9 III March 2021

https://doi.org/10.22214/ijraset.2021.33469
 International Journal for Research in Applied Science & Engineering Technology (IJRASET)
ISSN: 2321-9653; IC Value: 45.98; SJ Impact Factor: 7.429
Volume 9 Issue III Mar 2021- Available at www.ijraset.com

An Ethnomedicinal Survey of Plants used by

Kurichiya Tribes in Vilangad, Kozhikode, Kerala
Reshma P K1, C. Yogeshwari2
1
M. Sc. Botany, 2Assistant Professor, Nirmala College for Women, Coimbatore- 641018

Abstract: An ethnomedicinal survey in Vilangad village, Kerala have revealed a wealth of traditional knowledge on medicinal
plants and their uses amongst the Kurichiya tribes. The study was focused on identifying folklore medicinal plants, family wise
distribution, habit, disease treated, part of the plant used and mode of preparation etc. From the survey, a total of 75 plant
species belonging to 37 families were found to be useful in the treatment of various diseases. In this study the most dominant
family was Fabaceae followed by Apocyanaceae and Asteraceae. Traditional medicinal plants are important contributor for
treating various diseases among the local tribal communities. It is urgent need for documenting these plant species before such
valuable knowledge become extinct. Moreover, this study could play an important role for the conservation of these plants and
represent the valuable information required for future phytochemical and pharmacological investigation.
Keywords: Vilangad village, Tribal community, Medicinal plants, Traditional healer, Kurichiyar.

I. INTRODUCTION
Ethnobotany is the study of interaction between the plant and people with a particular emphasis on traditional tribal cultures.
According to the World Health Organization (WHO), about 65-80% of world’s population in developing countries depends
essentially on plants for their primary health care due to poverty and lack of access to modern medicine. Indian systems of medicine
derive many of their curative tools from plants which we used as drugs. Information about these is often found in old literature like
Atharveda, Charka Samhita and Sushruta Samhita (Kumar et al., 2005; Saranraj et al., 2010; Sivasakthi et al., 2011; Bharathi et al.,
2014). In spite of the many achievement of allopathic medicines, the Indian systems of medicine still continue to provide medical
care to majority of people on account of their cheaper cost without side effects (Kokate et al., 2002; Sekar et al., 2012). Herbal drug
obtained are safer in treatment of various diseases.
A mounting body of research is hoisting the credibility of traditional knowledge in morning the challenges of primary healthcare
services and natural resources management globally (Ragupathy and New master, 2009). However, societal domination of Western
medicine and lack of due recognition to the stakeholders of biological resources, place and value of traditional Knowledge base has
been impending the entry of traditional medicine into healthcare services and its related field of human welfare such as
environmental assessment, nutrition and natural resource management (Usher, 2000). It is estimated that about 10 million species of
plants inhabit the planet Earth of which, however only 1.7 million species are known to science. In India, the main traditional
systems of medicine include Ayurveda, Unani, and Siddha, which use over 7,500 plant species have been recorded. Therefore it is
the need of the hour to explore the floristic wealth of earth. So as to know what we have.
India is having rich vegetation with a wide variety of plants, due to extreme variation in the geographical and climatic conditions
present in the country (Handa, 1998). Today tribal and certain local communities in India still collect and preserve locally available
wild and cultivated plant species for their day today life. Traditional ethnomedicine uses the practices and knowledge skills based on
theories, beliefs and experiences indigenous to its people and culture for the maintenance of health. It holds a heritage of communal
acceptance and is based on the experience gained by herbalists over a period of time. The indigenous knowledge on medicinal plants
came when humans started and learned how to use the traditional knowledge on medicinal plants. Nowadays, there is an increasing
trend of erosion of traditional knowledge and associated biodiversity due to various reasons, particularly the programs on the
upliftment of the Adivasi people throughout the country. In recent years, indigenous medicine is no more an attraction to the
younger generation; they are more depended on Western medicine. They are unable to identify the herbs and possess very little
knowledge about traditional herbal remedy. Nowadays many young people migrate to urban areas for education and job purposes.
As a consequence, only the elder people only possess the knowledge about herbs and it is estimated only a handful of people are
able to use the traditional remedy to treat illness. For these reasons, the documentation of the traditional uses of indigenous plants
are important to preserve the knowledge.

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Kerala, the southernmost state of India is known for its biodiversity reserve, high cultural heterogeneity and high rate of literacy
reserve (Shyma and Devi Prasad, 2012). Flora of Kerala shows striking similarity with Middle East Central Asia, China and East
Africa besides Australia and America. Documenting the indigenous knowledge through ethnobotanical studies is important for the
conservation of biological resources and their sustainable utilization. The data generated in this study will also help in planning for
conservation of endemic and threatened plants. Present study was carried out to document the diversity of Vilangad hills, Kerala.
The main objective of this study is to assess the diversity of ethnomedicinal plants used by Kurichiyans and document the traditional
medicine practices followed in healing ailments.

