ETHNOBOTANICAL STUDY OF TRADITIONAL MEDICINAL PLANTS USED BY INDIGENOUS PEOPLE IN NORTH KERALA

Tojo Jose; Sebastian A; V.T Antony

Volume : V, Issue : X, October - 2015

ETHNOBOTANICAL STUDY OF TRADITIONAL MEDICINAL PLANTS USED BY INDIGENOUS PEOPLE IN NORTH KERALA

Tojo Jose, Sebastian A, V. T Antony

Abstract :

The desire for the wisdom of traditional healing systems has led to a revivification of interest in herbal medicines across the world. The infiltration of modern systems of medicine coincident with globalization leads to shrinkage of indigenous treatment systems which are a barrier to drug development. Thus an attempt was done to document the indigenous informations in selected tribal groups in Wayanad,Malappuram and Kasargod districts. A total of 15 plants comprising 15 families were documented in the present study which is commonly used by Paniyaas and Malavettuvas – the indigenous people in the area. The present study gathered crucial informations about traditional knowhow and exemplifies the need to document, research and development of new drugs to combat emerging diseases.