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In Silico Validation of The Indigenous Knowledge of The Herbal Medicines Among Tribal Communities in Sathyamangalam Wildlife Sanctuary, India
In Silico Validation of The Indigenous Knowledge of The Herbal Medicines Among Tribal Communities in Sathyamangalam Wildlife Sanctuary, India
a r t i c l e i n f o a b s t r a c t
Article history: The ethno-botanical documentation among ethnic people in Sathyamangalam wildlife sanctuary, Tamil
Received 6 February 2017 Nadu, India has been investigated for the first time. A total of 61 medicinal plants having new combi-
Received in revised form nation uses were reported with adjuvant in the treatment of dermatological, Genitourinary and
11 September 2017
gastrointestinal ailments. This study could help in the recovery and conservation of traditional medicine
Accepted 10 January 2018
system among educated generation. The present study was aimed to: (1) documentation of the tradi-
Available online 3 May 2018
tional knowledge (2) quantitative analysis using Use value (UV), Informant consensus factor (ICF), Index
of agreement on remedies (IAR), Relative frequency citation (RFC) and Cultural Importance index (CII) (3)
Keywords:
Ailments
validation of ethno-botanical data using in silico biological activity and toxicity prediction studies. Semi-
Documentation structured direct interviews were conducted to acquire information from the study area tribes. Total of
In silico 89 tribes including both gender among various communities were interviewed and their ethno-botanical
Quantitative indices knowledge was documented. The data were assessed using ethno-botanical indices methods to estimate
Traditional knowledge the consistency of usage herbal knowledge in various ailments. A total of 61 species were recorded for
treatment of categorized ailments. The collected medicinal information from ethnic groups shows
remarkable new usage of medicinal plants to particular ailments. Our comparative in silico studies also
supported the traditional medicine results with correspondence to their bioactive. Traditional knowledge
of ethnic people also linked to their culture and history. This study also infers the usage of traditional
plant based medicine. Further research related to the bioactivities of reported plants should be
encouraged to explore the importance in pharmaceutical industry.
© 2018 Center for Food and Biomolecules, National Taiwan University. Production and hosting by Elsevier
Taiwan LLC. This is an open access article under the CC BY-NC-ND license (http://creativecommons.org/
licenses/by-nc-nd/4.0/).
1. Introduction healthcare in India.2 Common plants with adverse effects are being
a part of our daily life and their toxic metabolites are closely related
Indigenous knowledge is the neighbourhood information ac- in the aspect of human's health condition.3 Traditional people are
quired by indigenous groups that is exceptional to an ethnic society. using poisonous plants either processed or as raw form over a
The scientific investigation and documentation of indigenous period of time for treating diseases.4
knowledge of plant resources are vital strategy to understand The increasing interest in ethno-botanical studies also reveals
traditional life style of local ethnic people.1 The traditional herbal their importance of traditional medicinal plants in various coun-
formulations from indigenous knowledge were considered as the tries for local living holds and the important role these play in
oldest and great health care system. It includes plant species as health care system.2,5 The impact of traditionally formulated
regular medicine sources and still is an important system of medicines from various ancient systems in the communal health
condition in India is considerably elevated and is closely associated
with traditions.6 Various patented drugs and active compounds
* Corresponding author. from various plant sources are also on the basis of ethno-botanical
E-mail addresses: [email protected] (P. Chinnasamy), arajendran222@yahoo. data.7
com, [email protected] (R. Arumugam). The ethno-botanical data analyzed with quantitative indices is
Peer review under responsibility of The Center for Food and Biomolecules,
assumed to expose the usage and value of the medicinal plants
National Taiwan University.
https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jtcme.2018.01.008
2225-4110/© 2018 Center for Food and Biomolecules, National Taiwan University. Production and hosting by Elsevier Taiwan LLC. This is an open access article under the CC
BY-NC-ND license (http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc-nd/4.0/).
144 P. Chinnasamy et al. / Journal of Traditional and Complementary Medicine 9 (2019) 143e155
from ethnic knowledge. These approaches measure the consent of factor, Fidelity level, Frequency citation and Use value, were
the usage by various hypotheses and playing an important role in calculated from the gathered information. The new medicinal uses
the further selection of biomedical analysis of a medicinal plant to from the study area are identified by comparing previous reports on
treat particular ailment based on the survey results with excellent the particular area and related regions of south India.
