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South Indian Journal Of Biological Sciences 2017; 3(1); 15-26 ONLINE ISSN: 2454-4787

Research Article

Traditionally used ethno-medicinal plants of the Kurumba communities surrounded in Thalamalai Hills, Namakkal District, Tamil Nadu Deepakkumar R1,*, Sabari E2, Karthick M3, Kavya S. Raysad1 1College of Forestry, Kerala Agricultural University, Thrissur – 680656 2Kaps Green Foundation, Valavanthi Nadu, Kolli Hills, Namakkal – 621211 3Forest College and Research Institute, TNAU, Mettupalayam- 641301

* Corresponding author: Deepakkumar R E-mail: deepakkumarforestry@gmail.com Received 1October 2016; Revised 22November 2016; Accepted 11 January 2017

Abstract The present study aimed to enumerate the ethno-medicinal uses of plants used by the Kurumba communities living around the Thalamalai Hills in Namakkal district. Medicinal uses of 89 plants belongs to 80 genera and 45 families were identifiedand recorded from the tribals with their botanical identities and method of drug preparations. All the information’s related to the uses of the traditional medicinal plants were highlighted in this paper. Keywords:Kurumba, Thalamalai, Ethno-medicine, Eastern Ghats, Plant diversity

1. Introduction India has 16 % of the world population and also 21 % of the world`s disease (Prabhu and Vijayakumar 2016). However, India has rich diversity of plant resources in which around 2000-5000 species were used inIndian system of folk medicines(Udyan et al., 2005; Deepa and Saravanakumar 2013;Thirupathiand Karthikeyan 2015). Peopleliving in the rural India hasnourished immense knowledge about medicinal plants over the generations through bold trial and error experimentation since time immemorial (Pradeepkumar et al., 2015). This knowledge will passed over generations through orally without any written documents (Deepa and Saravanakumar 2013). Even still now the traditional medicines were considered as ready-reckoner for peoples living in the rural and forest areas rather than modern synthetic medicines (Shanmugam et al., 2012; Madhankumar and Murugesan 2016). However during recent past there is drastic attention towards these traditional practices due to theirnatural origin, capable curing incurable diseases by synthetic medicines and also providing way to discovery of new diseases in future (Thirupathi and Karthikeyan 2015). Nowadays, un-scientific method of extraction, forest degradation and deforestation forcing many ethno-medicinal plants towards facingextinction (Durairaj and Kamaraj, 2013; Pradeepkumar et al., 2015;Thirupathi and Karthikeyan 2015). Documenting theseknowledge’s and practices of indigenous communities through these kind of studiesmay help to in situ conservation and

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as per Article 7, 8 and 10 (c) of the convention of Biological diversity, surveying of these areas can help in identification, conservationand sustainable use of biodiversity (CBD 2005;Vijayan andGopakumar 2015).

