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INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF SCIENTIFIC & TECHNOLOGY RESEARCH VOLUME 8, ISSUE 11, NOVEMBER 2019 ISSN 2277-8616

Floristic Diversity And Ethanobotanical Studies On Selected Sacred Groves Of Perambalur District, Tamilnadu

G. Rajkumar, S. Ravipaul

Abstract: Sacred groves are small patches of forest left untouched by the local inhabitants to be protected by the local village folk deities who play a vital role in the conservation and preservation of species diversity. Field studies on floristic composition and ethno botanical practices of the sacred groves of Kunnamtaluk, Perambalur district of Tamil Nadu were undertaken. A total of 113 plant species belonging to 102 genera distributed among 51 families were recorded. The mode of mythical and therapeutic uses and conservation practices of these plants by the local people has been discussed. A total of 113 plant species belonging to 102 genera distributed among 51 families were recorded. Medicine preparations made from different parts of medicinal plants included whole fresh plant, flower, leaves, bark, fruit, root and tubers were used for treatment of various diseases by the village people The present study as result shows leaves were the most commonly utilized plant part with 30.08 % application in traditional medicinal raw materials, followed by whole plant (18.69%), root(11.38%), stem (1.62%), fruit|(12.19%), Seed(8.13%), flower (8.94%), bark (6.5%), shoot(1.51%) and rhizome (0.81%).These observations indicate that the sacred grove is the traditional way of conserving plants.

Keywords: Floristic composition, sacred groves, Ethno medicine, Medicinal plants, Conservation. ————————————————————

1. INTRODUCTION medicinal, rare, endemic, threatened, timber and fuel wood Biodiversity is the total assortment of life on earth. It consists yielding plants (Sukumaran and Raj 2007; Sukumaran et al., of all genes, species and ecosystems. The totality of revealed 2007). the totality of genus, species and ecosystems in a region (FES, 2010). The biodiversity have now understood greater Sacred groves are significant, not only because they are importance as ecologists try seriously to document global sacred, but values of for reaching importance are contained biodiversity in the face of extraordinary perturbation, habit them. The scientific economical social and spiritual values in loss and extinction rates (Rajendran et al, 2014). Floristic them will have to explicit. The vegetation in uninterrupted inventory and diversity status help us understand the species groves is luxuriant and comprises several stories of trees composition and diversity status of forests (Phillips et al, mixed with shrubs, lianas and herbs. The soil is rich in humus 2003). A study of the flora and forest taxonomic is essential and covered with thick litter (AnishBabu et al., 2014). Sacred to understand and evaluate the richness of their biodiversity groves are the repositories of rare and endemic species and (Sindhu et al, 2012). Furthermore, quantitative accounts help can be observed as the remnant of the primary forest left to identify species that are in different stages of susceptibility unaffected by the local inhabitants and protected them due to (Padalia, et al, 2004) as well as the various factors that the belief that the deities reside in these forests. Many studies influence the presented vegetation in any region have explained sacred groves in different ways. Sacred (Parthasarathy, 1999). In addition in any resources groves are an evident fact that is existed indigenous management programs, continuous updating of data about traditional societies has spiritual relationship. The role of any vegetation, flora and economically related plants of the sacred groves in the conservation of biodiversity has region is an important component of bio-prospecting tools. extended been recognized (Kosambi, 1962; Gadgil and Conservation related to religious and cultural beliefs has been Vartak, 1976; Haridasan and Rao, 1985; Ramanujam, 2000; significant in preserving biodiversity in different regions of Khan et al. 1997; 2008). In this study, the floristic wealth of India. In India, conservation of plants and animals are ThunijampadiSadaiyapparkoil, KadurPadaikathavarkovil and measured as sacred by the indigenous people. They believe KovilpalayamAyyanarkoil, sacred grove from Perambalur that trees represent God (Ganesan, et al., 2009). Flora district of Tamil Nadu state was reported here in order to protection and conservation communities have been many prepare the conservation and management plan for the traditional conservation practises. One such tradition is biodiversity protection in India. The objectives of the study is named as sacred groves. Cultural tradition and religious to raise awareness on the ecological and socio-economic precept of scared groves of forests is dedicated region to significance of these groves to humankind, cultural events local spirit or deity and protected (Gadgil and Vartak, 1975, and religious practices associated with each of the groves 1976). All over the world including India have been identified would be organized with the participation of the communities Tamil in Sacred groves, also known as ―KovilKadugal‖, they concerned. Conservation linked to religious and cultural are rich in biodiversity (Sukumaran, 2002; Anbarasan and beliefs has been important in preserving biodiversity in Padmavathy, 2010). They are collected of several floras with different regions of India. The fact that many of the species ———————————————— conserved are vital for the ecosystem functioning in the area  G. Rajkumar, Research Scholar, P.G and Research Department of changes the role of these groves from being purely religious Botany, Government Arts College (Affiliated to Bharathidasan spaces, to those which also have a larger ‗ecological‘ role to Univeristy) , Ariyalur -621713,Tamilnadu, India,, PH-09994656609. fulfill. E-mail: [email protected]  S. Ravipaul , Assistant Professor, P.G and Research Department of Botany, Government Arts College,Ariyalur -621713, Tamilnadu, India 3067 IJSTR©2019 www.ijstr.org INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF SCIENTIFIC & TECHNOLOGY RESEARCH VOLUME 8, ISSUE 11, NOVEMBER 2019 ISSN 2277-8616