II. MATERIALS AND METHODS

A. Field Area Description (Map Enclosed)
Vilangad is a small village in the Kozhikode district, Kerala, India. Vilangad is a small town, North-east of Calicut district bordering
with Wayanad and Kannur (Plate 1). Village has population of 3778 as per census data of 2011, in which the female population is
1848 and male population is 1930. The total geographical area of Vilangad is 2283 hectares. Population density of Vilangad village
is 2 persons per hectares. Total number of households in the village is 916. The mean annual temperature in the study area ranges
from 22° C to 36°C during Mar - Jun and average between 10° C to 25° C during Oct - Jan.
The District Head Quarter name is Kozhikode and its distance from the village is 82 Km. The study area lies between 11.599112°
Latitude and 75.581123° Longitude.

Mapi: Location Of Vilangad, Kozhikode District

B. Kurichiya Tribes
Kuruchiyar or Kurichiya also known as Hill Brahmins or Malai Brahmins are the inhabitants of Kannur and Kozhikode district.
Kuruchiyans are one of the scheduled tribes in Kerala and stands in fourth in number. Kuruchiyans are segmented into four
divisions viz, Kurichiyans of Kannavam forest, Kurichiyans of Wayanad, Anchilla Kurichiyans and Pathiri Kurichiyans. They
usually collect wooden materials for spiritual purpose and non-wooden products such as honey, gum, resins and herbs for their
commercial income.

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C. Plant Collection
Field investigations were conducted in Vilangad hills, Kozhikode. The medicinal plants which used by the tribal people were
collected by following standard protocols and preserved using the herbarium techniques. Specimens collected from the field were
tagged and taken to the lab. Flora of Presidency of Madras (Gamble, 1936) was used for identification and authentication of the
collected plants. Herbarium collections have been vouchering numbered and deposited in the Herbarium at Nirmala College for
Women, Coimbatore.
D. Ethnomedicinal Survey
During the study, daily activities of the tribal people were closely observed and interpersonal contacts were established by
participating in their functions. There were 10 informants with the age group of 32-68. Among them two were tribal practitioners.
The ethnobotanical data were collected using interviews, Questionnaire and discussions in their local dialect.
III. RESULT AND DISCUSSION
The present study has been carried out to document the indigenous traditional knowledge of medicinal plants in Vilangad village,
Kozhikode, Kerala which revealed the ethnomedicinal information of 75 plant species belonging to 37 families (Table 1, Plate 2 &
3) and of the total 75 species documented, 72 species belongs to Dicotyledons and 3 species belongs to Monocotyledons. Out of 72
Dicotyledons, 33 plant species belongs to Gamopetalae, 27 plant species belongs to Polypetalae and 12 plant species belongs to
Monochlamydeae (Table 2).
The most medicinally important plant species were observed in Fabaceae (7 species) followed by Apocyanaceae and Asteraceae (6
species each), Malvaceae (5 species), Acanthaceae and Lamiaceae (4 species each) and rest of the families are distributed in lesser
numbers [Fig 1]. Other families more frequently used by tribal practitioners includes Verbenaceae, Euphorbiaceae and Rubiaceae (3
species each), Myrtaceae, Bignoniaceae, Piperaceae and Rutaceae (2 species each), Combretaceae, Urticaceae, Annonaceae,
Scrophulariaceae, Plantaginaceae, Poaceae, Nyctaginaceae, Rhizophoraceae, Convolvulaceae, Solanaceae, Moraceae, Liliaceae,
Ulmaceae, Marantaceae, Melastomaceae, Santalaceae, Aizoaceae and Menispermaceae with one species each. Similar results were
reported by Loganathan et al. (2018) in Vathalmalai Hills, Eastern Ghats, Dharmapuri District, Tamil Nadu.
Analysis of habit diversity of medicinal plants revealed that herbs are dominated with, 37%, followed by shrubs (24%), trees (24%),
climbers (12%) and subshrubs (3%) [Fig 2]. Similar results were reported by Marjana et al. (2018) in Wayanad District of Kerala,
India.
Most of the recorded medicinal plants in the study are used to treat cough, cold and headache (21%) followed by stomach disorders
(20%), wounds (7%), malaria (7%), liver diseases, skin diseases, rheumatism and tooth ache, ear ache and eye problems (6%),
reproductive diseases (5%), kidney disorders (4%), respiratory diseases (2%), tumour (2%) and cholera (1%) [Fig 3]. This is similar
with the other observation which has been reported earlier in relation to medicinal plants studies by the Indian Traditional System of
Medicine like Siddha and Ayurveda (Anonymous, 1992; Asolkar et al. 1992; Gogte, 2000 and Kirtikar and Basu, 2001).
In the present study, Aegle marmelos is reported to treat chronic diarrhoea, dysentery, and peptic ulcers. Aegle marmelos is also
broadly explained in the Vedic text for the treatment of a range of illness. It is customarily used to treat painful-muscle hyper-acid
secretion, feeling aflame stomach-discomfort, leprosy, viral-macula, white spot on skin, spermatorrhoea vision defect, psychological
dilemma, endocrine sick, jaundice, constipation, chronic dysentery, stomach ache, pyrexia and upper respiratory tract infections. A
lot of nutrients were identified in the fruit pulp such as Vitamin-A, Vitamin-B1, Vitamin-C and Riboflavin, Calcium, Phosphorus,
Potassium, Iron, Water, Sugar, Protein, Fibre and Lipids.
The plant which were frequently used were Bacopa monnieri and Phyllanthus emblica probably because these plants are common
species in Vilangad and can be obtained conveniently (Pius et al. 2015). The effectiveness and accessibility of the medicinal plants
explain why these plants have so many uses. The medicinal uses of these plants are supported by previous publications in the
documentation of Ethnomedicinal flowering plants used by Kurumas, Kurichiyas and Paniyas tribes of Wayanad District of Kerala,
India (Marjana et al., 2018).
For herbal formulations, leaves (42%) were the most preferred plant part followed by whole plant (19%), root (11%), bark (9%),
fruit (8%), flower (7%), stem (2%) and tuber (2%) [Fig 4]. From the data, it could be inferred that for a greater number of remedies,
fresh leaves (42%) are used followed by whole plant and root. Informations gathered during this study are in agreement with the
previous reports (Pushpangadan and Atal, 1984; Jain, 2001; Ayyanar and Ignacimuthu, 2005; Kala, 2005; Ignacimuthu et al., 2006
and Sandhya et al., 2006). Healers diagnose ailments based on symptoms but sometimes they may also associate it to spirit.
Therefore, preparation of medicines and treatment of diseases are sometimes accompanied by rituals.

