Medicinal Uses of Plants in Indigenous Folklore of Manapari Range in Tiruchirappalli District Tamilnadu, South India

Abstract

Aim: To find out knowledge of traditional practitioners to cure various diseases in Tiruchirappalli District of Tamil Nadu, India. Study Design: Ethnobotanical information obtained from 100 inhabitants in 2 groups of people using questionnaires, and collection of plant material by several field visits. Place and Duration of Study: The present ethnobotanical explorations conducted in 2014 and 2015 and the surveys were conducted using questionnaire in forest areas of Manaparai Forest Range. Results: A total of 739 species of 74 plants species belonging to 41 families and 69 genera utilized by traditional healers. Of these, maximum species belongs to Euphorbiaceae, Asclepiadaceae, and Fabaceae with 7, 6, 5, species respectively. Diseases/ailments are wide spread such as fever, cough, cold, kidney stone, skin diseases, wounds and toothaches. Most of the drugs preparation is from leaves and a few are from underground parts like root, rhizome, tuber, and rarely preparation from flowers and stem barks etc. Following data includes botanical name vernacular name family parts used, process of drug and details about its application. Among these plants parts used in mixture prepared according to some different formulations, leaves are abundantly used which is followed by stem and roots.  Conclusion: Information gathered from study area indicates that excellent knowledge of herbal drugs this region forest dwellers, however their incessant and progressive exposure to modernization may result in extinction of heritage of knowledge in the time. Moreover, this study will promote a practical use of botanicals and must be continuous focusing on its pharmacological validation. Further detailed assessment and compilation of ethnobotanical knowledge, chemical studies and screening for medicinal possessions will provide cost successful and dependable source of medicine for the welfare of humankind.