2.MATERIALS AND METHODS district. Its geographical limit is 11 o14‘00. 59‘ N Latitude, 0 Description of the study area ThunijampadiSadaiyapparkoil, 78 52‘59.85‘E Longitude, with elevation ranging 133.3 M KadurPadaikathavarkovil and KovilpalayamAyyanarkoil altitude above mean sea level. The temperature ranges from o o located at KunnamTaluk, Perambalur district TamilNadu 31-38 C during summer and 25-32 C during winter. The (Figure1). The district boundaries of Perambalur are east average humidity ranged from 32 to 34% during November to Ariyalur district, west Tiruchirappalli and Salem districts, North December. Annual rainfall is ranging from 800 to 861 mm. Cuddalore and Salem South Tiruchirappalli and Thanjavur . .

Figure 1 Map showing Perambalur district, Tamilnadu, India

The floristic vegetation of the sacred groves stand as tropical Menispermaceae, Oleaceae, Poaceae, Rubiaceae, dry every green forest with local variations. It comprises of Rhamnaceae represented by 2species Alangiaceae, trees, shrubs, climbers and herbs were also recorded. In all Anacardiaceae, Cyperaceae, Commelinaceae, the three areas plant species were collected, identified and Casuarinaceae, Cannaceae, Caryophyllaceae, Cactaceae, systematic enumeration was made with the available Logoniaceae, Myrtaceae, Molluginaceae, Moringaceae, monographs relevant literatures and taxonomic revisions Meliaceae, Oxalidaceae, Papavaraceae, Portulaceae, (Gamble et al 1915, Mathew 1982).Their specific medicinal Passifloraceae, Scrophulariaceae, Sapindaceae, Sapotaceae, values were verified with the knowledge of local people who Zygophylaceae, Vitaceae, Cucurbitaceae and are well versed with the uses of these plants and also after Arstolociaceae represented by 1 species (Figure 1). confirming the details available in the recent studies Maximum numbers (101 sps) were recorded in the (Srivastava and Chouksey 1999; Goelet al., 1999; Thuninjapadisadaiyapparkoil grove followed by Ramakrishnan and Ganesan, 2001). Kadurpadaikathavarkoil grove (90sps), Kovilpalayamayyanarkoil grove (85sps). Albiziaamara, 3 RESULTS AND DISCUSSION AlangiumsalvifoliumCynodondactylon were common in The present study has been carried out on the plants species 3groves Cardiospermumhelicacabum, Aeglemarmelos, that are found in 3 Sacred groves namely Syzygiumcummi, Tamarindusindica, Zizipusjujuba, ThunijampadiSadaiyapparkoil, KadurPadaikathavarkoil and, Azadirachtaindica, Cassia auriculata, were recorded common KovilpalayamAyyanarkoil of Kunnamtaluk, Perambalur district in 2 groves, based on the utilization 81 species recorded were Tamil Nadu. A total of 113 plant species belonging to 102 used for medical purposes. Tamarindusindica(puli), genera distributed among 51 families were recorded (Table Syzygiumcuminii (naval) and Madhucalongifolia(Iluppai), 1). Based on the habit classification of the 113 plants, believed as the abode of the ghost. Azadirachtaindica maximum numbers of species were herbs (54sp), followed by (vaembu) and Aloe vera (Sothukatthalai) are used for warding trees (29sp), shrub (17sp), climbers (13sp). Among the off of the evil spirit, Gloriosasuperba (Kalappaikizhangu) were families, Acanthaceae and Euphorbiaceae was most considered poisonous. Phytodiversity of the present studied dominant comprising 6 genera and 7species and 5genera sacred groves from various part of the country shows that a 7species followed by Asteraceae represented by 6species total of 111 species were recorded from four sacred groves of Solanaceae, Fabaceae, Malvaceae represented by 5species, (Ramanujam& Cyril 2003), 180 species were reported from Apocynaceae, Mimosoideae, Lamiaceae, Caesalpiniaceae, Sendirakillai sacred grove of Cuddalore district, Tamilnadu represented by 4species Moraceae, Nyctaginaceae, (Gnanasekaran et al. 2012), 94 plant species were recorded Rutaceae, Verbinaceae represented by 3speices, from Koraput district, Odisha (Debabrata et al, 2014). A total Arecaceae,Ascelpiadaceae, AmaranthaceaeBoraginaceae, of 245 flowering plants were recorded from Vallikaattu sacred Convolvulaceae, Cleomaceae, Liliaceae, Lythraceae, grove of Kozhikode, Kerala (Sreeja and Unni, 2016).

