R. Vijayalakshmi et al. / Journal of Pharmacy Research 2011,4(9), Available online through

Transcription

1 Research Article ISSN: R. Vijayalakshmi et al. / Journal of Pharmacy Research 2011,4(9), Available online through Ethnobotanical Studies among Villagers from Cuddalore District, Tamil Nadu, India R. Vijayalakshmi and R. Ranganathan* Department of Botany, Faculty of Science, Annamalai University, Annamalai Nagar,TamilNadu,608002,India. Received on: ; Revised on: ; Accepted on: ABSTRACT An ethnobotanical survey was carried out to collect information from traditional healers on the use of medicinal plants in (Villagers) Cuddalore district of tamil nadu during October April The indigenous knowledge of local traditional healers having practical knowledge of plants in medicine were interviewed in 10 villages and native plants used for medicinal purposes were collected through questionnaire and personal interviews during field trips. A total of 60 plant species are documented in this study. The medicinal plants used by tribal are listed with botanical name, family, local name, parts used, mode of preparation and administration. The documented medicinal plants were mostly used to cure skin disease, poison bites, stomachache and nervous disorders, cough, fever, body pain, jaundice, rheumatism, dysentery, headache. This study showed that many people in the studied parts of cuddalore district still continue to depend on medicinal plants at least for the treatment of primary healthcare.the traditional healers are dwindling in number and there is a grave danger of traditional knowledge disappearing soon since the younger generation is not interested to carry on this tradition. Key words:ethnobotany, medicinal plants,medicinal uses,cuddalore district INTRODUCTION Ethnobotany deals with the relationship between primitive human society and their plant environment, more simple it is anthropological approach to botany. Importance is chiefly realized with respect to varied economic uses of plants by the primitive human society. An indigenous cultures are closely maintained by the tribal and other forest dwellers throughout the world. The ethnobotanical investigation is a prerequisite for any developmental planning concerned with the welfare of tribal and their environment (Rao, 1996). Plants have been used in traditional medicine for several thousand years (Abu-Rabia, 2005). The knowledge of medicinal plants has been accumulated in the course of many centuries based on different medicinal systems such as Ayurveda, Unani and Siddha. In India, it is reported that traditional healers use 2500 plant species of medicine (Pei, 2001). During the last few decades there has been an increasing interest in the study of medicinal plants and their traditional use in different parts of the world (Lev, 2006). Documenting the indigenous knowledge through ethnobotanical studies is important for the conservation and utilization of biological resources. Medicinal plants are of great importance to the health of individuals and communities. The medicinal value of these plants lies in some chemical substances, that produce a definite physiological action on the human body. The most important of these bioactive constituents of plant are alkaloids, tannins, flavonoids and phenolic compounds (Hill, 1952). Many of these indigenous medicinal plants are used as spices and food plants. India has two spots out of the twelve mega-biodiversity of the world. India being a tropical country is rich in vegetation with a wide diversity. Tribal communities dwelling the remote areas depend on the forest resources to meet their livelihood and health care needs. The medicinal plant in the world contribute to cater 80% of the raw materials used in the preparation of drugs. Herbal medicines have been used since antiquity in treating diseases including infectious diseases. Therefore, documentation of traditional knowledge and ethnobotanical information play an important role in scientific research (Awadh et al., 2004). However, scientific evaluation of herbals is mandate before they are included in the mainstream of primary health care practice. In recent times, interest in traditional medicine has continuously been increasing and therefore ethnobotanical studies have gained prominence to explore the traditional knowledge from tribal communities, particularly in the developing countries (Patrick, 2002). India possess a total of 427 tribal communities with splendid diversity of indigenous tradition. The knowledge base and the practice have been *Corresponding author. R. Ranganathan Department of Botany, Faculty of Science, Annamalai University, Annamalai Nagar,TamilNadu, ,India. Tel.: rranganthan8@gmail.com marginalized due to political, social and economical reasons. Off late, interest in traditional medicine has continuously been increasing; various ethnobotanical studies have been initiated to explore the knowledge base from the various tribal groups (Jain, 2001; Kala, 2005; Ignancimuthu et al., 2006; Sandha et al., 2006). In traditional systems of medicine the Indian medicinal plants have been used in successful management of various disease conditions like bronchial asthma, chronic fever, cold, cough, malaria, dysentery, convulsions, diabetes, diarrhoea, arthritis, emetic syndrome, skin diseases, insect bites, etc., and in treatment of gastric, hepatic, cardiovascular and immunological disorders (Chopra et al., 1993; Sen, 1993). It has been well established that herbal drugs obtained from plants are much safer, with fewer or no side effects in treating various ailments (Ayyanar and Ignacimuthu, 2005). Several studies have revealed that tribal population, not only depend on plant based