Observation on Single-plant Therapy (Ekala Dravya Chikitsa) among Folk Healers of Andaman and Nicobar Islands, India

Abstract

Introduction: The collection and documentation of folklore claims of the native population of Andaman and Nicobar Islands including tribes are very essential as these claims can pave the path for new drug discovery. The concept of treating a disease by using a single plant or utilizing it as health supplements are rapidly spreading all over the world and it is widely practiced by physicians. Objectives: This study sought to document the distinct plant species used in treatment by the native and tribes of Andaman and Nicobar Islands, India. Materials and methods: During the year 2013 to 2016, a total of 23 periodical surveys of 75 forest beats of Andaman and Nicobar Islands were conducted and 62 local traditional folk healers were interviewed as per the questionnaire based on ethnomedicinal, survey protocol. Observations: One hundred and forty-one folklore claims related to single-herbal remedies were registered which comprises 103 medicinal plant species used to treat 47 different diseases. Maximum numbers of species, i.e., 13 are utilized to cure abdominal pain followed by 12 species for headache and 11 species for fever. Discussion: Among the 103 plant species, 85 species have been quoted in the texts of Ayurveda and the remaining 18 plants have been also defined as folk medicine in other literature of plant studies. However, this study highlights their utilization in common disease by the native and tribal folk healers of Andaman and Nicobar Islands. Conclusion: This study gives immense output on the use of the individual medicinal plant in varied systemic and local diseases from the folk healers of the Andaman and Nicobar Islands. Organized and constructive information incorporated in this article may aid in conducting further pharmacological, toxicological, and clinical studies on reported claims to confirm their therapeutic efficacy and utility.