Available online at www.pelagiaresearchlibrary.com
Pelagia Research Library
Asian Journal of Plant Science and Research, 2013, 3(6):29-45
ISSN : 2249-7412
CODEN (USA): AJPSKY
Studies on ethnomedicinal plants used by malayali tribals in Kolli hills of
Eastern ghats, Tamilnadu, India
Vaidyanathan D., M. S. Salai Senthilkumar and M. Ghouse Basha*
P.G and Research Department of Botany, Jamal Mohamed College (Autonomous),
Trichirapalli, Tamil Nadu, India
_____________________________________________________________________________________________
ABSTRACT
An ethnobotanical survey was carried out among the Malayali tribals in various villages of kollihills, Nammakkal
District, Tamilnadu, India during July 2011 to june 2013. A total 250 species of ethnomedicinal plants belonging to
198 genera and 81 families and 21 habitats, 228 dicotyledons, 22 monocotyledons were reported with the help of
standardised 50 tribal informants between the ages of 40-75. The study shows a high degree of ethnobotanical
novelty and the use of plants among the Malayali reflects the revival of interest in traditional folk medicine. The
medicinal plants used by Malayalis were arranged alphabetically followed by botanical name, family name, local
name, habitat, plant parts used, mode of preparation and ethnomedicinal uses.
Key words: Medicinal Plants, Ethnomedicine, Malayali Tribals
_____________________________________________________________________________________________
INTRODUCTION
Plants are the basis of life on earth and are central to people’s livelihoods. Tribal people are the ecosystem people
who live in harmony with the nature and maintain a close link between man and environment. Indian subcontinent
is being inhabited by over 53.8 million tribal people in 5000 forest dominated villages of tribal’s community and
comprising 15% of the total geographical area of Indian landmasses, representing one of the greatest emporia of
ethno-botanical wealth(Albert , sajem and kuldip gosai, 2006).
Traditional medical practices are an important part of the primary health care system in the developing world
(Sheldon et al., 1997). Herbal medicines are comparatively safer than synthetic drugs. Plant- based traditional
knowledge has become a organized tool in search for new sources of drugs and neutraceuticals (Sharma and
Mujundar, 2003). The ethno botanical survey can bring out many different clues for the development of drugs to
treat human diseases. Herbal medicines are assumed to be of great importance in the many developing countries
(Ghosh, 2003). Considering the current rate of deforestation with the concurrent loss of biodiversity, there is a need
for accurate documentation of the knowledge and experience of the traditional herbalists (Grierson and Afolayan,
1999). In this paper, we report the information gathered from Malayali tribals on the plants used for treatment of
various diseases in Kollihills of Tamil Nadu, India.
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MATERIALS AND METHODS
Study area
Tamil Nadu is situated in southern end of India, east of Kerala and south of Andhra Pradesh and Karnataka states.
The area of investigation Kollihills is located in Nammakkal district, Tamil Nadu and has an area of 418.5 km
latitudinal and longitudinal range of Kollihills are 11 10 – 11 30 N latitude 75 30 E longitude respectively. The hill
is bounded by Nammakkal in the south and south west. Rasipuram is in the North East. Attur Taluk is in the North
and Trichirappalli district in the east. Kolli hills are also called as sathuragiri or square hill. The hills contain of high
rising peaks and ravines. The highest point in kollihills is 4663 feet above M.S.L, but the general level of the upper
surface of the hills is not more than 35000 feet (1000m). Its eastern and northeastern flanks drain either into
Thurayur valley of the periyar. Forest occupies 44% of the total geographical area. Farming activities occupy about
56% of the area.
Malayalis (Malai=hill, ali=dwells) were believed to have migrated from Conjeeveram probably in 1962 A.D, they
are Tamil speaking hill tribes and all are mostly agriculturalists. Their pure population can be seen in kollihills
(Thurston and Rangachari, 1909). Malayali is one of the 36 scheduled tribes of Tamil Nadu (Jayasree, 2002) and the
population of Malayali tribes forms around 54% of total schedule tribes have a general knowledge of medicinal
plants that are used for aid remedies, to cough, cold, fever, headache, poisonous bites, and some other simple
ailments. The Malayali tribes are abiding in the deep forest area are still dependent on medicinal plants for their
primary healthcare and treatment of various diseases. Malayali still supplement their food by gathering roots and
tubers from the nearby forest areas. They are extremely hard working and can survive without the help of modern
facilities. They are socio-economically backward and most of them are very poor. They are also engaged in
seasonal collection of honey, bee wax and some minor forest produce. They cultivate edible plants, like tapioca,
pine apple, banana, milts and sash crops such as pepper, coffee, jack fruit glove and cereals like ragi, thinai,
makkasolam, samai and panivaraku.
The field work in the villages of Malayali in kollihills was commenced from July 2011 –June 2013. The Malayalis
settlement was located through a number of field surveys and there were many number of informants between 40
and 75 age were consulted to gather medicinal information. Resource persons with knowledge of medicinal plants
were selected based on the experience in the preparation of medicines, whether he/she is a professional medicine
man or women, their willingness to share their traditional knowledge and there was of acquiring knowledge as per
the methodology (Jain, 1989). The information was collected through interviews and discussions among the tribal
practitioners in their local language (Tamil). The responses on the plant prescribed, such as part of the plant used,
medicinal uses, detailed information about mode of preparation (decoction, paste, powder and juice) from the usage
either fresh or dried and method of application.
The collected plant species were identified taxonomically using the Karnatic flora (Gamble, 1935) and the flora of
Tamil Nadu Carnatic (Matthew, 1983), Indian medicinal plants, dictionary of medicinal plants, poorviga maruthuva
nool kalangiyum. The identified plants species were then conformed to the herbaria of Rapinet, Trichirappallai. ABS
Botanical garden, Yercaud.
RESULTS AND DISCUSSION
The present investigation revealed that the malayali tribal of the kollihills region were using 250 species of plants
belonging to 81 families for medicinal use (Table-1). Among 77 were herbs, 69 were big trees 42 were shrubs, 12
were vine, 6 were sub shrub, climber and climbing shrub, 5 were straggler, 4 were liane, 3 were shrubby herb,
shrubby, twining shrub, under shrub and climbing herb, 2 were straggling shrub, 1 were sub shrubby, rambling
shrub, small trees, erect culms, bulb and woody shrub. The most commonly represented families were
Euphorbiaceae 14 and Acanthaceae 14 (Table-2). They were using this plants to cure diseases like fever, cough,
leukemia, asthma, disorders of tooth, diabetes, scabies, piles, stomach pain, indigestion, diarrhea, menstrual
disorder, uterine disorders, infertility, rheumatism, jaundice, aphrasoadic, ear diseases , joint pains, inflammation,
cold, cough, skin diseases, ulcer, bone fracture psoriasis, kidney stone, pimples, gas trouble, back pain, blood
pressure, post natal problem, hydrophobia, lactation, venereal diseases whopping cough, dandruff, constipation,
paralytic, ophthalmic obligation, chest pain, blood purification, corroborant, arthritics, labor pain, epilepsy, wounds,
dog bite and poisonous bites snake, scorpion and insects (Table -3). This is consistent with the general observations
made earlier in relation to ethno botanical studies on some of the other tribal communities of Tamil Nadu,
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(Karthikeyani, 2003) on Irular Tribe, (Rajendran, et al., 2002) on Valaya tribe, (Visvanathan, 1997) on Malayali
tribe, (Alagesaboopathi et al., 1999 ).
TABLE – 1: Distribution of plants under different Habits
S. No.
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
7.
8.
9.
10.
11.
12.
13.
14.
15.
16.
17.
18.
19.
20.
21.
Habits
Herb
Tree
Shrub
Vine
Sub shrub
Climber
Climbing shrub
Straggler
Liane
Twining shrub
Climbing herb
Shrubby herb
Shrubby
Under shrub
Straggling shrub
Rambling shrub
Small tree
Erect culms
Bulb
Woody shrub
Sub shrubby
TOTAL
No. of Species
77
69
42
12
6
6
6
5
4
3
3
3
3
3
2
1
1
1
1
1
1
250
TABLE – 2: Families with maximum number of Genus & Species
S. No
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
7.
8.
9.
10.
11.
12.
13.
14.
15.
16.
17.
18.
19.
20.
21.
22.
23.
24.
25.
26.
27.
28.
29.
30.
31.
32.
33.
34.
35.
36.
37.
38.
39.
40.
41.
42.
43.
