Introduction

As a centre of academic excellence, Asutosh College concluded its centennial year (1916-2016) in July, 2016. With many advancements and introduction of newer approaches towards education, the second campus in “Bhasa” on Diamond Harbour Road, South 24 Pgs, has been reshaped into the dream Project of a “Green Campus”. With this concept in view, a medicinal plant garden has been set up and given the name Sushrut after the ancient Indian medical practitioner and surgeon who treated his patients with herbal medicines.

The Medicinal Plant garden is situated within an area of almost 7000 square feet and surrounded by deodars.At least 100 types of medicinal plants of different families have been cultivated inside the nicely designed beds with proper nameplates bearing local and scientific names and Angiospermic family identity. Some of the important plants/trees are:

Kalmehg (Andrographs paniculata)
Harjora (Cissus quadrangularis)
Golmorich/Black pepper (Piper nigrum)
Arjun (Terminalia arjuna)
Red and White sandal wood
Nutmeg (Myristica fragrans)

We have included some rare plants in this series. We have already collected and cultivated Pitcher plant (Nepenthes) from Meghalaya. We have a section of hydrophytic plants with Lotus (Nelumbo nucifere) and other endangered aquatic plants like Hydrilla. We have a greenhouse of around of 700 square feet with glass covering allowing 70 percent of the incidental solar ray. It has a nursery section where we are trying for the germination of some endangered Gymnospermic plants like Ginkgo biloba and Gnetum. The Succulent and cactus sections also include many ornamental species. We have cultivated and produced seedlings of Ashwagangha Withania somniferaDunaland Rouwolfia serpentina , Sarpogandha , both are very much in demand as herbal medicine. These seedlings are trying to be marketed as per demand. We have developed an orchidarium with atemporary structure but at least four species of orchid with high market value are cultivated.

The garden is entered through a white-green coloured gate fashioned out of bamboo and bearing the name SushrutMedicinal Plants Garden. There is a nice straw thatched bamboo-pillared circular covered pergola with an extension for climber plants like Clerodendron or Thunbergia which have brightly coloured flowers and will present a lovely picture when in bloom. Around the side wall of the garden the ground is covered with smooth fine blades of carpet grass where the name of the garden is highlighted with white word plates. There is a Butterfly garden adjacent to the medicinal plant garden. The place is occupied with varieties of butterfly species. Apart from that the garden is beautifully decorated with marigolds and seasonal flower beds at the time of winter. We have two pump sets of our own for irrigation. One thermometer and moisture meter are attached to the greenhouse with small fans for good air circulation.

THE BEGINNING

The project started working under the leadership of Dr. Dipak Kumar Kar, Principal, Asutosh College and Dr. Amitava Ghosh (SACT in Botany) in 2010 with the cooperation of the staff of the department of Botany.

OBJECTIVES

Medicinal plants are the life source to human civilization. The future planning for marketing of seedlings of important medicinal plants will start from the garden. We also have planned for research projects implementation, cultivating those plants necessary for botanical research and hope to build an exhibition-cum-demonstration area inside the garden so that our students of various disciplines can be made aware of our natural treasures which is useful for the natural cure of many diseases. We have already made one exhibition of ornamental plants and different orchids inside the campus. We have made a research project on the Bioprospecting of medicinal plants in the light of the evaluation of their active ingredients and do hope to submit them before UGC or State funding agency. The garden is already used extensively as a resource place for academic excursions or field tour for the different disciplines of our college since its establishment.

Sushrut has been established through the inspiration and untiring efforts of faculty members, especially from the Botany department.

