Ethnobotanical survey of medicinal plants used by Traditional healers in Shobanapuram village of Pachamalai Hill, Tamilnadu

Abstract

An ethnobotanical survey in Shobanapuram village of Pachamalai hills, Tamilnadu have revealed a wealth of
traditional knowledge on medicinal plants and their uses amongst the local traditional healers. The indigenous knowledge of local traditional healers and the native plants used for medicinal purposes were collected through questionnaire, group discussion and personal interviews during field trips. The study was focused on identifying folklore medicinal plants, disease treated, part of the plant used, methods of preparation, route of administration, ingredients added etc. From the survey, a total of 165 plant species belonging to 58 families were found to be useful in the treatment of various diseases. In this study the most dominant family was Papilionoideae and Rubiaceae. Folklore and traditional medicinal plants are important contributor for various ailments of local tribal communities. It is urgent need for documenting these plant species before such valuable knowledge becomes inaccessible and extinct. Moreover, this study could play an important role for the conservation of these plants and represent the preliminary information required for future phytochemical and pharmacological investigation.

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Advances in Applied Science Research, 2015, 6(3):157-164
ISSN: 0976-8610
CODEN (USA): AASRFC
157
Pelagia Research Library
Ethnobotanical survey of medicinal plants used by Traditional healers in
Shobanapuram village of Pachamalai Hill, Tamilnadu
M. Johnson Gritto, *V. Nanadagopalan and A. Doss
PG & Research Department of Botany, National College (Autonomous), Tiruchirappalli
_____________________________________________________________________________________________
ABSTRACT
An ethnobotanical survey in Shobanapuram village of Pachamalai hills, Tamilnadu have revealed a wealth of
traditional knowledge on medicinal plants and their uses amongst the local traditional healers. The indigenous
knowledge of local traditional healers and the native plants used for medicinal purposes were collected through
questionnaire, group discussion and personal interviews during field trips. The study was focused on identifying
folklore medicinal plants, disease treated, part of the plant used, methods of preparation, route of administration,
ingredients added etc. From the survey, a total of 165 plant species belonging to 58 families were found to be useful
in the treatment of various diseases. In this study the most dominant family was Papilionoideae and Rubiaceae.
Folklore and traditional medicinal plants are important contributor for various ailments of local tribal
communities. It is urgent need for documenting these plant species before such valuable knowledge becomes
inaccessible and extinct. Moreover, this study could play an important role for the conservation of these plants and
represent the preliminary information required for future phytochemical and pharmacological investigation.
Key words: Pachamalai region, Eastern Ghats, Ailments, Tribal community, Medicinal plants
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INTRODUCTION
Ethnobotany is the study of the interactions and relationships between plants and people over time and space. This
includes the uses, knowledge, beliefs, management systems, classification systems and language that both modern
and traditional cultures have for plants and their associated terrestrial and aquatic ecosystems. During the last few
decades, there has been an increasing interest in the study of medicinal plants and their indigenous uses in different
parts of the world. According to WHO [1], about 80% of the world’s population, especially in the rural areas
depends on herbal medicine for their healthcare needs. The ethnic people residing in different geographical belts of
India depends on wild plants to meet their basic requirements and all the ethnic communities have their own pool of
secret ethnomedicinal and ethno-pharmacological knowledge about the plants available in their surroundings [2,3,4],
which has been serving rural people with its superiority.
Traditional medicine (also known as indigenous or folk medicine) comprises knowledge systems that developed
over generations within various societies before the era of modern medicine [5]. World Health Organization (WHO,
2003) however, defined traditional medicine as the health practices, approaches, knowledge, and beliefs
incorporating plant, animal and mineral based medicines, spiritual therapies, manual techniques and exercises,
applied singularly or in combination to treat, diagnose and prevent illnesses or maintain well-being. Therefore, it is
urgent to explore and document this unique and indigenous, traditional knowledge of the tribal community, before it
diminishes with the knowledgeable persons. Further, documentation of indigenous and traditional knowledge is very

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important for future critical studies leading to sustainable utilization of natural resource and to face the challenges of
bio-piracy and patenting indigenous and traditional knowledge by others. Besides to the best of our knowledge no
ethnobotanical work has been carried out in this area. Keeping these things in mind present study was proposed to
document the ethnomedicinal knowledge of traditional healers in Pachamalai hills, Tamilnadu state, South India.
