Native Phytotherapy for Filariasis from Odisha, India
Mokhtar Alam, Javed I. Siddiqi, S. A. H. Zaidi, S. Singh, Aminuddin, R. D. Girach and M. H. Khan
Hippocratic Journal of Unani Medicine
Mokhtar Alam, Javed I. Siddiqi, S. A. H. Zaidi, S. Singh, Aminuddin, R. D. Girach and M. H. Khan
सार
Filariasis is one of the common health problems in coastal belt of India. The disease is prevalent largely in Balasore, Bhadrak, Puri and Ganjam districts of Odisha lying on the eastern coast. Thus far, there is no satisfactory cure of the disease in modern system of medicine. Diethyl Carbamazine (DEC) is however the only drug of choice. But its side effects and relapse etc eludes complete cure of the disease. The search is, therefore, on at various levels for suitable anti-filarial herbal drugs which may be cost effective, easily available and free from side effects. In an attempt to search antifilarial drugs from herbal resources, survey of different districts of Odisha was undertaken during last 20 years. The outcome of plants used in the treatment of filariasis by the natives of Odisha is presented in this communication with details of uses. The data presented are supported by chemical and / or pharmacological reports wherever available and may provide clue for further research on some of these folk herbal remedies and discover new antifilarial drugs of natural origin.