Family
Euphorbiaceae
Acanthaceae
Asteraceae
Asclepiadaceae
Fabaceae
Mimosaceae
Apocynaceae
Rutaceae
Solanaceae
Caesalpiniaceae
Cucurbitaceae
Rubiaceae
Verbenaceae
Lamiaceae
Moraceae
Menispermaceae
Sterculiaceae
Combretaceae
Convolvulaceae
Amaranthaceae
Burseraceae
Piperaceae
Zingiberaceae
Liliaceae
Araceae
Malvaceae
Oxalidaceae
Meliaceae
Vitaceae
Sapindaceae
Poaceae
Capparaceae
Tiliaceae
Rhamnaceae
Anacardiaceae
Myrtaceae
Lythraceae
Plumbaginaceae
Ebenaceae
Loganiaceae
Scrophularaceae
Chenopodiaceae
Polygonaceae
No. of Genus
9
7
8
9
6
5
7
7
3
3
4
6
5
5
3
4
4
3
4
3
4
2
4
4
4
2
2
3
2
3
3
2
2
2
2
2
2
1
1
1
2
2
2
No. of Species
14
14
9
9
8
8
8
7
7
6
6
6
6
6
6
5
5
5
5
5
4
4
4
4
4
3
3
3
3
3
3
2
2
2
2
2
2
2
2
2
2
2
2
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44.
45.
46.
47.
48.
49.
50.
51.
52.
53.
54.
55.
56.
57.
58.
59.
60.
61.
62.
63.
64.
65.
66.
67.
68.
69.
70.
71.
72.
73.
74.
75.
76.
77.
78.
79.
80.
81.
Aristolochiaceae
Myristicaceae
Urticaceae
Dioscoreaceae
Arecaceae
Ranunculaceae
Magnoliaceae
Annonaceae
Nympheaceae
Papaveraceae
Cruciferae
Violaceae
Cochlospermaceae
Dipterocarpaceae
Erythroxylaceae
Balsaminaceae
Crassulaceae
Droseracae
Melastomataceae
Onagraceae
Passifloraceae
Begoniaceae
Aizoaceae
Apiaceae
Alangiaceae
Campanulaceae
Myrsinaceae
Sapotaceae
Oleaceae
Salvadoraceae
Boraginaceae
Pedaliaceae
Nyctaginaceae
Proteaceae
Santalaceae
Musaceae
Amaryllidaceae
Agavaceae
TOTAL
1
1
1
1
2
1
1
1
1
1
1
1
1
1
1
1
1
1
1
1
1
1
1
1
1
1
1
1
1
1
1
1
1
1
1
1
1
1
198
2
2
2
2
2
1
1
1
1
1
1
1
1
1
1
1
1
1
1
1
1
1
1
1
1
1
1
1
1
1
1
1
1
1
1
1
1
1
250
Medicines were prepared in the form of powder, decoction, paste and juice. It was also observed that some plants
were used in the form of preparation. Several plants were used in the form of powder. Some plants used in the form
decoction, paste, juice, in some cases fruits are used as medicine both in fresh and dried form. Among different
plants parts used by Malayali tribes in Kollihills, the leaves are most frequently used for the treatment of disease.
External applications and internal consumption are involved in the treatment of wounds, snake bite, headache and
skin diseases. In the present study, some of the medicinal plants are belonging to Red data list categories.
In general, fresh parts of the plants are used for the preparation of medicine. When fresh plant parts are unavailable,
dried parts are also used. The rhizome and leaves are exploited commercially as excellent source of income. But
unfortunately due to their over exploitation there is a great danger of their extinction. Hence, efforts must be taken
to protect these species in this area by involving the local communities in preservation and conservation aspects.
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TABLE – 3: Medicinal Plants utility by the tribals in the Kollihills
S.
No.
Botanical Name
Family Name
Local Name
Habitat
Plant
Part used
Ethnomedicinal Uses
Mode of Administration
1.
Naravelia zeylanica, DC.
Ranunculaceae
Vatamkolli
2.
Michelia champaga, L.
Magnoliaceae
Champa gam
Climbing
shrub
Tree
3.
Annona squamosa L.
Annonaceae
Sitaphal
Tree
Root, bark
Scorpion bite
Climbing
shrub
Small tree
Whole
plant
Leaves
Diarrhea.
Whole plant is used
Leukemia
Snake bite
Leaf juice taken internally fir cure
Leaf paste applied on bitten area and also root
decoction given in 50ml immediately and thrice a day
till relief from suffering.
Leaves
Skin diseases
Leaf juice used for paralysis and externally applied
Leaves
Scorpion bite
Leaf juice is taken orally.
Root paste for external application. Root bark
decoction orally
4.
Cissampelos pareira, L.
Menispermaceae
Appatta
5.
Cocculus hirsutus, Diels.
Menispermaceae
Kattukodi
6.
Tiliacora acuminate, Miers.
Menispermaceae
Perunkattu kodi
Climbing
shrub
Leaf
7.
Tinospora cordifolia, Miers.
Menispermaceae
Senthilkodi
Climbing
shrub
Whole
plant
Gas trouble
Plant juice is taken internally
Oral decoction
8.
Tinospora sinensis, (lour.) merr
Menispermaceae
Por seenthil
Herb
Stem
genuine drug
Rhumatic arthratis
9.
Nymphaea nouchali, Var.
Nympheaceae
Alli
Herb
Root
Urination
children
10.
Argemone mexicana Linn., Bilayat
Papaveraceae
Perammathandu
Herb
11.
Brassica juncea, Hk. f. & T.
Cruciferae
Kadugu
Herb
Root,
latex
Leaves
12.
Cadaba fruticosa (L.) Druce.
Capparaceae
Vizhuthi
Shrub
Leaves
13.
Cleome gynandra, L.
Capparaceae
Nalvelai
Herb
leaves
problem
in
Scorpion bite
Ear wound
Bone fracture
could
Fever,
aphrasiadic
Bone fracture
General health
Dysentery, diarrhoea and
cholera
Scorpion bite
Cut wound
It is useful in blood,
throat, urinary system
related troubles, piles,
phthisis, insanity etc.
diarrhoea
and blood dysentery.
Made into paste. Then 1 teaspoonful of this mixture is
administered in every 15-30 minites interval for 2
days
Latex and yellow juice of plant orally. Root paste for
local application
To use internally
Leaf paste mixed with coconut oil is used for sores
and leaf paste mixed with egg applied externally
Leaves of the species could be more nutritious than
most exotic leafy vegetables.
14.
Hybanthus enneaspermus, (L.) F. Muell
Violaceae
Orithal hamarai
Herb
Leaves
15.
Cochlospermum religiosum, (L.)
Cochlospermaceae
Thanukku
Tree
Bark
16.
Shorea roxburghii, G. Don.
Dipterocarpaceae
Gugilia maram
Tree
Root
17.
18.
Ceiba pentandra (Linn.)
Sida acuta, Burm.
Malvaceae
Malvaceae
Gratean Java cotton
Pazham pasi
Tree
Sub shrub
root
Leaves
19.
Sida cardifolia, L.
Malvaceae
Kuruthan kanni
Sub shrub
seed,
leaves,
Roots
20.
Helicteres isora, L.
Sterculiaceae
Valampuri
Shrub
fruit
21.
Pterospermum suberifolium, Lam.
Sterculiaceae
Vennanthai or polavu
Tree
Whole
plant
topically to bruised part
of the body.
22.
Sterculia foetida, L.
Sterculiaceae
Pootha karappan
Tree
Bark,
fruit,seed
23.
Sterculia urens, Roxb.
Sterculiaceae
Senthanku
Tree
Abortifacient, gonorrhea,
skin disease
Wound fractures and
cracked skin leukemia
Cough
Haemorrhages
Leaf juice applied externally
Scorpion Bite
Leaf juice and root bark is taken orally
Abdominal colic children
Leaf infusions are given to. A decoction of the leaves
24.
Waltheria indica, L.
Sterculiaceae
25.
Grewia gamblei, Drumm.
Tiliaceae
Karadi kasavu
Shrub
26.
Triumfetta rhomboidea, Jacq.
Tiliaceae
Karadi otradai
Sub shrub
Chem poondu
Sub shrub
Leaves
Whole
plant
Leaf, root
bark
Leaves,
Decoction from the leaves taken.
Gum from the bank applied externally for bone
fracture
Orally administered (100g / day for only one day)
Paste of roots for external application
Paste made from leaves applied
According to Ayurveda, the plant is tonic, astringent,
emollient, aphrodisiac and useful in treatment of
respiratory system related troubles. Bark is considered
as cooling.
