Explorer Research Article

CODEN (USA): IJPLCP

[Murthy, 3(10): Oct., 2012]

ISSN: 0976-7126

INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF PHARMACY & LIFE SCIENCES

Ethno medicinal plants used by gonds of Adilabad district,
Andhra Pradesh, India
E.N. Murthy
Department of Plant Sciences, School of Life Sciences, University of Hyderabad,
Hyderabad, (A.P.) - India
Abstract
Adilabad district of Andhra Pradesh is known for gond tribe. The Gonds are divided into six sub-tribes, Raj Gond,
Pardhan, Toti, Dadve, Gowari, Kolam, all are being endogamous. Gonds are very dominant in the district. Frequent
field trips were conducted in Gond rich areas to collect the Traditional Botanical Knowledge and Ethno-medicinal
plants used by the Gonds. Because of modernization, all the ethno-botanical knowledge is declining day by day, so
there is an urgent need to document the knowledge of ethnic people. Here 96 plants of ethno- medicinal value were
recorded from Adilabad district of Andhra Pradesh, India.
Key-Words: Indigenous Traditional Knowledge, Ethnobotany, Gonds, Adilabad, Andhra Pradesh

Introduction
Tribal people have traditional knowledge of plant
species used for different purposes such as food,
beverages, colours, resins, gums and medicine. This
knowledge was even passed through generation to
generation and played an important role in the
conservation and sustainable use of biodiversity. They
also have knowledge about in situ conservation of
numerous plant resources in the form of sacred groves.
Plant-based traditional medical systems continue to
provide the primary health care to more than threequarters of the worlds populace. The World Health
Organization has estimated that over 80% of the global
populations rely chiefly on traditional medicine
(Akerele, 1992). Indigenous herbal treatment is a part
of the culture and dominant mode of therapy in most of
the developing countries. These traditional phytoremedies with a considerable extent of effectiveness
are socially and economically accepted. Still, one-third
of the modern pharmaceutical preparations have
botanical origin. International trade on medicinal plants
is therefore increasing rapidly mainly as a result of
intensified adoption of crude extracts for selfmedication by the general public in the developed
countries.
It was officially recognized that 2500 plant species
have medicinal value while over 6000 plants are
estimated to be explored in traditional, folk and herbal
medicine (Huxley, 1984).
* Corresponding Author
E.mail: [email protected]

The need for the integration of local indigenous

knowledge for a sustainable management and
conservation of natural resources receives more and
more recognition (Posey, 1992). Moreover, an
increased emphasis is being placed on possible
economic benefits especially of the medicinal use of
tropical forest products (non woody forest produce)
instead of pure timber harvesting (Pimbert et al. 1995).
In many developing countries a large part of the
population especially in rural and forest areas depends
mainly on traditional medicines for their primary health
care. Traditional knowledge on medicine since the time
of Great sage Charaka has led to the discovery of
many important drugs of modern age (Uniyal et al.
1995). Today about 65% of the Indian population
depends on the traditional system of medicine
(Timmermans 2003). Before the extinction of ethnomedicine from the tribal community, it is necessary to
document and understand the culture-specific medical
heritage. Keeping in view of this the present study is
focused on ethnomedicinal plants used by Gond tribes
of Adilabad district, Andhra Pradesh, India.

Study Area
India has the largest concentration of tribal population
in the world. Andhra Pradesh is a tribal populated state
with 33 tribes. Adilabad district is one among the tribal
rich districts of Andhra Pradesh. It is located between
longitudes 770 46' to 800 00' E and latitudes 180 40'
to190 56' N. The district is bounded on the north by
Yeotmal and Chandrapur districts and on the west by
Nanded district of Maharastra on the south by

Int. J. of Pharm. & Life Sci. (IJPLS), Vol. 3, Issue 10: October: 2012, 2034-2043
2034

Explorer Research Article

CODEN (USA): IJPLCP
Karimnagar and Nizamabad districts of Andhra
Pradesh (Fig 1). The district has 52 mandals which are
grouped into five revenue divisions, viz. Adilabad,
Utnur, Nirmal, Mancherial and Asifabad. The most
important river that drains in the district is Godavari
with its tributaries Penganga, Wardha, Pranahita,
Kadem and Pedavagu. The district occupies fifth
position with the extent of an area, i.e. 16,203.8 sq km
which accounts for 5.9% of total geographic area of
Andhra Pradesh (Anoymous, 1975). It is the second
largest district in Telangana region. Besides, it is the
least-populated district in the State. In forest cover
Adilabad ranks second in the State. Forests occupy
6,066 km2 which is 37.61% of the total geographical
area of the district (Anonymous, 2011). It is more than
33% of the desirable minimum in the National Forest
Policy of 1952. Teak is the principal timber extract
besides other available non woody forest produce from
these southern tropical dry deciduous forests
(Champion & Seth, 1968).

