Published on 1st March 2011.pdf

Life sciences Leaflets 13:421 – 426, 2011. FREE DOWNLOAD ISSN 0976 - 1098 / PEER-REVIEWED Page | 421 Published on: 1st March 2011 MEDICINAL PLANTS USED BY FOREST TRIBE OF MANANTHAVADY THALUK WAYANADU DISTRICT (KERALA, SOUTH INDIA) R. RAJI AND K. RAVEENDRAN DEPT P.G STUDIES AND RESEARCH IN BOTANY SIR SYED COLLEGE TALIPARAMBA, KANNUR (KERALA, INDIA) rajibj01@ ABSTRACT: Paniya tribe is a very prominent tribal group of Wayanadu district of Kerala state with unique culture and traditions. They are commonly called forest tribes. The study has revealed the use of thirty three plant species belonging to thirty genera and twenty-five families. The different parts of the plants are used to cure several kind of illness. The leaf is predominantly used, and is followed by stem and root. This tribe prefers these plants as home remedy against urinary complaints, skin diseases, asthma, leucorrhoea, dandruff etc. KEY WORDS: Paniya tribes, Wayanadu, Medicinal plants, Mananthavady. INTRODUCTION: Ethno botany is a preliminary method of research, suitable for gathering information on the use of plants. During the last few decades there has been an increasing interest in the study of medicinal plants and their traditional use in different parts of the world but documenting the indigenous knowledge through ethno botanical studies is important for the conservation and utilization of biological resources. There are considerable economic benefits in the development of indigenous medicines and in the use of medicinal plants for the treatment of various diseases (Azaizeh et al., 2003). Due to less communication means, poverty, ignorance and unavailability of modern health facilities, most people especially those in rural areas are still forced to practice traditional medicine for their common day to day ailment. Most of these people form the poorest link in the trade