Fruit powder is mixed with water and given to drink
Actinodaphne malabarica plant bark paste of this plant
with the bark paste of Pterospermum suberifolium
mixed together and applied topically to bruised part of
the body.
Decoction used, seed oil administered internally
intches and other skin disease
Plant extract boiled and taken orally.
Roots chewed to control internal
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Erythroxylaceae
Oxalidaceae
Devadaru
Perumani vaatti
to bring down fever and
to prevent diarrhea
Leaves
Leaf
Whole
plant
Leaves
Anti aptide
Scorpion Bite
27.
28.
Erythroxylon monogynum, Roxb.
Biophytum candolleanum W.
29.
Biophytum sensitivum, DC.
Oxalidaceae
Theenda nail
Herb
30.
Oxalis corniculata, L.
Oxalidaceae
Pulichan
Herb
31.
Impatiens balsamina, L.
Balsaminaceae
Kasi thumbai
Herb
leaves,
seeds, and
stems
snakebite
skin disease
32.
Aegle marmelos, (L.) Corr. Serr.
Rutaceae
Vilvam
Tree
Leaves
Diarrhea
33.
Atalantia monophylla, Corr.
Rutaceae
Kattu elumpichai
Tree
Root
Cough,phlegm
(antitussive)
34.
Limonia acidissima L.
Rutaceae
Vila
Tree
Root
35.
Murraya paniculata, (L.)
Rutaceae
36.
Naringi Crenulata (Roxb.)
Rutaceae
Kattu karuvepilai or
Kurunthu
Maga vilvam
37.
Ruta graveolens, L.
Rutaceae
38.
Toddalia asiatica,, Llam.
39.
Boswellia serrata, Roxb.
Shrub
Herb
Barks,
stem,
leaves
Tree
Leaf
Tree
Root
Sathapu
Tree
Whole
plant
leaves
Rutaceae
Mila karanai
Straggler
Burseraceae
Vellai kunkilium
Tree
Fruit
Whole
plant
Leaves
Poisionousbite
Dysentery
snake bite
Wounds
snake bite
Rue oil and infusions of
rue were formerly used
As antispasmodics and
emmenagogues. It is
recommended in herbal
treatment of insomnia,
headaches, nervousness,
abdominal cramps, and
renal troubles.
Cure fever, diarrhea,
cough, wound and ulcer,
Fits
skin diseases.
Rheumatic
pains
&
Chronic skin diseases
such as Psoriasis
40.
Canarium strictum, Roxb.
Burseraceae
Karunkungiligum
Tree
Bark
41.
Commiphora caudate, Engl.
Burseraceae
Pachai kiluvai
Tree
Leaves
42.
Garuga pinnata, Roxb.
Burseraceae
Karuvambu
Tree
Leaves
Asthma
43.
Azadiracta indica, A.Juss.
Meliaceae
Veppa maram
Tree
Leaves
stomach pain.
44.
Cipadessa baccifera, Miq.
Meliaceae
Pullippan chedi
Shrub
Leaves
Control diarrhea
Small
pox, rheumatism and skin
diseases.
Stomach ache
is used against dysentery. In Gabon and DR Congo an
infusion of the leaves is used as a cure for colic.
Snakebites are treated with the leaves in Rwanda and
the pulped root in Tanzania. In Mauritius a decoction
of leaves and roots is drunk against coughing and a
decoction of the roots alone in case of poisoning by
poisonous fish.
Leaf paste taken internally
Leaf powder is taken orally
Grounded and applied and externally on the affected
area
Induce to child
leaves, seeds, and stems are also edible if cooked.
Juice from balsam leaves treats warts and also
snakebite, while the flower can be applied to burns to
cool the skin
Leaf juice used
Root pieces mixed with black pepper and decoction
isprepared 10-15 ml decoction is given orally twice a
day to get relief
50 ml of root juice mixed with hot water is used to
treat
The leaf paste is applied over the wounds to heal
taken orally to curing.
Applied or rubbed on the skin it has a rubefacient
effect (for rheumatic pains). The most frequent,
intentional use of the plant has been for induction of
abortion.
Fruit are useful
Leaf juice applied externally
Gum is used with gingili oil in rheumatic pains &
Chronic skin diseases such as psoriasis.
Leaves are crushed and mix with lime juice 2 times a
day for 2 days.
Juice of the leaves is used
Leaves ground with ginger applied externally for
poisonous insect bites and young leave juice taken for
Leaf paste is taken orally
Leaves paste is applied topically on the body to treat
The young twigs are used as toothbrush to develop
strong teeth
45.
Melia dubia, Hiern.
Meliaceae
Malai vempu
Tree
Leaves,
seeds
46.
Ziziphus mauritiana, Lam.
Rhamnaceae
Kattu illanthai
Tree
Fruit,
root, leaf,
bark,
flower
Wounds, ulcer, fever,
vomiting, diarrhea
Decoction, infusion
47.
Ventilago madraspatana, Gaertn.
Rhamnaceae
Vambadamkodi
Liane
Root
Relief stomach disorders
and fever.
Root bark is used
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48.
Cayratia pedata, Juss.
Vitaceae
Pannikodi
Liane
Leaves
Scabies Ulcer
Leaves crushed with salt and ginger and applied
externally Leaf paste mixed with milk applied
internally
49.
Cissus quadrangularis, L.
Vitaceae
Pirantai or Pada kizhgu
Shrub
Bark,
Leaves,
Root
gas trouble.
Stem and leaf paste is used to cure bone fracture and
root paste used
50.
Cissus setosa, Roxb.
Vitaceae
Puli naralai
Vine
Leaf
Worms
Leaf extract is given to drink for 2 days to expel the
intestinal worms
51.
Cardiospermum halicacabum, L.
Sapindaceae
Kothan kodi
Vine
Whole
plant
52.
Dodonaea angustifolia, L.f.
Sapindaceae
Virali
Shrub
Leaves
Stem,
Roots
53.
Lepisanthes tetraphylla, Radlk.
Sapindaceae
Gukamathi
Tree
Leaves,
Soft wood
54.
Lannea coromandelica, (Houtt.) Merr.
Anacardiaceae
Udaya maram
Tree
Leaves
55.
Mangifera indica, L.
Anacardiaceae
Ma maram
Tree
Seed
56.
57.
Abrus precatorius, L. ssp.
Canavalia virosa Baker.
Fabaceae
Fabaceae
Kundumani
Kattu thambatan
Straggler
Vine
Root
flower
Cure Dandruff
Dysentery
Fever,Rheumatism, skin
infections and diarrhea,
pains of hepatic or splenic
origin, uterine colic and
other disorders involving
smooth muscles. It is also
used as an antipuritic in
skin rashes and for the
treatment of sore throat,
dermatitis
and
haemorrhoids
Coughs, and for bathing
for fever, wood for
carving toys
Body
pains
and
inflammation
Dysentery
and
treat
diabetics.
poisonous bite
Asthma
58.
Clitoria ternatea, L.
Fabaceae
Sanku poo
Vine
Leaf
swelling of legs.
59.
Dalbergia latifolia, Roxb.
Fabaceae
Eatti maram
Tree
Root
Menorrhagia:
60.
Dalbergia sissoo, Roxb.
Fabaceae
Desi maram
Tree
Leaves
hotness of body.
61.
Indigofera aspalathoides, Vahl.
Fabaceae
Sivanar vembu
Sub shrub
Whole
plant
Diarrhea
62.
Mucuna atropurpurea, DC.
Fabaceae
Iruvi
Liane
Seed
Setting of the fractured
bone
63.
Mucuna gigantean, DC.
Fabaceae
Perum poonai kali
Vine
Roots
Stomach to cure
64.
65.
Cassia alata L.
Cassia ariculata, L.
Caesalpiniaceae
Caesalpiniaceae
Seemaiy agathi
Avvarai
Shrub
Shrub
66.
Cassia fistula, L.
Caesalpiniaceae
Sarai konnai
Tree
Leaf
Seed
Leaves,
Seed,
flower
snake bite
Diabetes
Heart
pain,
skin
disease,fever, abdominal
pain, and leprosy
Leaf juice taken orally for a period of 2 days
The stem and roots are used, The plant decoction is
useful
Leaf extract
Leaf paste applied
Dry seed powder with cow’s milk cures
Root used for external
Young pods are eaten with diet for asthma.
Fresh leaf paste with the paste of Pepper (Piper
nigrum) is applied on swelling of legs.
