In the present paper, 46 plant species of angiosperms belonging to 19 genera of Euphorbiaceae that occur naturally in the Tirunelveli Hills of western Ghats, India, were chosen for study. It was found that the uses of Euphorbiaceous plants by the inhabitants of this region cover a number of broad categories including food, various kinds of poisons, medicines, sundry types of oils, waxes, rubbers, varnishes, compounds for paints and other industrial products

Benniamin, A.

Jothi, G. J.

Manickam, V. S.

OpenSIUC

11/13/08 10:59 AMCPage 1 of 10http://www.siu.edu/~ebl/leaflets/jothi.htm  Ethnobotanical Leaflets 12: 118-126. 2008.   Glimpses of Tribal Botanical Knowledge of Tirunelveli Hills, Western Ghats,India G.J. Jothi*  A. Benniamin and V.S. Manickam Centre for Biodiversity and BiotechnologySt. Xavier’s College (Autonomous), Palayamkottai-.627 002Tamil Nadu, India*Department of Plant Bilogy and BiotechnologyLoyolla College, Chennai,Tamil Nadu, IndiaEmail: jothigj@yahoo.comIssued 4 March 2008 ABSTRACTIn the present paper, 46 plant species of angiosperms belonging to 19 genera of Euphorbiaceae thatoccur naturally in the Tirunelveli Hills of western Ghats, India, were chosen for study. It was found that theuses of Euphorbiaceous plants by the inhabitants of this region cover a number of broad categoriesincluding food, various kinds of poisons, medicines, sundry types of oils, waxes, rubbers, varnishes,compounds for paints and other industrial products.Key Words: Tirunelveli hills, western Ghats, Euphorbiaceae, medicinal plants. INTRODUCTIONEvolution of human life and culture has directly or indirectly been associated with and influencedby the surrounding environment. Primitive people live closely associated with nature and chiefly depend onit for their survival. Their dependence on plants around them made them acquire the knowledge ofeconomic and medicinal properties of many plants by methods of trial and error. Consequently, theybecame the store-house of knowledge of many useful as well as harmful plants, accumulated and enrichedthrough generations and passed on from one generation to another, without any written documentation.World wide, tens of thousands of species of higher plants and several hundred lower plants are currentlybeing employed by human beings for such purposes as food, fuel, fibre, oil, herbs, spices, industrial cropsand as forage and fodder for domesticated animals. ( Heywood, 1992). Many people, especially in thepoorer, underdeveloped countries, rely on wild plants for food, construction materials, fuel wood, medicineand many other purposes. Traditionally, the people in many local communities worldwide are extremelyknowledgeable about plants and other natural resources, on which they are so immediately and intimatelydependent. Unfortunately, much of this wealth of knowledge is today becoming lost as traditional culturesbecome eroded. Ethnobotanists can play very useful roles in rescuing this disappearing knowledge andreturning it to local communities. In this way local ethnobotanical knowledge can be conserved as part of11/13/08 10:59 AMCPage 2 of 10http://www.siu.edu/~ebl/leaflets/jothi.htmreturning it to local communities. In this way local ethnobotanical knowledge can be conserved as part ofliving cultural- ecological systems, helping to maintain a sense of pride in local cultural knowledge andpractice and reinforcing links between communities and the environment, all of which may be thought ofas essential steps in the promotion of conservation (Martin,  1995 ). It is, therefore, important that beforethis rich unwritten folk-lore on uses of plants and plant resources becomes lost forever through the recentaccelerated ‘civilization’ of the aborigines (tribals), it should be properly documented and preserved (Raoand Henry, 1997).The health of every individual is directly dependent on the plant world.  