Cultivation prospects of tuberous medicinal plants
Gracy Mathew, P.P Joy., Baby P. Skaria and Samuel Mathew
Aromatic and Medicinal Plants Research Station, Odakkali
(Kerala Agricultural University),
Asamannoor Post- 683 549, Ernakulam District, Kerala
E-mail: amprs@satyam.net.in
ABSTRACT
The important medicinal tubers are Holostemma ada-kodien (Atapathiyan), Withania
somnifera (Amukkuram), Plumbago indica (Chettikkoduveli), Hemidesmus indicus
(Naruninti), Dioscorea spp (Medicinal yams), Asparagus racemosus (Satavari), Curculigo
orchioides (Nilappana), Ipomoea mauritiana (Palmuthukku), Chlorophytum borivilianum
(Safed musli), Cyperus rotundus (Muthanga) etc. H. ada-kodien is a twining shrub with
large flowers, the roots of which are useful in ophthalmopathy, orchitis, cough, burning
sensation etc. W. somnifera is an erect branching perennial under shrub which is
considered to be one of the best rejuvenating agents in Ayurveda. P. indica in general is an
esteemed remedy for leucoderma and other skin diseases. H. indicus (Naruninti) is a
creeping slender plant, the root tubers of which are useful in burning sensation,
leucoderma, leprosy, skin diseases, pruritus, asthma, bronchitis, hyperdipsia, fever and
general debility. Dioscorea sp. are plant sources of steroidal sapogenins. There are about
15 species of this genus containing diosgenin. Among these, D. floribunda, D. composita
and D. deltoidea are grown for diosgenin production.
A. racemosus (Satavari) is a
climbing undershrub with widespread applications as diuretic, cooling agent and an
excellent safe herbal medicine for ante-natal care. C. orchioides (Nilappana) is a small,
geophilous herb, the tuberous rootstock of which is used as a rejuvenating and aphrodisiac
drug. C. borivilianum (Safed musli) is an important herbal medicine used in Ayurveda and
Unani systems. The tubers are widely used as natural sex tonic (herbal Viagra) and in
ayurvedic preparations as nutritive tonic. C. rotundus (Muthanga) is a perennial herb
bearing hard, black, fragrant tubers useful in hyperdipsia, flatulence, vomiting, intestinal
worms, dysentery etc. All the above species were being collected from the wild, but the
dwindling forest resources and their consequent unavailability is demanding domestication
of these species. The agro techniques for cultivation of the above species are being
developed.
Introduction
Human beings have been dependent on plants for their health care needs since the
beginning of civilization. Of the 2,50,000 higher plant species on earth, more than 80,000
are medicinal in nature. About 5000 species are extensively used in traditional systems of
medicine and are studied in some detail. India has one of the richest ethno botanical
traditions in the world with more than 7000 species of plants found in different agroecosystems and used by various indigenous systems of medicine and industries. The
plant parts utilized in medicines can be root, wood, bark, whole plant, fruit/seed, flower or
leaf. The annual consumption pattern shows that around 50% of the plants are used for
extraction of below ground portion which include roots, root tubers, rhizomes, corms
etc. The important medicinal tubers that are of high demand are Holostemma ada-kodien
(Atapathiyan), Withania somnifera (Amukkuram), Plumbago indica (Chettikkoduveli),
Hemidesmus indicus (Naruninti), Dioscorea spp (Medicinal yams), Asparagus racemosus
(Satavari), Curculigo orchioides (Nilappana), Ipomoea mauritiana (Palmuthukku),
Chlorophytum borivilianum (Safed musli), Cyperus rotundus (Muthanga)
1. Holostemma ada-kodien (Holostemma)
Family: Asclepiadaceae
San: Jivanti;
Hin: Chirvel, Charivel;
Mal: Atapathiyan, Atapotiyan,
Atakotiyan;
Holostemma is a twining shrub with large flowers. The roots of Holostemma are useful in
ophthalmopathy, orchitis, cough, burning sensation, stomachalgia, constipation, fever and
tridoshas. The leaves, flowers and fruits are eaten as vegetable. The root is also used in
spermatorrhoea. It is used in preparations of Vidaryadiganam, Dhanwandharam thaila,
Manasamithravatakam, Balarishta and Anuthaila. It is also useful in eye diseases and it
imparts resistance to diseases.
