Journals Information
Advances in Zoology and Botany Vol. 13(3), pp. 48 - 77
DOI: 10.13189/azb.2025.130302
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Documentation of Ethno Medicinal Practices in a Forest Region of Kodagu, Western Ghats
Chettimada Vasantha Devika 1, Naguvanahalli Somashekar Bhavana 2,*
1 Department of Botany (PG), Teresian College, India
2 Department of Studies in Botany, University of Mysore, India
ABSTRACT
This study documents the ethnobotanical knowledge of medicinal plants used by the Girijana community in the Thithimathi forest region, Kodagu district, Karnataka. A survey was conducted from January to July 2024, employing semi-structured interviews with local informants, including traditional healers, to gather data on medicinal plant usage. A total of 32 plant species from 21 families were identified and collected, with Fabaceae and Solanaceae being the most dominant families (13% each). The plants were categorized based on their growth form, with shrubs representing 34.37% of the total species, followed by trees and climbers (25% each), and herbs (15.62%). Ethnobotanical analysis revealed that Artemisia vulgaris, Capsicum annuum, Murraya koenigii, and Ruta graveolens had the highest frequency of citation (FC = 1) and relative frequency of citation (RFC = 0.1), indicating their widespread use in treating various ailments. Cyclea peltata exhibited the highest use value (UV = 2.6), reflecting its cultural importance and diverse applications in traditional medicine. In contrast, Pterocarpus marsupium and Tabernaemontana alternifolia showed the lowest FC (0.1) and RFC (0.01), suggesting restricted usage. This study provides the first documentation of medicinal plant use by the Girijana community in the Thithimathi forest region and identifies Raphiodophora pertusa as a previously unreported ethnomedicinal species. Additionally, it applies quantitative ethnobotanical indices (FC, RFC, UV) to assess plant significance, highlighting the rich biodiversity and traditional knowledge present in the region, emphasizing the importance of preserving these ethnomedicinal practices for future generations.
KEYWORDS
Traditional Medicine, Cultural Importance, Traditional Healers, Frequency of Citation (FC), Relative Frequency of Citation (RFC), Use Value (UV)
Cite This Paper in IEEE or APA Citation Styles
(a). IEEE Format:
[1] Chettimada Vasantha Devika , Naguvanahalli Somashekar Bhavana , "Documentation of Ethno Medicinal Practices in a Forest Region of Kodagu, Western Ghats," Advances in Zoology and Botany, Vol. 13, No. 3, pp. 48 - 77, 2025. DOI: 10.13189/azb.2025.130302.
(b). APA Format:
Chettimada Vasantha Devika , Naguvanahalli Somashekar Bhavana (2025). Documentation of Ethno Medicinal Practices in a Forest Region of Kodagu, Western Ghats. Advances in Zoology and Botany, 13(3), 48 - 77. DOI: 10.13189/azb.2025.130302.