International Journal of Pharmaceutical Science and Research

International Journal of Pharmaceutical Science and Research

ISSN: 2455-4685, Impact Factor: RJIF 5.28
[Link]
Volume 2; Issue 1; January 2017; Page No. 17-23

Ethnobotanical survey on medicinal plants used by tribal people in Attappady, Kerala

Jenny MOL PA, *A Suganthi
Assistant Professor Department of Botany Nirmala College for Women Coimbatore, Tamil Nadu, India

Abstract
The survey has been carried out in Attappady, Kerala. A total of 51 medicinal plants belonging to 28 families have been found to
have medicinal value in this ethnobotanical survey. The plant have been enumerated with botanical name, family name, common
name, habit, plant parts used, ingredients, mode of application and medicinal uses. The medicinal plants includes herbs (24), shrubs
(11), climbers (8) and trees (7) and various parts as like root, bark, stem, leaf, seeds, fruit, tuber, dried stem and whole plant are
used for curing various ailments. Some of the plants are used for treating threatful female disorders like Aerva lanata for curing
bleeding during pregnancy, Bambusa arundinaceae for regulation of menstrual cycle, Phyllanthus amarus for bleeding and stomach
ache etc. Mode of application varies depending upon their plant parts used and ingredients chosen.

Keywords: ethnobotanical survey, aerva lanata, bambusa arundinaceae

1. Introduction medicinal plants and preparations based on traditional

India is one of the twelve mega-biodiversity countries of the knowledge. They still depend on medicinal plants and most of
world having rich vegetation with a wide variety of plants. them have a basic knowledge of medicinal plants which are
Today tribal and certain local communities in India still used for first aid remedies to treat various ailments. Though
collecting and preserving locally available wild and cultivated tribe’s folk constitute 1:1 percent of the population of the
plant species for their day today life. Traditional ethno Kerala state, 27% of the population in Attappady is tribe folk
medicine uses the knowledge skills and practices based on comprising Irular, Mudugar, Kurumbar and Dhodugar.
theories, beliefs and experiences indigenous to its people and Attappadyis situated in the Palakkad district of Kerala and lies
culture for maintenance of health. It holds a heritage of at a highest ranging from 450-2500 meters along mean sea
communal acceptance and is solely based on the expertise level. The well-known Silent Valley National park which is a
gained by herbalists over a period of time (Ayensu et al., 1986) part of Nilgiri Biosphere is sharing boundary with a long
[2]
. The indigenous knowledge on medicinal plants appears distance of Attappady. Close association of National park and
when humans started and learned how to use thetraditional its buffer zone could preserve the biodiversity of Attappady.
knowledge on medicinal plants (Emiru et al., 2011) [4].
The preservation of ethnobotanical diversity in the prevailing 2. Materials and Methods
ecosystem should from an important item in any overall plan Site Selection
for tribal development in forest areas. Therefore, documenting Attappady is a tribal pocket in Palakkad district, which lies in
indigenous knowledge through ethnobotanical studies is the northern eastern part of the state. Extensive survey is
important for the conservation of biological resources and their planned in the tribal pockets of Attappady. Though tribe’s folk
sustainable utilization. Tribal communities in Kerala meet their constitute 1:1 percent of the population of the Kerala state,
health care needs by using non-timber minor forest products 27% of the population in Attappady is tribes folk comprising
and preparations based on traditional knowledge. Further, it Irular, Mudugar, Kurumbar, and Dhodugar. Attappady situated
has been established that herbal drugs obtained from plants are in the Palakkad district of Kerala and lies at a highest ranging
safe in treating various ailments with no side effects. from 450-2500 meters along mean sea level (Figure 2). A
Attappady is a tribal pocket in Palakkad district, which lies in political map of the Attappady with the details of tribal
the northern eastern part of the state. Tribal communities in inhabited places is collected from AHADS (Attappady Hill
Attappady, Kerala meet their healthcare needs by using Area Development Society).

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International Journal of Pharmaceutical Science and Research

Fig 1

Sampling Informants were collected using questionnaire, interviews and discussions

The ethnobotanical survey conducted between September 2015 in their local dialect. Traditional medicines used for promoting
to February 2016. It is planned to cover many tribes especially healing diseases were gathered from the tribal and experienced
those who are well knowledge in traditional medical practices individuals practicing indigenous medicines. Most interviews
belonging to Irular, Mudugar, Dhodugar and Kurumbar. The are arranged by local people familiar with tribal and who could
experts in traditional Ayurveda in the hamlets of Attappady are communicate with native communities. Questionnaires are used
also consulted and interviewed. A total of 25 tribal people were to collect information from the informants. The questionnaires
interviewed for my survey. However age and experience on use used included the following information: Common name,
of traditional medicinal plants were taken into consideration. Habit, Plant parts used, Ingredients and Mode of application and
their Medicinal uses. Each claim was verified 4 or 5 times with
Ethnobotanical Data Collection different persons from different localities. The common names
The objectives of the study were clearly explained and verbal of plants and dose or mode of administration were documented
consent is obtained by interviewer from each informant. Data from the field.