information.8 Now days, In silico studies are one of the main
emerging studies with the ability to predict the drug-protein 2.4.1. Informant consensus factor (ICF)
interaction which relates the mechanism of action of a bioactive ICF was calculated to highlight the usage of the relevant plants
compounds mainly from traditional medicinal plants.9 among various informants for each aliments category. The ICF value
So, there is an urgent requirement to document all ethno- was calculated by minus the total use citations in each category
botanical data as much as possible and the role of tribes in (Nur) with the total number of species used (nt), divided by the
conserving them. Considering the importance of indigenous me- total number of use citations minus one as follows:
dicinal plant knowledge, this study aimed to identify potential
medicinal plants and to evaluate in silico toxicological potential and ICF ¼ ðNur NtÞ = ðNur 1Þ
biological activity of its major compounds responsible for medicinal
activity. The ICF value of approach to 0 indicates that the informants
randomly use the species in the treatment of various ailments, and
2. Materials and methods a value of approach to 1 indicates that relatively usage of the spe-
cies by a large population to a particular ailment.10
2.1. Study area tribal people
2.4.2. Fidelity level (FL) and index of agreement on remedies (IAR)
Sathyamangalam wildlife sanctuary located in the Nilgiri The importance of each species in the treatment of particular
biosphere reserve covers about 1411.6 km2 (545.0 sq mi) forest area illness group was determined by FL and IAR values. A high ratio
along the Western Ghats in Tamil Nadu, India (Fig. 1). This forest is indicates common use of the ideal plant species for treating specific
mostly tropical dry forest and restricted to undersized high altitude ailment in the studied area.11 The fidelity level was calculated as
hill tops between 750 and 1649 m above mean sea level and the follows:
slopes and plains are subjected to the average minimum and
maximum temperatures of 21e27 C with two persistent rivers FL ð%Þ ¼ ðNp=N 100Þ
namely Bhavani and Moyar. Uralis are the main ethnic group to this The FL is the ratio of number of informants who suggesting the
forest with some minor groups includes Soliga, Malayalee and plant as medicine for a particular ailment category (Np) and total
Naicker communities. number of informants who suggesting the plant for any ailment
category (N).
2.2. Data collection
IAR ¼ ðNr NaÞ = ðNr 1Þ
The field surveys were conducted between May 2015 and
September 2016 in proposed study area and various ethnic com- Where, Nr is the total number of citations registered for a particular
munity people were randomly interviewed after verbally requested species and Na is the number of illness categories that are treated
about the purpose of the project in the local language. In this study, with this species.
89 informants including traditional herbalist and local people were
interviewed and their knowledge on medicinal plants was gathered 2.4.3. Frequency citation (FC) and relative frequency citation (RFC)
and documented mostly by Tamil and sometime the Urali language The relative expression of usage (FC) is calculated as follows:
was translated to Tamil using local translator.
FC ¼ (Number of times a particular species was mentioned/total
2.3. Botanical identification number of times that all species were mentioned) 100
The collected plants were identified with help of pertinent The RFC value was obtained by dividing the FC by the total
literature and also authenticated by comparing the species depos- number of informants interviewed (N) and not based on used
ited in Madras Herbarium (Botanical Survey of India, Coimbatore). categories. When the RFC value will be approach to zero, it refers,
The processed specimens were mounted on herbarium sheets us- nobody suggests the plants as useful, and when its approach to one,
ing standard procedures and were deposited for future reference at it refers that every informant would suggest as useful and the RFC
the Department Herbarium of Bharathiar University. was calculated as follows:12
X
UV ¼ UR=N
Table 2
List of ailments category with its corresponding tamil terms used by the tribes in
X
unc X
in
URi Sathyamangalam wildlife sanctuary, Tamil Nadu, India.
CII ¼
u¼u1
N S. No Ailment category and Biomedical terms Tamil terms
i¼i1
1 Circulatory system ailments
Where NC is the total number of different illness categories for each Anemia Raththa soagai
Heart problem Idhaya pirachanai
species, UR is the total number of use citations for each species, and
Cardio tonic Idhaya valimai
N is the number of informant's interviewed. The ethno-botanical Blood tonic Raththa perukki
indices such as ICF, UV, RFC and FL could be used to determine 2 Dermatological ailments