Table 1 List of Plant Species recorded in the selected Sacred Groves of Perambalur District

S.No Name of The Plant Species Family Local Name Parts Used Therapeutic Uses

1 Abrusprecatorius L. Fabaceae Gundumani Seed ,leaves External wounds, Bite (snake)

2 Abutilon indicum L. Malvaceae Thutthi Leaves, root Cold, stops bleeding in wounds.

3 Acacia leucophloeawilld Mimosoideae Velvaelam (white) Root Leucoderma

4 Acalyphaindica L. Euphorbiaceae Kuppaimaeni Leaves. Skin disease purgative. Scorpion bite 5 Achyranthesaspera .L Amaranthaceae Naaiyurivi Leaves, root gumbleeding,sacrified plant 6 AdhatodavassicaNees. Acanthaceae Adaathoda Leaves Cough and asthma

7 Aeglemarmelos L Rutaceae Vilvam Fruit, bark Diarrhoea, constipation Cure kidney stone , diuretics 8 Aervalanata L Amaranthaceae Poolapoo Whole plant ,poisonous AlangiumSalviifolium 9 Alangiaceae Alingl Bark , flower Rheumatic fever, eye diseases Wagnerian

10 AlbiziaamaraRoxb Mimosoideae Usilai Leaves Cleaning the hair scarified plant

Cooling ,stomach ache used 11 Aloe vera L. Liliaceae Sotthukatthalalai Leaves against evil sprit Fever , insect bite as on ant 12 Ammanniabaccifera L. Lythraceae Neermulli Whole plant venom

Andrographispaniculata Febrifuge stomach ache, tonic, 13 Acanthaceae Siriyanangai whole plants (Burm.f.)Wall.exnes antidote to cobra venom.