Gond Tribe
Gonds are one of the numerically predominant tribal
groups in Andhra Pradesh (Fig 2). They call
themselves as Koitur in their own dialect. The Gonds
were ruling class before the invasion of Moghals and
emergence of Maratha rulers. The ruined forts
belonging to Gond chiefs are found at Utnoor and
Sirpur of Adilabad district (Prasad, 2008). Gonds
constitute the great mass of aboriginals who occupy
comparatively large tracts as a compact population. But
the large scale immigration of people like Banjaras
from outside the state into the district brought changes
in the social and economic status among the
aboriginals. Gonds live in hamlets. They settle usually
at the foot of the highest ridges, cultivate the valleys,
gentle slopes and plateau. The Gonds are divided into
six sub-tribes, viz. 1. Raj Gond, 2. Pardhan, 3. Toti, 4.
Dadve, 5. Gowari, and 6. Kolam, all are being
endogamous. An Austrian Anthropologist FerHaimendorf (1979) explained the customs and
traditions of Gonds (Haimendorfe, 1979). They were
shifting cultivators in the past but they have become
almost settled cultivators. Kolams are organized in
exogamous clans corresponding to the Gond system.
They speak Kolami language. Kolam settlements are
situated amidst flat fields on sites where two or three
groups gathered from the surrounding hills.
Resembling the Kolams in many respects are the
Naikpods. Most of the Telugu-speaking Naikpods are
found in villages of the plains. In their social customs,
the ceremonies at birth, marriage and death, the
Naikpods conform largely to the usage and ritual of the
Hindu castes. The Pardhans in Adilabad are the

[Murthy, 3(10): Oct., 2012]

ISSN: 0976-7126
hereditary bards of the Gonds. They play a vital role in
Gond culture. The language spoken by Pardhans in
their homes is Marathi, but they are equally familiar
with Gondi. The important possession of a Pardhan is
Kingri (Three-stringed fiddle). The Pardhans follow
practically the Gond pattern in every detail. Toti the
bards are not very numerous. They play on Kingri and
blow trumpets on ceremonial occasions. They observe
the social customs of Gonds. Many Toti women are
experts in tattooing. Hemadri etal worked on tribalknowledge by covering some parts of the district
(Hemadri & Rao, 1989; Hemadri et al. 1987; Hemadri,
1990; Hemadri, 1992). Ravishankar (1990) did his
Ph.D on Ethnobotanical Studies in Adilabad and
Karimnagar Districts. Murthy et al reported the
piscicidal plants used by Gonds of Adilabad district
(Murthy et al. 2010). Available studies on
ethnomedicine of the gonds are very few (Ravishankar
& Henry, 1992; Ramarao & Henry 1996; Reddy et al
2003; Murthy et al 2011). The forests of Adilabad
district have great potentiality both from the tribal and
botanical points of view. There is an urgent need to
inventorise and record the available ethno botanical
information known to the diverse ethnic communities
before the traditional cultures are completely lost.
Hence, an attempt was made to document the ethno
botanical knowledge of the Gond tribe inhabiting in the
remote areas of the Adilabad district of Andhra
Pradesh, India.

Methodology
Ethnobotanical survey was conducted by repeated
interviews and conversations with aged ethnic people,
local herbal healers, shepherds, tribal headmen, owners
of cattle herds, etc. in different seasons for two
consecutive years. Several field trips were conducted
between the years 2008 to 2010 in the district to record
the ethno botanical knowledge of the Gonds. The data
were collected through questionnaires, discussions
among the tribal people. The information on useful
plant species, parts used, local names and mode of
utilization was collected. The data collected were
further verified and cross-checked in different tribal
Gudems (Hamlets). Plants used in their daily needs
were also collected. Plants used in their traditional
medicinal uses were identified with the help of regional
floras (Gamble & Fischer, 1935; Pullaiah et al. 1992).
The plant voucher specimens were pressed and
deposited in the Herbarium of Botany Department
(KUH), Kakatiya University, Warangal, Andhra
Pradesh, India. The sorted information on ethno
botanical knowledge of tribal inhabitants is tabulated
alphabetically by botanical names of plants, name of
the family, vernacular names in Telugu, habit, parts

Int. J. of Pharm. & Life Sci. (IJPLS), Vol. 3, Issue 10: October: 2012, 2034-2043
2035

Explorer Research Article

CODEN (USA): IJPLCP
used and uses that includes medicinal or any other
purpose (Table 1).

