MEDICINAL PLANTS OF SIKKIM

 

 

Basic Information

 

                 

Species                                   : Polygala arillata D.Don

Local Name                             : Marcha, Luiche phul (Nep), Mirchepur kung (Lep)

Synonym                                :

Family                                     : Polygalaceae

Habitat                                   : A large shrub.

Distribution                            : This plant commonly occurs in the temperate and tropical region.

Sikkim                                     : Chungthang to Lachen, Takchi, Luing busty, Gangtok (Raj bhawan, Chandmari to Tashiling), Sakyong-

                                                Pentong, Namchi to Damthang, Parbing, Lingthern upper Dzongu.

Outside                                   : West Bengal (Sukhia Pokhri, Rimbik, Bagdogra, Downhill (1800-2600 m)Darjeeling, Assam, Meghalaya,

                                                 Nilgiri hills, China, Myanmar, Malaysia, and Eastern Nepal-Bhutan.

General                                  : Himalaya (East-Nepal- Bhutan), Meghalaya, Nilgiris, Myanmar, China, Malaysia.

Morphological information\

Erect shrub 2 m, pubescent. Leaves elliptic or oblong-lanceolate, caudate-acuminate; flowers bright yellow, in drooping racemes; capsules fleshy, sub-orbicular, rugose when dry.

Flowering                                 : May-August

Fruiting                                     : August-November

History                                     :

Parts                                        : Root.

Status                                      : Vulnerable

 

Traditional

Traditional: The bongthing used it as one of the component for treating the tuberculosis. The roots are used as a purgative and febrifuge and also for headache. Note: The roots are used in the fermentation of Beer (Cowan & Cowan 1929). The roots are used locally in preparation of the "Marcha" (a chemical used in the preparation of the local alcoholic drinks called Jaanr).

 


Reference

1. Anonymous (1969). The Wealth of India (Vol. VIII). Council of Scientific and Industrial Research, New Delhi. 190.

2. Progress Report of the Project "Studies on Medicinal Plants of Sikkim" (1998-2001). State Council of Science and Technology for Sikkim.