Int. J. Biosci.
2012
International Journal of Biosciences (IJB)
ISSN: 2220-6655 (Print) 2222-5234 (Online)
Vol. 2, No. 2, p. 77-84, 2012
http://www.innspub.net
RESEARCH PAPER OPEN ACCESS
Ethnobotanical studies on useful plants of Sirumalai Hills of
Eastern Ghats, Dindigul District of Tamilnadu, Southern India
Chinnappan Alagesaboopathi
Department of Botany, Government Arts College, Salem - 636 007. Tamilnadu, India
Received: 11 January 2012
Revised: 29 January 2012
Accepted: 29 January 2012
Key words: Ethnobotany, medicinal plants, herbal practitioners, tribal people.
Abstract
The present investigation is an attempt to an ethnomedicinal plants survey carried out in Sirumalai Hills of Eastern
Ghats, Dindigul district of Tamilnadu. The indigenous information of the village dwellers, tribal people, village
herbalists, herbal practitioners and other traditional healers and the indigenous plants used for medicinal worthiness
were collected through personal interviewes and questionnaire during field trips. The exploration revealed some
unknown medical uses of medicinal plants. The locals use 44 medicinal plants for the treatment of several diseases
either in single or in combination with some other ingredients. The information on correct botanical identities with
family, vernacular name (Tamil), part used and traditional practice of 44 species, 40 genera and 28 families of
angiosperms are discussed here for the treatment of various illnesses viz., asthma, snake bite, anthelmintic, promote
coolness antipyretic, jaundice, diarrhoea, dysentery, leprosy, diuretic, diabetes, stomachache problems, paralysis and
skin diseases. The dicotyledons are represented by 41 species of 37 genera and 25 families while monocotyledons are
represented by 3 species of 3 genera and 3 families. The plant parts are used in the form of juice, extract, powder and
paste. These uses are noteworthy for further investigation on recent scientific manner. The present study concluded
that the abundance of natural ethnomedicinal information of medicinal plants may also points to a excellent potential
for investigation in the discovery new medicines to fight ailments and other new uses.
*Corresponding Author: Chinnappan Alagesaboopathi [email protected]
77 Alagesaboopathi
Int. J. Biosci. 2012
Introduction (October-December) due to depression and cyclones
Medicinal plants are largely used by all divisions of the (Meher –Homji, 1973). In the lack of detailed report
population either directly as folk medicines or traditional medicine in Sirumalai Hills, Dindigul
indirectly in the preparation of current district, Tamilnadu. There is not much knowledge was
pharmaceuticals (Qasim et al., 2010). Indian available on the literature about the medicinally
subcontinent is praised with most varied and diverse essential except a few studies (Wikneshwaran et al.,
soil and climate conditions suitable for the growth of 2008; Maruthupandian and Mohan, 2010;
veracious plant species. India is very rich in Maruthupandian et al., 2011). Therefore, this
ethnobotanical information. India is known for its rich exploration was undertaken in method to ascertain the
biodiversity of Medicinal plants and hence called detailed information on ethnomedicinal plants used by
botanical garden of the world (Vedavathy et al., 1997). tribal (Paliyars/Paliyan) and non-tribal people. Alike
Nearly 70 percent of the world population is dependent ethnomedicinal studies have been reported in various
on the traditional medicines for primary health care parts of India to conserve the traditional information
(Shinwari, 2010). Plants have been used in traditional from disappearing (Pushpangadan and Ata, 1984;
medicine for several thousand years (Abu-Rabia, Natarajan et al., 2000; Jain, 2001). Documenting the
2005). The knowledge of medicinal plants has been domestic information through etthnobotanical studies
accumulated in the course of many centuries (Shinwari is notable for the conservation of biological resources
and Ayaz, 2002), based on different medicinal systems as well as their sustainable utilization. The present
such as Ayurveda, Unani and Siddha. In India it is investigation focuses was performed with the aim of
reported that traditional healers use 2500 plant species producing an inventory of the plants used by
and 100 species serve as regular sources of medicine traditional healers in Sirumalai Hills of Tamilnadu to
(Pei, 2001). treat various ailments.
