DEPARTMENT OF ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCES K.J. SOMAIYA COLLEGE OF SCIENCE AND COMERECE

Arpita Doshi

Seat no:-1717291

Trail for chemistry students to Nakshtra Van, K.J. Somaiya College, Vidya Vihar.

INTRODUCE THEM TO WHAT THE CONCEPT OF NAKSHTRA GARDEN IS:

The concept of adoption of a plant is been derived from Indian cultural history. The Indian astrology is based on the concept of Nakshtra (Constellations) and Rashis (as per moon signs). There are in all 27 Nakshatras present in a year and every individual has a Nakshatra assigned to him/her depending on the date and time on which he/she is born (the tithi).

Every Nakshatra has a symbolic tree or plant that defines its connection with eternal nature. In our Indian culture there was a tradition that whenever a baby is born in someone’s home, that person was supposed to plant a tree of the same Nakshatra on which the baby was born. The person was supposed to take care of the tree as his child because it was believed that the more good and healthy the tree will grow, it will prosper more health and happiness to the child.

If these trees have been assigned to the 27 nakshatras by the Vedic Rishis, than it will be worthwhile for us to know which tree belongs to our Janma Nakshatra (Birth Constellation) and to have some idea about its medicinal values or other applications.

So the presence of the complete set of 27 trees directly creates a healthy and sound physical, mental, psychological and spiritual beings; which is the ultimate and absolute bliss to oneself and to the Earth too!

S.No Birth Star Botanical name Common name

1. Ashwini Strychnos nux vomica Poison nut

2. Bharani Embilica officionalis Amla

3. Krithika Ficus racemosa Fig

4. Rohini Syzygium jambolanum Jamoon

5. Mrugasira Acacia catechu Kadhira

6. Arudra Aquilaria agallocha Agar Wood

7. Punarvasu Bambusa Bamboo

8. Pushyami Ficus religiosa Peepal

9. Aslesha Mesua ferrea Naga Champa

10. Makha Ficus bengalensis Banyan

11. Pubba Butea monosperma Flame of the forest

12. Uttara Ficus infectoria Juvvi

13. Hastha Spondias mangifera Wild mango

14. Chitta Aegle marmelos Bilva

15. Swathi Terminalia arjuna Arjun

16. Visakha Limonium acidissimum Elephant apple

17. Anuradha Mimusops elengi Bakul

18. Jyesta Pinus Pine

19. Moola Canarium strictum Black dammar

20. Purvashada Saraca indica Sita Asoka

21. Uttarashada Artocarpus heterophyllus Jack

22. Sravana Calotropis gigantia Milk weed

 

SOME COMMON PLANTS OF THE GARDEN AND THEIR MEDICINAL PROPERTIES.

(1) BombaxCeiba Thirteen compounds were isolated from the stembark of

BombaxceibaL. by silica gel, and Sephadex LH-20 column chromatography.

Their structures were identified by spectroscopic analysis as: lupeol( 1), lupeone (2), betulinic acid(3), zeorin(4), oleanolic acid(5), 3-oxooleanolic acid(6), cleomiscosin A(7), ( ±) -lyonires- inol(8), desmosterol(9), stigma-3, 6-dione( 10), ( + ) -lasiodiploidin( 11), aurantiamide acetate( 12), and ( 2S, 3S,4R, 10E) -2-[(2R) -2-hydroxytetracosanoylamino] -10-octadecene-l, 3, 4-triol( 13). Among them, compounds 3,4,6,7-13 were isolated from this plant for the first time.

STORY TIME:

According to Indian mythology, a demon name Bhasmasur was a renowned devotee of Shiva, day and night he meditated under the tree. Shiva got impressed by his devotion and sincerity he appeared in front of him and asked Bhasmasur saying he is

happy with his devotion towards him so in return he will give whatever he claims to want. Bhasmasur asked lord Shiva to give him the power to end anyone’s life if he puts hands on their head. Without any consideration Shiva happily gave him the boon of what he asked for. To see if the powers he has blessed with works or not, he happened to test it on shiva. Shiva being scared, he climed the tree of bombax. It is said that as soon as shivaclimed the tree the thorns appeared on the bark so that Bhasmasur cannot harm him. ( interesting fact # 1)

 Plant parts UsesRoot Diarrhoea, dysentery, boils & burns, diabetes, impotence & as aphrodisiac,

night pollution, scorpion sting & snakebite, sex tonic, urinary troubles, brain tonic, gonorrhoea, syphilis, bedwetting, leucorrhoea, &spermatorrhoea.

Stem & bark Bacterial, viral, protozoal infection & digestive disturbances, Boil, heartburn, heart tonic, kidney stone, spermatorrhoea& weakness, headache, dislocated bones, easy delivery, snakebite, scorpion, centipede & spider stings.