the consent individual species in the treatment of an ailment Burns Theekkaayam
Itch Namaichaal
category in a population.
Wounds Kaayam
Rash Sori
2.5. In silico pharmacological activity and toxicity prediction Inflammation Udaleritchal
Skin disease Tholnoikal
Mouth ulcer Vaaippun
The present study employed online based computational
Leprosy Thoalunoi
bioactive screening (PASS) to obtain biological effects and rela- Skin lotion Sarumamarunthu
tionship for compounds which are previously reported on plants Bacterial and fungal diseases Thotrunoi
major ethno-botanical uses in the study area.13 The details about 3 Ear, nose, throat ailments
Gums ache Eeralvali
the compounds including structure, SMILES and molecular formula
Earache Kathu vali
were obtained from ACS Chemspider. Probable activity (Pa) and 4 Eye ailments
inactivity (Pi) percentages (ranges from 0.000 to 1.000) were used Eye diseases Kannoikal
to express the prediction results. Thus, in this study the higher Pa 5 Endocrinal ailments
value (>0.900) and lower Pi value indicates higher activity. The Diabetes Sakkara/Neerilivunoi
6 Fever ailments
adsorption, distribution and toxicity of the listed compounds were
Fever Kaaichal
predicted by using admetSAR online prediction tool. 7 Gastrointestinal ailments
Dysentery Vayitrupoakku
3. Results Indigestion Ajeeranam
Vomiting Vaandhi
Stomach ache Vayitruvali
3.1. Demographical description and documentation of ethno- Stomach ulcer Vayitrupun
botanical data Abdominal pain Adi Vayitruvali
Digestion disorders Jeeranam kolarugal
Gas trouble Vaaivuthoandharuvu
The ethnic people population was found limited in the study
Intestinal disorders Kudalkoalaarugal
area, 89 of informants including male (58) and female (31) of Diahhroea Neerpokku
various different age groups (ranges from 31 to 80 years) including 8 Genitourinary ailments
6 herbalists age ranges between 40 and 60 years belonging to the Bladder infection Siruneerppaithotru
local communities were interrogated (Table 1). The collected data Diuretic Siruneerperukki
Urinary disorders Siruneerkoalaarugal
was divided and tabulated according to the corresponding 55 bio- Kidney stone Siruneer kalladappu
medical symptoms into 14 major ailment categories (Tables 2 and Leucorrhoea Vellaipaduthal
3) respectively to the local term used. When compared to all ma- Venereal diseases Paalvinainoikal
jor ailments categories gastrointestinal ailments had reported with Jaundice Manjalkaamalai
Liver diseases Kalleeralnoikal
high number of citations (375 citations of 22 plants) which was
Abortion Karukallaipu
followed by dermatological (333 citations of 19 plants) and geni- 9 Hemorrhoids ailments
tourinary ailments category (222 citations of 9 plants) respectively Piles Moolam
(Table 3). The gastrointestinal (36%) and dermatological ailment 10 Neurology ailments
category (31%) (Fig. 2) were cited as most treating ailments in the Headache Thalaivali
11 Oncology ailments
survey. A total of 61 plants species and 54 genera distributed over Cancer Katti
23 families with various beneficial effects cited in the present study, 12 Poisonous bites ailments
particularly 15% of Fabaceae and 10% of Rutaceae (Fig. 3). The usage Snake bite Paambu kadi
of different parts of medicinal plant used in traditional medicine Scorpion sting Thel kadi
13 Respiratory ailments
were calculated in percentage, among various parts used the leaf
Asthma Kaasa noi
showed highest (51%), followed by seeds, fruit, stem and rhizome Cold Sali
Cough Irumal
Breathing problem Moochu thinaral
Table 1 Small pox Sitrammai
Demographic representation of informants by age group in Sathyamangalam wild- 14 Skeletal muscular ailments
life sanctuary, India. Edema Neer veekkam
Joint pain Moodu vali
Age group of informants (In years) Local people Herbalists
Body pain Udal vali
Male (58) Female (31) Rheumatism/Gout Keel vaadham
Swelling Veekam
31e40 28 16
Muscle pain Thasai pidippu
41e50 15 5 4
Arthritis Moodu vali
51e60 9 8 2
Paralyze Mudakkuvadm
61e70 4 2
71e80 2
P. Chinnasamy et al. / Journal of Traditional and Complementary Medicine 9 (2019) 143e155 147
Table 3
Results obtained from informants belongs to Sathyamangalam wild life sanctuary, Tamil Nadu, India.
S. Family/ Binomial name Vernacular name Parts Method of Ailments treated Administration Total UV IAR FC RFC
No Useda preparation routeb number of (%)
citation
1 Annonaceae Seetha maram L Juice Diabetes (14) O 44 0.49 0.98 49.44 0.56
Annona squamosa L. F Raw Abortion (30)
2 Asteraceae Vettumarunthuchedi L Paste Wound (20) T 20 0.22 1 22.47 0.25
Spilanthes calva Wt.
3 Spilanthes acmella Murr. Manjapoochedi F Paste Gums ache (7) T 7 0.08 1 7.87 0.09
4 Tridax procumbens L. Mookuthhichedi L Juice, Wound (9) O 9 0.10 1 10.11 0.11
Paste
5 Eclipta prostrata (L.) Karisilanganni S, L, Dried Head ache (6) Abdominal pain (13) T/O 28 0.31 0.93 31.46 0.35
Wp Powder Jaundice (9)
6 Fabaceae Kundumani Se, L Decoction Stomach ulcer (25) Abortion (20) O 71 0.80 0.96 79.78 0.90