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Among the drug formulations, decoction (47%) were commonly used followed by juice (20%), infusion (11%), paste (11%), tea
(6%) and powder (4%) [Fig 5]. Preparations of paste for the treatment of ailments is a common practice among the other tribal
people in India (Ignacimuthu et al., 2006) and other parts of the world (Giday et al., 2010). Herbal remedies are considered the
oldest forms of healthcare known to mankind on this earth. Prior to the progress of modern medicine, the traditional systems of
medicine that has evolved over the centuries within various communities, are still maintained as a great traditional knowledge base
in herbal medicine (Mukherjee and Wahil et al., 2006). Similar results were reported by Marjana et al. (2018) in Wayanad District
of Kerala, India.
From this study it is easily understood that some plants were used to treat multiple ailments. For example, the plant species Urena
lobata belonging to the family Malvaceae is used to treat cold, dysentery, malaria and rheumatism. Sometimes, different plants are
used to treat a single disease. For example, Syzygium cuminii and Stereospermum colais are used to treat diabetes. Most of the
herbal formulation were prepared from a single plant. Sometimes combination of other parts of the same plant is also used. For
example, leaves and flowers of Datura stramonium is used for bronchitis and tubers and leaves of Gloriosa superba is used for
itching throat. Similar remedies has been reported by Latheef et al. (2014) for treating cuts and wound by the tribes of Attappady,
Kerala.
Tribal practitioners use specific plant parts and dosage in treatment of specific ailments. Plant products are consumed fresh (raw) or
made to paste/juice, sometimes it is taken as decoction juice/infusion (oral treatment). Most of the formulations were prepared from
fresh leaves, stem and root were preferred and more frequently used when compared to other plant parts. However, in most of the
cases, it was recorded that oral consumption (71%) predominates external application. The most important aspect of Kurichiya tribal
medicine is that fresh plant material is used in the preparation of medicine and if fresh plant materials are not available, dried plant
materials are used alternatively, to circumvent the non-availability of plants (especially annuals), several plants served as
complementary alternative source of medicine to cure a single disease. From this study it is clear that Kuruchiyans possess an innate
ability to discern plant characters and exploit them to meet their health care needs.
The present survey concludes that the Kurichiyans tribes of Vilangad has detailed knowledge regarding ethno-medicinal plants and
their utilization in various simple to critical diseases. The promising ethno-medicinal plants of Vilangad are interesting and provide
new medicinal plants for further ethno-pharmacological investigation on them. Such species may be applied in the formation of new
medicines after confirmation of their therapeutic value on modern parameters. Recently renewal of interest towards herbal
formulations because of their efficiency against different diseases invites instantaneous attention towards herbal protection and
conservation of such valuable medicinal plants, otherwise it will be too late. A few medicinal plants such as Aegle marmelos,
Anacardium occidentale, Bacopa monnieri, Gloriosa superba, Mangifera indica, Rauvolfia serpentina and Santalum album need
immediate cultivation so that these could be conserved for revenue generation amongst the local people of this region.
Traditional Healthcare System is believed to be very cost effective, easily accessible and highly trusted by the patients who get the
services if it is carefully performed by well experienced traditional healers (Ragupathy et al. 2009). Just as a medical doctor treats
his/her patients psychologically well in addition to other medical services, both the traditional healers and the patients in Vilangad
who are going to get conventional medication have a common faith that God has produced the herbs, natural medicines and shared
his medical knowledge to the authorized person, the traditional healer, so that they confidentially approaches the herbalist in their
locality for getting medication. The healers also believe that God does not reject them to care for their patients when they give the
drugs on behalf of him. Such well-gifted people in Vilangad are usually nominated as “Mooppan” and have specially recognized
places in all social aspects in the culture and believe of the Vilangad people. They even participate in governance, conflict resolution
and related issues in their society. The health problems identified include both infectious diseases (bacterial, viral) and non-
infectious diseases (mechanical injuries, allergic reactions and deficiency diseases). Non-infectious diseases (92%) predominates
the infectious diseases (8%). Similar results have been reported by Diksha et al. (2011) in Andra Pradesh. According to the current
study, the majority of the routes of administration of the medicinal plants were internal through oral administration (71%). However,
there is no guarantee about the side effects of intaking such type of medicinal plants. There may be high chance of health
complications to arise creating both short term and long-term problems on the life of patient. Giday et al. (2010), for instance,
reported that comparatively less risk of being poisoned by inappropriate use of herbal formulations was external/skin application as
compared to the internal/oral applications. The implication was the presence of problems of dosage, standardization, side effects,
validity and the susceptibility of delicate body parts of the patient above all (Rajith et al., 2009). The study depicts that local people
chose folk medicine due to their socio-economic status, lack of modern healthcare facilities and inadequate transportation. Resource
persons were regularly elder people and the younger generation is hesitant to take up Nattuvaithiyam. Therefore, documentation of
traditional knowledge is the only way to preserve the knowledge base and to conserve the plant resource endemic to this area.

