Veterinary and Medical importance of Plant extract of Leucas indica (Durun bon)

Veterinary and Medical importance of Plant extract of Leucas indica (Durun bon)

 Priyashree Hazarika

Third Professional Year, BVSc & AH

Lakhimpur College of Veterinary Science, Joy Hing,North Lakhimpur,787051

 Farmers in developing countries are faced with many diseases that limit the productivity of their animals,many of these are caused by tick infestations.Years of use and overuse of available chemical ecto-parasiticides have resulted in the large scale development of resistance in these parasites as well as negative environmental impacts.To reduce these impacts,much focus has been placed on the search for alternative, environment friendly parasite control strategies with lower chance of the development of resistance.Many rural farmers have used plants to control ticks.More than 200 plant species from several countries globally have tick-repellant or acaricidal properties.The extractions and plant parts are used for the same.

The plant species Leucas indica which is commonly known as Durun bon or Dun bon or Durbo bon in Assamese have good acaricidal and larvicidal effects with 90-100% efficacy, comparable to those of currently used acaricides.Based on their wide use by rural livestock farmers, plant – based compounds may be a good source of effective acaricidal preparations either as an extract or as a source of new acaricidal compounds.The focus may have to be on acaricidal rather than on repellent activities to facilitate control of ticks.The farmers are faced with many constraints that limit the productivity of their animals.The prevalence of ticks and tick- borne diseases particularly in the wet seasons is an important restraint.Ticks,which are haematophagous ectoparasites,protozoan, bacterial,rickettsial and viral diseases and are among the most important vectors of diseases which can be severely debilitating or fatal to livestock,humans and companion animals.Tick-borne protozoan diseases such as theileriosis and babesiosis and rickettsial diseases such as Anaplasmosis and cowdriosis are the most common diseases of small and large ruminants affecting the livelihoods of farming communities.In addition to transmitting diseases,heavy infestations of ticks can cause a reduction in live weight,anemia and losses in milk production in domestic animals.

Apart from its importance in livestock it has got immense medicinal properties and value in humans too. Following are the medicinal properties and way of using these green Durun leaves which has been practiced by Assamese community since time immemorial :-

1. It aids in digestion. In case of anorexia,dyspepsia or any kind of digestive disorders the extract of the Durun leaves or the entire leaves when fried and eaten provides relief from all sorts of digestive Problem.
2. It also acts as Carminative in expelling gas from the stomach or intestine so as to relieve flatulence or abdominal pain or distension.
3. The extract from five stems and five leaves of the Durun plant when taken twice a day for three consecutive days helps in relieving menstrual cramps in women.
4. 3-4 drops of durun’s extract when applied for 5 consecutive days in each of the nostrils helps in curing Most importantly,it also cures any kind of tumors or nodules formed inside the nasal cavity.
5. Durun bon has an excellent wound healing property. The extract or the leaf can be applied over the wound to stop bleeding and prevent infection.
6. One tablespoon of its extract in an empty stomach kills helminths and all kinds of parasitic diseases.
7. It cures chronic cough,cold and dyspanoea.
8. Durun bon has got outstanding memory boosting Its extract can be used for excellent cognitive and memory functioning,sharpen the mind and to enhance focus and concentration power.
9. The extract of Durun leaves is also seen to be used among the Assamese community to cure liver diseases, dental disorders and arthritis.
10. It contains Vitamin A and therefore aids in improving eye It has been proven to possess various pharmacological activities like antifungal, antioxidant, antimicrobial and cytotoxic activity.

References – 

1. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.fitote.2023.105492
2. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.sajb.2016.03.010
3. https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/carminative#:~:text=car minative%20%E2%80%A2%20%5Ckahr%2DMIN%2D,gas%20after%20a%20spicy%20meal.%20%22

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