Ethnobotanical Exploration Research Articles

Ethnobotanical Exploration of Traditional Medicinal Plants Among the Rural Inhabitants of District Muzaffarabad, Kashmir Himalayan Region

Indigenous knowledge provides insights into the therapeutic properties of medicinal plants used in local communities for basic healthcare. This research focuses on documenting the medical knowledge of rural communities that rely on medicinal plants in their traditional healthcare practices in the district of Muzaffarabad, Kashmir Himalayas. A field survey was carried out in 2022 and 2023 to collect data on wild medicinal plants. Informants were selected at random to learn about indigenous medical practices through semi-structured interviews and group discussions with 95 informants. The ethnomedicinal data were quantitatively analyzed using indices of use value (UV) and relative frequency citation (RFC). The study area documented 57 medicinal plants from 34 different families. Polygonaceae was the most dominant family, contributing 14.03% to medicinal plants, followed by Lamiaceae (10.52%) and Rosaceae (7.01%). Among medicinal plants, communities predominantly used herbs (64.91%) and leaves (29.09%) to treat several health problems. Mentha longifolia had the highest reported use value (1.71), and Bergenia ciliata had the highest recorded RFC value (0.72). Rural inhabitants continue to rely on wild medicinal plants as their primary source of medication. The transmission of indigenous knowledge to descendants is steadily declining and is primarily limited to healthcare practitioners and the elderly. These communities have kept important indigenous knowledge, which must be preserved for sustainable resource management and conservation. A more extensive field exploration is required to discover all of the indigenous knowledge in rural areas of Kashmir.

Ethno-Medico-Botanical Studies of Plant Resources of Beed District, Maharashtra, India: Retrospect and Prospects

The Beed district of Maharashtra, India, harbors a rich repository of ethnobotanical knowledge regarding medicinal plants. This review delves into the traditional wisdom of local communities, documenting the therapeutic applications of 191 plant species belonging to 61 families. The study reveals a diverse array of medicinal remedies derived from various plant parts, with leaves being the most commonly utilized. Skin diseases, gastrointestinal disorders, respiratory infections, and fever emerged as the primary ailments treated with these plant-based remedies. This comprehensive review underscores the urgent need for further ethnobotanical exploration within the district to meticulously document the traditional knowledge associated with medicinal plants and rigorously validate their efficacy through scientific investigation. Delving into the secrets of these medicinal plants might unveil a wealth of novel herbal remedies, all while protecting these invaluable natural treasures.

Traditional remedies for diabetes used by the Ao (Naga) tribe in Mokokchung district, Nagaland, India

Diabetes, a metabolic disorder, poses a significant global health challenge and is recognized as a major non-communicable disease. This widespread issue not only impacts the well-being of individuals but also poses economic burdens, particularly on developing nations. Consequently, there is a pressing need for appropriate solutions and effective medicines, making it a focal point of research globally. Despite remarkable progress in modern allopathic medicine, there exists no definitive cure for diabetes within this system. Additionally, allopathic drugs, while beneficial, often come with severe side effects that can lead to various physiological disorders. In the light of these challenges, ethnobotanical exploration emerges as a viable alternative, providing an avenue to identify potential folk medicines for treating metabolic disorders.The current study aimed to investigate the diversity of medicinal plants traditionally used by the Ao (Naga) tribe in Mokokchung for diabetes treatment and to document these folk remedies. Mokokchung district, Nagaland, is home to the Ao (Naga) tribe, a community reliant on ethnomedicinal herbs for their daily needs and healthcare. The study, conducted between September 2021 and March 2022, involved structured interviews with traditional healers to collect information on their use of medicinal plants in managing various ailments. The study findings underscored the richness of medicinal plants and folk formulations employed in diabetes treatment within the Mokokchung district of Nagaland. A total of 32 medicinal plant species from 26 families were documented. Despite the advancements in modern medicine, traditional ethnomedicinal practices are gradually losing favor, particularly among younger generations, leading to the erosion of this invaluable knowledge. Hence, there is an urgent need for further scientific investigation to validate the claims and efficacy of folk medicines used for diabetes treatment. Inthis background, there is a critical requirement for inventory, documentation and scientific validation of these practices and folk medicines. Immediate attention to these efforts is crucial to preserve this invaluable knowledge and facilitate its integration with modern medical practices, ensuring the preservation and effective utilization of this traditional wisdom.

