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Ethnomedicinal Plant Knowledge of the Mullu Kuruma Tribe of Wayanad District, Kerala

Ethnomedicinal Plant Knowledge of the Mullu Kuruma Tribe of Wayanad District, Kerala

Indian Journal of Traditional Knowledge Vol. 7(4), October 2008, pp. 604-612

Ethnomedicinal knowledge of the Mullu kuruma tribe of ,

VP Silja 1, K Samitha Varma 1 & KV Mohanan 2* 1Department of Botany, ’s Guruvayurappan College, Calicut 673 014, Kerala; 2Department of Botany, , Calicut 673 635, Kerala E-mail: [email protected] Received 10 October 2006; revised 5 June 2007

Mullu kuruma tribe is a very prominent tribal group of Wayanad district of Kerala state with unique culture and ethnobotanical practices. The study has revealed the use of 136 plant species for traditional medicinal purposes by the tribe. They use about 14 for the treatment of skin diseases, 10 for inflammation, 3 as abortifacient, 9 for dandruff, 11 for dysentery, 6 for piles, 7 for epilepsy, 19 for asthma and other bronchial diseases, 11 for anaemia, 4 for constipation, 1 for tuberculosis, 8 for jaundice and other liver diseases, 6 for burns, 7 for leucorrhoea, 2 for migraine, 5 for wounds, 3 for malaria and 13 for urinary complaints and kidney stone.

Key words : Ethnomedicine, Medicinal plants, Mullu kuruma tribe, Wayanad, Kerala IPC Int. Cl. 8: A61K36/00, A61P1/02, A61P1/08, A61P1/16, A61P9/14, A61P11/00, A61P13/00, A61P17/00, A61P15/00, A61P25/00

The use of medicinal plants in the treatment of and , respectively bound it on diseases was conceived by tribal people thousands of the East, Coorg district of Karnataka on the North, years ago. Ethnic groups are the repositories of the district of Kerala on the South and knowledge of herbal medicine. Many tribal groups and districts of Kerala on the have been using several plant or animal products for West. The gate ways to Wayanad are three narrow medicinal preparations and these medicines are mountain passes in Western , namely known as ethnomedicine. Generally, tribal groups Thamarasseri pass, Kuttyadi pass and Periya pass utilize local herbs for different ailments after centuries of trials. Various plants parts are used for medicinal preparations. They collect these plants from near and around their settlements. It is noticed that a plant is used for a disease in different ways and for different types of diseases. Apart from common plants, some fungal species are also seen to be used as medicine. The study area is situated in the Wayanad district of Kerala state (Fig. 1). The name Wayanad is believed to have been derived from Vayal nadu meaning the land of paddy fields. Wayanad, situated in the western region of Kerala always had an allure to the people from the plains. Wayanad is a plateau with an altitude varying from 700 to 2100 m from sea level ensconced among . The difference in altitude of each locality within the district presents a variation of climatic condition in different places. Nilgiris and districts of

______*Corresponding author Fig. 1  Location map of the study area SILJA et al .: ETHNOMEDICINAL PLANT KNOWLEDGE OF MULLU KURUMA TRIBE OF KERALA 605