The tubers contain a- amyrin, lupeol and bsitostrol.
Alanine, aspartic acid, glycine, serine, threonine and valine also were detected. A mature
root is about 1-2 cm thick when extracted for use.
Holostemma prefers a tropical climate. The plant is propagated vegetatively by stem
cuttings, but mainly by seeds. Seedlings are transplanted at 1-1.2m distance. To aid in
trailing, staking is given one month after planting. Harvesting is done at the end of second
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year by digging up the tubers when the vines start drying up. The tubers are cut into pieces
of 10cm length and dried in sun before sale.
2. Withania somnifera (Indian Ginseng or winter cherry)
Family: Solanceae
San: Aswagandha, Varahakarni Hin: Asgandh, Mal: Amukkuram
Indian ginseng is an erect shrub, 30-75cm branching perennial undershrub which is
considered to be one of the best rejuvenating agents in Ayurveda. The local name asgandh
seems to be derived from the Sanskrit name ashwagandha which means smelling like a
horse. Ashwagandha roots are compared with ginseng roots for their restorative properties
and hence popularly known as Indian ginseng.
It comes up well in subtropical and
semitemperate regions. Ashwagandha roots have great demand internally as well as in
international market. Owing to the increasing demand there is a need to popularize its
cultivation in India.
Alkaloides and withanolides (steroidal lactones) are the major groups of the secondary
metabolites of medicinal interest isolated and characterized from W. somnifera. The
pharmacological activity of the plant is attributed to the presence of several alkaloids and
withaniols. Ashwagandha has got a wide range of applications in the treatment of various
physiological disorders. The root has the shape of human body which symbolizes that it is
effective for overall healthcare of human body. It is used as a folk remedy for a number of
diseases like asthma, hiccup, several female disorders, bronchitis, rheumatism, dropsy,
stomach and lung inflammations and skin diseases. In Ayurveda it is mainly indicated for
the treatment of malnutrition, defects of semen, nervine diseases, mental diseases, epilepsy.
It is found wild in the forests of Mandhya Pradesh, the foot hills of Punjab, Himachal
Pradesh, Uttar Pradesh and western Himalayas in India. It is also found wild in the
Mediterranean region in North America. In India it is cultivated in Madhya Pradesh,
Rajastan and other drier parts of the country. CIMAP has developed a variety named
Rakshita. This variety yields about 8-10 quintals/ha dry roots with alkaloid content of the
roots at about 0.5%. Another variety named ‘Poshita” has also been developed by CIMAP.
A variety named Jawahar Asgand 20 has been developed at Mandasaur.
Regional
Research laboratory, Jammu has released a variety named WSR.
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Aswagandha is usually grown in marginal lands which are not well covered by irrigation
facilities. Withania is propagated through seeds. A seed rate of 10-12 kg/ha is sufficient for
broadcasting method. The crop can also be raised by transplanting. Aswagandha is a crop
of 150-170 days duration. The crop is planted in August – September and harvested from
January to March. The entire plant is uprooted for roots whicha are separated from the
aerial parts by cutting the stem 1-2 cm above the crown. The roots are then either cut
transversely into 7-10 cm sized pieces or dried as a whole. The yield is 400-500kg of dry
roots and 50-75kg seeds per hectare.
3.Plumbago spp. (Leadwort)
Family: Plumbaginaceae
Three species, namely P. rosea, P. zeylanica and P. auriculata have been identified.
