Documentation of Indigenous Knowledge of Indian Traditional Medicinal Mangroves in a Coastal Village of Ramanathapuram District, Tamil Nadu, India

Abstract

An ethno botanical survey was undertaken to collect information from traditional healers on the use of mangrove plants in Thirupullani coastal village of Ramanathapuram District, Tamil Nadu, India. The indigenous knowledge of local traditional healers and the native plants used for medicinal purposes were collected through questionnaire and personal interviews during field trips. The investigation revealed that, the traditional healers used some species of plants to treat various diseases. The documented mangroves and associated plants are mostly frequently used for the treatment of diseases. This study showed that many people in the studied parts of coastal villages of Thirupullani still continue to depend on medicinal plants at least for the treatment of primary healthcare.

Keywords: Mangroves, Indigenous knowledge, Medicinal plant