from Kozhikode, Vadakara and Kannur, respectively. fish hunters while the Kattu naikas are honey and Total geographical area of Wayanad is 2124 km 2, forest produce collectors and makers of baskets and which comprises 5.48% area of Kerala state. This implements. Mullu kurumas , in appearance are region is biogeographically highly valuable with a medium statured and broad chested with skin colour significant extent of tropical moist forests 1. Wayanad varying from light to dark brown (Fig.2). They live in lies between North latitude 11 ˚27 ´ and 15 ˚ 58 ´ and East huts with high foundations, mud walls, bamboo doors, longitude 75 ˚ 47 ´ and 70 ˚27 ´. The small hills are full of and strong roof thatched with grass and straw. They plantations like tea, coffee, pepper and , are mostly agricultural labourers and some are while the valleys have a predominance of paddy cultivators. They hunt with bow and arrow, muzzle fields. The difference in altitude of each locality loading guns and spears. Mullu kurumas are non within the district presents a variation of climatic vegetarian, but their staple food is rice; commonly conditions. The soil of Wayanad district is mainly consume pulses, fruits, roots and tubers. They also loamy type and generally shows wide variation in take alcoholic drinks, generally, toddy and arrack. depth and texture with a very high content of organic They have the institution of the Muppan (head man), matter and slightly acidic pH2. who presides over the meetings of the elders and village panchayat, the geographical area administers their social affairs can be identified by the of data collection of the study is situated on the silver bangle worn on his right arm. They have Calicut- Mysore National Highway, about 15 km velichapad (priest), who in consultation with the head from Sulthan Bathery town. It lies on the eastern side man officiates at ceremonies, makes offerings and of Wayanad district and belongs to acts as medicine man. taluk . Like other portions of Wayanad, Noolpuzha also belongs to Nilgiri Biosphere. 45% of the total population comprises tribals and most of them are schedules tribes. Mullu kurumas form a very prominent tribal group of the area. Fifty two tribal groups have been reported from Kerala 3. Due to peculiar pattern of their settlements and traditional occupation, they are concentrated in certain regions of the state 4. Kurumas , Paniyas , Kattunaikas , Adiyas and Kurichyas are the major tribes of Wayanad region of Kerala. Kurumas , one of the numerically dominant hill tribes of Malabar region till the middle of the 17th century, practiced slash and burn agriculture and their social organization had the characteristics of primitive communism in which social stratification and class Fig. 2  Mullu Kuruma tribes contradiction were non-existent 5. Kurumas are the dominant scheduled tribe Table 1  Details of the ten Mullu kuruma colonies studied community in Wayanad district. The principal Name of the Number of Name and age of Name of occupation of the kurumas was wood cutting and the colony houses in head of the family proper place collection of minor forest products 6. A group of the each colony kurumas , referred to as Mullu kurumas is Manmadamoola 18 Bhasavan (90) Muthanga 7 concentrated in the Wayanad district of Kerala . There Kalladikkolli 26 Paithal (75) Thottamoola is a view that the prefix may have originated from Pampan kolli 22 Kannan (50) Naikkatti Mula (bamboo), which provides them with an Manimunda 21 Gopalan (62) Manimunda Pilakavu 24 Annu (85) Pilakkavu important occupation. Two other groups of kurumas Marod 38 Karimban (70) Naikkatti known as Then (honey) kurumas (also known as Mathamangalam 25 Villan (50) Mathamangala Kattu naikas or naikas ) and Urali kurumas m (also known as Betta kurumas ) are also present in Valluvadi 35 Sanku (60) Valluvadi 40 Anarthan (58) Nenmenikunn Wayanad. Mullu kurumas are presently cultivators u and hunters. The Betta kurumas are wood cutters and Kottanod 27 Krishnan (55) Kottanad 606 INDIAN J TRADITIONAL KNOWLEDGE, VOL 7, No. 4, OCTOBER 2008

Table 2  Medicinally important plants used by the Mullu kuruma tribe Plant name, Family Local name Uses Abrus precatorius L. Fabaceae Kunni Leaf decoction is applied in the affected portion in inflammation; fresh fruit decoction is taken three times daily to induce abortion. Acacia sinuata (Lour.) Merr. Mimosaceae Powdered pods are used in all cases of skin diseases. The powder is used against Cheenikka dandruff. Acacia nilotica (L.) Willd. ex Del. Mimosaceae Tender leaf pulp is taken internally in dysentery. Karuvelam Achyranthes aspera L. Amaranthaceae Leaves are used as vegetable for piles. Root paste is applied on the forehead in Kadaladi headache. Acorus calamus L. Araceae Vayambu Rhizome paste is taken internally for epilepsy and worm infection. Adhatoda zeylanica Medic. Acanthaceae Leaf juice and root decoction are taken internally for asthma and cough. Adalodakam Ageratum conyzoides L. Asteraceae Kattappa Leaf juice is taken internally in dyspepsia and anaemia. Aegle marmelos (L.) Corr. Rutaceae Koovalam Leaf juice is used for constipation. Dried powder of fruit and seeds is used in the treatment of chronic dysentery, dyspepsia and intermittent fever Aerva lanata ( L.) Juss. Amaranthaceae Cherula Whole plant extract is used for stomachache. Allophylus serratus (Roxb.) Kurz Sapindaceae Leaf paste with turmeric is applied for fracture and sprains. Mukkannan periyila Aloe vera (L.) Burm. f. Liliaceae Kattarvazha Leaf pulp is used for the preparation of hair oil for dandruff. Amaranthus spinosus L. Amaranthaceae Plant paste is applied on the point to remove thorns. Mullan cheera Amorphophallus paeoniifolius (Dennst.) Corm pieces are fried in ghee and used internally in the treatment of piles. Nicols. var. paeoniifolius Araceae Kattu chena Anacardium occidentale L. Anacardiaceae Oil from young and mature nut is applied on the affected portion in the treatment Kasumavu of cracks on foot. Annona squamosa L. Annonaceae Aatha Leaf paste mixed with paste of turmeric is applied externally for inflammation. Fruit is edible and is effective in the treatment of tuberculosis. Andrographis paniculata (Burm. f.) Wall ex Leaf juice is used as syrup in the treatment of liver diseases. Nees Acanthaceae Kiriath Areca catechu L. Arecaceae Kavungu Young leaves and young fruits are used for the preparation of oil used in the treatment of burns and sprains. Aristolochia bracteolata Lam. Aristolochiaceae Leaf paste is applied on the affected portion in the treatment of inflammation, Karalakam boils and eczema. Aristolochia indica L. Aristolochiaceae Leaf juice mixed with rhizome juice of Zingiber officinale is used for blood Karalakam clotting. Decoction of roots and fruits is for the treatment of intermittent fever and poison. Artemisia nilagirica (C. Clarke) Pamp. Inhalation of smoke from leaves and flowering twigs is effective in the treatment Asteraceae Kattukarpuram of asthma and bronchitis. Leaf juice is used externally in the treatment of leprosy and skin diseases. Artocarpus hirsutus Lam. Moraceae Ayani Infusion of the bark is applied to cure small pimples and cracks on the skin. Asparagus racemosus Willd. Liliaceae Leaf juice is given internally for stomach ache. Rhizome juice is used internally Sathavari for leucorrhoea and epilepsy. Azadirachta indica A. Juss. Meliaceae Arya Leaf paste is used externally for chicken pox. Oil obtained from fruit is used in veppu various diseases. Bacopa monnieri (L.) Pennell Scrophulariaceae The dried plant powder is given internally in the treatment of asthma and epilepsy. Brahmi Bauhinia acuminata L. Caesalpiniaceae Bark decoction is used as drink for urinary discharge. Leaf paste is applied on Mandaram throat in throat troubles and externally in skin diseases. Benincasa hispida (Thunb.) Cogn. Ripe fruit juice is used internally for haemoptysis and other internal discharges. Cucurbitaceae Kumbalam Fruit pulp is applied on the burned part in the case of burns. Biophytum sensitivum (L.) DC. Oxalidaceae Plant juice is applied on the injured part and also for bleeding. Plant paste is Mukkutti applied on forehead for migraine. Boerhavia diffusa L. Nyctaginaceae Leaf extract is used internally in the treatment of jaundice and anemia. Thazhuthama Spermacocae hispida L. Rubiaceae Tharavu Root paste is applied on the affected part in the treatment of sprains. Bombax ceiba L. Bombacaceae Ilavu Leaf paste is applied at the bitten spot in the case of snake bite. Kalanchae pinnata (Lam.) Pers. Crassulaceae The leaf juice is an effective medicine in the treatment of dysentery and cholera. Elamulachi Contd  SILJA et al .: ETHNOMEDICINAL PLANT KNOWLEDGE OF MULLU KURUMA TRIBE OF KERALA 607