Out of the total Indianangiosperm flora of about 20,000 species, some 5,000 are economic species. Of the latter, some 3,000 aremedicinal root plants; whereas 680 produce fruits of medicinal value. About 450 Indian medicinal plantsare exported globally.The richness and diversity of the tropical flora and fauna of India amazed the Europeans when theyfirst arrived on this subcontinent.  That this is so is evident from a reading of the text of the first work onIndian botany,  Coloquios dos simples, a book which deals in part with the western Ghats of PeninsularIndia ( cf. Clive 1984).Euphorbia is the largest genus in the family Euphorbiaceae and one of the sixth largest genera offlowering plants in the world, consisting of about 2000 species.  Out of 81 species of Euphorbia occurringin India, about 40 species have been ethnobotanically studied (Binojkumar and Balakrishnan, 1996). According to Hill (1755), the milky latex of Euphorbia is effective in the treatment of Dropsies. Ainslier(1826), on the other hand, reported that the latex of E. tortilis was used externally for herpes.                 A lypophilized aqueous extract of E. hirta was evaluated by Lanher et al., (1996) forbenzodiazepine like properties and for hypnotic nueroleptic and antidepressant properties. However, theyfound out that the extract did not possess neuroleptic activity, though slight antidepressant effects wereobtained against reserpine-induced hypothermia.Aporusa lindleyana has long been used traditionally for the treatment of jaundice, fever, headacheand insanity.  Significantly, the analgesic activity of a root extract of A. lindleyana was later proven byKrishnamoorthy et al., (1999).An extract of Phyllanthus amarus significantly reduces the radiation-induced Micronuclei (MN)induction in both polychromatic erythrocytes (PCE) and normochromatic erythrocytes (NCE). Thisreduction was found to increase linearly with extract dosages of  from 25 to 125 mg/kg (Devi et al., 2000).During the field survey, the medicinal species of Euphorbiaceous were collected and documented. Information was obtained from the Tribals (Kanis) of Tirunelveli hills and the local Siddha, Ayurvedhapractitioners and tabulated. STUDY AREA AND ITS TRIBAL COMMUNITIESThe Tirunelveli hills lie between 77o 5’ and 77o40’ E and 8o20’ and 8o 50’ N from the southernmostsegment of the Western Ghats. They extend through  Papanasam R.F., Singampatti R.F., Kalakadu R.F.,Mahendragiri R.F, Veerapuli R.F. and Ashamboo R.F., and into the present day Kanyakumari district ofTamil Nadu (Fig 1). The tops of these mountains are often compared to oceanic islands in having unusuallylarge numbers of endemic species, this largely due to the isolation provided by the waters of Arabian Sea,11/13/08 10:59 AMCPage 3 of 10http://www.siu.edu/~ebl/leaflets/jothi.htmlarge numbers of endemic species, this largely due to the isolation provided by the waters of Arabian Sea,Indian Ocean and the Bay of Bengal on three sides (Nayar, 1996; Gopalan and Henry, 2000). Otherwise,the western Ghats area as a whole is characterized by a profusion of different vegetation types, such asSouthern Tropical Thorn Forest (foot hills to 20m), Southern Tropical Dry Deciduous Forest (200-400m),Grass Lands (+ 500m ), Southern Tropical Moist Deciduous Forest (500-800m), Southern Tropical WetEvergreen Forest (80-1500m), Subtropical Mountain Forest (7150m) and Grassy Swards at high altitudes(7100m).The Kani’s and Paliya