ETHNOMEDICINAL PLANTS USED FOR VARIOUS AILMENTS BY RURAL PEOPLE IN OTHIMALAI, COIMBATORE DISTRICT OF TAMIL NADU, INDIA

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1 ETHNOMEDICINAL PLANTS USED FOR VARIOUS AILMENTS BY RURAL PEOPLE IN OTHIMALAI, COIMBATORE DISTRICT OF TAMIL NADU, INDIA Universal Impact Factor0.9285:2012; :2013 Index Copernicus ICV 2011: 5.09 ICV 2012: 6.42 ICV 2013: 15.8 ICV 2014:89.16 NAAS Rating 2012 : 1.3; :2.69 Received on: 20 th September 2015 Revised on: 19 th November 2015 Accepted on: 26 th December 2015 Published on: 1 st February 2016 Volume No. Online & Print 72 (2016) Page No. 165 to 191 Life Sciences Leaflets is an international open access print & e journal, peer reviewed, worldwide abstract listed, published every month with ISSN, RNI Free- membership, downloads and access. VENKATACHALAPATHI, A 1 *, JAGATHES KUMAR, S 1, SUBBAIYAN, B 1, ARAVINDHAN, V 2 AND S. PAULSAMY 1 1. PG AND RESEARCH DEPARTMENT OF BOTANY, KONGUNADU ARTS AND SCIENCE COLLEGE (AUTONOMOUS), COIMBATORE , TAMIL NADU, INDIA. DEPARTMENT OF BOTANY, BHARATHIAR UNIVERSITY, COIMBATORE , TAMIL NADU, INDIA. Corresponding author s avenkatachalapathi61@gmail.com ABSTRACT: An ethnobotanical survey was carried out among the local people in Othimalai of Coimbatore district, Tamil Nadu, India. The survey was conducted during the period of July 2012 to May A total of 87 plant species of ethnomedicinal plants belonging to 41 families were identified with the help of standardized questionnaires. The 50 local people are interviewed between the age group of The study shows a high degre of ethnobotanical novelty and the use of plants among the local people reflects the revival of interest in traditional folk medicine. The medicinal plants used by Othimalai are arranged alphabetically followed by botanical name, family name, local name, parts used, mode of preparation and medicinal uses. KEY WORD: Ethnomedicine, Rural people, Othimalai, Coimbatore, Tamil Nadu. INTRODUCTION: The history of use of medicinal plants by human beings to treat diverse ailments goes back to thousands of years ago (Sofowara, 1982 and Hill, 1989). Though the PEER-REVIEWED Page 165

2 advent of modern or allopathic medicine has somehow diminished the role of medicinal plants in favor of synthetic drugs, even now a number of modern drug discoveries have been based on medicinal plants used by indigenous people (Balick and Cox, 1996). The value of medicinal plants to the mankind is very well proven. It is estimated that 70% to 80% of the people worldwide rely chiefly on traditional health care system and largely on herbal medicines (Shanley and Luz, 2003). India harbours about 15 percent ( ) medicinal plants, out of medicinal plants of the world. About 90 percent of these are found growing wild in different climatic regions of the country (Farombi, 2003). Scientific investigations of medicinal plants have been initiated in many parts of our country because of their contributions to health care. The tribal and rural people of various parts of India are highly depending on medicinal plant therapy for meeting their health care needs. This is attracting the attention of several botanists and plant scientists who directing vigorous researches towards the discovery or rediscovery of several medicinal plants along with their medicinal remedies for various diseases. Several workers were reported the utility of plants for the treatment of various diseases by the different tribal and rural people inhabiting in various regions of Tamil Nadu (Laila Banu et al., 2007, Shanmugam et al., 2007, Ayyanar, 2008, Ayyanar et al., 2008, Ignacimuthu et al., 2008, Rajendran et al., 2008, Shanmugam, 2008, Shanmugam et al., 2008, Arunachalam et al., 2009, Balakrishnan et al., 2009, Shanmugam et al., 2009, Ayyanar et al., 2010, Chendurpandy et al., 2010, Maruthupandian and Mohan, 2010, Nandagopalan et al., 2011 and Shanmugam et al., 2011). According to World Health Organization (WHO) more than 80% of the world s population relies on traditional medicine for their primary health care needs. Use of herbal medicines in Asia represents a long history of human interactions with the environment. Plants used for traditional medicine contain a wide range of substances that can be used to treat chromic as well as infectious diseases. A vast knowledge of how to use the plants against different illnesses may be expected to have accumulated in areas where the use of plants is still of great importance (Diallo et al., 1999). The Indian sub-continent has a long history of traditional medicinal systems among which the known major systems are Ayurvedic, Unani and the Sidha system. Besides the above systems, another system exists, which can be termed as folk medicine (Rahmatullah et al., 2009). Rural people not only depend on plants as sources of old medicines, foder, and fuel, but have also developed method of resource management, which may be some of the worlds important habitats (Gemedo- Dale et al., 2005). This is the first report of study area and the information gathered from local people on the plants used for treatment of various diseases in Othimalai of Coimbatore district, Tamil Nadu, India. STUDY AREA: The present study area Othimalai of Coimbatore district in Tamil Nadu, India. Geographically, the study area is lies between 11 21' N and 11 91' N latitude and 77 5' E 77 75' E longitude (Fig. 1). The altitude of the PEER-REVIEWED Page 166

