Indian Journal of Traditional Knowledge

Vol. 3(3), July 2004, pp. 299-304

Ethnomedicinal survey of lower Palni Hills of Tamil Nadu

*S Ganesan1, N Suresh3 and L Kesaven2
1,2
Centre for Research & PG Department of Botany,Thiagarajar College (Autonomous), Madurai 625009,
Tamil Nadu
E.mail-sganesan76@rediffmail.com, k7al@yahoo.com
3
PG Department of Botany, V.O. Chidambaram College, Tuticorin 628008, Tamil Nadu
Received 3 October 2003; revised 22 March 2004

Tribals are a distinct ethnic group who are usually confined to definite geographical areas,
mainly in forests. Their life is woven around forest ecology and forest resources. Information on
some very useful medicines known to the tribal communities through experience of ages is usu-
ally passed on from generation to generation. Ethnomedicinal surveys and fieldwork are impor-
tant for systematic documentation. In the present attempt, the ethnomedicinal aspects of 45 spe-
cies of plants used by the Paliyan and Pulayan tribes of lower Palni Hills (both northern and
southern slopes) Tamil Nadu have been enumerated.

Keywords: Ethnomedicinal plants, Paliyans, Pulayans, Lower Palni Hills, Tamil Nadu.
IPC Int. Cl.7 : A61K35/78, A61P1/12, A61P39/02, A61P15/02, A61P17/02, A61P17/10,
A61P1/02, A61P1/04, A61P29/00, A61P13/02, A61P15/06, A61P11/10.

Lower Palni Hills of Western Ghats,
Tamil Nadu, India, are situated between
10º 22’N latitude and 77º 59’E longitude.
Palni Hills is a spur of Western Ghats,
which is one of the internationally recog-
nized “hot spot” known for its richness
and uniqueness of plant wealth1. Primarily
based on the difference in the altitudes,
the flora of this region is broadly classi-
fied into scrub forest (500 to 750m), de-
ciduous forest (750 to 1000m), dry ever-
green forest (1000 to 1500m) and moist
evergreen forest (1500 to 2000m)2. The
temperature ranges from 18ºC to 32ºC
_______________
*
Correspondent author
and the mean annual rainfall is 1200mm
of which the highest rainfall is during
August to September.
The medico-ethnobotanical informa-
tion was mainly gathered from tribes,
Paliyans and Pulayans, the oldest aborigi-
nal communities inhabiting various places
of Tamil Nadu and Travancore, especially
along the Western Ghats. A few workers
undertook the medico-ethnobotanical
survey of the above tribes3-5. An account
of the ethnobotanical information of 44
plant species belonging to 30 families
dominated by Leguminosae, Acantha-
ceae, Apocynaceae, Solanaceae and Con-
volvulaceae has been given3. The infor-
300 INDIAN J TRADITIONAL KNOWLEDGE, VOL 3, No.3, JULY 2004
mation was mainly gathered from Pulay-
ans dwelling in Eastern offshoot of lower
Palni Hills (Pachchalur hills) only.
Among the 44 plant species studied, 34
species were medicinally important, 9
species were edible, and 14 species were
used for miscellaneous purposes. Since
there is no detailed information available,
an attempt was made to collect the med-
ico-ethnobotanical information of Pali-
yans and Pulayans of lower Palni hills.
The survey was carried out from August
2001 to July 2002.
The lower Palni Hills lie in Dindigul
District of Tamil Nadu. The following are
the areas of inhabitation of the tribes,
Paliyans and Pulayans (Pa. ─ Paliyans,
Pu. ─ Pulayans). Northern slopes: 1.
Pachalur ─ Paliyan & Pulayan, 2. Ka-
daisikkadu ─ Pa, 3. Bothamalai ─ Pu., 4.
Nadanangal ─ Pa., 5. Karadipparai ─ Pa.,
6. Sudalapparai ─ Pa., 7. Periyur ─ Pa,
Pu., 8. Kavichikombu ─ Pa., 9. Paraip-
patti ─ Pa., 10. Kottakombu ─ Pu. South-
ern slope:1. Thandikudi ─ Pa, Pu., 2.
Bommakadu ─Pa., 3. Oththakkadu ─ Pa.
Methodology
Ethnomedicinal information was col-
lected from all categories of Paliyan and
Pulayan tribes by contacting the local
healers, headmen, elderly persons and the
persons having a thorough knowledge of
plants. The information gathered was
confirmed by different groups of tribal
people dwelling in different places of in-
vestigation. The methodology adopted by
previous workers was followed6. The
voucher specimens were collected and
identified by referring to standard flora7-
10
. All voucher specimens, in the form of
herbarium were deposited in the Research
Centre and PG Department of Botany,
Thiagarajar College, Madurai, Tamil
Nadu.
Results
The ethnobotanical data serve as a base
for new compounds with active principles
for phytochemical, pharmacognostical,
pharmacological and clinical research. It
is the search and research, which keeps
adding new drugs and new foods for the
welfare of mankind6. In the present at-
tempt, the ethnomedicinal aspects of 45
species of plants distributed among 42
genera belonging to 26 families collected
from Paliyans and Pulayans have been
enumerated.
The enumerated plants distributed
amongst Acanthaceae (4 species), Lili-
aceae, Cucurbitaceae, Solanaceae (3 spe-
cies each ) and Sapindaceae, Amaryllida-
ceae, Euphorbiaceae (2 species each), one
Pteridophytic plant Nephrolepis auricu-
lata and remaining 16 families (one spe-
cies each) were found to be used by Pali-
yans and Pulayans of lower Palni Hills
(both northern and southern slopes) for
the treatment of various ailments like
stomach disorders, eczema, fever, vene-
real diseases, cuts, tooth-ache, head-ache,
urinary disorder, rheumatism, menstrual
disorders, etc. The plants were found to
be used in different forms such as juice,
extract, decoction, paste, infusion, pow-
der, etc. All the studied plant species have
been arranged alphabetically, along with
their binomial, family, vernacular name,
and uses followed by the names of the
tribes in parenthesis.
 GANESAN et al: ETHNOMEDICINAL SURVEY OF LOWER PALNI HILLS 301