resources for medicines, food, forage and fuel, but also play a vital role in natural resource management that forms the core aspect of conservation biology (Ignacimuthu et al., 2006). There are considerable economic benefits in the development of indigenous medicines and in the use of medicinal plants for the treatment of various diseases (Azaizeh et al., 2003). Due to less communication means, poverty, ignorance and unavailability of modern health facilities, most people especially rural people are still forced to practice traditional medicines for their common day ailments. Most of these people from the poorest link in the trade of medicinal plants (Khan, 2002). The various parts of the plant viz., seed, flower buds, flowers, leaves, stem, stem bark and roots are practiced in various indigenous systems of medicine and popular among the various ethnic groups in India for the cure of variety of ailments. Aim of the present study is to highlight the traditional uses of some medicinal plants in Cuddalore district. To document the natural resources use pattern of the study area and indigenous knowledge associated with them. To encourage the local communities especially the younger generation to propagate and protect the medicinal plant wealth in the study area. To explore the possibilities of conservation and sustainable development of rare and endangered medicinal plant by involvement of rural communities in their native habitats. To assess and identify the factors affecting biodiversity of medicinal and aromatic plants and indigenous knowledge of the area. MATERIALS AND METHODS The study area and ethnobotanical survey Tamilnadu is the 11 th largest state in India with a geographical area of km 2 and lies between to North latitudes and to east longitudes. The total forest cover in Tamilnadu is km 2 (16.52%). This includes 12,499 km 2 of dense forests (9.61%) and 8,963 km 2 of open forests (6.91%). Of the total forest area of Tamilnadu, 3305 km 2 are under protected area (15%) which includes, Wild life sanctuaries, 12 Bird sanctuaries, 5 National parks, 3 Biosphere reserves and one Tiger reserve (Annamalai, 2004).

2 R. Vijayalakshmi et al. / Journal of Pharmacy Research 2011,4(9), Cuddalore is one of the district of Tamilnadu state in Southern India. The district has an area of 3,678 km 2 and a population of 22,85,395. It is bounded on the north of Villupuram district, on the east by the Bay of Bengal, on the south by Nagapattinum district and on the west by Perambalur district. Cuddalore lies north latitudes between 15 5 /11 11 and and east longitude between and 80. Local traditional healers Local traditional healers having practical knowledge of plants in medicine were interviewed in 10 villages of the district during October 2008-April During the course of the study, four field trips were carriedout in the study area totaling 40 days. Methods of selecting informants depended upon the distribution of local people having folk knowledge. They were requested to collect specimens of the plants they know or to show the plant species on site. These informants were traditional healers themselves or had tradition of healing in their families and had knowledge of the medicinal use of the plants. The wealth of medicinal plant knowledge among the people of this district is based on hundreds of years of beliefs and observations. This knowledge has been transmitted orally from generation to generation, however it seems that it is vanishing from the modern society since younger people are not interested to carry on this tradition. Interview with traditional healers Adopting the methods of Jain (1964), ethnomedicinal data were collected through general conservations with the informants. The questionnaires were used to have information on medicinal plants with their local names, parts used, mode of preparation and administration. A total of 10 informants, comprising 8 males and 2 females were identified between the ages of 45 and 75. They were selected based on their knowledge of medicinal plants either for self-medication or for treating others. Informants were asked to come to field and show the plants with the local name, the species mentioned by the informants were taxonomically identified. Preservation of plant specimens Standard method was followed with regard to collection of plant materials, drying, mounting, preparation and preservation of plant specimens (Jain, 1976). Voucher specimens of medicinal plants in triplicates were collected, prepared and identified. Plants with their correct nomenclature were arranged alphabetically by family name, vernacular name and ethnomedicinal uses. The identification and nomenclature of the listed plants were based on the Flora of Presidency of Madras (Gamble, 1935) and the flora of Tamilnadu Carnatic (Matthew, 1983). They were later verified at Botanical Survey of India, Southern Circle, Coimbatore, India. All the preserved specimens were deposited at the Department of Botany, Annamalai University, Annamalainagar. RESULTS In the present study the medicinal plants were collected from 10 villages in Cuddalore district Map: 1. The results of the survey are presented in Table: 1 and the medicinal plants are arranged in alphabetical order. Plant species, which are used in traditional medicine are enumerated with their botanical and vernacular names, family and use of the plant parts in the various treatments. Map: 1 The map shows details of traditional medicinal practices in Cuddalore district of Tamilnadu Table: 1. Reported information on ethnomedicinal plants used by villagers from Cuddalore district, Tamil Nadu,India S. No. Plant name Family Vernacular name Parts used Mode of application 1. Abrus precatorius L. Fabaceae/ Papilionaceae Kundumani Root seeds Root powder is taken orally along with cow s milk to treat scorpion sting and snakebite. Two t easpoons of root exact is given once a day for 3-4 days for the treatment of syphills A past of the seeds is used to cure eczema. 