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.

/ / Recommend

Add to citation manager EndNote| Reference Manager|ProCite|BibTeX|RefWorks

URL: http://www.jcimjournal.com/EN/10.1016/S2095-4964(17)60317-0

http://www.jcimjournal.com/EN/Y2017/V15/I1/19

TrendMD

References

1 Samuel JK, Andrews B.Traditional medicinal plant wealth of Pachalur and Periyur hamlets Dindugal district, Tamil Nadu.Ind J Tradit Know. 2010; 9(2): 264-270.
2 Revathi P, Parimelazhagan T.Traditional knowledge on medicinal plants used by the Irula tribe of Hasanur hills, Erode district, Tamil Nadu, India. Ethnobot Leafl ets.2010; 14: 136-160.
3 Saeed S, Tariq P.Antimicrobial activities ofEmblica officinalis and Coriandrum sativum against gram positive bacteria and Candida albicans. Pak J Bot. 2007; 39(3): 913-917.
4 Hasan HA, Raauf AMR, Razik BMA, Hassan BAR.Chemical composition and antimicrobial activity of the crude extracts isolated from Zingiber offi cinale by different solvents. Pharm Anal Acta.2012; 3(9): 1-5.
5 Karunamoorthi K, Jegajeevanram K, Xavier J, Vijayalakshmi J, Melita L.Tamil traditional medicinal system—siddha: an indigenous health practice in the international perspectives.Int J Genunine Trad Med. 2012; 2(2): 1-11.
6 Rajan S, Sethuraman M.Plants used in folk medicine by the Kotas of Nilgiri district, Tamil Nadu.Anc Sci Life. 1991; 10(4): 223-230.
7 Cakilcioglu U, Sengun MT, Turkoglu I.An ethanobotanical survey of medicinal plants of Yazikonak and Yurtbasi districts of Elazigprovience, Turkey.J Med Plant Res. 2010; 4(7): 567-572.
8 Ayyanar M, Ignacimuthu S.Medicinal uses and pharmacological actions of five commonly used Indian medicinal plants: a mini review.Iranian J Pharmacol Ther. 2008; 7: 107-114.
9 Ayyanar M, Ignacimuthu S.Ethnobotanical survey of medicinal plants commonly used by Kani Tribals in Tirunelveli hills of Western Ghats, India. J Ethnopharmacol. 2011; 134: 851-864.
10 Parthiban R, Vijayakumar S, Prabhu S, Yabesh JGEM.Quantitative traditional knowledge of medicinal plants used to treat livestock diseases from Kudavasaltaluk of Thiruvarur district, Tamil Nadu, India. Braz J Pharmacog.2016; 26: 109-121.
11 Anilakumar KR, Pal A, Khanum F, Bawa AS.Nutritional, medicinal and industrial uses of sesame seeds (Sesamum indicum L.): an overview. Agric Conspec Sci. 2010; 75: 159-168.
12 Sankar D, Rao MR, Sambandam G, Pugalendi KV. Effect of sesame oil on diuretics or s blockers in the modulation of blood pressure, anthropometry, lipid profile, and redox status.Yale J Biol Med. 2006; 79: 19-26.
13 Jagatheeswari D.A survey of some medicinally important plants in Villupuram District of Tamil Nadu, India. Int J Pharm Biol Arch.2012; 3(4): 905-909.
14 Yadav JP, Kumar S, Siwach P.Folk medicine used in gynecological and other related problems by rural population of Haryana. Indian J Tradit Know.2006; 5(3): 323-326.
15 Kiran K, Asad M.Wound healing activity of Sesamum indicum L seed and oil in rats. Indian J Exp Biol.2008; 46: 777-782.
16 Khan A, Islam K, Siraj A, Saha S, Barman AK, Awang K, Rahman M, Shilpi JA, Jahan R, Islam E, Rahmatullah M.Ethnomedicinal survey of various communities residing in Garo Hills of Durgapur, Bangladesh. J Ethnobiol Ethnomed. 2015; 11: 44-80.
17 Uma M, Jothinayaki S, Kumaravel S, Kalaiselvi P.Determination of bioactive components of Plectranthus amboinicus Lour by GC-MS analysis. N Y Sci J.2011; 4(8): 66-69.
18 Patel RD, Mahobia NK, Singh MP, Singh A, Sheikh NW, Alam G, Singh SK.Antioxidant potential of leaves ofPlectranthus amboinicus (Lour) Spreng. Der Pharmacia Lettre. 2010; 2(4): 240-245.
