Floristic and
Ethnobotanical Study of Tikhur (Curcuma angustifolia Roxb.) in Gariaband District,
Chhattisgarh
Sahdev1,*, Kuldeep2, Shweta Choubey3, Fanendra
Kumar4, Amit Tandan5, Satendra Kumar Induria6,
Gitanjali Patel7, Ishwari8, Digeshari Sahu8
1*Department of
Basic Sciences and Humanities, Government Engineering College Raipur,
Chhattisgarh, India
2Department
Agriculture, College of Agriculture & Reasearch Station, Gariaband,
(Constituted by Indira Gandhi krishi Vishwavidyalaya, Raipur, Chhattisgarh)
3Department of
Basic Sciences and Humanities, Government Engineering College, Raipur,
Chhattisgarh, India
4ISBM, University,
Chhura, Gariaband, Chhattisgarh
5Department of
Geography, Shri Rawatpura Sarkar University Dhaneli, Raipur (C.G.)
6Department of
Botany, Government J Yoganandam Chhattisgarh P.G. College Raipur
7Department of
Physics, Govt. D.B. Girls P.G. (Autonomous) College Raipur, (Aff. to Pt.
Ravishankar Shukla University, Raipur, Chhattisgarh)
8Department of
Chemistry, Aryabhatta Art’s & Science College, Kopra, (Aff. to Pt.
Ravishankar Shukla University, Raipur, Chhattisgarh)
Abstract:
A common
member of Zingiberaceae, Tikhur (Curcuma angustifolia Roxb.), is an economically important grassy
plant grown in wet woodlands in the heart of India. Gariaband of Chhattisgarh - more specifically, in Gariaband, Chhura,
and Mainpur Block, this type is an important
part of the Gond,
Kamar, and Halba of tradition, nutrition, and health
systems. This study will assess the properties of Tikhur flowers, environmental conditions, and ethnobotanical values in these regions. Fieldwork has been conducted
since 2024-2025 and covers the collection of environmental studies and ethnobotanical data in randomly selected fields by interviewing local
residents and traditional healers. The results show that Tikhur survives primarily in wet, shaded, drained soil. His
starch-rich rhizomes are treated with flour. This flour is a healthy baby food
used as a coolant, and is especially useful for revision centres. They are
commonly used to treat these diseases: fever, diarrhea, urinary tract
infections, and skin diseases. However, there is a serious threat to the
survival of this plant from excessive predisposition, environmental
destruction, and raw environmental forestry. This study highlights the
important importance of conservation, primarily for the promotion of Tikhur culture and the lasting harvest, so this valuable forest
resource will be protected for future generations.
Keywords- Tikhur,
Curcuma angustifolia, Zingiberaceae, tuber, Gariaband, ethnobotany,
conservation.
Introduction
Tikhur
(Curcuma angustifolia Roxb.) This
is a member of the turmeric
family, Zingiberaceae and is one of over 80 rhizome
herbs. It is known for its starchy tubers, which have excellent food and ethnobotanical significance (Patel et al., 2015; Sasikumar, 2005). India,
known as the world's botanical garden, is considered one of the largest
manufacturers of herbs. The use of various parts of medicinal plants for the
treatment of certain diseases was part of the Indian tradition of ancient
times. Indigenous health care systems such as Ayurveda, Siddha, and Unani have actually existed for centuries, and some Ayurvedic compounds are sold today for the treatment of modern
diseases (Sharma, 2019; Williamson, 2002). Tikhur
power is his strong rhizome, 1.5 meters long. Rhizomes are the main source of
plant nutritional and medicinal values. Nutrient production by rhizomes is
essentially a rather slow process. Tikhur
grows well in its natural form and is primarily supported by nutritional
transmission (Patel et al., 2015; Shukla, 2007). I appreciate the starch
content and the questions about traditional Indian products and drugs. Rhizomes
are commonly treated with flour and are combined with milk and water to prepare
healthy foods. In the past of the 1800s, Tikhur
flour was a popular product (Ravindran, 2007; Patel et al., 2015). Tikhur, or "East
Indian Arrowroot," has long been operating in forest
areas, particularly in the centre and eastern part of Chhattisgarh,
Odisha, and Jharkhand. Chhattisgarh is
famous for its thick forest belt, which covers the main natural environment of
the species, especially Chhura,
