Ethnomedicinal Uses of Some Plant Species by Ethnic and Rural Peoples of the Salem District of Tamilnadu with Special Reference to the Conservation of Vanishing Species

Authors

Shanti Bhushan Mishra et al.

Abstract

Salem district sustain a very rich traditional medicinal plant wealth and inherits unique plant and animal communities. Due to deforestation, loss of biodiversity and indiscriminate exploitation of wild and natural resources many valuable herbs like Abrus precatorius, Gloriosa superba, Martynia annua, etc., are in the verge of extinction. The present paper enumerates status, conservation strategies and traditional uses of 68 plant species by the ethnic and rural people of Salem district of Tamilnadu. The claims were gathered by interviewing traditional healers, especially villagers of the study area. Attempt was made to verify the efficacy of claims with actual beneficiaries, though it was not possible in all cases due to social customs.

Recommended Citation

Mishra, Shanti Bhushan et al. (2008) "Ethnomedicinal Uses of Some Plant Species by Ethnic and Rural Peoples of the Salem District of Tamilnadu with Special Reference to the Conservation of Vanishing Species," Ethnobotanical Leaflets: Vol. 2008: Iss. 1, Article 119.
Available at: https://opensiuc.lib.siu.edu/ebl/vol2008/iss1/119