Shobanapuram village located in Uppiliyapuram Block, Trichirappalli District, Tamilnadu state. This village
covered by Eastern ghats of Pachamalai region in Trichy District. Shobanapuram covered by the following villages,
Kancherimalai, Oduvampatti, Oduvampatti Pudur, Osarapalli, Reddykuttai. The local people used in the traditional
medicine system of medicinal plants in surrounding area. The people used in medicinal plants in first aid only, it is
not permanent solution, because they far away from the hospital. So some commonly used medicinal plants list
collected in the nattuvaithiyar and medicinal practitioners.
MATERIALS AND METHODS
Study area
The present study was undertaken in the Pachamalai hills, located between the districts of Tiruchirappalli,
Perambalur and Salem, Tamilnadu, South India. The hill is situated 2000 to 3000 feet above mean sea level and lies
between 78.31’ East and 11.28’ North latitude. The total area is 14,122 sq. km. Pachamalai is green and natural hill
range, just 80 km north of Tiruchirappalli via Thuraiyur.
Data collection
The field study conducted an extensive field survey in the tribal belts and other interior villages (Shobanapuram).
First hand information was gathered through interactions with tribal and rural people including members of forest
protection committees. During the field survey interact with traditional uses and Natuvaithiyam about the local
common diseases and using the drugs for those diseases. The ethnobotanical data (local name, useful parts, and
medicinal uses) were collected through the tribal peoples in and around study area. In addition to the vernacular
names and medicinal uses detailed information about mode of preparation (i.e., decoction, infusion, paste, powder
and juice) form of usage with fresh or dried mixture of other plants used as ingredients were also collected.
The collected plant species were identified taxonomically using the Karnatic flora [6] and the flora of Tamil Nadu
Carnatic [7], Indian medicinal plants and dictionary of medicinal plants. The identified plants species were then
confirmed to the Herbaria of Rapinet, St. Joseph’s College, Tiruchirappalli. The plants are arranged alphabetically
by botanical names, family, local name, useful part and ethnobotanical uses for different diseases.
RESULTS AND DISCUSSION
Data collected through ethnobotanical survey included plant species with their vernacular names, uses and mode of
preparation (Table 1). In the present study, 165 plant species belonging to 58 families were reported after
undertaking the survey and having discussion with local traditional healers of different age groups. It was found that
dominated medicinal plants of this area are major source of primary health care. Traditional healers are using these
plants to cure diseases related to stomach pain, fever, jaundice, dysentery, skin diseases, snake bites, wounds, cold &
cough diabetes, cancer, asthma and worms. The plant material is employed in the form of decoctions, extracts,
pastes, juice & Powder some times in combination with other parts of same or different plants other substances, such
as sugar candy, curd, honey, hair oil, milk and turmeric powder, are also used in various preparations.
The 165 plant species are included in 58 families with a highest representative of 20 species from the family
Papilionoideae; 11 species from the family Rubiaceae; 9 species are represented from Acanthaceae; 7 species from
the family Euphorbiaceae; 6 species from the family Tiliaceae & Moraceae, 5 species each from Verbinaceae,
Mimosaceae and Rutaceae; and 4 species from Apocyanaceae, Olaceae, Rhamnaceae, Compositae, Graminae and
Sapindaceae; whereas Labiatae, Capparaceae, Sterculiaceae, Vitaceae, Ebenaceae, Asclepiadaceae, Ulmaceae and
Liliaceae are represented by 3 species each. The families Violaceae, Olaceae, Hippocrateaceae, Caesalpinioideae,
Cucurbitaceae, Aizoceae, Pedaliaceae and Dioscoreaceae have two species each, while the rest of 27 families have
one species each. Out of 165 plant species, 42 herbs, 37 trees, 35 shrubs, 17 sub-shrubs, 15 straggler, 9 vine, 4
twiner 2, rhizome 1 climber, and 1 were bulb (Table - 1). During the survey it was also learned that the traditional
knowledge regarding ethnomedicine is declining as there is no proper documentation. The knowledge is passed
down from generation to generation only by means of verbal communication.