19 Erny Sabrina MN, Razali M, Mirfat AHS, Mohd Shukri MA.Antimicrobial activity and bioactive evaluation of Plectranthus amboinicus essential oil. Am J Res Commun.2014; 2(12): 121-127.
20 Bhatt P, Negi PS.Antioxidant and antibacterial activities in the leaf extracts of Indian borage (Plectranthus amboinicus). Food Nutr Sci. 2012; 3: 146-152.
21 Moghaddasi MS, Kashani HH.Ginger (Zingiber offi cinale): a review. J Med Plants Res. 2012; 6(26): 4255-4258.
22 Mashhadi NS, Ghiasvand R, Askari G, Hariri M, Darvishi L, Mofi d MR. Anti-oxidative and anti-infl ammatory effects of ginger in health and physical activity: review of current evidence.Int J Prev Med. 2013; 4(1): S36-S42.
23 Ernst E, Pittler MH.Efficacy of ginger for nausea and vomiting: a systematic review of randomized clinical trials.Br J Anaesth. 2000; 84(3): 367-371.
24 Vutyavanich T, Kraisarin T, Ruangsri RA.Ginger for nausea and vomiting in pregnancy: randomized, doublemasked, placebo-controlled trial.Obstet Gynecol. 2001; 97(4): 577-582.
25 Ong HG, Kim Y.Quantitative ethnobotanical study of the medicinal plants used by the Ati Negrito indigenous group in Guimaras island, Philippines.J Ethnopharmacol. 2014; 157: 228-242.
26 Gebreyohannes G, Gebreyohannes M.Medicinal values of garlic: a review.Int J Med Med Sci. 2013; 5(9): 401-408.
27 Bongiorno PB, Fratellone PM, LoGiudice P. Potential health benefits of garlic (Allium sativum): a narrative review. J Complement Integr Med. 2008; 5(1): 1-24.
28 Bayan L, Koulivand PH, Gorji A.Garlic: a review of potential therapeutic effects.Avicenna J Phytomed. 2014; 4(1): 1-14.
29 Qidwai W, Ashfaq T.Role of garlic usage in cardiovascular disease prevention: an evidence-based approach.Evid Based Complement Alternat Med. 2013; 2013: 1-9.
30 Rahman K, Lowe GM.Significance of garlic and its constituents in cancer and cardiovascular disease.J Nutr. 2006; 136: 736S-740S.
31 Bukhari SB, Bhanger MI, Memon S.Antioxidative activity of extracts from fenugreek seeds (Trigonella foenumgraecum). Pak J Anal Environ Chem. 2008; 9(2): 78-83.
32 Mahmood AA, Sidik K, Salmah I.Antiulcer and gastroprotective effects of honey in combination withTrigonella foenum-graecum seeds extract on experimental gastric ulcer in rats. Intl J Mol Med Adv Sci. 2005; 1(3): 225-229.
33 Xue WL, Li XS, Zhang J, Liu YH, Wang ZL, Zhang RJ.Effect ofTrigonellafoenum-graecum (fenugreek) extract on blood glucose, blood lipid and hemorheological properties in streptozotocin-induced diabetic rats. Asia Pac J Clin Nutr. 2007; 16(1): 422-426.
34 Basch E, Ulbricht C, Kuo G, Szapary P, Smith M.Therapeutic applications of fenugreek. Altern Med Rev.2003; 8(1): 20-27.
35 Patel S, Thakur AS, Chandy A, Manigauha A.Moringa oleifera: a review of the medicinal and economical importance to the health and nation. Drug Inv Today.2010; 2(7): 339-342.
36 Mehta J, Shukla A, Bukhariya V, Charde R.The magic remedy of Moringa oleifera: an overview. Int J Biomed Adv Res.2011; 2(6): 215-227.
37 Goyal BR, Agrawal BB, GoyalRK, Mehta AA. Phytopharmacology ofMoringa oleifera Lam o—an overview. Nat Prod Radiance. 2007; 6(4): 347-353.
38 Cajuday LA, Pocsidio GL.Effects of Moringa oleifera Lam.(Moringaceae) on the reproduction of male mice; 4(12): 1115-1121.
39 Zade VS, Dabhadkar DK, Thakare VG, Pare SR.Effect of aqueous extract ofMoringa oleifera seed on sexual activity of male albino rats. Biol Forum Int J. 2013; 5(1): 129-140.
40 Bettaieb I, Bourgou S, Wannes WA, Hamrouni I, Limam F, Marzouk B.Essential oils, phenolics, and antioxidant activities of different parts of cumin (Cuminum cyminum L.). J Agric Food Chem. 2010; 58: 10410-10418.