Abrus precatorius L. Powder Dystenry (6)
Juice Mouth ulcer (10) Cancer (8)
Paste Bacterial fungal infections (2)
Extract
7 Bauhinia divaricata L. Aathi L Fumigation Fever (15) I 24 0.27 0.96 26.97 0.30
Asthma (9)
8 Bauhinia tomentosa L. Aathi B Paste Diahorrea (21) O 21 0.24 1 23.60 0.27
9 Prosopis juliflora (Sw.) DC. Vannimaram L, B Juice Snake bite (16) O/T 16 0.18 1 17.98 0.20
Paste
10 Pongamia pinnata (L.) Pierre Pungamaram Fl Dried Abdominal pain (3) Gas trouble (6) O 23 0.26 0.91 25.84 0.29
Snake bite (6) Diabetes (8)
11 Canavalia cathartica Thouars Isaakottai L Paste Body pain (5) Muscle pain (4) T 9 0.10 1 10.11 0.11
12 Tephrosia purpurea (L.) Pers. Kolinjii R Powder Fever (5) O 9 0.10 0.88 10.11 0.11
Indigestion (4)
13 Clitoria ternatea L. Sangupushpam L Juice Dysentery (28) Indigestion (7) O 35 0.39 1 39.33 0.44
14 Sesbania grandiflora (L.) Poir. Agathimaram L Cooked Indigestion (10) Dysentery (25) O 43 0.48 0.98 48.31 0.54
Eye diseases (8)
15 Apocyanaceae Ezhakalari B, R Paste Cancer (12) O 41 0.46 0.98 46.07 0.52
Plumaria alba L. Decoction Venereal diseases (9)
Urinary disorders (20)
16 Rauvolfia serpentina (L.) Sarpaganthi L Juice Heart problem (5) Cardio tonic (9) O 14 0.16 1 15.73 0.18
Benth. ex Kurz
17 Wrightia tinctoria R.Br. Pallayamaram B Paste Itch (5) T 18 0.20 1 20.22 0.23
Rash (3)
Wounds (10)
18 Rutaceae Vilvam F, L, B Raw Fever (20) O 57 0.64 0.95 64.04 0.72
Aegle marmelos (L.) Correa Juice Cold (13)
Decoction Fever (6)
Paste Blood tonic (8) Cancer (10)
19 Citrus aurantiifolia Elumiccai F Raw Stomach ache (29) Blood tonic (20) O 49 0.55 0.98 55.06 0.62
(Christm.) Swingle
20 Citrus limon (L.) Osbeck Kiccilippalam L, F Decoction Indigestion (20) Vomiting (13) O 33 0.37 1 37.08 0.42
Raw
21 Toddalia asiatica Lamk. Masihachedi B Paste Paralyze (15) O/T 15 0.17 1 16.85 0.19
22 Murraya paniculata (L.) Jack Sedisil maram L Paste Wounds (20) T 20 0.22 1 22.47 0.25
23 Glycosmis pentaphylla Molehulukki R Paste Asthma (15) O 15 0.17 1 16.85 0.19
(Retz.) DC.
24 Lamiaceae Nochi L Juice Joint pain (26) O 39 0.44 0.97 43.82 0.49
Vitex negundo L. Head ache (13)
25 Ocimum basilicum L. Thiruneetrupachhai L Fumigation Asthma (25) I 25 0.28 1 28.09 0.32
26 Leucas aspera (Willd.) Link Thumbai Wp Fumigation Head ache (20) I 20 0.22 1 22.47 0.25
27 Euphorbiaceae Euphorbia Ammaan pachcharsi Wp Powder Leucorrhoea (28) O 28 0.31 1 31.46 0.35
hirta L.
28 Euphorbia nivulia Buch.- Illaikanni L Juice Ear ache (14) T 14 0.16 1 15.73 0.18
Ham.
29 Jatroba curcas L. Kattaamankku B Decoction Stomach ache (19) O 19 0.21 1 21.35 0.24
30 Phyllanthus amarus L. Keeva nelly R, F Juice Liver problems (34) O 34 0.38 1 38.20 0.43
31 Acalypha indica L. Kuppaimeni L Paste Burns (10) T 65 0.73 0.98 73.03 0.82
Itch (27)
Skin lotion (9) Bacterial and fungal
diseases (11)
Edema (18)
32 Asclepiadaceae Calotropis Vellai erukku R Paste Rash (20) T 37 0.42 0.97 41.57 0.47
gigantea (L.) Dryand. Edema (17)
33 Calotropis procera (Aiton) Erukku L Paste Skin diseases (30) T 30 0.34 1 33.71 0.38
Dryand.
34 Hemidesmus indicus (L.) R. Nannari L Decoction Head ache (20) I/O 40 0.45 0.97 44.94 0.50
Br. ex Schult. R Stomach disorders (20)
35 Pergularia daemia (Forssk.) Vellyparuthi L Decoction Head ache (20) I 20 0.22 1 22.47 0.25
Chiov.
(continued on next page)
148 P. Chinnasamy et al. / Journal of Traditional and Complementary Medicine 9 (2019) 143e155
Table 3 (continued )
S. Family/ Binomial name Vernacular name Parts Method of Ailments treated Administration Total UV IAR FC RFC
No Useda preparation routeb number of (%)
citation
36 Solanaceae Kandangkathhiri F Cooked Intestinal disorders (10) O/T 33 0.37 0.97 37.08 0.42
Solanum xanthocarpum L Paste Small pox (23)
Schrad
37 Solanum nigrum L. Chukuti chedi L Cooked Mouth ulcer (12) Intestinal disorders O 31 0.35 0.97 34.83 0.39
F (19)
38 Solanum indicum L. Mullu chundal F Cooked Intestinal disorders (12) O 12 0.13 1 13.48 0.15
39 Datura metal L. Oomathai L Paste Joint pain (14) Rheumatism/Gout (15) T 29 0.33 1 32.58 0.37
40 Malvaceae Kala karandai L Paste Skin disease (23) Burns (10) T 45 0.51 1 50.56 0.57
Sida acuta Burn. Wounds (12)
41 Abutilon indicum (L.) Sweet Thuthi Wp, L Cooked Piles (10) Inflammation (15) Dysentery O 34 0.38 0.94 38.20 0.43
Paste (9)
42 Acanthaceae Andrographis Periya nangai L Paste Joint pain/ O/T 47 0.53 0.96 52.81 0.59
paniculata (Burm.f.) Nees Juice Rheumatism (12) Gout (5)
Swelling (4) Arthritis (8)
Leprosy (8) Indigestion (10)
43 Justicia adhatoda L. Adathodai L Decoction Cold (9) O 26 0.29 1 29.21 0.33
Cough (10) Breathing problem (7)
44 Ruellia patula Jacq. Puni chedi L Paste Fever (10) T 10 0.11 1 11.24 0.13
45 Pedaliaceae Ellu Se, L Powder Abortion (30) Diuretic (13) O/T 51 0.57 0.98 57.30 0.64
Sesamum indicum L. Paste Wound (8)
46 Myrtaceae Koyyamaram L Paste Indigestion (11) O 11 0.12 1 12.36 0.14
Psidium guajava L.