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Table 1: Ethnomedicinal plants of Shobanapuram village of Pachamalai hills, Tamilnadu
S.No Scientific Name Family Local name Habit Common use
1 Cadaba indica Lam Capparaceae Vizhuthi Sh Worm infestation, swellings, eczema, and constipation.
2 Capparis stylosa DC Capparaceae
Athandai Sh Nervous tonic.
3 Crataeva religiosa
Forster.F.
Capparaceae
Marvilangam T It is general uses for tribal community.
4 Maerua arenaria DC Capparaceae
Mochukkodi St Tonic and stimulant.
5 Cleome aspera
J.Koeing Cleomaceae ---------- H Antidiabetic.
6 Lonidium
suffruticosum (L) Violaceae Orilaithamarai H Nervous tonic.
7 Scolopia crenata (W
&A) Flacourtiaceae Sekkada T Musco-skeletal pain.
8 Polygala erioptera
DC Polygalaceae Paruppuchedi H Energy drink.
9 Polycarpaea
corymbosa (L) Caryophyllaceae Pallipoondu H Jaundice, boils, inflammatory swellings.
10 Portulaca quadrifida
L. Portulacaceae Sirupasalai H Asthma, cough, urinary discharges, inflammations, ulcers.
11 Bergia ammannioides
Roxb Elatinaceae Nandukolluppuchedi H Skin disease.
12 Pavonia odorata
Willd Malvace Peramuti S.Sh Antipyretic, stomachic, refrigerant, dysentery, intestinal
haemorrhage.
13 Helicteres isora L. Sterculiaceae Valamburi T Colic, diarrhea, chronic dysentery, flatulence, improves
appetite
,
stomach affections, diabetes.
14 Melhania incana
Heyne Sterculiaceae S.Sh Cold, fever and cough.
15 Waltheria indica L. Sterculiaceae Sengalipoondu S.Sh Plant febrifuge, purgative, emollient. Roots chewed to
control internal haemorrhages: their decoction used for the
same purpose and to induce fecundity in women. Flowers
and root bark used against thrush.
16 Corchorus
acutangulus Lam Tiliaceae Chanchu S.Sh Seeds used as stomachic.
17 Corchorus tridens L. Tiliaceae Naruvalli S.Sh Leaves and fruits used as a tonic.
18 Corchorus triloculris
L. Tiliaceae ---------------- S.Sh Leaves and fruits used as a tonic.
19
Grewia abutilifolia
Tiliaceae
--------------
Sh
General uses.
20 Grewia emarginata W
& A Tiliaceae Thadachu St It is used as antidiuretic.
21 Grewia obtuse
Wallich Tiliaceae --------------- St Antidiabetic.
22 Hugonia mystax L. Linaceae Mothirakkanni Sh Inflammatory swellings, anthelmintic, febrifuge, antidote
to poisoning.
23 Tribulus terrestris L. Zygophyllaceae Nerunjil H Roots aperients, stomachic, lithotriptic, diuretic
24 Biophytum
nervifolium
Oxalidaceae ----------------- H It is used as nervous tonic.
25 Aegle marmelos (L.)
Corr Serr Rutaceae Vilvam T Astringent, digestive and stomachic, diarrhea and
dysentery.
26 Chloroxylon swietenia
DC Rutaceae
Porasu T It is used as a health drink.
27 Feronia elephantum
Corr Serr Rutaceae
Vila T Fruits juice used as a health tonic.
28 Glycosmis
cochinchinensis auct Rutaceae
Kula pannai Sh Fever and liver complaints, vermifuge. Leaves considered
good antidote for eczema and other skin troubles, applied
in the form of paste.
29 Limonia alata W & A Rutaceae Kurunthumulthazai Sh General uses.
30 Balanites roxburghii
Planchon Balanitaceae Nanjundan T External uses only.
