Traditional Medicinal Knowledge about Chickpea (Cicer arietinum ) in Chhattisgarh, India

Research Note - Pankaj Oudhia
© 2001,2002,2003 Pankaj Oudhia - All Rights Reserved

Cicer arietinum, commonly known as Bengal gram or chickpea, is a much branched herb and native to South west Asia. It is now grown as a pulse crop all over India. In different Indian languages it is known as chana, chania (Gujarati); boot, chana (Hindi); kari-kampukadale (Canarese); harbara (Marathi); balabhojya, chanaka, kanchuki, and vajibhakshya (Sanskrit). Chickpea seed is consumed in various forms such as dal flour, boiled or parched, salted or sweet preparations, and green foliage as salad. Since ancient times chickpea has been known as a valuable medicinal plant. A preliminary survey of chickpea growers conducted by the author during 1998-99 in different districts of Chhattisgarh state of India revealed that most of the farmers are not aware of the valuable medicinal properties of chickpea. Only few traditional healers are aware of its therapeutic uses and there is a strong need to document this knowledge for the use of future generations. As the demand for medicinal and aromatic plant products (including chickpea) is growing at the rate of 7% per annum globally, it is essential to document and publicise the medicinal properties of chickpea mentioned in ancient Indian literature and also the traditional medicinal knowledge of the common people.

Common and popular names of Chana (Chickpea) around the world.
Languages/Regions/Countries	Names
1) Arabic	Dzelbana, Hamas, Humn, Humz, Jumes, Nakhi
2) Assam	Butmah
3) Bengal	But, But Kala, Chhola, Chanabatula, Chotabut
4) Canarese	Kadle, Karikadale, Kempukadale
5) Dutch	Keker
6) Egypt	Hommos, Homos, Melanch
7) English	Bengal Gram, Gram, Chickpea, Egyptia Pea.
8) French	Café Franzais, Ceseror, Cicerolle, Garoutte
9) German	Kichererbse
10) Hindi	But, Chana, Chema, Harbhari
11) Iraq	Hummus
12) Italian	Cece, Ceci
13) Kurdish	Nok
14) Mexico	Garbanzo
15) Persian	Nakud
16) Portugese	Ervance, Gras de bica
17) Russian	Ovetichie harokh
18) Sanskrit	Balabhaishajya, Balabhojya, Chanaka, Harimantha, Kanchuki, Salealpriya, vajimantha
19) Sinhalese	Kondi Kodala
20) Spanish	Garbanzo
21) Tamil	Kadalai
22) Telugu	Harimandhakam, Saunagaly

Chickpea leaves and seeds, and acid exudation of the plants are commonly used as medicine. Chickpea holds a reputed position in Ayurvedic and Unani system of medicine. According to Ayurvedic philosophy, chickpea leaves are sour, astringent to bowels, and improve taste and appetite. Leaves are used to cure bronchitis specially the chronic bronchitis. The seed is used as tonic, stimulant, and aphrodisiac. Because of its aphrodisiac properties, it is referred as vajibhakshya in Sanskrit.

The seed is used as an appetiser; it also has anthelmintic properties. It also cures thirst and burning. Seeds are mainly used for the treatment of bronchitis, leprosy, skin diseases, blood disorders, throat problems, and biliousness. According to Unani system of medicine, chickpea leaves are purgative and abortifacient. Leaves are used in treatment of cold, cough, and pains. Seeds are mainly used for the treatment of diseases of liver and spleen. Seeds enrich the blood and cure skin diseases and inflammation of the ear. Medicinal properties of weeds in chickpea fields and of pod borer (Helicoverpa armigera), a major insect pest of chickpea, have also been reported.

The people of Chhattisgarh have rich traditional medicinal knowledge about plants, insects. Chickpea is one of the frequently used medicinal plants in Chhattisgarh. A survey was conducted during 1999-2000 in ten districts of Chhattisgarh to list the existing medicinal uses of chickpea. From each selected district, two blocks were selected and from each block, a random sample of four villages was taken to make a sample of 200 respondents. Information regarding existing uses was collected through personal interviews.

The survey revealed that chickpea is among frequently used medicinal plants in Chhattisgarh. It revealed that acid exudation from chickpea plants is most frequently used as compared to leaves and seeds during the crop season. The acid exudation is collected by spreading sheets of white cloth over the crop in the field at night and the next morning the dew mixed acid is collected and used as medicine. The natives use this "miracle potion" to cure common ailments like constipation and indigestion. It was also noted during the survey that many pharmaceutical companies are regularly purchasing this exudation at fair rates from the farmers. Many farmers have installed pH meters in their farms. The tribals of Chhattisgarh use this cure patients suffering from snake poisoning and dog bite. In many parts of India, the fresh plant is used for the treatment of dysmenorrhoea (i. e., painful menses). Many traditional healers of Chhattisgarh are also using chickpea plants for this purpose. Fresh chickpea leaves are styptic and farmers use these as first aid remedy to stop bleeding. The styptic properties of Helicoverpa pod borer have also been reported. The boiled leaves of chickpea (collected before flowering) are used as poultice to sprained and dislocated limbs.

The survey suggested that by contacting pharmaceutical companies and other potential buyers of acid exudation, leaves, and seeds, chickpea growers can be encouraged to earn extra profit from the crop. The survey also revealed that there is a strong need to prepare the list of potential buyers of medicinal chickpea plant parts and to recognise and promote traditional uses of chickpea.