Date of Visit: July 5, 2025
Location: Medicinal Plant Garden for Research and Extension, Pallekele, Kundasale, Kandy District, Central Province
Time Duration: 1:00 pm – 4:00 pm
Participants: Second BSMS students(39^th BSMS)
Organized by: Faculty of Siddha Medicine, Department of Materia Medica
Guided by: Dr. (Mrs.) V. Sathiyaseelan, Dr. (Mrs.) V. Milano Prasad.
Demonstrators: Mr. J. Eugin Benat, Ms. A. Mayoori

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 comprehensive knowledge 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 Medicinal Plant Garden at Pallekele spans approximately 3 acres. It is situated in the Central Province, characterized by a fertile and humid environment favorable for the cultivation of a wide variety of medicinal plants. During the time of visit, the region was experiencing the Southwest Monsoon season, contributing to moderate rainfall and high humidity—conditions ideal for herbal growth and conservation.

4. Main Observations

During the walk, we observed and documented nearly 100 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. Notable examples of rare and significant species identified during the visit include:

• 1. Adividam
• 2. Maramanjal (Tree turmeric)
• 3. Kokain (Cocaine plant)
• 4. Eli Amanakku
• 5. Venkodiveli
• 6. Sengodiveli
• 7. Perungumizh
• 8. Andhu
• 9. Kacholam
• 10. Sirukurincha
• 11. Vishamullikizhangu
• 12. Mudkala
• 13. Pranajeeva
• 14. Bakhmi
• 15. Ashoka
• 16. Agmedia
• 17. Alubo
• 18. Anichai
• 19. Karunochchi
• 20. Inno

In addition to these, various other species were studied. Their botanical names and plant families were identified, and detailed information was provided by an on-site guide regarding their characteristics, uses, and cultivation practices.

5. Conclusion

The visit to the Pallekele Medicinal Plant Garden provided an enriched understanding of medicinal plant identification and documentation. The field experience deepened our knowledge of plant diversity and enhanced experiential learning in medicinal botany, contributing significantly to our academic and practical skills.

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Date of Visit: July 4^th 2025

Location: Pattipola, Nuwareliya

Time duration – 10.30 am – 1.00 pm

Participants- Second BSMS (39th BSMS).

Organized by: Faculty of Siddha Medicine, Department of Gunapadam.

Supervisor: – Dr. (Mrs). V. Sathiyaseelan, Dr. (Mrs.) V. Milano prasad.

Guide: – Mr. J. Eugin Benat, Ms. A. Mayoori.

Institutions Visited:

1. Herbal garden for research & extension – pattipola
2. 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 high lands of Nuwara eliya with loamy soil rich in organic matters, well drained ideal for medicinal plants. During the time of visit, the region was experiencing the Southwest Monsoon season.

4. Main Observations

We had the opportunity to observe and engage in two main areas of study:

a) Identification of Medicinal Plants

During the walk, we observed and documented nearly 29 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. In the herbal garden, we observed 13 rare and significant medicinal plant species. Notable examples included: Cedrus deodara, Solanum torvum, Symplocos racemose, Berbaeris ceylanica, Symplocos cochinchinensis, Rhomdomyrtus tomentosa, Nelumbo lutea, Rubia cordifolia, Solanum ciliatum, Saraca asoca, Colocasia esculrnta, Drosera burmanni, Kokmodda

b) Nethouse plants such as Oxalis corniculata, Nardostachiys jatamansi, Datura stramonium

6.Conclusion

This awareness session on medicinal plants not only improved students’ knowledge about herbal medicine but also enriched their understanding of the medicinal value of these plants.

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Date of Visit: 03^rd July 2025

Location: Haldummulla , Badulla district , Sri Lanka

Time duration :8am – 3pm.

Participants: 2^nd BSMS students

Organized by: Faculty of Siddha Medicine, Department of Gunapadam.

Supervisor: Dr.Mrs.Viviyan Sathiyaseelan and Dr.Mrs.Vidhya Milano Prasad.