Table 2  Medicinally important plants used by the Mullu kuruma tribe Contd  Plant name, Family Local name Uses Caesalpinia bonducella (L.) Roxb. Seeds paste is applied on forehead in the treatment of head ache. Seed decoction is Caesalpiniaceae Kazhangikkuru taken internally for stomachache. Caesalpinia mimosoides Lam. Caesalpiniaceae 7 tender leaves used with leaves of Ricinus , Acorus etc. in the treatment of Koomullu epilepsy. Calotropis gigantea (L.) R.Br. Asclepiadaceae Root paste is used externally with root paste of Carica papaya to induce abortion. Erukku Two younger leaves are eaten before sunrise for migraine. Cardiospermum halicacabum L. Sapindaceae Paste of entire plant is used as poultice in the treatment of dandruff. Valli uzhinja Carica papaya L. Caricaceae Kappalam Root paste mixed with root paste of Calotropis is applied externally for abortion. Young fruits are used internally for abortion. Cassia fistula L. Caesalpiniaceae Kanikkonna Leaf paste is used as poultice in leprosy and skin diseases. Bark decoction is used for bath in leprosy and skin diseases. Cassia occidentalis L. Caesalpiniaceae A decoction made from roots and leaves is used in the treatment of asthma and Ponnamthakara cough. Catharanthus roseus (L.) G. Don Root decoction is used for the treatment of cancer. Nithyakalyani Centella asiatica (L.) Urban Apiaceae The plant extract mixed with rhizome paste of turmeric is given internally in Kudangal jaundice. Leaves are used internally for anaemia. Cinnamomum verum J.S. Presl Lauraceae Root bark is given in powder form with milk or sugar for cough. Leaf juice given Edana / karappa with pepper and sugar helps in stomachache and flatulence. Cissus discolor Blume Vitaceae Kattuvalli Plant paste mixed with egg white is applied on the affected portion in the treatment of fractures. gouriana Roxb. For rheumatism bath taken in water mixed with leaf decoction. Smoke obtained by Eruvalli burning the root is inhaled against cough. Clitoria ternatea L. Fabaceae Sankupushpam Root paste is applied on poison affected regions. Coccinia grandis (L.) Voight. Cucurbitaceae Leaves and fruits are taken in the treatment of jaundice. Paste of leaves and roots Koval is used externally in the treatment of leprosy and psoriasis. Plectranthus amboinicus (Lour.) Spreng. Leaf juice is dropped into nose in the treatment of nasal congestion. Lamiaceae Panikkoorkka Cucumis sativus L. Cucurbitaceae Vellari Fruit pulp is applied on abdomen in case of urinary diseases. Curculigo orchioides Gaertn. Hypoxidaceae Rhizome paste is taken internally with milk in the treatment of leucorrhoea, Nilappana diabetes and tonsillitis. Curcuma longa L. Zingiberaceae Manjal Rhizome paste is used alone and along with other plant juices for ecchymosis, poison, mumps and skin diseases. Cyclea peltata (Lam.) Hook f. & Thoms Leaf paste is applied for dandruff. Rhizome is used for the preparation of oil for Menispermaceae Padathali toothache. Cymbopogon citratus (DC.) Stapf Graminae Root paste is applied for sprain. Oil prepared from leaves is used for toothache. Theruva pullu Cynodon dactylon (L.) Pers. Graminae Karuka Leaf paste mixed with turmeric rhizome paste is applied in the case of inflammation. Desmodium triflorum (L.) DC. Fabaceae Leaf paste is applied externally in the case of inflammation. Nilampulladi Eclipta prostrata L. Asteraceae Kayyunyam Plant extract is used for the preparation of oil used in the treatment of dandruff. (Kanhunni ) Plant paste is applied on the chin in the case of toothache. Elephantopus scaber L. Asteraceae Plant extract is used in urinary problems like urine block. Root decoction is given Anachuvadi orally to children to cure amoebic dysentery and stomach pain. Elettaria cardamomum (L.) Maton Powdered seeds are used for various stomach problems and seeds are used in the Zingiberaceae Elam treatment of epilepsy also. Emilia sonchifolia (L.) DC. Asteraceae Plant paste with salt is applied both on inner side and outer side of the throat in the Muyalcheviyan treatment of tonsillitis. Erythrina variegata L. Fabaceae Murikku Leaf decoction is used for the treatment of malaria. Chromolaena odorata (L.) King & Robins. Leaf juice is applied on wounds. Asteraceae Communist paccha Ficus racemosa L. Moraceae Athi Bark is pasted for skin diseases and poison. Fruit juice is taken internally for urine complaint. Gloriosa superba L. Liliaceae Menthonni Root paste is applied on the bitten spot in the case of scorpion bite. Contd  608 INDIAN J TRADITIONAL KNOWLEDGE, VOL 7, No. 4, OCTOBER 2008