2. Abutilon indicum (Linn.) Sweet. Malvaceae Thuthi Leaves A leaf paste is taken orally to cure piles. The leaves were crushed and 1.5 ml of the juice is given orally once daily to ease child birth and leaves are made into paste and given orally with hot water to cure fever Decoction of leaves used in bleeding piles and also relieve leg pains 3. Acalypha indica L. Euphorbiaceae Kuppaimeni Leaves Leaf paste is applied topically to treat skin diseases. A leaf paste, mixed with common salt, is used to cure eczema and chest pain. 4. Achyranthes aspera L. Amaranthaceae Nayuruvi Leaves and root Leaf paste is applied topically to treat cuts and wounds.the boiled leaves are consumed to relieve internal piles. The roots are used as a brush to relieve pain and clean the teeth. Extract is used for the treatment of urinary disorder.the juice of root is given orally twice a day to cure dog bite. 5. Aegle marmelos (L.) Rutaceae Vilvam Leaves, fruit Leaf paste is applied topically to heal wounds. Leaves juice is boiled with coconut oil and massaged on the Correa. ex. Roxb. head for headache. The leaves are soaked overnight in water. This water is taken as a drink in the morning to cure peptic ulcer.fruits crushed with seed of Strychnos nux-vomica and Pongamia pinnata, boiled with coconut oil is applied on the affected parts to cure scabies and other kinds of skin diseases twice a day till the recovery occur. 6. Aerva lanata (Linn.) Juss. Amaranthaceae Sirupeelai Whole plant Juice of whole plant is taken orally to treat cough, sore throat and wounds. The decoction or juice of the whole plant is taken for urinary problems. 7. Aloe barbadensis Mill. Liliaceae Sothukathalai Leaves A leaf paste is applied over the body before taking a bath in order to reduce body heat.leaf extract is boiled along with gingelly oil and applied against rheumatism.fresh leaf juice is applied to skin to kill ticks and parasites. 8. Alternanthera sessilis (L.) R.Br. ex. DC. Amaranthaceae Ponnanganni Leaves Leaf extract is given to expecting mothers to increase lactation. Leaf decoction given 2 times a day for days to cure nervous disorders. The leaf juice is mixed with boiled cow s milk and given in morning on empty stomach to improve the eyesight improvement. 9. Andrographis paniculata Acanthaceae Chirianangai (or) Leaves, A handful of leaves is taken and an extract is made, which is mixed with milk, as taken internally to cure (Burm.f.) Wallich ex. Nees. Nilavaembu stem, root snakebite. Powdered leaf is mixed with cow or goat s milk and taken orally to treat diabetes.leaf and stem potion is used for frozen joints and joints pain. Leaves and roots of the plant is used to cure fever and blood purifier.

3 R. Vijayalakshmi et al. / Journal of Pharmacy Research 2011,4(9), S. No. Plant name Family Vernacular name Parts used Mode of application 10. Anisomeles malabarica (L.) Lamiaceae Paeymarutti (or) Leaves Leaf juice is given to children in fever during teeth formation and paste is applied externally on R.Br. ex. Sims. Peithumbai wounds.decoction of aerial parts is taken orally in burning sensation during urination. 11. Argemone mexicana L. Papaveraceae Pramathandu/ Narimirati/ Seed and Root Pounded seeds along with the rhizomes of Curcuma aromatica and Acorus calamus are made into paste and Kudiyottipoondu applied on all types of skin diseases. Fresh root grounded with black peppers and the extract is given orally, one spoonful twice a day for 5 days to cure fever. 12. Aristolochia indica L. Aristolochiaceae Eeswara- mooli/ Roots and leaves Root paste is used as an antidote against poison. Root powder is used for joint disease.20 gm fresh root perumarunthukudi/ along with 5 gm of Cascinium fenestratum crushed to paste then applied on the fore head to cure headache.the karudakodi paste of the leaves and roots are applied externally to cure snakebite. The small amount of leaf juice and powered root is given with honey to treat antidote. 13. Asystasia gangetica (L.) Anderson. Acanthaceae Valukkaikeerai (or) Leaves Leaf powder is mixed with coconut oil and applied topically to heal wounds (burns). Decoction is taken internally and Chilanthinayagam also mixed with peppers and administered as an enema during the later months of pregnancy to lighten the pains of childbirth. The juice of plant is given for swellings, as a vermifuge and for rheumatism. 14. Azadirachta indica A. Juss. Meliaceae Vembu Leaves, flower Leaves paste is applied topically on the body to treat small pox, rheumatism and skin diseases. The young twigs are used as toothbrush to develop strong teeth. Leaves are also used as a mosquito repellent. Flowers are boiled in gingelly oil and applied on the head against dandruff. 15. Azima tetracantha Lam. Salvadoraceae Sunkan Root and leaves Root and leaf potion is used for joints swelling. 16. Calotropis gigantea (Linn.) R.Br. Asclepiadaceae Erukku Leaves, latex, The leaves are tied around wounds made by thorns.latex poultice is used for joints pain with swelling.a flower, root pinch of dried powdered flowers with honey is recommended for a month, in mental disorders.root powder is sprayed locally in leprosy and luecoderma. 17. Carica papaya Linn. Caricaceae Pappali Latex and leaves The milky latex of the plant is applied to teeth in order to relieve inflammatory pain. Boiled leaves with leaves of neem, brink as desired and use for steam baths to cure malaria. 