47 Syzygium cumini L. Navalmaram F, L Powder Diabetes (20) O 20 0.22 1 22.47 0.25
48 Oxalidaceae Pulichikeerai L, R Cooked Blood tonic (10) Fever (10) O 20 0.22 0.95 22.47 0.25
Oxalis corniculata L. Paste
49 Nyctaginaceae Boerhavia Saranda kodi Wp Paste Digestive disorder (9) O 26 0.29 0.96 29.21 0.33
diffusa L. Urinary tract infection (11) Bladder
infection (6)
50 Convolvulaceae Shiruttallai Sl Juice Wound (6) T 11 0.12 0.9 12.36 0.14
Ipomea obscura (L.) Ker.- Fever (5)
Gawl
51 Evolvulus alsinoides L. Vishnukarandai L Paste Burn (6) T 14 0.16 1 15.73 0.18
Wound (8)
52 Rivea hypocrateriformis Minna chedi L Cooked Indigestion (7) O 7 0.08 1 7.87 0.09
(Desr.) Choisy
53 Rubiaceae Manja Kadambai B Paste Anemia (8) O 20 0.22 0.95 22.47 0.25
Haldina cordifolia (Roxb.) Urinary disorders (12)
Ridsdale
54 Rubia cordifolia L. Chevvali kodi L Paste Scorpion sting (9) T 9 0.10 1 10.11 0.11
55 Oleaceae Kattu malligai L Juice Diahrroea (8) O 8 0.09 1 8.99 0.10
Jasminum angustifolium (L.)
Willd.
56 Poaceae Karumppu S Juice Rash (5) T 5 0.06 1 5.62 0.06
Saccharum officinarum L.
57 Mimosoideae Karuvelam L Paste Wound (6) O/T 13 0.15 0.83 14.61 0.16
Acacia nilotica (L.) Delile Piles (3)
Cough (5)
58 Menispermaceae Cocculus Kattukodi L Paste Blood tonic (6) O 20 0.22 0.84 22.47 0.25
hirsutus (L.) Diels Piles (4)
Dysentery (8) Diabetes (2)
59 Tinospora sinensis (Lour.) Seenthal kodi L Powder Burn (10) T 22 0.25 0.95 24.72 0.28
Merr. Edema (12)
60 Zingiberaceae Injii Rh Paste Head ache (6) Abdominal pain (10) T/O 40 0.45 0.92 44.94 0.50
Zingiber officinale Roscoe Powder Gums ache (11) Digestive disorder (6)
Indigestion (7)
61 Sapindaceae Thatu putu chedi L Paste Joint pain (8) Arthritis (10) Asthma (12) T/O 54 0.61 0.96 60.67 0.68
Cardiospermum halicacabum Swelling (4)
L. Burn (8)
Body pain (12)
a
B- bark, L-leaf, S-stem, Se-seed, Fl-flower, F-fruit, R-root, Rh-rhizome, Wp-whole plant, Sl-stem latex.
b
O- oral, T-topical, I- inhalation.
(ranges between 15 and 16%), and finally flowers (3%) with the 3.2. Quantitative analysis of ethno-botanical indices
lowest among all parts used (Fig. 4). In the studied area there were
two modes are normally prescribed for administration either oral Plants with 20 or more than citations were considered as
or topical in various forms such as juice, paste, cooked, decoction, frequently cited plants and indicated by RFC which was ranges from
etc. The paste preparation method (including extract and dried 0.09 to 0.90 (Table 3). These plants can be explained by their reli-
form) is the most used preparation method (47%) followed by able medicinal source among informants of studied area. In the
powder and decoction (Juice) is ranges between 10 and 17% (Fig. 5). present study, the highest number of citations was for Abrus
P. Chinnasamy et al. / Journal of Traditional and Complementary Medicine 9 (2019) 143e155 149
Circulatory precatorius L. (71 citations with RFC 0.90) used in the treatment of
9% 6% system ailments gastrointestinal, dermatological and oncological ailments, followed
Dermatological by Acalypha indica L. (65 citations with RFC 0.82) and Aegle mar-
3% 8%
18% ailments melos (L.) Correa (57 citations with RFC 0.72). The higher RFC in-
3% dicates the more citation (at least 40 out of 89 interviewed
Ear, nose, throat
6% 3% informants) and implies the most common medicinal plants among
ailments
1% the tribes of Sathyamangalam wildlife sanctuary. The relative use of
3% Eye ailments particular medicinal plant for treating an ailment category was
9% 6% 4%
highlighted by ICF value. Based on the calculated ICF values (ranges
21% Endocrinal from 0.88 to 1.00) the ailments are further categorized into Higher,
ailments Moderate and Lower ICF value ailments. The eye ailment category
shows highest ICF value (1.00) with 8 reports of 1 species and
Fig. 2. Ailment percentages of reported ethno-botanical data. genitourinary (0.96), skeletal-muscular (0.96), gastrointestinal
(0.96) and dermatological (0.95) ailments are also categorized as
high ICF value ailments category. The moderate and lowest ICF
16 values were observed for diseases of the circulatory system ail-
14 ments (0.92) followed by Hemorrhoids ailments (0.88) (Table 4).
