Ethnomedicinal Plants Used by Malayali and Narikuravar Communities in Erode District, Tamil Nadu, India

Abstract

Background: Traditional medicine plays an important role in primary healthcare of people reside in forest areas. We have reported the ethnomedicinal plants used by two ethnic communities in Western Ghats region of Erode district, Tamil Nadu, India. Aim of study: The aim of this study is to gather ethnomedicinal information from local people and herbalists and calculate the documented information with statistical parameters. Materials and methods: Semi structured questionnaire was used during the interview with Malayali and Narikuravar communities to document traditional knowledge on plants. The knowledge on medicinal plants used by informants to treat different types of ailments was analysed using the use value (UV) and frequency of citation (FC). Results: A total number of 69 species of medicinal plants belonging to 33 families have been reported to treat various illnesses. Most of the plants reported in this study were used to treat diabetes, joint pain, snake bite, kidney problems, uterine disorders, sexual and fertility problems, cough, indigestion and cancer. Moringa oleifera was reported with highest UV of 5.08. Conclusion: The present study revealed that, documentation of this knowledge will offer recognition of folk medicinal practices and could offer possible avenues for pharmacological analysis for a range of ailments. Keywords: Malayalis; Narikuravars; Ethnobotany; Tradi