Results and Discussion

A total number of 96 plants belonging to 53 families
were recorded (Table 1). Fabaceae has the highest
number of species (9 species) followed by Mimosaceae
(8 species), Euphorbiaceae (6 species), Acanthaceae,
Asclepiadeaceae, Caesalpiniaceae, Combretaceae,
Menispermaceae, Verbenaceae and Vitaceae (3species
each) Aristolochiaceae, Asteraceae, Loganiaceae,
Malvaceae, Moraceae, Rhamnaceae, Rutaceae,
Sterculiaceae and Zingiberaceae (2 species each) and
rest of the families contain one species each. Among
the total plant species, trees are highest in number (41)
followed by herbs (30), climbers (19) and shrubs (6).
Use of the plant parts ranged from stem bark (21),
leaves (17), whole plant (12), roots (9), seeds (8), and
tubers (7), Fruits (7), Rhizome (4) and Gum (2). With
regard to the frequency of plant parts used in
preparations, stem bark was most often used followed
by roots, leaves, whole plant, roots, seeds and tubers
etc. The majority of the medicinal plants are used
singly in the manufacture of preparations rather than in
particular combinations.
Leaf paste of Bauhinia vahlii applied and tied with
bandage for arthritis. Decoction of shoots of Butea
superba used in piles. Seeds sedative and antihelmintic.
Besides, medicinal their leaves are used for making
meals plates. Entire plant of Hygrophylla auriculata is
used to cure leucorrhoea. Bark of Litsea glutinosa is
useful in bone fractures. Entire plant Cissus
quadringularisis crushed and bind to broken limbs.
Gonds use root paste of Plumago zeylanica to remove
the piles. It is interesting that the bark of Acacia
arabica is crushed and juice is applied on Russels
viper bite. Gonds also apply root paste of climber
Aristolochia indica on snake bite. It acts as antivenom.
Root paste of Pergularia daemia is also applied on
snake bite. Leaf decoction of Adhatoda vasica is
administered to heal respiratory problems like asthma,
bronchitis and even tuberculosis. Bark of Aegle
marmelos is powdered, taken with water to control
dysentery. Whole plant of Andrographis paniculata is
powdered, administered in the form of tablets in all
general fevers. Whole plant powder of Cocculus
hirsutus is used in fevers and stems used to make
mouth baskets for cattle. Bark powder of Strychnos
nux-vomica is administered in the form of tablets to
control hypertension. Gonds use seeds of Strychnos
potatorum to cure various ailments like kidney
problems. Whole plant of Vernonia cinerea is
powdered and administered in tablet-form to cure
menstrual problems of women. Root powder of

[Murthy, 3(10): Oct., 2012]

ISSN: 0976-7126
Convolvulus sepiaria is administered with water to
cure infertility problems in women. Rhizome paste of
Zingiber roseum is applied on skin diseases. Root of
Achyranthus aspera is tagged to the waist of a pregnant
woman for normal delivery. A whole plant of
Aristolochia bracteolata is grinded and powder is
administered with honey menstrual pains. Root tubers
of Curculigo orchioides and roots of Asparagus
racemosus, entire plant powder of Hybanthus
enneaspermus and bulbs of Crinum asiaticum are used
as aphrodisiacs. Seed paste of Abrus precatorius is
applied to reduce hair fall and improve hair growth;
seed powder is used as natural contraceptive and for
temporary breakdown of menstrual cycle. Stem bark of
Anogeissus latifolia is chewed to control stomachache.
Stem bark of Bombax ceiba is crushed and juice
administered in dysentery. Toddy (sap) of Caryota
urens is used to cure urinary problems.
Root juice of Asparagus racemosus is mixed with
honey used for dyspepsia. Root powder is taken with
milk as aphrodisiac, galactogogue and nervic tonic.
Fruit pulp of Cassia fistula with pepper, garlic,
tamarind and common salt are crushed and made it as a
juice and taken orally as a general tonic and the
crushed bark of Cassia fistula is applied on scorpion
bite. Stem bark of Dalbergia paniculata paste with
neem oil used as an external application on the head to
improve hair growth. Root and bark powder-paste of
Dichrostachys cineraria is applied on joint pains.
Roots of Hemidesmus indicus are boiled in water or
milt and administered as a general tonic. Steam barkpowder of Lagerstromia parviflora is administered in
the form of tablets to cure Leucorrhoea. Gum tablets
from Buchanania lanzan for the treatment of chest
pain. Seed powder Nelumbo nucifera is taken with
honey for forty days in infertility. Entire plant powder
of Phyllanthus amarus along with pepper powder is
administered for Jaundice. Leaf paste of Ziziphus
xylopyrus with turmeric used as an external application
for skin eruptions. It is noted that the Gonds use most
of the medicinal plants to cure their day to day health
problems like diarrhea, dyspepsia, general fevers, skin
diseases, impotency, menstrual problems, joint pains,
wounds, snake and scorpion bites etc.