2. Materials and Methods The present study was carried out amongKurumba communities living around the Thalamalai hills, Easter Ghats, Tamil Nadu. The study area was located along the borders of SenthamangalamTaluk and Musiri Taluk of Namakkal and Tiruchirappalli Districts of Tamil Nadu. The area falls within latitudes of 11°5’ N to 11°6’ N and Longitudes of 78°19 to 78°21’Eand elevation range from 350-750 m MSL. The area is receives maximum rainfall during North East monsoon with amount of 600-700 mm per annum with 35-50% humidity. It enjoys temperature range from 15-32˚C. The study is carried out during May 2014 to march 2016 in the weekends, in order to understand the plants phenology and dimensions of utility. Kurumba communities are primarily pastoralist in the region. All Kurumba families in these region will have at least 50-60goats (Locally called as Patti Aadu) used to graze nearby Thalamalai hills in day time. In night time, goats were penned in the agricultural field for either money or food grains from the farmers in order to getting manure for their field. Nowadays the shrinkage of agriculture area and pastoral area leads to leave away from traditional grazing to building and industrial works nearby cities. Even still there are few people engaged in grazing practices who have rich knowledge of ethno-medicine. This kind of surveys will capture their invaluable ethno medical knowledge and practices will useful to the future generations. A door to door general conversation along pretested semi structured questionnaire survey carried out surrounding villages of Thalamalai Hills such as Nanthavanam, Jadamangalam, Konappampatti, Varajapuram, Kavakkarapatti and Vadavathur. With the help of them identified wide number of plants were collected and preserved for the further reference. Plants were collected, identified and authenticated with the help of various field guides like Gamble and Fisher (1915-1935), Mathew (1983) and also using different field keys. 3. Result and Discussion The present survey was conducted among Kurumba communities living around the Thalamalai hills and local name, family, way of preparation and uses of the medicinal plants were described in the Table 1-4. The current investigation on ethno-medicinal plants of Thalamalai hills shows that 89 plant species belonging to 80 genera and 45 families. These were widely used for maintaining health and also healing various diseases like diarrhoea, diabetes, asthma, fever, jaundice, rheumatism, wounds, cold, cough and poisonous bites etc., Among these, Euphorbiaceae was the most dominant followed by Fabaceae and Cucurbitaceae (Fig. 4). From Fig.1 it is cleared that herbs were dominating with 45% followed by trees (24%), climbers (18%) and shrubs (13%). Domination of herbs may be due to vide variety of herbs able to grow fast and also continuous supply of medicinal products in these regions. Among plant parts leaves (41 species) were most dominating followed by Fruits (18 species), Barks (8 species) and others (Fig. 2). Because leaves are more active in the photosynthesis leads more production secondary metabolites which has more medical values. Paste and juice are more dominant form of application which may be due to these will have essence of whole medicinal compounds (Fig. 3). However decoction (6%), Powder (8%), Oil (6%), Raw (8%), Latex (3%) and Cook (2%) are some of kind formulation for curing various diseases. Oil (Coconut, Castor and sesame), Common salt, honey, turmeric, milk and milk products are used as additives with these formulations either applied externally or orally taken. Similar trend was also observed by several authors in similar region (Arunachalam et al., 2009; Anbarashan and Padmavathy 2010; Shanmugam et al., 2012; Sathiyaraj et al., 2015; Madhankumar and Murugesan 2016;Prabhu and Vijayakumar 2016). Since assessing traditional medicine involves less time, travel and costthan modern allopathic medicine (Deepa and Saravanakumar 2013). Also these traditional medicines are easyto use and more effective in curing diseases than the medicine. So it is clear that Kurumba communities residing

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around the Thalamalai hills depends upon these medicinal plants as a primary sources of medicine. Traditional medicine able provides health care to 80 % of the population (Panda and Misra 2011).

Fig. 1.Composition of different life forms recorded medicinal plants in Thalamalai Hills.

Fig. 2. Distribution of plant parts used in ethno-medicine in Thalamalai Hills.

45%

13%

24%

18%

Herbs Shrubs Trees Climbers

44%

19%

9%4%

4%

4% 7%

3% 2%

1%

3%

Leaves

Fruits

Barks

Flowers

Tuber

Rhizomes

Stem

Roots

Seeds

Twigs

Whole plant

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Fig. 3.Consumption of different formulation of medicinal plants in Thalamalai Hills.

Fig. 4. Family wise distribution of medicinal plants recorded in Thalamalai Hills.

5% 8%

38%29%

4%2%

8% 6%Decoction

Powder

Paste

Juice

Latex

Cook

Raw

Oil

Others

Asclepiadaceae

Asteraceae

Capparidaceae

Cyperaceae

Liliaceae

Ceasalpiniaceae

Combretaceae

Convolvulaceae

MimosaceaeMoraceae

Sapindaceae

Solanaceae

Acanthaceae

Amaranthaceae

Apocynaceae

Rutaceae

Cucurbitaceae Fabaceae

Euphorbiaceae

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Table 1. List of important climbers used by Kurumba Communities living around Thalamalai Hills of Namakkal District.

S. No. Scientific Name Family Name Local Name Preparations and Uses

1. Abrus precatorius Fabaceae Kundumani Decoction of dried seeds were taken orally to induce abortion and also to cure in tuberculosis, painful swellings.

2. Acacia concinna Fabaceae Shiakakai Fruit paste applied to head 30 minutes before bath to promoting hair growth. 3. Asparagus racemosus Asparagaceae Thanneerkizhngu Roots juice are considered to cure kidney and urinary troubles.