Among these P. rosea and P. zeylanica are important ones. Plumbago, in general is an
esteemed remedy for leucoderma and other skin diseases. The synonyms of fire like agnih,
vahnih, etc. are attributed to this drug to indicate the very burning action of the root,
causing blisters on the skin (daranah). The drug is used only after adequate curing and
purification. Root is the officinal part and it enters into the composition of preparations like
Citrakasavam, Dasamularista, Gulgulutiktaka kasaya, Yogarajachurna, etc.
The plant is grown in tropical to subtropical ecosystems. They come up well in almost all
types of deep and well drained soils. The plant is propagated vegetatively by stem cuttings.
Cuttings of 15 cm long with three to four nodes are planted at a spacing of 10x10 cm
during monsoon period in well manured seed beds. Shade may be provided during the
initial 2-3 months till the cuttings get established. Regular weeding and irrigation are to be
carried out. At the end of second year tubers are collected. Care should be taken to wear
gloves, else the chemical plumbagin present in the roots will cause burning sensation. The
collected tubers are washed, tied into bundles and marketed. Plumbago yields about 7-10t
tubers/ha with good management.
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4. Hemidesmus indicus (Indian Sarasaparilla)
Family: Asclepiadaceae
San: Anantamulah, Sariba;
Hin: Anantamul, Magrabu;
Mal: Nannari, Naruninti,
Narunanti;
Indian Sarasaparilla or Country Sarasaparilla is a climbing slender plant with twining
woody stems and a rust-coloured bark. The roots are useful in vitiated conditions of pitta,
burning sensation, leucoderma, leprosy, skin diseases, pruritus, asthma, bronchitis,
hyperdipsia, opthalmopathy, hemicrania, epileptic fits, dyspepsia, helminthiasis,
diarrhoea, dysentery, haemorrhoids, strangury, leucorrhoea, syphilis, abcess, arthralgia,
fever and general debility. In the form of syrup, it has demulcent and diuretic proportions.
The hot infusion of the root-bark with milk and sugar is a good alterative tonic especially
for children in cases of chronic cough and diarrhoea. It has been successfully used in the
cure of venereal diseases where American Sarasaparilla (Aralia nudicaulis Linn.) has
failed.
It is a perennial, slender, laticiferous, twining or prostrate, wiry shrub with woody
rootstock and numerous slender, terete stems having thickened nodes. Two types are
reported viz. krsna or black variety and sveta or white variety. Hemidesmus is propagated
through root cuttings. The root cuttings of 3-5 cm can be planted in polybags or in the
field. They can be planted in flat beds or on ridges at a spacing of 50x20cm. Heavy
application of organic manure is essential for good growth and root yield. Frequent
weeding and earthing up are required, as the plant is only slow growing. Provision of
standards for twining will further improve the growth and yield of the plant. The roots
contain b-sitosterol, 2-hydroxy-4-methoxy benzaldehyde, a-amyrin, b-amyrin and its
acetate, hexatriacontane, lupeol octacosonate, lupeol and its acetate.
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5. Dioscorea spp (Medicinal yams)
Family: Dioscoreaceae
San: Alukam; Hin: Chupri alu; Mal: Kachil, Kavattu
The growing need for steroidal drugs and the high cost of obtaining them from animal
sources led to a widespread search for plant sources of steroidal sapogenins. Diosgenin is
the most important sapogenin used as a starting material for synthesis of a number of
steroidal drugs. Various steroidal drugs derived from diosgenin by artificial synthesis
include corticosteroids, sex hormones, anabolic steroids and oral contraceptives.
Corticosteroids are the most important group of steroidal drugs synthesized from
diosgenin.
All the species under Dioscorea are dioceous and rhizomatous. Some of the species like
D. alata and D. esculenta have been under cultivation for a long time for their edible
tubers. There are about 15 species of this genus containing diosgenin. Among these, D.
floribunda and D. composita are widely grown for diosgenin production. D. deltoidea is
another species growing wild in North Western Himalayas. The regeneration of its tubers
is very slow and hence cultivation on commercial scale is not attractive. In D. floribunda
three varieties have been released. FBC -1 and Arka Upkar from IIHR, Bangalore and
Pusa-1 fro IARI, New Delhi. D. composite is propagated from seeds as the rotting of
tubers is pronounced.
