Hedyotis Indirae: A Rare Medicinal Plant Honoring Dr. Indira Balachandran

Did you know? A newly discovered plant species in the Western Ghats, Hedyotis indirae, is named after Dr. Indira Balachandran — a pioneer in medicinal plant research and Ayurvedic taxonomy. This rare discovery bridges traditional herbal wisdom with modern scientific exploration.

Introduction

“What’s in a name?” the famous Shakespearean quote asks. For Dr. Indira Balachandran, her name is now etched into botanical history. A newly discovered species of the Hedyotis genus, found in the high-altitude forests of the Western Ghats, has been officially named Hedyotis indirae in her honor.

Dr. Balachandran, a renowned researcher in medicinal plant taxonomy, has dedicated over four decades to identifying, preserving, and documenting plants used in Ayurveda. The naming of Hedyotis indirae is not just a personal tribute, but a celebration of India’s rich herbal legacy.

The Discovery of Hedyotis Indirae

In 2013 and 2016, a team of scientists from the Plant Systematics Division of the Centre for Medicinal Plant Research (CMPR) at Arya Vaidya Sala, Kottakkal, set out on field explorations in the Elivāl Hills of Muthikkulam forest in Palakkad, Kerala. Among their findings was a plant species that didn’t match any known description.

After years of detailed taxonomic studies and expert verification, the team confirmed its novelty. In 2024, this discovery was published in the international journal Webbia (Italy), officially naming the plant Hedyotis indirae.

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The Team Behind the Discovery

The research was led by Dr. K.M. Prabhukumar, Senior Scientist, along with Dr. C.N. Sunil (SNM College, Maliankara), Dr. R. Jagaddesan, V.V. Naveen Kumar, and research scholars Aiswarya Pilathottathil and V.S. Harish. The naming honors Dr. Indira Balachandran for her lifelong contributions to plant taxonomy and Ayurveda.

Who is Dr. Indira Balachandran?

Dr. Balachandran is a name synonymous with medicinal plant research in India.

• She began her career in 1982 as the Research Officer and In-charge of the Herbal Garden at Arya Vaidya Sala, Kottakkal — one of India’s most respected centers for Ayurvedic medicine.
• Her doctoral research on “Ayurvedic Drugs and Their Plant Sources” (University of Calicut, 1990) became a landmark reference for Ayurvedic students, doctors, and global researchers when it was published by Oxford & IBH in 1994.
• Between 1988 and 1997, she worked with a women’s collective, Shodhini, to collect and document simple herbal remedies for women’s health, resulting in the book “Touch Me, Touch Me Not: Women, Herbs and Healing” (1997).

Dr. Indira’s international outreach includes lectures on Ayurvedic Phytotherapy in the Netherlands and a visiting professorship at the Toyama Medical and Pharmaceutical Industry in Japan.

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The Plant Family: Hedyotis

Hedyotis belongs to the Rubiaceae family, which includes several medicinally important plants. Locally known as “Parppadakapullu” (Diamond Flower), many species in this genus are valued for their anti-inflammatory and healing properties in Ayurveda.

Medicinal Significance

• Extracts from Hedyotis species are traditionally used for treating skin diseases, wounds, and urinary disorders.
• Ongoing studies are exploring its antioxidant and antimicrobial activities, making it a potential candidate for herbal drug development.

Why is Hedyotis Indirae Special?

1. Endemic Habitat:
   Hedyotis indirae grows at an altitude of 6,300 feet in the misty forests of the Western Ghats — one of the world’s eight biodiversity hotspots.
2. Conservation Value:
   With deforestation and climate change threatening rare plant species, documenting Hedyotis indirae helps secure its place in both science and conservation.
3. Cultural and Scientific Honor:
   Naming the species after Dr. Balachandran acknowledges the role of researchers who preserve India’s ancient medicinal heritage.

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India’s Western Ghats: A Plant Treasure Trove

The Western Ghats stretch over 1,600 km across southern India, harboring over 7,400 plant species, with nearly 1,800 endemic species (found nowhere else on Earth).

However, these forests face growing threats:

• Large-scale plantation activities (tea, coffee, ginger, lemongrass).
• Mining and urban expansion.
• The impacts of climate change on fragile ecosystems.

The discovery of Hedyotis indirae is a reminder of what we stand to lose — and why conservation efforts are critical.

Dr. Indira Balachandran’s Ongoing Work

Currently serving as the Project Director of the Centre for Medicinal Plant Research, Dr. Balachandran leads multiple projects funded by government and non-government agencies. Her focus includes:

• Medicinal plant standardization for Ayurveda and Siddha.
• Ex-situ conservation through herbal gardens and seed banks.
• Community outreach programs for sustainable harvesting and herbal knowledge sharing.

Her decades of dedication ensure that traditional knowledge is not only preserved but also validated through modern phytochemical and pharmacological studies.

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Future of Hedyotis Research

The discovery of Hedyotis indirae opens new possibilities:

• Phytochemical analysis may reveal unique compounds with therapeutic potential.
• In-situ conservation programs in the Western Ghats will focus on protecting its natural habitat.
• Global recognition of Indian medicinal plants is likely to grow, fueled by such discoveries.

Conclusion

The story of Hedyotis indirae is more than just a botanical discovery — it’s a tribute to India’s rich herbal tradition, the resilience of its forests, and the people who protect them.

Dr. Indira Balachandran’s life’s work serves as an inspiration for future generations of plant scientists, herbalists, and conservationists. As the world turns back to natural remedies and eco-friendly healthcare, plants like Hedyotis indirae remind us of the unexplored potential of India’s biodiversity.

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FAQs

Q1. What is Hedyotis indirae?
A newly discovered species of the Hedyotis genus, found in Kerala’s Western Ghats, named after Dr. Indira Balachandran.

Q2. Is Hedyotis used in Ayurveda?
Yes, species of Hedyotis (Parppadakapullu) are used in Ayurvedic remedies for wounds, fever, and urinary disorders.

Q3. Where was Hedyotis indirae found?
It was discovered in the Elivāl Hills, Muthikkulam forest, Palakkad district of Kerala.

Q4. Why is the plant named after Dr. Indira Balachandran?
The name honors her 40+ years of research and contributions to the taxonomy and conservation of medicinal plants.

Q5. Is Hedyotis indirae endangered?
Being a newly described plant from a fragile habitat, it is considered rare and requires conservation efforts.