Traditional Herbal Medicines of the Coastal Diversity in Tuticorin District, Tamil Nadu, India

Abstract

The coastal plant species of Tuticorin district bears high medicinal and ecological values.  Now, the coastal plants have been extensively modified by human activity. The study includes direct interview which were conducted among local communities and fishery communities. The study was carried out during in January 2010 to June 2010. A total of 41 medicinal plants have been collected and their popular uses are listed. Due to continuous loss of coastal vegetation, the associated indigenous knowledge is also gradually disappearing. So, it is imperative to protect and restore the coastal vegetation, as an immediate priority.

Key words: Coastal vegetation, Medicinal plants, Ethanobotany, Traditional knowledge

K.Muthukumar, and A.Selvin Samuel. Traditional Herbal Medicines of the Coastal Diversity in Tuticorin District, Tamil Nadu, India.  J Phytol 2/8 (2010) 38-46.