Dioscorea species prefer a tropical climate without extremity in temperature. It is adapted
to moderate to heavy rainfall area. They can be grown in a variety of soils, but light soil is
good, as harvesting of tubers is easier in such soils. The best time of planting is the end of
April so that new sprouts will grow vigorously during the rainy season commencing in
June in India. Land is to be prepared to fine tilth and the tubers are planted at in furrows at
distance of 60x30-45 cm. The new sprouts are to be staked immediately. Dioscorea
requires high organic matter for good tuber formation. The tubers grow to about 25-30 cm
depth. The best season for harvesting is Feb-March, coinciding with the dry period. On an
average 50-60t/ha of fresh tubers can be obtained in 2 years duration. Diosgenin content
tends to increase with age, 2.5% in first year and 3-3.5% in the second year. Hence, 2 year
crop is economical.
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6. Asparagus racemosus (Asparagus)
Family: Liliaceae
San, Mar, Hin, Mal: Satavari
Asparagus is a climbing undershrub with woody stems and recurved or rarely straight
spines. The tubers have widespread applications as diuretic, cooling agent and an excellent
safe herbal medicine for ante-natal care. It is useful in nervous disorders, dyspepsia,
diarrhoea, tumours, inflammations, vitiated conditions of vata and pitta, burning sensation,
hyperdipsia, ophthalmopathy, nephropathy, hepatopathy, strangury, scalding of urine,
throat infections, tuberculosis, cough, bronchitis, gleet, gonorrhoea, leucorrhoea, leprosy,
epilepsy, fatigue, hyperacidity, colic haemorrhoids, hypertension, abortion, agalactia,
cardiac and general debility. It is the main ingredient in ayurvedic medicines like
shatavari gulam and shatavari ghrtam. It contains an anticancer agent asparagin which is
useful against leukaemia. It also contains active antioxytocic saponins which have got
antispasmodic effect and specific action on uterine musculature. It is very good relaxant to
uterine muscles, especially during pregnancy and is used to prevent abortion and pre-term
labour on the place of progesterone preparations. Its powder boiled with milk is generally
used to prevent abortion.
It increases milk production in cows and buffaloes.
Its
preparations in milk helps in increasing breast milk in lactating women. Its proper use
helps in avoiding excessive blood loss during periods.
It clears out infections and
abnormalities of uterine cavity and hence it is used to rectify infertility in women. The
leaves are used to prepare toilet soaps. The plant has also ornamental value both for indoor
and out door decorations
The plant comes up well under a wide range of tropical and subtropical climate.
Asparagus plant is best grown from its tuberous roots even though it can be successfully
propagated through seeds. Since root tubers are of commercial value seed propagation
provides economic advantage to the farmers. Seeds usually start germinating after 40 days
and average germination is 70%. For the cultivation of the crop, the land is ploughed well
with pre-monsoon showers and seed nurseries are raised on seed beds. With the onset of
monsoon in June-July the mian field is ploughed and planting is done in pits at a spacing of
60-100 cm. Standards are to be provided for training the plant. Harvesting the crop after
two years provided higher root yield than annual harvests. The average yield is 10 - 15
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t/ha of fresh root tubers though yields over 60t/ha have been reported. Asparagus roots
contain protein 22%, fat 6.2%, Carbohydrate 3.2%, Vitamin B 0.36%, Vitamin C 0.04%
and traces of Vitamin A.
It contains several alkaloids.
Alcoholic extract
yields
asparagin- an anticancer agent.