41 Allahghadiri T, Rasooli I, Owlia P, Nadooshan MJ, Ghazanfari T, Taghizadeh M, Astaneh SDA.Antimicrobial property, antioxidant capacity, and cytotoxicity of essential oil from cumin produced in Iran.J Food Sci. 2010; 75(2): H54-H61.
42 Andallu B, Ramya V.Antihyperglycemic, cholesterollowering and HDL-raising effects of cumin(Cuminum cyminum) seeds in type 2 diabetes. J Nat Rem.2007; 7(1): 142-149.
43 Srinivasan K.Spices as infl uencers of body metabolism: an overview of three decades of research.Food Res Int. 2005; 38: 77-86.
44 Dhandapani S, SubramanianVR, Rajagopal S, Namasivayam N. Hypolipidemic effect ofCuminum cyminum L. on alloxan-induced diabetic rats. Pharm Res. 2002; 46(3): 252-255.
45 Biswas K, Chattopadhyay I, Banerjee RK, Bandyopadhyay U.Biological activities and medicinal properties of neem (Azadirachta indica). Curr Sci. 2002; 82(11): 1336-1345.
46 Ogbuewu IP, Odoemenam VU, Obikaonu HO, Opara MN, Emenalom OO, Uchegbu MC, OkoliIC, Esonu BO, Iloeje MU. The growing imporatance of neem(Azadirachta indica A.Juss) in agriculture, industry, medicine and environment: a review. Res J Med Plant. 2011; 5(3): 230-245.
47 Rajasekaran C, Meignanam E, Vijayakumar V, Kalaivani T, Ramya S, Premkumar N, Siva R, Jayakumararaj R.Investigations on antibacterial activity of leaf extracts of Azadirachta indica A. Juss (Meliaceae): a traditional medicinal plant of India.Ethnobot Leaflets. 2008; 12: 1213-1217.
48 Anyaehie UB.Medicinal properties of fractionated acetone/ water neem(Azadirachta indica) leaf extract from Nigeria: a review. Niger J Physiol Sci.2009; 24(2): 157-159.
49 Khosla P, Bhanwra S, Singh J, Seth S, Srivastava RK.A study of hypoglycemic effects ofAzadirachta indica (NEEM) in normal and alloxan diabetic rabbits. Indian J Physiol Pharmacol. 2000; 44(1): 69-74.
50 Joshi B, Sah GP, Basnet BB, Bhatt MR, Sharma D, Subedi K, Pandey J, Malla R.Phytochemical extraction and antimicrobial properties of different medicinal plants: Ocimum sanctum (Tulsi), Eugenia caryophyllata ; 3(1): 1-7.
51 Chainani-Wu N.Safety and anti-inflammatory activity of curcumin: a component of tumeric(Curcuma longa). J Altern Complement Med. 2003; 9(1): 161-168.
52 Akram M, Uddini S, Ahmed A, Usmanghani K, Hannan A, Mohiuddin E, Asif M.Curcuma longa and curcumin: a review article. Rom J Biol-Plant Biol.2010; 55(2): 65-70.
53 Araujo CAC, Leon LL.Biological activities of Curcuma longa L. Mem Inst Oswaldo Cruz.2001; 96(5): 723-728.
54 Jurenka JS.Anti-inflammatory properties of curcumin, a major constituent of Curcuma longa: a review of preclinical and clinical research. Altern Med Rev.2009; 14(2): 141-153.
55 Rafatullah S, Tariq M, Al-Yahya MA, Mossa JS, Ageel AM.Evaluation of turmeric(Curcuma longa) for gastric and duodenal antiulcer activity in rats. J Ethnopharmacol.1990; 29: 25-34.
56 Bhat S, Kaushal P, Kaur M, Sharma HK.Coriander(Coriandrum sativum L.): processing, nutritional and functional aspects.Afr J Plant Sci. 2014; 8(5): 25-33.
57 Rajeshwari U, Andallu B.Medicinal benefi ts of coriander(Coriandrum sativum L). Spatula DD.2011; 1(1): 51-58.
58 Waheed A, Miana GA, Ahmad SI, Khan MA.Clinical investigation of hypoglycemic effect of Coriandrum sativum in type-2 (NIDDM) diabetic patients. Pak Jour Pharmacol.2006; 23(1): 7-11.
59 Dhanapakiam P, Joseph JM, Ramaswamy VK, Moorthi M, Kumar AS.The cholesterol lowering property of coriander seeds(Coriandrum sativum): mechanism of action. J Environ Biol.2008; 29(1): 53-56.

