Indian Journal of Traditional Knowledge Vol. 8(4), October 2009, pp 592-597

Ethnomedicinal studies of the woody species of Kalrayan & Shervarayan Hills, ,

K Kadavul* & AK Dixit Department of Science, KM Centre for Postgraduate Studies, Lawspet, Puducherry 605 008 E-mail: [email protected] Received 26 June 2007; revised 3 November 2008

Some ethnobotanical observations have been made amongst the aboriginals of the Shervarayan & Kalrayan hills of Eastern Ghats in Tamil Nadu. The paper describes ethnomedicinal importance of 60 woody species belonging to 51 genera and 34 families. Data are based on extensive survey, observations and discussions with tribal and rural people of this region. In forests of both Shervarayan & Kalrayan hills, locals have converted a substantial portion of forests into cultivated lands. The importance of recording the usage of in this region is imperative because of rapid loss of forest wealth and tradi- tional wisdom. Intensive action plan need to be immediately implemented for sustainable use of forest resources together with the ethnobotanical knowledge base of the forest dwellers. In view of the various resources use, habitat uniqueness and anthropological pressure on the forest resources, the need for conservation is stressed. Keywords : Ethnobotany, Ethnomedicine, Eastern Ghats, Tamil Nadu, Kurumba gounder , Sadaya gounder , Ariyan IPC Int. Cl. 8: A01K61/00, A61P1/10, A61P11/00, A61P11/06, A61P17/00, A61P27/00, A61P27/02, A61P29/00, A61P31/00, A61P39/02

The tribal societies are closely linked to the forest direction, meeting the Western Ghats in the Nilgiris ecosystem with which they traditionally live in Hills and on the Southeast Javadi hills, Melagiris, harmony. Tribal population still derives their daily Shervarayan, Chitteri, Bodamalai, Kalrayan, Kolli needs from various plants growing around them 1. A hills and Pachamalai hills are located. large part of such information is passed by verbal communication for generations. It is desirable to Methodology collect and record such information for proper The study was carried out in semi- evergreen scientific evaluation and also a common proposition forests (tropical forest) in Eastern Ghats, viz. arising from them was the need to find ways to make Sanyasimalai R F Shervarayan hills (1300-1500m tropical forests economically attractive to these elevation) located in of Tamil Nadu populations. It was assumed that with added (11°45´ and 11°55 N Lat & 78°11´ and 78°20 E economic incentives and proper scientific knowledge Long) and in the Vellimali forest of Kalrayan hills of sustainable use of forests, people would strengthen (Fig.1) (600-900m elevation) located in Villupuram their resolve against other deforesting agents. Human district of Tamil Nadu (11°38´ and 12°01 N Lat. & influence on natural system has often been portrayed 78°37´ and 78°51 E Long.). The study is based on as destructive. It is only relatively recently that extensive survey and field observations as a part of ecologist have started to appreciate how traditional quantitative inventory of all woody species ≥ 30 cm people used their resources without destroying them 2. gbh in the study area, data on medicinal uses of The objective of the paper is to focus primarily on the various woody species by the tribes were gathered. ethnomedicinal herbal drugs obtained from the woody The tribal communities inhabiting the study area are species of 2 semi- evergreen tropical forests of the mainly Kurumba gounder , Sadaya gounder and Eastern Ghats. Geographically, the Eastern Ghats Ariyan . The major livelihood of these tribes is cattle consists of 3 discrete sections, the Northern (Nimgiri, farming, agriculture, collection of fuel wood, minor Orissa), the Central (Nallamalai to near Chennai) and forest produces and collection of medicinally the Southern section that runs in a West-Southwest important plants, etc. These tribes were using herbs —————— and woody species as vegetables, fruits, beverages, *Corresponding author fodder, building houses and thatching, religious KADAVUL & DIXIT: ETHNOMEDICINAL STUDIES OF WOODY SPECIES OF TAMIL NADU 593

