R. Vijayalakshmi et al.

/ Journal of Pharmacy Research 2011,4(9),3083-3088

Research Article Available online through
ISSN: 0974-6943 [Link]
Ethnobotanical Studies among Villagers from Cuddalore District, Tamil Nadu, India
R. Vijayalakshmi and R. Ranganathan*
Department of Botany, Faculty of Science, Annamalai University, Annamalai Nagar,TamilNadu,608002,India.
Received on: 19-05-2011; Revised on: 08-06-2011; Accepted on:01-07-2011

ABSTRACT
An ethnobotanical survey was carried out to collect information from traditional healers on the use of medicinal plants in (Villagers) Cuddalore district of tamil nadu
during October 2008- April 2009. The indigenous knowledge of local traditional healers having practical knowledge of plants in medicine were interviewed in 10
villages and native plants used for medicinal purposes were collected through questionnaire and personal interviews during field trips. A total of 60 plant species are
documented in this study. The medicinal plants used by tribal are listed with botanical name, family, local name, parts used, mode of preparation and administration.
The documented medicinal plants were mostly used to cure skin disease, poison bites, stomachache and nervous disorders, cough, fever, body pain, jaundice,
rheumatism, dysentery, headache. This study showed that many people in the studied parts of cuddalore district still continue to depend on medicinal plants at least
for the treatment of primary [Link] traditional healers are dwindling in number and there is a grave danger of traditional knowledge disappearing soon since
the younger generation is not interested to carry on this tradition.

Key words:Ethnobotany, medicinal plants,medicinal uses,Cuddalore district

INTRODUCTION
Ethnobotany deals with the relationship between primitive human society and marginalized due to political, social and economical reasons. Off late, interest
their plant environment, more simple it is anthropological approach to botany. in traditional medicine has continuously been increasing; various ethnobotani-
Importance is chiefly realized with respect to varied economic uses of plants cal studies have been initiated to explore the knowledge base from the various
by the primitive human society. An indigenous cultures are closely maintained tribal groups (Jain, 2001; Kala, 2005; Ignancimuthu et al., 2006; Sandha et al.,
by the tribal and other forest dwellers throughout the world. The ethnobotani- 2006).
cal investigation is a prerequisite for any developmental planning concerned
with the welfare of tribal and their environment (Rao, 1996). Plants have In traditional systems of medicine the Indian medicinal plants have been used
been used in traditional medicine for several thousand years (Abu-Rabia, 2005). in successful management of various disease conditions like bronchial asthma,
The knowledge of medicinal plants has been accumulated in the course of chronic fever, cold, cough, malaria, dysentery, convulsions, diabetes, diar-
many centuries based on different medicinal systems such as Ayurveda, Unani rhoea, arthritis, emetic syndrome, skin diseases, insect bites, etc., and in treat-
and Siddha. In India, it is reported that traditional healers use 2500 plant ment of gastric, hepatic, cardiovascular and immunological disorders (Chopra
species of medicine (Pei, 2001). During the last few decades there has been an et al., 1993; Sen, 1993).
increasing interest in the study of medicinal plants and their traditional use in
different parts of the world (Lev, 2006). Documenting the indigenous knowl- It has been well established that herbal drugs obtained from plants are much
edge through ethnobotanical studies is important for the conservation and safer, with fewer or no side effects in treating various ailments (Ayyanar and
utilization of biological resources. Medicinal plants are of great importance to Ignacimuthu, 2005). Several studies have revealed that tribal population, not
the health of individuals and communities. The medicinal value of these plants only depend on plant based resources for medicines, food, forage and fuel, but
lies in some chemical substances, that produce a definite physiological action also play a vital role in natural resource management that forms the core
on the human body. The most important of these bioactive constituents of aspect of conservation biology (Ignacimuthu et al., 2006). There are consid-
plant are alkaloids, tannins, flavonoids and phenolic compounds (Hill, 1952). erable economic benefits in the development of indigenous medicines and in
Many of these indigenous medicinal plants are used as spices and food plants. the use of medicinal plants for the treatment of various diseases (Azaizeh et
al., 2003). Due to less communication means, poverty, ignorance and unavail-
India has two spots out of the twelve mega-biodiversity of the world. India ability of modern health facilities, most people especially rural people are still
being a tropical country is rich in vegetation with a wide diversity. Tribal forced to practice traditional medicines for their common day ailments. Most
communities dwelling the remote areas depend on the forest resources to meet of these people from the poorest link in the trade of medicinal plants (Khan,
their livelihood and health care needs. The medicinal plant in the world 2002). The various parts of the plant viz., seed, flower buds, flowers, leaves,
contribute to cater 80% of the raw materials used in the preparation of drugs. stem, stem bark and roots are practiced in various indigenous systems of
Herbal medicines have been used since antiquity in treating diseases including medicine and popular among the various ethnic groups in India for the cure of
infectious diseases. Therefore, documentation of traditional knowledge and variety of ailments.
ethnobotanical information play an important role in scientific research
(Awadh et al., 2004). Aim of the present study is to highlight the traditional uses of some medicinal
plants in Cuddalore district. To document the natural resources use pattern of
However, scientific evaluation of herbals is mandate before they are included the study area and indigenous knowledge associated with them. To encourage
in the mainstream of primary health care practice. In recent times, interest in the local communities especially the younger generation to propagate and
traditional medicine has continuously been increasing and therefore ethnobo- protect the medicinal plant wealth in the study area. To explore the possibili-
tanical studies have gained prominence to explore the traditional knowledge ties of conservation and sustainable development of rare and endangered me-
from tribal communities, particularly in the developing countries (Patrick, dicinal plant by involvement of rural communities in their native habitats. To
2002). India possess a total of 427 tribal communities with splendid diversity assess and identify the factors affecting biodiversity of medicinal and aromatic
of indigenous tradition. The knowledge base and the practice have been plants and indigenous knowledge of the area.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