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Therefore, it is significant to study and record the uses of plants used by the different tribes on priority aimed at future investigation
for product development. These studies may also afford some clues of natural products to scientists for phytochemical analysis and
for any novel molecules or chemicals for treating various ailments. Although results of this study encourage practical uses of
medicinal plants and research are required on the pharmacological efficiency of various ethnomedicines used by them.
Table 1: Inventory Of Ethnomedicines In Vilangad, Kozhikode, Kerala
Sl. BINOMIAL FAMILY HABIT ENGLISH MALAYALA TAMIL USEFUL ETHNOMEDICINAL
No. NAME M NAME NAME PARTS PREPARATION
1 Achyranthes aspera L. Amaranthaceae Herb Prickly Kadaladi Naagarkaai Leaves Leaves are made into
Chaff-flower Mullu paste and used against
skin diseases. Leaves of
Achyranthes mixed with
honey are used for
digestive problems.
2 Adhatoda vasica L. Acanthaceae Shrub Malabar nut Adalodakam Vasa Leaves Decoction of the leaves
used to treat cough and
other symptoms of colds.
3 Aegle marmelos (L.) Correa Rutaceae Tree Bilwa or bae Koovalam Bilva Fruit Bael fruits are of dietary
use. Bael fruits are also
used in the treatment of
chronic diarrhea,
dysentery, and peptic
ulcers.
4 Ageratum conyzoides L. Asteraceae Herb White weed Kattappa Aappakkoti Leaves Leaf juice is applied for
healing wounds.
5 Alstonia scholaris L. Apocynaceae Tree Devil's tree Ezhilam Pala Elilai Palau Leaves The leaves and latex are
applied externally to treat
tumors.
6 Albizia lebbeck (L.) Benth. Fabaceae Tree Lebbek tree Kattuvaka Vaagai, Bark The bark is astringent and
Vellaivenka is taken internally to treat
i diarrhea, dysentery and
piles. The bark is used
externally to treat boils.
7 Amaranthus spinosus L. Amaranthaceae Herb Spiny Cherucheera Mullik Leaves Juice made up of tender
amaranth keerai leaves is used to increase
blood count in dengue
patients.
8 Anacardium occidentale L. Anacardiaceae Tree Cashew nut Kapamava Andima Leaves, Leaf and bark infusion are
Bark, Fruit used in the treatment of
tooth-ache and sore gums.
Cashew syrup is a good
remedy for coughs and
colds. Cashew juice is
effective for the treatment
of syphilis, cholera and
kidney troubles.

9 Andrographis paniculata Acanthaceae Herb Creat Kiriyathu Nilavembu Root A decoction is made from
(Burm.f.) Nees root and consumed orally
to control diabetes.