3. Result
Table 1: List of Medicinal Plants and Their Uses
S. Botanical Name Plant Parts Mode of
Common Name Habit Ingredients Medicinal Uses
No. And Family Name Used Application
Oxalis corniculata L.
1 Puliyarila Herb Leaves Salt, oil Paste Mouth ulcer, stomach problems
Oxalidaceae
Ficus racemosa L. Powder and
2 Athhi Tree Root, bark Sugar To wash wounds, bleeding
Moraceae Kashayam
Cocciniagrandis(L.)Voigt
3 Appakkovai Climber Root,leaves Raw Kashayam Asthma, piles
Cucurbitaceae
Euphorbia hirtaL. Worms in stomach, constipation,
4 Amampachari Herb Whole plant Raw Kashayam
Euphorbiaceae psoriasis
AchyranthesasperaL. Rheumatism,bronchitis,
5 Vankadaladi Herb Leaves Salt, chilly, oil Cooked
Amaranthaceae cough,stomach pain, ear pain
FicusreligiosaL. Stem,
6 Aalmaram Tree Honey Powder Foot ulcers,cracks
Moraceace seeds, root
Aervalanata (L.)[Link] Urinary stone, bleeding during
7 Cheroola Herb Leaves Salt Cooked
Amaranthaceae pregnancy
Throat pain, worms in stomach,
Emilia sonchifolia (L.) DC. ex Wight Turmeric, salt,
8 Muyalcheviyan Herb Leaves Juice bronchitis, mouth ulcer, eye
Asteraceae garlic
disorders
Cynodondactylon(L)Pers. Coconut oil Paste Wounds healing for babies,
9 Arukampullu Herb Root
Poaceace Honey Kashyam Heart problems
Good for uterus and healthy for baby
Vernoniacinerea(L.)Less. in the womb, scorpion bite, eye
10 Poovamkurunnila Herb Leaves Raw Juice
Asteraceae disorders, fever, reduce body
temperature, purify blood
Ecliptaprostrata (L.) L. Rheumatism, bronchitis, hair growth,
11 Kayyonni Herb Leaves Raw Paste
Asteraceae good for liver, increase eye sight
Citrus limon(L.)Burm.F.
12 Naranga Tree Fruit Honey, sugar Kashayam Pitham, eye problems
Rutaceae
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Alternantherasessilis(L.) [Link]. ex DC Salt, coconut