3 study area is about 802 m above mean sea level. Temperature scarcely fluctuates in the year, with the mean monthly minimum and maximum temperatures of 24 C and 40 C respectively, and annual rainfall reaches mm. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Data collection and mode of survey The information is collected number of field surveys and there were 50 informants (30 males and 20 females) between the ages of 30 and 85 were consulted to gather medicinal information. Resource persons (informants or tribal practioners or traditional healers) with the 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 their way of acquiring knowledge as per the methodology suggested by (Jain, 1989). The information was collected through questionnaire, interviews and discussions among the tribal practioners in their local language (Tamil). The questionnaire allowed descriptive responses on the plant prescribed, such as part of the plant used, medicinal uses, detailed information about mode of preparation (i.e., decoction, paste, powder and juice), and form of usage either fresh or dried and method of application. The collected plant species were identified taxonomically using The Flora of Presidency of Madras (Gamble, 1935) and The Flora of Tamil Nadu Carnatic (Mathew, 1983). Ailment categories Sixteen ailment categories were grouped (Cook, 1995), on basis of informations on medicinal uses gathered from the informants in the study area viz., Circulatory System/ Cardiovascular Diseases (CSCD), Cooling Agent (CA), Dental Care (DC), Dermatological Infections/Diseases (DID), Ear, Nose, Throat Problems (ENT), Endocrinal Disorders (ED), Fever (Fvr), Gastro-Intestinal Ailments (GIA), General Health (GH), Genito-Urinary Ailments (GUA), Hair Care (HC), Liver Problem (LP), Poisonous Bite (PB), Respiratory System Diseases (RSD), SkeletoMuscular System Disorders (SMSD) and Insecticidal Property (IC) (Table 1). In each ailment category many diseases were included on the basis of body systems treated. RESULTS AND DISCUSSION: Pants and their distribution into families The present study is an aspire to document the indigenous knowledge of the biodiversity of Othimalai, Coimbatore district, Tamil Nadu. A total of 87 species affiliated to 41 families has been documented. The highest numbers of plants were contributed by the plant family Euphorbiaceae (7) followed by Caesalpiniaceae and Lamiaceae (5) each one family, Acanthaceae, Apocynaceae, Mimosaceae, Rubiaceae and Rutaceae (4) each one family, Asclepiadaceae, Asteraceace and Malvaceae were having 3 plants each one PEER-REVIEWED Page 167

4 family. Amaranthaceae, Anacardiaceae, Arecaceae, Aristolochiaceae, Convoluulaceae, Liliaceae, Oleaceae, Rhamnaceae, Solanaceae, Verbenaceae and Vitaceae contributed 2 plants per family, Annonaceae, Apiaceae, Araceae, Capparidaceae, Caricaceae, Cucurbitaceae, Fabaceae, Lythraceae, Meliaceae, Menispermaceae, Musaceae, Myrtaceae, Poaceae, Possifloraceae, Sapindaceae, Sapotaceae, Simaroubaceae, Violaceae and Zingiberaceae contributed 1 plant per family (Table 3). The herbs contributed 39.08% followed by trees 31.03%, shrubs and climbers contributed 14.94% each one (Fig. 3). Plant parts used, mode of preparation and ailment categories The various plant parts used included whole plant, leaves, stems, barks, roots, fruits, seeds, flowers, latex, rhizome and bulb. Of the total of 65 uses found in the present survey, Leaves constituted the major plant part used (46%), followed by fruit (11%), bark and whole plant (9%) each one, flowers (8%), latex (5%), stem, seed and root (3%), rhizome (2%) and bulb (1%) (Fig. 4). The plant parts are used to treat for various ailments in various modes like raw contributed (32%), past (27%), juice (12%), decoction (10%), extract (8%), powder (7%) and cocked (4%) (Fig. 5). These plant species are used for the treatment and prevention of many ailments and diseases grouped under 16 ailment categories. The common sickness for the local people in the study area are cold, cough, diarrhoea, dysentery, headache, backache, cuts, wounds etc. The diseases are given by the local language with their bio-medical terms are given in Table 1. Medical applications The plants Aegle marmelos, Albizia amara, Amaranthus spinosus, Cassia fistula, Catharanthus roseus, Catharanthus pusillus, Gymnema sylvestre, Phyllanthus emblica and Syzygium cumini for treatment of diabetes, Andrographis paniculata, A. echioides, Aristolochia indica, A. bracteolate, Ipomoea staphylina and Prosopis cineraria for treatment of snake bite. In most cases, a plant was used to treat multiple ailments. For instance, the bark of Alstonia scholaris was used for treatment of fever, while the flowers of the same plant were used to treat leucoderma. The flower juice of Bauhinia variegata was used for treatment of dysentery, diarrhea and stomach pain, while fruit was taken for blood purification. The leaves of Borreria ocymoides was used to secretion of lactation in mother (Table 2). The seeds of Abrus precatorius (Fig.2) and leave of Vernonia cinerea is used for the treatment of eye diseases. The leaves of Abutilon indium, Dillenia alata, leaf and roots of Mimosa pudica and leaves of Phyllanthus reticulatus is used for the treatment of piles. A bark of Acacia Arabica, fruits of Anacardium occidentale, fruit and seeds of Mangifera indica is cure the toothache. On the other hand, the leaves of Acalypha indica, Leucas aspera, whole plant of Mukia maderaspatana, Ocimum basilicum, Ocimum canum and Ocimum sanctum is used to treat cold and cough. The leaves of Achyranthes aspera, Barleria mysorensis, root of Borreria hispida and latex of Carica papaya is used for curing the scorpion bites and rhizome of Acorus calamus used for the poisonous bite in Othimalai. The leaf of PEER-REVIEWED Page 168