Conclusion
Due to constant association with the forest
environment, they have evolved knowledge by trial and
error and have developed their own way of diagnosis
and treatment for different ailments. The ethnic drug
formulations need clinical tests to prove their efficacy
and also to develop new herbal drugs for the effective
treatment. This data provides basic source for further
studies
aimed
at
conservation,
cultivation,

Int. J. of Pharm. & Life Sci. (IJPLS), Vol. 3, Issue 10: October: 2012, 2034-2043
2036

Explorer Research Article

CODEN (USA): IJPLCP
improvement of ethnic traditional medicine and
economic welfare of rural and tribal population of the
region. The traditional botanical knowledge will
provide secure livelihood to the native tribes that
minimize the resource depletion, environmental
degradation, cultural disruption and social instability.
The medico-botanical survey of the area revealed that
the people of the area possessing good knowledge of
herbal drugs but as the people are in progressive
exposure to modernization, their knowledge of
traditional uses of plants may be lost in due course. So
it is important to study and record the uses of plants by
different tribes and sub-tribes for futures study. Such
studies may also provide some information to
biochemists and pharmacologists in screening of
individual species and in rapid assessing of phytoconstituents for the treatment of various diseases.

Acknowledgement
We thank the Gond tribal people who shared their
traditional botanical knowledge with the authors. EN
Murthy is thankful to Prof. MNV. Prasad for his
valuable guidance and UGC, New Delhi for financial
support in the form of Dr DS Kothari Post Doctoral
Fellowship.

References
1.

2.

3.

4.

5.

6.

7.

Akerele O, WHO guideline for assessment of

herbal medicines. Fitoterapia 63(1992) 99118.
Huxley A, Green Inheritance: The World
Wildlife Fund Book of India, (Collins/Harvel,
London) (1984).
Posey, D, Traditional knowledge, conservation
and The Rain Forest Harvest. In:
Sustainable Harvest and Marketing of Rain
Forest Products, (Plotkin, M. & L. Famolare,
(Eds.), Island Press, Washington DC) (1992)
46-50.
Pimbert M & Parks PJ, People and
Professionals: Putting Participation into
Protected Area Management. UNRISD
Discussion Paper 57, Geneva, (1995).
Uniyal SK, Avasthi A & Rawad GS,
Tradtional and ethnobotanical uses of plants in
Bhagirathi valley, western Himalayas, Indian
J. Traditional Knowledge, 1(1) (2002) 7-19.
Timmermans K, Intellelctual property rights
and traditional medicine: policy dilemma at
the interface, World Health Organization,
Jakarta, 2003
Anonymous, Gazetteer of Adilabad District,
Government of Andhra Pradesh, (Government
Press, Hyderabad) (1975).

[Murthy, 3(10): Oct., 2012]

ISSN: 0976-7126
8.
9.

10.

11.
12.
13.

14.

15.

16.

17.

18.

19.

20.

Anonymous, India State of Forest Report,

(Forest Survey of India) (2011) 93-94.
Champion HG & Seth SK, A revised survey of
the forest types of India, (Government. of India
Press, Delhi) (1968).
Prasad OSVD, Glimpses into the tribal lives of
Andhra Pradesh, (Emesco, Vijayawada)
(2008) 31-37.
Haimendorfe CVF, The Gonds of Andhra
Pradesh (Vikas, New Delhi) 1979.
Hemadri K & Rao SS, Folk medicine of
Bastar. Ethnobotany, 1(1-2 ) (1989) 61-66.
Hemadri K, Sarma CR & Sasibusan RS,
Medicinal plant wealth of Andhra Pradesh,Part
I Anci. Sci. Life 6 (1987) 167-186.
Hemadri K, Contribution to the medicinal flora
of Karimnagar and Warangal districts, Andhra
Pradesh. Indian Med, 2 (1990)16-28.
Hemadri K, Tribals of Andhra Pradesh-their
knowledge in nutritional & medicinal herbs.
Indian Med, 4 (3) (1992) 1-6.
Ravishankar T, Ethnobotanical studies in
Adilabad and Karimnagar districts of Andhra
Pradesh, India, (Ph.D. thesis, Bharathiar
University, Coimbatore), 1990.
Murthy EN, Pattanaik C, Reddy CS & Raju
VS, Piscicidal plants used by Gond tribes of
Kawal Wildlife Sanctuary, Andhra Pradesh,
India. Indian J. Nat. Products and Resources,
1(1) (2010) 97-101.
Ravishankar T & AN Henry, Ethnobotany of
Adilabad district, Andhra Pradesh, India,
Ethnobotany, 4 (1992) 45-52.
Ramarao N & AN Henry, The Ethnobotany of
Eastern Ghats in Andhra Pradesh, India,
(Botanical Survey of India, Kolkata), 1996.
Reddy CS, Nagesh K, Reddy KN, & Raju VS,
Plants used in Ethnoveterinary practice by
Gonds of Karimnagar district, Andhra Pradesh.
J. Econ. Taxon. Bot. (27) (2003) 631-634.