Medicinal plants are the basic health care of rural Materials and methods
households form the resource base for rapidly growing Periodic field trips for ethnobotanical exploration were
pharmaceutical industry and cosmetic (Adnan et al. undertaken during June 2007 to January 2008 in
2010). In recent years, there has been a tremendous Sirumalai Hills of Dindigual district. During the
range of interest in the medicinal plants especially surveys personal interviewed were conducted with the
those used in Ayurveda, Siddha, Unani, Modern, tribal people (Paliyar), the herbal medicine
Arnchi, Homeopathy and Naturopathy (Shinwari et al. practitioners, village dwellers and other traditional
2006). Drugs obtained from plant are believed to be healers as already reported by several authors (Gilani
much safer and exhibit a remarkable efficacy in the et al., 2007; Shinwari et al., 2005). Each of the plant
treatment of various ailments. (Siddique et al. 1995). material was assigned field book number and
The folk medicinal traditions play a reflecting and documented as to family, scientific name, vernacular
prominent role in human and environment interaction. name (Tamil), part used and medicinal uses. Plant
(Chopra et al.1956; Shinwari and Gilani, 2003). parts that were identified as having use in ethnobotany
were collected and compressed. Plant species collected
The investigation region Sirumalai Hills is located in were identified with the help of flora books. (Hooker,
Dindigul district of Tamilnadu between 1007' - 1018' 1884; Gamble, 1936; Henry et al., 1987; Matthew,
N latitude and 7755' - 7812’ E longitude. The rainfall 1983). All the voucher specimens are deposited in the
regime is a tropical dissymmetric type with the bulk of herbarium of Botany Department, Government Arts
rain received during the retreating monsoon period
78 Alagesaboopathi
Int. J. Biosci. 2012
College, Salem. It was found that some of the present
information has not so far been available in literature.
Table 1. List of medicinal plants and their uses.
Scientific Name Vernacular Name (Tamil) Medicinal Uses
Abutilon indicum Sweet. Thuthi Leaf juice of the plant is dropped in the ear-ache
(Malvaceae). and used in the treatment of asthma.
Achyranthes aspera L. Nayuruvi. The root paste is used in toothache. Leaf paste is
(Amaranthaceae). applied as an ointment for piles.
Adhatoda zeylanica Medi. Adathoda The leaf juice is taken orally to treat asthma and
(Acanthaceae) cough.
Aloe barbadensis Mill Chottu Kaththalai Plant paste applied externally in promote coolness.
(Liliaceae).
Alpinia galanga Willd. Perarattai Two teaspoons of dried rhizome powder is mixed
(Zingiberaceae). with honey and given once a day for 2 days for
stomach upget disgestion in children.
Andrographis echioides Gopuramthangi Leaf juice is mixed with hot water and given for
Nees. (Acanthaceae). snake bite, eczema and anthelmintic.
Andrographis ovata Benth. - Leaves decoction taken orally with water in
ex. C.B. Clarke. antipyretic, jaundice, snake bite and scorpion sting.
(Acanthaceae).
Andrographis paniculata Chiriyanangai The whole plant paste applied externally in skin
Nees (Acanthaceae). diseases, snake bite and poisonous bites.
Anisomeles malabarica Peythumbai The leaf paste for chronic wounds.
R.Br. (Labiatae).
Argemone mexicana L. Brahamathandu Yellow juice f plant is mixed with honey and given
(Papaveraceae). for ulcers.
Aristolochia bracteolata Aduthinnapalai Leaves paste applied externally in dandruff and
Lam. (Aristolochiaceae). skin diseases.
Aristlochia indica L. Eswaramooligai Leaves paste taken orally with hot water in eczema
(Aristolochiaceae). and stomach problems. The juice of the root is
employed in poisonous bites.
Asparagus racemosus Willd. Thaneervittankizhangu Root juice is mixed with Cow’s milk are given in
(Asparagaceae). diarrhoea and dysentery.
Calophyllum inophyllum L. Punnai Seed oil applied externally in rheumatism and skin
(Clusiaceae). disease. Bark juice is used to cure purgative.
Calotropis gigantea R.Br. Erkku Latex is applied wounds.
(Asclepiadaceae).
Cassia fistula L. Sarakkonnai Decoction of the bark is mixed with garlics and
(Caesalpinioideae). black pepper given to purgative, and astringent.
Cissus quadangularis L. Pirandai Paste of leaves is mixed with chilly and salt given
79 Alagesaboopathi
Int. J. Biosci. 2012
(Vitaceae). twice a day for 3 days for appetite in livestock.
Cocculus hirsutus Diels. Kattukkodi Leaf juice used in refrigent and eczema. Roots
(Menispermaceae). decoction is given for rheumatism and stomachache
problems.
Commelina benghalensis L. Kanavazhi The rhizome and leaves juice used as emollient and
(Commelinaceae. leprosy.
Crateva adansonii DC Mavilingam 50ml of bark decoction is taken orally in laxative
(Caparaceae). and urinary discharges. Flowers for astringent.