ceremonies, for making agricultural implements, documented a total of 60 woody species, 51 genera cordage, mats and baskets and medicines for various and 34 plant families (Table 1). Family wise, the taxa ailments of human beings and cattle. In the paper, belonging to Papilionaceae, and only ethnobotanically and ethnomedicinally important Euphorbiaceae were used extensively. Predominantly, woody species were considered. The species were as first hand information, the leaf extracts of identified with help of available literature 3-10 . Erythrina sricta is used instantly for curing cold and fever by tribes of Kalrayan hills. The leaf paste of Results and discussion microcarpa is used for throat infections and the The ethnobotanical study conducted in 2 seeds of Syzygium cumini for the treatment for semi-evergreen forests namely Shervarayan and diabetics by the tribes of Shervarayan hills. Kalrayan hills of central Tamil Nadu, Eastern Ghats Interestingly, in the same area, the bark or leaf paste of Buchanania lanzan with the bark of Diospyros melanlxylon triturated and mixed with a glass of water is given twice daily to treat snakebite 11. Seed oil of Pongamia pinnata is effectively used for treating seasonal eczema in Kalrayan hills, Tamil Nadu. Evidently, 2-3 tender leaf paste of Terminalia bellerica is given twice a day for one day to cure vomiting and loose motions followed dehydrations used by the same tribes 12 . The roots of Cassia fistula and rice ( Oryza sativa ) made into a paste are applied on scrofula (tuberculosis in lymphatic nodes) by local tribes in Kalrayan hills as well as in Pendra district of Bilaspur Madhya Pradesh and in Kaljikhal block of district Pauri Garhwal of Uttaranchal 13,14 . Spermatorrohea is treated with fruit powders of Terminalia chebula and Phyllanthus emblica (5 gm) given with warm water twice a daily by the tribal practitioners in Kalrayan hills and also more or less

similar method is used by the tribes of Kaljikhal block Fig. 1—Location may of the study area of district Pauri Garhwal of Uttaranchal 14 .

Table 1—Ethnobotanical uses of the woody species

Plant names & Family Local name Parts used Uses

Acacia torta (Roxb.) Crai Singa kodi Tender leaves, oil Anemia, as tonic, Mimosaceae antiseptic Albizzia amara (Roxb.) Bovin Usalai, Leaves, Eye diseases, Mimosaceae Unjaa Bark, fruit ulcer of mouth, purgative Atalantia racemosa Wight&Arn. Kattunaragam fruits Pickles by tribes Rutaceae Buchanania lanzan Sprengal Kolamavu, Bark Pains, snakebite, Anacardiaceae Kattuma Seeds mouth ulceration Callitris cupressiformis Sad savukku Leaf twig As bouquet Cupressaceae Cansjera rheedii J. Gmelin. Kalimannak- Leaves Leaves as vegetable Opiliaceae keerai Caryota urens L. Koonthappanai Inflorescence Asthma, as vital sap, mild laxative, Arecaceae Juice, nut, coolant, acrid exudates, 594 INDIAN J TRADITIONAL KNOWLEDGE, VOL. 8, No. 4, OCTOBER 2009

Table 1—Ethnobotanical uses of the woody species —Contd

Plant names & Family Local name Parts used Uses

Cassia fistula L. Sharakkonnai Pod(Fruit) Purgative, scrofula, worm Caesalpiniaceae Roots infestations in children, snakebite Leaves Chionanthus malaelengi (Den.) P.S Green ----- Wood Used as cheap wood for tools Oleaceae handles Clausena dentate (Willd) M.Roem Kongi, Fruits Rarely edible Rutaceae Aanaichhadi Combretum albidum G.Don Not known Wiry-stem, Juice in eye Combretaceae seed oil, root problems, eczema, antimalarial Derris scandens (Roxb.) Benth. Karadi Bark, stem Treatment of cancer like wounds Papilionaceae veppanang kodi and tumor in throat (Very rare distribution) Diospyros ebenum Koen. Karunkali Stem Wood for making tool handles Ebenaceae Diospyros ferrea (Willd) Bakl. ver. buccifolia Irumvalli Fruits Diarrhoea, internal bleeding, kidney (Rottb.) Bakl stones, sore throats Ebenaceae Diospyros montana Roxb. Kaatupula Bark Liver disorders, fever Ebenaceae Eriobotrya japonica (Thunb.) Lindle Lakkota Fruits Freshly eatable, good laxative Rosaceae Erythrina stricta Roxb. Mulmurungai Flowers, leaves Leaves extract for cold Papilionaceae Erythrina variegata LinN. ------Bark, seed oil Antihelmintic, Papilionaceae paralysis Euodia lunu-ankenda (Gaertn.) Merr Theekuchi maram Leaves, Fever, Rutaceae root bark fairness of skin Euphorbia antiquorum L. Kalli Root, latex Rheumatism, inflammation, Euphorbiaceae swellings on breast, purgative Ficus benghalensis L. Aalamaram Bark, leaves Diabetes, impotency, leucorrhoea Moraceae Ficus microcarpa L. Kal athi Leaves Tumour, throat infections Moraceae

