International Journal of Scientific Research and Review ISSN NO: 2279-543X

Ethnobotanical Documentation of a - Erinjiyin Keezhil , District,

Jeeshna M V *and C R Lalitha

Research Department of Botany, Sree Narayana College, Thottada, Kannur, Kerala,

Abstract

Ethnobotany is the study of interrelations between humans and plants; however, current use of the term implies the study of indigenous or traditional knowledge of plants. It involves the indigenous knowledge of plant classification, cultivation, and use as food, medicine and shelter. Sacred forests, sacred groves or traditional forest reserves are unique forest patches that have survived due to strong cultural forces. Some sacred forests are biologically diverse vestiges of original forests left unaltered by human interference. Sacred forests or groves are valuable, indigenous natural reserves protected by deep cultural and historical traditions; they also provide practical benefits to local populations such as river catchment protection, wind breaks, shade and useful forest products such as firewood, fruits and medicinal plants. Sacred groves are extremely rich in floral and faunal elements. So that it is important in conserving biological diversity natural resources. The current study focuses on the ethnomedicinal importance, floristic composition and red listed species and their conservation requirements. The essential part of this venture is to prove ecological importance of sacred groves in maintaining the biological wealth and conserving the rare and medicinal plants. During the study in Eranjiyin Keezhil Kavu, Kannur a total of 42 vascular plants falling under 41 genera and 26 families were documented. Out of which angiosperms dominate with this 42 members, while pteridophytes and gymnosperm are completely absent. With respect to their habit, there are 12 herbs, 10 shrubs, a woody shrub, 12 trees, 6 climbers and 1 epiphyte. Among angiosperms dicots comprise 20 families, 33 genera and 34 species while monocot comprises 6 families, 8 genera and 8 species. The dominant families are Fabaceae, Rubiaceae, Asteraceae, Oleaceae, Aracaceae, Poaceae, Apocynaceae, Acanthaceae and Euphorbiaceae.

Key words: Ethnobotany, sacred groves, ethnomedicine, biological diversity.

1. Introduction

Ethnobotany is the Science that studies about interrelationship between local communities and the natural environment, especially the system of knowledge about the natural resources of plants [1]. Traditional medicine still remains the main resource for majority (80%) of people in developing countries for treating health problems, particularly because medicinal plants are accessible and cheap [2&3].

*Corresponding Author

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Sacred groves are characterized by rare species preserved on isolated land with social and religious beliefs of people and it is a collection of medicinal plants used for ethnomedicine [4].The way of conserving natural biodiversity through preservation plots in forest areas or sacred groves is a unique feature in Indian culture [5].These sacred groves are more or less pockets of climax vegetation preserved on religious grounds. These forests are the true indicators of the type of vegetation that once existed here before the dawn of modern civilization. Their existence is mostly due to certain taboos, strong belief, and supplemented mystic folklores [6]. Sacred groves are encountered in a number of states like Kerala, , Madhya Pradesh and [7]. Northeastern, Northwestern and central are found to be abodes of large number of sacred groves [8]. In Kerala there are about 2000 sacred groves [9] of which 352 are in Kannur District [10]. In Kerala, Sacred Groves are widely distributed from the West Coast to the Eastern high lands. Generally, local communities call these natural islands of vegetation - `'. These kavus are still preserved by mythological beliefs. Kavus represent the locally deep-rooted tradition of worshiping plants, animals and local deities. They are known by various other names also, like, Sarpakkavu (where snakes are worshiped), Mundya, Vallikkettu, etc. At present most of the sacred groves are on a path of gradual decline owing to various socio-economic factors [11].

Conservation of plants and animals by the indigenous people is very common. They believe trees are the places of gods. Sacred groves are the example of this conservation. These are locked information sites, but the secret of herbs and their medicinal uses are known by the people residing near it. Field studies on floristic composition and ethanobotanical practices of the sacred groves of in and around Erinjiyin Keezhil Kavu, Kannur district, Kerala was undertaken.