LIST OF MEDICINAL PLANTS IN THE GARDEN

NO	NAME	FAMILY	PARTS USED	USE
1.	Bhui amla – Phyllanthus fratermus Webster	Euphorbiaceae	Whole Plants	Kidney and urinary tract, intestinal infections,diabetes,and hepatitis.
2.	KrisnaTulshi –Ocimum tenuiflorum L.	Lamiaceae	Leaf	Malaria, bronchitis, dirrhoea,antiseptic
3.	Kalmegh – Andrographis paniculata (Burn. F.) Wall.exNees	Acanthaceae	Leaf	Medicinal value liver problem, hooping cough, leprosy, jaundice
4.	Grithakunari- Aloe barbadensis mill	Liliaceae	Leaf	Skin soothing (astringent),moisturizing,and healing properties, constipation,health tonic
5.	Nayantara – Catharanthus roseus L,	Apocynaceae	Stem and root	Hypertension ,leukemia,diabetes,piles
6.	Kakmachi – Solanum nigrum L.	Solanceae	Whole plants	Ulcer,skin disease, dysentery,asthma, loss of appetite
7.	Aswagangha – Withania somnifera Dunal.	Solanceae	Leaves ,roots and fruits	Laxatiye, depression , stresss and tension, weakness, rheumatism , ulcer and burn
8.	Pudina – Mentha spicata L.	Lamiaceae	Leaves	Excitation,digestive.gastrostimulant, Carminative, fomentation,flavoring Agent
9.	Mistipata – Stevia rebaudiana L.	Asteraceae	Leaves	Diabetes,improving low level of sugar , hypertension.
10.	Jastimadhu Glycyrrhiza glabra L.	Fabaceae	Root	Bronchitis, cold and cough
11.	Mehendi – Hena – Lowsonia inermis L.	Lythraceae	Leaves	Gall bladder stone, spleen ,skon treatment, small pox, liver treatment
12.	Kulekhara Hygrophila schulii (Buch - Ham)	Acanthaceae	Whole plants	Anaemia , leukemia, impurities of blood, sleeplessness. Kidney stone, urino genital problem.
13.	Harjora – Cissus quadrangularis (Schum.)	Vitaceae	Whole plants	Bone fracture, swelling,colonopathy,asthma,tumor
14.	Akanda – Calotropis gigantea L.	Asclepiadaceae	Whole plants	Ulcer,leprosy, night blindness, liver disorder and worm disease,
15	Lajabati – Mimosa pudica L.	Mimosaceae	Whole plants	Haemorrhoids, urinary infection, dysentery, leprosy,piles.
16.	Nishinda – Vitex negundo L.	Verbenaceae	Leaf	Rheumatism, dyspepsia, sinus, spleen enlargement, cholera.
17.	Karpur tulsi – Ocimum kilimandscharicum Guerke	Lamiaceae	Leaf	Cough, Bronchitis, bacterial and viral infection, conjunctivitis.
18.	Ram tulsi – Ocimum gratissimum L.	Lamiaceac	Leaf	Headache, influenza, sunstroke.
19.	Ayapana – Eupatorium triplinerve Vahl	Asteraceae	Leaf	Stop hemorrhage, astringent,stimulant, digestive, purgative.
20.	Bach – Acorus calamus L.	Araceae,	Whole plants	Intestinal disorder,antispasmodic,anticonvulsant, Anti insecticidal
21.	Babui Tulsi- Ocimum basilicum L.	Lamiaceae	Leaf	Hair dressing, dental cream mouth wash, headache,
22	Brahmi –Bacopa monnieria (L)Fennell	Scrophulariaceae	Leaf	Nervous disorder, epilepsy,convulsion, memory tonic,urinary problem, bronchitis
23.	Anantamul –Hemidesmus indicus R. Br	Asclepiadaceae	Root	Fever,skin disease, loss of appetite,bloodpurifier,laxative, conjunctivitis
24.	Golmorich – Piper nigrum L	Piperaceae	Fruit	Loss of appetite,Cholera,malaria, high fever, cold and cough, rheumatism
25.	Gurmar – Gymnema sylvestre(Retz)R.Br.exSchult.	Asclepiadaceae	Leaf	Never tonic,laxative,diabetes,liver and spleen enlarhement, piles
26.	Basak – Justicia adhatoda L	Acanthaceae	Leaf	Cough, bronchitis,dysentery, pox,indigestion.
27.	Lalchita – Plumbago indica L	Plumbaginaceae	Root	Abortion,skindisease,rheumatism