Mainpur, and Gariaband. In modern medicine, plants are
important for the most important drugs. Synthetic drugs provide excellent
treatment outcomes in the treatment of many diseases, but they are always
inaccessible to many people. Of the approximately 1.4 million plants worldwide,
India contains approximately 3,600 medicinal plants (Sharma, 2019; Mehrotra and
Mehrotra, 1990). Tikhur plants, as a rule, prefer shade spots in moist hardwood
forests and thrive in particularly well-drained loamy soils. The bowls easily
absorb starch and are converted to flour or dough as a rule. Wheat flour is
used to supplement nutrients in children, elderly people, and sick patients. In
addition to nutrient content, Tikhur is widely
appreciated in ordinary medicine for the treatment of conditions such as
diarrhea, fever, urinary tract infections, and skin diseases. Various tribal
groups, such as Gond,
Kamar, and Halba, rely on food security and the
usual types of healthcare. While this is important, Tikhur wild populations threaten excessive retention, habitat
loss, and uncontrolled use of forests. The need to scientifically document its ethnobotanical importance for environmental protection purposes and to
ensure an increase in sustainable use. The purpose of this study is to
determine the distribution, environmental affinity, and ethnobotanical use of Curcuma
angustifolia turmeric in forests in the Gariaband district, including the Chhura, Mainpur, and Gariaband block.
Materials and methods
Study Area
This study
was conducted in the blocks of Chhura, Mainpur, and Gariaband in the Gariaband district of Chhattisgarh. The Gariaband District enters the eastern part of
Chhattisgarh between latitudes
20°16' to 20°45' N and longitudes around 82°00' to 82°30' E. The area is approximately 5,822 square meters Km of this
area. About 40% of it is covered in forests. The climate in this region is
tropical monsoon, with hot summers, clear monsoon seasons, and soft winters.
Rain is between 1200 mm and 1400 mm per year, with most rain beginning in June
to September. Temperatures vary from about 10°C in winter to 45°C in summer.
The soil is silty,
sandy, and lateritic sandy, making it
ideal for the prosperity of forest vegetation with wet deciduous leaves. The
forest cover of these blocks is largely humid and nourishes well-known types of
trees, such as Shorearobusta (Sal), Terminaliatomentosa
(Saja), Diospyrosmelanoxylon (Tendu), and Buteamonosperma
(Palash). The scattered wave-forming
landscape and seasonal flow that form microbites prefer types such as Curcuma angustifolia (Tikhur). These blocks are primarily occupied by tribal groups such as
Gond,
Kamar, and Halba. These are positively based on
food, medicine, and forest resources for self-sufficiency. The sites identified
in this study are environmentally friendly places where tiles are naturally
discovered and actively used in local practices.
Figure:
1 This
map shows the presence of Tikhur
(Curcuma angustifolia Roxb.)
in the forest regions of Chhura, Gariaband, and Mainpur blocks of Gariaband
District, Chhattisgarh, India. (Kour, G., 2022-23)
https://www.globalforestwatch.org/dashboards/country/IND/7/11/?category=land-cover&location=WyJjb3VudHJ5IiwiSU5EIiwiNyIsIjExIl0%3D&map=eyJjYW5Cb3VuZCI6dHJ1ZX0%3D
Research
Design:
This study was conducted between
2024 and 2025 in selected forest plots of Chhura, Mainpur, and Gariaband blocks,
located in the Gariaband district of Chhattisgarh.
The aim of this study was to assess the distribution, environmental similarity,
and ethnobotanical
uses of Curcuma angustifolia (Tikhur).
Post-monsoon
season (July to September) and the
start of the winter season (October to December), systematic research was
conducted during the season. The location of the study was determined based on
forests, tribal housing, and accessibility types.
Ethnobotanical
Data Collection: A structured, semi-structured
profile was introduced by 30 local informants, including traditional healers,
farmers, and seniors of the Gond, Kamar, and Halba tribes.
The targeted group discussion is also taking place in villages along the
borders of forest roads. Traditional use of plants is a reaffirmation of at
least two different sources.