Enumeration Heyne ex Roth. Acanthaceae

1 Achyranthes aspera L.– “Thonimalai marunthu”. Leaves
Amaranthaceae. “Nayuruvi”. The ground with egg, black gram and
decoction (handful of root cuttings onion are applied for bone fracture in
boiled in 250ml of water and reduced human being and in livestock (Pa.
to 100ml) is consumed for stomach Pu.).
upset (Pa. Pu. ). 9 Caesalpinia decapetala (Roth.)
2 Allium cepa L. Liliaceae. Alston Caesalpiniaceae “Sivappu
“Venkayam”. Three onion bulbs tied Indu”. Plant is considered to be
in a thread, worn around the neck of sacred. Leaf paste smeared over the
the person suffering from chicken body of the children relieves fever
pox give a cooling effect (Pa. Pu.). (Pa. Pu.).
3 Andrographis paniculata (Burm.f.) 10 Cardiospermum halicacabum L.
Wall. ex Nees Acanthaceae. Sapindaceae. “Mudakkuththan”. Leaf
“Nilavaembu”. Leaf paste mixed with juice mixed with hot rice kanji (gruel)
hot water when taken four times acts is consumed to relieve pain in the
as antivenom for cobra bite. It also joint and at the time of delivery (Pa.
arrests excess menstruation. Pu.).
4 Anisochilus carnosus (L. f.) Willd. ex 11 Cassia tora L. Caesalpiniaceae.
Benth. Lamiaceae. “Karpooravalli”. “Thakarai”. The leaf decoction is
Leaf paste is used for eczema. taken to refresh the body. Leaf and
5 Asparagus racemosus Willd. seed paste is dissolved in the
Liliaceae. “Thanneer vittan decoction of fennel water and taken
kizhangu”, “Evakkamul”. The juice orally to cure stomach ulcer. The
of the bulb arrests excess urination. seeds are referred to as “God’s Pills”
For healing wounds with pus, the leaf by Paliyans (Pa.).
paste mixed with the urine of female 12 Centella asiatica (L.) Urban.
is applied for male members and Apiaceae. “Vallaarai”. Leaf paste
vice-versa (Pa.). mixed with goat milk is administered
6 Balanophora fungosa Forster & for venereal diseases (Pa. Pu.).
Forster. Balanophoraceae. 13 Chromolaena odorata L. Asteraceae.
“Vaeruchedi”. The plant paste is used “Vettukayapoondu”. Leaf paste is
for eczema (Pa. Pu.). applied for cuts.
7 Begonia malabarica Lam. 14 Cinnamomum verum Presl.
Begoniaceae. “Senkurungu”, Lauraceae. “Ilavangam”. Bark paste
“Senthandu”. The bark free pink stem is applied for tooth-ache (Pa. Pu).
paste applied on the face cures the 15 Cipadessa baccifera (Roth) Miq.
pimples and gives a cooling effect Meliaceae. “Pulippan chedi”. Leaf
(Pa. Pu.). paste is taken orally to stop diarrhoea
8 Blepharis maderaspatensis (L.) (Pa. Pu.).
302 INDIAN J TRADITIONAL KNOWLEDGE, VOL 3, No.3, JULY 2004
16 Colocasia esculenta (L.) Schoff.