Gum Asthma, giardiasis, bleeding piles, diarrhoea & dysentery, dental caries, aphrodisiac & in scabies.

Leaf Glandular swellings, rheumatism, antidysenteric, haematinic, menorrhagia, leucorrhoea, anaemia & infertility.

Flower Haematuria, anaemia, lecucorrhoea, haemorrhoids, hydrocoele, gonorrhoea, menstrual disorders & leucorrhoea, boils & sores, splenomegaly, internal bleeding & cancer, colitis, premature ejaculation, snakebite, permanent sterilization, diuretic & laxative.

Fruit Antifertility agent, uterus protrusion, leucorrhoea.Fruit & heartwood

Antidiabetic, antidiarrhoeal, snakebite.

Seed Chicken pox & small pox.Spines Skin troubles, acne & headache.

(2) Sathabisham – Kadamba--Neolamarckiacadamba In Hindu mythology, the tree was the favourite tree of Lord Krishna, who is

usually depicted playing his flute under it. He also used to plays with his friends under the Kadamb tree using the unique globular flower of the tree.

Hence the tree is also known as Haripriya , God's favourite. The tree is highly regarded religiously and culturally in India, Java and Malaysia. Kadamb trees and flowers are also a universal favourite among the Gods.

The Mother Goddess Durga resides in a Kadamb forest (KadambaVanaVāsinī). Kadamb tree is suitable for reforestation programs. It can even bee used in Agroforestry practices. The fresh leaves can act as fodder for cattle. The ornamental tree is also used for soil reclamation.

(3) Azadirachta Indica – Neem – Purvabhadra

Hope for cancer patient apart from other so many uses --Neem tree, which has been used for centuries to treat inflammation, fever and malaria in India, could help kill cancer cells, according to scientists at the Georgia Regents University Cancer Center. ( Interesting fact # 2)

Cancer cells typically avoid death by hijacking molecular chaperones that guide and protect the proteins that ensure normal cellular function and then tricking them into helping mutated versions of those proteins stay alive, said Dr. Ahmed Chadli, a researcher in the Molecular Chaperone Program at the GRU Cancer Center and senior author of the study.

(4) Phyllanthusemblica – amla- bharninakshatra(Interesting fact # 3)

Amla, works as a hair tonic and is an essential ingredient for hair care. It not just helps in strengthening of roots of hair, but also enriches hair growth.

It also prevents dandruff and premature graying of hair. Amla juice is helpful in relieving constipation in piles. Also, it helps in

regulating bowel movements and cures chronic constipation. Consuming Gooseberry or amla powder with butter and honey before meal

helps a lot in improving appetite. Drink amla juice with honey in the morning to get that perfect glow on your

face and blemish free skin. It is very useful in improving eyesight. It also counters diseases like

reddening, itching and watering of eyes. Amla strengthens heart muscles and is a remedy for heart problems. And last but not the least, daily intake of amla juice helps in fighting bad

breath and strengthens teeth.

(5) Ficusracemose - Golar – Kritikanakshatra Cluster Figs are really tasty - and good for you too! They ripen during the

winter months, and eating them helps wounds to heal, and acts as an anti-diuretic.

If the fruit is still green and can't be eaten, then apply the sap directly on the infection to assist healing.

(6) Ficusreligiosa – Peepal – Pushyanakshatra

Peepal or Ashwatha tree is of great importance in Ayurveda. It is believed to cure diseases such as gonorrhoea, haemorrhoids, diarrhoea,

dysentery, gastrohelcosis, neuralgia and inflammations. Peepal tree is of religious importance also in India. According to Indian

mythology, it is believed that lord Vishnu was born under the tree and it is his favorite tree.

(7) Ficusbengalensis – Banyan

Banyan, a large shade giving tree, is the national tree of India. The name originates from the word Banya (merchants in Hindi) who

travelled around the country and took shelter under the tree during hot sunny days.

While there are several therapeutic properties of the tree’s produce, its anti-inflammatory and anti-bacterial properties are most recognized amongst Ayurveda followers.

In India, banyan tree is believed to be very sacred and there are many mythological references about this tree. Buddha is believed to have enlightened meditating under banyan tree at Bodhgaya.

Ayurvedic medicine: The juice and fruits are useful as externally applied medicines for cuts, bruises, sores and ulcers. Banyan fruit and juice are used in rheumatism, lumbago, tooth and gum aches.

They can also be taken internally to cure diarrhoea and dysentery. Anti-inflammatory properties: Tests have shown that the sap from banyan when applied locally on rheumatic patients, showed significant improvement.

The effect was similar to that of non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug. Control of cholesterol: The bark of banyan is useful in controlling cholesterol.

Studies have shown that banyan bark can control cholesterol to a significant extent. It decreases LDL or bad cholesterol while HDL or good cholesterol levels are maintained.

