Arogyapacha
( UPSC Prelims)
News Context
Forest elder (Kuttimathan Kani), who disclosed the Arogyapacha, has passed away in Kerala.
About Arogyapacha (meaning 'green that gives strength'):
○ It is a rare, native medicinal plant of India.
● Medicinal Properties: It possesses anti-oxidant, antistress, anti-microbial, anti-inflammatory, anti-tumor, anti-ulcer, and anti-diabetic properties.
○ It is renowned for its traditional use by the Kani tribes in the Agastya hills of the Western Ghats.
○ The 'Jeevani' drug has been developed using Arogyapacha.
○ The Kani tribes receive a 50% share of the commercial returns.