2. Materials and methods

Erinjiyin Keezhil Bhagavathy Kavu is a famous sacred groove situated at Melechovva, which is about 3.4 km from Kannur town. Mele chovva lies between 11.8715252 N latitude and 75.3969189 Elongitude. The climate is very hot and humid with maximum temperature ranging from 26-32 0C. The total annual rainfall is 3351mm.This groove is spread about 1.25 acres.

Erinjiyin Keezhil Kavu is a worship place of Bhagavathy. The main deity is Vettakorumakan. The festival of is held in March. The main theyyam in this Kavu is Erinjiyan Keezhil Bhagavathi.

Field studies on the sacred grove Erinjiyin Keezhil Kavu were undertaken during June 2018 to March 2019. Most of the information was collected from the elderly people, village head, headman of the groves and also people well-versed with the diverse uses of plants. The plant materials were collected and identified. Plants are identified with the help of Madras Presidency [12], Flora of Cannanore [13] and also by using available field keys and taxonomic bulletins. The identification was further confirmed with the help of taxonomic experts in Botany.

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3. Result

Based on utilization 100% of the species were used as medicinal plant. And some among them are considered as sacred plants. Some groves are owned and managed by several families which protect the plants of the groves from one generation to another for their ritual believes. Human activities like gracing and cutting trees are prohibited in these groves. These sacred groves acted as a reservoir for various medicines which is used for various ailments. Other uses involved a source of , firewood, spices, vegetables and fruits. These groves are often associated with ponds and streams and meet water requirements of local communities. In modern times sacred groves become biodiversity rich areas, as various species seek refuge in the areas due to progressive habitat destruction and hunting. Sacred groves often have many plant, animal and birds species. Therefore they harbor great genetic diversity. A total of 42 vascular plants falling under 41 genera and 26 families were documented. Out of which angiosperms dominate with this 42 members, while pteridophytes and gymnosperm are completely absent. With respect to their habit, there are 12 herbs, 10 shrubs, a woody shrub, 12 trees, 6 climbers and 1 epiphyte. Among angiosperms dicots comprise 20 families, 33 genera and 34 species while monocot comprises 6 families, 8 genera and 8 species. The dominant families are Fabaceae, Rubiaceae, Asteraceae, Oleaceae, Aracaceae, Poaceae, Apocynaceae, Acanthaceae and Euphorbiaceae (Table 1).

4. Discussion

In the present study of Erinjiyin Keezhil Kavu, the sacred grove under study was found to be immensely rich with flora and fauna. The human disturbance factors were found to be very less. This indicates that the local people are aware of the significance of the sacred groves as a valuable ecosystem. The study of medicinal plants in sacred groves is recognized as an effective way to discover future medicines and a valuable step towards their conservation. The use of herbs to treat disease is almost universal among villages and rural areas and is often more affordable than purchasing expensive modern pharmaceuticals. Today many medicinal plants face extinction or severe genetic loss, but detailed information is lacking and for most of the endangered medicinal plant species, no conservation action has been taken. The present study is a preliminary survey of the valuable medicinal plants in and around our locality. For most countries, there is nor even a complete inventory of medicinal plants. Much of the knowledge on their use is held by traditional societies, whose very existence is now under threat. Little of this information has been recorded in a systematic manner. More effort should be carried out to ensure that medicinal plants are taken from the wild, they are taken on the basis that is sustainable [14].

Sacred groves possess a great heritage of diverse gene pool of many forest species havingsocio-religious attachment and possessing medicinal values. These are gradually shrinking in size and number due to civilization in the areas, land requirements, agricultural practices, monsoon failure and no rain fall, education and literacy to the rural (15 & 16).

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5. Conclusion

Seasonal changes, the anthropogenic were also determined to be most influencing factor to affect the species composition and the quantitative ecological attributes of many sensitive species. Therefore construction activities, over grazing, collection of fire wood, tress passing, dumping of waste and many antisocial elements must be checked so as to protect the species in their habitats. Further, ecosystem- specific management plans must be developed to protect the individual species in these sacred groves. Protection of such activities aid in the regulation of ecological process like energy flow, food chain and food web and cycling of materials which would result in ecological balance and stability of ecosystem.