Araceae “Chaembu”. Intake of raw
leaves prevents stone formation in the
urinary track and also arrests frequent
urination (Pa. Pu.).
17 Curculigo orchioides Gaertn.
Amaryllidaceae. “Nilappanai”. Paste
of the rootstock is applied to relieve
tooth-ache and joint pain (Pa. Pu.).
18 Diplocyclos palmatus L.
Cucurbitaceae. “Linga kodi”,
“Ayviral kodi”. Leaf paste is applied
to relieve joint pain and rheumatism
(Pa.)
19 Dodonaea viscosa (L.) Jacq.
Sapindaceae. “ Virali”. The leaves
along with the leaves of Eucalyptus
sp. are boiled in water and the vapour
is inhaled to relieve headache (Pa.
Pu.).
20 Drymaria cordata (L.) Willd. ex
Roem. & Shult. Caryophyllaceae.
“Kodicharai”. Leaf paste heals wound
(Pa.).
21 Hippeastrum leopoldii (hybrid)
Amaryllidaceae. “Sivappu Visha
Moongil”. An introduced garden
ornamental plant. The paste of the
bulb cures eczema (Pa. Pu.)
22 Jatropha curcas L. Euphorbiaceae.
“Kaattamanakku”. Milky latex cures
mouth ulcer (Pa. Pu.).
23 Leucas martinicensis (Jacq.) R. Br.
Lamiaceae. “Perunthumbai”. Leaves
boiled in water and inhaling the
vapour relieves head-ache and fever
(Pa. Pu.).
24 Lobelia heyneana Roem. & Schult.
Lobeliaceae. “Upperichedi”. Leaf and
flower paste is applied for eczema
(Pa.)
25 Mukia leiosperma Wight.
Cucurbitaceae. “Musumusukkai”.
The green leaf salad relieves stomach
upset (Pa. Pu.).
26 Nephrolepis auriculata (L.) Trimen
Polypodiaceae. “Peranaikkizhangu”.
Extract of the bulbils when consumed
twice a day stops frequent urination
and stomach upset in children (Pa.)
27 Passiflora leschenaulti DC.
Passifloraceae. “Malai Kovai”.
Intake of leaf juice cures stomach
upset and dysentery (Pa.).
28 Plectranthus coleoides Benth.
Lamiaceae. “Mudupattan”. Leaf paste
is applied for burns. Juice of the
young leaves when consumed helps
in easy child birth (Pa.).
29 Plumbago zeylanica L.
Plumbaginaceae. “Chitramoolam”.
Roots are shade dried and powdered.
The powder when consumed mixed
with goat milk relieves stomach
disorders (Pa. Pu.).
30 Pterolobium hexapetalum (Roth.)
Sant. & Wagh Caesalpiniaceae.
“Karu Indu”. Decoction of the leaf
relieves labour pain at the time of
delivery (Pa.).
31 Rhinacanthus nasuta (L.) Kurz
Acanthaceae. “Nagamulli”. Leaf
juice is used for deworming (Pa.).
32 Rubia cordifolia L. Rubiaceae.
“Kaluththu Aruppankodi”,
“Manjitti”. The root paste is applied
to boils and cracks on the heels (Pa.
Pu.).
33 Santalum album L. Santalaceae.
“Sandanam”. Stem paste applied over
the body during summer gives
cooling effect (Pa. Pu).
 GANESAN et al: ETHNOMEDICINAL SURVEY OF LOWER PALNI HILLS 303

