Abstract

ETHNO-MEDICINAL PLANTS USED BY THE KANIKARS IN KANYAKUMARI DISTRICT, TAMIL NADU WITH SPECIAL REFERENCE TO SKIN DISEASES

Rani E.* and S. Chidambaram Pillai

Abstract

Skin diseases are most common form of infections occurring in people of all ages. A survey on ethno Medicinal plants used in the treatment of Skin Diseases in Kanyakumari District of Tamilnadu State has been conducted during 2012 - 2013. A large number of traditional herbal healers exist belonging to this tribal community and are utilizing local plants to treat various skin diseases. The present study underlines the potentials of the ethnobotanical research and the application for the documentation of traditional ecological knowledge pertaining to the utilization of medicinal plant for the benefit of mankind in various places.

Keywords: Medicinal plants, Traditional medicine, Kanikar tribe, Skin disease.