Cynodon dactylon Pers Arugampullu 50 ml of plant decoction is taken orally to cure
(Poaceae). diuretic. The rhizome of juice mixed with water to
drink which cure urinary disorders.
Datura metel L. Karuoomathai Flowers dried in shade and flower powder is given
(Solanaceae). for asthma. Leaf juice mixed with coconut oil
applied externally in wound healing.
Eclipta prostrata L. Karichalankanni Leaves paste mixed with oil of coconut is applied
(Compositae). for dandruff and blackening gray hair.
Erythrina variegata L. Kalyanamurungai Leaf past is applied externally to treat wounds in
(Papilionoidaeae). cattle.
Ficus glomerata Roxb. Athi Leaves juice is given in bilious problems. Roots are
(Moraceae). used in diarrhoea and diabetes. The decoction of
bark is used to cure renderpest disease and
vulnerary in cattle.
Glycyrrhiza glabra L. Atimathuram The root powder mixed with hot water to drink
(Papilionoideae). which cure throat pain. The leaf juice is applied on
cracks lips.
Gymnema sylvestre R.Br. Sirukurinchan 50ml of leaf juice is mixed with cow’s milk and
(Asclepiadaceae). given once a day for 21 days for diabetes.
Hemidesmus indicus R.Br. Nannari The root powder mixed sugar water is given to
(Asclepiadaceae). promote coolness.
Hybanthus enneaspermus Orithalthamarai The root powder mixed with black pepper and
F. Muell (Violaceae). drink to treat urinary disorders. Leaf juice is mixed
with goat’s milk to drink which cure bowel
complaints.
Hygrophila auriculata Neermulli The leaf decoction is given in stomachache
Heine. (Acanthaceae), problems, anemia and edima.
Jatropha curcas L. Kattamanakku Latex is applied externally in paralysis, skin
(Euphorbiaceae). diseases and rheumatism. Leaf juice taken orally
with goat’s milk in scabies and ringworm.
Morinda tinctoria L. Manjanatti Decoction of the leaves is taken to treat
(Rubiaceae). stomachache problems and dysentery in children.
Opuntia dillenii Haw. Sappatikalli Decoction of the fruit is used as whooping cough,
80 Alagesaboopathi
Int. J. Biosci. 2012
(Cactaceae). opthalmia, spasmodic cough and expectoration.
Oxalis cormiculata L. Puliyarai Leaf juice is given to piles and anemia. Leaf juice is
(Oxalidaceae). mixed with honey and given for conteract Datura
poisoning.
Papaver somniferum L. Gashagasha Poppy seed oil used orally for 4 days in culinary
(Papaveraceae). purposes and free from norcotic action. Seed
powder is mixed with hot water is given to arrest
diarrhoea, dysentery and irriating cough.
Phyllanthus emblica L. Nelli The fruit juice is mixed castor oil, which cures
(Euphorbiaceae). cooling, diuretic, laxative and purgative.
Plumbago zeylanica L. Chitramoolam Root dried powder is mixed with goats’ milk to get
(Plumbaginaceae). relief from frequent urination.
Sesbania grandiflora Pers. Agathi 50ml of leaf decoction is taken orally in empty
(Papilionoideae). stomach for dysentery, eliminate worms and
stomach pain.
Sesbania seasban Merr. Vernacular name Decoction of the leaf is mixed with hot milk and
(Papilionoideae). Chithagathi given once a day for 7 days for diarrhoea, itches and
skin diseases.
Solanum torvum Sw. Sundai Dried fruit power is used in eradicate intestinal
(Solanaceae). worms and diarrhoea.
Streblus asper Lour. Puraamaram Five gram leaf powder with honey is used five days
(Moraceae). to cure ulcers. Latex is applied externally for
antiseptic. Seeds in the form of paste are applied in
leucoderma.
Vernonia cinerea Less. Sahadevishanglamir The leaf juice mixed with hot water is used in
(Compositae). malaria. Roots are used in anthelimintic, diaarhoea
and stomachache. Leaf juice is mixed with cow’s
milk are given in antipyretic, rheumatism and
cough.
Vitex negundo L. Nochi Leaf paste applied externally in headache. Leaf
(Verbenaceae). juice is mixed with hot water and drink to treat
cough.
Withania somnifera Dun. Asvakantha, Root paste applied externally in anti-inflammatory.
(Solanaceae). Root powder is mixed with honey and given for
ulcers and scabies.
Results and discussion medicinal importance. Out of 44 plant species studied,
During present observations and interaction with the 3 is monocot and 41 is dicot. Three species namely,
tribal people, the herbal medicine practitioners, village Andrographis echioides, Andrographis lineata and
dweller and other traditional healers of Sirumalai Hills, Andrographis ovata are used to treat snake bite.
