Ethnomedicinal plant knowledge of the Mullu kuruma tribe

Indian Journal of Traditional Knowledge
Vol. 7(4), October 2008, pp. 604-612
Ethnomedicinal plant knowledge of the Mullu kuruma tribe of
Wayanad district, Kerala
VP Silja1, K Samitha Varma1 & KV Mohanan2*
1
Department of Botany, Zamorin’s Guruvayurappan College, Calicut 673 014, Kerala; 2Department of Botany,
University of Calicut, Calicut 673 635, Kerala
E-mail: [email protected]
Received 10 October 2006; revised 5 June 2007
Mullu kuruma tribe is a very prominent tribal group of Wayanad district of Kerala state with unique culture and
ethnobotanical practices. The study has revealed the use of 136 plant species for traditional medicinal purposes by the tribe.
They use about 14 plants for the treatment of skin diseases, 10 for inflammation, 3 as abortifacient, 9 for dandruff, 11 for
dysentery, 6 for piles, 7 for epilepsy, 19 for asthma and other bronchial diseases, 11 for anaemia, 4 for constipation, 1 for
tuberculosis, 8 for jaundice and other liver diseases, 6 for burns, 7 for leucorrhoea, 2 for migraine, 5 for wounds, 3 for
malaria and 13 for urinary complaints and kidney stone.
Key words: Ethnomedicine, Medicinal plants, Mullu kuruma tribe, Wayanad, Kerala
IPC Int. Cl.8: A61K36/00, A61P1/02, A61P1/08, A61P1/16, A61P9/14, A61P11/00, A61P13/00, A61P17/00, A61P15/00,
A61P25/00
The use of medicinal plants in the treatment of
diseases was conceived by tribal people thousands of
years ago. Ethnic groups are the repositories of the
knowledge of herbal medicine. Many tribal groups
have been using several plant or animal products for
medicinal preparations and these medicines are
known as ethnomedicine. Generally, tribal groups
utilize local herbs for different ailments after centuries
of trials. Various plants parts are used for medicinal
preparations. They collect these plants from near and
around their settlements. It is noticed that a plant is
used for a disease in different ways and for different
types of diseases. Apart from common plants, some
fungal species are also seen to be used as medicine.
The study area is situated in the Wayanad district
of Kerala state (Fig. 1). The name Wayanad is
believed to have been derived from Vayal nadu
meaning the land of paddy fields. Wayanad, situated
in the western ghat region of Kerala always had an
allure to the people from the plains. Wayanad is a
plateau with an altitude varying from 700 to 2100 m
from sea level ensconced among Western Ghats. The
difference in altitude of each locality within the
district presents a variation of climatic condition in
different places. Nilgiris and Mysore districts of
___________
*Corresponding author
Tamil Nadu and Karnataka, respectively bound it on
the East, Coorg district of Karnataka on the North,
Malappuram district of Kerala on the South and
Kozhikode and Kannur districts of Kerala on the
West. The gate ways to Wayanad are three narrow
mountain passes in Western Ghats, namely
Thamarasseri pass, Kuttyadi pass and Periya pass
Fig. 1 Location map of the study area
SILJA et al.: ETHNOMEDICINAL PLANT KNOWLEDGE OF MULLU KURUMA TRIBE OF KERALA
from Kozhikode, Vadakara and Kannur, respectively.
Total geographical area of Wayanad is 2124 km2,
which comprises 5.48% area of Kerala state. This
region is biogeographically highly valuable with a
significant extent of tropical moist forests1. Wayanad
lies between North latitude 11˚27´ and 15˚ 58´ and East
longitude 75˚ 47´ and 70˚27´. The small hills are full of
plantations like tea, coffee, pepper and cardamom,
while the valleys have a predominance of paddy
fields. The difference in altitude of each locality
within the district presents a variation of climatic
conditions. The soil of Wayanad district is mainly
loamy type and generally shows wide variation in
depth and texture with a very high content of organic
matter and slightly acidic pH2.
Noolpuzha village panchayat, the geographical area
of data collection of the study is situated on the
Calicut- Mysore National Highway, about 15 km
from Sulthan Bathery town. It lies on the eastern side
of Wayanad district and belongs to Sultan Bathery
taluk. Like other portions of Wayanad, Noolpuzha
also belongs to Nilgiri Biosphere. 45% of the total
population comprises tribals and most of them are
schedules tribes. Mullu kurumas form a very
prominent tribal group of the area. Fifty two tribal
groups have been reported from Kerala3. Due to
peculiar pattern of their settlements and traditional
occupation, they are concentrated in certain regions of
the state4. Kurumas, Paniyas, Kattunaikas, Adiyas and
Kurichyas are the major tribes of Wayanad region of
Kerala. Kurumas, one of the numerically dominant
hill tribes of Malabar region till the middle of the 17th
century, practiced slash and burn agriculture and their
social organization had the characteristics of primitive
communism in which social stratification and class
contradiction were non-existent5.
