Arogyapacha: ‘Miracle Plant’ | 24 Jun 2019

Scientists from the University of Kerala have decoded the genetic make-up of Arogyapacha (Trichopus zeylanicus), a highly potent medicinal plant endemic to the Agasthya hills.

• This ‘miracle plant’ is known for its traditional use by the Kani tribal community to combat fatigue.
• Studies have also proved its varied spectrum of pharmacological properties such as antioxidant, aphrodisiac, anti-microbial, anti-inflammatory, immunomodulatory, anti-tumour, anti-ulcer, anti-hyperlipidemic, hepatoprotective and anti-diabetic.
• The project is bound to open up a new window to the plant’s molecular secrets, the genome and annotation data will be a valuable resource to expedite research on Arogyapacha, particularly its secondary metabolism, genetic breeding, and comparative studies.

Kani Tribe

• Traditionally Kani tribes are a nomadic people. They are indigenous to tropical forests of the Agasthyamalai hills of the Western Ghats, a mountain range in Kerala. They have a population of almost 25,000.
• Kani has a rich tradition of using wild plants found in the region for health reasons. The tribal physicians, known as Plathi – are the exclusive holders of the traditional medicinal knowledge of the tribe.
  
  • According to Kani tribal customs, only the Plathi have the right to transfer and disseminate their traditional medicinal knowledge.