Antibacterial properties: According to one study, banyan bark and juice possess anti-bacterial properties to a significant extent.

Improves immune system: Research on banyan says that taking banyan bark and juice on a regular basis will improve the immune function of the body and helps fight against disease causing microorganisms.

(8) Aeglemarmelos – bilva – Chitranakshatra Aegle marmelos-is especially useful in management of digestive

disturbances like IBS and colitis as it improves all round functioning of the digestive system.

Used in worship for lord Shiva and Kali also --Bilva itself means which kills all the diseases.

As per Ayurveda all the diseases are related with the disturbed digestive system somewhere and Bilva corrects the digestive system in all aspects so it makes senses to call this plant as Bilva.

Bilva is also useful in management of hemorrhoids and fluid retention in the body. It also increases the strength of the body

(9) Termilanliaarjuna – arjuna – swati nakshtra

Arjunais a very important cardiotonic herb in Ayurveda. very useful heart tonic--Arjuna helps to maintain normal blood pressure. It promotes proper blood flow and normal homocysteinelevels.It

strengthened heart muscles . It supports the blood’s absorption of lipids,So it regulate cholesterol. Arjuna

herb helps to reduces the effect of stress and nervousness on the heart. COQ10 in Arjuna supports the heart’s energy output,and enhances overall

energy levels,immunity,stamina and cellular health.

(10) Buteamonosperma – Palash – Poorvaphalguni Buteamonosperma also known apalash in hindi is known for its

medicinal properties. The leaves are pieced together to make disposable plates and bowls.It is

mentioned in ayurveda that it is very beneficial for people who eat in these plates. ( interesting fact # 4)

It helps in reducing vaata and kaphadoshas and also prevents constipation.

INSECTS SIGHTED IN NAKSHATRA GARDEN

We sighted around 4 species of butterflies as mentioned above.

Besides from pollination process, they are ecologically significant in several ways including;

Aesthetically Educational value Scientific value Economic value

Tailed Jay

Common CrowCommon emigrant

Striped Tiger

Birds

Insects like;

(1)Fig wasp: In simple terms, figs are technically not a fruit ― they are inverted flowers. Fig trees don’t flower like apples and peaches. Their flowers bloom inside the pear-shaped pod, which later matures into the fruit we eat. Each flower then produces a single, one-seeded, hard-shelled fruit called achene ― that’s what gives the fig the crunch we know ― and the fig is made up of multiple achene. So when we eat a fig we are actually eating multiple fruits. But that’s not the end of the uniqueness that sets the fig apart.Because fig flowers bloom internally, they need a special process for pollination. They cannot rely on the wind or bees to spread their pollen ― that’s where the fig wasp comes in. The fig cannot survive without the fig wasp to spread its genetic material, and the fig wasp cannot live without the fig, because that’s where it lays its larva ― this relationship is known as mutualism. ( interesting fact # 5)

The Fig and the wasp.

(2) The ant hill:

Birds1. Fantail: Fantails are small insectivorous birds of Australasia, Southeast Asia and the Indian subcontinent belonging to the genus Rhipidura in the family Rhipiduridae. Most of the species are about 15 to 18 cm long, specialist aerial feeders, and named as "fantails", but the Australian willie wagtail is a little larger, and, though still an expert hunter of insects on the wing, concentrates equally on terrestrial prey.

2.White-throated Kingfisher:The white-throated kingfisher (Halcyon smyrnensis) also known as the white-breasted kingfisher is a tree kingfisher, widely distributed in Asia from Turkey east through the Indian subcontinent to the Philippines. This kingfisher is a resident over much of its range, although some populations may make short distance movements. It can often be found well away from water where it feeds on a wide range of prey that includes small reptiles,

amphibians, crabs, small rodents and even birds. During the breeding season they call loudly in the mornings from prominent perches including the tops of buildings in urban areas or on wires

3.Coppersmith barbet:The coppersmith barbet, crimson-breasted barbet or coppersmith (Psilopogonhaemacephalus), is a bird with crimson forehead and throat which is best known for its metronomic call that has been likened to a coppersmith striking metal with a hammer. It is a resident found in the Indian subcontinent and parts of Southeast Asia. Like other barbets, they chisel out a hole inside a tree to build their nest. They are mainly fruit eating but will take sometimes insects, especially winged termites

4. Magpie robin:

The oriental magpie-robin (Copsychussaularis) is a small passerine bird that was formerly classed as a member of the thrush family Turdidae, but now considered an Old World flycatcher. They are distinctive black and white birds with a long tail that is held upright as they forage on the ground or perch conspicuously. Occurring across most of the Indian subcontinent and parts of Southeast Asia, they are common birds in urban gardens as well as forests. They are particularly well known for their songs and were once popular as cagebirds. The oriental magpie-robin is the national bird of Bangladesh