*Corresponding author. The study area and ethnobotanical survey
R. Ranganathan Tamilnadu is the 11th largest state in India with a geographical area of 130058
Department of Botany, km 2 and lies between 11°00′ to 12°00′ North latitudes and 77°28′ to 78°50′ east
Faculty of Science, longitudes. The total forest cover in Tamilnadu is 21482 km2 (16.52%). This
Annamalai University, Annamalai includes 12,499 km2 of dense forests (9.61%) and 8,963 km2 of open forests
Nagar,TamilNadu, (6.91%). Of the total forest area of Tamilnadu, 3305 km2 are under protected area
608002,India. (15%) which includes, Wild life sanctuaries, 12 Bird sanctuaries, 5 National
Tel.: + 91-9443615766 parks, 3 Biosphere reserves and one Tiger reserve (Annamalai, 2004).
E-mail:rranganthan8@[Link]

Journal of Pharmacy Research [Link] 9. September 2011 3083-3088

 R. Vijayalakshmi et al. / Journal of Pharmacy Research 2011,4(9),3083-3088
Cuddalore is one of the district of Tamilnadu state in Southern India. The district
has an area of 3,678 km2 and a population of 22,85,395. It is bounded on the

to cure nervous disorders. The leaf juice is mixed with boiled cow’s milk and given in morning on empty stomach to
Leaf extract is given to expecting mothers to increase lactation. Leaf decoction given 2 times a day for 14-30 days
north of Villupuram district, on the east by the Bay of Bengal, on the south by

snakebite. Powdered leaf is mixed with cow or goat’s milk and taken orally to treat [Link] and stem potion is
Nagapattinum district and on the west by Perambalur district. Cuddalore lies
north latitudes between 15°5′/11°11′ and 12°35′ and east longitude between

A leaf paste is applied over the body before taking a bath in order to reduce body [Link] extract is boiled
Leaf paste is applied topically to heal wounds. Leaves juice is boiled with coconut oil and massaged on the

used for frozen joints and joints pain. Leaves and roots of the plant is used to cure fever and blood purifier.
Leaf paste is applied topically to treat cuts and [Link] boiled leaves are consumed to relieve internal

head for headache. The leaves are soaked overnight in water. This water is taken as a drink in the morning
once daily to ease child birth and leaves are made into paste and given orally with hot water to cure fever

Leaf paste is applied topically to treat skin diseases. A leaf paste, mixed with common salt, is used to cure

piles. The roots are used as a brush to relieve pain and clean the teeth. Extract is used for the treatment of
78°38′ and 80°.