Table 1. Ethnomedicinal Uses of the Species in Erinjiyin Keezhil Kavu, Mele Chovva, Kannur.

Si No. SPECIES FAMILY HABIT MEDICINAL USES

1. Abrus Fabaceae Climber It is used to treat arthritis, good for pulchelus Thwaites curing asthma. Cure for hairfall. Improve eye sight.

2. Abutilon indicum (L.) Malvaceae Shrub It is used for diabetis, epilepsy, pain Griseb. disorders and inflammatory diseases. Whole fruit, root, bark are more beneficial. Treatment of skin cancer.

3. Adenanthera pavonina Fabaceae Tree Decoction of young leaves and bark L. is used to treat diarrhea. Ground seeds are used to treat inflammation.

4. Alangium salviifolium Alangiaceae Tree It is used to cure ulcerous sores. (L.f.) Wangerin Leaves juice for the treatment of neck inflammation of bullocks.

5. Alternanthera Amaranthaceae Herb Plant is used as anti viral agent. Leaf brasiliana (L.) Kuntze juice is used as anti diarrhea.

6. Asparagus racemosus Liliaceae Herb Used for upset stomach, constipation Willd and stomach ulcers. It is used for fluid retention, pain and anxiety.

7. Caryota urens L. Aracaceae Tree Plant is used as a diuretic, laxative, sedative, anti inflammatory properties. The plant is used to treat

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leprosy, ulcer, headache etc.

8. Chassalia curviflora Rubiaceae Shrub The crushed leaves are applied to wounds to treat snake and insect bite. (Wall.) Thwaite

9. Chromolaena Asteraceae Shrub Leaves are used to treat eye pains odorata (L.) and infusion of leaves taken to cleanse blood. Young leaves are crushed and resulting liquid can be used to treat skin wounds.

10. Cinnamomum Lauraceae Tree It is a remedy for respiratory, Zeylanieum Nees. gigestive and gynecological ailments, their bark, leave, flowers, fruits has some medicinal uses.

11. Cosmostigma Asclepidaceae Climber Used to treat dermatitis or eczema racemosum or other skin injury or disease. (Roxb.) Wight

12. Cyclea peltata Hook. Menispermaceae Climber Wound healer, antidote and paste of f. & Thoms. leaves and root is used in purities, skin disorders and snake poison. Juice or powdered roots are used as a nasya.

13. Cyperus rotundus L. Cyperaceae Herb It is used for post patum use .it is also relief pain, inflammation and itching

14. Desmodium Fabaceae Shrub To treat dysentery, rheumatism and triflorum (L.) DC. fever. Decoction of roots used to treat stomach ache, also for treating skin problems, wounds and ulcer treatments.

15. Digitaria bicornis Poaceae Herb The plant is used for the treatment of (Lam.) Roem.& Schult. venereal diseases, coughs, antimicrobials, conjunctivitis, haemostatic, weight control, diuretic, asthma, ulcer.

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16. Ficus racemosa Linn. Moraceae Tree It is used for diabetis, liver disorder,diarrhea,inflammation,respir atory and urinary diseases.It heals fractured bone and wounds.

17. Hemidesmus indicus Apocynaceae Shrub Used in traditional medicine. It is administered in the form of powder, (L.) R.Br infusion or decoction as syrup. It is one of the Rasayanaplant of .

18. Hopea parviflora Bedd. Dipterocarpaceae Tree Antimicrobial property.

19. Ichnocarpus Apocynaceae Woody shrub Flowers are used to treat diabetics . frutescens (L.) W.T.Ait Root ,stem and leaves used for fever, on Dyspepsia and skin complaints. Leaves are used for head-ache and wounds.

20. Ixora coccinea L. Rubiaceae Shrub Used for skin diseases. Roots have leishmanicidal activity. Its root extract have anti dermatophytic activity.

21. Jasminum Oleaceae Climber It is used for the treatment of cataract malabaricum Wight and as a blood purifier and is cosmetic and detergent industries.Ethnomedicinal importance like anti bacterial,anti oxidant and anti tumor properties.

