ethno veterinary medicinal uses of plants from

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TIRUNELVELI DISTRICT, TAMIL NADU, INDIA ... used by kani tribes occurring in Agasthiamalai Biosphere Reserve of Tamil. Nadu ... to its rich cultural diversity.
MyForest, March, 2009 Vol. 45(1) Page Nos. 7-14

ETHNO VETERINARY

MEDICINAL USES OF PLANTS

FROM AGASTHIAMALAI BIOSPHERE RESERVE (KMTR), TIRUNELVELI DISTRICT, TAMIL NADU, INDIA KALiDASS, C:l, MUTHUKUMAR,

K.l, MOHAN, V. R.2 AND MANICKAM, V. S.l ABSTRACT

The present study focLlses specifically on the ethnoveterinary medicinal importance 20 species, used by kani tribes occurring in Agasthiamalai Biosphere Reserve of Tamil Nadu, India. The group, family, botanical name, part used, habit, vernacular name, and their ethnoveterinary medicine uses are provided.

Key words: Kanis, Ethnoveterinary medicine, Agasthiamalai Biosphere Reserve. Introduction

Ethnoveterinarymedicine usually means "the folk beliefs, knowledge, skills, method and practices were pertaining to the health care animals" which plays key role in rural areas as major source of medicine being used to cure cattle. Here in this article ethnoveterinary medicine is simply defined as the medicines that livestock keepers are using in their life now, other than modern synthetic drugs (Mathius-Mundy and McCorkle, 1989). In India, the sacred Vedas, which date back between 3500 BC and 800 BC give many references of medicinal plants. The Rig Veda, dating between 3500 BC to 1800 BC. seems to be the earliest record available on medicinal plants. Throughout the world, plants have been in continuous use in one way or the other for the treatment

of various ailments. Nearly 80% of the world population depends upon traditional system of health care. One of the remotest works in traditional herbal medicine is "Virikshayurveda" compiled even before the beginning of Christian era and formed the basis of medicinal studies in ancient India. Allopathic drugs have brought a revolution throughout the world but the plant base medicines have its own unique status. The local uses of plants as a cure are common particularly in those areas, which have little or no access to modern health services, such as the innumerable tribal villages and hamlets in India. Plantsthe basis for life on earth - have been widely used as a source of medicine by man since ancient times. Most of the people and domestic animals are depending on traditional medicine live in developing countries and they rely mainly on traditional

Centre for Biodiversity and Biotechnology, St. Xavier's College (Autonomous), Tirunelvelu 2. Ethnopharmacology Unit, Research Department of Botany, V. O. Chidambaram College, Tuticorin 8. • Corresponding Author: E-mail: [email protected]

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MyForest March 2009 herbal medicine to meet their primary health

and extension engulfing small, narrow mountains. The elevation varies from 50 m

care needs. The Indian region is very rich i n ethno botanical heritage (Jain, 1991) due to its rich cultural diversity. Over 16,000 species of higher plants occur in India, of which approximately 9,000 are known to be economically useful. Of these, 7500 are used for healthcare by various ethnic communities in India (Arora, 1997). The indigenous traditional knowledge of medicinal plants of various ethnic communities, where it has been transmitted orally for centuries is fast disappearing from the face of the earth due to the advent of modern technology and transformation of traditional culture

- 1869 m and the various peaks from Sivagriti (North) to Mahendragiri (South) have been noted. They include Kallimalai (1000m), Agasthiyamalai Peak (1869m), Ainthalai Pothigai (1600m), Naterikal (1500m), Kakachi (1500m), Naraikadu (1775m) and Kailasaparvatham (1700m). Intensive

interviews were carried out

in the field with the kanis according to methodology suggested by Schultes (1960 & 1962) and Jain (1963). The gathered data was cross verified by repeated queries with different local herbalists in different

(Behera, 2006).

seasons

Although some ethnobotanical work has been performed on various areas of Western Ghats in India (Kumar Yadav, 2007; Virendra Singh, 1995; Sanyasi Rao. et al., 2008;

in order

to authenticate

the

information (Jain, 1989). The collected plants were identified taxonomically with the help of various floras (Gamble & Fischer, 1997; Matthew, 1991). Their identification was later confirmed by matching specimens with previously authenticated specimens available at Botanical Survey of India, Southern Circle, Coimbatore.

Sharma & Singh, 1989; Kamal & Ani! Kumar, 2004), but no ethnoveterinary survey has been carried out yet on Agasthiamamalai Biosphere Reserve, Tirunelveli Hills. So this ethnoveterinary about local medicinal plants of the mountains being used as ethnoveterinary medicines.