Prolonged rheumatic fever, evil 14 Anisomelesmalabarica L. Libiatae Peimerati Leaves sprits Irregular monthly menstrual Leaves, root, periods and intermittent fever, 15 Aristolochiabracteolata Lam. Aristochiaceae Aduthinnapalai seed. antidote for snake and insect venoms Diuretics, anathematic, anti Roots, seed , 16 Argemonemexicana L. Papaveraceae Piramathandu dote, chronic skin disease, piles, milky juice, oil stomach ache

Multi purpose considered as a 17 Azadirahctaindica A. Meliaceae Vembu Whole plant goodness tree

Nervous memory enhancer 18 Bacopamonnieri L. Scrophulariaceae Neerpirame Whole plant rental disorder Wound healing skin disease, 19 Biophytumsensitivum L. Oxalidaceae Thotasurunki Whole plant inflammation Jaundice, child birth ,liver 20 Boerhaviadiffusa L. Nyctaginaceae Mookaratai Root, leaves complaint Fruits edible, latex used for 21 Carissa carandas L. Apocynaceae Kelakai Latex, fruit wound healing Anti diabetics, Skin cracks, 22 Cassia auriculata L. Caesalpinaceae Avaramchedi Leaves, flower heart diseases Cure Ring worm , urinary 23 Cassia fistula L. Caesalpinaceae Sarakkontrai Leaves diseases, diabetes Cardiospermumhalicacabu 24 Sapindaceae Mudakkathan Whole plant Rheumatism m L. Cure excess urination, body 25 Catharanthusroseus (l.)Don. Apocynaceae Nithyakalyani Flower, roots weakness, and abnormal appetite, anti tumours.

Stomach problem join the 26 Cissusquadrangularis L. Vitaceae Perandai Whole plant broken bone Root, bark, Purgative cures leprosy, 27 Clalotropisgigantea L. Asclepiadaceae Eruku leaves, juice of leucoderma, ulcer, piles. plant and flower. Clear dropsy, leucoderma, ulcers, and piles, cure rheumatic 28 Cleome gynandra L. Cleomaceae Nalavalai Whole plants fever, cold, tape worms, round worms, and cough septic sores. Ear ache, eye troubles, skin 29 Cleome viscosa L. Cleomaceae Naikoduku Leaves, seed diseases. Emetic, cathartic, purgative and 30 Clitoriaternatiea L. Fabaceae Sangupoo Whole plant chronic bronchitis, laxative Expectorant, antispasmodic , 31 Cocciniagrandis L. Cucurbitaceae kovai Whole plant ant periodic-diuretics Laxative, burn, boils, itches, 32 Commelinabenghalensis L. Commelinaceae Kanavzhali Whole plant septic wounds. Croton Acicular disease, wound 33 Euphorbiaceae Rail Poondu Leaves, latex bonplandianusBaillon healing, paralysis, rheumatism Blood purifier, scabs, itches, 34 Cynodondactylon L. Poaceae Arukampul Whole plant eczema, dry skin, irregular periods menses Diuretics, promote brain power, 35 Cyperusrotundus L. Cyperaceae Korai Bulb. fruit increase semen quantity Mental disorder , skin disease 36 Datura metal L. Solanaceae Oomathai Leaves, fruit. piles Pain and swelling of 37 Delonixelata L. Caesalpinaceae Vaathanarayanan Whole plant. rheumatism, gas trouble Cure all liver and spleen 38 Ecliptaprostrata L. Asteraceae Karisalankanni Leaves disease , anaemia jaundice black dense hair Anti asthmatic pectoral, in 39 Euphorbia hitra L. Euphorbiaceae Amman pacharisi Whole plant worms bowel complaints and cough, breast pain For all kind of fever, acrid, 40 Evolvulusalsinoides L. Convolvulaceae Vishnukaranthi Whole plant increasing brain power Appetite, astringent, stimulant, stomach ache, woofing cough , Fruits, bulp, bits of venomous insects and 41 Feroniaelephantum Rutaceae Velammaram bark, leaves reptiles, liver disease, carminative, purgative and soporific Inflammations, leprosy, nose disease, dysentery, liver 42 Ficusbengalensis L. Moraceae Alamaram Root, latex, fruit problem gum bleeding, mouth ulcers, vomiting Anti diabetics, dysentery, blood 43 Ficusracemosa L. Moraceae Atthimaram Fruit, milk, seed stained urine and excess secretion of acid Wounds, itches, skin Leaves, root, inflammation, skin eruption, 44 Ficusreligiosa L. Moraceae Arasu bark, Fruit throat infection, bronchitis asthma. Skin disease, labours pain, 45 Gloriosasuperba L. Liliaceae Senganthal malar Rhizome, seed general debility Cure itches and wounds cure Thaelkodukkupoond 46 Heliotropiumindicum L. Boraginaceae Leaves pimples venereal disease anti u dote to the poison Internal ulcer, burning sensation, sores in mouth, body 47 Ipomoea obscura L. Convoluvlaceae Cirutali Leaves heat, increases and secretion of breast milk. Dysentery, blood pressure, 48 Ixoracoccinea L. Rubiaceae Idli poo Flower, root vomiting, nausea, gonorrhoea, ulcer 49 Jatrophagossypifolia L. Euphorbiaceae Kattamanaku Latex, leaves, oil Mouth ulcer scabies, wounds