tribes inhabit the villages of Petchiparai, Kallar and Mahendragiri in theKanyakumari district and Kadayam, Sankarankoil, Puliarai, Papanasam, Courtallam, Sivagiri and Manjolaiin the Tirunelveli District. They subsist on leaves, tubers and fruits of forest plants and on meat from wild,hunted animals. Wild plants provide the bulk of their medicines. Many changes can be expected in thefuture, however, since the younger generations of these communities are being more and more influencedby modern day social and living standards. METHODOLOGYField trips were conducted during 1999 to 2004 in the tribal and rural parts of the Tirunelveli hills.Data was collected regarding plant and plant parts used, local names and purposes and method ofadministration of the drugs. Information was obtained from tribal medicine men, old men and women, andother local rural informants. The actual application of plant remedies was also observed during field work.The plant specimens were identified using recent regional floras (Gamble, 1993 & 1994). Routineherbarium methods have been followed in preserving specimens and they are deposited in St. Xavier’sCollege Herbarium, Palayamkottai. RESULTSThe tribals and rural populaces use a variety of species from the forested as well as non forestedgeographic pockets of the study area. In the present paper, 46 plant species of angiosperms belonging to 19genera of the Euphorbiaceae were studied (Table 1). The uses of Euphorbiaceous plants in our own societycover a number of broad categories including food, various kinds of poisons, medicines, sundry types ofoils, waxes, rubbers, varnishes, compounds for paints and other industrial products.  Many plants of thisfamily have been used in traditional Chinese medicine for more than 2000 years as anti-tumour drugs.According to Schroeder et al., (1980), plants of this family have been used to treat cancer, tumours, andwarts from the time of Hippocrates (ca 400 BC). CONCLUSIONAs pointed out earlier, the field of ethnobotany is receiving more and more attention these days.However, it is still the molecular biologists whose work centers in the laboratory that garnishes more statusand funding. Field ethno botanists have not yet received the same level of support and respect, primarilybecause interest in this field has only recently reemerged. Yet, the field is growing. New scientific journalsand societies have begun to disseminate the studies of  ethnobotanists to peers, other scientists, and policymakers worldwide. The current era is an exciting time to be an ethnobotanist. Ethnobotany issues are the11/13/08 10:59 AMCPage 4 of 10http://www.siu.edu/~ebl/leaflets/jothi.htmmakers worldwide. The current era is an exciting time to be an ethnobotanist. Ethnobotany issues are thefocus of much public attention. Due to increased public interest and policy making in conservation,companies are looking for new plants and new approaches for the production of food, medicines, andenergy sources. University departments are opening positions for interdisciplinary-trained ethnobotanists.The future looks promising for these dedicated scientists in a fascinating and vital field of research. REFERENCESAinslier, W., 1826. Tirrooghucallia Materia indica 2: 424-426. Binojkumar, M. S. and Balakrishnan, N. P. 1996. Ethnobotanical studies of the genus Euphorbia L.(Euphorbiaceae ) J.Econ.Tax.Bot 12: 46-49. Clive, A. Stace, 1984. Plant taxonomy and biosystematics. Edward Arnold.Devi P U, Ravindra Kamath, BSS Rao, RK Kaath, 2000. Current Sci. 78 (10):1245-1247. Gamble, J. S., (1993 & 1994). Flora of the Presidency of Madras. Vol I-III. Bishen Singh Mahendra PalSingh. Dehra Dun-India. Gopalan and Henry, A. N., 2000. Endemic plants of India. Bishen Singh MahendraPal Singh Dehra dun.