Two spoonfuls of root paste is administered with a
glass of water daily once for 7 days
Grind the 15-20 g of fresh leaves in clay pot and add
250 mL of water slowly and drink after filteration in
afternoon time
Whole plant juice taken internally
About 500g of dired seeds are made into a fine
powder and boiled in water along with equal quantity
of the powder modefrom the dried seeds of
Tamarindus indica to make a paste. Paste is applied
on the fractured area and bandaged tightly using a
clean cloth. After one week the bandage is removed
and the paste is applied for re binding. This procedure
is repeated for 3-4 times for proper
The roots are crushed and rubbed on the stomach to
cure stomach upset.
Paste of leaves is applied externally on the spot
Seed are used
Seed are used
Decoction of the flowers
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_____________________________________________________________________________
67.
Cassia siamea Lam.
Caesalpiniaceae
Poonavarai
Tree
Whole
Plant
laxative
68.
Senna occidentalis, L.
Caesalpiniaceae
Paayavarai
Subshrub
Root
69.
Tamarindus indica,L.
Caesalpiniaceae
Puliya maram
Tree
Fruit
70.
Acacia pennata, (L.) Willd.
Mimosaceae
Seenkai mul
Straggler
Stem
Stomach troubles
Snake bite Properties:
Sweet and bitter in flavor,
cold in nature, it is related
to the large intestine
channel.
Functions:
Relieves
constipation by removing
stagnancy and inducing
purgation.
Stomachache
Eye infection Female
contraception
Asthma
71.
Albizia amara, Boiv.
Mimosaceae
Usilai
Tree
Leaf, root,
bark
Treat snake and scorpion
bites and skin diseases.
72.
Albizia lebbeck, (L.)
Mimosaceae
Mimosaceae
74.
Entada pursaetha, DC.
Mimosaceae
Paparan kottai
Liane
Leaves
Bark,
stem, leaf
Leaves
scorpion bite
Albizia thompsonii, Brandis
Vagei
Velugu Chinta
Tree
73.
75.
Mimosa hamata, Willd.
Mimosaceae
Nintral surungi
Herb
Stem
Seed
76.
Mimosa pudica, L.
Mimosaceae
Thotta sinungi
Herb
Whole
plant
77.
Samanea saman, (Jacq.)
Mimosaceae
Thoonka
maram
Tree
Bark,
leaves
78.
Kalanchoe pinnata (Forsk) Pers.
Crassulaceae
Katakataka
Herb
79.
Drosera burmannii, Vahl.
Droseracae
Alukanni
Herb
Tree
moonsi
80.
Anogeissus latifolia Wall.
Combretaceae
Vellai naga maram
Tree
81.
Combretum ovalifolium, Roxb.
Combretaceae
Oodang kodi
Straggler
82.
Terminalia arjuna, W. & A.
Combretaceae
Marutham
Tree
83.
Terminalia bellirica, Roxb.
Combretaceae
Thandri
Tree
Leaf
Whole
plant
Stem bark
leaves
Bark
Bark,
leaves
Whole
plant
Skin diseases, ulcers
Inflammation
Snake bite
Cure Sexual weakness in
male
Prevent Excess menstrual
bleeding
Root extract taken internally
The unripe pods are cooked and taken for abortion
Fresh stem sap sucked once daily until cured.
Paste of leaf and root bark along with root bark of
jasminum angustifolium Vhal and rhizome of Cyperus
rotundus Linn. Is heated with neem oil and applied
externally on affected places for 10 days
Tonic is taken orally
Stem bark paste used as an external application
Leaf paste used as an external application
Paste of cotyledons applied externally
A glass of infution of fresh stem is administered, 5 gm
powdered seed in boiling milk is taken for 7 days
Whole plants used
Scorpion bite
Acute bacillary dysentery, enteritis, diarrhea: use 15
to 30 gms dried material in decoction.
A decoction of the inner bark or fresh cambium and
leaves is used to treat.
Leaf paste for external application
Blood dysentery
Whole plant paste is given to cure
colds,
sore
headache.
Diarrhea
throat,
Jaundice
Menstrual problem
Dysentery, earache
Stem bark extract is administered 3 spoonfuls twice a
day for 3 days. Leaves with tubers of Dioscorea
pentaphylla are taken in equal quantities and ground.
2 spoonfuls of paste mixed with a spoonful of honey
is administered daily once for 3 d. Meanwhile paste
soaked in hot water and is inhaled daily once for 3
days
Bark juice is administered orally against jaundice.
The juice made of the leaves was also once used as a
cure
Stomach problem
Fresh powder used
Fruits are used
Cough
84.
Terminalia chebula, Retz.
Combretaceae
Kadukkai
Tree
Fruit
Digestive, antiseptic and
diuretic
85.
Psidium guajava, L.
Myrtaceae
Gyyaa
Tree
leaves
Diarrhea
86.
Syzygium cumini, (L.)
Myrtaceae
Naval maram
Tree
87.
Memecylon umbellatum, Burm.
Melastomataceae
Sarkarai vilvam
Shrub
Bark,
Seed
Leaves
88.
Lawsonia inermis, L.
Lythraceae
Maruthani
Shrub
Chest
pain,
painful
menstrucation, diabetic
Skin disease
Paronoicsia, liver and
general
weakness
Gynaecological Disorders
Leaves,
root
1.5~3g for laxation, 5~10g for purgation. The herb is
soaked in boiling water for 5 minutes for oral
administration
The young leaves may be chewed, swallowing the
juice or boiled and drunk.
Bark ground with ghee taken internally seed powder
taken internally
Paste applied on pimple to disappear
Extract of root is given twice a day as health tonic
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_____________________________________________________________________________
89.
Woodfordia fruticosa, Kurz.
Lythraceae
Kattathi
Shrub
flowers
diabetic mice
90.
Oenothera glazioviana, Micheli.
Onagraceae
Anthi mantharai
Herb
Seed
Reduces cholesterol level,
sedative
91.
Passiflora edulis, Sims.
Passifloraceae
Thatpoot
Vine
Seeds
Asthma
92.
Coccinia grandis (L.) J.Viogt
Cucurbitaceae
Koovaikodi
Leaves
Ulcer
93.
Luffa cylindrica (L.) Roemer
Cucurbitaceae
Nurai peerku
Vine
Climbing
herb
leaves
snake bite
Flower extract was administered orally at variable
doses in mice with or without combination with
glyburide to different groups of mice
taken internally
Powder from the seeds and block pepper taken with
milk to get relief
Leaves juices are taken internally
Milk is given internally to treat.
Juice from the leaves taken after urination in the
morning
Leaf juice used
Seed extraction was done by cold maceration method
Internally
94.
Momordica charantia, L.
Cucurbitaceae
Paavakkodi
Vine
leaves
Menstrual disorders
95.
96.
97.
Momordica dioica, Roxb.
Trichosanthes cucumerina, L.
Trichosanthes palmate, Roxb.
Cucurbitaceae
Cucurbitaceae
Cucurbitaceae
Vermifuge
Fever, tumors
Asthma
Begonia malabrica, Lam.
Begoniaceae
Leaves
Asthma complaints
Leaf juices with ginger taken internally
99.
Mollugo pentaphylla, L.
Aizoaceae
Vine
Vine
Vine
Sub
shrubby
Herb
Leaves
seeds
leaves
98.
Athalai
Pei putal
Savari
Narayana sanjeeviniKaltamarai
Par padagam
100.
Centella asiatica, Urb.
Apiaceae
Vallarai
Herb
101.
Alangium salvifolium, Wang.
Alangiaceae
Alangil
Tree
Cooling purpose
Nervous problem
brain tonic.
Skin disease
Leaves boiled in water and taken
Leaves juices are taken internally for nervous
problems. Whole plant used
Root bark applied externally
102.
Canthium coromandelicum, (Burm.f.)
Rubiaceae
Karai
Shrub
Diuretic
Root & Leaves paste used for diuretic
103.
Neanotis monosperma (Wt. & Arn.)
Rubiaceae
Kodi urinchi
Herb
Leaves
Leaves,w
hole plant
Root
Root,
Leaves
Leaves,
Root,
stem
Scorpion Bite
Powder of leaf, root and stem - External application
pains
caused
by
haemorrhoids. pain of
piles.
The decocted leaves are used externally to alleviate
the pains caused by haemorrhoids. The root,
pulverized and mixed with the ginger and rice-water,
is given in dropsy. A local fomentation with the
leaves is useful in relieving the pain of piles.
104.
Pavetta indica, L.
Rubiaceae
Pavattai
105.
Psydrax dicoccos, Gaertn.