28.	Gandal – Paederia scandens (Lour.)Merill.	Rubiaceae	Leaf	Dysentrry,loss of appetite,urinary problem,night blindness,
29.	Citronella- Cymbopogon schoenanthus (L) Spreng.	Poaceae	Leaf	Insecticidal
30.	Patharkuchi – Bryophyllum pinnatum (Lam)Kurz	Crassulaceae	Leaves	Diabetes,cold and cough,blood vomiting,epilepsy
31.	Sankarjata – Uraria picta (Jacq)Desv.ex DC	Fabacea	Root	Cough,dyspepsia,blood dysentery, rheumatism.cold and cough,mouth ulcer.
32.	Dhutra –Datura meteln L.	Solanaceae	Fruit	Mums,achzima,rheumatism, dandruff, lice,central nervous system depression,cardiac problem.
33.	Lanka- Capsicum annum L	Solanaceae	Fruit	In intermittent and lethargic affections, atonic gouts,dyspersia,flatulence,tympanitis,paralysis,acute diphtheria) and malignant scarlet fever
34	Swet and Neel Aparajita – Clitoria ternatea L.	Fabaceae	Fruit	Brain tonic,diabetics,tuberculosis,epilepsy
35.	Thankuni-Centella asiatica (Linn.) Urban	Apiaceae	Leaf	Depression,perspiration, dysentery, liver problem, jaundice
36.	Gulancha-Tinopora cordifolia (willd.) Miers.eexHook.f.&Thomos	Menispermaceae	Whole Plant	Persistent fever , anaemia,leprosy , jaundice
37.	Guggul- Commiphora mukul (Hook.ex,Stocks) Engl.	Burseaceae	The extract of gum,	Anti cholesterol
38.	Kalohalud – Curcuma caesia Roxb	Zingiberaceae	Rhizome	Leakoderma,epilepsy,cancer,HIV/AIDS, Hydrocele
39.	Ada-Zingiber officinale Rosc.	Zingiberaceae	Rhizome	Nausea and vomiting associated with surgery,vertigo, travel
40.	Kulattha- Macrotyloma uniflorum ( Lam) Verdc.	Fabaeae	Seeda	Anti-hyperglycemic,reduce insulin resistance , anti-oxidant
41.	Pashanvedi – Coleus amboinicus Lour	Lamiaceae	Leaf	Coughs ,sore throats and nasal congestion, infections, rheumatism and flatulence,malarial fever
42.	Babchi – Psoralea corylifolia L.	Fabaceae	Whole piant, fruit and seed	Tonify the kidneys,bone fractures, for lower back and knee
43.	Haritoki –Terminalia chebula Retz.	Combretaceae	Fruit	Ease bowel movement, reduces the pile mass
44.	Bobera-Terminalia bellirica (gaerth)roxb.	Combretaceae	Fruit	Astringent and laxative, affections of the throat and chest.
45.	Kurchi-Holarrhena pubescens(Buch-Ham)Wall.exG,Don	Apocynaceae	Leaf,bark	In chronic diarrhea, in treatment piles,skin diseases.
46.	Asoke-Saraca asoca(Roxb).de Wilde	Caesalpiniaceae	Leaf,bark	Excessive uterine bleeding,dysmenorrheal and for depression
47.	Chatim-Alstonia scholaris R.Br.	Apocynaceae	Bark,latex	Malaria, toothache,rheumatism, snake bite,coughs,throat sores and fever
48.	Tezpata-Cinnamomum tamala Nees&Eberm	Lauraceae	Bark,Leaf,Stem	Reduction in blood glucose level,diabetes
49.	Neem- Azadirachta indica A.Juss	Meliaceae	Bark,Leaf,Flower	Anthelminitic , antifungal,antidiabetic,antibacterial, antiviral
50.	Arjun- Terminalia arjujuna	Combretaceae	Bark,Leaf,Flower	Wounds,hemorrhages and ulcers,heart
51.	Labonga-Syzygium aromaticum L.	Myrtaceae	Aromatic flower buds	Painkiller, for dental emergencies.as a carminative.
52.	Dalchini-Cinnamomum zeylanicum Blume	Lauraceae	Inner bark,leaves and buds	Aromatic,carminative,stimulant,anti-microbial,anti-fungal
53.	Chalta-Dillenia indica L.	Dilleniaceae	Fruit	Antidiabetic,Antioxidant. Anti leukemicactivity,against Benaceae
54	Gub-Diospyros malabarica (Desr.) Kostel.	Ebenaceae	Bark,Leaf,Flower and fruits	Astringent,anti-bacterial,anthelminticactivity,diarrhea