-India. Heywood, V.H., 1992. Conservation of germplasm of wild species.  In Sandlund, O.T., Hindar, K. andBrown, A.H.D. (eds.). Conservation of Biodiversity for Sustainable Development.  ScandinavianUniversity Press, Oslo, 189-203. Hill J. I., 1755. Useful family Herbal (ed2), London. Krishnamoorthy, G., G., Kavimani, S Jayakar, B. Singh, R.S. Suthar – Singh R., 1999. Analgestic activityof root extract of Aporosa lindleyana Hamdard Medicum 42 (3): 18-21. Lanhers, M.C., Fleurentin, J., Dorfman, P., Misslin R., Mortier, F., 1996 Neuro physiological effects ofEuphorbia hirtal (Euphorbiaceae ), Phytotheraphy research 10 (8) 670- 676. Martin, J., 1995.  Ethnobotany - A methods manual. Chapman and Hall, London.  268. Nayar, 1996. Hotspot of endemic plants in India and Nepal and Bhutan. Tropical Botanical and ResearchInstitute Trivandrum,Kerala, India. Rama Rao, N. and Henry, A.N., 1997.  The Ethnobotany of Eastern Ghats in Andhra Pradesh, India.Botanical Survey of India.  259.11/13/08 10:59 AMCPage 5 of 10http://www.siu.edu/~ebl/leaflets/jothi.htmBotanical Survey of India.  259. Schroeder, G., Rohmer, M., Beck, J.P. and Anton, R, 1980. 7 - Oxo 7 alpha hydroxyl and 7 Betahydroxysterols from Euphorbia fischerriana. Phytochemistry (19): 2213-2215. 11/13/08 10:59 AMCPage 6 of 10http://www.siu.edu/~ebl/leaflets/jothi.htm  Table 1. The list of Medicinal plants of Euphorbiaceae  from Tirunelveli hills. S.No. Scientific Name Local Name Habit Parts / mode of administration Status  1. Acalypha ciliata Forssk. - Herb Whole plant Laxative andvermifugal properties Common11/13/08 10:59 AMCPage 7 of 10http://www.siu.edu/~ebl/leaflets/jothi.htm vermifugal properties 2. Acalypha fruticosa Forssk. Sirusinni Shrub LeavesRootsDigestive troublesGonorrhoea Common 3. Acalypha indica L. Kuppai meni Herb Whole plant Tooth ache, ear ache,severe cough,ringwork and burns Common 4. Acalypha racemosa Heyne ex Baill.- Herb as undershrub Whole plant Substitute for A.indica- 5. Aporusa lindleyana (Wight) Baill.- Tree Root Excessive thirst andfeverOccasional  6. Antidesma acidum Retz. Kattu khoya  Shrub orsmall treeLeaves Cooked as vegetable Occasional 7. Antidesma alexiteria L. - Small tree Leaves Snake bite Common 8. Antidesma bunius (L.) Sprengel - Tree Leaves Ulcers, indigestion Common 9. Baccourea courtallensis (Wight)Muell. Arg.- Tree Fruit Acidity, edible Occasional10. Bischofia javanica Blume Malai poovarasu Tree Leaves BarkSores, tooth ache andeye diseasesThroat troubles Occasional 11. Breynia retusa (Dennst.)Alston- Shrub Stem Conjunctivities Common  12. Breynia vitis-idaea (Burm.f.)C. FischerManipullanti Shrub LeavesRootsTonsils.Mouthwash fortoothache Common 13. Bridelia retusa (L.) Sprengel. Mulvengai,Adamaruthu  Shrub or tree Bark Hypertensive properties Common 14. Croton caudatus Geiseler - Shrub Leaves RootsApplied as poultice insprains, diuretic.Malaria Rare 15. Croton zeylanicusMuell. -Arg.- Shrub Bark Stomach ache Common  16. Drypetes roxburghii (Wall.) HarusawaParupala Tree LeavesSeedsFever, sterility.Habitual abortion andburning sensation Rare 17. Euphorbia antiquorum L. Sathura kalli Tree Roots Stomachic, digestive,wounds, ulcers,deafness, cough andanti- inflammatoryCommon 18. Euphorbia dracunculoidesLam.- Herb Capsules Removing warts Common  19. Euphorbia hirta L. Ammanpacharisi Herb WholeplantPurifies blood, skindiseases, cough, asthma,Common11/13/08 10:59 AMCPage 8 of 10http://www.siu.edu/~ebl/leaflets/jothi.htm plant diseases, cough, asthma,and other respiratorydisorders  20. Euphorbia indica Lam. - Herb WholeplantDiarrhoea, dysenteryand leucorrhoea Common 21. Euphorbia nivuliaBuch.