5 Eclipta prostrate, Leucas aspera, Mimosa pudica, Ocimum canum and Ocimum sanctum, Passiflora foetida, stem of Cyclea peltata, bark of Ailanthus excelsa, Alstonia scholaris, whole plant of Mukia maderaspatana are used in the treatment of fever and leaves and barks of Nyctanthes arbortristis is used to cure the malarial fever. The bulb of Allium cepa is used to headache. A leaf gel of Aloe vera and Phyllanthus amarus is used as body cooling agent. The root of Abrus precatorius, leaves of Phyllanthus amarus is used for the jaundice. The fruits of Bauhinia variegata and Phyllanthus emblica are mainly used as blood purifier. The leaves of Centella asiatica is used for the memory power. The Centella asiatica is widely used in the various traditional medicinal systems of south and south-east Asia. In the Ayurvedic system of India, the plant is used for various ailments including abdominal disorders and wound healing. In the Chinese traditional medicinal system, the plant is used for wound healing (Rahmatullah et al., 2009). In Othimalai the people use this plant for treatment of memory power. A leaf of Borreria ocymoides used for the secretion of lactation in young mother. Of the fruits of Capparis zeylanica, whole plant of Hybanthus enneaspermus is used to treating the fertility and immunity power in body. The leaves and flowers of Jasminum angustifolium is used to treat the clot of breast milk. A leaf of Lantana camara, Morinda tinctoria and Tridax procumbens is used for the cuts and wound healing. On the other hand, leaf of Ziziphus xylopyrus, young endosperm of Borassus flabellifer and Cocos nucifera, leaf of Cassia fistula, bark of Albizia amara, fruit of Citrus limon and Passiflora foetida, latex of Jatropha curcas, Euphorbia hirta, flowers of Madhuca indica, rhizome of Curcuma aromatica, are used to cure the skin diseases/leprosy/pimples/eczema. A leaf of Azadirachta indica is used to cure the small pox. The leaves of Cardiospermum halicacabum, Passiflora foetida is used to cure the ear pain. On the other hand, the leaf of Abutilon indium, Solanum nigrum, bark of Madhuca indica, fruit of Bauhinia variegata is used for the treatment of mouth ulcer/ulcer. The pseudo stem of Musa paradisiaca is used for kidney stone problems. The leaf of Coleus aromaticus is used for the urinary diseases. The stem of Chloroxylon swietenia is used to labourpain. The whole plant of Oldenlandia umbellata is used for the menstrual disorders. A leaf of Sida acuta is used to impotence. A fruit of Pergularia daemia is used for the treatment of chest pain, asthma and wheezing. The seeds of Madhuca indica are used for muscles and joint pains. A stem of Cissus quadrangularis and Caralluma fimbriata and bark of Nyctanthes arbortristis is used for bone fracture/dislocated bones. The bark of Albizia amara is used as insecticidal. The traditional health care practices of rural people and system of treating diseases are based on their deep observation and belief in nature. Therefore, they rely more on the indigenous system of curing disease and on herbal medicines that are easily available around their settlements for treating many common diseases. In support of our study, P. amarus has been scientifically proved to control hepatitis B and C viruses (Thyagarajan et al., 2002). Lantana camara, Morinda tinctoria and Tridax procumbens were used in the PEER-REVIEWED Page 169

