Folklore claims of medicinal plants against sprain from the Western Ghats region of Dakshina Kannada district, Karnataka state, India

Abstract

Introduction and Aim: Plants form the primary source of medicinesboth in traditional and modern methods of treatment. People residing at remote and rural regions still depend on traditional herbal medicine for their primary health care needs. This study aimed to document ethnomedicinal plants used in the treatment of sprain in the Western Ghats region of Dakshina Kannada district, Karnataka state, India. Materials and Methods: An ethnobotanical study was carried out in Western Ghatsregion of Dakshina Kannada district, Karnataka during 2018-2021 to document the medicinal plants used by traditional practitioners to treat sprain. Data was collected using a semi structured questionnaire and open-ended interviews with herbal healers. Data was analyzed using simple statistical methods and few quantitative parameters. Results: A total of 40 plant species of belonging to 30 families have been documented. Some significant recorded plant species are Aloe vera, Litsea glutinosa, Cissus quadrangularis, Abrus pulchellus, Antidesma acidum, Holarrhena pubescens, Litsea wightiana and Ziziphus rugosa. Younger generations are ignoring the uses and cultural importance given to such ethno-medicinal practices. This knowledge is based on oral tradition often passed on to the next generation. Conclusion: Practitioners of this region do not have any written documents pertaining to their precious knowledge. Hence there is an urgent requirement to document and preserve the traditional knowledge inherited by tribes and ethnic communities before it is completely lost.