13 Ponnaganni Herb Leaves Boiled form Eye sight, stomach pain, hair greying
Amaranthaceae oil
Momordicacharantia L. Fruit, stem, Salt, coconut
14 Paval Climber Boiled Diabetes
Cucurbitaceae leaves oil
BambusaarundinaceaWilld.
15 Illi Tree Seeds Raw Boiled Regulation of menstrual cycle
Poaceae
Piper nigrumL.
16 Kurumulak Climber Dried stem Honey Kashayam Fever
Piperaceae
CissusquadrangularisL.
17 Pirandai Climber Whole plant Salt Boiled Piles, appetite
Vitaceae
SolanumtorvumSw.
18 Chundaikka Shrub Fruit Salt, oil Cooked Worms in stomach
Solanaceae
Bacopamonnieri(L.) Pennell Leaves,
19 Brahmi Herb Raw Fresh form Enhance memory
Scrophulalariaceae stem
Kashayam Increase eye sight, heart problems,
Boerhaaviadiffusa L.
20 Thazhuthama Herb Leaves Honey Diabetes, heart problems,
Nyctaginaceae
Fresh leaves constipation
Lagenariasiceraria (Molina) Standil. Salt, coconut
21 Chorakka Climber Fruit Cooked Urination
Cucurbitaceae oil, chilly
Asparagus racemosusWilld.
22 Sathavari Climber Tuber Honey Kashayam Urine stone
Liliaceae
Capsicum frutescens L. Leaves,
23 Kanthari Shrub Salt Boiled form Cholesterol, wounds, cancer
Sloanaceae fruit
Biophytumsensitivum L. Cough, bronchitis, diarrhoea,
24 Mukkutti Herb Leaves Honey Kashayam
Oxalidaceae increase immunity
Enhance memory, jaundice,mouth
Centellaasiatica(L) Urban Pepper, honey,
25 Vallaram, muthil Herb Leaves Powder ulcer, urinary disorders, throat
Apiaceae coconut oil
pain,gas trouble
Ocimum sanctum L.
26 Tulsi Shrub Root, leaves Raw Kashayam Fever, cold, worms
Lamiaceae
SolanumtrilobatumL. Root, stem, Bronchitis, gas trouble
27 Thoothuvazha Climber Honey, sugar Kashayam
Solanaceae leaves
Leucasaspera (Willd.) Link Juice Snake bite
28 Thumba Herb Root, leaves Coconut oil
Lamiaceae Coconut oil Psoriasis
Mimosa pudica L.
29 Thottarvadi Herb Root, leaves Honey Kashayam Urinary stone, piles
Fabaceae
PhyllanthusamarusSchum&Thonn Powder, Jaundice, stomach pain, bleeding,
30 Keezharnelli Herb Root Raw
Euphorbiaceae paste hair fall, dandruff
Abutilon indicum(Link)Sweet
31 Thuthi Shrub Leaves Onion Paste Piles
Malvaceae
Aconitum heterophyllumWall. Honey,
32 Athividayam Climber Root Powder Fever, diarrhoea
Ranaunculaceae kadukkatippali
Tribulusterrestris L.
33 Nerinjil Herb Root, leaves Sugar Kashayam Pain in stomach, urination
Zygophyllaceae
Equisetum ramosissimumDesf. Dried
34 Sornappanna Herb Raw Powder Speedy healing of wounds,
Equisetaceae Stem
MenthaarvensisL. Leaves, For digestion, ulcer, vomiting,
35 Puthina Herb Raw Juice
Lamiaceae stem jaundice, fever, skin diseases
Leaf juice is stimulant, internal
Colocasiaesculenta (L.) Schott Leaves, haemorrhages
36 Chembu Shrub Raw Juice
Araceae tubers Tuber juice is laxative, somatalgia
and congestion of portal system
Carminative, diuretic, stomach pain,
Aloe barbadensisMiller
37 Kattarvazha Herb Leaves Raw Juice burns, skin diseases, constipation,
Liliaceae
abdominal tumours
Antibacterial, stomach pain,
OcimumbasilicumL.
38 Rama tulsi Shrub Whole plant Honey Kashayam bronchitis, asthma, malarial fever,
Lamiaceae
cough, worm in stomach
Used for pitham, ulcer, anti-
TridaxprocumbensL. Paste
39 Kandavanekuthhi Shrub Whole plant Raw inflammatory, haemorrhoids, wound
Asteraceae Kashayam
healing
Roots are constipating, useful in
Root- haemorrhages, diarrhoea, dysentery,
PsidiumguajavaL.
40 Pera Tree Root, fruit Raw powder ulcers, vomiting in children, fruits
Myrtaceae
Fruit- fresh are used for burning sensation,
dysentery, diarrhoea
Astringent, constipating, pitham,
Piper betleL.
41 Vettila Climber Whole plant Raw Juice burning sensation, burns, diarrhoea,
Piperaceae
obesity, skin eruptions

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Plectranthusamboinicus(Lour.)spreng. Fever, cold, cough, bronchitis for

42 Panikoorka Herb Leaves Raw Juice
Lamiaceae children
Diuretic, digestive, asthma,
bronchitis, vomiting, urinary
Ocimumtenuiflorum L.
43 Krishna tulasi Shrub Whole plant Honey Kashayam problems, skin
Lamiaceae
diseases, worms in stomach,
cardiopathy
Seeds are useful in scurvy, affection
44 NyctanthesarbortristisL. Leaves, of scalp, leaves are antibacterial,
Parijatham Shrub Raw Powder
Oleaceae seeds digestive, bronchitis, asthma, cough,
greyness of hair, baldness
Chromolaenaodorata(L.) King&H.E.
45 Robins. Communist Pacha Shrub Leaves Raw Paste, juice Wound healing
Asteraceae
Selaginelladelicatula(Desv.
Spermacocae
46 exPoir.) Alston. Kuruvevannasappu Herb Whole plant Paste Wound healing
Hispida
Selaginellaceae
Ageratum conyzoidesL.
47 Appachedi Herb Leaves Raw Paste Speedy healing of wound
Asteraceae
ClerodendruminfortunatumL. Peruku Small
48 Leaves Lime Paste Wound healing
Verbenaceae Perukila Tree
AnacardiumoccidentalaeL. Anthelmintic, dysentery, prevent
49 Kashumavu Tree Fruits Raw Juice
Anacardiaceae hair loss, increase hair growth
Adhatodavasica(L.) Nees
50 Adalodkam Shrub Leaves Raw Juice Cough, psoriasis, bronchitis
Acanthaceae
Eleusinecoracana(L.) Gaertn. Fried and
51 Ragi Herb Fruits coconut oil Speedy healing of wounds
Poaceae powdered