6 treatment of wound and related injuries by the traditional healers and these plants showed significant wound healing (Ayyanar and Ignacimuthu, 2005a). The ethnomedicinal studies evidently pointed out that, instead of trying to identify the active components and pharmacological actions of plants through massive collection of plants from natural sources, it is better to start investigating the efficacy of the plant based on their use in folk medicine, since most of the commercially proven drugs used in modern medicine were initially tried in crude form in traditional or folk healing practices (Fabricant and Farnsworth, 2001). CONCLUSION: In conclusion, the use of herbal remedies is important among the rural people in Othimalai, Coimbatore district, Tamil Nadu. The scientific validation of these remedies may help in discovering new drugs from the plant species. Further research on the medicinal plants mentioned in this study might provide some potential leads to fulfill the needs of search for bioactive compounds and the discovery of new drugs to cure diseases. ACKNOWLEDGEMENT: The authors are thankful to the rural peoples and folklore medicine practioners for giving valuable information of traditional. I am thankful to Principal Dr., Kongunadu Arts and Science College, Coimbatore , for the timely help and gaudiness throughout the research REFERENCES: Arunachalam, G., M. Karunanithi, N. Subramanian, V. Ravichandran and S. Selvamuthukumar, Ethnomedicines of Kolli hills at Namakkal district in Tamil Nadu and its significance in Indian systems of medicine. J. Pharm. Sci. and Res., 1(1): Ayyanar, M Ethnobotanical wealth of Kani tribes in Tirunelveli hills. Ph. D., Thesis, University of Madras, Chennai, India. Ayyanar, M. and S. Ignacimuthu, 2005a. Traditional knowledge of Kani tribals in Kouthalai of Tirunelveli hills, Tamil Nadu, India. J. Ethnopharmacol, 102: Ayyanar, M., K. Sankarasivaraman and S. Ignacimuthu, Traditional herbal medicines used for the Treatment of diabetes among two major tribal groups in South Tamil Nadu, India. Ethnobotanical Leaflets, 12: Ayyanar, M., K. Sankarasivaraman, S. Ignacimuthu and T. Sekar, Plant species with ethnobotanical importance other than medicinal in Theni district of Tamil Nadu, Southern India. Asian. J. Exp. Biol. Sci., Balakrishnan, V., P. Prema, C. Ravindran and J. Philip Robinson, Ethnobotanical studies among villagers from Dharapuram taluk, Tamil Nadu, India. Global J. Pharmacol., 3(1): PEER-REVIEWED Page 170

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9 Table 1. The different ailment grouped by illness category (Cook, 1995) S. No. Ailment categories Biomedical terms Tamil terms 1. Circulatory system/ cardiovascular diseases (CSCD) Blood purification Memory power Secretion of lactation Improve immunity Rattha sutthigarippu Gnabaga sakthi Thaai pall surathall Noiethirpu sakthi athigapaduthuthal Thaai pall katiyai neka Clot of Breast milk 2. Cooling agent (CA) Body coolant Udal kulircchi 3. Dental care (DC) Tooth problem Pal vali prachanai 4. Dermatological infections/diseases (DID) Cuts Wound healing Skin diseases Eczema Pimples Skin diseases/leprosy Leucoderma Small pox Astringent 5. Ear, nose, throat problems (ENT) Eye diseases Ear pain Mouth ulcer Throat pain 6. Endocrinal disorders (ED) Diabetes Kidney stone Urinary problem 7. Fever (Fvr) Fever Malaria fever 8. Gastro-intestinal ailments (GIA) Ulcer Stomachache Digestion/indigestion Inducing appetite Dysentery Diarrhea Piles Vomiting Stop drinking Intestinal tract problem Loose motion Helminthiasis Dyspepsia 9. General health (GH) Tonic Foot cracks 10. Genito-urinary ailments (GUA) Labourpain Menstrual problem Improve fertility Venereal diseases Vettukkayam Kaayam Thol noi Thol alargi Mugapparu Thol noi/tholu noi Ven Kuttam Chinammai Thol noi katupadutha Kan vali Kathu vali Vaai pun Thondai vali Sarkkarai/ neerilivu noi Siruneeraga kal Siruneeraga thontharavu Kaichal Malaria kaichal Vayitru pun Vayitru vali Geeranam/ageeranam Paciyai thunduthal Seedhabaethi Vaitrupoku Mula noi Vanthi Kudiyai nirutha Kudal thontharavugal Thodar vaitrupoku Kudar pulu noi Cerimanaminmai Sathu marunthu Patha vedipu Pirasava vali Matavitay thontharavugal Anmai sakthi perukkuthal Paalvinai noi PEER-REVIEWED Page 173

10 Impotence Anmaiyinmai 11. Hair care (HC) Dandruff Hair tonic Podugu Mudi valara payanbadum yennai 12. Liver problem (LP) Jaundice Manajal kaamalai 13. Poisonous bite (PB) Snake bite Dog bite Poisonous bite Scorpion bite Pambukkadi Naikkadi Vishakkadi Thaelkkadi 14. Respiratory system diseases (RSD) Asthma Wheezing Chest pain Cold Cough 15. Skeleto-muscular system disorders (SMSD) Sinus problems Joint pain Bone fracture Swelling Headache Muscle pain Dislocated bones Hand pain 16 Insecticidal property (IP) Mosquito repellent Insect bite Moocchu thinaral Moocchu kulai noi Nenju vali Jalathosam Irumal Sali thontharavu Moottu vali Elumpu murivu Veekam Thalai vali Sadhai pithukam Edam mariya elumbai sari panuthal Kai vali Kosuvathi Puchi kadi PEER-REVIEWED Page 174