Metrics

Viewed

Full text

Abstract

Cited

Shared

Discussed

Comments

Recommended 10

[1]	Jin-zhou Tian, Jing Shi, Xin-qing Zhang, Qi Bi, Xin Ma, Zhi-liang Wang, Xiao-bin Li, Shu-li Shen, Lin Li, Zhen-yun Wu, Li-yan Fang, Xiao-dong Zhao, Ying-chun Miao, Peng-wen Wang, Ying Ren, Jun-xiang Yin, Yong-yan Wang, Beijing United Study Group on MCI of the Capital Foundation of Medical Developments. An explanation on "guiding principles of clinical research on mild cognitive impairment (protocol)". Journal of Chinese Integrative Medicine, 2008, 6(1): 15-21
[2]	Yi-ting He, Qing-lin Zha, Jian-ping Yu, Yong Tan, Cheng Lu, Ai-ping Lv. Principal factor analysis of symptoms of rheumatoid arthritis and their correlations with efficacy of traditional Chinese medicine and Western medicine. Journal of Chinese Integrative Medicine, 2008, 6(1): 32-36
[3]	Jun Cai, Hua Wang, Sheng Zhou, Bin Wu, Hua-rong Song, Zheng-rong Xuan. Effect of Sijunzi Decoction and enteral nutrition on T-cell subsets and nutritional status in patients with gastric cancer after operation: A randomized controlled trial. Journal of Chinese Integrative Medicine, 2008, 6(1): 37-40
[4]	Wei Zhang, Xiang-feng Lu, Xiao-mei Zhang, Jian-jun Wu, Liang-duo Jiang. A rat model of pulmonary fibrosis induced by infusing bleomycin quickly through tracheal intubation. Journal of Chinese Integrative Medicine, 2008, 6(1): 60-67
[5]	A-gao Zhou, Yong Zhang, Gang Kui, De-Yun Kong, Hai-liang Ge, Qiu-hua Ren, Jia-rong Dong, Sheng Hong, Xu-ming Mao, Yin Wang, Hui-zheng Zhang, Shu-jun Wang. Influence of traditional Chinese compound recipes with different efficacy on body weight, tumor weight and immune function in H₂₂ cancer-bearing mice. Journal of Chinese Integrative Medicine, 2008, 6(1): 77-82
[6]	Guo-hong Yuan, Xiao-jing Pang, He-chao Ma. Synergic effects of Danggui Buxue Decoction in reducing toxicity of cytoxan in tumor-bearing mice. Journal of Chinese Integrative Medicine, 2008, 6(1): 83-88
[7]	Li Zhou, Hong-xing Zhang, Ling-guang Liu, Wen-jun Wan. Effect of electro-acupuncture at Fenglong (GV 16) on nitric oxide and endothelin in rats with hyperlipidemia. Journal of Chinese Integrative Medicine, 2008, 6(1): 89-92
[8]	Jin-zhou Tian, Jing Shi, Xin-qing Zhang, Qi Bi, Xin Ma, Zhi-liang Wang, Xiao-bin Li, Shu-li Shen, Lin Li, Zhen-yun Wu, Li-yan Fang, Xiao-dong Zhao, Ying-chun Miao, Peng-wen Wang, Ying Ren, Jun-xiang Yin, Yong-yan Wang, Beijing United Study Group on MCI of the Capital Foundation of Medical Developments. Guiding principles of clinical research on mild cognitive impairment (protocol). Journal of Chinese Integrative Medicine, 2008, 6(1): 9-14
[9]	Xin-jun Wang, Ling-ling Wang . A mechanism of endogenous opioid peptides for rapid onset of acupuncture effect in treatment of depression. Journal of Chinese Integrative Medicine, 2010, 8(11): 1014-1017
[10]	Bo Wang , Wei Yan , Li-hui Hou, Xiao-ke Wu. Disorder of Tiangui (kidney essence) and reproductive dysfunction in patients with polycystic ovary syndrome. Journal of Chinese Integrative Medicine, 2010, 8(11): 1018-1022