Guide: Mr.J.Eugin Benat and Ms.A.Mayoori

01. Introduction

The field visit was organized as part of our curriculum Mooligaiyiyal-II to enhance practical exposure to the identification and study of medicinal plants, with found in hilly tract and natural forest. The session was conducted during the academic field hours of the 2^nd BSMS students, guided by the academic staff and temporary demonstrators of the Department of Gunapadam.

02. Objective

The objective of this visit was to identify and document the medicinal plants growing in a specific region, along with their therapeutic uses, life cycle, toxic properties, and the medically useful parts.

03.Location and Climate

It is situated in the Intermediate zone, Haldummulla enjoys a tropical climate with a distinct dry season, making it suitable for a wide range of medicinal plants.

04. Main Observations

We had an opportunity to observe and engage in two main areas of study:

1.Identification of medicinal plants

During the walk, we observed and documented nearly 120 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. We observed rare and significant medicinal plants Such as: Woodfordia fruticosea ,Embelica ribes, Cananga odovata, Hydnocarpus wightiana, Artabotrys hexapetalus, Celastrus paniculatus,Pterocarpus santhalinus , Croton tiglium ,Vanilla planifolia, Ruta graveolena,Saraca asoka,Combratum indicum,Fluceggea virosa, Gasminum angustifolium,Leea indica,Sterculia balanghas.

Additional species were also present but not individually listed here.

2.Identification of Raw Materials

We studied a variety of raw herbal materials used in traditional medicine. This included dried roots, bark, leaves, seeds and flowers, each labeled with botanical and vernacular names.

3.Herbarium also observed:

Herbarium sheets displaying properly preserved and labeled medicinal plants.

05.Conclusion

The visit to National Research Medicinal Plants Garden Haldummulla provided a comprehensive understanding of medicinal plant identification, raw material usage. Observing rare species was particularly valuable for appreciating the rich biodiversity and heritage of Sri Lankan traditional medicine.

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Date of Visit: July 2^nd 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:

1. Bandaranaike Memorial Ayurvedic Research Institute (BMARI).
2. National Institute of Traditional Medicine (NITM).
3. 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.

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Location: Kallaaham (Kaithady)
Date: 21.02.2025
Organized by: Department of Gunapadam, Faculty of Siddha Medicine

As part of the curriculum for the subject Mooligaiyeyal – II, a field visit was organized for second-year BSMS students to Kallaaham (Kaithady) on 21st February 2025, from 8:30 AM to 12:30 PM. The primary objective of the visit was to provide students with practical, hands-on experience in the identification and study of medicinal plants, thereby enhancing their understanding of medicinal botany.

The field visit was conducted under the supervision of Dr. Mrs. V. Sathyaseelan, Dr. Mrs. N. Nithyakumar, and the temporary demonstrators from the Department of Gunapadam. During the visit, students actively engaged in identifying and documenting various herbs and medicinal plants, recording their Siddha names, botanical names, and therapeutic uses.

Special emphasis was placed on the study of flora thriving in saline and waterlogged environments, with insightful discussions highlighting the unique adaptations and medicinal properties of such plants. A total of 170 medicinal plant species were identified during the session. Among these, rare species such as Vishnu Kiranthi and Venkodiweli were also observed and examined in detail.

This field visit significantly contributed to the students’ academic development by bridging theoretical concepts with real-world application. It also underscored the importance of conserving biodiversity and reinforced the value of traditional knowledge in modern medicinal practices.

Location: Mattuvil Mangrove Area
Date: 03.01.2025
Organized by: Department of Gunapadam, Faculty of Siddha Medicine

As part of the Mooligaiyeyal – II curriculum, a field visit was conducted for second-year BSMS students to the Mattuvil Mangrove Area on 3rd January 2025, from 8:30 AM to 12:30 PM. The primary aim of the visit was to provide students with practical experience in the identification and study of medicinal plants, particularly those thriving within mangrove ecosystems.