11 Table 2. List of medicinal plants used by local people in Othimalai, Coimbatore district Tamil Nadu S. No. Binominal name Local name Family Habit Part (s) used Ailments group and diseases Mode of Administration 1 Abrus precatorius L. Kundumani Fabaceae Climber Seed and root ENT - 1, LP - 1 (eye diseases and jaundice) 2 Abutilon indium G. Don. Suthi Malvaceae Herb Leaf GIA - 2 (piles and stomach ulcer) 3 Acacia arabica Willd. Kaurvelam Mimosaceae Tree Bark DC - 1 (tooth problems) 4 Acalypha indica L. Kuppaimeni Euphorbiaceae Erect Herb Leaf RSD - 2 (cold and cough) 5 Achyranthes aspera L. Nayurivi Amaranthaceae Erect Leaf PB - 1 Herb (scorpion bites) 6 Acorus calamus L. Vashambu Araceae Herb Rhizome PB - 1 (poisonous bites) 7 Aegle marmelos (L.) Correa ex Roxb, Vilvam Rutaceae Tree Fruit ED - 1 (diabetes ) 8 Ailanthus excelsa Roxb. Peevari Simaroubaceae Tree Bark Fvr - 1 (fever) Seed extract used to eye diseases. Root past is used to cure jaundice. Leave extract is taken. Enrich the tooth gums and brush the teeth it strong the tooth roots. Leave decoction taken internally. Leave extract is taken. Paste is used to remove the poisons of centipede. The decoction of fruit extract is taken orally to cure diabetes. Bark powder with water applied externally and also administered with feed to PEER-REVIEWED Page 175

12 9 Albizia amara (ROXB.) BOIVIN. Wunja Mimosaceae Tree Bark IP - 1, DID - 2, ED - 1 (insect bites, leprosy, skin disease and diabetes) 10 Allium cepa L. Venkayam Liliaceae Herb Bulb SMSD - 1 (headache) 11 Aloe vera L. Kattlai Liliaceae Herb Gel CA - 1 (cooling agent) 12 Alstonia scholaris (L.) R.Br. Ezilai palai Apocynaceae Tree Bark, latex and flower 13 Amaranthus spinosus L. Mullukeerai Amaranthaceae Herb Whole plant GH - 1, Fvr - 1, DID - 2 (tonic, fever, skin disease and leucoderma) ED - 1 (diabetes) 14 Anacardium occidentale L. Mundiri Anacardiaceae Tree Endosperm DC - 1 (tooth problems) 15 Andrographis paniculata Nees. Seraniagai Acanthaceae Herb Leaf PB - 1 (snake bite) control fever in cattle. Bark powder is applied on insect bites, leprosy, skin disease and diabetes. The bulb past is applied on forehead to headache. Eaten raw to cool the body. The bark decoction used as tonic, in fever. Latex is applied on externally in skin disease. Flower used in the treatment of leucoderma. Whole plant is feded to increase lactation in cows, leaves are taken for diabetes. Fried to dark black and powder, added with tooth powder and brush daily. Leaf, Piper nigrum and Piper betel are crushed into paste and taken orally. PEER-REVIEWED Page 176

13 16 Andrographis echioides (L.) Nees. Gopuram tangi Acanthaceae Herb Leaf PB - 1 (snake bite) 17 Aristolochia indica L. Garudakodi Aristolochiaceae Climber Leaf PB - 1 (snake bite) 18 Aristolochia bracteolate Aduthinnappalai Aristolochiaceae Climber Leaf PB - 1 (snake Lam. bite) 19 Azadirachta indica A. Juss. Vembu Meliaceae Tree Leaf DID - 1 (small pox) 20 Barleria mysorensis Heyne ex Manalsulli Acanthaceae Herb Leaf PB - 1 roth. (scorpion 21 Bauhinia variegata L. Mandarai Caesalpiniaceae Shrub Flower and fruits 22 Borassus flabellifer L. Panaimaram Arecaceae Tree Young endosperm 23 Borreria hispida (L.) K. Schum. bite) GIA - 4, DID - 1, CSCD - 1 (dysentery, blood purification, diarrhea, skin disease, ulcer and stomach pain) DID - 2, CA - 1 (pimples, skin diseases and body coolant) Peezhi Rubiaceae Herb Root PB - 1 (scorpion Leaf, Piper nigrum and Piper betel are crushed into paste and taken orally. Extract is taken orally. Extract is taken orally. Leaf past is applied externally on small pox. Leaf paste is applied locally as an antidote for scorpion bite. Flower juice is taken to cure dysentery, diarrhea and stomach pain. The flower buds are taken for skin disease and ulcer. Fruits are used for blood purification. The endosperm gel is applied externaly to cure pimples and skin diseases. The totty and feesh edosperm is taken orally to reduce the body heat. Root paste applied locally as an antidote for scorpion PEER-REVIEWED Page 177