to cure peptic [Link] crushed with seed of Strychnos nux-vomica and Pongamia pinnata, boiled with
coconut oil is applied on the affected parts to cure scabies and other kinds of skin diseases twice a day till
easpoons of root exact is given once a day for 3-4 days for the treatment of syphills A past of the seeds

A handful of leaves is taken and an extract is made, which is mixed with milk, as taken internally to cure
A leaf paste is taken orally to cure piles. The leaves were crushed and 1.5 ml of the juice is given orally

Juice of whole plant is taken orally to treat cough, sore throat and wounds. The decoction or juice of the

along with gingelly oil and applied against [Link] leaf juice is applied to skin to kill ticks and
Local traditional healers
Local traditional healers having practical knowledge of plants in medicine were

Root powder is taken orally along with cow’s milk to treat scorpion sting and snakebite. Two t
interviewed in 10 villages of the district during October 2008-April 2009.
During the course of the study, four field trips were carriedout in the study area

Table: 1. Reported information on ethnomedicinal plants used by villagers from Cuddalore district , Tamil Nadu,India
totaling 40 days. Methods of selecting informants depended upon the distribu-
tion of local people having folk knowledge. They were requested to collect

urinary [Link] juice of root is given orally twice a day to cure dog bite.
specimens of the plants they know or to show the plant species on site. These
informants were traditional healers themselves or had tradition of healing in
their families and had knowledge of the medicinal use of the plants. The wealth

Decoction of leaves used in bleeding piles and also relieve leg pains
of medicinal plant knowledge among the people of this district is based on
hundreds of years of beliefs and observations. This knowledge has been trans-
mitted orally from generation to generation, however it seems that it is vanish-
ing from the modern society since younger people are not interested to carry on
this tradition.

Interview with traditional healers

Adopting the methods of Jain (1964), ethnomedicinal data were collected through

whole plant is taken for urinary problems.

general conservations with the informants. The questionnaires were used to
have information on medicinal plants with their local names, parts used, mode

improve the eyesight improvement.

of preparation and administration. A total of 10 informants, comprising 8
males and 2 females were identified between the ages of 45 and 75. They were
selected based on their knowledge of medicinal plants either for self-medication

is used to cure eczema.

eczema and chest pain.

or for treating others. Informants were asked to come to field and show the
Mode of application

the recovery occur.

plants with the local name, the species mentioned by the informants were
taxonomically identified.

parasites.
Preservation of plant specimens
Standard method was followed with regard to collection of plant materials,
drying, mounting, preparation and preservation of plant specimens (Jain, 1976).
Voucher specimens of medicinal plants in triplicates were collected, prepared
and identified. Plants with their correct nomenclature were arranged alphabeti-
Leaves and root

cally by family name, vernacular name and ethnomedicinal uses.

Leaves, fruit

Whole plant
Parts used

Root seeds

stem, root
Leaves,
Leaves

Leaves

Leaves

Leaves
The identification and nomenclature of the listed plants were based on the Flora
of Presidency of Madras (Gamble, 1935) and the flora of Tamilnadu Carnatic
(Matthew, 1983). They were later verified at Botanical Survey of India, South-
ern Circle, Coimbatore, India. All the preserved specimens were deposited at the
Department of Botany, Annamalai University, Annamalainagar.

RESULTS
Vernacular name

Chirianangai (or)
In the present study the medicinal plants were collected from 10 villages in
Sothukathalai

Ponnanganni
Kuppaimeni

Nilavaembu
Kundumani

Cuddalore district Map: 1. The results of the survey are presented in Table: 1 and
Sirupeelai
Nayuruvi

the medicinal plants are arranged in alphabetical order. Plant species, which are
Vilvam
Thuthi

used in traditional medicine are enumerated with their botanical and vernacular
names, family and use of the plant parts in the various treatments.
Fabaceae/ Papilionaceae

Amaranthaceae

Amaranthaceae

Amaranthaceae
Euphorbiaceae

Acanthaceae
Malvaceae

Liliaceae
Rutaceae
Family

Alternanthera sessilis (L.) [Link]. ex. DC.

Abutilon indicum (Linn.) Sweet.

(Burm.f.) Wallich ex. Nees.

Aerva lanata (Linn.) Juss.

Andrographis paniculata
Achyranthes aspera L.

Aloe barbadensis Mill.