44 angiospermic plants were enumerated with their Several species are used for piles, skin disease, ulcer,
81 Alagesaboopathi
Int. J. Biosci. 2012
stomach ache problems, cough, headache, anemia, ingredients or mixed with other plants, methods of
edema, rheumatism, purgative, dysentery, leprosy, preparation and mode of administration (Table 1). The
laxative, astringent, urinary disorders, paralysis, following is the list of 44 plants studied.
scabies and diuretic etc. as already reported (Yousuf et
al., 2006). Some of them are used as anthelmintic, References
antipyretic, anti-inflammatory, jaundice, scorpion Abu- Rabia A. 2005. Urinary diseases and
sting, promote coolness, fever and antiseptic also. Ethnobotany among pastoral nomads in the middle
People also make use of Ficus glomerata and East. J. Ethnobiol and Ethnomedicine, 1, 4.
Gymnema sylvestre are used to treat diabetes
(Shinwari et al. 2006). Plants like Abutilon indicum, Adnan M, Hussain J, Shah MT, Shinwari ZK,
Adhatoda zeylanica and Datura metel are used to Ullah F, Bahadar A, Khan N, Khan AL,
manage asthma (Shinwari et al., 2009). Diarrhoea is Watanabe T. 2010. Proximate and nutrient
treated effectively with Papaver somniferum, Sesbania Composition of Medicinal Plants of Humid and Sub-
sesban, Solanum torvum, Vernonia cinerea and humid regions in Northwest Pakistan. Journal of
Asparagus racemosus (Hussain et al., 2009). The Medicinal Plant Research 4(4), 339-345.
utility lies through their roots, bark, latex, leaves, fruits
and seeds. These are taken internally or applied Alagesaboopathi, C. 2009. Ethnomedicinal plants
externally in the form of juice, decoction, paste or and their utilization by villagers in Kumaragiri Hills of
powder (Shinwair et al., 2003). Most of the plants used Salem District of Tamilnadu, India. Afr.J.Traditional
in medicines are either mixed with other ingredients or Complementary and Alternative Medicines, 6.222-
single. While doing this there are reports of 227.
phytotoxicity which needs to be monitored (Gilani et
al., 2010). The regional people had a significant Chopra RN, Nayar SL, Chopra LC. 1956.
information about the species and suitable period of Glossary of Indian Medicinal Plants. Council of
collection (Alagesaboopathi, 2009). There are Scientific and Industrial Research, New Delhi.
considerable economic benefits in the progress of
indigenous medications and in the use of medicinal Francis Xavier T, Freeda Rose A, Dhivyaa M.
plants for the treatment of several ailments 2011. Ethnomedicinal survey of Malayali tribes in
(Alagesaboopathi, 2009; Francis Xavier et al., 2011). Kolli Hills of Eastern Ghats of Tamilnadu, India.
Some important medicinal plants needs immediate Indian J.Tradit Knowle., 10, 559-562.
conservation and their cultivation should be
encouraged through which their extinction can be Gamble JS. 1936. Flora of the Presidency of
prevented and tribal people may also get low-cost cure Madras. Vol I-III. Allard & Co. London. (Reprinted –
their disease. There is a need to have modern way of 1956) Botanical Survery of India. Calcutta.
identification of plants ensuring correct use of species
(Shinwari and Shinwari, 2010). Gilani SA, Fujii Y, Shinwari ZK. Adnan M,
Kikuchi A, Watanabe KN. 2010. Phytotoxic
Enumeration studies of medicinal plant species of Pakistan. Pak. J.
The plant species are arranged in alphabetical order. Bot., 42 (2), 987 - 996.
Each plant is followed by its family, vernacular name
(Tamil). The medicinal uses are described with details Gilani SA, Kikuchi A, Shinwari ZK, Khattak ZI,
such as the part(s) used singly, combination with other Watanabe WN. 2007. Phytochemical,
82 Alagesaboopathi
Int. J. Biosci. 2012
pharmacological, and ethnobotanical studies of Rhazya compared with modern biological science.
stricta Decne. Phytother. Res. 21, 301-307 Pharmaceutical Biology. 38, 129-138.
Henry AN, Kumari GR. Chitra V. 1987. Flora of Pei SJ. 2001. Ethnobotanical approaches of
Tamilnadu, India, Series 1: Analysis Botanical Survey traditional medicine studies some experiences form
of India, Southern Circle, Coimbatore. Asia, Pharma Bio., 39, 74-79.