14 24 Borreria ocymoides (Burm. F) DC. bite) Peeli Rubiaceae Herb Leaf CSCD - 1 (secretion of lactation) 25 Calotropis gigantea R.Br. Eruk Asclepiadaceae Shrub Latex PB - 1 (dog bite) 26 Capparis zeylanica L. Karrotti Capparidaceae Shrub Leaf, rootbark GIA - 2, and CSCD - 1 fruits (vomiting, Inducing appetite, and improve immunity) 27 Caralluma fimbriata Wall. Kallimuliyaan Apocynaceae Shrub Leaves SMSD - 1 (bone fracture) 28 Cardiospermum halicacabum Mudukottan Sapindaceae Climber Leaf ENT - 1 (ear L. pain) 29 Carica papaya L. Papali Caricaceae Tree Latex PB - 1 (scorpion bite) 30 Cassia auriculata L. Avaram Caesalpiniaceae Shrub Fruit and flower HC - 1, GIA - 1 (dandruff and stop drinking) bite. Leaves together with those of Euphorbia hirta are powdered, mixed with cow s milk and orally administered to enhance and secretion in lactation mother. Applied directly on the affected area. Decoction of root-bark used for vomiting and improving the appetite. Leaves also used to improve the appetite. Fruits are edible and improve immunity. Fresh leaves are made into past and applied on fracture area to cure. Leave juice used to cure. The latex is applied externally to cure Scorpion bite. Fruit juice is applied on head region. Dried and powdered flower is mixed with milk or taken as paste. PEER-REVIEWED Page 178

15 31 Cassia fistula L. Kondrai Caesalpiniaceae Tree Leaves and fruits 32 Catharanthus roseus (L.) G. Don. 33 Catharanthus pusillus (Murray) G. Don. Nithiyakalyani Apocynaceae Herb Leaf and flower DID -2, RSD -1, ED -1 (skin diseases, asthma, diabetes and eczema) ED - 1, GIA - 1 (diabetes and helminthiasis) Apocynaceae Herb Leaf ED - 1 (diabetes) 34 Cayratia pedata (L.) Dom. Kattupirandai Vitaceae Climber Leaf DID -1, ED - 1 (astringent and uterine reflexes) 35 Centella asiatica Urb. Vallarai Apiaceae Shrub Leaf SMSD - 1 (memory power) 36 Chloroxylon swietenia DC. Porosamaram Rutaceae Tree Stem GUA - 1 (labourpain) 37 Cissus quadrangularis L. Perandai Vitaceae Shrub Whole plant DID - 1, SMSD - 1 (skin disease and bone fractures) Leaves used for treating skin diseases. The fruits are used for asthma, diabetes and eczema. Flowers are chewed during diabetes. Leaf juice is taken for helminthiasis. Tender leaves are eaten daily in empty stomach to treat diabetes. Leaves used as astringent, the decoction used for uterine reflexes. Leaf extract is given. The young stem given to pregnant mother s hand to reduce labour pain. Leaves grind into paste and applied externally. 38 Citrus limon (L.) Burm. f. Elumichai Rutaceae Shrub Fruit DID - 1 (skin The fruit past is applied PEER-REVIEWED Page 179

16 39 Cocos nucifera L. Thennaimaram Arecaceae Tree Young endosperm and totty disease) DID - 2, CA - 1 (pimples, skin diseases and body coolant) 40 Croton bonplandianum Baill. Rail pachilai Euphorbiaceae Herb Leaf SMSD - 1 (head ache) 41 Coleus aromaticus Benth. Karpuravalli Lamiaceae Herb Leaf ED - 1 (urinary diseases) 42 Curcuma aromatica L. Kasturimal Zingiberaceae Herb Rhizome DID - 1 (pimples) 43 Cyclea peltata Diels. Senthalkodi Menispermaceae Climber Stem Fvr - 1 (fever) 44 Cynodon dactylon Pers. Arugampul Poaceae Herb Leaf CSCD - 1 (blood purifier) 45 Datura metel L. Karuoomatthai Solanaceae Herb Leaf SMSD - 1 (swelling) externally to cure skin diseases. The endosperm gel is applied externaly to cure pimples and skin diseases. The totty and feesh edosperm is taken orally to reduce the body heat. Leaves along with Brassica nigrum seeds ground into a past and applied on the forehead for head ache. The leaf extract is taken orally daily morning in empty stomach to cure urinary diseases. Directly apply on face. Decoction is taken. Leave juice is given orally. Leaf past is applied on externally to treat swelling. Applied as paste. 46 Dillenia alata Gamble. Vadhanarya Caesalpiniaceae Tree Leaf DID - 1 (piles) 47 Eclipta prostrata L. Karisalankanni Asteraceace Herb Leaf Fvr - 1 Leaves extract is taken. PEER-REVIEWED Page 180