Table 2  Medicinally important plants used by the Mullu kuruma tribe Contd  Plant name, Family Local name Uses Ganoderma lucidum (Curtis) P. Karst. Fruiting body is pasted on chin and neck in the treatment of mumps. Ganodermaceae Plachanam Glycosmis pentaphylla (Retz.) DC. Rutaceae Leaf juice is used along with neem leaves externally in the treatment of chicken Panal pox. Grewia tiliifolia Vahl. Tiliaceae Chadachi Use of bark fibre for hair cleaning promotes hair growth. Gymnema sylvestre (Retz.) R. Br. ex Schult Leaf paste is applied externally for wounds. Leaves are eaten for diabetes. Asclepiadaceae Chakkarakkoli Helicteris isora L. Sterculiaceae Edampiri Dried fruit powder with fruit powder of Phyllanthus emblica is used internally in valampiri the treatment of dysentery and cough. Heliotropium keralense Sivarajan & Manilal Leaf paste is applied on bitten spot in the treatment of scorpion bite. Boraginaceae Thelkatta Hemidesmus indicus (L.) R. Br. Periplocaceae Root paste/root decoction is taken internally in the treatment of eczema, Naruneendi leucorrhoea, diabetes and anaemia. Hemigraphis colorata (Blume) H.G.Hallier Leaf juice is applied on wounds. Acanthaceae Murikoodi Hibiscus rosasinensis L. Malvaceae Leaf juice is used as a poultice for hair growth. For many diseases (like bleeding, Chemparuthi leucorrhoea) plant decoction is used. Root/bark paste is applied in the case of inflammations. Holostemma adakodien Schult. Asclepiadaceae Root is used for the preparation of decoction recommended for body strength. Adapathiyan Hydnocarpus pentandra (Buch.- Ham.) Oken Oil obtained from seeds mixed with leaf juice of Calotropis is applied externally Almeida Flacourtiaceae Marotti for scabies and leprosy. Hygrophila schulli (Buch.- Ham.) M.R. & S.M. Root or leaf paste is applied for inflammation. Decoction is used for jaundice, Almeida Acanthaceae Vayal chulli rheumatism and cough. frutescens (L.) R.. Br. Root juice is used internally in the treatment of anaemia and kidney stone. Apocynaceae Parvalli Indigofera tinctoria L. Fabaceae Neelamari Root decoction is given internally in decoction for kidney stone. Leaf juice is used for the preparation of oil for hair growth. Root juice or leaf juice is used internally for snake poison, rat poison, etc. Ipomoea marginata (Desr.) Verdc. Root decoction is taken internally for the treatment of leucorrhoea and urinary Convolvulaceae Thiruthali infection. Jatropha curcas L. Euphorbiaceae Kammatti Fresh the stem latex is applied on wounds, eczema and scabies. Young twigs are used as tooth brush in toothache. Jasminum grandiflorum L. Oleaceae Pichakam Leaves boiled in water is gargled for gingivitis. Leaf juice mixed with flower juice is dropped into nose for the treatment of nasal bleeding. Justicia gendarussa Burm. f. Acanthaceae Bathing in water boiled with leaves is done in the treatment of rheumatism. Vathamkolli Kaempferia galanga L. Zingiberaceae Rhizome paste is applied on forehead in the treatment of headache. Kacholam Kyllinga nemoralis (J.R. & G. Frost.) Dandy ex Rhizome paste mixed with milk is used internally for worm infection. Hutch. Dalz. Cyperaceae Muthanga Lawsonia inermis L. Lythraceae Mylanchi Leaf paste is applied for leprosy, burns and skin diseases. Leaf extract is used for preparation of oil for hair growth and in the treatment of bronchitis. Leucas aspera (Willd.) Spreng. Lamiaceae Plant paste is applied on forehead for headache. Root decoction is used in Thumba bronchial diseases. Whole plant paste mixed with milk is used internally for worm diseases and poison. Lobelia nicotianifolia Roth ex Roem. & Peeling of stem bark relieves toothache when placed on the aching spot. Leaf juice Schultz. Lobeliaceae Kattupukayila is applied on feet to prevent tineapedis. cylindrica (L.) Roem. Cucurbitaceae Leaf paste is used externally in the treatment of haemorrhoids and leprosy. Peechil Mangifera indica L. Anacardiaceae Mavu Root bark juice mixed with salt is used internally for bleeding. Leaf decoction is used during bath for rheumatism. Seed powder mixed with milk is used internally for dysentery. Maranta arundinacea L. Marantaceae Koova Rhizome powder along with milk is used in the treatment of urinary complaints and asthma. Michelia champaca L. Magnoliaceae Bark decoction is used in bath for the treatment of malaria. Chembakam Contd  SILJA et al .: ETHNOMEDICINAL PLANT KNOWLEDGE OF MULLU KURUMA TRIBE OF KERALA 609