Kurumas are the dominant scheduled tribe
community in Wayanad district. The principal
occupation of the kurumas was wood cutting and the
collection of minor forest products6. A group of the
kurumas, referred to as Mullu kurumas is
concentrated in the Wayanad district of Kerala7. There
is a view that the prefix may have originated from
Mula (bamboo), which provides them with an
important occupation. Two other groups of kurumas
known as Then (honey) kurumas (also known as
Kattu naikas or Shola naikas) and Urali kurumas
(also known as Betta kurumas) are also present in
Wayanad. Mullu kurumas are presently cultivators
and hunters. The Betta kurumas are wood cutters and
605
fish hunters while the Kattu naikas are honey and
forest produce collectors and makers of baskets and
implements. Mullu kurumas, in appearance are
medium statured and broad chested with skin colour
varying from light to dark brown (Fig.2). They live in
huts with high foundations, mud walls, bamboo doors,
and strong roof thatched with grass and straw. They
are mostly agricultural labourers and some are
cultivators. They hunt with bow and arrow, muzzle
loading guns and spears. Mullu kurumas are non
vegetarian, but their staple food is rice; commonly
consume pulses, fruits, roots and tubers. They also
take alcoholic drinks, generally, toddy and arrack.
They have the institution of the Muppan (head man),
who presides over the meetings of the elders and
administers their social affairs can be identified by the
silver bangle worn on his right arm. They have
velichapad (priest), who in consultation with the head
man officiates at ceremonies, makes offerings and
acts as medicine man.
Fig. 2  Mullu Kuruma tribes
Table 1 Details of the ten Mullu kuruma colonies studied
Name of the
colony
Number of Name and age of Name of
houses in
head of the family proper place
each colony
Manmadamoola
Kalladikkolli
Pampan kolli
Manimunda
Pilakavu
Marod
Mathamangalam
18
26
22
21
24
38
25
Bhasavan (90)
Paithal (75)
Kannan (50)
Gopalan (62)
Annu (85)
Karimban (70)
Villan (50)
Valluvadi
Kottoor
35
40
Sanku (60)
Anarthan (58)
Kottanod
27
Krishnan (55)
Muthanga
Thottamoola
Naikkatti
Manimunda
Pilakkavu
Naikkatti
Mathamangala
m
Valluvadi
Nenmenikunn
u
Kottanad
606
INDIAN J TRADITIONAL KNOWLEDGE, VOL 7, No. 4, OCTOBER 2008
Table 2 Medicinally important plants used by the Mullu kuruma tribe
Plant name, Family Local name
Uses
Abrus precatorius L. Fabaceae Kunni
Leaf decoction is applied in the affected portion in inflammation; fresh fruit
decoction is taken three times daily to induce abortion.
Powdered pods are used in all cases of skin diseases. The powder is used against
dandruff.
Tender leaf pulp is taken internally in dysentery.
Acacia sinuata (Lour.) Merr. Mimosaceae
Cheenikka
Acacia nilotica (L.) Willd. ex Del. Mimosaceae
Karuvelam
Achyranthes aspera
L.
Amaranthaceae
Kadaladi
Acorus calamus L. Araceae Vayambu
Adhatoda zeylanica Medic. Acanthaceae
Adalodakam
Ageratum conyzoides L. Asteraceae Kattappa
Aegle marmelos (L.) Corr. Rutaceae Koovalam
Aerva lanata (L.) Juss. Amaranthaceae Cherula
Allophylus serratus (Roxb.) Kurz Sapindaceae
Mukkannan periyila
Aloe vera (L.) Burm. f. Liliaceae Kattarvazha
Amaranthus spinosus L. Amaranthaceae
Mullan cheera
Amorphophallus
paeoniifolius
(Dennst.)
Nicols. var. paeoniifolius Araceae Kattu chena
Anacardium occidentale L. Anacardiaceae
Kasumavu
Annona squamosa L. Annonaceae Aatha
Andrographis paniculata (Burm. f.) Wall ex
Nees Acanthaceae Kiriath
Areca catechu L. Arecaceae Kavungu
Aristolochia bracteolata Lam. Aristolochiaceae
Karalakam
Aristolochia indica L. Aristolochiaceae
Karalakam
Artemisia nilagirica (C.
Asteraceae Kattukarpuram
Clarke)
Pamp.