31 Ochna squarrosa L Ochnaceae Chilanthi Sh Skin disease.
32 Olax scandens Roxb Olacaceae Kadalranchi Sh Bark used in medicinal preparations administered in
anaemic condition due to fevers.
33 Ximenia americana L. Olacaceae Chiru-illanthai St Venereal diseases, jaundice, diarrhea, febrifuge,
astringent, sores and laxative.
34 Gymnosporia
emarginata
(Willd)
Celastraceae Mulvel Sh Externaluses.
35 Hippocratea indica
Willd Hipocrateaceae Odankodi St Paste prepared from the leaves for skin disease.

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36 Hippocratea
obtusifolia Roxb Hipocrateaceae Menthakkodi St Used as a juices for reduce the health
37 Ziziphus jujuba (L.) Rhamnaceae Ilanthai T Cooling, anodyne, tonic, chest troubles. Kernels sedative,
used as a soporific and to stop vomiting; also employed as
an antidote to aconite –poisoning and abdominal pains.
Seeds are given in diarrhoea.
38 Ziziphus oenoplia (L.)
Mill Rhamnaceae Suraimullu Sh Roots used in hyperacidity and Ascaris infection. Fruit
preparations used in stomachache.
39 Ziziphus trinervia
Roxb
Rhamnaceae Karukaya T Leaves used in cachexia and venereal diseases.
40 Ziziphus xylopyrus
(Retz) Willd Rhamnaceae Kottaiilanthai T Thirst, bronchial asthma, diarrhea, aphrodisiac, emetic,
carminative, digestive.
41 Cissus quadrangularis
L Vitaceae Perandai Sh Juice prescribed in scurvy. Powdered root considered
specific for fractures.
42 Cissus setosa Wallich Vitaceae Kangukelari Vi The paste used for only in bone jointer.
43 Cissus vitiginea L Vitaceae Semipirandai Vi Paste of this plant used for bone setters.
44 Allophyllus serratus
(Roxb)
Sapindaceae Siruvalli Sh Leaves used for skin disease.
45 Cardiospermum
canescens Wall Sapindaceae
Mudakrttan Vi Whole plant used in rheumatism.
46 Dodonaea viscosa
Jacq. Sapindaceae
Virali Sh Leaves used as febrifuge; also in burns, swellings and
wounds.
47 Sapindus emarginata
Vahl Sapindaceae
Poovankottai T Skin disease
48 Rhus mysorensis Don Anacardiaceae Neyyikiluvai Sh Skin disease.
49 Abrus precatorius
Linn Papilionoide
(Faboideae) Kundumani St Diuretic, tonic, emetic Seeds used in affections of nervous
system; seed paste applied locally in sciatica, stiffness of
shoulder joints and paralysis.
50 Alysicarpus monilifer
(L.) DC Papilionoide
(Faboideae)
Kaasukkodi H Paste used as skin problems.
51 Alysicarpus rugosus
(Willd) DC Papilionoide
(Faboideae)
----------------- H It is a health drink.
52 Canavalia ensiformis
DC Papilionoide
(Faboideae)
Kaattuavarai St General uses.
53 Clitoria ternatea L. Papilionoide
(Faboideae) Karkakartan Tw Roots cathartic and diuretic.
54 Crotalaria biflora (L.) Papilionoide
(Faboideae)
------------------ H Seeds have the protein content so it is used as edible one.
55 Crotalaria
evolvuloides W & A Papilionoide
(Faboideae)
-------------- H Seeds have the protein content so it is used as edible one
56 Crotalaria mysorensis
Roth Papilionoide
(Faboideae)
--------------- H Seeds have the protein content so it is used as edible one
57 Derris scandens
(Roxb) Benth Papilionoide
(Faboideae)
Takil St Used as a stimulant, antispasmodic and counter irritant.
58 Dolichos falcatus
Klein ex Willd
Papilionoide
(Faboideae)
Minnikizhangu Tw Constipation, opthalmia and skin diseases. Decoction of
seed given in rheumatism.