Aegle marmelos (L.)
Abrus precatorius L.

Acalypha indica L.

Correa. ex. Roxb.

Plant name
S. No.

Map: 1 The map shows details of traditional medicinal practices in Cuddalore

1.

2.

3.

4.

5.

6.

7.

8.

9.

district of Tamilnadu
Journal of Pharmacy Research [Link] 9. September 2011 3083-3088
 S. No. Plant name Family Vernacular name Parts used Mode of application

10. Anisomeles malabarica (L.) Lamiaceae Paeymarutti (or) Leaves Leaf juice is given to children in fever during teeth formation and paste is applied externally on
[Link]. ex. Sims. Peithumbai [Link] of aerial parts is taken orally in burning sensation during urination.
11. Argemone mexicana L. Papaveraceae Pramathandu/ Narimirati/ Seed and Root Pounded seeds along with the rhizomes of Curcuma aromatica and Acorus calamus are made into paste and
Kudiyottipoondu applied on all types of skin diseases. Fresh root grounded with black peppers and the extract is given orally, one spoonful
twice a day for 5 days to cure fever.
12. Aristolochia indica L. Aristolochiaceae Eeswara- mooli/ Roots and leaves Root paste is used as an antidote against poison. Root powder is used for joint disease.20 gm fresh root
perumarunthukudi/ along with 5 gm of Cascinium fenestratum crushed to paste then applied on the fore head to cure [Link]
karudakodi paste of the leaves and roots are applied externally to cure snakebite. The small amount of leaf juice and powered
root is given with honey to treat antidote.
13. Asystasia gangetica (L.) Anderson. Acanthaceae Valukkaikeerai (or) Leaves Leaf powder is mixed with coconut oil and applied topically to heal wounds (burns). Decoction is taken internally and
Chilanthinayagam also mixed with peppers and administered as an enema during the later months of pregnancy to lighten the pains of
childbirth. The juice of plant is given for swellings, as a vermifuge and for rheumatism.
14. Azadirachta indica A. Juss. Meliaceae Vembu Leaves, flower Leaves paste is applied topically on the body to treat small pox, rheumatism and skin diseases. The young twigs are used
as toothbrush to develop strong teeth. Leaves are also used as a mosquito repellent. Flowers are boiled in gingelly
oil and applied on the head against dandruff.
15. Azima tetracantha Lam. Salvadoraceae Sunkan Root and leaves Root and leaf potion is used for joints swelling.
16. Calotropis gigantea (Linn.) [Link]. Asclepiadaceae Erukku Leaves, latex, The leaves are tied around wounds made by [Link] poultice is used for joints pain with swelling.A
flower, root pinch of dried powdered flowers with honey is recommended for a month, in mental [Link] powder
is sprayed locally in leprosy and luecoderma.
17. Carica papaya Linn. Caricaceae Pappali Latex and leaves The milky latex of the plant is applied to teeth in order to relieve inflammatory pain. Boiled leaves with leaves of
neem, brink as desired and use for steam baths to cure malaria.
18. Cardiospermum halicacabum Linn. Sapindaceae Mudakkathan Root and leaves Root is boiled with sesame oil and applied on head before bath to treat throat infection and headache.A leaf
paste is applied for joint pain or leaves are prepared in the form of a soup and consumed to cure rheumatic pains.
Whole plant is crushed with milk and applied on swellings for three days.
19. Cassia occidentalis L. Caesalpiniaceae Peithagarai Leaves and fruits Leaf paste is applied topically to treat scabies and to heal bone fracture and for skin diseases.
/ Oolanthavarai Fresh leaves were homogenized and mixed with gingelly oil and applied on the affected part to cure bone
fracture and nerve [Link] are consumed to treat stomach disorder.
20. Catharanthus roseus (L.) G. Don. Apocynaceae Nithyakalyani (or) Whole plant Whole plant is powdered and mixed with cow’s milk and taken orally to treat [Link] teaspoons of decoction of tender
Sudukadu-mallikai stem twice a day is given for six month to the patient of AIDS.
21. Centella asiatica (L.) Urban Apiaceae Vallarai Leaves The dried plant is powdered and this powder is mixed with hot water, taken as for gas troubles; the fried
plants are used in the diet of children for improving their [Link] juice is taken to treat jaundice.
Taken as boiled vegetable in stomach disorders, good in treating skin diseases and given to mother after
childbirth. This juice (above 2 teaspoons 3 times a day) is also given to children in the case of indigestion.
22. Chamaesyce hirta Mill. sp. Euphorbiaceae Amman patcharasi Whole plant The milky latex is applied topically to treat wounds and lip cracks. A paste made from the entire plant,
mixed with goat’s milk, is taken internally for all stomach upsets in [Link] of whole plant is drank for
treatment of asthma and bronchitis.
23. Cissus quadrangularis Linn. Vitaceae Pirandai Stem Paste of stem is taken orally for easy digestion and inducing appetite. Stem paste is prepared by adding a bit
of fresh lime and this is applied on the bite to cure insect [Link] stem is used to cure bone [Link]
stem ground with coconut is used to treat stomach ulcers.
24. Cleome viscosa Linn. Capparidaceae Naivelai/ Naikadugu Leaves Leaf paste is applied topically to heal [Link] juice of the leaves is poured into the ear to relieve
earache and leaf powder is used for joints disease.
25. Coccinia grandis (L.) J. Voigt Cucurbitaceae Kovai Leaves Leaves juice is mixed with butter and applied topically to treat skin diseases. The leaf extract is mixed with
milk, used in the cases of jaundice.
26. Cocculus hirsutus (Linn.) Diels. Menispermaceae Sirukattukodi Root and leaves The root juice is used to treat [Link] decoction of its roots, dried ginger and Piper longum is given
along with milk in rheumatic [Link] leaves are crushed in cold water, some amount of water is
allowed to remain for some times then it becomes like curd. The green curd like extract is applied on scalp
for cooling the brain and soften the hair.
27. Coriandrum sativum Linn. Apiaceae/ Umbelliferae Koththamalli Fruits and leaves The seeds and the rhizome of Zingiber roseum are ground with water; the extract is taken internally for
[Link] volatile oil found in the leaves may have antimicrobial properties.
28. Cynodon dactylon (L.) Pers. Poaceae/ Gramineae Arukampullu Whole plant Decoction of whole plant is taken orally to keep the body cool. The juice of the whole plant is used to
reduce body heat and to lower the blood pressure. Pounded leaves boiled in coconut oil are applied for
various skin diseases.
29. Datura metel Linn. Solanaceae Umattai Leaves Few drops of leaf juice is poured into ear to treat [Link] poultice oil is used for joints pain with
swelling.

