Indigenous Knowledge of Ethnic Community on Usage of Kripa (Lumnitzera racemosa) and its preliminary screening

Abstract

Kripa (Lumnitzera racemosa) is an evergreen branched tree of medicinal value found in the mangrove areas of the Indian subcontinent and traditionally used by local rural communities to treat various ailments and their symptoms. Kripa was identified as one of the many mangrove species that occur in the Sunderbans delta that are being used for its therapeutic properties. The traditional usage of Kripa leaves and bark were learnt through interaction with the locals. The plant parts were collected from the Medicinal Plant Conservation Area (MPCA) in Bonnie Camp and a preliminary phytochemical analysis was conducted in methanolic extraction by following standard methodology. The locals reported that the most common use of the plant were to treat itches, bites (inflammation) and occasionally even symptoms of diabetes. The preliminary phytochemical screening reveals that the leaves of Kripa contains glycosides, alkaloids, phenols, tannins, flavonoids, etc.