Table 2  Medicinally important plants used by the Mullu kuruma tribe Contd  Plant name, Family Local name Uses Mimosa pudica L. Mimosaceae Thottavadi Roots crushed with roots of Sida rhombifolia and leaves of Hibiscus rosa-sinensis are boiled with coconut oil to treat psoriasis. Leaf juice is applied on wounds. Plant juice mixed with coconut milk is used internally for asthma. Plant juice with salt is applied externally in the case of inflammations. Momordica charantia L. Cucurbitaceae Paval Leaf juice is used internally for diabetes. Fruit used as vegetable is good for anaemic patients. Leaf dried powder is used for leprosy and other skin diseases. Moringa oleifera Lam. Moringaceae Muringa Young leaf paste with curd is used internally for stomachache. Leaf juice or bark paste is used as a drink for constipation and piles. Cooked leaves are taken internally in the case of anaemia. Young leaf paste with salt is applied for sprain. Mukia maderaspatana (L.) M. Roem. Fruit pulp is used in the treatment of paronychia. Cucurbitaceae Attanga Murraya koenigii (L.) Spreng. Rutaceae Patients are made to smell the leaves in the case of epilepsy. Leaf paste mixed Kariveppu with toddy is drunk for malaria. Leaf paste mixed in curd or water is drunk for stomachache. Leaf juice is used for the preparation of oil for hair growth. Mussaenda frondosa L. Rubiaceae Vellila Leaf juice is used as poultice for dandruff. Leaf juice mixed with cumin seeds is used for eye diseases. Nelumbo nucifera Gaertn. Nelumbionaceae Dried flower powder mixed with ghee is taken internally in the treatment of piles. Thamara Ocimum tenuiflorum L. Lamiaceae Thulasi Leaves are boiled in water and the steam inhaled for cold, cough and fever. Oil prepared with the leaves is used for ear pain. Leaf juice along with rhizome paste of turmeric is used externally for skin diseases, mumps and poison. Leaf juice mixed with leaf juice of Centella , rhizome of turmeric and seeds of pepper are used internally for Lymphogranuloma venereum. Oxalis corniculata L. Oxalidaceae Pulyarila Leaf juice with curd is used as drink in the treatment of dysentery and diarrhoea. Pandanus odoratissimus L. f. Pandanaceae Stem pieces are used as a support for bandage. Oil prepared from younger leaves Kaitha is smeared in the burned portion in the case of burns. Phyllanthus amarus Schum. & Thonn. Plant extract with rhizome paste of turmeric is used internally for skin diseases Euphorbiaceae Keezharnelli and jaundice. Leaf juice is used for anaemia and dandruff. Phyllanthus emblica L. Euphorbiaceae Nelli Leaf juice is used for stomachache. Root bark paste mixed with fruit powder of Terminalia chebula is used internally for bleeding. Physalis angulata L. Solanaceae Leaf paste is applied at the inflated portion in case of inflammation. Nhottanhodiyan Piper nigrum L. Piperaceae Kurumulaku Seeds and leaves are used as decoction in the treatment of cough, cold and indigestion. Pongamia pinnata (L.) Pierre Fabaceae Oil extracted from the seeds is used for skin diseases. Seed powder is used Pongam internally for piles. Psidium guajava L. Myrtaceae Pera Young leaf juice mixed with curd is used for diarrhoea. Fruits are good for constipation. Young leaf juice with cumin seeds is used in food poisoning. Pterospermum canescens Roxb. Sterculiaceae Leaf paste is applied on the affected portion in the treatment of fracture and Idinjil inflammation. Punica granatum L. Punicaceae Fruit is good for anaemic patients. Fruit juice is used as a tonic in stomach Urumampazham diseases. Dried fruit wall mixed with ghee is used internally for stomach diseases, dysentery and worm infection. Rauvolfia serpentina (L.) Benth. ex Kurz Rhizome juice is used internally for high blood pressure and mental disorders. Apocynaceae Amalpori Rhynchostylis retusa (L.) Blume Orchidaceae Leaves are slowly heated and the juice is dropped into ears to cure ear pain. Marathali Ricinus communis L. Euphorbiaceae Avanakku Root paste is applied on the chin for toothache. Leaf juice mixed with seven Cumin seeds is used internally for jaundice. Oil obtained from seeds is used for constipation. Rubia cordifolia L. Rubiaceae Manchatti Root paste mixed with rhizome paste of turmeric is applied on the affected portion in the treatment of skin diseases. Ruta chalepensis L. Rutaceae Arutha Leaf juice is used for small pox and worm infection. Leaves are used for smelling in the case of epilepsy. Santalum album L. Santalaceae Chandanam Stem paste is applied on the forehead for treating headache. Stem paste mixed with rhizome paste of turmeric is applied on face to cure pimples.