Journal of Pharmacy Research [Link] 9. September 2011

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30. Erythrina indica Lamk. Fabaceae/ Leguminosae Kalyana-murungai Leaves stem bark A handful of leaves are ground with rice and made into a roasted dosa; this is consumed against cold and
cough and leaf poultice is used for joints pain. Leaf and stem bark made into a powder and mixed well (1:1)
2 to 3 spoon powder mixed with boiled cow’s milk and given to cut piles during pregnancy. Leaf juice is
given to cure whooping cough of children.
31. Eucalyptus globulus Labill. Myrtaceae Thailamaram Leaves The vapours of boiled leaves are inhaled for coughs and a cold. The oil from the plant, mixed with coconut
oil is applied to the chest to relieve a dry cough and chest pain.
32. Euphorbia antiquorum Linn. Euphorbiaceae Shadurakalli Latex Latex is applied on skin to relive body pain. Latex and oil is used for crippling arthritis. Milk poultice is
used for joints swelling.
33. Ficus religiosa L. Moraceae Arasu Leaves Dried leaf powder is mixed with water and taken orally to get relief from body pain.
34. Gymnema sylvestre [Link]. Asclepiadaceae Sirukurinchan/ Leaves Leaf powder is mixed with cow’s milk and taken orally to treat diabetes. The root powder is taken orally
Sakkarakolli and also applied on the bitten spot to treat snake bites.A powder of the dried leaves is used to reduce the
sugar level of the blood.
35. Heliotropium indicum L. Boraginaceae Thelkodukku Whole plant Paste of whole plant is applied topically to treat wounds and skin affections.
Leaves is taken to treat fever and used for joints pain.
36. Hemidesmus indicus (L.) [Link]. Asclepiadaceae Nannari Leaves Juice extracted from the whole plant is taken internally to keep the body cool.
Tuber and Root An extract of the entire plant is given in [Link] oil is used for joints pain.
Tuber is washed, dried, powdered and mixed with coconut milk, is taken after food to cure abdominal
[Link] is washed, crushed and the juice is used to cure cough. Root decoction is consumed to cure
stomach ulcers.