-Ham.Illaikalli Small tree Leaf, latexand rootSkin disorders, eardisorders, retention ofurine, swelling, worminfection Occasional 22. Euphorbia rosea Retz. - Herb Leavesand seeds Vermifuge Occasional 23. Euphorbia rothianaSprengel- Herb Leaves Vermifuge Rare  24. Euphorbia thymifolia L. Chinnammanpacharisi  Herb WholeplantRing worm, wounds,asthma, skin diseases.Common 25. Euphorbia tirucalli L. Thirukalli Small tree MilkyjuiceWarts, toothache, coughasthma and earache Common 26. Euphorbia tortilis Rottler Thirugukalli Small tree MilkyjuiceHerbs Common  27. Glochidion zeylanicum(Gaertner) Juss.Kokkamani maram Small tree BarkShootFruitStomachicItchesCooling and restorative Common 28. Jatropha curcas L. Kattamanakku Shrub Leaves LatexSeedsFoul ulcers, tumours andscabiesWounds, ulcers.Wounds, skin diseases Common  29. Jatropha glanduliferaRoxb.Vellai kattukottai Shrub Stem  SeedsArrest bleeding fromwounds and cuts andulcersCleansing applicationfor wounds, sores andulcers Common 30. Jatropha gossypifolia L. Adalai Shrub LeavesSeeds Roots  Stomachic, fever.Fixed oil useful in bodypainKidney troubles, liverbladder diseases,diabetes and againstleprosy Common  31. Macaranga indica Wight Vattakkanni  Tree Gum Antiseptic, applied onthe sores  Common  32. Macaranga peltata (Roxb.) Muell. Arg.Vattathamarai Tree Gum LeavesBarkApplied on veneral soresExtract as vulnerary.Contains antiseptictannins. Common 11/13/08 10:59 AMCPage 9 of 10http://www.siu.edu/~ebl/leaflets/jothi.htm33. Mallotus philippensis (Lam.) Muell. Arg.ThirisalakkaiMaram  Tree BarkFruitsAntisepticSkin affectionCommon 34. Phyllanthus amarusSchum. &  Thonn.Kezhanelli Herb WholeplantJaundice, diarrhoea,dysentery, intermittentfever, diseases of theurino-genital system,scabies, ulcers andwounds Common 35. Phyllanthus emblica L. Nelli Tree Root barkLeaves  FruitsJaundice, diarrhoea.Inflammation, dysentryand diarrhoea.Diabetes, cough,asthama, peptic ulcers,skin diseases, leprosy,anaemia, cordiacdisorders and greynessof hairs Common 36. Phyllanthus maderaspatensisL.Melanelli Herb LeavesSeedsInfusion in headache.Carminative, diuretic Common 37. Phyllanthus reticulatusPoir.Karunelli Shrub WholeplantBurning sensation, sores,diarrhoea and skineruptions Common 38. Phyllanthus rheedii Wight - Herb Wholeplant Stomach disorders Common 39. Phyllanthus urinaria L. Sivappukeezhanelli Herb WholeplantSubstitute forPhyllanthus amarus Common   40. Phyllanthus virgatus Forst. - Herb Whole plant  Having antisepticproperties Occasional  41. Sauropus androgynus(L.) Merr.Thavasimurungai  Shrub Leaves  RootsLeafy vegetable(multivitamin content)Fever, bladder,ulcers Occasional 42. Sauropus quadrangularisMuell.-Arg.- Shrub Leaves Dried and smoked as acure for tonsils Occasional 43. Sebastiania chamaelea (L.) Muell.-Arg.- Shrub Leaves Diarrhoea Common  44. Securinga virosa (Roxb.ex Willd.) Baill.Aadu thinnichedi Shrub Bark Leaves  Roots Paste on skin scratchesDestroying worms of thesores, laxative andantipyreticAnalgesicCommon  45. Suregarda multiflora(Juss.) Baill.- Small tree Bark Hepatic troubles,purgative Occasional 46. Tragia involucrata L. Chenthatti ClimbingherbRoots Skin eruption, veneraldiseases, diabetes, bloodOccasional11/13/08 10:59 AMCPage 10 of 10http://www.siu.edu/~ebl/leaflets/jothi.htmvar. involucrata  herb diseases, diabetes, bloodimpurities and vomiting      

Glimpses of Tribal Botanical Knowledge of Tirunelveli Hills, Western Ghats, India

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Glimpses of Tribal Botanical Knowledge of Tirunelveli Hills, Western Ghats, India

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