Representation of Plant Habits

Table 2
Plant Habits Number Used
Herbs 24
Shrubs 11
Climbers 8
Trees 7

Fig 2: Representation of Habits of Medicinal Plants

Table 3: Representation of Plant Parts Used

Plant Parts Used Used Percentage
Root 11 17%
Bark 1 1%
Stem 3 5%
Leaves 29 45%
Seed 3 5%
Fruit 8 12%
Whole plant 6 9%
Tuber 2 3%
Dried stem 2 3%

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Fig 3: Representation of Plant Parts Used

Table 4: Representation of Families of Medicinal Plants
Family [Link] Species
Oxalidaceae 2
Moraceae 2
Cucurbitaceae 3
Euphorbiaceae 2
Amaranthaceae 3
Asteraceae 6
Poaceace 3
Rutaceae 1
Piperaceae 2
Vitaceae 1
Solanaceae 3
Scrophulalariaceae 1
Nyctaginaceae 1
Liliaceae 2
Apiaceae 1
Lamiaceae 5
Fabaceae 1
Ranaunculaceae 1
Malvaceae 1
Zygophyllaceae 1
Equisetaceae 1
Araceae 1
Myrtaceae 1
Oleaceae 1
Selaginellaceae 1
Verbenaceae 1
Anacardiaceae 1
Acanthaceae 1

Fig 4: Representation of Families of Medicinal Plants

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International Journal of Pharmaceutical Science and Research

Table 5: List of Some Plants Used For the Following Diseases

Wound Healing Toxicity Female Disorders
Cynodondactylon(L.)Pers. Vernoniacinerea(L.)Less. Aervalanata (L.) Juss. ex Schult
Capsicum frutescens L. Leucasaspera (Willd.) Link BambusaarundinaceaWilld.
Equisetum ramosissimumDesf. PhyllanthusamarusSchum et Thonn
TridaxprocumbensL.
Chromolaenaodorata (L.) King & H.E. Robins.
Selaginelladelicatula (Desv.
exPoir.) Alston.
Ageratum conyzoidesL.
ClerodendruminfortunatumL.
Eleusinecoracana(L.) Gaertn.

4. Discussion formulations used were in the form of paste, kashayam, juice

The ethnobotanical survey conducted between September to and powder. These analysis were closely correlating the
February 2015-16. It is covered over many tribes especially ethnomedicinal survey conducted in Malayali tribes of
those who are well knowledged in traditional medical practices Vattalhills, Dharmapuri, Tamil Nadu, India (Ramya et al.,
belonging to Irular, Mudugar, Dhodugar and Kurumbar. The 2009) [11].
experts in traditional Ayurveda in the hamlets of Attappady are Representation of some medicinal plants used for the wound
also consulted and interviewed. A total of 25 tribal people were healing, toxicity and female disorders are also have been in table
interviewed for the survey. However, age and experience on use 5. This analysis of diseases correlated with the survey of ethno
of traditional medicinal plants were taken into consideration. medicine used for treating cuts and wounds but the tribes of
The objectives of the study were clearly explained and verbal Attappady, Kerala (Latheef et al., 2014) [8] and ethno botanical
consent is obtained by interviewer from each informant. Data study of Kani tribes in Thoduhills of Kerala South India
were collected using questionnaire, interviews and discussions (Francis et al., 2013) [5].
in their local dialect. Traditional medicines used for promoting
healing diseases were gathered from the tribalsand experienced 5. Acknowledgement
individuals practicing indigenous medicines. The We greatly acknowledge The Principal, Nirmala college for
ethnobotanical survey shows about 51 medicinal plants have Women, Coimbatore for the support and encouragement
been used for medicinal purposes by tribal peoples of throughout the study and also thankful to all informants who
Attappady. Medicinal plants used in the treatment of various participated in this survey.
ailments are listed in the table 1. This medicinal plants are
arranged with their botanical name, family name, common 6. References
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