21. Murthy EN, Pattanaik C, Reddy CS, & Raju VS,

Traditional Knowledge of Ethnic tribes in Pranahita
wildlife sanctuary, Andhra Pradesh. Biodiversity and
Sustainable Livelihood. (Vedams Publications),
(2010) 35-44.

22. Gamble JS & Fischer CEC, Flora of the

Presidency of Madras, (London. rep. ed. 1957:
BSI, Calcutta). (1935).
23. Pullaiah T, Prasanna, PV & Obulesu G, Flora
of Adilabad district, (C.B.S Publishers, New
Delhi) 1992.

Int. J. of Pharm. & Life Sci. (IJPLS), Vol. 3, Issue 10: October: 2012, 2034-2043
2037

Explorer Research Article

CODEN (USA): IJPLCP

[Murthy, 3(10): Oct., 2012]

ISSN: 0976-7126

Fig. 1: Location map of the study area

Fig. 2: Typical Gond family

Int. J. of Pharm. & Life Sci. (IJPLS), Vol. 3, Issue 10: October: 2012, 2034-2043
2038

Explorer Research Article

CODEN (USA): IJPLCP

[Murthy, 3(10): Oct., 2012]

ISSN: 0976-7126

Table 1: Ethno medicinal plants used by Gonds of Adilabad district, Andhra Pradesh, India
Vernacular
Parts
Botanical Name
Family
Habit
Mode of Administration
name
used
Seed paste is applied to reduce hair fall
and improve hair growth; seed powder is
Abrus precatorius L.
Fabaceae
Gurivinda
Climber
Seeds
used as natural contraceptive.
Stem
Bark is crushed and juice is applied on
Acacia arabica (Lam.)Willd.
Mimosaceae
Nalla thumma
Tree
bark
Russels viper bite. It acts as anecdote
Leaf paste used as an external
Acacia caesia (L.) Willd.
Mimosaceae
Climber
Leaves
application to heal wounds
decoction of pods purgative, relieves
Acacia concinna Willd. DC.
Mimosaceae
Shikka
Climber
Pods
biliousness
Acacia farnesiana (L.)
Muriki
Stem
Stem bark crushed and applied on dog
Willd.
Mimosaceae
thumma
Tree
bark
bite
Acacia pennata (L.) Willd.
Mimosaceae
Climber
Leaves
Decoction of leaves used as a febrifuge
Whole plant is shade dried, powered and
Whole
taken in the form of tablets with honey
Acalypha indica L.
Euphorbiaceae
Muri pinidi
Herb
plant
as a general tonic
Root is tagged to the waist of a pregnant
Achyranthus aspera L.
Amaranthaceae
Uttareni
Herb
Roots
woman for normal delivery
Leaves are boiled; decoction is taken in
Adhatoda vasica Nees.
Acanthaceae
Addasaramu
Shrub
Leaves
treatment for tuberculosis
Stem
Bark powder is used in dysentery and
Aegle marmelos (L.) Corr.
Rutaceae
Maredu
Tree
bark
diarrhea
Alangium salvifolium (L.f.)
Seeds powder is used in removing
Wang.
Alangiaceae
Ooduga
Tree
Seeds
poison from the body
Bark powder is applied on insect bites,
Albizia odoratissima (L.f.)
Chindi elugu
Stem
used in leprosy, skin disease, cough and
Benth.
Mimosaceae
chettu
Tree
bark
diabetes
Succulent leaf paste is applied in skin
Aloe vera Burm.f.
Agavaceae
Kitta nara
Herb
Leaves
diseases
Leaf juice used in dental troubles. Root
Ampelocissus latifolia
decoction is administered to control
(Roxb.)Planch.
Vitaceae
Adavi draksha
Climber
Leaves
dysentery.
Whole plant is shade dried, powdered
Andrographis paniculata
Whole
and taken with honey in all fevers like
(L.)Nees
Acanthaceae
Nelavemu
Herb
plant
Malaria, Typhoid and other viral fevers
Anogeissus latifolia
Stem bark is chewed to control
(DC.)Bedd.
Combretaceae
Thirumani
Tree
Leaves
stomachache
Root paste is applied on snake bite. It
Aristolochia indica L.
Aristolochiaceae
Thella usiri
Climber
Roots
works as anecdote.
Whole plants is grinded and powder is
Aristolochia bracteolata
Whole
administered with honey in Menstrual
Lam.
Aristolochiaceae
Gadida gadapa Climber
plant
pains.
Root juice is mixed with honey used for
dyspepsia. Root powder is taken with
Pillipeechari
milk as aphrodisiac, galactogogue and
Asparagus racemosus Willd.
Asparagaceae
gaddalu
Shrub
Tubers
nervic tonic
Berries yield oil used externally in
Atalantia monophylla Corr.
Rutaceae
Tree
Fruits
rheumatism.
Stem
Stem bark used in dysentery, decoction
Bauhinia racemosa Lam.
Caesalpiniaceae
Are
Tree
bark
of leaves used in malaria, leaves crushed

Int. J. of Pharm. & Life Sci. (IJPLS), Vol. 3, Issue 10: October: 2012, 2034-2043
2039

Explorer Research Article

CODEN (USA): IJPLCP

[Murthy, 3(10): Oct., 2012]

ISSN: 0976-7126

Bauhinia vahlii Wt. & Arn.