Ethno-botanical exploration of wild edible plants used by tribal’s of Narsinghpur district, Madhya Pradesh

Ethno-botanical exploration of wild edible plants used by tribal’s of Narsinghpur district, Madhya Pradesh

Ethnobotanical Exploration on PVTG, The Chenchu Tribe of Srisailam Forests in Nallamala Hills of Eastern Ghats in India With Special Reference to Anti Venom Tool, The Herbal Necklace For Snake Bite.

The medicinal plants are the local heritage with global importance. The plants are important source in the preparation of ethno medicine and play a significant role in the survival of ethnic people worldwide. Snake bite is a severe medical, social, and economic problem in many parts of the world. In India a range of medicinal plants are used as antidote for snake bite used either singly or in combination with other agents. The present study makes an effort to document the indigenous knowledge regarding herbal remedies for snake bite practiced by the Deva Chenchus of Srisailam forests of Nallamala hills of Eastern Ghats in India. During the ethnobotanical explorations carried out during 2021 to 2022 an interesting cultural practice by the Particularly Vulnerable Tribal Group (PVTG), the Deva Chenchu ethnic tribe was observed for documentation of Indigenous knowledge . The males of native Chenchu tribe sport a herbal necklace as their identity as well as antidote to snakebite. The medicinal plants of herbal necklace are identified. Further studies are required to evaluate efficacy for the anti venom properties of the herbal necklace.

Ethnomedicinal Plants Used by the Pnar Tribes of Meghalaya for the Treat-ment of Diabetes Mellitus

Diabetes mellitus is the world’s major public health issue and has been dubbed the “Silent Epidemic” of the twenty-first century. This is the first ethnobotanical exploration to document the folk medicinal usage of plants with therapeutic antidiabetic properties by the Pnar tribes of East Jaintia Hills, Meghalaya. Forty-one practitioners and knowledgeable people were interviewed using a semi-structured questionnaire. Field inventories were then conducted to collect plant material for botanical identification. In this study, 51 plant species belonging to 34 families and 45 genera have been identified. This study indicates that herbs were the most prevalent living form used (N = 23) for the treatment. Rhus semialata is one of the most frequently cited medicinal plants, with a Relative Frequency of Citation (RFC) of 0.73. Moreover, the details about the phytochemicals and the pharmacological activities of identified plant species have been reviewed and disclosed. Agricultural expansion, deforestation, urbanization, and unscientific exploitation of the forests were cited most when respondents were asked about the threat to medicinal plants. Of the 51 plant species, 12 are included on the IUCN Red List. Therefore, this documentation of indigenous plants would create awareness about the importance of medicinal plants and their conservation and protection.

ROLE OF WILD EDIBLE FRUITS USED BY THE TRIBALS FROM SHAHPUR TALUKA OF THANE DISTRICT

Objectives: The objectives of this study were as follows: (1) The present study deals with the identification, ethno botanical exploration, and documentation of plant species that deal with wild edible fruits with respect to food and medicinal value. (2) Documentation of the medicinal value of wild edible fruits was done through discussion with local medicine men and Vaidus. Methods: The ethno botanical survey was carried out in Shahpur Taluka of Thane District from June 2021 to January 2023. The data were collected through discussions and interviews with experienced people and traditional healers. The data on wild edible fruits were collected using preparation of questionnaire in the local language and group discussions. Voucher specimens were collected during the walk with informants. The collected plants were identified using standard floras. Results: From Shahpur Taluka of Thane district, a total of 40 wild edible fruit plants belonging to 25 families have been documented. Wild edible plants play an important role in the lives of rural populations in every aspect, such as supplemented food, nutritionally balanced diets, medicine, fruits, and fodder, along with their daily income potential. Among different parts of plant species, fruits are more consumed by the tribals. Thane district is rich in indigenous plants that have been explored for their nutritional and medicinal values, and that’s why it is necessary to conserve the biodiversity, which could help to maintain and improve the source of food supply for the inhabitants. Conclusion: The present work documented 40 wild edible fruit plants. Out of these, most of the plants have medicinal value. Further investigation of their phytochemical and nutraceutical studies may provide better nutritional and medicinal sources in the future.