Skin disease, asthma, cough, 50 Justiciaprocambens L. Acanthaceae Sivanarvaembu Whole plant stomach problem

51 Lantana camara L. Verbenaceae Unnichedi Leaves Skin infection ,Rheumatoid

Headache ,cold, cough ,asthma 52 Leucasaspera L. Lamiaceae Thumbai Whole plant ,scorpion sting ,antipyretic ,reduce fevers Burning ,steam, anti Leaf, flower, inflammatory ,mouth sore, small 53 Lowsoniainermis L. Lythraceae Maruthani Seed wounds, scratches, growth dense hair , leucoderma Care of the skin , alcoholic Stem, bark 54 Madhucalongifolia Koenig. Sapotaceae Eluppai drink, chocolates, imbalance of ,flower thinking

55 Mimosa pudica L. Mimosoideae Thottachinungi Root , leaves Snakebite, knee pain

Heal wounds , itches and back Leaves, fruits, 56 Morindapubescens J.E. Rubiaceae Nunamaram pain, leucoderma , strengthen root the teeth and gum

Antiseptic and sores, anticancer 57 Mullugopentaphylla L. Aizoaceae Valukaikeerai Whole plant ,antitoxic and diuretic agent , mouth infections

Stomachic, carminative, 58 Nyctanthes arbor- tristis L. Oleaceae Pavalamalli Flower astringent to bowel, ant bilious ,hair tonic, piles, skin diseases Headache, fast heart palpitation and sleeplessness, chest pain 59 Ocimum sanctum L Lamiaceae Thulasi Leaves and cough ,leucorrhoea, kidney disorders

60 Ocimumtenuiflorum L. Lamiaceae Naaithulasi Leaves Cold, cough, asthma, fever

Skin diseases asthma, 61 Opuntiastricta How Cactaceae Sapathikalli Flower, fruit whooping cough ,gonorrhoea Vietnamese folk to relieve 62 Passiflorafoetida L. Passifloraceae Moskkattaan Leaves sleeping Phyllanthusamarusschum& 63 Euphorbiaceae Keezhanelli Whole plant Anaemic, jaundice, dropsy Thon Appetizing, tonic , diuretic, 64 Physalis minima L Solanaceae Sodukkuthakali Leaves laxative, inflammations, remedy against earache

Leaves, bark, 65 Pongamiapinnata L. Fabaceae Pungamaram Skin diseases, sacred tree flower

66 Ricinuscommunis.L. Euphorbiaceae Aamanaku Seed Purgative, rheumatism

Cure sun burn, over heat of 67 Sesbaniagrandiflora L. Fabaceae Agathi Leaves body , hyper acidity, chickenpox ,headache

Dysentery, prolepses fauns, 68 Sidacordata L Malvaceae ArivalmunaiPoondu Leaves bleeding piles ,gonorrhoea

Cut wounds, stop bleeding, 69 Sidacordifolia L Malvaceae Sitramutti Leaves antidote for snake venom

Stoma tic, astringent, alterative, Leaves, flower 70 SolanumsurattenseBurm.f Solanaceae Kantankathari anathematic and diuretic, .cure ,fruit ,root fever cold

71 Solanumtorvum Sw. Solanaceae Sundai Leaves ,fruit Skin diseases, vermifuge

Chronic bronchitis, throat problem, pluropneumonia in 72 Solanumtrilobatum L. Solanaceae Thuduvalai Whole plant cattle, tuberculosis, promote body strength, brain power