Caesalpiniaceae

Addaku

Climber

Bombax ceiba L.
Buchanania lanzan Spreng.

Bombacaceae
Anacardiaceae

Burugu
Chinna morli

Tree
Tree

Leaves
Fruits
and stem
bark
Gum

Butea superba Roxb.

Capparis zeylanica L.
Careya arborea Roxb.

Fabaceae
Capparidaceae
Lecythidaceae

Modugu teega
Adonda
Budda dharmi

Tree
Shrub
Tree

Seeds
Fruits
Leaves

Caryota urens L.

Arecaceae

Adavi Jeelugu

Tree

Casearia elliptica Willd.

Celastraceae

Kanne bisiri

Tree

Toddy
Stem
bark

Cassia fistula L.

Caesalpiniaceae

Rela

Tree

Fruits

Catharanthus roseus G.Don

Apocynaceae

Billa ganneru

Herb

Whole
plant

Cayratia pedata (L.)Dom.

Vitaceae

Climber

Cissus quadringularis L.

Vitaceae

Adavi draksha
Anduatukula
teega

Cocculus hirsutus (L.) Deis

Colocasia esculenta
(L.)Schott
Convolvulus sepiaria
J.Koeng ex Roxb.
Costus speciosus
(Koen.)Smith

Menispermaceae

Dusari teega

Climber

Leaves
Entire
plant
Entire
plant

Araceae

Herb

Rhizome

Convolvulaeae

Adavi gadda
Laxmana
panja

Herb

Roots

Costaceae

Chengalva

Herb

Rhizome

Crinum asiaticum L.
Curculigo orchioides
Gaertn.
Curcuma pseudomontana
Grah.
Cyanotis tuberosa Sch. &
Sch.f.
Cyclea peltata (Lam.) Hook.
f. & Thoms.

Lilliaceae

Dalbergia paniculata Roxb.

Desmodium triflorum (L.)
DC.

Dichrostachys cinerea
Wight et Arn.
Dillenia pentagyna Roxb.

Herb

Herb

Bulbs

Hernandiaceae

Nelathati
gaddalu

Herb

Tubers

Zingiberaceae

Adavi pasupu

Herb

Rhizome

Herb

Tubers

Climber

Tubers

Tree

Stem
bark

Commelinaceae
Menispermaceae

Fabaceae

Chindugu

Fabaceae

Mimosaceae
Dilleniaceae

Herb

Veluthuru
Kallinga

Tree
Tree

Leaves
Root
bark and
Stem
bark
Stem

with onion for diarrhea.

Leaf paste applied and tied with bandage
for arthritis
Fruits used to cure urinary problems.
Stem bark is crushed and juice is
administered in diarrhea
Gum used as an external application
Decoction of shoots used in piles, seeds
sedative and anthelmintic
Fruits are edible and improve immunity
Leaf paste is applied for skin diseases
2-3 glasses of toddy taken daily once to
heal urinary problems
Stem bark crushed and spread on
wounds to heal
Fruit pulp with pepper, garlic, tamarind
are crushed and taken orally as a tonic
Whole plant is soaked in a mud bowl
and taken in the morning in blood
pressure
leaves astringent, decoction used for
uterine reflexes
whole plant is crushed and bind to
broken limbs
Whole plant powder mixed with water
taken orally to control fevers
Boiled rhizome is eaten in internal
hemorrhages
Root is grinded with cow milk and
administered in infertility.
roots and rhizomes used as tonic and
anthelmintic
Boiled bulbs are eaten for their
anthelmintic and aphrodisiac properties
Tuber powder is administered along
with milk as a aphrodisiac
Rhizome paste is used as an external
application.
Tubers are eaten to relieve cough
tubers
are
chewed
to
control
stomachache and general tonic
Stem bark paste with neem oil used as
an external application in the case of
baldness
leaves used for dysentery, diarrhea and
convulsions

Root bark and Bark powder is

administered in joint pains
10-12 ml of stem bark decoction taken

Int. J. of Pharm. & Life Sci. (IJPLS), Vol. 3, Issue 10: October: 2012, 2034-2043
2040

Explorer Research Article

CODEN (USA): IJPLCP

[Murthy, 3(10): Oct., 2012]

ISSN: 0976-7126
bark

Dioscorea bulbifera L.
Diospyros chloroxylon
Roxb.

