Ethnomedicinal plants used by Kani tribals in Pechiparai forests of Southern western Ghats, Tamil Nadu, India

Kumari Subitha, T. Ayyanar M.,

Abstract

An ethnobotanical survey was conducted to document the ethnomedicinal plants which are used by the Kani tribal people in Pechiparai forest range (southern Western Ghats) in Kanyakumari district of Tamil Nadu, India. The information on plants was collected by interviewing the local Kani traditional practitioners. The present study revealed that the plants which are used in traditional systems are mostly collected from the wild resources. There were 58 species of medicinal plants belonging to 27 families were documented in the present study and are mostly used to cure skin diseases, stomach problems, diabetes, urinary infections, fever, cough, cold, snakebites, earache, hair growth, headache, indigestion, itches, swellings, wounds and dental problems. The collection and documentation of their empirical knowledge and traditional techniques based on the traditional use of plants is no doubt a remarkable step keeping in view the fading ethnic traditions and culture. More attempts should be made to authenticate and evaluate the efficacy of these herbs and products used by the tribal communities.