Contd  610 INDIAN J TRADITIONAL KNOWLEDGE, VOL 7, No. 4, OCTOBER 2008

Table 2  Medicinally important plants used by the Mullu kuruma tribe Contd  Plant name, Family Local name Uses Saraca asoca (Roxb.) de Wilde Chewing the flowers is recommended for bleeding. Root bark decoction is taken Caesalpiniaceae Asokam internally in the case of irregular menstruation. Schumannianthus virgatus (Roxb.) Rolfe Rhizome paste is applied for one/two weeks in the treatment of skin diseases. Marantaceae Kattukoova Scoparia dulcis L. Scrophulariaceae Kallurukki Plant extract is taken internally in the treatment of urinary diseases. Sesamum indicum L. Pedaliaceae Ellu Seeds are edible and good for piles and urinary complaints. Oil obtained from seeds is used for burns and hair growth. Sida acuta Burm. f. Malvaceae Kurumthotti Plant decoction is taken internally for leucorrhoea. Leaf juice is used as a poultice for dandruff. Root decoction is used for rheumatism, breathing problems and cough. Solanum violaceum Ortega Solanaceae Puthari Root paste is applied for poison. Seeds are used for the preparation of oil used in chunda the case of cough and bronchial diseases. Solanum americanum Mill. Solanaceae Leaves are used as vegetable for anaemia during pregnancy, tonsillitis, fungal Kadumundanga infection and to induce lactation in the case of first delivery. Fruits fried in ghee are used for gingivitis. Solanum virginianum Burm. f. Solanaceae Plant decoction is used along with powder of pepper in the treatment of cough. Kandakari chunda Sphaeranthus indicus L. Asteraceae Leaf juice mixed in water is used for bath in case of scabies. Adakkamanian Syzygium cumini (L.) Skeels Myrtaceae Njaval Bark juice is used for dysentery. Fruit juice is good for leucorrhoea and diabetes. Tabernaemontana divaricata (L.) R.Br. ex Flower juice along with breast milk is used as eye drop in case of eye diseases. Roem. & Schult. Apocynaceae Nanthyarvattam Tamarindus indica L. Caesalpiniaceae Leaves are boiled in water and poured on the inflated portion in the case of Valanpuli inflammations. Leaves are boiled in water and used to warm the infected body parts in the case of rheumatism. Tectona grandis L . f. Verbenaceae Thek Tender leaves are used for the preparation of oil for burns. The coloured sap from leaves is applied for eczema. Terminalia bellirica (Gaertn) Roxb. Tender leaf paste mixed with turmeric rhizome paste is used for allergy. Dried Combretaceae Thanni fruit powder is taken along with fruit powder of Phyllanthus emblica and Terminalia chebula for diabetes. Thespesia populnea (L.) Sol. ex Corr. Leaf decoction is used as a drink in case of abscess due to severe heat. Malvaceae Poovarasu Tinospora cordifolia (Willd.) Hook. f. & For gonorrhoea and diabetes, whole plant decoction is taken internally. Thoms. Menispermaceae Amruth Tragia involucrata L. Euphorbiaceae Root paste is taken internally in the treatment of piles. Kodithoova Urena lobata ssp. Lobata L. Malvaceae Root decoction is used for the treatment of fever and urinary diseases. Oorakam Vernonia anthelmintica (L.) Willd. Asteraceae Seed paste mixed with salt and hot water is taken internally in the case of Kattujeerakam stomachache. Vernonia cinerea (L.) Less. Asteraceae Plant extract mixed with rhizome paste of turmeric is used for treating jaundice. Poovamkurunthal Leaf juice is dropped into eyes for curing eye diseases. Vetiveria zizanioides (L.) Nash Poaceae Root decoction is used during bath in case of dandruff. Ramacham Vitex negundo L. Verbenaceae Karinochi Leaf paste mixed with rhizome paste of turmeric is applied on the bitten spot in case of snake bite. Leaves decoction is gargled for gingivitis. Wattakaka volubilis (L.) f. Stapf. Bark paste and mixed with hot milk is used internally for treating urinary troubles. Asclepiadaceae Kaimavalli Zingiber officinale Rosc. Zingiberaceae Inchi Rhizome juice alone or mixed with lemon juice and Kaempferia galanga rhizome is taken for cold, gastroenteritis, indigestion and whooping cough.