Collection of plant samples: Tubers, leaves, and rhizomes of Curcuma
angustifolia were collected during the surveys. The collected specimens
were dried, pressed, mounted, and deposited in the Herbarium of GEC, Raipur for
future reference.
Data analysis: These populations
have been considered to determine the frequency and density of Tikhur
occurrence. Ethnobotanical data are classified according to the portions used
of the plant, preparation methods, and drug use. Photographic documents were
also conducted in key areas of research.
Result and Discussion
Inspections
in the Chhura,
Mainpur, and Gariaband blocks in the Gariaband District
show that Tikhur is common in the humid forests of the region. This species
was primarily observed in the coverage area of the canopy from 60-80%,
reflecting environmental preferences. This species is a current event, as
shown, in organic, moist, lateral soils, particularly along seasonal streams,
forest edges, and soft slopes ranging from 250 to 400 meters above sea level.
The analysis of the squares shows that the plant density varies between 6-10
plants/25m², with a high density of intact forest Mainpur block only in broken areas of Chhura and Gariaband. Morphologically, the plants had narrow lanceolate leaves of 30-60 cm, with parallel coral tubes typical of
the Zingiberaceae family. In rhizomes, they were either oval or cylindrical
in shape, with evolving fine fibrous shapes and varying lengths of 5-10 cm.
These are starchy tubers and are the most used plant forms in the community. Ethnobotanical information received from 30 informants confirmed that Tikhur rhizomes are commonly used.
The
regeneration pattern of Tikhur is seasonal, with active germination occurring
at the beginning of the rainy season (June to July) and a dormant period during
the dry season (January to April). Local forest dwellers have developed
traditional ecological knowledge to identify, protect, and collect Tikhur in an
ecologically sustainable manner without harming the rhizomes or surrounding
vegetation.
Tikhur is
converted to wheat flour and is used in the form of baby food for patients and
the elderly, refreshing summer drinks, and food additives. Tuber aversion is
used in traditional medicine to treat diarrhea, dysentery, fever, and urinary
tract infections, while pasta is used topically for skin diseases such as boils
and rash eruptions. Despite the aforementioned facts, this study also
illustrates the significant risks faced by wild Tikhur populations, particularly due to excessive hobby, cuts, and
pastures. Decreasing wild populations, particularly in accessible forest areas,
highlight the need to implement strategies to maintain and encourage permanent
harvests.
Figure 2.Tikhur (Curcuma
angustifoliaRoxb.) plant
growing in its natural habitat in the forests of Gariaband district,
Chhattisgarh ((Date: 17 July -27 September 2024).
The study
here shows the ethnobotanical significance of Tikhur turmeric
in the environmental phenomena in Chhura, Mainpur, and Gariaband blocks. The collected data confirm that Tikhur lives in a wet or silt-wet state, as already established
from the heart of India. The appearance of plants along seasonal rivers and
unstructured forest residues means that canopies and soil humidity coverings
are important parameters that contribute to their good growth and survival. The
relatively high density found in Mainpur
blocks confirms that low violations of weaker persons contribute to natural
regeneration. The Ethnobotanical information collected in this study confirms the
traditional knowledge of tribal groups in the field of medicinal and nutritious
applications of Tikhur. The use of Tikhur
starch as a food for children and as a food supplement for patients
demonstrates its role in cultural services and in community health. The
therapeutic use of plants in the treatment of diarrhea, urinary tract
infections, and skin diseases emphasizes their implications in traditional
medicine. Nevertheless, increasing pressures of supercharged habitat
destruction and cattle grazing have seriously threatened Tikhur natural reserves. These observations highlight the need for
immediate conservation interventions, including community management, promotion
of Tihur, and the use of stable crop cleaning methods. They are necessary to
maintain an ecological balance, contribute to the source of tribal people's
presence, and maintain the biodiversity of the local forests.
Ethnobotanical
information collected from local tribal communities, such as the Gond, Kamar,
and Halba tribes, has revealed the various uses of Tikhur. Due to its high
starch content and cooling properties, the rhizome is mainly used in preparing
traditional dishes such as Tikhur halwa, barfi, and sharbat. Medicinally, it is
used to treat diarrhea, burning sensation, fever, and body temperature. Rhizome
paste is used externally for skin diseases and wounds. Women often use Tikhur
starch as a natural health drink during pregnancy and breastfeeding. Moreover,
Tikhur powder has high market value in local shops and Ayurvedic shops and
contributes significantly to the livelihood of forest-dependent households.