18. Cardiospermum halicacabum Linn. Sapindaceae Mudakkathan Root and leaves Root is boiled with sesame oil and applied on head before bath to treat throat infection and headache.a leaf paste is applied for joint pain or leaves are prepared in the form of a soup and consumed to cure rheumatic pains. Whole plant is crushed with milk and applied on swellings for three days. 19. Cassia occidentalis L. Caesalpiniaceae Peithagarai Leaves and fruits Leaf paste is applied topically to treat scabies and to heal bone fracture and for skin diseases. / Oolanthavarai Fresh leaves were homogenized and mixed with gingelly oil and applied on the affected part to cure bone fracture and nerve dislocation.fruits are consumed to treat stomach disorder. 20. Catharanthus roseus (L.) G. Don. Apocynaceae Nithyakalyani (or) Whole plant Whole plant is powdered and mixed with cow s milk and taken orally to treat diabetes.three teaspoons of decoction of tender Sudukadu-mallikai stem twice a day is given for six month to the patient of AIDS. 21. Centella asiatica (L.) Urban Apiaceae Vallarai Leaves The dried plant is powdered and this powder is mixed with hot water, taken as for gas troubles; the fried plants are used in the diet of children for improving their memory.leaf juice is taken to treat jaundice. Taken as boiled vegetable in stomach disorders, good in treating skin diseases and given to mother after childbirth. This juice (above 2 teaspoons 3 times a day) is also given to children in the case of indigestion. 22. Chamaesyce hirta Mill. sp. Euphorbiaceae Amman patcharasi Whole plant The milky latex is applied topically to treat wounds and lip cracks. A paste made from the entire plant, mixed with goat s milk, is taken internally for all stomach upsets in children.extract of whole plant is drank for treatment of asthma and bronchitis. 23. Cissus quadrangularis Linn. Vitaceae Pirandai Stem Paste of stem is taken orally for easy digestion and inducing appetite. Stem paste is prepared by adding a bit of fresh lime and this is applied on the bite to cure insect bite.the stem is used to cure bone fracture.tender stem ground with coconut is used to treat stomach ulcers. 24. Cleome viscosa Linn. Capparidaceae Naivelai/ Naikadugu Leaves Leaf paste is applied topically to heal wounds.the juice of the leaves is poured into the ear to relieve earache and leaf powder is used for joints disease. 25. Coccinia grandis (L.) J. Voigt Cucurbitaceae Kovai Leaves Leaves juice is mixed with butter and applied topically to treat skin diseases. The leaf extract is mixed with milk, used in the cases of jaundice. 26. Cocculus hirsutus (Linn.) Diels. Menispermaceae Sirukattukodi Root and leaves The root juice is used to treat rheumatism.the decoction of its roots, dried ginger and Piper longum is given along with milk in rheumatic disorders.the leaves are crushed in cold water, some amount of water is allowed to remain for some times then it becomes like curd. The green curd like extract is applied on scalp for cooling the brain and soften the hair. 27. Coriandrum sativum Linn. Apiaceae/ Umbelliferae Koththamalli Fruits and leaves The seeds and the rhizome of Zingiber roseum are ground with water; the extract is taken internally for giddiness.the volatile oil found in the leaves may have antimicrobial properties. 28. Cynodon dactylon (L.) Pers. Poaceae/ Gramineae Arukampullu Whole plant Decoction of whole plant is taken orally to keep the body cool. The juice of the whole plant is used to reduce body heat and to lower the blood pressure. Pounded leaves boiled in coconut oil are applied for various skin diseases. 29. Datura metel Linn. Solanaceae Umattai Leaves Few drops of leaf juice is poured into ear to treat earache.leaf poultice oil is used for joints pain with swelling. 30. Erythrina indica Lamk. Fabaceae/ Leguminosae Kalyana-murungai Leaves stem bark A handful of leaves are ground with rice and made into a roasted dosa; this is consumed against cold and cough and leaf poultice is used for joints pain. Leaf and stem bark made into a powder and mixed well (1:1) 2 to 3 spoon powder mixed with boiled cow s milk and given to cut piles during pregnancy. Leaf juice is given to cure whooping cough of children. 31. Eucalyptus globulus Labill. Myrtaceae Thailamaram Leaves The vapours of boiled leaves are inhaled for coughs and a cold. The oil from the plant, mixed with coconut oil is applied to the chest to relieve a dry cough and chest pain. 32. Euphorbia antiquorum Linn. Euphorbiaceae Shadurakalli Latex Latex is applied on skin to relive body pain. Latex and oil is used for crippling arthritis. Milk poultice is used for joints swelling. 33. Ficus religiosa L. Moraceae Arasu Leaves Dried leaf powder is mixed with water and taken orally to get relief from body pain. 34. Gymnema sylvestre R.Br. Asclepiadaceae Sirukurinchan/ Leaves Leaf powder is mixed with cow s milk and taken orally to treat diabetes. The root powder is taken orally Sakkarakolli and also applied on the bitten spot to treat snake bites.a powder of the dried leaves is used to reduce the sugar level of the blood. 35. Heliotropium indicum L. Boraginaceae Thelkodukku Whole plant Paste of whole plant is applied topically to treat wounds and skin affections. Leaves is taken to treat fever and used for joints pain. 36. Hemidesmus indicus (L.) R.Br. Asclepiadaceae Nannari Leaves Juice extracted from the whole plant is taken internally to keep the body cool. Tuber and Root An extract of the entire plant is given in fevers.root oil is used for joints pain. Tuber is washed, dried, powdered and mixed with coconut milk, is taken after food to cure abdominal colic.tuber is washed, crushed and the juice is used to cure cough. Root decoction is consumed to cure stomach ulcers.