59 Erythrina variegata L. Papilionoide
(Faboideae)
Kalyana murungai T Laxative, diuretic, anthelmintic, galactagogue and
emmenagogue, venereal buboes.
60 Indigofera cordifolia
Heyne ex Roth Papilionoide
(Faboideae)
--------------- H It is used as edible one.
61 Indigofera linifolia
(L.f.) Retz Papilionoide
(Faboideae)
------------- H Febrile eruptions, also a vermifuge.
62 Phaseolus aconifolius Papilionoide
(Faboideae)
Panipayiru S.Sh Seeds used as energy producer.
63 Phaseolus trilobus Papilionoide
(Faboideae)
Naripayiru S.Sh Seeds used as energy producer.
64 Rhynchosia rufescens
(Willd) DC Papilionoide
(Faboideae)
Malaikollu Vi Seeds used as energy producer.
65 Rothia trifoliata
(Pers.)DC Papilionoide
(Faboideae)
------------- H It is used as external uses.
66 Tephrosia purpurea L. Papilionoide
(Faboideae) Kollukaivezhai S.Sh Tonic, laxative, diuretic and deobstruent, bronchitis,
bilious febrile attacks, boils, pimples, bleeding piles,
asthma, cough, scabies, itch, eczema and other skin
eruptions.
67 Tephrosia tenuis
Wallich Papilionoide
(Faboideae)
---------------- H Wound healing.
68 Zornia diphylla (L.)
Pers.
Papilionoide
(Faboideae)
Porikarappan thazhai H Used in dysentery and root given to children as a
soporific.

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69 Bauhinia racemosa
Lam Caesalpinioideae Aathithi T Astringent, dysentery. Leaves given with onions (Allium
cepa) in diarrhoea and as an anthelmintic. Decoction of
leaves in malaria.
70 Pterolobium indicum
A.Rich Caesalpinioideae Karuindu St Cold, cough and fever.
71 Acacia ferruginea DC Mimosaceae Parambai T Bark, fruits – Giddiness, diarrhoea, dysentery, piles, worm
infestation, hemorrhage, cough, dysponea, skin diseases.
72 Acacia latronum
(L.f.)Willd Mimosaceae
Kaarodai Sh Used as a sore throat and cough.
73 Acacia sundra
(Roxb)DC Mimosaceae
Karangaali T Used as a health tonic.
74 Albizia odoratissima
(L.f.) Benth Mimosaceae
Karuvagai T Leaves and seeds used in eye troubles. Bark for boils.
75 Dichrostachys cinerea
(L.) W &A Mimosaceae
Vedatalla Sh Roots used in rheumatism. Tender shoots bruised and
used in opthalmia.
76 Calycopteris
floribunda (Roxb) Combretaceae Pillani St Anthelmintic, Tooth ache, Ulcer, Leprosy, Malarial fever,
Dysentery, Jaundice, Pruritus, Skin diseases.
77 Benincasa cerifera
Savi Cucurbitaceae Sambal pushani kai Vi Decoction of fruit laxative and styptic, given for
respiratory troubles and internal haemorrhages.
78 Citrullus vulgaris
Schrader Cucurbitaceae Dharbusini H Fruit considered cooling, tonic, diuretic. Fruit juice
diuretic.
79 Mullugo nudicaulis
Lam Aizoaceae Parpadagam H It is used as a tonic fo cold and cough.
80 Mullugo pentaphylla
L. Aizoaceae Seerakapoondu H Digestion.
81 Adina cordifolia
(Roxb) Hook.f. Rubiaceae Manjakadambai T Febrifuge.
82 Borreria hispida (L.) Rubiaceae
Natthai choori H It is used as a nervous stimulant.
83 Chomelia asiatica (L.)
kuntze Rubiaceae
Thaerani Sh It is used for external purpose in skin disease.
84 Coffea wightiana W &
A Rubiaceae
Uppulaathi S.Sh Increase the urination.
85 Gummifera lucida
Roxb. Rubiaceae
Kambimaram T Nervous tonic
86 Oldenlandia
dichotoma (Roth)
Hook.f.
Rubiaceae
Impoora chakkalathi H It is used for nervous stimulant.
