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Rare Plant Holds Alzheimer's Cure Secret
6 Oct
Summary
- A rare aquatic plant, Periya Polathali, is critically endangered.
- Its tubers contain galantamine, used in Alzheimer's, dementia, Parkinson's medications.
- Habitat destruction of laterite hills threatens its survival.
In northern Malabar, a critical conservation initiative is underway to protect Periya Polathali, an aquatic plant facing severe extinction risk. Known scientifically as Crinum malabaricum, this rare species holds significant medicinal value. Its tubers contain galantamine, a compound crucial for manufacturing medicines treating Alzheimer's disease, dementia, and Parkinson's disease.
The plant's survival is intrinsically linked to the health of its habitat, primarily the streams originating from laterite hills. Destruction of these hills has led to the species' decline. Research involving school students has helped identify its presence in areas like Padikkeel Ayyangakulam, raising public awareness of its importance.
The Pilicode grama panchayat's Biodiversity Management Committee is now implementing protection measures. This involves creating a community-led system for safeguarding the plant and its habitat. Past biodiversity planning, including a register prepared in 2015, is being updated to reflect new conservation strategies for Periya Polathali.