4 R. Vijayalakshmi et al. / Journal of Pharmacy Research 2011,4(9), S. No. Plant name Family Vernacular name Parts used Mode of application 37. Hibisus rosasinesis Linn. Malvaceae Semparuthi Leaves, flowers Paste of fresh leaves is applied on the hair for healthy and black-hair. Shade dried and powdered flowers are and roots used for cleaning the hair and to prevent hair loss.flower is fried with ghee, is eaten to check excessive menstrual bleeding in women and root extract drank for cough 38. Hybanthus enneaspermus F. Muell. Violaceae Orithal thamaria Whole plant Paste of whole plant is applied topically to treat cough.the plant extract is used to reduce body heat and also / purusharatnam to increase male fertility. 39. Justicia adhatoda Linn. Acanthaceae Adathodai Leaves Leaves are ground with the flowers of Hibiscus rosasinensis and taken orally to treat asthma. A leaf decoction is used to relieve fever.leaf extract with water is drink for treatment of cough and bronchitis; root extract with water drank for treatment of fever and dysentery. 40. Lawsonia inermis L. Lythraceae Maruthani Leaves Leaf powder is mixed with coconut oil and applied topically to treat cuts and wounds. A leaf paste is applied to cracks of the feet ( Piththa vedippu ), it is also has a cooling effect on the body.leaves made into a paste are applied on the affected parts to cure impetigo, twice a day till it is cured skin. Leaf oil is used as antirheumatic. 41. Leucas aspera (Willd.) Link. Lamiaceae/ Labiatae Thumbai Leaves A bunch of leaves is boiled and the vapour is inhaled to cure headache, cough, fever and cold. The juice of the leaves are put into the eyes two or three times in a day to relieve burning sensation and redness of eyes to cure eye pain. 42. Mentha arvensis L. Lamiaceae/ Labiatae Pudinaa Leaves Leaf extract drank to stop vomiting. 43. Mimosa pudica L. Mimosaceae Thottasurungi Leaves Pinch of leaf paste is applied topically to treat cuts and wounds. The fresh leaves are eaten to cure skin / Sottavatti disorders. 44. Murraya koenigii (L.) Sprengel. Rutaceae Kariveppilai Leaves Juice of tender leaves is taken orally to arrest vomiting. 45. Musa paradisiaca Linn. Musaceae Vazhai Stem A plant extract is given for snake bite and also for burns. 46. Nerium oleander L. Apocynaceae Arali Bark Juice prepared from the stem bark is boiled with gingelly oil and two drops are poured into ear to treat ear pain. 47. Ocimum sanctum L. Lamiaceae/ Labiatae Thulasi/Tulsi Leaves Leaves are crushed with onion bulbs and the juice is taken orally to treat cough, cold and headache. Leaves pounded along with Curcuma aromatica rhizomes are applied on the affected parts to cure tinea versicularis once a day in the night till it is cured skin. 48. Pergularia daemia (forsskal) Chiov. Asclepiadaceae Veeliparuthi Leaves A leaf paste is consumed to relieve gas trouble. Making small cut at location and inserting root to cure snake / Uttamani bite. The crude leaf paste is consumed to treat lactation. 49. Phyllanthus amarus Schum and Thonn. Euphoribaceae Kizhaanelli Leaves Fresh leaves are ground and mixed with a cup of cow or goat s milk and taken internally to cure jaundice.whole plant boiled in gingelly oil was filtered and applied on the head to cure migraine. The fresh root with water and made a paste and gives orally or the fresh roots given orally to cure jaundice. 50. Pongamia pinnata (L.) Pierre. Fabaceae/ Papilionaceae Pungam / Pungu Root bark seed Juice of root is mixed with equal amount of coconut milk, boiled and applied topically to cure wound and gastric trouble.the seed oil is used to cure rheumatic pains and swellings. Crushed barks boiled in gingelly oil are applied on the affected parts twice a day for 4 days to cure skin disease. 51. Solanum nigrum Linn. Solanaceae Manathakkali Whole plant Whole plant parts are taken as food to treat cough. The plant is prepared in the form of a soup is taken for stomach and ulcer. The leaf paste is also used to cure rabies. Leaf juice is drank for treatment of piles, enlargement of liver; root extract for cough. 52. Solanum surattense Burm.f. Solanaceae Kandankhatri Whole plant The powdered whole plant, mixed with water, is taken internally to cure colds and wheezing by difficult breathing.leaf oil is used for joints pain. 53. Solanum torvum Sw. Solanaceae Sundaikkai Leaves Leaf juice is taken orally to reduce body heat.a leaf paste is used to bath a newborn baby in order to protect it from infections. 54. Solanum trilobatum Linn. Solanaceae Thuthuvalai Fruits, leaves Unriped fruits are prepared as curry or roasted in gingelly oil and taken orally along with food to strengthen the body. The leaf juice is taken orally to treat cough, itching and asthma. 55. Spermacole hispida L. Rubiaceae Nathaichuri Seed The seeds are crushed into paste and taken orally to treat stomach problems. 56. Tinospora cordifolia (Wild.) Hook.f. and Menispermaceae Seendil/ Shindilkodi Leaves Leaf paste is applied topically to treat wounds.the leaf is crushed and juice is administered twice a day after Thom. delivery as a health tonic. 57. Toddalia asiatica (L.) Lam. Rutaceae Milagaranai Leaves Leaf decoction is taken to treat stomachache.leaf paste is applied on the surface of body to treat scabies. 