Rubiaceae
Erumbarathan
earkolli maram
106.
Randia dumentorum, Lam.
Rubiaceae
or
Marakarai
Shrub
Leaves,
root
Tree
Leaves
Easy delivery
Leaf extract mixed with banana taken orally
Shrub
fruits
Rheumatoid
arthritis,
inflammatory disease
The fruits dried coarse powder
Cure diarrhoea,
Internally to use Tonic to the body
107.
Spermacoce hispida, L.
Rubiaceae
Nathai suri
Herb
Whole
plant,
seed, root
108.
Anacyclus pyrethrum, (L.)
Asteraceae
Akkara karam
Herb
Root
109.
Centratherum anthelminticum, O. Kze.
Asteraceae
Eclipta alba (L.) Hassk.
Asteraceae
111.
112.
Eclipta prostrata L.
Emilia sonchifolia, DC.
Asteraceae
Asteraceae
Kattu seeragam
Manchal
karisalan
kanni
Karisalan ganni
Seedevi senkaluner
Herb
110.
Herb
Herb
Seed
Whole
plant
Leaves
Root
113.
Kleinia grandiflora, (wallich ex DC.)
Asteraceae
Muyal kathu
Shrub
Herb
114.
Vernonia cinerea Less.
Asteraceae
Mukkutti punta
Herb
115.
Wedelia urticaefolia, DC.
Asteraceae
Manjalkarisalai
Shrub
116.
Xanthium strumarium, L.
Asteraceae
Marul oomathai
Herb
117.
Lobelia nicotianaefolia, Heyne
Campanulaceae
Kattu pukai illai
Herb
Leaves
Whole
plant
Whole
plant
Whole
plant
Whole
Paralysis, dental pain,
tonsillitis,
sexual
weakness,
impotency,
diabetes
Anti adiabatic effect
Dried seed powder to use internally
snake bite
whole plant juice is given orally to treat
snake bite
Diarrhea
Joints paints,
Ear problem
Leaf paste is applied externally to treat
the juice of the roots to treat
Scorpion bite
Whole plant juice is taken orally.
Jaundice.
Juice from this plant with keelanelli taken internally
Rheumatic joint pains,
muscle spasms, itching
Antispasmodic
&
Try powdered root with milk use internally
Leaf paste applied
Externally used for pasting
Decoction, root paste applied
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_____________________________________________________________________________
plant
118.
Plumbago indica, L.
Plumbaginaceae
Senkodi velli
Herb
Root
expectorant, eye diseases,
asthma, dog bites
Leprosy& leucoderma
119.
Plumbago zeylanica, L.
Plumbaginaceae
Venkodi vellai
Herb
Root
liver diseases
120.
Embelia ribes, Burm.f
Myrsinaceae
Vaai vilakkam
121.
Mimusops elengi, L.
Sapotaceae
122.
Diospyros ebenum, Koen.
123.
124.
Magilam
Climbing
shrub
Tree
Fruit
Ebenaceae
Karum Kaali
Tree
Leaves
Stop high menstruate,
stimulate body stamina.
Diospyros Montana, Roxb.
Ebenaceae
Vakkanai
Jasminum grandiflorum, L.
Oleaceae
Manmatha panam
Tree
Climbing
shrub
Bark
Whole
plant
Scabies
ulcerative stomatitis, skin
diseases, ulcers, wounds,
125.
Azima tetracantha, Lam.
Salvadoraceae
Mul sanguyelai
Herb
Leaves
Dog bite, Digestive
126.
Alstonia venenata, R. Br.
Apocynaceae
Anali vegam
Shrub
Root, fruit
127.
Ervatamia coronaria, Steapf.
Apocynaceae
Nandhiya vatai
Shrub
128.
Holarrhena pubescens, (Buch.-Ham.) Wall. ex DC.
Apocynaceae
Palai
Tree
leaves
Root,
leaves
Root
Bark
129.
Nerium indicum, Mill.
Apocynaceae
Alari
Shrub
Root,
leaves
130.
Rauwolfia serpentiana, Benth.
Apocynaceae
Sarpa gandha
Shrub
Root,
leaves
131.
Rauwolfia tetraphylla, L.
Apocynaceae
132.
Vinca rosea, L.
Apocynaceae
Pombu kala or
nadu sarpakanthi
Nithiya kalyani
Woody
shrub
Herb
133.
Wrightia tinctoria, R. Br.
Apocynaceae
Vetpalai
Tree
Leaves
134.
Cryptolepis buchananii, R. & S.
Asclepiadaceae
Karunkodi
Climber
135.
Calotropis gigantea, R. Br.
Asclepideaceae
Earuku
Shrubby
136.
Caralluma umbellate, Haw.
Asclepiadaceae
Chirukalli
Shrub
Latex
Flower
powder
Whole
plant
137.
Gymnema sylvestre, R. Br.
Asclepiadaceae
Siru kurunjan
Sakkarai kolli
138.
Hemidesmus indicus, R. Br.
Asclepiadaceae
139.
Marsdenia brunoniana, W. & A.
Asclepiadaceae
or
Nannari
Peru kurunjan
140.
Pergularia daemia, (Forsk.)
Asclepiadaceae
141.
Sarcostemma intermedium, Dcne.
Asclepiadaceae
Uttamani
Vealiparuti
Kodikalli
142.
Tylophora indica (Burm.f.) Merr.
Asclepiadaceae
143.
Strychnos nux, L.
Loganiaceae
or
Twining
shrub
Twining
shrub
Twining
Shrub
Root, leaf
Leaves
Leaves
Root
Leaves
worms, dyspepsia, and
skin diseases.
Infertility
Cobra bite, venomous
bits, skin disease
rheumatism,
dysentry,
dyspepsia and diarrhoea.
Dysentery
Hemorrhoids
and
ulcerations
leprosy,
ringworm and other skin
diseases
Blood pressure, opacities
of
cornea,
increase
uterine contractions and
promote expulsion of
fetus
Piles, remedy for sterility
in women
Anti cancer
Toothache,
toothbrush,
folk medicine
Poisonous insect bits
Root extract
root has been used traditionally to treat various body
ailments
anthelmintic, alterative, tonic, carminative, stomachic
and anthelmintic properties.
Fruit powder is mixed with honey and the fruits of
Trichopus
zeylanicus,
Terminalia
bellirica,
Phyllanthus emblica and rhizome of Curculigo
orchioides and taken orally
Stem bark paste applied externally
70% ethanolic extact of leaves
Leave paste applied externally for dog bite and
internally taken for digestive.
Root paste applied externally
Two gram leaf powder with honey is used five days to
curse. Decoction of the roots is a taken as alterative.
Decoction from the root bark taken to get relief
A paste of the root is externally applied , Paste of the
root bark and leaves is used
Decoction of root is applied, powder
Leaf juice
Leaf extract orally
The leaves are applied
Milky latex applied externally
Wound healing
Flower powder to use externally
Indigestion
Whole plant roasted for a few minutes and paste
applied
Sugar complaints
Leaf powder mixed with milk are taken internally
Pimples in the face
Paste made from the root or this plant and aerial root
of Aalamaram (Ficus benhalensis) applied externally
Diabetic complaints
Leaf powder mixed with hot water taken orally
Straggler
leaves
Shrub
Latex
Urinal problem Fever, gas
trouble, asthma
Stimulates vomiting
Asthama kodi
Herb
Leaf
Wound of snake bite.
Ettimaram
Tree
Bark
Poisonous bites, scorpion
sting
Leaves juice used
In case of poisoning the plant milk is used
50 ml of leaf juice mixed with hot water is given
orally to treat snake bite. Paste from this leaf applied
externally
Bark ground with milk applied
38
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_____________________________________________________________________________
144.
Strychnos potatorum, L. f.
Loganiaceae
Thethan kottai
Tree
145.
Heliotropium indicum, L.
Boraginaceae
Thel koduku poondu
Under
shrub
146.
Evolvulus alsinoides, L.
Convolvulaceae
Vishnugaandhi
Herbs
147.
Ipomoea marginata, (Desr.)
Convolvulaceae
148.
Ipomoea staphylina, R, & S.
Convolvulaceae
Narunthali or
peru mookirattai
Onnankodi
149.
Quomoclit pinnata L.
Convolvulaceae
150.
Rivea ornate, Choisy.
Convolvulaceae
Seed
Leaves,
flowers
Vine
Whole
plant
Whole
plant
Leaves
Mayil maniccum
Herb
Leaves
Musuttai
Climbing
Whole
plant
Leaf
Flowers
Climber
151.
