Abstract

An ethnobotanical survey was carried out in Vilangombai village, Sathyamangalam forest division, Western Ghats of Tamil Nadu, India from November 2011 to January 2012. Information gathered are from the Hooralis tribe about the plant’s local name, parts used, preparations and ailments. A total of 47 plant species belonging to 30 families were collected in the present study. Out of which, 15 plants uses were reported for the first time from this area. The documented diseases were grouped into 12 ailment categories, based on the body system treated. Herbs were recorded under maximum life forms in the documented plants. Leaves were used and paste was the common way of herbal preparation among the studied tribals. The collected data were analyzed for the use value (UV), informant consensus factor (Fic) and fidelity level (FL). The high use reports were recorded in dermatological infection/diseases. The significant Fic values were recorded for gastro intestinal ailments, poisonous bites and dermatological infections. The plants with desirable data obtained in the present study are suggested for evaluating further research and searching new drugs.

Key words: Sathyamangalam forest, Vilangombai, Hooralis, formulation, fidelity level, informant consensus factor.