3083-3088
 S. No. Plant name Family Vernacular name Parts used Mode of application

37. Hibisus rosasinesis Linn. Malvaceae Semparuthi Leaves, flowers Paste of fresh leaves is applied on the hair for healthy and black-hair. Shade dried and powdered flowers are
and roots used for cleaning the hair and to prevent hair [Link] is fried with ghee, is eaten to check excessive
menstrual bleeding in women and root extract drank for cough
38. Hybanthus enneaspermus F. Muell. Violaceae Orithal thamaria Whole plant Paste of whole plant is applied topically to treat [Link] plant extract is used to reduce body heat and also
/ purusharatnam to increase male fertility.
39. Justicia adhatoda Linn. Acanthaceae Adathodai Leaves Leaves are ground with the flowers of Hibiscus rosasinensis and taken orally to treat asthma. A leaf
decoction is used to relieve [Link] extract with water is drink for treatment of cough and bronchitis; root
extract with water drank for treatment of fever and dysentery.
40. Lawsonia inermis L. Lythraceae Maruthani Leaves Leaf powder is mixed with coconut oil and applied topically to treat cuts and wounds.
A leaf paste is applied to cracks of the feet (“Piththa vedippu”), it is also has a cooling effect on the
[Link] made into a paste are applied on the affected parts to cure impetigo, twice a day till it is cured
skin. Leaf oil is used as antirheumatic.

41. Leucas aspera (Willd.) Link. Lamiaceae/ Labiatae Thumbai Leaves A bunch of leaves is boiled and the vapour is inhaled to cure headache, cough, fever and cold.
The juice of the leaves are put into the eyes two or three times in a day to relieve burning sensation and
redness of eyes to cure eye pain.
42. Mentha arvensis L. Lamiaceae/ Labiatae Pudinaa Leaves Leaf extract drank to stop vomiting.
43. Mimosa pudica L. Mimosaceae Thottasurungi Leaves Pinch of leaf paste is applied topically to treat cuts and wounds. The fresh leaves are eaten to cure skin
/ Sottavatti disorders.
44. Murraya koenigii (L.) Sprengel. Rutaceae Kariveppilai Leaves Juice of tender leaves is taken orally to arrest vomiting.
45. Musa paradisiaca Linn. Musaceae Vazhai Stem A plant extract is given for snake bite and also for burns.
46. Nerium oleander L. Apocynaceae Arali Bark Juice prepared from the stem bark is boiled with gingelly oil and two drops are poured into ear to treat ear pain.
47. Ocimum sanctum L. Lamiaceae/ Labiatae Thulasi/Tulsi Leaves Leaves are crushed with onion bulbs and the juice is taken orally to treat cough, cold and headache. Leaves
pounded along with Curcuma aromatica rhizomes are applied on the affected parts to cure tinea versicularis once a
day in the night till it is cured skin.
48. Pergularia daemia (forsskal) Chiov. Asclepiadaceae Veeliparuthi Leaves A leaf paste is consumed to relieve gas trouble. Making small cut at location and inserting root to cure snake
/ Uttamani bite. The crude leaf paste is consumed to treat lactation.
49. Phyllanthus amarus Schum and Thonn. Euphoribaceae Kizhaanelli Leaves Fresh leaves are ground and mixed with a cup of cow or goat’s milk and taken internally to cure [Link]
plant boiled in gingelly oil was filtered and applied on the head to cure migraine.
The fresh root with water and made a paste and gives orally or the fresh roots given orally to cure jaundice.
50. Pongamia pinnata (L.) Pierre. Fabaceae/ Papilionaceae Pungam / Pungu Root bark seed Juice of root is mixed with equal amount of coconut milk, boiled and applied topically to cure wound and gastric
[Link] seed oil is used to cure rheumatic pains and swellings. Crushed barks boiled in gingelly oil are
applied on the affected parts twice a day for 4 days to cure skin disease.
51. Solanum nigrum Linn. Solanaceae Manathakkali Whole plant Whole plant parts are taken as food to treat cough.
The plant is prepared in the form of a soup is taken for stomach and ulcer. The leaf paste is also used to cure rabies.
Leaf juice is drank for treatment of piles, enlargement of liver; root extract for cough.
52. Solanum surattense Burm.f. Solanaceae Kandankhatri Whole plant The powdered whole plant, mixed with water, is taken internally to cure colds and wheezing by difficult

[Link] oil is used for joints pain.