7. Curculigo orchioides (Black musale)
Family: Amaryllidaceae
San: Musali; Hin: Kalimusali, Mushali; Mal: Nilappana
Musali is a small, geophilous herb, the tuberous rootstock of which is used as a
rejuvenating and aphrodisiac drug. Rootstock is the officinal part and it enters into the
Ayurvedic formulations like Vidaryadighrta, Vidaryadi lehya, Marmagulika, Musalyadi
churna etc. The root stock are mucilaginous, sweet, cooling, bitter, emollient, diuretic,
aphrodisiac, depurative, alternative, appetiser, carminative, viriligenic, antipyretic and
tonic. The uterine stimulant activity of the flavone glycoside extracted from C. orchioides
has been studied. The plant extract of C. orchioides showed hypoglycaemic, spasmolytic
and anticancer properties. Glucose, mannose, xylose and glucuronic acid have been
identified from the rootstock of C. orchioides. The rootstock is also reported to contain
glycoside, polysaccharides (hemicellulose and other polysaccharides), starch, resin,
tannin, mucilage, fat and calcium oxalate.
The plant is found in all districts of India from near sea level to 2300m altitude, especially
in rock crevices and laterite soil. It has been recorded to occur in the sub tropical
Himalayas from Kumaon eastwards ascending to 1800m, the Khasia hills, Bengal,
Asssam, Konkan, Kanara, the western peninsula and Madras extending south as far as a
Cape Comerin. It is also distributed in Sri Lanka, Japan, Malaysia and Australia.
Rootstock is straight, cylindrical, tuberous, 5-22cm long, 0.5-0.8 cm thick, brownish
surfaces marked with closely spaced prominent transverse wrinkles in the upper or basal
half. It bears a few stout lateral roots of 5 or more cm long. Lateral roots are dull white in
colour and spongy externally. The fresh cut surfaces of the rootstock has a starch white
colour and mucilaginous.
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The demand of the raw materials and derivatives of the plant for the indigenous drug
industries are satisfied mainly from the wild source, depleting the natural population and
thus the species have become extinct or endangered. The plant is propagated through
tubers with crown. New propagules also emerge from leaf tips. Raised beds of convenient
length and 1m wide are taken. FYM @ 20t/ha is incorporated into the soil. The tubers are
planted at a spacing of 20x20cm. The soil is mulched immediately after planting. The crop
prefers shade and grows best as intercrop. Soil should be sufficiently moist to get
maximum tuber development. Two – three weeding is essential to control weed
competition. The plant is harvest as annual after 8 months as annual or can be harvested
after two years as biennial. 1-1.5 t/ha tuber is obtained per hectare.
8. Ipomoea mauritiana (Giant potato)
Family: Convolvulaceae
San: Ksiragvidari; Mal: Palmuthukku, Muthalakkizhangu
A perennial climber with large tuberous roots and glabrous tough stems and branches;
leaves palmately 5-7 lobed.
The roots are cooling, aphrodisiac, galactogogue,
rejuvenating, diuretic, stomachic, expectorant and tonic.
They are useful in vitiated
conditions of pitta and vata, emaciation in children, skin diseases, dyspepsia, flatulence,
bronchitis, fever, burning sensation, nausea, vomiting and general debility. The tuber is a
home remedy for indigestion, diarrhoea and other intestinal problems of children.
Rhizomes contain taraxerol acetate and B- sitosterol.
The plant can be propagated by stem cuttings. It should be planted at a spacing of 60 cm.
The vines are to be trailed on a support. The tubers will come to harvest in 11/2 to 2
years.
9. Chlorophytum borivilianum (White musli)
Family: Liliaceae
Hin: Safed Musali; Mal: Vella musali
Chlorophytum borivilianum is an important herbal medicine used in Ayurveda and Unani
systems. The roots are widely used as natural sex tonic (herbal Viagra) through more than
100 herbal drug formulations.
There are mostly 2 species of Chlorophytum viz C.
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borivilianum and C. arundinaceum.