10 Artabotrys odoratissimus Annonaceae Climber Jackfruit- Manoranjitham Manoranjith Leaves Leaf decoction is used to
R.Br. champa am treat cholera.

11 Bacopa monnieri (L.) Wettst. Scrophulariaceae Herb Water Brahmi Brahmi Leaves The leaves are consumed
hyssop either directly or by
preparing lehyam to
enhance memory

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12 Bambusa arundinacea (Retz.) Poaceae Tree Bamboo Mula Mungil Bark, Decoction of bark mixed
Willd. leaves with honey is used for
respiratory disease.
Decoction of leaf is used
for stimulating
menstruation.
13 Blepharis maderaspatensis Acanthaceae Herb Creeping Elumbotti Elumbu otti Leaves Juice extracted from the
(L.) B. Heyne ex Roth. Blepharis leaf is heated with
gingelly oil and applied
on affected places to heal
wounds.
14 Boerhaavia diffusa L. Nyctaginaceae Herb Spreading Thazhuthama Mukaratte- Leaves A decoction of the leaves
Hogweed, Kirai is used to treat jaundice.
Red The leaves are used in a
Hogweed, cataplasm for treating
indurated liver.
15 Calotropis gigantea (L.) Apocynaceae Shrub Giant Erikku Erukku Leaves An infusion of leaves is
Dryand. milkweed used to treat severe chest
colds and heart
conditions. The leaf juice
is used in the treatment of
intermittent fever.
16 Canthium rheedii DC. Rubiaceae Shrub Narrow Karamullu Kuttukkarai Leaves Decoction of leaves is
leaved used to prevent cancer.
canthium
17 Carallia brachiata Lour. Rhizophoraceae Tree Freshwater Vallabham Andimiriam Leaves, The juice from the
mangrove Bark macerated leaves is used
in the treatment of fever.
The pulverized bark is
rubbed on the body in the
treatment of smallpox.
18 Catharanthus roseus (L.) Apocynaceae Herb Madagascar Savamnari Nithyakalya Leaves The leaf juice or water
G.DON periwinkle ni decoction of
Catharanthus roseus L.
(Apocynaceae) is used as
a folk medicine for the
treatment of diabetes.
19 Centella asiatica (L.) Urb. Apiaceae Herb Indian Kudangal Vallarai Whole The whole plant is boiled
pennywort plant with water which
regulates diabetes.
20 Chrozophora rotteleri Euphorbiaceae Shrub Rottler's Suryavathi Purapirakka Leaves A paste is made using
(Geiseler) Mull.Arg. chrozophora i leaves, mixed with
turmeric, and used for
wound healing.

21 Clitoria ternata L. Fabaceae Herb Butterfly pea Sankhupushpa Kakkanan Whole Decoction prepared from
m plant the whole plant of Clitoria
ternatea plant is used for
rinsing piles.

22 Coleus amboinicus Lour. Lamiaceae Herb Indian Panikkurkka Karpoorava Leaves Leave extract or whole
borage lli leaf is consumed orally to
treat cough.

23 Crotalaria pallida Aiton Fabaceae Herb Smooth Kilukkachedi Kilukiluppa Whole An infusion of the whole
crotalaria i plant plant is used to bathe
children to prevent skin
infections. The leaves are
used to treat wounds

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24 Datura stramonium L. Solanaceae Shrub Thorn apple Ummam Ummatta Leaves, Decoction of leaves and
flowers, flowers are used for
fruit bronchitis. Paste made up
of fruit, flowers and
turmeric is applied for any
kind of pain or
inflammation in the
breast.
25 Duranta erecta L. Verbenaceae Shrub Angel's Duranta Pavazha Fruit Decoction of fruits is used
whisper malli for treating malaria.
26 Eclipta alba (L.) Hassk. Asteraceae Herb False Daisy Kannunni Karisalanka Whole Decoction of the whole
nni plant plant is used for the
treatment of liver cirrhosis
and infective hepatitis.
27 Eclipta prostrata (L.) L. Asteraceae Herb False Daisy Kannunni Karisalanka Whole Decoction of whole plant
nni plant used for skin diseases
28 Elephantopus scaber L. Asteraceae Herb Elephants Anachuvadi Yaanai Whole The whole plant is
foot chuvadi plant grinded along with cumin
and mixed with breast
milk which is applied on
eyes to treat eye wounds.
29 Evolvulus alsinoides (L.) L. Convolvulaceae Climber Little Glory Vishnukranthi Vishnukrant Whole A decoction of the root is
hi plant used for fever. Whole
plant is mixed with milk
and ghee and used for
infertility.
30 Ficus hispida L.f. Moraceae Tree Devil fig Parakam Peyatti Leaves A juice made from leaves
will increase secretion of
milk, in lactating women.
Mixture of leaf and gum is
used for leprosy.
31 Gloriosa superba L. Liliaceae Climber Climbing Mendonni Kalappai Tuber, A paste made using tuber
lily kilangu leaves and leaves is applied on
the throat for itching in
the throat.
32 Glycosmis pentaphylla Rutaceae Shrub Orange Panchi Kula pannai Leaves Adding a handful of
(Retz.) DC. Berry leaves to boiling water
and taking bath with that
water will reduce body
pain.
33 Hibiscus sabdariffa L. Malvaceae Shrub Roselle Papuli Sivappu Flowers Consumption of tea made
kkasuru using petals daily reduces
hypertension.
34 Holoptelea integrifolia Ulmaceae Tree Jungle cork Aval Ayil pattai Bark The bark is boiled and
(Roxb.) Planch tree squeezed out and applied
for rheumatic swellings

