Ethnomedicinal studies of medicinal plants in Eastern ghats of Vizianagaram district, Andhra Pradesh, India

An ethnomedicinal survey was carried out in tribal communities of Eastern Ghats of Vizianagaram district with an aim to document the information regarding indigenous medicinal plant species used in the treatment of various diseases. The study area is inhabited by several tribal groups: Jatapus, Kondadoras, Mukadoras, Mannedoras, Yerukulas, Goudus, Gadabas and Savara, and their population is 2.14 lakhs as per 2011 census. The present paper deals with about 336 medicinal plant species of 269 genera belonging to 99 families. These have been recorded and are used by the 8 tribal groups to cure over 250 ailments. Plant species like Chrysanthemum indicum, Jasminum angustifolium, Nerium odorum and Tagetes erecta were used not only for ornamental purposes but also as ethnomedicinal plants to cure Sexually transmitted diseases like Gonorrhoea, Syphilis, Skin diseases like Ringworm (Fungal disease), Leprosy (Bacterial disease) and Rheumatism. Catharanthus roseus flowers paste has good control over insect and scorpion bites. This survey provides some information to biochemists and pharmacologists in screening of ethnomedicinal plants and in rapidly assessing of phytoconstituents for the treatment of various diseases.