Ficus religiosa L. Arasu Leaves, Passing blood in urea, bleeding Moraceae bark, seed piles, boils, contraceptive Ficus tsjahela Rheed ex Burm. f. Esili Bark Veterinary medicine Moraceae Flacourtia indica (Burm.f)Mers Sela Fruits, bark Jaundice, snake bite, rheumatism, Flacourtiaceae eczema Gardenia resinifera Roth. Kambilpisin Leaves, Liver disorders,fever, colitis, Rubiaceae gum anthelmintic Gmilina arborea Roxb. K umala Root bark Impotency, prolong coitus time Verbenaceae Hiptage benghalensis (L.) Kurz. Vasanthi Leaves Antiseptic, asthma, rheumatism, Malpighiaceae insecticidal Ixora brachiata Roxb.ex DC. Thetti Root bark Root bark paste with coconut pulp Rubiaceae applied for inflammation Lannea coromandelica (Houtt.) Merr. Odian Bark, Vaginal complaint, toothache, Anacardiaceae leaves dysentery, elephantiasis KADAVUL & DIXIT: ETHNOMEDICINAL STUDIES OF WOODY SPECIES OF TAMIL NADU 595

Table 1—Ethnobotanical uses of the woody species —Contd

Plant names & Family Local name Parts used Uses

Lepisanthes tetraphylla (Vahl) Radlk ----- Soft wood Wood for carving toys Sapindaceae Macaranga peltata (Roxb.) Muell.Arg. Vattkanni Wood As cheap timber Euphorbiaceae Madhuca longifolia (Koen.) Macbr Illupai Bark, seed Antiseptic, snake bite, rheumatism, Sapotaceae oil, leaves inflammation of testis

Mallotus philippensis (Lam.) Muell. Arg Trisulli Bark, root, Impotency, tonic, spermatorrhoea, Euphorbiaceae fruit bleeding, purgative Mangifera indica L. Mamaram Bark, Astringent, gonorrhoea, asthma, Anacardiaceae seeds prolongs ejaculation, anthelmintic Melia azedarach L. Malai vembu Leaves, Small pox, viral fever, Meliaceae seeds oil, skin infections, bark bark extracts to control women hormone problems, antiseptic Melia dubia Cav. Masa vembu Bark Bark extract for menses problems Meliaceae Melastoma malabathrium Linn. ------Root, Jaundice, small pox, leucorrhoea, Melastomataceae leaves toothache Mimusops elengi L. Magudam Fruit, flower, Astringent, cough, Sapotaceae leaves cold, snakebite Murraya koenigii (L.) Spreng Karuveppillai Leaves, Dysentery, digestive, vomiting, Rutaceae bark febrifuge, tonic, skin diseases Murraya paniculata (L.) Jack, Rutaceae Kaatu karivppilai Root, Dropsy, bodyache, fever, leaves inflammation Phyllanthus emblica L. Nellikkai Leaves, Jaundice, improving Euphorbiaceae fruit eyesight, inflammation Plecospermum Ekkimullu Stem thorn Checks cholera (in belief) spinosum Trec., Moraceae Pongamia pinnata (L.) Piere Pungan Root, bark, Infections, bleeding piles, diabetes, Papilionaceae flower, fruit, leprosy, dyspepsia, skin diseases, leaves, seed jaundice, diphtheria Santalum album Linn. Chandanum Wood & oil Diuretic, burns, Santalaceae leprosy, prolonged ejaculation, dysuria fever, skin diseases, inflammations Schefflera stellata (Gaertn) Harms Peyi miratti Bark Bark ash for to control evil sprits Araliaceae (only belief) Scolopia crenata (Wight & Arn) Clos Elumutti Leaves Musco-skeletal pain Flacourtiaceae Scutia myrtina (Burm.f) Kurz. Thorattimull Fruit Rarely eaten wood used as making Rhamnaceae tools handles Sesbania sesban (L.) Merr Agathi Root Burning urination Papilionaceae Leaves Promotes lactation, laxative Bark Blood dysentery Spondias pinnata (L.f) Kurz Mampulicchi, Raw Fruit Chutney for digestion Anacardiaceae Kattumavu Bark Dysentery, irregular periods 596 INDIAN J TRADITIONAL KNOWLEDGE, VOL. 8, No. 4, OCTOBER 2009

