Author(s): Anusha J, Kavina J and Kumaresubitha T

Abstract: The present ethno-botanical study was conducted in Chengalpattu district of Tamil Nadu, India, to document and evaluate traditional knowledge related to the use of medicinal plants by rural and tribal communities. Through field surveys conducted between October 2023 and April 2024 in 20 villages, information was collected from 20 knowledgeable local healers, including both men and women aged between 45 and 75 years. Data were obtained through interviews and direct plant collection, identifying 20 plant species across nine botanical families commonly used for treating various ailments. The study revealed a diverse range of plant-based remedies used in the form of decoctions, infusions, pastes, and raw extracts to treat illnesses such as skin diseases, respiratory issues, digestive disorders, diabetes, wounds, and snakebites. Frequently used plant parts included leaves, roots, and bark, with internal applications being more common than external ones. Several species such as Aegle marmelos, Andrographis paniculata, Phyllanthus amarus, and Solanum nigrum were found to have significant ethnomedicinal importance. The research underscores the urgency of documenting this rapidly vanishing traditional knowledge due to modernization and generational shifts. The findings highlight the importance of preserving and promoting sustainable use of indigenous medicinal resources, ensuring community participation in conservation strategies.

DOI: 10.22271/flora.2025.v13.i4a.994