Dioscoreaceae

Govinda gadda

Climber

Ebenaceae

Illinta

Climber

Ficus religiosa L.
Flemingia semialata Roxb.
ex Aiton

Moraceae

Ravi chett

Tree

Garuga pinnata Roxb.

Burseraceae

Garugu

Tree

Roots
Roots,
fruits and
stem
bark

Gmelina arborea Roxb.

Hemidesmus indicus
(L.)R.Br.

Verbenaceae

Tree

Bark

Asclepiadeaceae

Gummadi teku
Sughandhi
pala

Herb

Roots

Violaceae

Ratna purusha

Herb

Entire
plant

Acanthaceae

Herb

Entire
plant

Euphorbiaceae

Neeti Gobbi
Adavi
amudamu

Shrub

Lythraceae

Chennangi

Tree

Leaceae

Nara mamidi

Tree

Hybanthus enneaspermus
(L.) F.V.Muell
Hygrophila auriculata
(Schum.) Heine

Jatropha curcas L.
Lagerstromia parviflora
Roxb.

Litsea glutinosa (Lour)

Bark.
Macaranga peltata Roxb.
Mueller
Miliusa tomentosa (Roxb.)
Sinclair

Fabaceae

Herb

Euphorbiaceae

Tree

Annonaceae

Barre duddugu

Tree

Tubers
Stem
bark
Stem
bark

Latex
Stem
bark

Stem
bark
Stem
bark

Mimosa pudica L.
Moringa concanensis
Nimmo ex Dalz. & Gibson

Fabaceae

Attipatti

Herb

Leaves
Entire
plant

Moringaceae

Munaga

Tree

Leaves

Mucuna pruriens (L.)DC.

Fabaceae

Dula gondi

Climber

seeds

Nelumbo nucifera Gaertn.

Nymphiaceae

Thamara

Herb

seeds

Ociumum sanctum L.

Lamiaceae

Herb

Leaves

Pentanema indicum L.
Pergularia daemia

Asteraceae
Asclepiadeaceae

Nalla thulasi
Adavi
chamanthi
Dushtapu

Herb
Climber

Root
Root

twice or thrice in a day to cure stomachache

tuber paste is applied on wounds and
piles
Bark powder is applied on wounds
Bark powder is administered in the form
of tablets or syrup for immunity
Root paste used as an external
application.
decoction of root used in pulmonary
infections, leaves used in asthma, fruits
are cooling, digestive, carminative,
vermifuge and anthelmintic
2-3 teaspoons of stem bark extract taken
with pepper and garlic powder daily
once to 3-4 days for fevers
Roots are boiled in water or milt and
administered as a general tonic
Entire plant is shade dried, powdered
and administered with honey for
Immunity.
Whole plant powder is administered in
the form of tablets along with milk for
leucorrhoea
Latex mixed with the jaggory and paste
used as an external application.
Steam bark-powder is administered in
the form of tablets to cure Leucorrhoea
Bark is grinded into powder and powder
is taken in Calcium deficiency; bark
powder is mixed with goat milk
administered in chest pain. Stem bark
paste applied and tied with bandage to
heal wounds
Stem bark paste used as an external
application.
Leaf paste rubbed over the head twice or
thrice in a week.
Entire plant powder is administered to
cure general fevers
Leaves are boiled along with pulses and
taken as food in Anemia and Jaundice.
Seeds are boiled and eaten during
drought days
Seed powder is taken with honey for
forty days in infertility.
Leaf juice is dropped in the eyes to
avoid night blind ness.
3-4 inches of root kept in vagina to 5-6
hours for termination of ovum.
Root paste is applied on snake bite

Int. J. of Pharm. & Life Sci. (IJPLS), Vol. 3, Issue 10: October: 2012, 2034-2043
2041

Explorer Research Article

CODEN (USA): IJPLCP
(Forrsk.)Chiov.
Phyllanthus amarus
Schum.& Thon.

[Murthy, 3(10): Oct., 2012]

ISSN: 0976-7126
teega

Euphorbiaceae

Nela usiri

Herb

Entire
plant

Plumbaginaceae

Usiri
Erra
chitramulamu

Herb

Roots,
fruits and
leaves
Root
bark

Fabaceae

Peddegi

Tree

Wood oil

Fabaceae

Climber

Tubers

Euphorbiaceae

Nela gummadi
Puthranjivi
chettu

Tree

Seeds

Sapindaceae

Pusugu chettu

Tree

Seeds

Sida acuta Burm.f.

Malvaceae

Bala

Herb

Leaves

Smilax zeylanica L.

Smilacaceae

Climber

Tubers

Solanum nigrum L.

Solanaceae

Kamanchi

Herb

Whole
plant

Sterculia urens Roxb.