Table 1—Ethnobotanical uses of the woody species —Contd

Plant names & Family Local name Parts used Uses

Streblus taxoides (Heyne ex Roth) Kurz ------Bark Elephantiasis Moraceae Latex Leucoderma root Glandular swellings Strychnos nux-vomica L. Yetti Root Constipation, fever Loganiaceae Bark Epilepsy, fever, Seed Antivenom, dog bite Stem-leaf Ash for healing wounds Syzygium cumini (L.) Skeels Naval Bark, seeds Dysentery, sore throat, diabetics Myrtaceae Leaves Anthelmintic, fever Seed Diabetes Tamarindus indica L. Puli Fruit Digestive, laxative, lever disorders, Caesalpiniaceae stimulant Leaves Anthelmintic, swelling, pains, boils Impotency, Astringent Seeds Terminalia bellirica (Gaertn) Roxb. Thandi Fruit Indigestion, acidity and to improve Combretaceae functions of stomach and intestine, piles, astringent, vomiting Terminalia chebula Retz. Kaddukkay Fruit, bark Ulcers, wounds, astringent, Combretaceae toothache, laxative, diarrhoea, Spermatorohoea, cardiotonic, fever, diuretic, asthma Tinospora cordifolia (Willd.) Miers ex Hook. Sindal, Stem, root Diuretic, fever Menispermaceae Amrudam snakebite Uvaria narum (Dunal) Wall ex Wt. Malaikozhinjan Root Antimalarial Annonaceae Wrightia tinctoria (Roxb.) R.Br. Vetpalai Bark As tonic, dysentery Apocynaceae Seed Aphrodisiac, astringent, coagulant Zizyphus xylopyrus (Retz.) Willd. Kottai ilandai Stem, Hysteria, antiseptic, Rhamnaceae leaves headache, antidote to pox

Tribal and rural people of the area have strong faith much attention because of the growing concern that in their system of treatment and observe positive loss of biodiversity may impair ecosystem effects of their preparations 9. Ecological disturbances functioning 16 . Specific action programs need to be have been particularly notable in the forest ecosystem implemented for sustainable use of these resources due to deforestation and poorly planned harvest together with ethno-medico-biological knowledge procedures 7. Habitual distraction caused by human base of the tribes and forest dwellers. In view of activities is viewed as the leading threat to the various resources use, habitat uniqueness and human biodiversity 15 . In Kalrayan hills, locals have converted pressure on the forest resources, the need for a substantial portion of forests sites into cultivated conservation of both the Kalrayan and Shervarayan lands (for tapioca, Bajra and pearl millet cultivation); hill sites is stressed. once in 3 yrs, a new area of forest is selected as shifting cultivation, while in Shervarayan hills, Acknowledgement various plantations (pineapple, orange and coffee Authors thank the Department of Forests, cultivations) and quarrying for the extraction of Government of Tamil Nadu for offering permission to bauxite ores is done. A number of non-woody carry out the research work. forest products along with crude drugs have been 10 References collected by villagers . Recently, the efforts of 1 Anonmymous, The Useful Plants of , (Publications and biodiversity on ecosystem process have received Information Directorate, New Delhi), 1992. KADAVUL & DIXIT: ETHNOMEDICINAL STUDIES OF WOODY SPECIES OF TAMIL NADU 597

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