4. Cardiospermum halicacabum Sapindaceae Mudakkathaan The cooked leaves were eaten for week to cure rheumatism.

5. Cissus quadrangularis Vitaceae Pirandai Stem were eaten as chatni which is helps in strong bone and indigestion. 6. Citrullus colocynthis Cucurbitaceae Kumattikkaai Raw fruits were purgative in nature cure asthma, fever, tumors, ulcer and jaundice.

7. Coccinia indica Cucurbitaceae Kovaikodi Decoction of the leaves were mixed with Acalypha indica and Piper nigrum to cure the jaundice and ulcer. Leaves juice applied externally to cure itching.

8. Cocculus hirsutus Menispermaceae Kattukkodi Decoction of leaves used externally applied to protect from in sunstroke.

9. Corallocarpus epigaeus Cucurbitaceae Kolankova Tuber paste applied to cure snake bite. Tuber powder will reduces the blood sugar.

10. Cuscuta chinensis Convulvaceae Manjapullaruvi Stem paste applied to fractured bone in order to promote the joining.

11. Dioscorea bulbifera Dioscoreaceae Kaivallikizhangu Paste of the root is used to cure piles and syphilis.

12. Gloriosa suberba Liliaceae Kanvilikizhangu The paste of seeds and rhizome is applied on skin diseases and arthritis.

13. Gymnema sylvestre Asclepiadaceae Sirukurinjan Leaves decoction taken orally to cure the fever. Root decoction will reduce diabetics.

14. Hemidesmus indicus Apocynaceae Nannari The decoction of root is used to cure the fever, skin diseases and blood purifier

15. Ipomoea aquatica Convolvulaceae Veelaikkeerai Flower juice applied to cure black ring around the eye.

16. Ipomoea obscura Convolvulaceae Siruthaalikkodi Leaves juice were applied for snake bite.

17. Momordica charantia Cucurbitaceae Kattupagal Fruit juice were fried in groundnut oil taken daily to kill the intestinal worms.

18. Mukia maderaspatana Cucurbitaceae Musumusukkai Root paste applied twice a day to cure the tooth-ache.

19. Passiflora foetida Passifloraceae Siruppunakkai Fruit powder with Piper longum and milk to cure the asthma.

20. Pergularia daemia Asclepiadaceae Veliparuthi Leaves paste were applied externally to cure the insect bites, Snake bite.

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Table 2. List of important herbs used by Kurumba Communities living around Thalamalai Hills of Namakkal District

S. No. Scientific Name Family Name Local Name Preparations and Uses 1. Abutilon indicum Malvaceae Thuththi Crushed leaves were applied on skin diseases like eczema. 2. Acalypha indica Euphorbiaceae Kuppaimeni Leaves paste were applied on throat to cure the severe cough. 3. Achyranthes aspera Amaranthaceae Nayuruvi Leaves paste with rhizome paste of curcuma longa were applied for wounds.

4. Acorus calamus Acoraceae Vasambu Rhizomes paste used to cure the skin disease, indigestion and respiration. 5. Aerva lanata Amaranthaceae Cerupulapoo Decoction of the root taken orally in the empty stomach a month to cure diabetics 6. Aloe vera Liliaceae Chottukathalai Leaves juices were applied externally swelling due to itching and burns. 7. Alternanthera sessilis Amaranthaceae Ponnakanni Cooked leaves taken regularly for a month to cure night blindness. 8. Amaranthus tristis Amaranthaceae Thandangeerai Leaves decoction were taken orally in thrice to reduce pain during menstrual period.

9. Andrographis paniculata Acanthaceae Nilavembu Leaves paste along with Andrographis alata leaves paste for Scorpion sting and snake bite. Whole plant decoction were used for cure fever.

10. Argemone mexicana Papavaraceae Nari mirati Yellow latex use to cure the wounds, pimples and ulcer in the lips. 11. Aristolochia indica Aristolochiaceae Eswaramooligai Fresh juice of the leaves is an antidote to snake poison. 12. Cassia obtusifolia Ceasalpiniaceae Nilavagai Leaves paste with Zingiber officinale powder to cure tumors and throat pain. 13. Catharanthus roseus Apocynaceae Sudukattumalli Decoction of white flowers and leaves taken for loose motion. 14. Cleome gynandra Capparidaceae Nallavelai Leaves paste were applied to cure wounds daily. 15. Cleome viscosa Capparidaceae Naaikkadukhu Juice of leaves is used in curing ear pain. 16. Croton sparsiflorus Euphorbiaceae Rail poondu Leaves juice were applied to the wounds to stop bleeding. 17. Curcuma longa Zingiberaceae Manjal Rhizomes and leaves of Azadirachta indica paste applied daily to heal wound.

