Date of Visit: July 2nd 2025.
Location: Naavinna, Maharagama, Colombo.
Time duration – 8 A.M. to 1P.M.
Participants- Second BSMS (39th BSMS).
Organized by: Faculty of Siddha Medicine, Department of Gunapadam.
Supervisor: – Dr. (Mrs). V. Sathiyaseelan, Dr. (Mrs.) V. Melano prashad.
Guide: – Mr. J. Eugin Benat, Ms. A. Mayoori.
Institutions Visited:
- Bandaranaike Memorial Ayurvedic Research Institute (BMARI).
- National Institute of Traditional Medicine (NITM).
- Department of Ayurveda, Sri Lanka.
1. Introduction
As part of the curriculum for 2nd year BSMS students under the subject Mooligaiyiyal-II, this field visit was organized. It was arranged with the aim of identifying medicinal plants, gaining a comprehensive understanding about them, and enhancing practical exposure to research.
The session was conducted during the academic field hours of the 2nd year BSMS students, guided by the academic staff and temporary demonstrators of the Department of Gunapadam.
2. Objective
The objective of this visit was to identify and document the medicinal plants growing in a specific area, along with their therapeutic uses, life cycle, toxic properties, and the medically useful parts.
3. Land Type and Climatic Season
The site is located in a low-country wet zone area with fertile lateritic soil, ideal for the growth of tropical medicinal plants. During the time of visit, the region was experiencing the Southwest Monsoon season, contributing to high humidity and moderate rainfall—conditions favourable for herbal cultivation and research.
4. Main Observations
We had the opportunity to observe and engage in three main areas of study:
a) Identification of Medicinal Plants
During the walk, we observed and documented nearly 79 varieties of medicinal herbal plants. We identified their botanical names and plant families, noted the parts of the plants used in medicine, and studied the ecological and medicinal significance of various species used in the Siddha healthcare system. We also noted botanical features (such as leaf shape, flowers, and bark), and their habitats. Under the net house, we observed 18 rare and significant medicinal plant species. Notable examples included:
1. Coscinium fenestratum
2. Erythroxylum coca – Coca plant
3. Saraca asoca – Ashoka
4. Rhinacanthus nasutus – Snake jasmine
5. Biophytum sensitivum – Little tree plant / Mukkunuwenna
6.Rauvolfia serpentina (original species) – Indian snakeroot
7.Acronychia pedunculata – Lunu lunuwarana
8.Mesua ferrea – Ironwood / Na tree
9.Myroxylon balsamum – Balsam of Peru
10.Piper sarmentosum – Wild betel leaf
11.Pterocarpus marsupium – Indian kino tree
12.Strychnos nux-vomica – Nux vomica
13.Codariocalyx motorius – Pranajeewa
14.Ipomea Batatas -Bhoomi sakkarai
15.Bommi plant
Additional species were also present but not individually listed here.
b) Identification of Raw Materials
We studied a variety of raw herbal materials used in traditional medicine. This included dried roots, bark, leaves, and seeds, each labelled with botanical and vernacular names.
c) Identification of Tissue Cultures of Medicinal Plants
At the Indigenous Medical Research Laboratory Complex, we observed tissue culture techniques used for the conservation and propagation of rare species. Tissue culture specimens included:
1. Withania somnifera – Ashwagandha
2. Celastrus paniculatus – Climbing staff tree
3. Rauvolfia serpentina – Indian snakeroot
4. Kaempferia galanga – Aromatic ginger
5. Herbarium and Drying Techniques
We also observed:
Herbarium sheets displaying properly preserved and labelled medicinal plants.
Dry herbs in various stages of processing.
A vacuum drying machine used for dehydration under controlled temperature and pressure.
Demonstration of the drying and compressing method employed for long-term preservation and pharmacological study of plant specimens.
6.Conclusion
The visit to BMARI, NITM and DOA provided a comprehensive understanding of medicinal plant identification, raw material usage, and advanced propagation techniques such as tissue culture. Observing rare species and conservation methods was particularly valuable for appreciating the rich biodiversity and heritage of Sri Lankan traditional medicine.