22. Jasminum Oleaceae Shrub Flower is used for removing sambac (L.) Aiton intestinal norms,jauntice.Leaf extract is against breast tumor,flower buds are used to treat ulcers.

23. Justicia simplex Acanthaceae Herb Plant is diuretic, stomach achic, D.Don. expectorant .Leaf juice is dropped into eyes in case of ophthalmia.

24. Macaranga peltata Euphorbiaceae Tree Plant is expectorant and (Roxb.) Müll.Arg. antibacterial, infusion is used in menorrhagia. The plant juice to insect bites as an antidote, after

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squeezing out a little blood. The fresh root boiled with mustard oil is applied externally in rheumatism, sprains, scabies, ulcers, eczema, cut and wounds.

25. Mallotus philippinensis Euphorbiaceae Tree Decoction of bark acts as blood Muell. Arg purifier. Fruit gland use for treatment of intestinal worms.

26. Mangifera indica L Anacardiaceae Tree Anti-inflammatory properties that help in relieving acute cases inflammation. Leaves and seeds of containing anti-microbial properties.

27. Merremia tridentata Convolvulaceae Herb Maceration of leaves is drunk as anti (L.) Hallier f. venom after snake bite. Part of decoction of mixture of plants drunk against candida infection of mouth, digestive tract or anus.

28. Mimusops elengi L. Sapotaceae Tree It is used for dental ailments such as bleeding gums, pyorrhea, dental caries and loose teeth.

29. Mitracarpus hirtus Rubiaceae Herb It is generally used as healing (L.) DC medicines, pain killers for oral treatment, pulmonary troubles, cutaneous –sub cutaneous parasitic infection, venereal diseases. Used as antibiotic, bacteriostatic, fungistatic, arrow poisons.

30. Ocimum sanctum Linn. Lamiaceae Herb Leaves provide relief from cold and cough. Promotes digestive fire and manages skin diseases,chest pain etc.

31. Oleaceae Tree It is used to cure skin diseases, Olea dioica Roxb. rheumatism, fever and cancer.

32. Panicum repens L. Poaceae Herb The seeds can be used to make porridge or fermented to make beer.

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33. Pavetta indica L. Rubiaceae Shrub Leaf decoction is used externally for piles. The root bark or stem bark is used for intestinal obstruction.

34. Pongamia pinnata (L.) Fabaceae Tree The flowers are claimed to have anti Pierre diabetic action. A decoction used as a cough remedy, an infusion of the leaves is used to relieve rheumatism.

35. Pothos scandens L. Araceae Climber Brusied and fried in oils is applied to cure abscess, infusion of the leaf is used to curing epilepsy.

36. Rhinacanthus Acanthaceae Shrub It is used to treat numerous diseases nasutus (L.) Kurz such as hepatitis, diabetis, hypertension. Root and leaves bruisd and mixed with lime juice are a useful remedy for ring worm and other skin affection.

37. Senna tora (L.) Roxb. Caesalpinaceae Herb Seeds and leaves are used to treat skin diseases and its seed can be used as laxative.

38. Smilax zeylanica L Smilaceae Climber It is used for the treatment of syphilis, gonorrhea, skin disease and act as blood purifier.

39. Synedrella Asteraceae Herb Crushed leaves are used for rheumatism, stomach pain. Used as nodiflora (L.) Gaertn. pain killer Oral-ear treatment, Nasopharyngeal affections.

40. Vanda roxburghii R.Br. Orchidaceae Epiphyte It is used for the treatment of pain, indigestion, cough and general debility for treatment of rheumatism.

41. Vernonia cinerea (L.) Asteraceae Herb Plant possess anticancerous Less. property.Seeds curese diseased caused by round worm and t hread worm, cough, dysuria, leucoderma and chronic skin dieases.

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42. Xanthium indicum J. Asteraceae Shrub Leaf and roots are anodyne, Koenig antirheumatic, diaphoretic and diuretic.

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