12 This high value indicates the homogeneity of ethno-medicinal
Percentage (%)
Rutaceae
Malvaceae
Annoanceae
Apocyanacea
Pedaliaceae
Oxalidaceae
Rubiaceae
Nyctaginaceae
Oleaceae
Poaceae
Menispermaceae
Zingiferaceae
Euphorbiaceae
Asclepiadaceae
Solanaceae
Myrtaceae
Mimosoidea
Sapindaceae
Convolvulacaee
35
the correlation between the activities of structural properties of
30 bioactive compounds (Table 7). Previously, Andrographis paniculata
25 (Burm.f.) Nees was used ethnically in the treatment of skeletal
20
15 ailments but the predicted biological spectrum (PASS) results of
10 reported compounds revealed these could acts as best hepatic
5
0 agent (Pa-0.964) and anti-allergic (Pa-0.721) (Table 6). The
admetSAR online prediction was also done to predict the absorp-
tion, metabolism and toxicity of the listed compounds of medici-
nally important species (Table 5). From the results all the reported
compounds were considered as they can easily metabolized,
Preparation method
absorbed and transported through human intestinal [Example
spilanthol, oleanolic acid, ramnazin-3-O-rutinoside, 2,4,8,9-
Fig. 5. Common preparation methods of medicinal plants. tetrahydroxy-6H-(1)benzofuro(3,2-c)chromen-6-one, torvoside A,
150 P. Chinnasamy et al. / Journal of Traditional and Complementary Medicine 9 (2019) 143e155
Table 4
ICF value for the illness category and FL and CII values for the reported plants in Sathyamangalam wildlife sanctuary, Tamil Nadu, India.
Table 5
Plants with adverse effects from Sathyamangalam wild life sanctuary, Tamil Nadu, India.
1 Annona squamosa L. The seed is poisonous. Consuming seed leads to abortion. Sometime used as rat poison
2 Tridax procumbens (L.) L. Over dosage of leaves leads to ulcer effect.
3 Abrus precatorius L. Consuming seeds leads to abortion, Hallucination, coma. Consult doctor after consuming
4 Prosopis juliflora (Sw.) DC. Consumption of fruits of this plant leads to paralysis
5 Plumaria alba L. Accidental contact of latex of this plant leads to severe skin irritation
6 Wrightia tinctoria R.Br. Consuming seeds and latex causes ulcer
7 Aegle marmelos (L.) Correa Over dosage leads to emetic condition
8 Vitex negundo L. Over dosage leads to gastric disorders
9 Leucas aspera (Willd.) Link Raw consumption will lead to abortion
10 Jatropha curcas L. Seed consumption leads to neurotoxic effects
11 Calotropis spp. The latex causes severe eye and skin irritation
12 Pergularia daemia (Forssk.) Chiov. Latex leads to skin and eye irritation.
13 Datura metel L. Accidental consumption of fruits leads to coma, hallucination effects.
14 Sesamum indicum L. Consumption of seeds leads to abortion
15 Acacia nilotica (L.) Delile Consumption of seeds leads to vomiting
P. Chinnasamy et al. / Journal of Traditional and Complementary Medicine 9 (2019) 143e155 151
Table 6
New uses obtained from informants belongs to Sathyamangalam wild life sanctuary, Tamil Nadu, India.
S. No Binomial name Medicinal uses from present study Reported medicinal uses from other studies
b-ionone, umbelliferone and (±)-limonene]. The toxicity profile and paste preparation are most common methods used in Siddha
also reveals the carcinogenicity and cardiogenicity of the identified medicinal system and similar results of various surveys also sup-
compounds and the results reveals some non-toxic [(±)-limonene, porting the present study results.23,24
umbelliferone, procyanidin B1 and spilanthol] and less toxic [4-(b-
D-glucopyranosyloxy) benzoic acid, vitexin, (2R,3S,4R,5R,6E)-5-
4.2. Quantitative analysis of ethno-botanical indices
acetamido-2-(acetoxymethyl)-6-(hydroxyimino) tetrahydro-2H-
pyran-3,4-diyl diacetate, isoorientin and swertisin] properties of
This study also proves the importance of ethno medicinal plants
the compounds (Table 6). The remaining herbal species also should
in the treatment of genitourinary ailment. The ethnic people have
be investigated to determine the efficacy and safety evaluation.