Quantitative ethnobotanical exploration of wild medicinal plants of Arang Valley, District Bajaur, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Pakistan: a mountainous region of the Hindu Kush Range

Quantitative ethnobotanical exploration of wild medicinal plants of Arang Valley, District Bajaur, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Pakistan: a mountainous region of the Hindu Kush Range

Traditional Ethnobotanical Applications of Artemisia alba Turra and Artemisia absinthium L. from Stara Planina Mt in Serbia

Artemisia alba Turra and Artemisia absinthium L. are two plant species within the genus Artemisia L. (Compositae), that played significant roles in the ethnobotanical practices of diverse cultures. This study aims to provide an in-depth exploration of these plants’ traditional uses, cultural significance, and potential therapeutic applications, shedding light on their historical and contemporary relevance. The present study presents a holistic view of the ethnobotanical knowledge associated with A. alba and A. absinthium across different regions at Stara Planina Mt in Serbia, employing a comprehensive research methodology, including a literature review, field survey, and interviews with local communities. The findings revealed a spectrum of traditional uses for both plants. A. alba has been employed for its reported medicinal properties, particularly in treating digestive disorders, fever, and skin conditions. Additionally, its aromatic properties have led to its inclusion in culinary practices and its use in the cosmetic industry. A. absinthium, commonly known as wormwood, has a rich history of therapeutic services. Traditional medicine systems have utilized it for its potential as a digestive aid, antiparasitic agent, and febrifuge. The plant is most known as an ingredient in preparing herbal liqueurs in various societies worldwide throughout history. The study also explores these plants’ potential pharmacological and nutraceutical applications, as modern research has highlighted their bioactive compounds with antimicrobial, anti-inflammatory, and antioxidant properties. The ethnobotanical exploration of A. alba and A. absinthium underscores their multidimensional roles in human societies. Their uses in traditional medicine, culinary arts, and cultural practices highlight the relationships between plants and people. This research contributes to the preservation of traditional knowledge. It emphasizes the importance of sustainable management and conservation efforts of these botanical resources.

Ethnobotanical Survey of Wild Edible Plants of Leh District, Ladakh

Ethnobotanical exploration was undertaken to document the Wild edible plants (WEPs) utilised by the inhabitants of the Leh district. Traditionally exploited WEPs are an indispensable part of every household culinary. This place is known for its unique culture and cuisine which diversifies it from the rest of India. Pre-structured questionnaires, guided field visits, field examinations, and group discussions were conducted to gather ethnobotanical data. Detailed inquiries were made on the plant’s part used, time of collection and method of food preparation. In the present study, 40 wild consumable plants were documented, these belong to 18 families and spreads to 31 genera; out of which four are new records as wild food plants. They are Cotoneaster integerrimus, Dracocephalum heterophyllum, Astragalus frigidus, and Turritis glabra. Diverse use of wild leafy plants was observed and some of the most famous dishes are ‘Shangsho tsodma’ and ‘Kabra tsodma’ vegetables. The utilisation of wild plants helps enrich diet diversity and enhances the availability of green vegetables hence broadening food choices. Our study also reveals that the gathering of wild plants is confined to village people, shepherds, and farmers, and a majority of this knowledge exists in the memory of the elderly and these wild resources are under threat due to various anthropogenic activities. Therefore, the present finding highlights the value of these plants along with maintaining regional traditional knowledge and preserving the old ethnic traditional way of living and eating. Further, this information will provide baseline data to upcoming researchers dealing with nutrition and nutraceutical aspects. In addition, these wild plants are nutritionally rich and their consumption should be encouraged.