Artocarpus hirsutus Lam. Moraceae Ayani
Asparagus racemosus Willd. Liliaceae
Sathavari
Azadirachta indica A. Juss. Meliaceae Arya
veppu
Bacopa monnieri (L.) Pennell Scrophulariaceae
Brahmi
Bauhinia acuminata L. Caesalpiniaceae
Mandaram
Benincasa
hispida
(Thunb.)
Cogn.
Cucurbitaceae Kumbalam
Biophytum sensitivum (L.) DC. Oxalidaceae
Mukkutti
Boerhavia
diffusa
L.
Nyctaginaceae
Thazhuthama
Spermacocae hispida L. Rubiaceae Tharavu
Bombax ceiba L. Bombacaceae Ilavu
Kalanchae pinnata (Lam.) Pers. Crassulaceae
Elamulachi
Leaves are used as vegetable for piles. Root paste is applied on the forehead in
headache.
Rhizome paste is taken internally for epilepsy and worm infection.
Leaf juice and root decoction are taken internally for asthma and cough.
Leaf juice is taken internally in dyspepsia and anaemia.
Leaf juice is used for constipation. Dried powder of fruit and seeds is used in the
treatment of chronic dysentery, dyspepsia and intermittent fever
Whole plant extract is used for stomachache.
Leaf paste with turmeric is applied for fracture and sprains.
Leaf pulp is used for the preparation of hair oil for dandruff.
Plant paste is applied on the point to remove thorns.
Corm pieces are fried in ghee and used internally in the treatment of piles.
Oil from young and mature nut is applied on the affected portion in the treatment
of cracks on foot.
Leaf paste mixed with paste of turmeric is applied externally for inflammation.
Fruit is edible and is effective in the treatment of tuberculosis.
Leaf juice is used as syrup in the treatment of liver diseases.
Young leaves and young fruits are used for the preparation of oil used in the
treatment of burns and sprains.
Leaf paste is applied on the affected portion in the treatment of inflammation,
boils and eczema.
Leaf juice mixed with rhizome juice of Zingiber officinale is used for blood
clotting. Decoction of roots and fruits is for the treatment of intermittent fever and
poison.
Inhalation of smoke from leaves and flowering twigs is effective in the treatment
of asthma and bronchitis. Leaf juice is used externally in the treatment of leprosy
and skin diseases.
Infusion of the bark is applied to cure small pimples and cracks on the skin.
Leaf juice is given internally for stomach ache. Rhizome juice is used internally
for leucorrhoea and epilepsy.
Leaf paste is used externally for chicken pox. Oil obtained from fruit is used in
various diseases.
The dried plant powder is given internally in the treatment of asthma and epilepsy.
Bark decoction is used as drink for urinary discharge. Leaf paste is applied on
throat in throat troubles and externally in skin diseases.
Ripe fruit juice is used internally for haemoptysis and other internal discharges.
Fruit pulp is applied on the burned part in the case of burns.
Plant juice is applied on the injured part and also for bleeding. Plant paste is
applied on forehead for migraine.
Leaf extract is used internally in the treatment of jaundice and anemia.
Root paste is applied on the affected part in the treatment of sprains.
Leaf paste is applied at the bitten spot in the case of snake bite.
The leaf juice is an effective medicine in the treatment of dysentery and cholera.
Contd
SILJA et al.: ETHNOMEDICINAL PLANT KNOWLEDGE OF MULLU KURUMA TRIBE OF KERALA
607
Table 2 Medicinally important plants used by the Mullu kuruma tribe Contd
Plant name, Family Local name
Uses
Caesalpinia
bonducella
(L.)
Roxb.
Caesalpiniaceae Kazhangikkuru
Caesalpinia mimosoides Lam. Caesalpiniaceae
Koomullu
Calotropis gigantea (L.) R.Br. Asclepiadaceae
Erukku
Cardiospermum halicacabum L. Sapindaceae
Valli uzhinja
Carica papaya L. CaricaceaeKappalam
Seeds paste is applied on forehead in the treatment of head ache. Seed decoction is
taken internally for stomachache.
7 tender leaves used with leaves of Ricinus, Acorus etc. in the treatment of
epilepsy.
Root paste is used externally with root paste of Carica papaya to induce abortion.
Two younger leaves are eaten before sunrise for migraine.
Paste of entire plant is used as poultice in the treatment of dandruff.