35 Ichnocarpus frutescens (L.) Apocynaceae Climber Black Nannari Udarkkotti Whole Decoction of the whole
W.T. Aiton Creeper plant plant is used for cough
and dysentery.

36 Ixora coccinea L. Rubiaceae Shrub Flame of the Chethi Sindhuram Leaves, An infusion of the leaves
wood root or flowers of several
species is administered to
treat fever, headache and
colic.
Roots are applied
externally to treat sores
and chronic ulcers, and
also to treat headache.

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37 Justicia gendarussa Burm F. Acanthaceae Herb Daun Rusa Vatham Kolli Karunochi Leaves An infusion of the leaves
is taken internally in the
treatment of pains in the
head, paralysis of one side
of the body and facial
paralysis. The leaf juice is
used in the treatment of
earache.
38 Lantana camara L. Verbenaceae Shrub Lantana Aripoo Unnicceti Bark, A decoction of the bark is
leaves used as a treatment for
fevers.
Tea prepared from the
Lantana camara leaves
and flowers was taken
against fever, influenza
and stomach-ache.

39 Leucas lavandulifolia Sm. Lamiaceae Herb Lavender Thumba Kadar Leaves The juice of the leaves
Leaved kumbam used in the treatment of
Leucas malarial fever. A
decoction of the leaves is
considered a good
stomachic and is applied
internally and externally
to treat colic of children.
40 Mangifera indica L. Anacardiaceae Tree Mango tree Mavu Maa maram Leaves Crushed leaves used as
tooth brush which is
antibacterial in nature
41 Maranta arundinacea L. Marantaceae Herb ArrowRoot Koova Aruruttuk Tuber The powdered tuber is
Kilangu mixed with water and is
consumed directly or after
cooking to treat diarrhoea.
42 Melastoma malabathricum Melastomaceae Shrub Malabar Kalathi Kattalai Root The decoction of the roots
(L.) melastome is used to treat diarrhea.
43 Mimosa pudica L. Fabaceae Shrub Shameful Thottavadi Thottal Leaves A Paste of the leaves
Plant Surungi applying to treat wounds
and eczema. Leaf paste is
also applied externally as
a psoriasis cure and fresh
leaf juice for impotence
and spermatorrhea
treatments.
44 Mussaenda glabrata L. Rubiaceae Shrub Dhobi Tree Vellila Velli Leaves Decoction of white leaves
Matantai is used for asthma. Paste
made using green leaves
is used for hair growth
45 Myristica fragrans Houtt. Myristicaceae Tree NutMeg Jathikka Ati-palam Fruit Decoction of the dried
fruit is taken orally to aid
in digestion
46 Naregamia alata white & Meliaceae Shrub Goanese Neelankarai Nilanaraka Stem, decoction of the stem and
Arn. ipecacuanha m leaves leaves used for the
treatment of biliousness
47 Ocimum americanum L. Lamiaceae Herb Hoary Basil Kattu Thulasi Nai Thulasi Leaves Decoction of leaves is
used for coughs.
48 Ocimum sanctum L. Lamiaceae Herb Holy Basil Tulsi Tulsa Root, A decoction prepared
leaves from the roots of Tulsi
plant is used as a
diaphoretic in malarial
fever. Decoction of the
leaves boiled with
powdered cardamom used

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for acute fevers.