Datura metal, L.
Solanaceae
Ponn umathai
Shrubby
Herb
152.
Datura stramonium, L.
Solanaceae
Karu oomattai
Shrubby
Leaves
153.
Nicotiana tobacum, L.
Solanaceae
Pugaielai
Shrub
Leaves
154.
155.
Solanum erianthum, D. Don.
Solanum hispidum, Pers.
Solanaceae
Solanaceae
Kattu chundai
Malai sundai
Shrub
Shrub
Fruit
Fruit
156.
Solanum nigrum, L.
Solanaceae
Kunni keerai
Herb
Whole
plant
157.
Solanum trilobatum, L.
Solanaceae
Tuthuvalai
Shrub
158.
Bacopa monnieri, (L.)
Scrophularaceae
Neerbrami
Herb
159.
Scoparia dulcis, L.
Scrophularaceae
Sarkarai vempu
Shrub
160.
Pedalium murex, L.
Pedaliaceae
Yanai vanangi
Herb
161.
162.
Andrographis affinis Nees.
Andrographis alata, Nees.
Acanthaceae
Acanthaceae
Keeri parandai
Periya nangai
Herb
Herb
163.
Andrographis echioides Nees.
Acanthaceae
Gopuran thangi
Herb
164.
Andrographis neesiana Wight.
Acanthaceae
Tarpoondu
Herb
165.
Andrographis ovata C.B.Clarke.
Acanthaceae
Kiriathu
Herb
Leaves
Whole
plant
Whole
Plant
Fruits
Leaves
Stem
Leaves
Leaves
Whole
plant
Leaves
Whole
plant
Poisonous bite
Nettle rash,
regulates
menstruation,abortive,
vermifuge. antiseptic and
anti-inflammation
wounds, sores, pimples
on the face. scorption
bites,
nophthalmia,
cornea is inflamed or
excoriated
Seed used
Fever
Fresh juice taken orally
Sterility
in
women,
hyperdipsia
Diarrhea
Bleeding
piles and
abdominal pain.
Cooling and tonic
Piles
Toxic, provokes delirium
with
dizzy
spells,
drunkenness,
hallucinations
and
visions.
Asthmatic complaints
Acidity, Nicotine can
have
useful
the
therapeutic effects.
Diarrhea
Used to treat skin tumors.
Infusion of the flowers taken in small doses regulates
menstruation, where large doses are abortive. Juice of
the leaves is antiseptic and anti-inflammation and
applied to wounds, sores, boils, gum-boils and
pimples on the face. castor oil, it is applied to
scorption bites. It is also employedlocally
Fresh juice taken orally
Leaf paste taken internally
The juice of the leaves is used in bleeding piles and
abdominal pain.
The plant is acrid, pugent, and sweetish and is
considered cooling and tonic. The juice of the plant is
used in the preparation of an ointment for phthriasis
and of another for application to piles.
Two handfuls of leaves are collected at the beginning
of flowering. Leaves are dried and infused in 1L of
hot water and filtered, then, one glassful drunk for 1
week
Leaf juice is taken internally
To use Orally
Cough, fever
Unripe fruits are taken internally
Used to treat skin tumors.
The leaves are said to have sedative and healing
properties and are applied to cuts, Ulcers, wounds,
inflammations and skin diseases. A decoction of the
leaves is used to treat yows.
Leaf juice is taken orally.
Dog bite.
Paste of the whole plant applied externally
diabetes,
dysentery,
earache, fever, gonorrhea,
headaches,
jaundice,
snake
bite,
stomach
problems,
toothache,
warts
It is traditionally used in treatment
Ulcer
Snake bite
Snake bite
The fruit as well as leaves and stems render water or
milk mucilaginous when agitated with or steeped, in
them, and for which property they have been
advocated for gonorrhea.
Leaf decoction is given orally to treat
Leaf paste and root paste used for external
cobra bite
The paste taken from fresh root is used to treat
snake bite
Paste of leaves is applied externally on bitten site
About 25 gm, whole plant paste mixed for every 4
hours upto 12 hours works as an best antidote for
Gonorrhea
snake bite
39
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Asian J. Plant Sci. Res., 2013, 3(6):29-45
_____________________________________________________________________________
snake bite
Leaf paste mixed with milk taken internally
Leaf decoction is given for the Treatment
The paste obtained from the root has been used to
treat
Leaves are ground with egg and onion applied
externally
166.
167.
Andrographis paniculata Nees.
Andrographis serpyllifolia (Vahl.) Wight. .
Acanthaceae
Acanthaceae
Siriya nangai
Kattu pooraan kodi
Herb
Herb
Leaves
Leaves
snake bite and fever
snake bite
168.
Barleria strigosa Willd.
Acanthaceae
Nilam baram
Shrub
Root
antidote for snake bite
169.
Blepharis maderaspatensis, (L.)
Acanthaceae
Elumpu ottei
Herb
Leaves
bone fracture.
So the extract of the plants couldbe used as drugs for
various ailments
170.
Justicia gendarussa, L. f.
Acanthaceae
Neer notchil
Shrub
Whole
plant
Plant pacifies vitiated
vata,
inflammation,
arthritis,
headache,
hemiplegia,
facial
paralysis,
migraine,
cough,
bronchitis,
dysmenorrhea,
amenorrhea,
fever,
ascites,
and
general
debility.
171.
Justicia tranquebariensis L.
Acanthaceae
Thavasi murungai
Shrub
Leaves
cobra bite
50 ml of leaf juice is given orally to treat snake bite.
Leaf paste applied externally on the sight of snake bite
work as an antidote
172.
Lepidagathis cristata, Willd.
Acanthaceae
Karapan poondu
Shrub
Leaves
Particularly in treatment
malarial fever
Decoction of leaves is used internally for this purpose
Asthma, bronchitis
Herbal extract drops used
Juice of the roots and leaves with benzoin and suphur
to apply on ringworm, Root and leaves are mixed with
lime juice and applied locally over the lesion
173.
Rungia pectinata, Nees.
Acanthaceae
Kodaka salai
Herb
Whole
plants
174.
Rhinacanthus nasutus, (Linn.)
Acanthaceae
Naga malli
Shrub
Leaves,
Root
Snake
lesion
175.
Clerodendrum phlomidis, Willd.
Verbenaceae
Daluthalai
Root,
leaves
Bitter tonic, gonorrhoea,
stomach trobles
decoction of the plant is considered as an alternative
Gmelina asiatica, L.
Verbenaceae
Kumizha
Fruit
Dandruff
Crushed ripened fruits are applied externally
176.
177.
Lantana camara, L.
Verbenaceae
Unni
Rambling
shrub
Straggling
shrub
Tree
Leaves,
Roots,
Flower
178.
Stachytarpheta Urticaefolia, D.&G.
Verbenaceae
Tubutubu
Herb
Whole
plant
179.
Vitex altissima, L. f.
Verbenaceae
Mailai notchi
Tree
Leaves
180.
Vitex negundo, L.
Verbenaceae
Notchi
Tree
Leaves
181.
Anisochilus carnosus, Wall.
Lamiaceae
Saetrupoonthalai
Shrub
Leaves
bite,
ringworm,
leprosy and
scabies.
cancers, chicken pox,
measles, asthma, ulcers,
swellings,
eczema,
tumors,
high
blood
pressure, bilious fevers,
catarrhal
infections,
tetanus,
rheumatism,
malaria and atoxy of
abdominal viscera.
abrotifacient;
treating
intestinal
worms,
venereal diseases, ulcers,
dropsy
and
stomach
ailments. purulent ulcers,
fevers and rheumatic
inflammations. cataract
and open sores. diarrhoea
and dysentery. cardiac
troubles and rubbed in
sprains and bruises.
Fever
Asthmatic
complaints,
Rheumatic pains and
epilepsy
cut wounds.
Lantana oil is used externally for leprosy and scabies.
Plant extracts are used as medicine for the treatment
The plant is abrotifacient; used for treating intestinal
worms, venereal diseases, ulcers, dropsy and stomach
ailments. It is also used in purulent ulcers, fevers and
rheumatic inflammations. Juice of the plant is used
against cataract and open sores. Infusion of the bark is
used against diarrhoea and dysentery. Leaves are used
in cardiac troubles and rubbed in sprains and bruises.
Leaves used externally
Leaves boiled in water taken as inhalation juice taken
internally
Leaf paste applied externally
40
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Asian J. Plant Sci. Res., 2013, 3(6):29-45
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182.
Anisomeles indica (L.) Kuntze.