Results The majority of the reports presented here were found to be new when compared with the available literature (Ganesan & Kesavan, 2003; Ganesan et al., 2007; Rajendran et al., 2002; Sandhya et al., 2006; Subramanian et al., 2003). The data on medicinal plants, which was collected from inhabitants in and around Agasthiayamalai Biosphere Reserve in the Tirunelveli District, were pooled and analysed. The investigation revealed the medicinal plants of 20 species and 19 genera belonging to 17 families, which are commonly used for

Materials and method Kalakad Mundanthurai Tiger Reserve (KMTR) is situated in Tamil Nadu and forms part of the Saturated Western Ghats and also part of the Inter-State (Kerala & Tamil Nadu) Agasthiamalai Biosphere Reserve. It is a super hotspot of biodiversity and it also a global heritage of biodiversity. The geocode is latitude 8° 5' to 8° 50' Nand the longitudes 77° 5' to 7r 40' E. These hills are characterized by numerous folds

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MyForest March 2009 various ailments by kani tribes of the area surveyed. The enumeration and utilization of these plants are described below:

C. Group

Dicots

3. Family

Malvaceae

Species Enumeration

3. Botanical Name : Ceiba pentandra (L.) Gaertn.

(Bombacaceae

I. Anti-Tick Bite

Part used

Bark

A. Group

Dicots

Habit

Tree upto 60-70m tall

1. Family

Annonaceae

Local Name

Panju, lIavam panju, Maratimoku

1. Botanical Name : Annona Linn.

squamosa Uses

Part used

Seeds

Habit

Small tree reaching 6-8m tall

Local Name

Custard Apple, Sugar Apple

cows and goats orally reproductive problems.

D. Group

tobacum, applied on the body of domestic animals to keep away insects.

2. Family

Adiantaceae

2. Botanical Name : Adiantum Forssk.

as a remedy for

Dicots

4. Family

Euphorbiaceae

4. Botanical Name:

Mallotus tetracoccus

Part used

Bark

Habit

Tree upto 12m tall

Local Name

Mullu Polavu

Uses Bark grind into paste applied for boils around the hoofs and in the mouth of cattle.

incisum

Part used

Rhizome

Habit

Erect or Slightly decumbent herbs

IV. Chocking E. Group

Dicots

Gnarai chedi

5. Family

Verbenaceae

Local Name

bark

(Roxb.) Kurz.

II. Aphrodisiac Pteridophyte

of

III. Boils

Uses : The seeds grind into paste, mixed with lime juice and applied on the head to eradicate lice. Seeds grind with the leaves of Lawsonia inermis and Nicotiana

B. Group

: Handful

pounded, made into paste and given orally for tumors. Leaves grind into paste, mixed with boiled rice water and administered to

5. Botanical Name : Citharexylum substreatum Sweet.

Uses : About 200 gm of rhizome pounded into a paste, mixed with a little honey and administered to cattle to stimulate virility and reproductive performance of bulls (Aphrodisiac). Once a day early in the morning for 15 days. 9

Part used

Leaf

Habit

Shrubs

Local Name

Koovilam

MyForest March 2009 Uses : Leaves used for chocking in cattle handful of leaves made into a paste,pouredthrough a hollowbamboo kept in the cattle's mouth. Once a day.

8. Botanical Name: Part used

V. Cold, Cough & Fever

F. Group

: Monocots

6. Family

: Verbenaceae

6. Botanical Name:

Pavonina zey/anica

(L.) Cav. Leaves

Habit

: Shrub

Local Name

: Thuthi

Uses : Handful of leaves boiled in coconut oil, applied on the head to promote hair growth and keep the body cool.

Be/asynapsis kewensis Hassk.

Part used Habit

: Whole plant : Herbs

VI. Diarrhea & Dysentery

Local Name

: Parai chigappu

6. Family : Aeaceae 6. Botanical Name: Pathos

I. Group

Uses : About 1f2 kg of whole plant grind into paste and given to cattle to cure cold and fever. G. Group

thomsonianus

Schott.

: Dicots

7. Family : Sterculiaceae 7. Botanical Name: Helicteres isora L. Part used Habit Local Name

: Monocots

Part used Habit

: Whole plant Climber

Local Name

: Maravalli

Uses : Leaves and stem frind along with leaves of eupatorium and given to arrest diarrhea and dysentery.

Fruiting body : Shrubs Kaivam

J. Group

Uses : Unripe fruits grind mixed with little goafs milk, given as a medicine cure to white discharge and gas trouble. Three to four teaspoon thrice a day till cured. Handfull of seeds crushed, boiled with a cup of water and given for abdominal pain. One cup twice a day till recovery. About 1 kg of roots and stem pounded, mixed with a little water and given to cattle to get remedy from phlegm. It is believed that, a fruit tied around the wrist will keep away evil spirits. H. Group

Dicots

8. Family

Malvaceae

Dicots

Malvaceae 6. Family 6. Botanical Name : Thespesia /ampas (Cav.) Dalz. ex Dalz. & Gibs. Part used

: Leaves

Habit

: Trees

Local Name Kattu paruthi Uses Leaves used for diarrhea and dysentery for animals. About 1f2 kg of leaves made into paste, poured into the gut through a hollow bamboo kept in the cattle's mouth. Thrice a day for two days.

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MyForest March 2009 VII. Drooping sickness

Habit

Vine Forbs/herb

K. Group

: Dicots

Local Name

Nooran

6. Family

: Apocynaceae

6. Botanical Name:

Uses and eaten.