grater medicinal information on indigenous plants. Gastrointestinal
system and genitourinary ailment diseases have been reported to
have the highest ICF in other surveys and these results indicates the
4. Discussion
sign of unhealthy lifestyle.25,26 Some results from current study also
correlated with other surveys carried out in India, such as Car-
4.1. Demographical description and documentation of ethno-
diospermum halicacabum L. (63%), Solanum nigrum L. (61%) were
botanical data
mentioned to treat same ailment categories in a reported earlier,
however these two reported low FL of 63% and 61% respectively to
Comparing the demographical depiction of the present study
treat skeletal muscular and gastrointestinal ailments category.27
with other related studies in nearer area, the average age of local
Three of 14 listed ailment categories i.e. eye, oncology and Hem-
population is close in the studied area.14e16 Among the interviewed
orrhoids ailments reported with low FL < 50%. But related studies
communal tribes herbalist and traditional healers were also limited
also revealed the activities of Aegle marmelos (L.) Correa (18), Ses-
in number, it clearly indicates the improper sharing of their
bania grandiflora (L.) Pers. (19) and Abutilon indicum (L.) Sweet (29)
knowledge on medicinal plants. The extensive single species usage
in the reported uses, it clearly shows the lack of sharing their me-
in herbal treatment was specify the particular medicine for
dicinal knowledge among tribal communities.28,29 The higher fi-
particular symptom which can be used to treat all related symp-
delity level indicates the consent use of these medicinal plants for
toms to the same category with some adjuvant like honey, milk,
the treatment of particular ailment by informants of the studied
etc.17,18 This study also claims some poly herbal combinations can
area. However, least CII, UV and IAR values were indicate the
be used in the treatment of various gastrointestinal and dermal
limited knowledge of medicinal uses and may be due to its adverse
associated ailments mainly from Fabaceae and Rutaceae family
effects of those plants. For example, Annona squamosa L. was
members. It clearly shows the various bioactive contents respon-
recorded and reported as anti-diabetic agent,30 despite the fact
sible for the medicinal properties in Fabaceae and Rutaceae.19,20
consuming the fruit may leads to the abortion.31 Eclipta prostrata
When compared this medicinal plant (61 plants) diversity of pre-
(L.) L. used for neurological disorders (headache) by tribes in the
sent study with other related regional studies (with 41 and 65
present study area. It is also reported to treat Liver injuries and
plants) it clearly shows the including of some new reports which
jaundice by the traditional healers of Chithoor district, Andhra
are not yet reported.14e16 This variation in medicinal plant diversity
Pradesh, India.32 Likewise, there are about 19 species were reported
clearly indicates the influence of nature and climate of selected
with new uses by comparing with other ethno-botanical studies.
region of the study area. The use of leaf as common medicinal part
This new medicinal information can lead to evaluating active
to treat various ailments was correlated with several ethno-
principles to derive new drug molecules.
botanical survey and also support the using of other parts
because its well known the plants are the factory of chemicals
hence its does not denote the particular parts contain more 4.3. Validation of ethno-botanical data using In silico studies
bioactive than other.21 However, the collection of whole plant may
be leads to its disappearance from the area and also the collection In silico studies are more valuable in ethno botanical research to
and abundance of leaf compared with the other parts makes the validate and find potential bioactive compounds which leads in
most using parts in herbal medicine system.22 Oral administration development of new drugs.33 From the PASS results of listed species
Table 7
In silico validation of important ethno-botanical plants of Sathyamangalam wild life sanctuary, Tamil Nadu, India.
S. Binomial name Ethno uses Reported pharmacological Reported compounds PASS prediction admetSAR
No activities predictiona
Predicted Pa Pi A M T
bioactivities
1 Annona Diabetes Anti-diabetic effect, Effects 4-(b-D-glucopyranosyloxy)benzoic acid Anti-diabetic 0.988 0.001 þ þþþ þ
squamosa L. Abortion on early pregnancy48 activity
Antiinfective 0.972 0.002
2 Spilanthes calva Wound Vasorelaxant and Spilanthol Wound healing 0.820 0.005 þþþ þþþ ND
DC. Gums ache antioxidant activities49 Treatment of 0.802 0.026
and Spilanthes anxiety disorder
acmella (L.) L.