18. Cynodon dactylon Poaceae Arugampullu Leaves juice are made used as drink to cool the body heat. 19. Cyperus rotundus Cyperaceae Koraipul Tuber paste taken for the stomach ache. 20. Desmodium gangeticum Fabaceae Pullati Leaves decoction used for dysentery. Whole plant used for cure fever. 21. Eclipta alba Asteraceae Karisalanganni Root paste used for spleen, problems bronchitis and asthma. 22. Eclipta prostrata Asteraceae Karisalankakki Leaves paste are applied with seed oil of Ricinus communis in head for hair growth and also

applied between toes to cure wounds

23. Euphorbia hirta Euphorbiaceae Ammanapacharisi Decoction of whole plant to cure the diarrhea, ulcers, enteritis and asthma. 24. Evolvulus alsinoides Convolvulaceae Vishnukarandhi Leaves paste applied regularly to promote hair growth. 25. Fimbristylis cymosa Cyperaceae Kothuppullu Juice of roots with hot milk in the empty stomach to cure dysentery 26. Hybanthus enneaspermus Violaceae Oridhazhthamarai Leaf Juice with cow milk in the early morning to increases sexual vigour 27. Indoneesiella echioides Acanthaceae Koburandhaangi Leaves paste were applied to externally to cure the Itches and skin disease 28. Leucas aspera Lamiaceae Thumbai Whole plant is used as an insect repellent. 29. Marsilea minuta Marsileaceae Arakeerai Leaves powder were given to reduce diabetics daily. 30. Melochia corchorifolia Sterculiaceae Yennaichedi Leaves decoction taken orally in empty stomach to cure the dysentery 31. Merremia emarginata Convolvulaceae Elikaadhukeerai Leaves juice with honey for 3 days to cure cold and cough 32. Merremia tridentata Convolvulaceae Mudhiyarkoondhal Root decoction taken orally for the 40-60 days to cure the diabetics. 33. Mimosa pudica Mimosaceae Thottaalsunugki Decoction of whole plant taken orally to reduce the menstrual bleeding and swelling. 34. Ocimum basilicum Lamiaceae Thirunetrupatchila 10-15 matured leaves taken raw to cure cold and cough.

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35. Ocimum tenuifiorum Lamiaceae Thullasi. Leaves were boiled with pepper and taken daily to cure cold and fever. 36. Oldenlandia umbellata Rubiaceae Muthkkaasu Leaves decoction orally taken daily to cure asthma and bronchitis. 37. Pedalium murex Pedaliaceae Aanainerungil Fruit decoction with hot water for 2-3 days to cure gonorrhea and dysentery. 38. Phyllanthus amarus Euphorbiaceae Keelanelli Root paste with hot milk for the 10 days to cure the jaundice 39. Polygonum plebeium Polygonaceae Kanganichedi Root paste applied externally twice a day to cure inflammations 40. Portulaca oleracea Portulacaceae Paruppukkeerai Leaves of the plant were cooked and eaten to cure the mouth wounds 41. Sida cordifolia Malvaceae Nilathuthi Leaf juice were taken twice a day for the 2-3 days to cure the itching and headache. 42. Solanum nigrum Solanaceae Manathakkaali Leaf juice were consumed orally to cure the stomach ulcer and high fever. 43. Solanum surattense Solanaceae Kandankatthari Fruit powder/paste were used to cure cough asthma and tooth problems. 44. Stachytarpheta indica Verbenaceae Seemainaayuruvi Root juice were with hot water to cure diarrhoea dysentery and intestinal worms. 45. Tephrosia purpurea Fabaceae Kozhinji Root decoction with pepper to cure jaundice, asthma and urinary disorder. 46. Tinospora cordifolia Menispermaceae Seendhil Leaf juice with honey taken orally to cure the jaundice. 47. Tragia involucrata Euphorbiaceae Sendhatti Root decoction with Piper longum seed paste orally to cure the bronchitis and asthma 48. Trianthema decandra Aizoaceae Sirusaaranai Root juice with honey to cure the asthma 49. Tribulus terrestris Zygophyllaceae Nerunchi. Whole plant juice with hot water for thrice a day for the cough and cold. 50. Trichodesma indicum Boraginaceae Kavizhthumbai Root paste twice a day to cure swelling in the joints 51. Tridax procumbens Astraceae Thaathapoothalai Juice of leaves were used to cure the wound bleeding and tumour. 52. Vernonia cinerea Astraceae Sirudhevisengelune Juice of roots is used to dissolve kidney stone and diarrhoea.