49 Parietaria officinalis L. Urticacea Herb Upright Akkirakkaram Akkarakaar Whole The whole plant is
Pellitory am Plant administered in the form
of infusion as diuretic,
cholagogue, emollient,
healing and soothing. The
herbal tea is
recommended against
cold, cough, sore throat
and rheumatism. The
poultice of fresh leaves is
applied externally against
skin ulcers and
inflammations.
50 Passiflora foetida L. Passifloraceae Climber Bush Poochapalam Siruppunaik Leaves Juice of leaves are applied
Passion Fruit kali to wounds.
51 Peperomia pellucida (L.) Piperaceae Herb Pepper Elder Kannadipacha Thippili Whole Whole plant is made into
Kunth Plant juice and having this daily
in empty stomach will
prevent kidney disorders
52 Phaseolus coccineus L. Fabaceae Climber Runner Bean Perumpayar Nilgiri Root A root decoction is taken
against malaria or applied
to swollen eyes.
53 Phyllanthus emblica (L.) Euphorbiaceae Tree Indian Nelli Tecomantir Fruit Fruit is dried under the
Kurz GooseBerry am sun and it is made into a
powder, washing hair
using this powder will
prevent hair fall and
increase hair growth. A
paste made using fruit and
honey applied in eyes to
cure eye diseases.
54 Phyllanthus urinaria L. Euphorbiaceae Herb Chamber Chirukizhukan Civappu Fruit Decoction of fruits is used
Bitter elli keelanelli to treat jaundice, diabetes,
malaria, and liver
diseases.
55 Piper longum L. Piperaceae Climber Long pepper Tippali Thippili Spike The powdered spike is
mixed with honey and
taken internally to treat
cough, colds.
56 Pongamia pinnata L. Fabaceae Tree Indian Beech Pongum Aciruntam Flower Decoction of flowers is
used for blood pressure.
57 Psidium guajava L. Myrtaceae Tree Guava Pera, perakka Sigappu Leaves Drinking guava leaves tea
koyyaa in the morning with an
empty stomach gives lots
of health benefits like
promotes weight loss,
blood sugar levels control,
improves the digestive
system, kills bad bacteria
in the body and detoxifies
our body.
58 Quisqualis indica L. Combretaceae Climber Rangoon Thookuchethi Irangunmal Root Decoction of the root is
creeper ati used to treat rheumatism

59 Rauvolfia serpentina (L.) Apocynaceae Shrub Indian Snake Aval Pori Karpakanta Leaves The juice of leaves is used
Benth. ex Kurz Root to remove opacities of the
cornea of the eyes and
also treat wounds and
itches.

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60 Santalum album L. Santalaceae Tree Sandal Tree Chandanam Sandhanam Wood Decoction of the wood
may be helpful for
indigestion, nephritis and
gallstones.
61 Saraca asoca (Roxb). Wild. Fabaceae Tree Sorrowless Asokam Ashokam Flower A paste is made using
Tree flowers, rice powder and
jaggery, which is used for
menstrual problems and it
also purifies the blood.
62 Scoparia dulcis L. Plantaginaceae Herb Sweet- Kallurukki Sarakkotthi Whole A paste made up of whole
broom ni Plant plant mixed in tender
coconut water and having
this daily for 1 week will
cure Kidney stones.
63 Sida acuta Burm.f. Malvaceae Shrub Broom Grass Kurunthotti Ponmukutta Whole Decoction of the whole
i Plant plant is used for the
treatment of fevers.
64 Sida cordifolia L. Malvaceae Sub shrub Country Ana Chittamutti Whole The juice of the whole
Mallow Kurunthotti e Plant plant is pounded with
water and is a remedy for
rheumatism and
gonorrhea. An infusion of
leaves is used to treat
fever.
65 Stachytarpheta jamaicensis Verbenaceae Herb Blue Snake Kattupunnuthu Seemai Whole Decoction of the whole
(L.) Vahl Weed nayuruvi Plant plant is used for diabetes.
66 Stereospermum colais (Buch. Bignoniaceae Tree Trumpet Pathiri Ambu Whole Decoction of the whole
-Ham.ex Dillwyn) Mabb. flower Plant plant is used for fever.
67 Synedrella nodiflora (L.) Asteraceae Herb Cinderella Mudian pacha Mudiyan Leaves, An infusion of young
Weed pachchai root leaves is used as a
laxative. Decoction of the
pounded and cooked roots
is drunk as a cough-
mixture
68 Syzygium cuminii L. Myrtaceae Tree Balck Plum Njaval Naval Bark Decoction of bark is used
to control diabetes.
69 Tabernaemontana divaricata Apocynaceae Shrub Crape Nandiyar- Nandiar Root A decoction of the root is
R.Br. ex Roem. & Schult. Jasmine vattom vattai used in the treatment of
diarrhea and various
abdominal complaints.
70 Tecoma stans (L.) Juss. ex Bignoniaceae Tree Yellow Bell Manja Swarmapatt Leaves Tea made using leaves is
Kunth Mooppan i used for treatment of
diabetes and digestive
problems.
71 Tinospora cordifolia Thumb. Menispermaceae Climber Heart- Amruthu Amrithu Bark Juice of the bark mixed
leaved with honey is used for
moonseed fever.
72 Trianthema portulacastrum Aizoaceae Herb Giant Pig Vallikeera Sharunnai Whole Decoction of the whole
L. Weed Plant plant is used for anemia
and stomach diseases.
73 Triumfetta rhomboidea Jacq. Malvaceae Shrub Diamond Ottukayal Kapatam Root A decoction of the root is
burbark used as a remedy for
internal ulcerations. A
decoction of the plant in
rice water is used to treat
diarrhea and dysentery.
74 Urena lobata L. Malvaceae Sub shrub Caesar Weed Oorpanam Ottu-t-tutti Leaves, A decoction of leaves and
root roots is drunk to relieve
pains all over the body
due to excessive exertion.
Decoction of the root is

