ETHNOBOTANICAL STUDIES ON SELECTED WILD MEDICINAL PLANTS USED BY IRULA TRIBES OF BOLAMPATTY VALLEY, NILGIRI BIOSPHERE RESERVE (NBR), SOUTHERN WESTERN GHATS, INDIA

Abstract

An ethnobotanical survey was carried out among the ethnic groups (Irulas) in Bolampatty Valley (NBR, Western Ghats), Coimbatore. The tribal communities of Irulas nurture rich knowledge about medicinal plants and its uses. Therefore, we have done an exhaustive ethnobotanical survey in this area. In this present investigation, it is observed that the tribes use 28 valuable wild medicinal plant species belonging 23 families were identified with relevant information and documented in this paper with regard to their botanical name, family, local name, parts used and utilization by the local tribal people for different human ailments. Among them plants were Herbs, Shrubs, Small trees, Big trees and Climbers. Majority of plant species were belonging to families of Acanthaceae, Rutaceae, Liliaceae, Asclepidaceae and Solanaceae. The common diseases treated by the herbal practitioner were diuretic, snake bites, jaundice, piles, dysentery, ulcer, piles, swellings, anti-inflammatory, weight loss, diabetics, cough & cold, body pain, jaundice, wounds, diarrhea and anti-cancerous.