Ethno Botanical Survey of Medicinal Plants at Ayurveda Base Hospital North Matale, Sri Lanka-2021

Abstract

Indigenous medicinal systems contribute to the preservation of the health of nations by using the resources of medicinal plants and numerous medicinal plants have many therapeutic effects and cure diseases. The study aimed to explore the therapeutic potentials of medicinal plants identified and documented indigenous uses of medicinal plants at T.B.Tennakoon Memorial Ayurveda Base Hospital and Study Center, North Matale, Sri Lanka. The study was followed over six months from March 2021 to September. Authorization was granted by the MOIC hospital and during this period the therapeutic effects of medicinal plants were classified among the plants studied. An investigation conducted through direct observation in the field, discussion, and via quessionaire. Collected plant samples and images of plants, herbarium leaves, and botanical plaques, were identified by healers in hospitals and old mounds in the region, and information gathered on medicinal plants was recorded and documented. A total of 130 medicinal plants belonging to 47 families have been identified in the region. Microsoft Excel 2013 version 15.04 was used for data analysis. The most common medicinal plant families are Fabaceae (19%), other more identified medicinal plants are Euphorbiaceae (15%), Rutaceae (10%), and Santalaceae (1%). Some rare medicinal plants have also been reported. According to this study, this area contains rich green floristic diversity, and the plants have grown well in the regional climatic conditions and the natives have used the plants for multiple purposes. Therefore, these medicinal plants are used for various diseases such as Loco-motor disorders, urinary disorders, circulatory disorders, respiratory disorders, nervous disorders, gastrointestinal disorders, skin disorders, gynecological disorders, hormonal disorders, and poisonous bites. These plants, which are used in various diseases and have different therapeutic potentials, are freely harvested in this hospitable region and some plants are also abundant. The conservation of these plant species is essential to improve traditional health practices within the hospital. However, plant breeding and conservation education are used in primary health care, conservation of their diversity, as well as clinical practice, and scientific research. 

Keywords: Disease, Diversity, Medicinal plant, North Matale, Therapeutic potential