Medicinal plants used by tribes of andaman and nicobar Islands: A conservation appraisal

Abstract

The present study was conducted to document the indigenous healthcare knowledge of tribes (Nicobarese, Shompens, Jarawas, Onges) inhabiting the Andaman and Nicobar group of Islands. Among these, Nicobarese use very high number of plant species as medicine. They collect them from surrounding natural habitat but many of these are becoming endangered. Out of these, 39 species belonging to 38 genera under different families are found to be endemic and their population is dwindling sturdily. Of these 17 species were used for curing multiple ailments, 8 species for intestinal disorders, 8 species for malarial fever, four species for 25 families asthma and cough related ailments, and one species each for cancerous blisters, arthritis and allergic ailments. The biochemical activities of these species are worth investigating. Measures of conservation have also been discussed in the present communication. Phytogeography of these species is worth studying to implement management practices for conservation.