Leaves ,bark, Diabetes, stomachic, diuretic, 73 SyzygiumCummi L. Myrtaceae Naval maram Fruit , seed frequent urination

Laxative, ant bilious, car native 74 Tamarindusindica L. Caesalpinaceae Puli Leaves, fruit laxative, diuretic

Stomach pain, cure ailments Leaves , flower, 75 Teprosiapurpurea L Fabaceae Kolingi due to acid , spleen and kidney, Root loose motion

Rheumatism, jaundice, 76 Tinosporacordifolia Wild Menispermaceae Seenthil Leaves, seed anaemia, chronic fever

Aphrodisiac, appetizer, 77 Tribulusterrestris L. Zygophyllaceae Nerunchimul Whole plant digestive, urinary.

Wounds caused by cuts and 78 Tridaxprocumbens L. Asteraceae Vettukayathalai Whole plant scratches

Clear phlegm, diarrhoea, will 79 Tylophoraindica (Burm.f.). Asclepiadaceae Nancharuppan Whole plant help remove all the venom by vomiting

Antibacterial antifungal, 80 Vitexnegundo L. Verbenaceae Nochi Leaves, stem indigestion in children, asthma.

Fruits edible, cooling bark used 81 Ziziphusjujuba L. Rhamnaceae Elanthai Bark, fruit for skin infection.

In the present work, survey of floristic composition and practices commonly utilized plant part with 30.08 % application in of some unreported sacred groves of Kunnamthaluk, traditional medicinal raw materials, followed by whole plant Perambalur district was carried out. Such willingness to exercise (18.69%), root (11.38%), stem (1.62%), fruit|(12.19%), power on behalf of their devotee‘s marks these deities excellent seed(8.13%), flower (8.94% ), bark (6.5%), shoot|(1.51%) and kuladeyvam (lit‖ family/lineage gods‖). Whether local resident rhizome (0.81% ) (Table 2). Similar result reported leaves as devotees typically return to the temple of their kuladeyvam for commonly utilized plant part in herbal medicine used by the the god‘s annual festival and to conduct or announce important inhabitants of islands and Italy (Bradacs et al. 2011; Leto et life cycle rituals. The groves are thus frequently a back drop for al, 2013). rituals such as ear-papering and head shaving ceremony for new children (accompanied by sacrifice of a goat or chicken) and the presentation of wedding invitations both of which are key opportunities to express gratitude to the god. In the present survey different forms of deities like Sadaiyappar, Ayyanar, and Padaikathvar, made up of stone were also found. People take vows (promise) for their own wish. If the wish is fulfilled, they submit terracotta‘s. The terracotta mostly are horses, dogs, cats, bulls, elephants and parts of human beings mainly hands and legs etc. The present study revealed that the local people living near by the sacred grove are using 81 species of medicinal plants belonging to families 51 to cure various diseases. Medicine preparations made from different parts of medicinal plants included whole fresh plant, flower, leaves, bark, fruit, root Figure 1 Plant species distribution among families of Study and tubers were used for treatment of various diseases by the Area village people. However, fresh plant parts were preferred over dried ones for the preparation of most of the drugs. The common It has been documented that the use of leaves is better for the diseases treated by the herbal practitioner were asthma, survival of medicinal plants collected by herbalists compared digestive problems, paralyzes, skin diseases and diabetes to the collection of whole plant, roots and stem, which may (Sindhu et al, 2012). All plant parts are significant in the cause severe threat to local flora (Zheng and Xing, 2009). treatment of different ailments; on the other hand in the Some of the plant species such as Calotropisprocera, Croton present study as shown in table(1), leaves were the most sparsiflorus, Daturainnoxia, Euphorbia spp., Lantana camara,