58. Trianthema portulacastum Linn. Aizoaceae Saaranai Root Decoction of roots is taken internally to treat constipation and asthma. 59. Vitex negundo Linn. Verbenaceae Notchi Leaves Leaves are boiled in water and the vapour is inhaled twice a day to get relief from headache, fever, cold and cough.leaf extract is drank for treatment of fever, impaired hearing. 60. Wedelia chinensis (Osbeck) Merrill. Asteraceae Manjalkari Whole plant The seeds, flowers, as well as the leaves are used in decoction, in the quantity of half of a teacup twice daily, as a lamkanni deobstruent. In decoction, the plant is used in uterine haemorrhage and menorrhagia.leaves are used in dyeing grey hair and in promoting the growth of hair. They are considered as tonic alternative and useful in cough, skin diseases.

5 R. Vijayalakshmi et al. / Journal of Pharmacy Research 2011,4(9), DISCUSSION The present investigation highlights the age-old traditional knowledge about some medicinal plants used as remedy by the rural people of Cuddalore. Sixty plant species belonging 35 families of angiosperms were enumerated. Of these 53% are herbs, 20% trees, 17% climbers and 10% shrubs. Many plant species belonging to families of Asclepiadaceae, Euphorbiaceae, Lamiaceae and Solanaceae are frequently used. Tribal practitioner(s) use specific plant parts and dosages in treatment of specific ailments. Plant products are consumed as raw or decoction/infusion (oral treatment) and paste (external application). Fresh leaves, root and stem were more frequently used when compared to other parts of the plant. However, in most of the cases, it was recorded that internal uses predominates external application. If more than one plant is used, such preparations are more or less similar to Siddha formulations. Sometimes the healer may mix several plants as ingredients to cure a single disease but detailed information on the role of the components used in such formulation are obscure. The tribals of Cuddalore district utilize a large number of plants for medicinal and other purposes. A fair number of these species, listed for medicinal purposes by tribals, were found to be common and already reported from other places (Ganesan and Kesavan, 2003; Venkatesan et al., 2005). The use of certain species have gained importance due to their manifold properties. For example, Abutilon indicum is used for gout, tuberculosis and raktapita, bleeding disorders (Rajurkar et al., 2009) and beneficial in treating piles and leg pain. Acalypa indica for eczema and chest pain, Achyranthus aspera extract is used for the treatment of urinary disorder. Jain and Patole (2001) have also reported similar activities in certain plant species such as Cassia fistula and Gloriosa superba in their studies on ethnobotanical uses of plants. Aegle marmelos commonly known as Bael is indigenous to India and found wild all over the sub-himalayan forests, in central and south India. The bark as well as fruit is reputed to be a valuable Ayurvedic medicine for dysentery and various intestinal complaints. It possesses potent microfilarial, radioprotective, analgestic, antihyperglycemic, antidyslipidemic, anticancer and antidiabetic activity (Prabhjit Kaur et al., 2008). Several medicinal properties have been attributed to Ocimum sanctum. Similar activities was recorded earlier reports about Tulsi. As a prophylactic against malaria, fresh leaves are taken with black pepper in the morning. Aqueous decoction of whole plant lowers the blood sugar (glucose) level and is said to control diabetes mellitus and are also said to have abortifacient effect in women (Nagarajan et al., 1989; Chopra et al., 1993). All parts of Vitex negundo are the most potent for medical use. It is used for treatment of eye disease, toothache, inflammation, leucoderma, enlargement of the spleen, skin-ulcers, in catarrhal fever, etc. The leaves of V. negundo contain a number of antioxidant compounds which can effectively scavenge various reactive oxygen species/free radicals under in vitro conditions (Om Prakash Tiwari et al., 2005). Centella asiatica is commonly known as Asiatica centella. The plant is indigenous to India where it is used to support faster-healing of small wounds, chaps and scratches, surgical wounds, etc. It has been used traditionally as an antiinflammatory, particularly for eczema and also for minor itching and insect bites (Mackay and Miller, 2003). Aloe barbadensis is commonly called Aloe vera, the juice of this plant has unpleasant odor and taste. A number of paramedical publications extol its ability to promote the healing of burns and other cutaneous injuries and ulcers of mucous membranes. Many housewives are reported to grow A. barbadensis as a kitchen plant just to provide a home treatment for minor skin injuries. A preparation made from it has been patented as a topical medication for burns. It also have been found effective against peptic ulcers, skin disorders and infections treated in veterinary medicine (Farkas, 1963; Northway, 1975). Certain species of Solanaceae are most important in medicinal field. Datura metel leaf paste is mixed with Curcuma aromatica rhizomes is applied on the swellings for