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Table 3. List of important trees used by Kurumba Communities living around Thalamalai Hills of Namakkal District.

S. No. Scientific Name Family Name Local Name Preparations and Uses 1. Acacia chundra Mimosaceae Karungali Bark juice were taken twice a day for three days orally to cure stomach ache 2. Acacia leucophloea Mimosaceae Velvalan Crushed bark were applied Skin disease. 3. Acacia nilotica Mimosaceae Karuvelam Young twigs were used as toothbrush daily will give strong whitish teeth. 4. Aegle marmelos Rutaceae Vilvam Bark juice is taken thrice a day for intermitted fever. Fruit extracts will used for diabetics. 5. Ailanthus excelsa Simaroubaceae Peeyamaram. Leaves decoction with Aristolochia indica and goat milk scorpion and snake bite. 6. Alangium salvifolium Alangiaceae Alangimaram Bark decoction were used for fever and jaundice. 7. Albizia amara Fabaceae Usilmaram Leaves paste were applied to head for good hair growth 8. Azadirachta indica Meliaceae Vembu. Leaves paste were mixed with Ricinus communis oil applied for the Small pox. Fresh juice of leaves with salt is remove

intestinal worms and applied externally to cure skin disease. 9. Cassine glauca Celastraceae Karuvaali Paste of leaves externally applied to cure and to give relief in stomach pains. 10. Delonix elata Ceasalpiniaceae Vadanaraayam Leaves juice were mix Juice mix with Piper longum to cure cough and cold. 11. Feronia elephantum Rutaceae Vila Fruit juice were drunken orally to cure hiccough, sore throat and diseases of the gums 12. Ficus benghalensis Moraceae Aalamaram Milky juice were tapped in the early morning applied over swelling area. Aerial roots were used as toothbrush to

getting strong whitish teeth.

13. Ficus religiosa Moraceae Arasamaram Dry fruits were eaten as raw for diabetes. Tender leaves paste applied externally to cure itching.

14. Ficus retusa Moraceae Athi Latex were tapped from the tree applied in bone fracture area daily. Fruits were eaten for reduce blood pressure and blood purifier.

15. Madhuca longifolia Sapotaceae Iluppai Flowers and stem were crushed and applied to control the haemorrhage. Leaves paste were applied externally to secreting milk in feeding mothers.

16. Musa paradisiaca Musaceae Vazhai Stem juice is extracted in the early morning taken orally to cure nephrolith. 17. Phoenix pusilla Palmaceae Icham Fruit were eaten raw to cure the diabetics. 18. Phyllanthus emblica Euphorbiaceae Malainelli Whole fruits with sugar syrup fruits are used in preparation of hair oil. 19. Pongamia pinnata Fabaceae Pungam Seed oil used in rheumatism. Stem bark with piper longum to cure stomach ulcer. 20. Ricinus communis Euphorbiaceae Amanakku Seed oil were taken orally for remove the stomach worms and applied to head for hair growth and also body pain 21. Santalum album Santalaceae Chandhanam Wood paste applied in the forehead in religious customs. Also cure pimples in the face 22. Sapindus emarginatus Sapindaceae Poochamaram Matured fruit pulp were used as detergent soap for washing cloths and disinfect the home. 23. Strychnos nux-vomica Loganiaceae Etti Fruit paste are applied externally to cure the wounds. 24. Syzygium cumini Myrtaceae Naval Fruit with salt eaten to cure diabetics. Stem bark decoction with hot water to cure indigestion and stomach ulcers. 25. Terminalia bellarica Combretaceae Thaanikai Fruit powder leaves were applied to cure skin disease, small pox and tooth ache. 26. Terminalia chebula Combretaceae Kadukkai Fruit powder with Phyllanthus emblica and Terminalia bellarica digestive disorder 27. Terminalia tomentosa Combretaceae Karimaruthu A decoction of the bark is taken internally for intestinal problems. 28. Wrightia tinctoria Apocynaceae Paalai Bark along with Jeera and garlic used against jaundice.