Solanum spp. and Ranunculus sceleratus are consider as Sahu et al., 2010). Most of the interviews were familiar with poisonous; however used to treat various ailments by local the species dealing with common ailments like cough, cold, inhabitants. It has been statement that plant species with fever and skin diseases. Although our ancient sages through potent bioactive compounds are often characterized as hit and trial method developed herbal medicines, the reported poisonous and medicinal as well, and a beneficial or an uses of plant species do not certify efficacy (Tarafdar, 1986). adverse result may depends on method of drug preparation and utilization (Bernhoft, 2010). It was observed that 4 CONCLUSION inhabitants of the study area use above mentioned species in The present study deals with floristic composition of flowering modest quantity, therefore no toxic effect was mentioned by plants grown in Thunijampadi Sadayaparkoil, Kadur respondents. Padaikathavarkoil, KovilpalayamAyyanarkoil sacred grove, located in Kunnamtaluk at Perambalur district and indigenous knowledge documented through questionnaire and personal interviews indicated that rural traditional healers used the plants to cure many diseases and various animals, insect bites. These sacred groves comprising of 113 plant species belonging to 51 families with 102 genera some rare threatened and endangered plants are confirmed to this grove only. The attendant cultural rites and religious rituals have perpetuated the status of the sacred grove which has ensured the protection of the grove vegetation.

Figure 2 Number of plants species habit wise distribution in study area

Table 2 Percentage of Plant parts of medicinal uses of sacred groves S.No Plant Parts of medicinal uses Percentage 1 Whole Plant 18.69 2 Root 11.38 3 stem 1.62 4 fruit| 12.19

5 seed 8.13 5 ACKNOWLEDGMENT 6 flower 8.94 The authors wish to thank Dr. A. Arivoli, Assistant Professor, 7 bark 6.5 Department of Environmental Science, Government Arts 8 shoot 1.51 college, Ariyalur.

9 Rhizome 0.81 6 REFERENCES 10 leaves 30.08 [1] Ahmad, M., M.A. Khan and R.A. Qureshi (2003). 3.1 Medicinal uses of Plant Ethnobotanical study of some cultivated plants of Chhuchh region (District Attock). J. HamdardMedicus, 4: 15-19. Gastro intestinal problems like digestive problems, diarrhea, dysentery, stomach ache and constipation were treated using [2] Anbarasan, M. and Padmavathy, A. (2010) Ethno-medicinal specific herbal prescription by the rural peoples. Antidotes for plants in five sacred groves in Cuddalore district, Tamilnadu, insect and animal bite like wasp sting, dog bite, scorpion sting India. Ethanobotanical leaflets,14: 774-80. [3] Anish Babu VB, Antony VT, Binu Thomas, Prabhu Kumar KM. and snake bite were prepared using herbal medicine by the rural people from the sacred grove. Respiratory problem like (2014) Sacred groves: potential microhabitats for conserving cough, cold, bronchitis and asthma also used medicinal plants rare endemic and threatened plants. Journal of Science. 4:223- swellings, leucorrhoea, skin problems, joint pains, urinary 226. [4] Bernhoft A. (2010) Bioactive compounds in plants—Benefits diseases, diuretic, bleeding piles, fever, diabetes treatment of boils, paralysis, nervous system, sores, throat problem, and risks for man and animals. The Norwegian Academy of parasitic worm, earache, teeth ache and menstrual problems Science and Letters, Oslo. also treated by herbal medicines by the rural peoples in the [5] Bradacs G, Heilmann J, Weckerle CS. Medicinal plant use in grove. Effectiveness of the herbal drug was connected to Vanuatu: (2011) A comparative ethnobotanical study of three nature of the disease and dose response. Doses are differing islands. Journal of Ethnopharmacology, 137: 434–448. from patient to patient from time based on the cause and [6] Debabrata P, Sekhar BS and Sharat KP (2014) Floral Diversity effectiveness of the drugs. Such is the enormous potential Conservation through Sacred Groves in Koraput District, hidden in these plants gifted by Nature (Ahmad et al., 2003; Odisha, India: A Case Study. International Research Journal of Environment Sciences 3(9): 80–86 3073 IJSTR©2019 www.ijstr.org INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF SCIENTIFIC & TECHNOLOGY RESEARCH VOLUME 8, ISSUE 11, NOVEMBER 2019 ISSN 2277-8616

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