quick remedy till the swelling reduces of skin. Few drops of leaf juice is poured into ear to treat earache (Jeeva, 2007). Leaf paste of Solanum nigrum is applied externally to treat stomachache. Whole plant parts are taken as food to treat cough (Ramya, 2008). Leucas aspera (Lamiaceae) the vapours from the boiled leaves are inhaled to relieve coughing and colds. In this case the juice is put into the eyes two or three times in a day to relieve burning sensation and redness of eyes (Ganesan et al., 2007). Most of the species used in the preparation of herbal medicine are collected fresh; very rarely, dried and stored materials and used. Among the various plant parts used for the herbal formulations, leaves, stem, bark followed by root were preferred over other plant parts such as flowers, seeds and fruits. The remedy was also administered according to age, sex, health condition of patient and severity of cases. Traditional practitioners restrict certain food items during treatment period such as rice, chilli, oil, spices, cold water, eggs, meat and curd and fast recovery. It is also observed that they sometimes involve spiritual and magical practices to overcome cold, cough and fever. The length of the treatment for skin diseases varied from one week to 30 days or till complete recovery depending, according to the vaidyas, on the plant potency, part of the plant used, number of the species mixed and the mode of preparation. Hence the role of ethnobotanical surveys and field work is the crucial importance as some miraculous medicines for uncurable diseases are known to the local communities and aboriginals and much acquired knowledge through the ages is usually passed on generation to generation as a guarded secret of families. Therefore it is necessary to popularize the identify and utility of the medicinal plants. CONCLUSION The survey indicated that the study area has plenty of medicinal plants to treat a wide spectrum of human ailments. Earlier studies on traditional medicinal plants also revealed that the economically backward and tribal people of Tamilnadu prefer folk medicine due to low cost and sometimes it is part of their social life and culture. It is evident from the interviews conducted in different villages, knowledge of medicinal plants is limited to traditional healers, herbalists and elderly person who are living in rural areas. This study also pointed out that certain species of medicinal plants are being exploited by the local residents who are unaware of the importance of medicinal plants in the ecosystem. This study concluded that eventhough the accessibility of western medicine for simple and complicated diseases is available, many people in the studied parts of Cuddalore district is still continue to depend on medicinal plants, atleast for the treatment of some simple diseases such as cold, cough, fever, headache, poison bites, skin diseases and tooth infections. Well-knowledged healers have good interactions with patients and this would improve the quality of healthcare delivery. The present day traditional healers are very old. Due to lack of interest among the younger generation as well as their tendency to migrate to cities for losing this wealth of knowledge in the near future. It thus becomes necessary to acquire and preserve this traditional system of medicine by documentation and identification of specimens. The knowledge of the tribals, associated with the traditional healing practices using wild plants, is now fast disappearing due to modernization and the tendency to discard their traditional life style and gradual migration to the main stream. There is an urgent need to study and document their precious knowledge for posterity. According to the World Health Organization more than 80% of the world s population relies on traditional herbal medicine for their primary healthcare. In view of exploitation and conservation of folk knowledge, an attempt has been made to study the ethnobotanical aspects from the Cuddalore district in Tamilnadu state. REFERENCES 1. Abu-Rabia, A Urinary diseases and ethnobotany among pastoral nomads in the Middle East. J. Ethnobiol. Ethnomed., 1: Annamalai, R Tamil Nadu biodiversity strategy and action Planforest Biodiversity, Tamil Nadu Forest Department, Government of India, Chennai. 3. Awadh, A., N. Ali, K. Al-rahwil and U. Lindequist, Some medicinal plants used in Yemeni herbal medicine to treat malaria. Afr. J. Trad. Compl. Altern. Med., 1: Ayyanar, M. and S. Ignacimuthu, Traditional knowledge of Kani tribals in Kouthalai of Tirunelveli hills, Tamil Nadu, India.J. Ethnopharmacol., 102(2): Azaizeh, H., S. Fulder, K. Khalil and O. Said, Ethnomedicinal knowledge of local Arab practitioners in the Middle East Region. Fitoterapia, 74: Chopra, R.N., I.C. Chopra, K.L. Handa and L.D. Kapoor, Indigenous drugs of India, (Published by UN Dhar, Pvt. Ltd., Calcutta). 7. Farkas, A Topical medicament including polyuronide derived from Aloe. U.S. Patent, 3: 103, Gamble, J.S The Flora of the Presidency of Madras, Adlard and Son Ltd., London. 9. Ganesan, S. and L. Kesavan, Ethnomedicinal plants used by the ethnic group Valaiyans of Vellimalai hills (Reserved forest), Tamil Nadu, India. J. Econ. Taxon.

