Ethnomedicinal plants used by the paniya tribes in Gurusimalai hills, Pandalur, Niligiri district

Abstract

In the present report an attempt has been made to document the available ethno-medicinal plants and their application among Paniya tribes in Gurusimalai Hills, Pandalur, Niligiri district. Regular field trips were conducted during the months of July-November 2022. The information about the plants was recorded by means of discussion using standard questionnaire with the informers along with the field visits during the collection hours. According to the report of study, a total about 70 plant species belonging to 62 genera and 35 families for treating various kinds of ailments such as Fever, bronchitis, piles, ulcer, abdominal disorders, skin diseases, urinary discharges, snake bite, asthma, diabetes, heart diseases and weight loss. Among the parts, Root, leaves, fruits and Seeds were mainly utilized by the informants. A detailed analysis concluded that, Leaves (46 species) were the most frequently used part of a plant followed by the Fruit (15 species), Root (10 species), Seed (9 species), Whole plant parts, Flower and Bark (each 4 species), Stem (2 species) and Tuber (1 species). The most commonly used medicinal plants fell under shrub forms (25 species) followed by Herb (19 species), tree (13 species), Climber (12 species) and succulent herb (1 species). The mode of formulation preparation or administration was observed to be in the form of juice (27 species) followed by past (15 species), decoction (14 species), Powder (11 species), and vapour (3 species). The present study concluded that the native people in the study area have their unique way of utilizing medicinal plants to treat different kinds of ailments. This might pave the path for developing a scientifically validated botanical or lead to semi-synthetic derivatives intended for modern medicine.