87 Oldenlandia wightii
Hook.f Rubiaceae
--------------- H Cold, cough and fever.
88 Plectronia parviflora
(Lam) Beddome Rubiaceae
------------------ Sh Cold, cough and fever.
89 Randia candollerana
W&A Rubiaceae
Malaimathukarai T Cold, cough and fever.
90 Randia dumetorum
(Retz) Rubiaceae
Mathukkarai Sh Bark and root powder used for joints pain.
91 Randia malabarica
Lam Rubiaceae
------------------- T Bark and root powder used for joints pain.
92 Adenostemma lavenia
(L.) Kuntze
Compositae
(Asteraceae)
------------------- H General uses.
93 Ageratum conyzoides
L. Compositae
(Asteraceae)
Vaadachedi H External purpose only.
94 Glossocardia
bosvallea (L.f.)DC Compositae
(Asteraceae)
Mambalanari. H Used as a emmenagogue.
95 Vicoa indica (L.) DC Compositae
(Asteraceae) Mookutipoondu H Antifertility activity, scorpion sting, throat disorders.
96 Cephalostigma
schimperi
Hochst
Campanulaceae ------------------- H Cold
97 Diospyros ebenum
j.koenig Ebenaceae Solaikarimaram T Cold
98 Diospyros montana
Roxb Ebenaceae
Vakkanathi T Diarrhoea, stomatitis, intermittent fever.
99 Maba buxifolia
(Rottb) Ebenaceae
Irumbili Sh External uses only
100 Jasminum
auriculatum Vahl Oleaceae Mullai Sh Flowers used in consumption.
101 Jasminum
trichotomum Heyne Oleaceae
Mullai Sh Flowers used as scent.
102 Ligustrum walkeri Oleaceae
------------------ T General uses.

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Decne
103 Linociera zeylanica
(L.) Gamble Oleaceae
Kattumanjari T External uses only.
104 Carissa spinarum L. Apocyanaceae Chirukila Sh Roots purgative.
105 Ichnocarpus
frutescens (L.) R.Br. Apocyanaceae
Udargodi Sh Demulcent, tonic, diaphoretic, diuretic, fevers, dyspepsia,
skin troubles, diabetes and stone in gall bladder.
106 Nerium odorum Sol. Apocyanaceae
Sevvarali Sh Root resolvent and attenuant. Oil from root bark used in
skin diseases of scaly nature.
107 Wrightia tinctoria
(Roxb) R.Br Apocyanaceae
Vetpalai T Bark and seeds used in flatulence and bilious troubles.
Seeds aphrodisiac and anthelmintic. Bark used as an
adulterant of Kurchi bark.
108 Caralluma attenuate
Wight. Asclepiadaceae Kallimulaiyan H General uses.
109 Gymnema sylvestre
(Retz)
R.Br.ex.Schultes.
Asclepiadaceae
Sirukurinjan St Leaves used in diabetes since it arrests the sense of taste
temporarily. Leaf powder cardiac stimulant and diuretic.
110 Hemidesmus indicus
(L.) R.Br. Asclepiadaceae
Nannari St Dried roots demulcent, diaphoretic, diuretic and
alternative, used in rheumatism, gravel and other urinary
diseases and in skin troubles.
111 Evolvulus alsinoides
(L.) Convolvulaceae Vishnikiranthi
H Tonic, febrifuge, vermifuge along with oil used in
promoting hair growth.
112 Kigelia pinnata DC.
Bignoniaceae Yaanaipudukkan T Rheumatism, dysentery, venereal diseases, dressing
syphilitic sores, purgative.
113 Pedalium murex L. Pedaliaceae Yanainerunjil H Mucilaginous infusion demulcent, diuretic and tonic, used
in dysuria, gonorrhea and other urino-genital disorders.
Root decoction antibilious. Fruits aphrodisiac, decoction
given in incontinence of urine, nocturnal emissions,
spermatohhoea and impotence.
114 Sesamum laciniatum
Klein ex Willd. Pedaliaceae Perau H External uses only
115 Andrographis affinis
Nees. Acanthaceae Keeripirandai S.Sh For nervous problem.
