Ekanayakam ( Salacia reticulata Wight): A prime medicinal plant of coastal Karnataka under erosion

Abstract

A large growing woody climber, much dichotomously branched, bark pale yellow, young parts glabrous which is one time most available medicinal plants of coastal Karnataka is under erosion due to destructive harvesting from it’s existence. Root bark, stem bark are of major medicinal importance in Salacia reticulata (family: Hippocrateaceae) though fruits, leaves and shoots also having medicinal values. Roots are acrid and bitter having thermogenic, antidiabetic, antidermatic, anti-inflammatory, astigent, liver tonic and stomachic properties. Used for its number of medicinal properties such as splenalgia, gastropathy, seminar weakness, constipation, asthma, bronchitis, cough, scurvy, verminosis, painful tumors. S. reticulata contains Salaretin and mangiferin which reduces the sugar level and protect the body from any secondary side effect of Diabetes. Yet, until only recently the antidiabetic effect of Salacia remained a mystery. As one time predominant medicinal plant in the coastal zone of Karnataka valued for said medicinal properties as well as remunerative prices. Due to destructive harvesting of medicinal plants from forest in a recent past this medicinal plant species availability in the forest is very less. Also known market value for this medicinal species farmers are taken up cultivation of this species. But continuing of natural collection, growers are not receiving good market price. At one time prime medicinal species, S. raticulata is now rowing towards erosion and may further lead to the endangered species. To control this strict regulation should be followed in holistic approach for safer harvest and conservation of natural gift. Also, have to promote for the cultivation of medicinally important and endangered species.