Author(s):

Babita Kumari, Apurva Srivastava and Santosh Kumar Tiwari

Abstract: The word Elaeocarpus is derived from Greek work Elaeo means olive and carpus means fruit (referring to olive like fruits produced by the genus). The threatened species of Elaeocarpus generally prefer a warm humid climate and usually occurs between 400 and 1000 mamsl. Elaeocarpus is also part of floral community of the Shola forests found in Nilgiri hills, where it is considered sacred by some tribal communities. Natural E. sphaericus beads are usually traded from Nepal where it grows in Central and Eastern Nepal; 550-1600 m altitude. Originally, the tree was widely distributed across Tarai, Shiwaliks and Middle Himalayas. Rudraksha beads are sourced from various species of genus Elaeocarpus. The Rudraksha tree is found in tropical evergreen forests, which are characterized by three-tier forest structure. Rudraksha is usually present in the second storey. In north and central India the beads are sourced from Elaeocarpus ganitrus (syn E.sphearicus) which was once distributed across evergreen forests from sea coast to Himalayan foothills upto 2000m. Rudraksha evokes power in the body, which fights against diseases hence improving health. As per Ayurveda, Rudraksha strengthens the body constitutions. It removes the blood impurities and strengthens the body substance. It removes the bacteria inside as well as outside the Human Body. Rudraksha is said to be a natural tranquilizer and has magnetic properties that control heart rate and blood pressure. Drinking water soaked in beads overnight is also believed to have healing properties. However, due to extensive habitat destruction and over extraction of seeds, the threatened species is needed to be study extensively.

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