55	Red sandal-Pterocarpus sanialinus L.	Fabaceae	Barks,Fruits	Antipyretic, anti-inflammatory, anthelmintic,tonic
56	White sandal-Santalum album L	Santalaceae	Barks, Fruits	Antipyretic, anti-inflammatory, anthelmintic,tonic
57	Joggo dumur- Ficus glomerota Roxb.	Moraceae	Bark, Fruits, Latex	Astringent, Coolant and digestive
58	Tentul-Tamarindus indica L.	Fabaceae	Fruit	Poultice for fever ,skeletal fluorosis
59	Til- Sesamum indicum L.	Pedaliaceae	Seeds	Ingredient in soap, cosmetics, lubricants and medicines
60	Chirata- Swertia chiratiya (Roxb.Exfleming )H.Karst	Gentianaceae	Bark,leaveds,flowers and fruits	Laxative,appetizer, nutrition disorders,reducing fever
61	Tunt-Morus alba	Moraceae	Root bark, leaf	Antibacterial,antihyperglycemic, antioxidant and antiglycation effects in chronic diabetes.
62	Jaiphal-Myristica fragrans	Myristicaceae	Fruit	Lower blood pressure,sooth a stomach ache and control diarrhea
63	Kalajira-Nigella sativa	Ranunculaceae	Seeds	Cancer,dyspepsia
64	Keora-Pandanus odonotissimus (Forssk.)Kuntze	Pandanaceac	Flower and petal oil extract	Antiviral, antiallergy, antiplatelet, anti-inflammatory, antioxidant,and anticancer
65	Isabgul-Plantago ovate Focssk	Plantaginaceae	Seed husks	Dietary fibre, reducing serum cholesterol,
66	Hing-Ferula assafoetida L,	Apiaceae	Dried latex (gum oleoresin)exuded from the rhizome or tap root	Antiflatulent.digestionaid,fightinginfluenza:,remedy for asthma and bronchitis.,antimicrobial,contraceptive/abortifacient,antiepileptic
67	Karpus-Gossypium herbaceum L	Malvaceae	Seed hair	Irregular bleeding, increase lactation,gastrointestinalissues,hemorrhages,nausea,diarrhea,fevers and headache
68	Coffee-Coffea arabica L	Rubiaceae	Seed	Anti-depressant,nerve -stimulant
69	Karpur-Cinnamonum camphora (L)J.Presl	Lauraceae	Wood,leaf	Rheumatic pain,neuralgia,arthritis,soremuscles,sprains,bruises and bruises
70	Amada-Curcuma amada Roxburgh	Zingiberaceac	Rhizome	Cough and cold, rheumatism,inflammation
71	Keshuth-Eclipta prostrata L	Asteraceae	Leaf	Hair growth and color
72	Kemuk-Costus speciosus (J.Konig)CSpecht.	Costaceae	Rhizome	Fever,rash,asthma,bronchitis,and intestinal worms.
73	Mahadevjata-Sansevieria cylindrica Bojer	Asparagaceae	Rhizome	Good air purifiers by removing toxins (such as formaldehyde,xylene and toluene)from the air, a good cure for sick building syndrome.
74	Vaidyashingha-Justicia gendarussa Burm f	Acanthaceae	Leaf and Flower	Cough,cold,bronchitis,throatinfections,pulmonary infections and allergic disorders like bronchial asthma.
75	Swetberela-Sida cordifolia L.	Malvaceae	Whole plant	Treatment of inflammation of the oral mucosa, asthmatic bronchitis and nasal congestion,stomatitis,of asthma and nasal congestion respiratory problems
76	Chota elaichi-Electaria cardamomum (L)Maton	Zingiberaceae	Green seed pods	Indigestion,nausea, vomiting and pulmonary disease
77	Golapjam- Syzygium (L)Skeels.	Myrtaceae	Seed or Fruit	To control diabetes
78	Lipstick Briksha- Bixaceae	Bixaceae	Seed and Flower	Dye yielding, health disorder
79	Khoyer-Senegalia catechu (L.f.)P.JH Hurter&Mabb	Fabaceae	Fruit,seed,bark and heart wood	Sore throats and diarrhea,astringent, anti-dyslipidemic,anthelmithic,anti-inflammatory,
80	Tamal-Cinnamomum samala (Buch.-Ham.)T.Nees&C.H.Eberm	Lauraceac	Leaf	Anti-diabetic,cough and cold
81	Bherenda-Jatropha	Euphorbiaceae	Seeds	Biofuel