SILJA et al .: ETHNOMEDICINAL PLANT KNOWLEDGE OF MULLU KURUMA TRIBE OF KERALA 611

Table 3  Plants used for different diseases by the Mullu kuruma tribe Diseases Plants used Skin diseases Acacia sinuata, Artemisia nilagirica, Bauhinia acuminata, Cassia fistula, Curcuma longa, Ficus racemosa, Lawsonia inermis, Ocimum tenuiflorum, Phyllanthus amarus, Pongamia pinnata, Rubia cordifolia, Schumannianthus virgatus, Tectona grandis, Sphaeranthus indicus Inflammation Abrus precatorius, Annona squamosa, Cynodon dactylon, Desmodium triflorum, Hibiscus rosasinensis, Hygrophila schulli, Tamarindus indica, Aristolochia bracteolata, Pterospermum canescens, Physalis angulata Abortifacient Abrus precatorius, Calotropis gigantea, Carica papaya. Dandruff Acacia sinuata, Aloe vera, Cardiospermum halicacabum, Cyclea peltata, Eclipta prostrata, Mussaenda frondosa, Phyllanthus amarus, Sida acuta,Vetiveria zizanioides Dysentery Acacia nilotica, Aegle marmelos, Kaloanchoe pinnata, Elephantopus scaber, Helicteres isora, Mangifera indica, Oxalis corniculata, Punica granatum, Syzygium cumini, Psidium guajava Piles Achyranthes aspera, Amorphophallus paeonifolius, Moringa oleifera, Nelumbo nucifera, Pongamia pinnata, Tragia involucrata Epilepsy Acorus calamus, Asparagus racemosus, Bacopa monnieri, Caesalpinia mimosoides, Elettaria cardamomum, Murraya koenigii, Ruta graveiolens Asthma, Cough and Adhatoda zeylanica, Artemisia nilagirica, Bacopa monneiri, Cassia occidentalis, Cinnamomum verum, Bronchial diseases Plectranthus amboinicus, Hygrophila schulli, Helicteres isora, Lawsonia inermis, Leucas aspera, Maranta arundinacea, Murraya koenigii, Ocimum tenuiflorum, Piper nigrum, Solanum violaceum, Solanum virginianum, Terminalia bellirica, Zingiber officinale, Mimosa pudica, Sida acuta Anaemia Ageratum conyzoides, Boerhavia diffusa, Hemidesmus indicus, Ichnocarpus frutescens, Momordica charantia, Moringa oleifera, Phyllanthus amarus, Punica granatum, Ocimum tenuiflorum, Phyllanthus emblica. Constipation Aegle marmelos, Ricinus communis, Moringa oleifera, Psidium guajava Tuberculosis Annona squamosa Jaundice and Liver Andrographis paniculata, Boerhavia diffusa, Centella asiatica, Coccinia grandis, Hygrophila auriculata, diseases Phyllanthus amarus, Ricinus communis, Vernonia cineria Burns Areca catechu, Aristolochia bracteolata, Lawsonia inermis, Pandanus odoratissimus, Sesamum indicum, Tectona grandis Leucorrhoea Asparagus racemosus, Curculigo orchioides, Hibiscus rosasinensis, Ipomoea marginata, Syzygium cumini, Sida acuta Leprosy Cassia fistula, Coccinia grandis, Hydnocarpus pentandra, Luffa cylindrica, Momordica charantia, Lawsonia inermis, Syzygium cumini Migraine Calotropis gigantea, Biophytum sensitivum Wounds Jatropha curcas, Mimosa pudica, Hemigraphis colorata, Chromolaena odorata, Gymnema sylvestre Malaria Erythrina variegata, Michelia champaca, Murraya koenigii Urinary Bauhinia acuminata, Cucumis sativus, Elephantopus scaber, Ficus racemosa, Ichnocarpus frutescens, complaints/kidney Indigofera tinctoria, Ipomoea marginata, Maranta arundinacea, Sesamum indicum, Urena lobata, stone Wattakaka volubilis, Scoparia dulcis