34 Smilax zeylanica L. Liliaceae. amarus Thonn. Euphorbiaceae .

“Karuvilanji”. Paste of young leaves “Keelanelli”) arrests excess
is applied for eczema (Pa.). menstruation (Pa.).
35 Solanum anguivi Lam. Solanaceae. Discussion
“Mulluchundai”. Juice of the fruit is The selected tribes of Dindigul district
used as vermifuge for Ascaris (Pa. invariably use the forest resources to meet
Pu.). their necessity for food, fuel, shelter,
36 Solanum erianthum D. Don medicine, etc.11. They are good herbalists,
Solanaceae. “Malaichundai”. Fruits and know ethnobotanical importance of
tied in a string worn around the neck many herbal medicines. Though some
relieve severe cough in children (Pa.). medical assistance is available in Pacha-
37 Solanum melongena L. var. incanum lur and Thandikudi, the tribals living in
(L.) Kuntze. Solanaceae. remote areas are unable to get the medical
“Mullakaththirikkai”. The paste of assistance. Hence they have to depend on
three fruits is used as vermifuge for the herbal medicines. In most of the set-
Ascaris (Pu.). tlements, the tribes conserve the medici-
38 Spilanthes calva DC. Asteraceae. nal plants in the form of sacred trees and
“Manjal karisalai”. Crushed head sacred groves. The conservation of me-
inflorescence when chewed relieves dicinal plants not only saves the tribal
tooth-ache (Pa.). lives, but also improves the socio eco-
39 Stenosiphonium russellianum Nees. nomic condition of the people12.
Acanthaceae. “Kurinchi”. Leaf paste The tribal people also collect and sell
is applied for wound healing (Pa.). some of medicinal plants such as Balano-
40 Thunbergia fragrans Roxb. phora fungosa, Phyllanthus amarus, An-
Acanthaceae. “Wellaichchedi” Leaf drographis paniculata, Gymnema syl-
paste is applied for cut wounds (Pu.) vestre, resin of Shorea roxburgii, fruits of
41 Toddalia asiatica (L.) Lam. Phyllanthus emblica, Piper hymenophyl-
Rutaceae. “Kindu Mull”, Leaf lum, Terminalia chebula, Carissa caran-
decoction relieves stomach disorders das, Entada pursaetha and thallus of
in children (Pa. Pu.) Parmelia spp., etc. The estimate of en-
42 Vernonia salvifolia Wight. dangered species of indigenous medicinal
Asteraceae. “Aduththaani plants has sharply risen day by day13 due
Pachchilai”. Application of leaf paste to several anthropogenic and natural in-
relieves sprain (Pa.). terference which suggested that the culti-
43 Intake of decoction of seven young vation and conservation of useful indige-
leaves of Ziziphus trinervis Roxb. nous plants should be encouraged by
(Rhamnaceae. “Mullukkottan”), planting them on the barren hill slopes
Diplocyclos palmatus L. and along the ravine belt which would
(Cucurbitaceae. “Ayviralkodi”. also help to control land slides and check
“Sivalinga kodi”) and Phyllanthus soil erosion.
304 INDIAN J TRADITIONAL KNOWLEDGE, VOL 3, No.3, JULY 2004
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