Folklore claims of some ethno medicinal plants used by ethnic people of Salem District, Tamil Nadu, India

The present study was aimed to study and document the indigenous herbal knowledge of an ethnic community residing at Salem district (India) that was applied for their health complaints. The ethnobotanical exploration and documentation was conducted at Kurumbapatti, Palamalai, Kathrimalai, Sundaikkadu, Periyathanda, Kolathur, Komburankadu and Veerakalpudur. A total of 113 medicinal plant species representing 99 genera belonging to 54 families were recorded in the study area. From the eight places surveyed, 37 folklore claims using 33 plant species, one animal and one edaphic factor (hail stone) were recorded. The plant species involved in the ailments were herbs (11 species), shrubs (7 species), climbers and trees (8 species each). Based on the plant parts employed in preparation of drug/ drug combination, leaves were dominant (22 reports), fruits were used in 4 ailments; whole plant and milky sap were employed in 2 reports each. Stem, resin, bark and peduncle used in single ailments were also recorded. Furthermore, animal drug and hail stones were used for single ailments each.