Ethnomedicinal plants used by the rural people of Aryanadu, Thiruvananthapuram, Kerala

Abstract

In this study, a total of 28 medicinal plant species from 23 families were identified, all of which are commonly used by the villagers of Aryanadu, Thiruvananthapuram. These 28 plants were used to make 40 different herbal remedies. The Asclepiadaceae family was frequently used (4 remedies from 3 species), while the Acanthaceae, Euphorbiaceae, and Solanaceae families each contributed 9 remedies from 6 species. Most of the remedies were used to treat respiratory problems such as colds, coughs, asthma, and fever (12 remedies from 7 species). Adhatoda zeylanica and Vitex negundo (5 remedies) were two of the most commonly used plants in the preparation of medicines for the treatment of respiratory problems. Six home remedies for stomach aches, while four for skin problems were observed in the present study. According to the findings of this study, the villagers of Aryanadu rely on wild plant resources for their personal medical care and suggest that potential medicinal plants could be grown in their backyards to supplement their needs. The information gathered from the indigenous community is expected to aid in the development of new herbal formulations.