukta jhuri (Acalypha Euphorbiaceae (Herb) Whole plant Paste of whole plant is given for
indica L.) an antidote of snake bite.

3 7 . Gueebabla (Acacia Fabaceae (Tree) Root Root extract is given against

farnesiana (L.) Willd.) antidote to snake venom.

3 8 . Bishoop (Acacia Fabaceae (Tree) Stem Stemdecoction is used orally for

pennata (L.) Willd. LC) snake bite

3 9 . Sirish (Albizia Fabaceae (Tree) Root Fresh root paste used for snake
procera (Roxb.) Benth. LC) bite externally.

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Ipsita Banerjee et al., 2024 Medicinal plants used for snakebite treatment

4 0 . Brahmi (Bacopa Plantaginaceae (Herb) Whole plant Whole plant is dried and given
monnieri (L.) Wettst. LC) with warm milk.

4 1 . Kumeria Poaceae (Grass) Root Root paste is used orally in

(Heteropogoncontortus (L.) snakebite.
P. Beauv. ex Roem. &
Schult.)

4 2 . Kamini Rutaceae (Tree) Bark Paste of bark applied externally

(Murrayapaniculata (L.) on the snake bite.
Jack)

4 3 . Lataphatkari Sapindaceae (Herb) Leaf Leaf extract used both as

(Cardiospermum decoction as well as applied on
halicacabum L. LC) snake bite.

found snakes against which these plants are used as antitoxins other pharmacologists, ethno botanists and phytochemists for
are Indian rat snake, Common vine snake, Red sand boa, further extensive studies on medicinal plants present in
common Krait, Russell’s viper, Spectacled cobra and so on. Jhargram district of West Bengal.
The present investigation has also found that all the plants
recorded are available and grow abundantly in the Jhargram Acknowledgement
area and generously used as therapeutics. The authors are thankful to the Sub Divisional Officer,
It has been found that the knowledge of Jhargram for the administrative support. The forest officials
ethnomedicinal treatment transmitted from one generation and the local people those helped during the field work are
to another orally. However, the study observed that most of remembered here with thanks.
the traditional plants are eroding fast and the present
generation are not willing to carry on the tradition. References
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