6 R. Vijayalakshmi et al. / Journal of Pharmacy Research 2011,4(9), Bot., 27(3): Ganesan, S., Ganesh Kuppusamy and R. Rand Sekar, Integrated management of stem rot disease (Sclerotium rolfsii)of groundnut (Arachis hypogaea L.) using Rhizobium and Trichoderma harzianum (ITCC-4572). Turk. J. Agric. For., 31: Hill, A.F Economic botany. A textbook of useful plants and plant products, 2 nd edn., McGraw-Hill Book Company Inc., New York. 12. Ignacimuthu, S., M. Ayyanar and K. Sankara Sivaraman, Ethnobotanical investigations among tribes in Madurai district of Tamil Nadu, India. J. Ethnobiol. Ethnomed., 2: Jain, A.K. and S.N. Patole, Less-known medicinal uses of plants among some tribal and rural communities of Pachmarchi forest (M.P.). Ethnobotany, 13: Jain, S.K The role of botanist in folklore research. Folklore, 5: Jain, S.K Ethnobotany in modern India: Phytomorphology Golden Jubilee Issue: Trends in Plant Science, Jain, S.K. and R.R. Rao, A handbook of field and herbarium methods. Today and Tomorrow Printers and Publishers, New Delhi, 17. Jeeva, G.M., S. Jeeva and C. Kingston, Traditional treatment of skin diseases in South Travancore, Southern Peninsular India. Indian J. Trad. Knowl., 6(3): Kala, C.P Ethnomedicinal botany of the Apatani in the Eastern Himalayan region of India. J. Ethnobiol. Ethnomed., 1: Khan, A.U History of decline and present status of natural tropical thorn forest in Punjab. Pakistan Biol. Conserv., 63: Lev, E Ethno-diversity within current ethno-pharmacology as part of Israeli traditional medicine A review J. Ethnobiol. Ethnomed., 2: Mackay, D. and A.L. Miller, Nutritional support for wound healing. Altern. Med. Rev., 8(4): Matthew, K.M The flora of the Tamil Nadu Carnatic. The Rapinat Herbarium, St. Joseph s College, Tiruchirapalli, India. Source of support: Nil, Conflict of interest: None Declared 23. Nagarajun, S., H.C. Jain and G.S. Aulkh, Indigenous plants used in the control of diabetes. In: cultivation and utilization of medicinal plants. Editors: Atal, C.K. and Kapoor, B.M., Published by PID CSIR, p Northway, R.B Vet. Med. Small Anim. Clin., 70: Om Prakash, T. and Y.B. Tripathi, Antioxidant properties of different fractions of Vitex negundo Linn. Food Chem., 100: Patrick, O.E Herbal medicines: challenges (Ed.). Trop. J. Pharm. Res., 1(2): Pei, S.J Ethnobotanical approaches of traditional medicine studies: some experience from Asia. Pharm. Biol., 39: Prabhjit Kaur, Amandeep Walia, Subodh Kumar and Satwinderjeet Kaur, Antigenotoxic activity of polyphenolic rich extracts from Aegle marmelos (L.) Correa in human blood lymphocytes and E. coli PG 37. Rec. Nat. Prod., 3: Rajurkar, R., R. Jain, N. Matake, P. Aswar and S.S. Khadbadi, Anti-inflammatory action of Abutilon indicum (L.) Sweet leaves by HRBC Membrane Stabilization. Res. J. Pharm. Tech., 2(2): Ramya, S., C. Rajasekaran, R. Sivaperumal, A. Krishnan and R. Jayakumararaj, Ethnomedicinal perspectives of botanicals used by Malayali Tribes in Vattal Hills of Dharmapuri (TN), India. Ethnobot. Leaflets, 12: Rao, R.R Traditional knowledge and sustainable development: Key role of entho-biologist. J. Ethnobotany, 8: Sandha, B., S. Thomas, W. Isabel and R. Shenbagarthai Ethnomedicinal plants used by the Valaiyan community of Pirammalai hills, Tamil Nadu, India A pilot study. Afr. J. Trad. Compl. Altern. Med., 3(1): Sen, P Therapeutic potentials of Tulsi: from experience to facts. Drugs News and Views, 1(2): Venkatesan, G., S. Ganesan, L. Kesavan and N. Banumathy, Ethnobotany of ethic group Thottianaickan of Tiruchirappalli district, Tamil Nadu, India. In: Advances in Medicinal Plants. Vol. I. Pub. Asian Medicinal Plants and Health Care Trust, Jodhpur, Rajasthan, pp