Hooker JD. 1884. The Flora of British India. L. Pushpangadan P, Atal CK. 1984. Ethno-medico-
Reeve and Co. kent. botanical investigation in Kerala I, Some primitive
tribal of Western ghats and their herbal medicine.
Hussain J, Hussain H, Shinwari ZK, Ahmad I, Journal of Ethnopharmacology. 11, 59-77.
Hussain ST, Ahmad V. 2009. Antibacterial Activity
of The Chemical Constituents From Ranunculus laetus. Qasim M, Gulzar S, Shinwari ZK, Aziz I, Khan
Chemistry of Natural Compounds. 45(5), 720-721. MA. 2010. Traditional Ethnobotanical Uses of
Halophytes from Hub, Balochistan. Pak. J. Bot.,
Jain SK. 2001. Ethnobotany in modern India, 42(3), 1543-1551.
Phytomorphology Golden Jubilee issue, Trends in
Plant Sciences. 1, 39-54. Shinwari Z K, Khan I. Naz S. Hussain A. 2009.
Assessment of antibacterial activity of three plants
Maruthupandian A, Mohan VR. 2010. used in Pakistan to cure respiratory diseases. African
Observations of ethnomedicinal plants from Sirumalai Journal of Biotechnology 8 (24), 7082-7086.
Hills in Western Ghats of Tamilnadu, India. Journal of
Herbal Medicine and Toxicology. 4(2), 89-92. Shinwari ZK. 2010. Medicinal Plants Research in
Pakistan. Journ. Med. Pl. Res. 4(3), 161-176.
Maruthupandian A, Mohan VR, Kottaimuthu
R. 2011. Ethnomedicinal plants used for the treatment Shinwari ZK, Ayaz A. 2002. Plant wealth of Ayubia
of diabetes and jaundice by Palliyar tribals in National Park and Indigenous knowledge (Urdu).
Sirumalai Hills, Western Ghats, Tamilnadu, India. WWF-Pakistan.
Indian J Nat Prod Resour. 2(4), 493-497. Shinwari ZK, Gilani S. 2003. Sustainable harvest
of medicinal plants at Bulashbar Nullah, Astore
Matthew KM. 1983. The Flora of Tamilnadu (Northern Pakistan). J. Ethnophormacology
Carnatic. The Rapinact Herbarium, Tiruchirappalli, 84(2003), 289-298.
Tamilnadu, India.
Shinwari ZK, Khan AA, Nakaike T. 2003.
Meher-Homji VM. 1973. A phytosociological study Medicinal and other useful plants of district Swat-
of the Albizia amara community of India. Pakistan. WWF-Pakistan.
Phytocoenologia. 1, 114-129.
Shinwari ZK, Rehman M, Watanabe T,
Natarajan B, Paulsen BS, Korneliusen V. 2000. Yoshikawa Y. 2006. Medicinal and Aromatic Plants
An ethnopharmacological study from Kulu district, of Pakistan (A Pictorial Guide). Pp. 492 Kohat
Himachal Pradesh, India, Traditional Knowledge University of Science and Technology, Kohat, Pakistan.
83 Alagesaboopathi
Int. J. Biosci. 2012
Shinwari ZK, Shinwari S. 2010. Molecular Data Vedavathy S, Mrudula V, Sudhakar A. 1997.
And Phylogeny Of Family Smilacaceae. Pak. J. Bot., Tribal Medicine in Chittoor district, Andhra Pradesh,
Special Issue (S.I. Ali Festschrift) 42, 111-116. India. Vedams E Books (P) Ltd.
Shinwari ZK, Watanabe T, Ali M, Anwar R. Vikneshwaran D, Viji M, Raja Lakshmi K.
2005. International Symposium Medicinal Plants: 2008. A survey of the ethnomedicinal Flora of the
Linkages Beyond National Boundaries. Sep. 7-9, 2004. Sirumalai Hills, Dindigul district, India.
pp. 283. Kohat University of Science and Technology, Ethnobotanical leaflets. 12, 948-953.
Kohat-Pakistan.
Yousuf Z, Masood S, Shinwari ZK, Khan MA,
Siddhiqui MAA, John AQ, Paul TM. 1995. Status Rabbani A. 2006. Evaluation of Taxonomic Status of
of some important medicinal and aromatic plants of Medicinal Species of the Genus Solanum and
Kashmir Himalaya. Ad. Plant Sci. 8,134-139. Capsicum Based on Poly Acrylamide Gel
Electrophoresis. Pak. J. Bot., 38(1), 99-106.
84 Alagesaboopathi