17 (malaria fever) 48 Euphorbia hirta L. Amampatchaiarisi Euphorbiaceae Herb Latex DID - 1 (pimples) 49 Gymnema sylvestre (Retz) R. Br. Sirukurinja Asclepiadaceae Climber Leaf ED - 1 (diabetes) 50 Hibiscus rosa-sinensis L. Semparuthii Malvaceae Shrub Leaf and flower 51 Hybanthus enneaspermus (L.) F.V.Muell. 52 Ipomoea staphylina Roem. & Schult. 53 Jasminum angustifolium (L.) Willd. Orithal thamarai Violaceae Herb Whole plant HC - 1 (hair tonic) GUA - 1, SMSD - 1 (improve fertility and immunity) OonanKodi Convoluulaceae Climber Root PB - 1 (snake bite) Malligai Oleaceae Climbing Leaves and flowers CSCD - 1 (clot of Breast milk) 54 Jatropha curcas L. Kattamanakku Euphorbiaceae Shrub Latex DID - 1 (skin diseases) 55 Justicia adhatoda L. Adhathoda Acanthaceae Shrub Leaf RSD - 1 (sinus problems) Directly applied. The leaf is taken internally to treat diabetes. Powdered leaves and flowers are used for hair wash. Entire plant is shade dried, powdered and administered with honey or cow s milk for improve fertility and immunity. Root ground into a paste and applied locally to the affected parts as an antidote for snake-bite. Leaves and flowers paste of Malligai applied externally to remove the clot of Breast Milk. Latex mixed used as an external application for skin diseases. Eaten raw. PEER-REVIEWED Page 181

18 56 Lantana camara L. Unnichedi Verbenaceae Shrub Leaf DID - 2 (wound and cuts) 57 Lawsonia inermis L. Maruthani Lythraceae Shrub Leaf GH - 1 (foot cracks) 58 Leucas aspera (Willd.) Link. Thumbai Lamiaceae Herb Leaf RSD- 1, Fvr - 1 (cold and fever) 59 Mangifera indica L. Mamaram Anacardiaceae Tree Fruit and seed 60 Madhuca indica Gmel. Elupai Sapotaceae Tree Flowers, seed and bark 61 Mimosa pudica L. Thotta siningi Mimosaceae Herb Leaf and root GIA - 1, DC - 1 (indigestion and toothache) SMSD - 2, DID - 1, GIA - 1, GUA - 1 (muscle and joints pains, skin diseases, bleeding gums and ulcers) RSD - 2, Fvr -1, GIA - 2, GUA - 2, ED - 1 (asthma, fever, cough, dysentery, vaginal, uterine Leaf past is applied externally to treat wounds and cuts. Leaves are ground and applied to foot cracks to cure. Leave juice given as tonic. The fruits are eaten to reduce the indigestion. The seed powder is used to cure toothache. Seed paste is applied to curve muscle fatigue and relieve pain in the muscle and joints pains. The flower is used to cure skin diseases. Bark decoction is used in curing bleeding gums and ulcers. The leaf and root paste is used in case of piles and kidney problem. The root is used in treating asthma, fever, cough, dysentery, vaginal and uterine complaints. PEER-REVIEWED Page 182

19 complaints, piles and kidney problem) 62 Morinda tinctoria Roxb. Nunamaram Rubiaceae Tree Bark DID - 2 (cuts and wounds) 63 Mukia maderaspatana (L.) M. Roem. Masumasu Cucurbitaceae Climber Whole plant RSD - 1, Fvr - 1 (cold and fever) 64 Murraya kenigii (L)Spreng. Karuveppilai Rutaceae Tree Leaf GIA - 1 (arrest vomiting) 65 Musa paradisiaca L. Vahzai Musaceae Tree Pseudo stem 66 Nyctanthes arbortristis L. Pavazha malli Oleaceae Tree Leaf and bark ED - 1 (kidney stone) Fvr - 1, SMSD - 1 (malaria fever and dislocated bones) 67 Ocimum basilicum L. Tiruneetruppachilai Lamiaceae Herb Leaf RSD - 2 (cold and cough) 68 Ocimum canum Sims. Naitulasi Lamiaceae Herb Leaf RSD - 1, Fvr - 1 (cold and fever) 69 Ocimum sanctum L. Tulasi Lamiaceae Herb Leaf RSD - 1, Fvr - 1 (cold and fever) Tie the bark on the affected portion. Leaves extract given to children. Juice of tender leaves of karuveppilai is taken orally to arrest vomiting. Juice of stem is taken. Leaves are boiled and the decanted water is taken to control malaria fever. Bark paste is used for dislocated bones. Leaf decoction is taken orally to treat cold and cough. Leave juice given as tonic. Leave juice given as tonic. PEER-REVIEWED Page 183

20 70 Oldenlandia umbellata L. Kurunthulachi Rubiaceae Herb Whole plant 71 Passiflora foetida L. Mupparisavalli Possifloraceae Climber Leaf and Fruit 72 Pergularia daemia (Forssk.) Chiov. GUA - 1 (menstrual disorders) GIA - 2, ENT - 2, Fvr - 1, DID - 1 (diarrhea, intestinal tract, throat, ear infections, fever and skin diseases) Veliparutthi Asclepiadaceae Climber Fruit RSD - 2 (wheezing and chest pain) Whole plant along with Cuminum Cyminum seeds ground into a paste and taken internally in the early morning for two days for menstrual disorders. The leaf extract is mixed with cow s milk and taken for diarrhea, intestinal tract, throat, ear infections and fever. The fruit is taken orally to cure skin diseases. The fruit is boiled and taken internally to treat wheezing and chest pain. 73 Phyllanthus amarus L. SiruNelli Euphorbiaceae Herb Leaf LP - 1, CA - Leaf paste is taken 1 (jaundice internally for three days to and body reduce excessive body heat) heat. Leaf paste is taken goat s milk for two weeks to cure Jaundice and hepatitis. 74 Phyllanthus emblica L. Nelli Euphorbiaceae Tree Fruit ED - 1, The fruit is taken orally PEER-REVIEWED Page 184