Lamiaceae
Paeimiratti
183.
Anisomeles malabarica (L.) R.Br.
Lamiaceae
Peymarutti
Shrubby
herb
Shrubby
herb
Leaves
Leaves
Leaves
snake bite
Paste of leaf is taken to treat
snake bite
To drink which treat snake bite
Cough, carminative, as an
antiemetic, as a sedative
and as a galactagogue
Diarrhoea,Cuts, Wound.
Haemorrhoid
Cold and cough
Leaves Fragrance intensity Mild Fragrance category
Spicy Dye parts Dye color
184.
Ocimum basilicum, L.
Lamiaceae
Perum thulasi
Herb
185.
Orthosiphon glabratus, Benth.
Lamiaceae
Nai thulasi
Herb
186.
Plectranthus barbatus, (Andr.) Benth
Lamiaceae
Oomavalli
Herb
187.
Boerhavia diffusa, L.
Nyctaginaceae
Mukkaratai
Herb
Whole
plant
gas trouble
188.
Achyranthes aspera, L.
Amaranthaceae
Nayuruvi
Herb
Leaves
Piles
The
immuno-modulatory effect of ABPS, two
dosages of ABPS (10 and 50 mg/kg) were used for
i.p. injection daily into the mice for consecutive 10
days before infection
Plant extract with Cuminum cyminum fruits and sugar
is given for 10 – 15 days
Whole
plant
Leaves
189.
Achyranthes bidentata, Blume
Amaranthaceae
Sen naiyurivi
Herb
Whole
plant
The
Chinese
herbal
medicine, ABPS mediate
anti-malarial protection,
anti-inflammatory
activities and is used to
"nourish the kidney and
liver, drain dampness and
promote circulation
190.
Aerva lanata, (L.) Juss.
Amaranthaceae
Sirupeeelai
Under
shrub
Leaves
Cure Kidney stone
191.
Amaranthus spinosus, L.
Amaranthaceae
Mullu keerai
Herb
Leaves
and stem,
oil
192.
193.
194.
Amaranthus viridis L.
Basella alba, L.
Chenopodium ambrosioides, L.
Amaranthaceae
Chenopodiaceae
Chenopodiaceae
Kuppa cheera
Kodi pasalai
Kattu oomam
Herb
Herb
Herb
Leaves
Leaves
Leaves
195.
Polygonum hydropiper, L.
Polygonaceae
Sikapu atralari
kakkai karupu
Herb
Whole
herb and
leaves
or
196.
Rumex nepalensis, Spr.
Polygonaceae
Kurukan sedi
Herb
197.
Aristolochia bracteatate, Retz.
Aristolochiaceae
Aaduthinna paalai
Herb
198.
Aristolochia indica, L.
Aristolochiaceae
Eswara mooli
Tree
199.
Peperomia tetraphylla, (G.Forst.)
Piperaceae
Kalbirahmi
Herbs
200.
Piper brachystachyum, Wall.
Piperaceae
Kattu milagu kodi
201.
Piper longum, L.
Piperaceae
Thipili
202.
Piper trioicum, Roxb.
Piperaceae
Kattu milagu
Leaves
Whole
plant
Root,
Leave
Whole
plant
In Amaranthus spinosus's
plants, cure pile and
stomach aches. poultice
for broken bones
Scorpion bite
Cure piles.
Skin disease
Stimulant,
diuretic,
diaphoretic,
emmenagogue,
efficacious
in
amenorrhoea.
gravel,
colds and coughs.
Decoction
Leaf extract with pepper are taken internally
The whole plant roasted with ghee taken orally and
applied externally to get relief from joint and
rheumatic pains and root paste
Leaf paste applied externally for dog bite and
internally
In Amaranthus spinosus's plants, leaves and stem
paste with palm oil used to cure pile and stomach
aches. The seed is used as a poultice for broken bones
Leaves used as emollient in scorpion sting.
Leaves boiled in water and taken internally
Leaf juice applied externally
A cold water infusion is useful in gravel, colds and
coughs.
Purgative,
rhubarb
(Rheum spp.), dislocated
bones, swollen gums,
colic, Relieve headaches.
Alleviate body pain.
The root is purgative. It is used as a substitute for
rhubarb. A strong decoction of the root is applied to
dislocated bones. A paste of the root is applied to
swollen gums. The leaves are used in the treatment of
colic. The juice of the leaves is applied externally to
relieve headaches. A decoction of the plant is used to
wash the body in order to alleviate body pain.
Wounds of snake-bite.
Paste made from this plant applied externally
Snake bite,
problem
Root paste used for snake bite. Leaf paste used for
menstrual problem.
Menstrual
Cold, Asthma
Extract from entire plant and ginger taken internally
Asthma,
Bronchitis,
Indigestion, Anorexia
Taken internally
Climber
Root
Under
shrub
Climber
Fruit
a tonic for tuberculosis
Fruit Powder is taken in dosage of 1/2-1gm
Fruit
Cough, cold
Dried fruit used
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M. Ghouse Basha et al
Asian J. Plant Sci. Res., 2013, 3(6):29-45
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203.
Myristica dactyloides, Gaertn.
Myristicaceae
Jathi Kaai
Tree
Fruit
204.
Myristica fragrans, Houtt.
Myristicaceae
Jathikai maram
Tree
Fruit
Sperm increasing
dysentery.
Nutmeg is as excellent for
the
maintenance
of
healthy skin & the
prevention
of
scar
formation. Nutmeg also
provides a spice highly
valued by Indians for the
flavor
205.
Grevillea robusta, A. Cunn.
Proteaceae
Malai savuku or silver
oake
Tree
Leaves,
root, stem
Wood - strong, silky
textured, light, easily
split, durable but porous,
panelling, joinery
206.
Santalum album, L.
Santalaceae
Sandanam
Tree
Bark
Cure pimples and skin
diseases
Seed paste with water administered orally to cure
dysentery.
Fruit extract
The plant yields small quantities of a gum resin. The
leaves contain rutin, though quantities are not
specified. Intense yellow and green dyes are obtained
from the leaves. Root -rotting fungus, it is sometimes
used as a rootstock for the more susceptible species. A
good fuel
Powder of wood is used
Powder of plant leaves and sakkarakolli (Gymnema
sylvestre) leaves with milk taken internally
Leaves ground with salt applied externally
Leaves are used as insect repellant in agricultural
fields and fruit used
Leaf juice alone is also taken orally to treat snakebite.
50 ml of fruit juice mixed drink which treat
Plant used as an ingredient of medicines for cough
and asthma; also used in colic, dysentery and diseases
of genito-urinary tract. Latex applied to ... Euphorbia
rothiana Spr.) Erect undershrub.
To use internally
207.
Acalypha racemosa, Baill.
Euphorbiaceae
Siruchinni
Shrubby
Leaves
Diabetic
208.
Acalypha indica, L.
Euphorbiaceae
Kuppa maeni
Herb
Leaves
Scabies
209.
Cleistanthus collinus, Benth.
Euphorbiaceae
Oduvan
Tree
Leaves
Poisonous purpose
210.
Emblica officinalis Gaertn.
Euphorbiaceae
Nelli
Tree
Leaves
and fruits
snake bite
211.
Euphorbia rothiana, Spr.
Euphorbiaceae
Vandu kolli
Herb
Leaves
212.
Euphorbia heterophylla, L.
Euphorbiaceae
Pall sedi
Shrub
Leaves
213.
Euphorbia hirta, L.
Euphorbiaceae
Ammann pacharishi
Herb
Leaves
214.
Euphorbia nivulia, B.-Ham.
Euphorbiaceae
Illaikalli
Bark
215.
Flueggea leucopyrus, Willd.
Euphorbiaceae
Vella poola
Tree
Straggling
shrub
Anaphylaxis, ingredient,
cough and asthma; colic,
dysentery and diseases of
genito-urinary tract.
Induce dysentery
Asthma,
chronic
bronchial infections
Dog bite
Leaves
Stomach ache.
Leaves boiled and taken twice a day
216.
Jatropha curcas, L.
Euphorbiaceae
Kat amanakku
Shrub
Latex
Bark
Mouth
wash,bleeding
gums
and toothache.
Dental problem
Latex used
217.
Macaranga peltata, M.Arg.
Euphorbiaceae
Vattakanni
Tree
Bark
Back pain, Kidney stones
218.
Phyllanthus acidus, (L.)
Euphorbiaceae
Ara nelli
Tree
Fruit
Clear vision, cold, sauce
219.
Phyllanthus amarus, L.
