Plants Yielding Spices, Drugs & Insecticides | UPSC Mains BOTANY-PAPER-I 2018

Write Botanical names and their families of plants yielding spices, drugs and insecticides and mention the parts used therein.

How to Approach

This question requires a systematic listing of plants used for spices, drugs, and insecticides, along with their botanical names, families, and the plant parts utilized. The answer should be organized into three main sections – spices, drugs, and insecticides – each with a table format for clarity. Focus on commonly known and economically important plants. Prioritize accuracy in botanical nomenclature and family classification. A concise and well-structured response will demonstrate a strong understanding of economic botany and pharmacognosy.

Model Answer

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Introduction

Plants have been integral to human civilization, serving as sources of food, medicine, and protection. Economic botany explores the various ways plants are utilized for human benefit, while pharmacognosy specifically focuses on medicinal plants. The use of plants for spices, drugs, and insecticides represents a significant aspect of this relationship. India, with its rich biodiversity, has a long tradition of utilizing plant resources for these purposes. This answer will detail the botanical names, families, and utilized parts of plants yielding spices, drugs, and insecticides, providing a comprehensive overview of their economic and medicinal importance.

Spices

Spices are aromatic plant parts used to flavor food. They often possess medicinal properties as well.

Botanical Name	Family	Spice	Part Used
Piper nigrum	Piperaceae	Black Pepper	Dried Fruits
Cinnamomum verum	Lauraceae	Cinnamon	Bark
Curcuma longa	Zingiberaceae	Turmeric	Rhizome
Zingiber officinale	Zingiberaceae	Ginger	Rhizome
Capsicum annum	Solanaceae	Chilli	Fruits

Drugs

Medicinal plants contain compounds with therapeutic properties. Pharmacognosy studies these compounds and their effects.

Botanical Name	Family	Drug/Use	Part Used
Azadirachta indica	Meliaceae	Antiseptic, Antifungal	Leaves, Bark, Oil
Ocimum sanctum	Lamiaceae	Antimicrobial, Adaptogen	Leaves, Seeds
Withania somnifera	Solanaceae	Ayurvedic medicine (Ashwagandha)	Root, Berries
Digitalis purpurea	Scrophulariaceae	Cardiac Glycosides (Digoxin)	Leaves
Papaver somniferum	Papaveraceae	Opium, Morphine, Codeine	Seed capsules

Insecticides

Certain plants produce compounds toxic to insects, making them useful as natural insecticides.

Botanical Name	Family	Insecticide/Use	Part Used
Nicotiana tabacum	Solanaceae	Nicotine	Leaves
Chrysanthemum cinerariifolium	Asteraceae	Pyrethrins	Flowers
Derris elliptica	Fabaceae	Rotenone	Roots
Neemazadirachta indica	Meliaceae	Azadirachtin	Seeds, Oil
Datura stramonium	Solanaceae	Scopolamine	Seeds, Leaves

Conclusion

The botanical world provides a wealth of resources for spices, drugs, and insecticides. Understanding the botanical names, families, and utilized parts of these plants is crucial for their sustainable utilization and conservation. Further research into plant-derived compounds holds immense potential for developing novel medicines and environmentally friendly pest control strategies. The continued exploration of India’s rich flora is essential for harnessing its economic and medicinal benefits while preserving biodiversity.

Answer Length

This is a comprehensive model answer for learning purposes and may exceed the word limit. In the exam, always adhere to the prescribed word count.

Additional Resources

Key Definitions

Pharmacognosy

The study of medicines derived from natural sources, including plants, animals, and microorganisms. It encompasses the identification, isolation, and characterization of bioactive compounds.

Economic Botany

The study of the economic uses of plants, including food, medicine, fiber, timber, and other products. It explores the relationship between plants and human societies.

Key Statistics

India is estimated to have over 7,000 species of medicinal plants, contributing significantly to the country’s healthcare system.

Source: National Biodiversity Authority (NBA), India (as of 2023 knowledge cutoff)

The global spice market was valued at USD 15.84 billion in 2022 and is expected to reach USD 21.78 billion by 2030.

Source: Fortune Business Insights (2023)

Examples

Rosy Periwinkle and Cancer Treatment

<i>Catharanthus roseus</i> (Rosy Periwinkle), a native of Madagascar, provided the compounds vincristine and vinblastine, which are crucial chemotherapy drugs used to treat leukemia and Hodgkin's lymphoma.

Frequently Asked Questions

▶Are plant-derived insecticides safe for the environment?

Generally, plant-derived insecticides are considered more environmentally friendly than synthetic insecticides as they are biodegradable and less persistent in the environment. However, they can still have non-target effects and should be used responsibly.