116 Barleria buxifolia L. Acanthaceae
Rosemullipoondu S.Sh Leaves and roots used in coughs and inflammations.
117 Barleria nitida Nees Acanthaceae
Adukkumulli Sh General uses.
118 Barleria prionitis L. Acanthaceae
Semmulli S.Sh A paste of roots applied to boils and glandular swellings.
Roots febrifuge. Leaves chewed to relieve toothache.
Juice of leaves with honey given in catarrhal affections in
children.
119 Blepharis
boerhaviifolia
Pers.
Acanthaceae Nethirapoondu H Seed- Dysuria, diseases of nervous system, diuretic,
aphrodisiac.
120 Justicia
tranquebariensis L.f. Acanthaceae Thavasimurungai Sh Juice of leaves acts as a cooling and aperients, given to
children in small pox. Bruised leaves applied to
contusions.
121 Lepidagathis cristata
Willd Acanthaceae
Karappanpoondu Sh Plant used as a tonic in fevers, also applied to itchy
affections of the skin.
122 Rhinacanthus
communis Nees Acanthaceae
Nagamalli S.Sh Fresh roots and leaves bruised and mixed with lime, used
externally in eczema, ringworm and dhobi’s itch. Roots
boiled in milk and used as an aphrodisiac.
123 Ruellia prostrate
poiret Acanthaceae Uppuladi H External uses
124 Gmelina asiatica L Verbinaceae Mulkumizh Sh Demulcent, astringent, Rheumatism, Catarrh of bladder.
125 Lantana aculeata L. Verbinaceae
Unnichedi Sh Vulnerary, diaphoretic, carminative, antispasmodic,
tumours, tetanus, rheumatism, malaria.
126 Lippia nodiflora (L.)
A.Rich Verbinaceae
Poduthalai H For removing the dandruff.
127 Symphorema
involucratum roxb Verbinaceae
Vellaimallikodi St General uses.
128 Vitex negundo L Verbinaceae
Nalla nochi Sh Tonic, febrifuge, diuretic, rheumatism, dyspepsia,
anthelmintic, demulcent, dysentery, piles, tonic,
vermifuge, catarrh, headache, rheumatic affections.
129 Anisomeles
malabarica (L) R.Br Labiatae
(Lamiaceae) Aruvaachadachi S.Sh Infusion of leaves used in dyspepsia and fever
accompanying teething in children. Decoction of the plant
or its essential oil used in rheumatism.
130 Ocimum adscendens
Willd Labiatae
(Lamiaceae) Kattuthulasi S.Sh Cold, cough and fever.
131 Orthosiphon diffumes
Benth. Labiatae
(Lamiaceae) Elithulasi S.Sh The leaf juice is used in diabetes in folk-medicine.
132 Boerhavia diffusa L. Nyctaginaceae Mookkaratti H Roots expectorant, diuretic, laxative, used in asthma, in

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dropsy associated with chronic Bright’s disease.
133 Aerva monsoniae
Martius. Amaranthaceae Purpannai H General uses.
134 Aristolochia indica L. Aristolochiaceae Thazhaisurulikodi Tw Gastric stimulant and bitter tonic. Aristolochic acid used
for stimulating phagocytosis in infectious diseases in
combination with antibiotics. Juice of leaves used in
cough and seeds in inflammation and biliousness.
135 Cassytha filiformis L. Lauraceae Erumaikkottan Tw Bilious affections, urethritis, chronic dysentery, eye and
skin affections.
136 Santalum album L. Santalaceae Santhanum T Diuretic, diaphoretic, refrigerant and expectorant.
137 Breynia rhamnoides
(Retz) Muell. Arg Euphorbiaceae Manipullathi Sh Leaves applied as a poultice to hasten suppuration. Leaf
juice given after parturition to prevent haemorrhage.
138 Cleistanthus collinus
(Roxb) Benth. Euphorbiaceae
Oduvan Sh Gastrointestinal irritant. Abortifacient.