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Table 4. List of important shrubs used by Kurumba Communities living around Thalamalai Hills of Namakkal District.

Sl. No. Scientific Name Family Name Local Name Preparations and Uses

1. Adhatoda vasica Acanthaceae Adathoda Leaves with Zingiber officinale and Piper betle L. for fever twice in a day.

2. Azima tetracantha Salvadoraceae Mulluchangu Leaves juice were applied with Piper longumfor cure the cold and cough. Root paste were applied to wound.

3. Boerhavia erecta Nyctaginaceae Mookirattai Leaves decoction used to cure fever, urinary troubles and asthma.

4. Calotropis gigantea Asclepiadaceae Erukku Latex applied for the wound due to thorns

5. Carissa carandas Apocynaceae Kalakkai Latex used to cure the mouth cancer. Fruit were eaten raw for reducing the diabetics.

6. Cassia auriculata Ceasalpiniaceae Avaaram Leaves paste were applied on the head to cool the body and good hair growth.

7. Datura metel Solanaceae Oomaththai Leaves paste were applied to cure swelling and asthma 8. Dodonaea viscosa Sapindaceae Virali Powder of the flower were used to cure the toothache, sore throats and wounds

9. Jatropha gossypifolia Euphorbiaceae Kattamanakku Leaves paste with coconut oil applied externally to cure the itching and skin diseases.

10. Justicia adhatoda Acanthaceae Adathodai Leaves were boiled with pepper to cure cough and fever

11. Murraya koenigii Rutaceae Kariveppilai Fried leaves were made as chatni taken in food for good hair growth.

12. Plumbago zeylanica Plumbaginaceae Chitramoolam Cup of fresh country breed cow`s milk is stirred with a piece of the root and taken internally to stop pregnancy.

13. Rhinacanthus nasutus Acanthaceae Nagamalli Leaves juice with country breed cow`s milk to cure the fever and cough. Root juice were applied to cure skin disease and ring worm.

14. Solanum torvum Solanaceae Sundakkai Fruits extraction was used for curing theasthma and tuberculosis

15. Toddalia asiatica Rutaceae Kindumullu Fruits along with Solanum torvumand goat`s milk taken internally to strengthen the body for 10-20 days

16. Withania somnifera Solanaceae Amukramkizhangu Root powder with piper longum seed paste drunken orally to cure the fever and stomachache. Root were aphrodisiacs in nature

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Albizia amara

Wrightia tinctoria Azadirachta indica

Calotropis gigantea

Tridax procumbens Cardiospermum halicacabum

Fig. 5. Some of the medicinal plants used by Kurumba communities

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Nowadays, traditional ethno-medicine received immense attention in the future world due to awareness of side-effects of synthetic medicine, organic, cheap in cost, less travel and some extent gives immediate relief.Some of plants like Alternanthera sessilis, Cardiospermum halicacabum, Cissus quadrangularis, Portulaca oleracea and Solanum nigrum are used as food as well as medicine. Some of trees like Ailanthus excelsa, Acacia nilotica, Acacia leucophloea, Azadirachta indica,Delonix elata,Ficus religiosa, Madhuca longifolia, Phoenix pusilla, Phyllanthus emblica and Sapindus emarginatus are plays a significant role everyday life of the regions by providing fodder, fruit, green manure, bio pesticide etc., more than 75 percent of world`s biologically active plant derived compounds in use have been discovered from the folk and ethno-medicinal uses (Panda and Misra 2011). 4. Conclusion The present study identifies the considerable amount of medicinal plants used by the Kurumba communities residing around Thalamalai hills. The detailed studies about particular medicinal plants may insight into the development of new drug for curing new diseases. Over-exploitation of these medicinal plants leads to disappearance in future. In-situ conservation is required in order to conserves these plants and sustainable utilization in near future. Most of these plants can able to grow in normal condition which provides immense livelihood of farmers and people residing in the rural areas.

Conflict of interest statement

We declare that we have no conflict of interest.

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