Sterculiaceae

Tapasi

Tree

Stem
bark

Sterculia villosa Roxb.

Sterculiaceae

Jangli badam

Tree

Streblus asper Lour.

Strychnos nux-vomica L.

Moraceae

Barrenka

Tree

Strychnos potatorum L.f.

Loganiaceae
Loganiaceae

Vishamushti
Chilla ginjalu

Tree
Tree

Gum
Tender
shoots
Stem
bark
seeds

Syzigium cuimini (L.) Sk.

Neredu chettu

Neredu

Tree

Bark

Tectona grandis L.f.

Verbenaceae

Teku

Tree

Bark

Terminalia bellirica
(Gaertn.) Roxb.
Terminalia chebula L.

Combretaceae
Combretaceae

Tani
Karakkaya

Tree
Tree

Fruits
Fruits

Tinospora cordifolia
(Willd.)Hook.f.&Thoms.

Menispermaceae

Tippa teega

Climber

Stem
bark

Phyllanthus emblica L.

Euphorbiaceae

Plumbago rosea L.
Pterocarpus marsupium
Roxb.
Pueraia tuberosa
(Willd.)DC.
Putranjiva roxburghii Wall.
Schleichera oleosa
(Lour.)Oken

Tree

Entire plant powder along with pepper

powder is administered for Jaundice
Roots used for rheumatism, diarrhea and
dysentery. Leaves decoction used
stomachache and used externally for
enlarged spleen
Root paste is applied on piles to remove.
Oil used in diarrhea and dysentery and
extraction of wood used to cure diabetes
Tubers are powdered and taken with
milk as nervic tonic and Aphrodisiac
Seed powder is administered in the form
of tablets to cure impotency
seed oil leg swelling, in perfumery and
soap making
boiled leaves in mustard oil they are
applied to testicular swellings
Decoction
of leaves
used
for
hemorrhoids and impotence
Half cup of tuberous- root decoction
taken orally as a general tonic
Whole plant powder is administered in
the form of tablets
to cure iron
deficiency
Stem bark is soaked in water for ten
days, remaining water is administered
with
empty
stomach
to
treat
Oligospermia (to increase sperm count)
Gum is administered in the form tablets
to cure body pains
Tender shoots and leaf powder is used to
brush the teeth
Bark powder is taken in the form of
tablets daily in hypertension
Seeds chewed for kidney problems
Bark powder orally administered in
urinary problems
Decoction of tender shoot tips juice used
as a lotion. Bark is crushed and
administered orally with water to reduce
body heat.
The fruit pulp with those of Terminalia
chebula, Phyllanthus emblica are
crushed and powder (1 teaspoon) taken
daily twice to 4-5 days as a nervic tonic
Fruit pulp chewed and sap swallowed.
5-6 inches of stem crushed with a pinch
of common salt and pepper powder and
extract given daily once to 2-3
days.Stems are boiled in water and taken

Int. J. of Pharm. & Life Sci. (IJPLS), Vol. 3, Issue 10: October: 2012, 2034-2043
2042

Explorer Research Article

CODEN (USA): IJPLCP
Triumfetta rhomboidea Jacq.
Tylophora indica
(Burm.f.)Merr.

Asclepiadeaceae

Urena lobata L.

Malvaceae

Vernonia ceneria (L.)Less.

Asteraceae

Wrightea tinctoria (Roxb.)

R.Br.
Xylia xylocarpa Roxb.
Zingiber roseum
(Roxb.)Rosc.
Ziziphus oenoplia (L.)Mill.
Ziziphus xylopyrus
(Retz.)Willd.

[Murthy, 3(10): Oct., 2012]

ISSN: 0976-7126

Tiliaceae

Herb

Roots

Climber

Leaves

Herb

Leaves

Sahadevi

Herb

Whole
plant

Verbenaceae

Kodisha pala

Tree

Mimosaceae

Bojja

Tree

Stem
bark
Stem
bark

Zingiberaceae

Adavi allamu

Herb

Rhizome

Rhamnaceae

Pariki

Shrub

Fruits

Rhamnaceae

Gotti

Shrub

Leaves

Dushtapu
teega

for immunity
Root paste applied on wounds
Leaves are heated and bind to wounds
Leaf paste applied and tied with bandage
to heal wounds
Powder of the whole plant is
administered in the form of tablets for
regular menstrual cycle in women
A glass full of bark decoction is
administered to cure typhoid, bronchitis
and gas trouble
Stem bark paste applied and tied with
bandage for skin eruptions
Rhizome paste is used as an external
application for tumours
Ripened fruits crushed with common
salt and swallowed for dyspepsia
Leaf paste with turmeric used as an
external application for skin eruptions

Int. J. of Pharm. & Life Sci. (IJPLS), Vol. 3, Issue 10: October: 2012, 2034-2043
2043