ETHNOBOTANICAL STUDY OF MEDICINAL PLANTS IN KORE DISTRICT, SOUTHEASTERN ETHIOPIA

Across the world throughout the age, plants have been an important source of both defensive and curative traditional medicine preparation for human and livestock diseases. However, in the Kore district no ethnobotanical exploration had previously been conducted. Therefore, the present study was conducted to identify plant species that are used as traditional medicines for the treatment of human and livestock diseases and to determine and document traditional medicinal plant parts used, their mode of preparation, dosage, route of administration of remedies and associated traditional knowledge in the study area. The result of the survey revealed that a total of 97 medicinal plants belonging to 91 genera and 53 families were identified. From the total plant species (64.9%) were collected from wild vegetation and (15.4%) are from home gardens and the rest of 12.4% are from roadsides, fences, farmlands and villages. In the study area (62.9%) species were recorded for the treatment of human health problems,(20.6%) for livestock and(16.5%) for the treatment of both human and livestock. Leaves were the most frequently used part in preparing herbal remedies. Crushing and oral route of administration were commonly used method of herbal medicine preparation and administration respectively. The most common condition of preparation was fresh form of preparation. Preference ranking analysis showed that Olea europaea ranked first for the most effective medicinal plant to cure wound. Pair wise comparison of medicinal plant shows that Lepidium sativum is the most preferred in treating stomachache. Informant consensus agreement for Febrile illness, Headache, Fever and Dizziness have high Informant consensus factor (0.85). The analysis result of FL shows that Allium sativum scored the highest FL (80%).

Ethnobotanical exploration of medicinal plants for the treatment of migraine in Dakshina Kannada district of Western Ghats, Karnataka, India

Migraine is a recurrent neurological disorder of humans affecting approximately 15% of the population globally. It frequently appears in childhood, particularly around puberty and affects women more than men. Traditional medicine has a key role in primary health care system of people residing in remote and rural regions. This study has been carried out in Western Ghats of Dakshina Kannada district, Karnataka state, India during 2018 - 2021 to document ethno-medicinal plants used by traditional practitioners to treat migraine. Most people prefer herbal folk therapies against this chronic disorder. Ethnobotanical study was carried out by repeated field visits. Information pertaining to the migraine was gathered by open-ended discussions with local traditional healers through a semi-structured questionnaire. All together 67 key informants shared their unique method of treatment against migraine. A total of 53 plant species belonging to 29 families are being used by local folk practitioners. Data was analyzed by quantitative tools like Relative frequency of citation (RFC) and Family importance value (FIV) to compare the importance of reported plants. Leaves are the mostly used plant parts in the preparation of herbal formulation. Internal mode of application was more prevalent to treat migraine. Documentation of traditional knowledge of using plants in primary health care systems will be necessary in order to face new challenges by the modern medical world.

Traditional Healer of Asclepiadoideae of Apocynaceae in Bankura, West Bengal

The present communication deals with the ethno-botanical exploration, identification of some plants of formerly Asclepiadaceae that are treated as subfamily Asclepiadoideae, the milkweed subfamily of family Apocynaceae (order Gentianales) as per APG III system of classification. The plants of this subfamily are being used frequently by the rural people of Bankura. During the present investigation, a total of 14 species of subfamily Asclepiadoideae have been reportedthey were used by the local health healers for the treatment of different diseases. Among them Calotropisgigantea, Hemidesmusindicus, Pergulariadaemia, Telosmapallida, Tylophoraindica, are leading species that are frequently used for a variety of health problems. As reported by informants, roots are the most important part used for herbal preparation followed by whole plant, leaf and fruit. The rural people of Bankura have good knowledge about ethno-medicinal plants and this legacy of traditional culture must be conserved. So present paper depicts various plant resources of ethno-medicinewith special reference to subfamily Asclepiadoideae.

Quantification of Vanillin in Fruits of Vanilla planifolia by High-Resolution Liquid Chromatography

Vanilla planifolia is an orchid whose origin is the humid tropic of the south of Mexico, a cause of high quality and fine aroma; vanillin has a high added value in the worldwide market; therefore, this current investigation has been focused on the quantification of vanillin concentration which was collected on three different traditional agroecosystems located on the northeastern Sierra of the state of Puebla, commonly known as Totocapan Region in Mexico. For this, was performed an ethnobotanical exploration on every cultivar to collect V. planifolia crops. Then it ripened through a traditional process, and at the end, a sample was taken and carried out at High-Performance Liquid Chromatography (HPLC) protocol using methanol. The results showed significant differences in vanillin concentration and were dependent on the cut-off date. In December, we found concentrations of 9.73 g/s, on march 7.86 g/s, and April 14.26 g/s. According to these results, vanilla producers could choose the cut-off dates and negotiate a better price; besides this, V. planifolia has been protected by a denomination of origin. With this result, we can conclude that the crop yield period recommended by the Mexican Standard NMX-FF-074-1996 did not consider the agroecological environmental conditions of the north sierra mountains and northeastern mountains of the state of Puebla, where the present research was performed. The actual regulations correspond to the environmental conditions of the state of Veracruz, where the latitude varies from 10 to 2550 meters above sea level. Therefore, and according to the actual climate that affects the region, it is important to consider this to choose a vanilla crop yielding.