Rauwolfia densiflora Benth. & Hook.

Part used

: Leaves

Habit

: Shrub

Local Name

: Padapu chedi

Uses

: Leaves

used

X. Reproductive problems

for

powdered. For cows and goats: about 100 gm of leaf powder mixed with water and given three times a day for two days. For dog: about one teaspoon of leaf powder mixed with water and given three times a day for two days. For fowls: about 1f2 teaspoon of leaf powder mixed with rice and given for two days.

12. Family

: Arecaceae (Palmae)

12. Botanical Name:

: Dicots

14. Family

: Loganiaceae (Strychnaceae) Strychnos potatorum L.

Part used

Leaves and bark

Habit

Deciduous tree

Local Name

: Tettankotai

Uses

: Leaves

and

bark

grind, mixed with boiled rice water and administered to cows orally as a remedy for reproductive problems. XI. Sores

VIII. Lactagogue : Monocots

N. Group

14. Botanical Name:

cows, goats, dogs and fowls for drooping sickness. Leaves share - dried and

L. Group

Root tubers cooked

Areca catechu L.

O. Group

Monocots

15. Family

Poaceae (alt. Gramineae)

15. Botanical Name:

Apluda mutica L.

Part used

: Fruiting body

Part used

Whole plant

Habit

: Tree upto 20m tall

Habit

Local Name

: Pakku maram

Culms scandent, or decumbent, or

Uses : One or two unripe fruits given to cattle to increase lactation. Ripe fruits used for chewing.

Monocots

13. Family

Dioscoreaceae

13. Botanical Name:

Dioscorea pentaphyl/a L.

Part used

Uses

: Leaves

and

other

aerial parts ground into paste and applied to cure all kind of sores for cattle. Once a day for five days.

IX. Leg Pain M. Group

Local Name

prostrate : Mulan chedi

Root

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P. Group

Monocots

16. Family 16. Botanical Name:

Zingiberaceae Curcuma aromatica Salisb.

MyForest Part used

: Rhizome

Habit

: Herb upto 3 ft. tall

Local Name

March 2009 mixed with a little sugar and given orally for indigestion (Dyspepsia).

Kasthuri manjal

Uses Rhizomes dried, powdered and stored. A small amount of powder is taken, mixed with little coconut oil, made into paste and applied for the pimples itches, impetigo and other skin diseases. Rhizome grind, mixed with coconut oil, boiled and applied on cattle for sores. Rhizome made into paste and applied for muscular catch and rheumatic pains.

a. Group

Monocots

17. Family

Zingiberaceae

17. Botanical Name:

Curcuma longa L. Rhizome

Part used Habit

Manjal

Uses : Rhizome grind mixed with coconut oil boiled and applied on cattle for sores. Once a day for 3-6 times. Fresh

Zingiberaceae

Part used Habit

Herb

Uses

: Handful

Part used

Leaves

Habit

Tree upto 18 meters tall : Vilva maram

T. Group

Dicots

14. Family 14. Botanical Name:

Asclepiadaceae Gymnema sylvestre R. Br. ex. Schuff.

Part used

Leaves

Habit

Large climbers : Sugar killer of

fresh

India being rich in indigenous herbal resources, offer a great scope for Ethanobotanical and Ethanopharmacological studies. As people of the mountains are mainly dependent on agriculture and forest products for their daily life. The surrounding plant for these people form an integral part of their culture and information about the

: Rhizome : Perarattai

Aegle marmelos (L.) Correa.

Discussion

Alpina galanga (L.) Willd.

Local Name

14. Botanical Name:

Uses : Chewing leaves for several days.

XII. Wounds

18. Family 18. Botanical Name:

Rutaceae

Local Name

or dried rhizome made into paste and applied for bruises and sprains. Raw rhizome is chewed to get relief from toothache.

Monocots

14. Family

Uses One teaspoon of the powder an empty stomach for seven days. Leaf powder mixing with pepper fuit powder daily for a week.

Rhizomatous herbaceous

R. Group

Dicots

Local Name

perennial Local Name

S. Group

plant get pass on from generation to generation only through oral folk lore, major way of learning and teaching ethanomedicinal knowledge.

of rhizome

cut into small pieces pounded, juice extracted

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MyForest March 2009 Jain, S. K. (1989). Methods and Approaches in Ethnobotany. Society of Ethnobotanists, CDRI, Lucknow, pp. 192.

ACknowledgements The authors are grateful to Shri. K. Ravichandra, IFS, DCF and Shri. O. Mariappan, Library and Information Officer,

Jain, S. K. (1991). Dictionary of Indian Folk Medicine and Ethnobotany. Deep Publications, New Delhi, pp. 311.

IFGTB, Coimbatore, for providing necessary facilities and his encouragement.

Kamal K. Misra and K. Anil Kumar (2004). Ethno-veterinary Practices among the Konda Reddi of East Godavari District of Andhra Pradesh. Stud. Tribes Tribals, 2(1), pp. 37-44.

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