Common health problems faced by them are interviewed to get details of plants being used by malnutrition, worm infections, skin diseases, them for medicinal purposes. Details of the colonies diarrhoea, jaundice and fever. Based on the studied and medicinal plants being used by the information available, an effort has been made to population have been presented (Tables 1-3). study the ethnobotanically important plants used by Specimens were collected and identified for the the Mullu kuruma tribe of Noolpuzha village purpose and herbaria prepared. panchayat of Wayanad district of Kerala. Results and discussion Methodology A total of 136 plants have been found to be used The field work was conducted during April-June for medicinal purposes by the Mullu kuruma tribe 2005 in Noolpuzha village panchayat based on a (Tables 2 & 3). Different parts of plants like leaves, formal interview schedule prepared for the purpose. roots, rhizome, , fruits, seeds, etc. are Out of the 60 Mullukuruma colonies in the area, 10 being used for different purposes. About 19 plants for colonies were randomly selected for the study. Each asthma and other bronchial diseases, 14 plants are colony was visited 2-3 times and both men and used by the tribe for skin diseases, about 13 plants for women of age varying between 20-80 yrs were urinary complaints and kidney stone, 11 plants for 612 INDIAN J TRADITIONAL KNOWLEDGE, VOL 7, No. 4, OCTOBER 2008

dysentery and for anaemia, 10 plants for treating References inflammation, 9 plants for dandruff, about 8 plants for 1 Sivarama GT, Hariyappa N, Selvakumar M & Mohanan KV, jaundice and liver diseases, 7 plants for epilepsy and Organic farming in Wayanad- a preliminary analysis, Proc XIII Swadesi Sci Congress , 2003, 16-22. for leucorrhoea, 6 plants for piles, burns and leprosy, 2 Sivarama GT, Analysis of soil management practices about 5 for wounds, 4 plants for constipation, 3 plants among coffee and pepper farmers of Wayanad District of as abortifacient and for malaria, 2 for migraine and 1 Kerala, (MSc Dissertation, Manipal University of plant for tuberculosis (Table 3). Ethnobotanical Health, Medical and Technological Science, Gangtok), investigations into the tribal communities of Kerala 2001. 3 Rajagopalan CR, The Native Knowledge of Kerala , have been made by earlier workers with different (Altermedia, ), 1995. perspectives. The traditional ethnomedical knowledge 4 Narayanan K, A Portrait of Population: Kerala , of the physicians of Kerala has been documented in (, ), 1973. Van Rheede's Hortus Malabaricus . An ethnobotanical 5 Logan W, Malabar Manual , Vol I & II, (Chaithram survey of has revealed the use of 93 Publications and Asian Education Services, New Delhi), 8 1857. species of plants by the tribals of the district . Use of 6 Thurston E, Castes and Tribes of South , (Cosmo 79 plant species for ethnobotanical purposes by the Publications, New Delhi), 1909. tribals of Kerala and 41 plants belonging to 27 7 Singh KS, The Scheduled Tribes (People of India, National families being used by Kaadar tribe of Sholayar Series III), (Oxford University Press, New Delhi), 1994. forest of Kerala have also been documented 9,10 . The 8 Ramachandaran VS & Nair VJ, Ethnobotanical studies in Cannanore district, Kerala State (India), J Econ Tax Bot , 2 study has revealed the utilization of 136 species of (1981) 65-72. plants in ethnomedicine by the Mullu kuruma tribe of 9 Pushpangadan P & Atal CK, Ethno-medico-botanical Wayanad district of Kerala. Further investigations investigations in Kerala- Some primitive tribes of Western into the pharmacological importance of such plants Ghats and their herbal medicines, J Ethnopharmacol, 2 and their diversity and phytochemistry may add new (1984) 59-78. 10 Udayan PS, Satheesh George, Tushar KV & Balachandran I, knowledge to the information in the traditional Medicinal plants used by the Kaadar tribes of Sholayar medical and cultural systems of the Western Ghats forest, , Kerala, Indian J Traditional region of India. Knowledge, 4 (2) (2005) 159-163.

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