Ethnopharmacology of Acorus calamus L. among Indigenous Communities of Ganderbal District in Kashmir

Abstract

The present study was undertaken to collect the information regarding ethnomedicinal practices of Acorus calamus and data were collected by using a well-designed interview schedule from local herbal heelers called “Hakeems, Bohris”  experts in the Ayurvedic and Unani medicine, local collectors. The results indicated that the main ailment categories that are treated by Acorus calamus include skin diseases, renal/urinary disorders, muscular/skeletal disorders, respiratory diseases, eye diseases, fever and others. These diseases were treated traditionally by using its different parts after proper processing and at prescribed treatment procedure by the concerned Hakeem, bhoris, Ayurvedic and Unani doctors. The analysis also indicates that 65% of the rhizomes followed by 15% of leaves, 12% of root hairs, whole plant 8% are used for treatment of many diseases under ethno-medicines. Modes of utilization or preparations were powder, paste, decoction and juice. The treatments of diseases with A. calamus enumerated in this study  have given some useful leads for further biomedical research. Nevertheless, more phytochemical, pharmaceutical and clinical studies are needed to evaluate protective properties, efficacy and safety of all the claimed medicinal treatments.