Natural dye yielding plants used by the tribes of Wayanad, Kerala, India: A search

Abstract

To explore the ethnic medicinal plants used by the tribes for discovering new lead molecules as natural drugs so as to provide information for its scientific validation. Field survey was conducted during 2014–2016 to collect information on herbals used by the various tribes and questionnaires were made on the different species of plants used generally and occasionally as medicinal. The present study documents knowledge on 34 herbals used by the tribes of Wayanad, Kerala as medicinal or as health rejuvenator. The different parts of the plants are used by the local ethnic people for diverse medicinal purposes. They display different ethnic and economic values. It has also been noted that the plants used by them are eco-friendly without side effects. However, indigenous method of extraction and practice of using the plants has now declined due to availability of cheaper modern drugs. Interestingly, teak leaves are used by them for multi purposes. The present information on the folklore uses of the herbals by tribes leads to potential utilization of phytomedicines in future. Therefore, it is the need of the hour to document and conserve these herbal species.