Traditional plants used for the treatment of gynaecological disorders in Vedaranyam taluk, South India - An ethnomedicinal survey

Abstract

Gynaecological disorder is one of the most severe conditions under reproductive health. So we investigate and collect information from traditional practitioners on the use of medicinal plants for treatment of Gynaecological disorder in Vedaranyam taluk, Nagappattinam district of South India. The field study was carried out for a period of January 2014–January 2015 in Vedaranyam taluk, Nagappattinam district of South India. This is the first traditional medicine study in which statistical calculations about plants are done by RFC, CI, UV and ICF in the study area. The ethnomedicinal information was collected through interviews, informal meetings, open and group discussions and overt observations with semi-structured questionnaires among traditional practitioners. A total of 66 species of plants distributed in 62 genera belonging to 44 families were identified as commonly used ethno medicinal plants by traditional practitioners in Vedaranyam taluk for the treatment of 36 ailments based on the reproductive systems treated. Leaves were the most frequently used plant parts and most of the medicines were prepared in the form of paste and administrated orally. We know the most important species according to their use value such as Moringa oleifera, Smailax zeylanica and Achyranthes aspera were recorded. The present study, we have highlighted some claims which are high use in the study area. Further pharmacological studies of these plants may provide some important drugs for the treatment of common gynaecological disorders.