But C. borivilianum is superior in quality and is
mostly cultivated. The tuberous roots (fingers) are used in Ayurvedic preparations as
nutritive tonic. The plant is an annual herb with sub-erect lanceolate leaves. The roots of
the plant contain carbohydrates (42), protein (9%), fibre (34%), saponins (1-2%) and
alkaloids (2-5%). The saponins and alkaloids (25 Nos.) present in the plant are the primary
source of its medicinal properties. Small amounts of vitamins, minerals, steroids and
polysaccharides are also present in the roots. It is mostly used as health tonic and in the
diet of milking mothers in the form of `laddoos’. It is also used as chips/flakes as a
nutritious breakfast. It is a major ingredient in ‘Chyavanaprasha’ which is used in the
treatment of generally debility. It is also used as a curative for natal and post- natal
problems, aphrodisiac and vitalizer, effective alternative to viagra, immunity improving
drug, remedy for diabetes and remedy for arthritis.
The plant grows well in well drained sandy loam soils with high organic content. The
smaller sized fingers with the crown intact are used as the planting material. The flowering
of the plant starts from the third month, which should be removed. By October- November
the leaves dry up and shed. The crop should not be harvested at this time. On maturity
fingers attain brownish to black in colour. At harvest care should be taken to avoid damage
to the fingers. Harvesting is usually done by December-January. Bigger fingers are of
commercial value and smaller ones used as planting material. The fingers are well cleaned
in water and the outer skin is removed by scraping with glass pieces. On drying the weight
is reduced to 20%. Normally 4-6 times (2000 to 3000 kg/acre) of tubers are obtained.
10. Cyperus rotundus (Muthanga)
Family: Cyperaceae
Eng: Nutgrass, Musta; Hindi:Nagarmotha; Sanskrit: Varida
This is a perennial herb, 10-75 cm height, stolons 10-20 cm long, bearing hard, black,
fragrant tubers. It is found throughout India upto an elevation of 1800 m. The chemical
constituents in the tubers include B-sitosterol, cineol, alcohol-isocyperol etc. The tubers
are useful in hyperdipsia, flatulence, vomiting intestinal worms, diarrhoea, dysentery,
intermittent and malarial fevers, skin diseases, ophthalmic disorders and general debility.
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Mustakadi kvatha, Mustakarishta, Mustadi churna and Mustadi leha are some of the
common preparations.
It is a perennial weed thriving in all kinds of soils under varying climatic conditions. It is
widely seen in forests as well as in cultivated fields. Regeneration is mainly through
underground rhizomes. Green house observations has shown that a new tuber is formed in
about 3 weks after an isolated tuber is planted and 146 tubers and basal bulbs are produced
from a single tuber in 3.5 months.
Conclusion
The medicinal tubers are a vital group of medicinal plants. Since the below ground portion
becomes the officinal part, indiscriminate collection has led to the exhaustion of their
natural resources. The cultivation technology for the plants have been developed and
concerted efforts are to be made for domestication of these species in order to ensure
availability of genuine material.
References
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Prokash, 206, Bidhan Sarani, Calcutta-700 006, India. 771 p.
Farooqi, A.A. and Sreeramu, B.S. 2001. Cultivation of Medicinal and Aromatic Crops.
University Press (India) Limited, Hyderabad.
Sharma. P.C., Yelne, M.B. and Dennis, T.J. (Ed.). 2001. Database on medicinal plants
used in Ayurveda. Vol.3. Central Council for Research in Ayurveda and Siddha,
New Delhi
Thomas, J., Joy, P. P., Mathew, S., Skaria, B. P., Duethi, P. P. and Joseph, T. S. 2000.
Agronomic Practices for Aromatic and Medicinal Plants. Kerala Agricultural
University (Aromatic and Medicinal Plants Research Station, Odakkali,
Asamannoor PO) and Directorate of Arecanut & Spices Development (Min. of
Agri., Govt. of India), Calicut, Kerala, India. 124p.
Warrier, P.K., Nambiar, V.P.K., Ramankutty, C. (Ed). 1995. Indian Medicinal Plants-a
compendium of 500 species. Orient Longman, Madras
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