Ethnomedicinal knowledge among the Malayali tribal of Chitteri hills, Eastern Ghats, Tamil Nadu, India

The present study was aimed to document the ethnomedicinal knowledge among the Malayali tribal of Chitteri hills Eastern Ghats of Tamil Nadu, India. Field visits were made to the Chitteri hills every month covering all seasons. Interviews with traditional healers and other knowledgeable inhabitants and farmers were conducted. The Malayali tribal people of Chitteri hills use 320 plant species for their day-to-day life, this ethnobotanical exploration revealed they were the habit of using around 216 species of medicinal plants belonging to 200 genera under 45families. Malayali tribes use morphological characters such as bark surface, leaf colour, leaf taste and exudates, underground plant parts and ecology of species as criteria for identification of 135 species belongs to 105 genera under 46 families. The documentation of the knowledge of Malayali tribal identification of plants of Chitteri hills is to be accorded top priority in the preservation of our ancient traditional knowledge.

Reproductive health related ethno-medicinal practices among the Paraja and Gadaba tribes of Koraput district, Odisha, India

In the remote and inaccessible areas of Koraput district, ethnomedicine become the vital source of medicine. In this research, an ethno botanical exploration was made among the tribal communities of Paraja and Gadaba group to find out their Ethnomedicinal Practices for enhancing reproductive health. This information was collected from 37 Paraja and Gadaba tribal dominated villages of 25 Gram Panchayats belonging to 5 development blocks of Koraput district, Odisha. In the study, a total of 71 plant species belonging to 38 families were identified as being used for treatment of approximately 25 ailments of reproductive diseases including both male and female category. Fabaceae (15.5), Apocynaceae (8.5), Euphorbiaceae (5.6), Arecaceae (4.2), Malvaceae (4.2), and Solanaceae (4.2) were most represented plant families in this study. Bauhinia vahlii (5.1), Asparagus racemosus Wild. (4.3), Achyranthes aspera L. (3.4), Carica papaya L. (3.4), Cocos nucifera L. (3.4) were most cited. Though all these plant species are used at community level, information was collected from ethnic healers and cross verified from the beneficiary patients. Further, phyto-chemical investigation is necessary for patenting and use in pharmacological industry for the benefit of the entire humankind. It is the need of the hour to explore, identify and utilize ethnomedicine because of their less or no side effects in curing diseases, high efficacy, easy accessibility, and less cost on one hand and, on the other, this knowledge will help to conserve the existing but threatened flora and fauna species of rare medicinal values of the locality.

Diversity and Utilization of Medicinal Flora of Baba Ghulam Shah Badshah University Campus Rajouri Jammu and Kashmir, India

Background: Indian Himalayan region has a rich heritage of species and genetic strains of flora and fauna and is considered as mega hot spot of biological diversity. Wild plant raw material is in great demand around the world for use by pharmaceutical companies, ethnomedicinal practitioners and variety of traditional medicines. India is one of the world’s major exporters of raw herbal drugs and the Himalayas are renowned for their vast storehouse of medicinal plants. The present study conducted at Baba Ghulam Shah Basdshah University located in District Rajouri, Jammu and Kashmir recorded the presence of 46 species of medicinal plants belonging to 34 families. Methods: The plant specimens were collected from different parts of Baba Ghulam Shah Badshah University Campus. All the parameters like habit, habitat, life form, parts used, methods of use were recorded on filed notebook along with date of collection. Routine herbarium practices were followed for preserving the plant specimens. The plant specimens were collected and their external morphology was studied and examined carefully. The specimens of medicinal plants were properly labelled and subsequently deposited in the Herbarium, Centre of Biodiversity Studies, BGSBU, Rajouri, Jammu and Kashmir, India. Result: During ethnobotanical exploration, 46 species distributed over 44 genera in 34 Families of wild medicinal plants were documented from four sampling sites. The details pertaining to common names, part used, medicinal uses and active constituents of each species were tabulated. Among the plant parts used, leaves contributed for medicinal use in about 63% species, followed by fruits in 19% species, underground parts in 10.8% species and flowers in 6.5% species. The enlisted plant species belonged to three life forms viz., herbs (21), shrubs (15) and trees (10). Asteraceae was the most dominant family represented by 4 species followed by Moraceae, Lamiaceae and Fabaceae each represented by 3 species, while as families like Meliaceae, Violaceae, Berberidaceae were represented by 01 species each.

