Documentation and Ethnobotanical survey of medicinal plants in Valasamalai hills, Thiruvannamalai district Eastern Ghats, Tamilnadu, India

An ethno botanical survey was conducted to collect information about medicinal plants used by traditional healers in villages located in the forest area of Valasamalai hills, Thiruvannamalai district, Tamilnadu, India. Information presented in this work was gathered from tribal informants including practitioners using an integrated approach of botanical collections and interview schedules. Many tribal people depending on naturally growing or wild plants for their food and medicine in this region. A total information was gathered from 24 to 76 age groups of people. The exploration revealed that some of unknown medical uses from the medicinal plants. Totally of 95 medicinal plants belonging to 50 families were identified in the region. These medicinal plants are used to various diseases such as skin diseases, dysentery, cough and cold. The botanical name, local name, family name, parts used and traditional practice were documented. The plant parts were invariably preferred in the form of juice, extract, powder, paste and treating ailments. The indigenous knowledge available with these people plays an important role in quick and proper identification of natural resources.