Kanda (Ipomoea batatas) as medicinal herb is Chhattisgarh, India

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

Since childhood, I am fan of red skinned roots, available in village markets, locally known as Kanda. Every Wednesday, was the big day for me because this day, is the market day of my village Khudmudi. Even today, I never miss the chance to consume this Kanda. After washing the Kanda, it is cooked and eaten raw. The natives use it in different ways. Many times, the boiled Kanda can be seen at local markets. I was not aware of its botany, at that time. Later, I got surprised to know it as Shakkarkandi (Ipomoea batatas). During the ethnobotanical surveys, I got opportunity to see its commercial cultivation in different parts of Chhattisgarh. Although it is not under cultivation is large scale as in other parts of India, but this cultivation is capable of fulfilling the demand of Kanda in Chhattisgarh. According to the traditional healers of Chhattisgarh, Kanda is present in wild also. The herb collectors have also confirmed this observation. I got opportunity to observe it in wild in Rengakhar region but the experts are not ready to accept this observation. According to them, the wild population we have observed, is escape from cultivated fields. The traditional healers of Chhattisgarh have in depth traditional medicinal knowledge about this herb. They use Kanda of both natural and cultivated origins. In my previous articles I have mentioned that many Ipomoea species occur naturally in Chhattisgarh. Most of these species possess valuable medicinal properties and used by the healers as medicinal herbs. Many of these species are in trade. I am feeling good to write the details regarding one more Ipomoea species. Through the ethnobotanical surveys conducted in different parts of Chhattisgarh, I have collected many valuable medicinal uses that are in practice since generations. The traditional healers of Chhattisgarh use all parts of Kanda in treatment of many common diseases. You will be surprised to know that the insect Aspidomorpha miliaris feeding on its leaves is also used for its medicinal properties. This insect feeds on many common Ipomoea species. Although for crops of commercial importance like Kanda it is considered as pest but by using this insect as medicine in treatment of many complicated diseases, the traditional healers try to compensate the losses caused by this insect. In absence of Kanda or in areas where Kanda is not under cultivation, this medicinal insect, feeds on common weed Beshram (Ipomoea carnea). In this way, it becomes the friend of farmers who want to get rid from this weed. I would like to mention here that the Aspidomorpha insect feeding on Beshram is not considered as medicinal insect. This is really interesting observation. The traditional healers aware of medicinal properties of Aspidomorpha, informed that by feeding on Kanda leaves it extracts the valuable medicinal elements from leaves and left the harmful elements. This is the reason many times (or in case of specific diseases) they prefer Aspidomorpha (after feeding on Kanda) than Kanda leaves for preparation of medicine. The use of Aspidomorpha and the in depth traditional medicinal knowledge our healers are having, have yet not been reported in reference literatures. I am feeling proud to document this knowledge through the article at Botanical.com. Kanda (or Sweet Potato in English) is a diffusely spreading, tuberous plant rooting at the nodes. It is native to tropical America. It is a very important crop in the tropical regions of India. Its main uses are for human consumption and for the manufacture of starch and alcohol. Its contains about 16 percent starch and about four percent sugar. For commercial cultivation, Kanda requires long and warm growing season. It is grown from sprouts produced from its tuber-like roots and vine cutting. Kanda herb having red and white skins (of roots) are available in Chhattisgarh. Medicinally, the traditional healers consider red skinned Kanda more useful. From storage point of view red skinned Kanda is also considered superior. The traditional healers of Chhattisgarh informed that the consumption of its roots through different preparations have many health benefits. It increases the fat in body and provides extra strength. These preparations are recommended specially to newly wed couples. The healers are aware of its aphrodisiac properties. The senior natives of Chhattisgarh Plains informed me that it is a boon for the students because it is a promising memory enhancer. The natives are not much aware of its health benefits but it is good sign that they are using it with taste. The natives of all age group like these preparations. Although the markets at villages and small towns still supply Kanda roots to the natives but I have noted during the surveys that its popularity is decreasing among the natives living in Urban areas particularly those belong to new generation. I am confident that by awaring them regarding its health benefits we can encourage them to use this natural food. Through this article, I would like to request the researchers working on medicinal insects to pay attention on the medicinal properties of Aspidomorpha miliaris feeding on Kanda herb.

Thank you very much for reading the article.