The visit was organized under the expert supervision of Dr. Mrs. V. Sathyaseelan, Dr. Mrs. N. Nithyakumar, and the temporary demonstrators from the Department of Gunapadam. Throughout the visit, students actively engaged in the identification and documentation of various herbs and medicinal plants, carefully recording their Siddha names, botanical names, and medicinal applications.

In addition to field observations, the visit included informative discussions on the ecological importance of mangrove environments and the specialized adaptations of plant species that flourish in saline and waterlogged conditions. A total of 156 medicinal plant species were identified during the excursion. Among these were several rare and significant species, including Mothirakkanni, Kachcholam, Sengkeelanelli, and Vishnukiranthi, which were examined and studied in depth.

This field experience greatly enhanced students’ understanding of medicinal botany and reinforced the value of biodiversity conservation. By integrating theoretical knowledge with real-world application, the field visit effectively met the educational objectives of the subject.

Location: Nagar Kovil (Paruththithurai)
Date: 07.03.2025
Organized by: Department of Gunapadam, Faculty of Siddha Medicine

A field visit was organized for second-year BSMS students to the Nagar Kovil area in Paruththithurai on 7th March 2025, from 8:30 AM to 12:30 PM, as part of the Mooligaiyeyal – II curriculum. The purpose of this academic excursion was to provide students with hands-on experience in the identification and study of medicinal plants, with a focus on those found in mangrove ecosystems.

The visit was conducted under the guidance of Dr. Mrs. V. Sathyaseelan, Dr. Mrs. N. Nithyakumar, and temporary demonstrators from the Department of Gunapadam. During the visit, students actively engaged in identifying and documenting a wide range of herbs and medicinal plants, noting their Siddha names, botanical names, and therapeutic properties.

The program also included in-depth discussions on the ecological importance of mangrove habitats and the adaptive features of plants thriving in saline and waterlogged environments. A total of 186 medicinal plant species were identified during the visit. Among these, several rare and regionally endemic species such as Kadatsangan, Birami, Karandhai, Umiri, Kaliththi, Mulnilavu, and Sivanar Vembu were closely examined and studied.

This field visit significantly enhanced students’ knowledge of medicinal botany and reinforced the critical importance of biodiversity conservation. It served as a valuable opportunity to bridge theoretical learning with practical application, successfully achieving the academic objectives of the course.

Location: Kokkavil, Mullaitivu
Date: 17.01.2025
Organized by: Department of Gunapadam, Faculty of Siddha Medicine

As part of the curriculum for the subject Mooligaiyeyal – II, a field visit was organized for second-year BSMS students to the Kokkavil area in Mullaitivu on 17th January 2025, from 8:30 AM to 12:30 PM. The primary objective of the visit was to offer students practical exposure to the identification and study of medicinal plants in their natural habitat.

The visit was conducted under the expert guidance of Dr. Mrs. V. Sathyaseelan, Dr. Mrs. N. Nithyakumar, and temporary demonstrators from the Department of Gunapadam. During the visit, students actively participated in identifying and documenting a variety of medicinal plants, recording their Siddha names, botanical names, and known medicinal properties.

A key feature of the visit was the exploration of mangrove ecosystems and their ecological importance. Discussions were held on the adaptive features and therapeutic potentials of plants growing in saline and waterlogged environments. A total of 110 medicinal plant species were identified during the field study. Among these were several rare and noteworthy species, including Mothirakkanni, Muthirai, Semmanaththi, Mul Nilavu, Kadal Raanji, Vel Velan, Kalmuresu, Kal Iththi with aerial roots, Vishnu Kiranthi, and a localized population of Sivanaar Vembu.

The field visit greatly enriched the students’ understanding of medicinal botany and emphasized the significance of preserving plant biodiversity. It effectively complemented classroom learning, bridging theoretical concepts with real-world application, and successfully fulfilled the learning outcomes of the subject.

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