53. Solanum torvum Sw. Solanaceae Sundaikkai Leaves Leaf juice is taken orally to reduce body heat.A leaf paste is used to bath a newborn baby in order to protect it from

infections.
54. Solanum trilobatum Linn. Solanaceae Thuthuvalai Fruits, leaves Unriped fruits are prepared as curry or roasted in gingelly oil and taken orally along with food to strengthen the
body. The leaf juice is taken orally to treat cough, itching and asthma.
55. Spermacole hispida L. Rubiaceae Nathaichuri Seed The seeds are crushed into paste and taken orally to treat stomach problems.

56. Tinospora cordifolia (Wild.) Hook.f. and Menispermaceae Seendil/ Shindilkodi Leaves Leaf paste is applied topically to treat [Link] leaf is crushed and juice is administered twice a day after
Thom. delivery as a health tonic.
R. Vijayalakshmi et al. / Journal of Pharmacy Research 2011,4(9),3083-3088

57. Toddalia asiatica (L.) Lam. Rutaceae Milagaranai Leaves Leaf decoction is taken to treat [Link] paste is applied on the surface of body to treat scabies.
58. Trianthema portulacastum Linn. Aizoaceae Saaranai Root Decoction of roots is taken internally to treat constipation and asthma.
59. Vitex negundo Linn. Verbenaceae Notchi Leaves Leaves are boiled in water and the vapour is inhaled twice a day to get relief from headache, fever, cold and

Journal of Pharmacy Research [Link] 9. September 2011

[Link] extract is drank for treatment of fever, impaired hearing.
60. Wedelia chinensis (Osbeck) Merrill. Asteraceae Manjalkari – Whole plant The seeds, flowers, as well as the leaves are used in decoction, in the quantity of half of a teacup twice daily, as a
lamkanni deobstruent. In decoction, the plant is used in uterine haemorrhage and [Link] are used in dyeing
grey hair and in promoting the growth of hair. They are considered as tonic alternative and useful in cough, skin
diseases.

3083-3088
 R. Vijayalakshmi et al. / Journal of Pharmacy Research 2011,4(9),3083-3088
DISCUSSION
The present investigation highlights the age-old traditional knowledge about Most of the species used in the preparation of herbal medicine are collected
some medicinal plants used as remedy by the rural people of Cuddalore. Sixty fresh; very rarely, dried and stored materials and used. Among the various
plant species belonging 35 families of angiosperms were enumerated. Of these plant parts used for the herbal formulations, leaves, stem, bark followed by
53% are herbs, 20% trees, 17% climbers and 10% shrubs. Many plant species root were preferred over other plant parts such as flowers, seeds and fruits.
belonging to families of Asclepiadaceae, Euphorbiaceae, Lamiaceae and Solan-
aceae are frequently used. The remedy was also administered according to age, sex, health condition of
patient and severity of cases. Traditional practitioners restrict certain food
Tribal practitioner(s) use specific plant parts and dosages in treatment of items during treatment period such as rice, chilli, oil, spices, cold water, eggs,
specific ailments. Plant products are consumed as raw or decoction/infusion meat and curd and fast recovery. It is also observed that they sometimes
(oral treatment) and paste (external application). Fresh leaves, root and stem involve spiritual and magical practices to overcome cold, cough and fever.
were more frequently used when compared to other parts of the plant. How- The length of the treatment for skin diseases varied from one week to 30 days
ever, in most of the cases, it was recorded that internal uses predominates or till complete recovery depending, according to the vaidyas, on the plant
external application. If more than one plant is used, such preparations are potency, part of the plant used, number of the species mixed and the mode of
more or less similar to Siddha formulations. Sometimes the healer may mix preparation.
several plants as ingredients to cure a single disease but detailed information
on the role of the components used in such formulation are obscure. Hence the role of ethnobotanical surveys and field work is the crucial impor-
tance as some miraculous medicines for uncurable diseases are known to the
The tribals of Cuddalore district utilize a large number of plants for medicinal local communities and aboriginals and much acquired knowledge through the
and other purposes. A fair number of these species, listed for medicinal pur- ages is usually passed on generation to generation as a guarded secret of
poses by tribals, were found to be common and already reported from other families. Therefore it is necessary to popularize the identify and utility of the
places (Ganesan and Kesavan, 2003; Venkatesan et al., 2005). medicinal plants.

