Ethnobotanics used in folk medicine of Tamil culture in Sri Lanka: A scientific review

doi:10.1016/S2095-4964(17)60317-0

Abstract

Tamil culture has recognized the potential use of plant herbs for prevention and treatment of different diseases. These folk remedies have been practiced by Sri Lankan Tamils even after modernization. This review focuses on frequently used medicinal plants among Sri Lankan Tamil communities, such as Cuminum cyminum, Azadirechta indica, Coriandrum sativum, Sesamum indicum, Zingiber officinale, Trigonella foenum-graecum, Moringa oleifera, Plectranthus amboinicus, Allium sativum and Curcuma longa, for their documented medicinal properties, which include antimicrobial, antioxidant, antitumor, anti-inflammatory, antihypertensive, hypocholesterolemic, antidiabetic and diuretic effects.

Key words: Ethnobotany, Medicinal plants, Folk medicine, Traditional medicine, Tamil culture, Remedies

Anternite Shanthi Jesuthasan, Deepthi Inoka Uluwaduge. Ethnobotanics used in folk medicine of Tamil culture in Sri Lanka: A scientific review. Journal of Integrative Medicine, 2017, 15(1): 19-26.

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