The scientific community at the University of Kerala has made significant strides in revealing the genetic blueprint of a unique medicinal plant native to the Agasthya hills, Arogyapacha (Trichopus Zeylanicus). Popularly referred to as the ‘miracle plant’, this special species is notable due to its extensive usage by the indigenous Kani tribe as a remedy for fatigue.
Beyond local use, research on Arogyapacha has also revealed an impressive array of pharmacological properties. These include antioxidant, aphrodisiac, anti-microbial, anti-inflammatory, immunomodulatory, anti-tumour, anti-ulcer, anti-hyperlipidemic, hepatoprotective, and anti-diabetic characteristics. Given these attributes, the recent project aimed at understanding the molecular secrets of Arogyapacha will no doubt present new avenues for exploring its secondary metabolism, genetic breeding, and comparative studies.
The Kani Tribe: Ancient Custodians of Medicinal Wisdom
The Kani tribe, native to the tropical forests of the Agasthyamalai hills along the Western Ghats mountain range in Kerala, have long held a cherished tradition of employing wild plants for their medicinal values. With a population of nearly 25,000 strong, this nomadic tribe’s health care practices are deeply intertwined with the local flora. Key to the preservation and dissemination of this knowledge are the tribe’s traditional physicians, known as Plathi who alone hold the right to transfer and share their traditional medicinal knowledge according to tribal customs.
Significance of Agasthya Hills
Agasthya Hill, standing tall at 1,868-metres (6,129 ft), is a key feature within the Neyyar Wildlife Sanctuary in the Western Ghats of Kerala. The hill, which lies on the border of Kerala and Tamil Nadu, serves as part of the Agasthyamala Biosphere Reserve. It’s named after the Hindu sage Agastya, a key figure in Hindu Puranas, and is considered sacred among devotees.
The region is also significant for various ecological reasons. Notably, it’s the source of the perennial Thamirabarani River that flows into Tamil Nadu’s Tirunelveli district. Additionally, Agastya is considered the father of the Tamil language and is believed to have compiled the first Tamil grammar, Agattiyam. Interestingly, the Malayalam language is also considered to be born from Agasthya.
Agasthyamala: A UNESCO Biosphere Reserve
The Agasthyamala Biosphere Reserve holds a prestigious ranking among 20 new sites added by UNESCO to its World Network of Biosphere Reserves in March 2016.
Key Facts About Arogyapacha & Kani Tribe
| Fact | Description |
|---|---|
| Potential Pharmacological Properties of Arogyapacha | Antioxidant, aphrodisiac, anti-microbial, anti-inflammatory, immunomodulatory, anti-tumour, anti-ulcer, anti-hyperlipidemic, hepatoprotective, and anti-diabetic. |
| Traditional Uses of Arogyapacha | Used by the Kani tribe to combat fatigue. |
| Population of Kani Tribe | Approximately 25,000 individuals. |
| Location of Kani Tribe | Native to the tropical forests of the Agasthyamalai hills in Kerala. |
Future of Arogyapacha Research
With the genetic make-up of Arogyapacha now decoded, research can progress into its secondary metabolism, genetic breeding and comparative studies. Such investigations will prove undoubtedly beneficial for our understanding of traditional medicine and the role of plant biology in contributing to human health.