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used to treat colds,

dysentery, malaria,
rheumatism.
75 Vernonia cinerea (L). Less. Asteraceae Herb Little Iron Poovamkurunn Naichotte Whole Decoction of the whole
Weed ila poonde Plant plant is used for blood
purification, malaria and
eye diseases.

Table 2: Inventory Showing The Number Of Genera And Species For Each Family
Sl. No. Family Number of Genera Number of Species
DICOTYLEDONS
POLYPETALAE
1 Aizoaceae 1 1
2 Anacardiaceae 2 2
3 Annonaceae 1 1
4 Apiaceae 1 1
5 Combretaceae 1 1
6 Fabaceae 7 7
7 Malvaceae 5 5
8 Melastomaceae 1 1
9 Meliaceae 1 1
10 Menispermaceae 1 1
11 Myrtaceae 2 2
12 Passifloraceae 1 1
13 Rhizophoraceae 1 1
14 Rutaceae 2 2
GAMOPETALAE
15 Acanthaceae 4 4
16 Apocyanaceae 6 6
17 Asteraceae 6 6
18 Bignoniaceae 2 2
19 Convolvulaceae 1 1
20 Lamiaceae 4 4
21 Myristicaceae 1 1
22 Plantaginaceae 1 1
23 Rubiaceae 3 3
24 Scrophulariaceae 1 1
25 Solanaceae 1 1
26 Verbenaceae 3 3
MONOCHLAMYDEAE
27 Amaranthaceae 2 2
28 Euphorbiaceae 3 3
29 Moraceae 1 1
30 Nyctaginaceae 1 1
31 Piperaceae 2 2
32 Santalaceae 1 1
33 Ulmaceae 1 1
34 Urticaceae 1 1
MONOCOTYLEDONS
35 Liliaceae 1 1
36 Marantaceae 1 1
37 Poaceae 1 1

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Figure 1: Family Wise Distribution Of Ethnomedicinal Plants In Vilangad

Verbenaceae 3
Urticaceae 1
Ulmaceae 1
Solanaceae 1
Scrophulariac… 1
Santalaceae 1
Rutaceae 2
Rubiaceae 3
Rhizophoraceae 1
Poaceae 1
Plantaginaceae 1
Piperaceae 2
Passifloraceae 1
Nyctaginaceae 1
Myrtaceae 2
FAMILY

Myristicaceae 1
Moraceae 1
Menispermaceae 1
Meliaceae 1
Melastomaceae 1
Marantaceae 1
Malvaceae 5
Liliaceae 1
Lamiaceae 4
Fabaceae 7
Euphorbiaceae 3
Convolvulaceae 1
Combretaceae 1
Bignoniaceae 2
Asteraceae 6
Apocyanaceae 6
Apiaceae 1
Annonaceae 1
Anacardiaceae 2
Amaranthaceae 2
Aizoaceae 1
Acanthaceae NUMBER 4 OF SPECIES
0 5 10

Figure 2: Habit Wise Distribution of Ethnomedicinal Plants in Vilangad

3% Habit
12%
37%
24%

24% Herb

Shru
b

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Figure 3: Analysis of Various Diseases Treated in Vilangad

2% 2%
7%

19% 42%
11%9% 8%

Leaves Fruit
Bark Root
Whole Plant Flower
Tuber Stem

Figure 4: Analysis of Plant Parts Used for the Preparation of Ethnomedicines

Wounds
Tumour
Tooth ache, Ear ache and Eye problems
Stomach disorders
Category of Diseases

Skin diseases
Rheumatism
Respiratory diseases
Reproductive diseases
Malaria
Liver diseases
Kidney disorders
Diabetes
Cough, Cold and Headache
Circulatory disorders
Cholera
0 5Number
10 15 Plants
of 20 25
Used 30

Figure 5: Analysis of Mode of Preparation of Drugs

6%
12%
12% 49%

21% Decoction
Juice
Infusion
Paste
Tea

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IV. CONCLUSION
In the present study, it is revealed that the Vilangad village is rich in medicinal plants diversity which are used to treat different
ailment categories from simple to complicated diseases. Many studies have been carried out in Kozhikode District but still there are
further places which are still waiting for the proper documentation and acceptance in the pharmacological evaluation.
Our natural treasures of these types of hills are booned with herbal medicines which promote health to man. Hence, it is our bound
duty to protect and conserve them for the sustenance of biodiversity.
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