139 Euphorbia
antiquorum L. Euphorbiaceae
Sathurakkalli Sh Purgative, digestive, gout. Latex used to kill maggots.
140 Euphorbia nivulia
Buch
-
Ham.
Euphorbiaceae
Elaikalli T Purgative, diuretic, dropsy.
141 Fluggea leucopyrus
Willd Euphorbiaceae
Vellaipoolaa Sh External uses only.
142 Glochidion ellipticum
Wight Euphorbiaceae
Thinakkolli T External uses only.
143 Phyllanthus
polyphyllus willd Euphorbiaceae
Sirunelli T For making pickles.
144 Celtis wightii
planchon
Ulmaceae Elumbirutti T Used in nervous disorders.
145 Holoptela integrifolia
(Roxb) planchon Ulmaceae
Aavimaram T Seeds contain yellow fatty oil.
146 Trema orientalis (L.)
Blume Ulmaceae
Ambaratthi T Diarrhea and epilepsy.
147 Artocarpus
integrifolius L.f. Moraceae Pala T Liver disorders, indigestion, cough and wheezing.
148 Ficus glomerata
Roxb. Moraceae
Vellai atthi T Diarrhoea, diabetes, bilious affection, piles and diarrhoea.
149 Ficus infectoria Roxb. Moraceae
Ichchimaram T Adventitious roots fried and powdered, mixed with salt
applied to decayed or aching tooth. Bark used in liver
diseases.
150 Ficus retusa L. var.
nitida Thumb. Moraceae
Kalichchi T General uses.
151 Phyllichlamys spinosa
(Roxb) Bureau Moraceae
Kattaari Sh External uses only.
152 Plecospermum
spinosum Trecul Moraceae
Kattaaanimullu St General uses.
153 Vanda tessellate
(Roxb) Hook. Orchidaceae Kandha naguli Vine Dyspepsia, bronchitis, rheumatism and fevers.
154
Curcuma longa
L.
Zingiberaceae
Manjal
Rh
Used as a stimulant, tonic, stomachic and depurative.
155 Sansevieria
roxburghiana Schultes
& Schultes .
Agavaceae Marul H Cough, cleaning the phlegm from the throat.
156 Dioscorea
oppositifolia L. Dioscoreaceae Verrolaivalli Vine Tubers ground and applied to swellings.
157 Diocorea pentaphylla
L. Dioscoreaceae Vellaikkodi Vine Tubers used as tonic and in swellings.
158 Asparagus racemosus
Willd. Liliaceae Thanneervittan
Kizhangu Vine Roots used in nervous and rheumatic complaints.
159 Gloriosa superba L. Liliaceae
Kanvalikilangu Cl Tonic, stomachic and anthelmintic, abortifacient,
neuralgic pains and skin troubles.
160 Scilla india (Wight)
Baker. Liliaceae
Narivengayam Bulb. Expectorant, cardiac stimulant and diuretic.
161 Andropogon pumilus
Roxb. Graminae
(Poaceae) Kavattampillu H For nervous disorder.
162 Apluda aristata L. Graminae
(Poaceae) Moongilpul H For nervous disorder.
163 Aristida hystrix L.f. Graminae
(Poaceae)
Oogam H General uses.
164 Cymbopogon martini
Watson Graminae
(Poaceae)
Cooraipul Rh Oil used in lumbago and in stiff joints. Source of
palmarosa oil known as Rusa oil.
165 Cycas circinalis L. Cycadaceae Kattu Manoranjitham T Juice of tender leaves given in flatulence.

V. Nanadagopalan et al Adv. Appl. Sci. Res., 2015, 6(3):157-164
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164
Pelagia Research Library
CONCLUSION
The present study provides ethnobotanical documentation and analysis on the medicinal plants used by the
traditional healers of Sobanapuram village in Pachamalai hills, Eastern Ghats, south India to cure different diseases.
Although the results of the study encourage practical use of medicinal plants, investigations are required on the
pharmacological efficacy of various ethnomedicines used by them. The medicated claims incorporated in the study
need to be evaluated through phytochemical and pharmacological investigations to discover their potentiality as
drugs.
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