[1]	Mohammad Fazil, Sadia Nikhat. Why the “sugars” in traditional Unani formulations are a pivotal component: A viewpoint perspective. Journal of Integrative Medicine, 2022, 20(2): 91-95.
[2]	Jose Antonio Castilla-Jimena, Isabel Ruiz-Pérez, Jesús Henares-Montiel. Impact of socioeconomic and health-related factors on consumption of homeopathic and natural remedies in Spain in 2006, 2011 and 2017. Journal of Integrative Medicine, 2022, 20(1): 52-56.
[3]	Miriam Bazzicalupo, Laura Cornara, Bruno Burlando, Alberta Cascini, Marcella Denaro, Antonella Smeriglio, Domenico Trombetta. Carpobrotus edulis (L.) N.E.Br. extract as a skin preserving agent: from traditional medicine to scientific validation. Journal of Integrative Medicine, 2021, 19(6): 526-536.
[4]	Seung-hoon Choi. A digital application for implementing the ICD-11 traditional medicine chapter. Journal of Integrative Medicine, 2020, 18(6): 455-458.
[5]	Toktam Sadat Firoozeei, Majid Barekatain, Mehrdad Karimi, Arman Zargaran, Shahin Akhondzadeh, Hossein Rezaeizadeh. Lavender and dodder combined herbal syrup versus citalopram in major depressive disorder with anxious distress: A double-blind randomized trial. Journal of Integrative Medicine, 2020, 18(5): 409-415.
[6]	Kayode Ezekiel Adewole. Nigerian antimalarial plants and their anticancer potential: A review. Journal of Integrative Medicine, 2020, 18(2): 92-113.
[7]	Yogesh Subhash Biradar, Swathi Bodupally, Harish Padh. Evaluation of antiplasmodial properties in 15 selected traditional medicinal plants from India. Journal of Integrative Medicine, 2020, 18(1): 80-85.
[8]	Maryam Naeimia, Narjes Gorjib, Zahra Memarianib, Reihaneh Moeinib, Mohammad Kamalinejadc, Fatemeh Kolangid. Gastroprotective herbs for headache management in Persian medicine: A comprehensive review. Journal of Integrative Medicine, 2020, 18(1): 1-13.
[9]	Naghmeh Yazdi, Alireza Salehi, Mina Vojoud, Mohammad Hossein Sharifi, Ayda Hoseinkhani. Use of complementary and alternative medicine in pregnant women: a cross-sectional survey in the south of Iran. Journal of Integrative Medicine, 2019, 17(6): 392-395.
[10]	Zienab Mahmoudpour, Javad Shokri, Mohammad Kamalinejad, Neda Meftah, Soraya Khafri, Seyyed Ali Mozaffarpur, Hoda Shirafkan. The efficacy of a Persian herbal formulation on functional bloating: A double-blind randomized controlled trial. Journal of Integrative Medicine, 2019, 17(5): 344-350.
[11]	Mohammad Hossein Ayati, Ata Pourabbasi, Nazli Namazi, Arman Zargaran, Zahra Kheiry, Amir Hooman Kazemi, Bagher Larijani. The necessity for integrating traditional, complementary, and alternative medicine into medical education curricula in Iran. Journal of Integrative Medicine, 2019, 17(4): 296-301.
[12]	Shipra Shah, Jahangeer A. Bhat. Ethnomedicinal knowledge of indigenous communities and pharmaceutical potential of rainforest ecosystems in Fiji Islands. Journal of Integrative Medicine, 2019, 17(4): 244-249.
[13]	Baxter Blonk, Ian E. Cock. Interactive antimicrobial and toxicity profiles of Pittosporum angustifolium Lodd. extracts with conventional antimicrobials. Journal of Integrative Medicine, 2019, 17(4): 261-272.
[14]	Hanae Naceiri Mrabti, Nidal Jaradat, Mohamed Reda Kachmar, Abdelaziz Ed-Dra, Abdelilah Ouahbi, Yahia Cherrah, Moulay El Abbes Faouzi. Integrative herbal treatments of diabetes in Beni Mellal region of Morocco. Journal of Integrative Medicine, 2019, 17(2): 93-99.
[15]	The Su Moe, Htet Htet Win, Thin Thin Hlaing, War War Lwin, Zaw Min Htet, Khin Mar Mya . Evaluation of in vitro antioxidant, antiglycation and antimicrobial potential of indigenous Myanmar medicinal plants. Journal of Integrative Medicine, 2018, 16(5): 358-366.