Diversidad fenotípica de chile Amashito de Tabasco y Chiapas, México

El objetivo del trabajo fue realizar la exploración etnobotánica, recolecta y caracterización in situ de poblaciones de chile Amashito (Capsicum annuum var. Glabriusculum) de los estados de Tabasco y Chiapas. El trabajo se desarrolló de julio a diciembre de 2017 en 24 comunidades del estado de Tabasco y 15 comunidades del norte del estado de Chiapas, México. Los sitios de exploración se eligieron con base al sondeo de informantes clave (recolectores reconocidos), información de mercados y literatura disponible. Se aplicó una encuesta a 39 recolectores, uno por cada sitio de estudio. El tamaño de muestra a recolectar varió entre 3 y 5 plantas. Se midieron in situ 20 descriptores morfológicos de planta, flor y fruto de 98 poblaciones. Los datos se analizaron por medio de análisis de componentes principales y conglomerados jerárquicos con las 13 variables que explicaron la mayor variación morfológica. Los recolectores identifican nueve morfotipos de chile Amashito que se distinguen por color, pigmentación, forma y tamaño del fruto principalmente, y estos crecen principalmente en ecosistemas de haciendas de cacao, acahuales, platanales y milpas. Los tres primeros componentes principales explican 50.2% de variación morfológica observada. Las poblaciones de chile Amashito se diferencian y agrupan de acuerdo con las características geográficas de los sitios de estudio. Las poblaciones de la región norte de Chiapas se caracterizaron por presentar frutos alongados y de mayor tamaño en comparación con los de las comunidades de Tabasco. También se encontró que en las zonas aledañas en donde convergen las dos regiones de estudio se distinguió un grupo de poblaciones que comparten similitudes morfológicas.

Ethnomedicinal Information of Selected Members of Vitaceae with Special Reference to Kerala State

An ethnobotanical exploration of selected Vitaceae members of Kerala state was conducted from September 2014 to December 2018. During the ethnobotanical surveys, personal interviews were conducted with herbal medicine practitioners, traditional healers, elder tribal people and village dwellers. Field studies were conducted at regular intervals in various seasons in different regions of Kerala. Some of the genus belonging Vitaceae have ethnomedicinal significance stated by herbal medicine practitioners and elder tribal persons. It is an urgent need for documenting these peculiar plant species before such valuable knowledge becomes inaccessible and extinct.

Traditional remedial plants utilized in the Paliyar’s tribe handling of different skin diseases from Sadhuragiri hills, Tamil Nadu, india

An ethnobotanical exploration, an attempt has been made to survey the indigenous knowledge on herbal medicines used as a therapy for skin disorders by the Paliyar tribes of Sadhuragiri hills. The purpose of this study is to assess traditional knowledge on medicinal plants which forms a baseline data for future pharmacological and phytochemical studies, to identify the vital species used for skin medicine, finding out methods for various preparations, and calculate the % informants in relation to medicinal plant use. In this study frequent field trips were made for the collection of plant specimens and information on medicinal aspects from traditional healers and women folk through questionnaire and interviews. The information of herbal preparation, parts used, mode of administration and local name was also taken during the study period. The present study has resulted in the documentation of 50 medicinal plant species belonging to 26 families and 41 genera used by the Paliyar for treatment of different skin ailments, viz. Scabies, Skin allergy, eczema, Wound swelling, Ring worm, itches, Heal crack, Burn wounds, Poison bite infection. The findings of present study shows documentation of 20 plant species which are found little known or less reported in available published literature. The Paliyar tribe lives interiorly in the forest localities and Government is making policies to rehabilitate them outside of forest areas, it is necessary to tap their rich heritable traditional knowledge on medicinal plants within time before it become vanished due to modernization. A inclusive detailed search and report on the pattern of utilization of medicinal plants by this tribe has not evidenced in the earlier publications. Therefore, present attempt has been made to document traditional knowledge of Paliyar tribe used to treat different skin disorders by production various herbal preparations.
 Keywords: Paliyar tribe, Herbal medicines, Skin disorders, Indigenous knowledge, Sadhuragiri hills.