What is it about?
India is home to some of the oldest civilizations, during which period the local communities domesticated indigenous plant species for food and agriculture and medicinal uses. In this process, they also bio-prospected and/or absorbed potentially valuable exotic plant species, making them integral part of Indian culture, including the traditional medicinal system, the Ayurveda. The present paper discusses the absorption of 26 plant species of exotic origin, before 8th century, as evidenced by archaeological sculptural or botanical remains and documentation of such plants in Sanskrit, the Vedic language. Occurrence and/or introduction of such plants at such distant places in ancient times is visualized as a result of geographical continental fragmentation followed by drift, natural or man-made transoceanic movement, and cultural and trade exchange of plant material over time and space.
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Why is it important?
To clear the perception about the introduction and use of certain exotic plant species used Ayurveda.
Perspectives
Historically, there has been wrong perception about who and how plant species were introduced and used. The hard evidences cited in this publication shall set the records straights about certain plant species part of Ayurveda medicine.
Dr ANURUDH AK SINGH
Retired Scientist
Read the Original
This page is a summary of: Exotic ancient plant introductions: part of Indian ‘Ayurveda’ medicinal system, Plant Genetic Resources, November 2016, Cambridge University Press,
DOI: 10.1017/s1479262116000368.
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