Survey of medicinal plants used for the treatment of diabetes by the Paliyar’s Tribe in Sadhuragiri hills, Tamil Nadu, India

Abstract

An ethnobotanical and literature survey was conducted to collect information about medicinal plants used for the treatment of diabetics and associated complications by Paliyar tribals people of Sadhuragiri hills. Analysis of remedies obtained from different plant parts was performed. The indigenous knowledge of plants used for the treatment of diabetics was collected through questionnaire and personal interviews. A total of 65 plants used to treat diabetes have been documented. The investigation revealed that, Leaves (27%), followed by Fruits (11%), Roots (6%), Seeds (6%), Flower (6%), Bark (4%), Whole plant (4%), Tuber (3%), Rhizomes (2%) and bulb (1%) were mostly used for the treatment of Diabetes. Anti-diabetic medicinal plants used by Tamil People have been listed along with plant parts used and its active chemical constituents.