82	Rudraksha-Elaeocarpus ganitrus Roxb.exG.Don	Elaeocarpaceae	Seeds	Antifungal,antibacterial
83	Shaora- Streblus asper Lour.	Moraceae	Leaf, fruit	Dysentery, diarrhea and fevers,colon polyp
84	Kanchan–Phanera variegate (L)Benth	Fabaceae	Stem bark	Anticancer,antioxidant,hypolipidemic,antimicrobial
85	Satamuli- Asparagus officinalis L	Asparagaceae	Shoot and rot	For treatment of urinary and kindey problems, jaundice and sciatica,antioxidant to boost the immune system,reduce inflammation and maintain the health of the liver.
86	Helenha-Enhydra fanctuans (Lour)Spreng	Asteraceae	Whole plant	Analgesic, anticancer,antioxidant, antimicrobial,antidiarrheal,
87	Palash-Butea memosperma	Fabaceae	Gum,Leal	Astringent
88	Ajowan-Trachyspermum amni	Apiaceae	Rhizome	Stomach disorders,dantispasmodic and carminative properties.
89	Padma-Nelumbo nucifena	Nymphaeaceae	Rhizome	Therapeutic value
90	Salbani –Desmodium gangeticum	Fabaceae	Whole plant,root	Digestive, asthma dysentery, Bronchitis.
91	Swet Chitraka Phumbago zeylanica	Piumbaginaceae	Whole plant	Antimicrobial activity
92	Anantamul-Tylophora indica	asclepiadaceae	Roots	Substitute for Ipecac Expectorant; reduces vomiting
93	Lebu-Citrus limonum	Rutaceae	Fruits, leaves	Source of Vitamin C., antimicrobial,
94	SwetTulsi- Ocimum sanctum	Lamiaceae	Whole plant, leaves	Tulsi extracts are used in Ayurvedicremedices for common colds, headaches,stomachdisorders,inflammstion,heart disease,
95	Hydrilla verticillata	Hydrocharitaceae	Whole plant	Hyperaccumulator of Mercury,Cadmium,chromium and Lead.
96	Jaljamani- Cocculus hirsutus	Menispermaceae	Leaves, whole plant	Intestinal worm infection,sunstroke,
97	Karamcha –Carissa carandus	Apocynaceae	Whole plant	Whole plant and its parts were used in the treatment of various ailments.Its fruits are eaten to treat liver dysfunction to break fever
98	Kantikari- Solanum surathensis	Solanaceae	Whole plant	Useful in skin diseases useful in worm infestation useful in cardiac disorders it helps in ejaculation improves digestion strength
99	Latakasturi-Abelmoschus mosehatus	Malvaceae	Seed, whole plants	Cleanses urinary bladder aphrodisiac, improves vigor improves vision, good for eyes, useful in eye disorders cutting in nature balances Kapha,useful in productive cough, asthma
100	Bara elaichi- Elettaria cardamomum	Zingiberaceae	Green seed pods	Ground cardamom is an ingredient in many Indian curries and is a primary contributer to the flavor of masala chai
101	Hatisunr-Heliotropium indicum	Boraginaceae	Whole plant	The extracted juice from the pounded leaves of the plants is used on wounds ,skin ulcers and furuncles.The juice is also used as an eye drop for conjunctivitis.The pounded leaves are used as poultice.
102	Kanta nate-Amaranthus speciosus	Amaranthaceae	Whole plant	Astringent, diaphoretic, diuretic,emollient,febrifuge,galactogogueetc. s used in the treatment of internal bleeding,diarrhea,excessivemenstruation,snakebites,boils,stomachdisorders,ulcerated mouths,
103	Apang-Achyranthes aspera	Amaranthaceae	Whole plant	Antidepression and anxiety
104	Punarnaba-Boerrahavia repens	Nyctaginaceae	Whole plant	Anti cancer,anti diabetic,antimicrobial,antioxidant
105	Beto shak-Chenopodium album	Amaranthaceae	Wholw plant	Anti helmintic,antiphlogistic,antirheumatic,cobtraceptive,laxative,odontalgic in the treatment of rheumatism,bug bites,sunstroke,urinary problems,skin problems