The use of certain species have gained importance due to their manifold CONCLUSION
properties. For example, Abutilon indicum is used for gout, tuberculosis and The survey indicated that the study area has plenty of medicinal plants to
raktapita, bleeding disorders (Rajurkar et al., 2009) and beneficial in treating treat a wide spectrum of human ailments. Earlier studies on traditional medici-
piles and leg pain. Acalypa indica for eczema and chest pain, Achyranthus nal plants also revealed that the economically backward and tribal people of
aspera extract is used for the treatment of urinary disorder. Jain and Patole Tamilnadu prefer folk medicine due to low cost and sometimes it is part of
(2001) have also reported similar activities in certain plant species such as their social life and culture. It is evident from the interviews conducted in
Cassia fistula and Gloriosa superba in their studies on ethnobotanical uses of different villages, knowledge of medicinal plants is limited to traditional heal-
plants. ers, herbalists and elderly person who are living in rural areas. This study also
pointed out that certain species of medicinal plants are being exploited by the
Aegle marmelos commonly known as Bael is indigenous to India and found local residents who are unaware of the importance of medicinal plants in the
wild all over the sub-Himalayan forests, in central and south India. The bark ecosystem.
as well as fruit is reputed to be a valuable Ayurvedic medicine for dysentery and
various intestinal complaints. It possesses potent microfilarial, radioprotec- This study concluded that eventhough the accessibility of western medicine
tive, analgestic, antihyperglycemic, antidyslipidemic, anticancer and antidia- for simple and complicated diseases is available, many people in the studied
betic activity (Prabhjit Kaur et al., 2008). parts of Cuddalore district is still continue to depend on medicinal plants,
atleast for the treatment of some simple diseases such as cold, cough, fever,
Several medicinal properties have been attributed to Ocimum sanctum . Simi- headache, poison bites, skin diseases and tooth infections. Well-knowledged
lar activities was recorded earlier reports about Tulsi. As a prophylactic healers have good interactions with patients and this would improve the
against malaria, fresh leaves are taken with black pepper in the morning. quality of healthcare delivery. The present day traditional healers are very
Aqueous decoction of whole plant lowers the blood sugar (glucose) level and is old. Due to lack of interest among the younger generation as well as their
said to control diabetes mellitus and are also said to have abortifacient effect tendency to migrate to cities for losing this wealth of knowledge in the near
in women (Nagarajan et al., 1989; Chopra et al., 1993). future. It thus becomes necessary to acquire and preserve this traditional
system of medicine by documentation and identification of specimens.
All parts of Vitex negundo are the most potent for medical use. It is used for
treatment of eye disease, toothache, inflammation, leucoderma, enlargement The knowledge of the tribals, associated with the traditional healing practices
of the spleen, skin-ulcers, in catarrhal fever, etc. The leaves of V. negundo using wild plants, is now fast disappearing due to modernization and the ten-
contain a number of antioxidant compounds which can effectively scavenge dency to discard their traditional life style and gradual migration to the main
various reactive oxygen species/free radicals under in vitro conditions (Om stream. There is an urgent need to study and document their precious knowl-
Prakash Tiwari et al., 2005). edge for posterity. According to the World Health Organization more than
80% of the world’s population relies on traditional herbal medicine for their
Centella asiatica is commonly known as Asiatica centella . The plant is indig- primary healthcare. In view of exploitation and conservation of folk knowl-
enous to India where it is used to support faster-healing of small wounds, chaps edge, an attempt has been made to study the ethnobotanical aspects from the
and scratches, surgical wounds, etc. It has been used traditionally as an anti- Cuddalore district in Tamilnadu state.
inflammatory, particularly for eczema and also for minor itching and insect
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Source of support: Nil, Conflict of interest: None Declared

Journal of Pharmacy Research [Link] 9. September 2011 3083-3088