21 CSCD - 1 (diabetes and blood purifier) 75 Phyllanthus reticulatus Poir. Euphorbiaceae Herb Leaf GIA - 1 In. Lam. (piles) 76 Polyalthia longifolia Soon. Ashoka poo Annonaceae Tree Flower GIA - 1 (loose motion) 77 Prosopis cineraria L. Vannimaram Mimosaceae Tree Bark PB - 1 (snake bite) 78 Quamoclit pennata Boj. Thalikeeri Convolvulaceae Twiner Leaf SMSD - 1 (bone fractures 79 Sida acuta Burm. f. Chitaamuttie Malvaceae Herb Leaf SMSD - 1, GUA - 1 (swellings and impotence) 80 Solanum nigrum L. Manathakali Solanaceae Herb Leaf ENT - 1 (mouth ulcer) 81 Syzygium cumini L. Naval Myrtaceae Tree Fruit ED - 1 (diabetes) 82 Tamarindus indica L. Puli Caesalpiniaceae Tree Leaf SMSD - 1 (hand pain) 83 Tridax procumbens L. Murian pachilai Asteraceae Herb Leaves DID - 1, HC - 1 (cuts and dandruffs) daily morning in empty stomach to reduce blood sugar level and also used for blood purification. The leaf decoction is taken orally to cure piles. Dried flower and cumin seeds are mixed with gingerly oil and eaten. Paste of bark tied on the affected area. Leaf paste is applied. Boiled leaves in mustard oil they are applied to testicular swellings. Decoction of leaves used for hemorrhoids and impotence. The fresh leaf is taken orally to cure mouth ulcer. Eaten raw. Leaves tied in a cotton cloth and heated, later massage done. Leaf juice is applied over affected places to cure cuts. Leaf juice is mixed PEER-REVIEWED Page 185

22 84 Vernonia cinerea (L.) Less. Kucheri Asteraceae Herb Leaves ENT - 1 (eye diseases) 85 Vitex negundo L. Nochi Verberanceae Tree Leaf SMSD - 1 (head ache) 86 Ziziphus oenoplia (L.)Mill. Suri Rhamnaceae Tree Fruits GIA - 1 (dyspepsia) 87 Ziziphus xylopyrus (Retz.)Willd. Illanthai Rhamnaceae Tree Leaf DID - 1 (skin diseases) with coconut oil and applied over head to remove dandruffs. Leaf juice is applied over the affected places to cure all types of eye diseases. Leaves are tied on forehead. Ripened fruits crushed with common salt and swallowed for dyspepsia. Leaf paste with turmeric used as an external application for skin eruptions. PEER-REVIEWED Page 186

23 Table 3. The list of plant species family wise with number of genus and species S. No. Family Genus Species 1 Acanthaceae Amaranthaceae Anacardiaceae Annonaceae Apiaceae Apocynaceae Araceae Arecaceae Aristolochiaceae Asclepiadaceae Asteraceace Caesalpiniaceae Capparidaceae Caricaceae Convoluulaceae Cucurbitaceae Euphorbiaceae Fabaceae Lamiaceae Liliaceae Lythraceae Malvaceae Meliaceae Menispermaceae Mimosaceae Musaceae Myrtaceae Oleaceae PEER-REVIEWED Page 187

24 29 Poaceae Possifloraceae Rhamnaceae Rubiaceae Rutaceae Sapindaceae Sapotaceae Simaroubaceae Solanaceae Verbenaceae Violaceae Vitaceae Zingiberaceae PEER-REVIEWED Page 188

25 Fig. 1. The map showing the study area of Othimalai hills, Coimbatore district, Tamil Nadu, India. PEER-REVIEWED Page 189

26 Fig. 2. Some of the medicinal plants used for various ailments by rural people in Othimalai.. F a). Abrus precatorius, b). Aegle marmelos, c). Aristolochia indica, d). Capparis zeylanica, e). Caralluma fimbriata, f). Cassia auriculata, g). Gymnema sylvestre, h). Ocimum canum and i). Phyllanthus reticulates. Fig. 3. The percentage of different life form used for the various ailments by rural people in Othimalai PEER-REVIEWED Page 190

27 Fig. 4. The percentage of plants parts used for the various ailments by rural people in Othimalai Fig. 5. The percentage of administration used for the treatment of various ailments by rural people in Othimalai PEER-REVIEWED Page 191