This discussion also focuses on conservation issues. Excessive logging, forest
degradation, and agricultural expansion have led to the decline of Tikhur's
natural population. The study found that rhizome density has decreased by more
than 30% in some areas compared to the past decade, as reported by local foresters
and villagers. Lack of organized agricultural practices and poor market
linkages further limit its sustainable use. However, community-based
conservation efforts and the promotion of Tikhur as a non-timber forest product
(NTFP) with high commercial and medicinal potential can help conserve
biodiversity and increase rural incomes. Cultivation trials within agroforestry
systems and programs to increase community awareness of sustainable forestry
were recommended. The results of this study underscore the importance of in
situ preservation of natural populations and ex situ propagation through
rhizome and tissue culture techniques to ensure long-term sustainability.
Overall,
this study concludes that Curcuma
angustifolia is not only an ecologically important grass in
the Garibunda forest, but also a valuable ethnobotanical resource that
contributes to food security, traditional medicine, and socio-economic
development of tribal societies.
Medicinal Uses of Curcuma angustifolia (Tikhur)
1. Tikhur root powder ingested in milk is traditionally used to
treat stomach mixing, urinary tract infections, fever, acidity, and burns
during pain. It is also used to treat diarrhea when consumed with lukewarm
water. Considering honey, this is thought to lead to relief from cough and
shortness of breath (Sharma, 2019; Easy Ayurveda Hospital).
2.
Ayurvedic medicine considers Tikhur
valuable because Tikhur boosts strength and immunity. They say it is an
aphrodisiac and a healthy coolant.
It is used for treating blood and skin diseases, bleeding within the body,
yellowing, thirst, liver disease, asthma, tuberculosis, weight loss, and anemia
(Sharma, 2019; Easy Ayurveda Hospital).
3.
Silent Tikhur powder is used to
reduce inflammation in the intestine and provides carminative. It is effective
in treating diseases such as dysentery and flatulence, and appears in heart
tonics (Sharma, 2019; Kulkarni & Ansari, 2004).
4.
Rhizomes are traditionally used as a
common tonic and are prescribed to treat symptoms related to leprosy, burning,
digestive disorders, asthma, jaundice, anemia, blood disorders, kidney stones,
and urinary disorders. They are also provided for intestinal conditions such as
sub gastric ulcers and colitis, and are used to treat systemic fractures and
swelling (Sharma, 2019; Sharma, 2003; Guhabakshi, 1999; Sudip Ray, 2011).
5.
Essential oils extracted from
various parts of Curcuma angustifolia exhibit antibacterial, antifungal,
and antioxidant properties (Sharma, 2019; Shukla, 2011; Jena, 2017; Doble,
2011).
6.
Tikhur is an excellent source of protein and carbohydrates and is
used in preparation as a recipe for vegetables and foods such as snacks
(Sharma, 2019; Rajkumari, 2017). Recent research also highlights the potential
for pharmaceutical applications. Extracts from root flour exhibit excellent
bonding and disintegration properties, making them a promising natural
alternative to cornstarch (Sharma, 2019; Rajeev kumar, 2010).
Conclusion
this study has identified Tikhur, which
plays an important role in the wet forest blocks of Tulle, Mainpur, and
Gariaband in the Gariaband District
of Chhattisgarh. This species
prefers to develop in shaded, moist environments with silty or loamy
soils, particularly along seasonal
streams and mild woodlands. Tikhur rhizomes
serve an important function in the food system and medical traditions of local
tribal communities. They are traditionally used as food, food additives, and
drugs in several conditions. However, the results also determine conservation
orders, as species threaten climbing with excessive hobbies, deforestation, and
uncontrolled extraction practices. To ensure long-term resistance of Tikhur in native habitats, there is a need to maintain a green
mechanism, community conservation practice, for harvesting and maintaining
Indigenous cultural practices that contribute to both biodiversity and society.
Additional research into distribution and valuable methods can enhance the
economic potential of this important type and enhance environmental functioning
in local regions.