3 Sesbania Eye ailments Anemia, Bronchitis, Oleanolic acid Antidiabetic 0.987 0.001 þþþ þþþ ND
grandiflora (L.) Ophthalmia, rheumatism Anticancer 0.984 0.002
Pers. hepatoprotective50 Antinociceptive 0.895 0.001
Antineoplastic 0.877 0.005
Antiviral 0.836 0.002
4 Abrus precatorius Stomach ulcer Anti-microbial, Abortion51 Apigenin Wound healing 0.963 0.003 þþþ þ ND
L. Abortion Dystenry Anticancer 0.926 0.002
Mouth ulcer Cancer Antimutagenic 0.899 0.003
Bacterial fungal
infections
Vitexin Cardioprotectant 0.950 0.002 þþþ þþþ þ
Free radical 0.948 0.001
scavenger
Hepatoprotectant 0.920 0.002
Chemopreventive 0.864 0.003
Antihemorrhagic 0.826 0.002
5 Bauhinia Diahorrea Anti diarrhea, anti- Hesperidin Free radical 0.991 0.001 þþþ þþ ND
tomentosa L. inflammatory activity52 scavenger
Anticarcinogenic 0.985 0.001
Chemopreventive 0.981 0.001
Hepatoprotectant 0.977 0.001
Antiprotozoal 0.853 0.004
7 Acalypha indica Burns Wound healing, Analgesic, (2R,3S,4R,5R,6E)-5-Acetamido-2- Transplant 0.936 0.002 þþ þþþ þ
L. Itch anti-inflammatory54 (acetoxymethyl)-6-(hydroxyimino)tetrahydro- rejection
Skin lotion Bacterial 2H-pyran-3,4-diyl diacetate treatment
and fungal diseases Antidiabetic 0.856 0.001
Edema
8 Calotropis Rash Wound healing55 Ramnazin-3-O-rutinoside Free radical 0.993 0.000 þþþ þþþ ND
gigantean (L.) Edema scavenger
Dryand. Cardioprotectant 0.992 0.001
Anticarcinogenic 0.987 0.001
Antiprotozoal 0.918 0.003
(Leishmania)
9 Vitex negundo L. Joint pain Arthritis56 Casticin Antimutagenic 0.928 0.002 þþþ þ ND
Head ache Free radical 0.845 0.002
scavenger
Anticancer 0.953 0.003
10 Eclipta prostrata Head ache Antibacterial, Antioxidant, 2,4,8,9-Tetrahydroxy-6H-[1]benzofuro[3,2-c] Anticancer 0.956 0.003 þþþ þþþ ND
(L.) L. Abdominal pain hypolipidemic57 chromen-6-one Astringent 0.823 0.001
Jaundice Antiseborrheic 0.733 0.031
P. Chinnasamy et al. / Journal of Traditional and Complementary Medicine 9 (2019) 143e155 153
Table 7 (continued )
S. Binomial name Ethno uses Reported pharmacological Reported compounds PASS prediction admetSAR
No activities predictiona
Predicted Pa Pi A M T
bioactivities
11 Cocculus hirsutus Blood tonic Piles Spermatogenic and anti- Hirsutine Antinociceptive 0.814 0.002 þþþ þ ND
(L.) W.Theob. Dysentery Diabetes diabetic activity58 Analgesic 0.800 0.005
Vasodilator 0.736 0.006
12 Solanum spp. Mouth ulcer Neuropharmacological Torvoside A Anticancer 0.942 0.002 þþþ þþþ ND
Intestinal disorders activity59 Hepatoprotectant 0.902 0.002
Small pox Antiprotozoal 0.896 0.003
Antineoplastic 0.872 0.005
13 Aegle marmelos Fever Anticancer60 b-Ionone Antineoplastic 0.892 0.005 þþþ þþþ ND
(L.) Correa Cold Dermatologic 0.831 0.004
Blood tonic Cancer Antipsoriatic 0.786 0.004
14 Haldina Anemia Urinary Anti-amoebic61 Umbelliferone Cardiovascular 0.908 0.003 þþþ þþþ ND
cordifolia (Roxb.) disorders analeptic
Ridsdale Antimutagenic 0.898 0.002
Antiseborrheic 0.875 0.006
15 Citrus Stomachache Blood Anti-ulcer62 (±)-Limonene Carminative 0.961 0.001 þþþ þþþ ND
aurantiifolia tonic Antieczematic 0.896 0.005
(Christm.) Antineoplastic 0.818 0.010
Swingle Chemoprotective 0.781 0.002
17 Sesamum Genitourinary Affecting sex hormones64 Sesamin Anticancer 0.800 0,005 þþþ þ ND
indicum L. ailments Antineoplastic 0.797 0.012
Antidyskinetic 0.742 0.010
Antineurotic 0.738 0.030
Carminative 0.761 0.004
18 Oxalis Blood tonic Fever Cardioprotective65 Isoorientin Cardioprotectant 0.963 0.002 þþþ þþþ þ
corniculata L. Anticancer 0.922 0.004
Hepatoprotectant 0.913 0.002
Antihemorrhagi 0.821 0.002
19 Zingiber Ear, nose, throat Digestive disorders66 Zingerone Antidiabetic 0.920 0.003 þþþ þþþ ND
officinale Roscoe ailments, Fibrinolytic 0.867 0.004
Neurology ailments Antimutagenic 0.796 0.004
Table 7 (continued )
S. Binomial name Ethno uses Reported pharmacological Reported compounds PASS prediction admetSAR
No activities predictiona
Predicted Pa Pi A M T
bioactivities
20 Cardiospermum Skeletal muscular Anti-arthritic activity67 Arachidic acid Anti-diabetic 0.945 0.002 þþþ þþþ ND
helicacabum L. ailments Phobic disorders 0.939 0.003
Mucositis 0.874 0.008
treatment
Antihypoxic 0.798 0.004
Luteolin Antimutagenic 0.915 0.002 þþþ þ ND
Vasoprotector 0.894 0.003
Antihemorrhagic 0.836 0.002
Antioxidant 0.717 0.004
a
A-Absorption, M-Metabolism, T-Toxicity; The scale of ranges from low (þ), medium (þþ), high (þþþ) and not detected (ND).
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