A NEW MANGROVE ASSOCIATED SPECIES RECORD (CONOCARPUS L. -COMBRETACEAE) FROM TAMIL NADU

Abstract:         The genus Conocarpus L., (Combrataceae) a naturalized mangrove genus of India, is reported as an addition to the flora of Tamil Nadu. The species Conocarpus erectus L., was  known to occur in Western Africa, Tropical and Subtropical America. A detailed description along with details on habitat, distribution and photographs and related genus key is provided here

Inventory and ethnomedicinal plants used by rural people of Eastern Ghats of Tamil Nadu, India

The present study is aimed at documenting the phytodiversity and indigenous knowledge of the tribal people in the regions of Eastern Ghats. Sivanmalai, the pride of Eastern Ghats, the gem of Tamil Nadu, otherwise known as Sivachalam, Sivathri is a diversity rich region. Documentation of the richness and distribution of species diversity are helpful in developing a better plans for management and conservation of tropical forest. A total of 107 plant species were collected, which includes 46 medicinal species belonging to 41 genus of 24 families. Some of the plants are used to cure various ailments viz, Cancer, Leprosy, etc., and the frequently used medicinal plants includes Acacia leucopholea (Roxb.) Willd., Andrographis echioides Nees, etc., the predominant mode of medicinal preparation used in the study area is grinding the plant part into paste. The global clamour for highly potential medicinal plants creates opportunities for the local and rural people to export medicinal species of the Eastern Ghats. The conclusion  of the study invocate the importance of trans- disciplinary researches which helps in the conservation of phytodiversity and the invaluable traditional knowledge.Â

In silico validation of the indigenous knowledge of the herbal medicines among tribal communities in Sathyamangalam wildlife sanctuary, India

The ethno-botanical documentation among ethnic people in Sathyamangalam wildlife sanctuary, Tamil Nadu, India has been investigated for the first time. A total of 61 medicinal plants having new combination uses were reported with adjuvant in the treatment of dermatological, Genitourinary and gastrointestinal ailments. This study could help in the recovery and conservation of traditional medicine system among educated generation. The present study was aimed to: (1) documentation of the traditional knowledge (2) quantitative analysis using Use value (UV), Informant consensus factor (ICF), Index of agreement on remedies (IAR), Relative frequency citation (RFC) and Cultural Importance index (CII) (3) validation of ethno-botanical data using in silico biological activity and toxicity prediction studies. Semi-structured direct interviews were conducted to acquire information from the study area tribes. Total of 89 tribes including both gender among various communities were interviewed and their ethno-botanical knowledge was documented. The data were assessed using ethno-botanical indices methods to estimate the consistency of usage herbal knowledge in various ailments. A total of 61 species were recorded for treatment of categorized ailments. The collected medicinal information from ethnic groups shows remarkable new usage of medicinal plants to particular ailments. Our comparative in silico studies also supported the traditional medicine results with correspondence to their bioactive. Traditional knowledge of ethnic people also linked to their culture and history. This study also infers the usage of traditional plant based medicine. Further research related to the bioactivities of reported plants should be encouraged to explore the importance in pharmaceutical industry. Keywords: Ailments, Documentation, In silico, Quantitative indices, Traditional knowledg

-a new record for Asian Continent

Abstract Ipomea muelleri Benth (Convolvulaceae) is an endemic Australian plant species. It is reported here for the first time from the Southern Western Ghats of Coimbatore region of India in the Asian continent. A detailed description, illustration and relevant notes are provided for its collection and identification.