Euphorbiaceae
Keela nelli
Herb
220.
221.
Ricinus communis, L.
Aristolochia heterophylla, Hemsl.
Euphorbiaceae
Moraceae
Aamanaku
Palamaram
Shrub
Tree
222.
Artocarpus hirsutus, Lam.
Moraceae
Kattupala
Tree
223.
Ficus exasperate, Vahl.
Moraceae
Paa perungai
Tree
Whole
plant
Seed
Leaves
Bark,
Fruit
Whole
Jaundice, Plant pacifies
vitiated pitta and kapha,
anorexia,
intermittent
fevers, urinary retention,
constipation, ulcers and
wounds
Reduce body heat
Ulcer
Strengthen the body
Ulcer, stomach disorders,
Hemostatic ophthalmia,
coughs,
hemorrhoids
Leaf juices is used
Stem mixed with green ginger is given to patients
Bark is used to cure back pain and also use for kidney
stones.
the fruits must be cooked and then pressed through a
sieve to separate the stones, . The juice is used in cold
drinks in the Philippines
The young shoots of the plant are administered in the
form of an infusion for the treatment of chronic
dysentery
Seed oil taken to internally and externally
Leaves juice taken internally
Bark paste used for bone treatment and fruit are taken
internally
decoction of the leaves is used for stomach disorders.
The leaves are used for treatment of hemostatic
ophthalmia, coughs, hemorrhoids anxiety disorders,
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Asian J. Plant Sci. Res., 2013, 3(6):29-45
_____________________________________________________________________________
224.
Ficus hispida, L. f.
Moraceae
Peyathi
Tree
Whole
plant
225.
Ficus mollis, Vahl.
Moraceae
Kattarasu
Tree
Leaves,
bark
226.
Ficus racemosa, L.
Moraceae
Vell atthi
Tree
Latex
anxiety
disorders,
epilepsy, high blood
pressure,
rheumatism,
arthritis, cancer, intestinal
pains, colics, bleeding
ulcers, psoriasis, anemia,
piles jaundice, vitiligo,
hemorrhage,
diabetes,
convulsion,
hepatitis,
dysentery,
biliousness diarrhea.
disorders
including
asthma,
diabetes, diarrhea, ...
Bone fracture
227.
Pouzolzia cymosa, W.
Urticaceae
All vanangi
Herb
Leaves
Skin disease
Leaves
Anthelmintic
and
vulnerary; cicatrizant for
gangrenous ulcers, in
syphilis and gonorrhea,
galactagogue,
stomachache
228.
Pouzolzia zeylanica, (L.) Benn.
Urticaceae
Kalluriki
Herb
229.
Alpinia calcarata, Rosc.
Zingiberaceae
Sitharathai
Herb
Root
diabetes
of
alloxaninduced diabetic rats
230.
231.
Curcuma longa L.
Elettaria cardomomum, Mat.
Zingiberaceae
Zingiberaceae
Manchal
Ealakaai
Herb
Herb
Rhizome
Fruit
snake bite
Mouth fresher
232.
Zingiber offiinale, Rosc.
Zingiberaceae
Ingi
Herb
Root
Rhizome
Reproductive
and
developmental toxicity
233.
Musa paradicica, L.
Musaceae
Vazhai
Herb
Herb
Bark
Root,
Rhizome
Tuber
Kidney trouble
epilepsy, high blood pressure, rheumatism, arthritis,
cancer, intestinal pains, colics, bleeding and wounds.
Fruit juice
To use internally
To use externally
Leaf decoction along with leaves of Naravelia
zeylanica and cassia senna is heated with water and
used to take bath for 30 days
Leaves are anthelmintic and vulnerary; used as a
cicatrizant for gangrenous ulcers, in syphilis and
gonorrhoea. Leaf juice is used as galactagogue.
Poultice of the herb is applied to sores, boils and to
relieve stomachache
The ethanolic extracts of Alpinia calcarata rhizomes
(ACRE) significantly reduced the body weight gain,
blood glucose level, plasma total cholesterol (TC) and
triglyceride (TG) levels when given orally at a dose of
100, 200 and 300 mg/kg/day to the alloxan-induced
diabetic rats for 21 days.
Rhizome paste is applied externally
To use internally
Demonstrated advanced skeletal development and
increased embryo resorption with the administration
of ginger tea (20 g/l and 50 g/l) during gestation days
6-15
Stem & Spike are boiled and taken internally
Toothache Aphrodisiac
purpose Thyroid
Root paste are used in toothache and rhizome used
Tuber
Reduce swellings.
Tuber are used externally
Root
Cough
Internally to use
234.
Curculigo orchoides, Gaertn.
Amaryllidaceae
Nilpanai
235.
Dioscorea opposiifolia, L.
Dioscoreaceae
Kavali kizanku
236.
Dioscorea pentaphylla, L.
Dioscoreaceae
Kattuvalli kodi
237.
Agave Americana, L.
Agavaceae
Kathalai
Shrub
Whole
plant
To cure wounds
Juice applied to cuts sores and wounds
238.
Asparagus racemosus, Willd.
Liliaceae
Thanni vittan kizhangu
Shrub
Root
Increasing lactation and
uterine disorder.
Root powder mixed with milk taken internally
239.
Gloriosa superb, L.
Liliaceae
Kanvalipoo
Kazhappaikilangu
Climbing
Tuber,
Seed
Inflammation,
Abortion
Paste from tuber applied externally to reduce
inflammation and also used for abortion. Seed are
used for epilepsy.
240.
Sansevieria roxburghiana, Schult.f.
Liliaceae
Marul
Herb
Leaves
241.
242.
Scilla hyacinthina, (Roth) JF Macbr.
Caryota urens, L.
Liliaceae
Arecaceae
Kattu vengayam
Koonthal panai
Bulb
Tree
Tuber
Root,
Climbing
herb
Climbing
herb
or
Cure pimples and skin
diseases
Inflammatory swelling
Gastric ulcers,snake bite
The leaf is introduced
Paste made from bulb applied externally
Internally to use
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_____________________________________________________________________________
Seed
243.
Cocos nucifera, L.
Arecaceae
Thenna maram
Tree
Ash
244.
Acorus calamus, L.
Araceae
Vasambu
Shrub
Rhizome,
leaves
Kattu
kizhangu
Kattu chenai
Kolla sapai
245.
Amorphophallus paeoniifolius, (Dennst.) Nicolson
Araceae
246.
247.
Arisaema tortuosum, Schott
Cryptocoryne spiralis, Fisch.
Araceae
Araceae
248.
Cyanodon dactylon, Pers.
Poaceae
Arugam pulu
249.
Cymbopogan flexuosus, Wats.
Poaceae
250.
Vetiveria zizanoides, Nash.
Poaceae
karunai
and rheumatic swellings
and general weakeness,
Tooth oilments. To boils
and tender flowers for
promoting hair growth
Itching and scaring after
poisonous insect bites
Cough,Laxative, diuretic,
anti oxidant
Ash of the coconut shell mixed with coconut oil
applied externally
Rhizome To heat and take internally
Shrub
Corm
Piles
Corm boiled with tamarind are taken internally
Corm
Rhizome
Whole
plant
leaf
Cure piles.
Piles
Corms boiled with tamarind taken internally
Internally ,Poor mans dosing drops dose
Elumpichai pull
Shrub
Herb
Erect
culums
Herb
Vettiver
Herb
Root
Blood purification
Juice of this plant used
Head ach
Vatta,
pita,burning
sensation,
hyperdipsia,
skin
disease,
Hair
problem
Oral juice is used
Oral and external uses
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Asian J. Plant Sci. Res., 2013, 3(6):29-45
_____________________________________________________________________________
CONCLUSION
The present investigation revealed that medicinal plants still play a vital role in the primary health care of the
people. The information gathered from the tribal is useful for further researchers in the field of ethno botany,
taxonomy. This study offers a model for studying the relationship between plants and people, within the context of
traditional remedies is obviously ensure therapeutically efficacy. The value of using ethno botanical information is
to initiate drug discovery efforts. This study also gathered a broad spectrum of information concerning medicinal
plants used by tribals. Due to lack of interest among the younger generation of tribal’s as well as their tendency to
migrate to cities for lucrative jobs, we face the possibility of losing this wealth of knowledge in their near future.
Acknowledgement
The authors are thankful to the elderly people of the malayali tribe for their valuable information shared regarding
the ethnomedicine and healing practice of kollihills.
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[8]Jain SK, 1989: Society of Ethnobotany,Lucknow,India.
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