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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