Cassia fistula L. Caesalpiniaceae Kanikkonna
Cassia occidentalis L. Caesalpiniaceae
Ponnamthakara
Catharanthus roseus (L.) G. Don Apocynaceae
Nithyakalyani
Centella asiatica (L.) Urban Apiaceae
Kudangal
Cinnamomum verum J.S. Presl Lauraceae
Edana/ karappa
Cissus discolor Blume Vitaceae Kattuvalli
Clematis gouriana Roxb. Ranunculaceae
Eruvalli
Clitoria ternatea L. Fabaceae Sankupushpam
Coccinia grandis (L.) Voight. Cucurbitaceae
Koval
Plectranthus amboinicus (Lour.) Spreng.
Lamiaceae Panikkoorkka
Cucumis sativus L. Cucurbitaceae Vellari
Curculigo orchioides Gaertn. Hypoxidaceae
Nilappana
Curcuma longa L. Zingiberaceae Manjal
Cyclea peltata (Lam.) Hook f. & Thoms
Menispermaceae Padathali
Cymbopogon citratus (DC.) Stapf Graminae
Theruva pullu
Cynodon dactylon (L.) Pers. Graminae Karuka
Desmodium triflorum (L.) DC. Fabaceae
Nilampulladi
Eclipta prostrata L. Asteraceae Kayyunyam
(Kanhunni)
Elephantopus
scaber
L.
Asteraceae
Anachuvadi
Elettaria
cardamomum
(L.)
Maton
Zingiberaceae Elam
Emilia sonchifolia (L.) DC. Asteraceae
Muyalcheviyan
Erythrina variegata L. Fabaceae Murikku
Chromolaena odorata (L.) King & Robins.
Asteraceae Communist paccha
Ficus racemosa L. Moraceae Athi
Gloriosa superba L. Liliaceae Menthonni
Root paste mixed with root paste of Calotropis is applied externally for abortion.
Young fruits are used internally for abortion.
Leaf paste is used as poultice in leprosy and skin diseases. Bark decoction is used
for bath in leprosy and skin diseases.
A decoction made from roots and leaves is used in the treatment of asthma and
cough.
Root decoction is used for the treatment of cancer.
The plant extract mixed with rhizome paste of turmeric is given internally in
jaundice. Leaves are used internally for anaemia.
Root bark is given in powder form with milk or sugar for cough. Leaf juice given
with pepper and sugar helps in stomachache and flatulence.
Plant paste mixed with egg white is applied on the affected portion in the
treatment of fractures.
For rheumatism bath taken in water mixed with leaf decoction. Smoke obtained by
burning the root is inhaled against cough.
Root paste is applied on poison affected regions.
Leaves and fruits are taken in the treatment of jaundice. Paste of leaves and roots
is used externally in the treatment of leprosy and psoriasis.
Leaf juice is dropped into nose in the treatment of nasal congestion.
Fruit pulp is applied on abdomen in case of urinary diseases.
Rhizome paste is taken internally with milk in the treatment of leucorrhoea,
diabetes and tonsillitis.
Rhizome paste is used alone and along with other plant juices for ecchymosis,
poison, mumps and skin diseases.
Leaf paste is applied for dandruff. Rhizome is used for the preparation of oil for
toothache.
Root paste is applied for sprain. Oil prepared from leaves is used for toothache.
Leaf paste mixed with turmeric rhizome paste is applied in the case of
inflammation.
Leaf paste is applied externally in the case of inflammation.
Plant extract is used for the preparation of oil used in the treatment of dandruff.
Plant paste is applied on the chin in the case of toothache.
Plant extract is used in urinary problems like urine block. Root decoction is given
orally to children to cure amoebic dysentery and stomach pain.
Powdered seeds are used for various stomach problems and seeds are used in the
treatment of epilepsy also.
Plant paste with salt is applied both on inner side and outer side of the throat in the
treatment of tonsillitis.
Leaf decoction is used for the treatment of malaria.
Leaf juice is applied on wounds.
Bark is pasted for skin diseases and poison. Fruit juice is taken internally for urine
complaint.
Root paste is applied on the bitten spot in the case of scorpion bite.
Contd
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INDIAN J TRADITIONAL KNOWLEDGE, VOL 7, No. 4, OCTOBER 2008
Table 2 Medicinally important plants used by the Mullu kuruma tribe Contd
Plant name, Family Local name
Uses
Ganoderma lucidum (Curtis) P. Karst.
Ganodermaceae Plachanam
Glycosmis pentaphylla (Retz.) DC. Rutaceae
Panal
Grewia tiliifolia Vahl. Tiliaceae Chadachi
Gymnema sylvestre (Retz.) R. Br. ex Schult
Asclepiadaceae Chakkarakkoli
Helicteris isora L. Sterculiaceae Edampiri
valampiri
Heliotropium keralense Sivarajan & Manilal
Boraginaceae Thelkatta
Hemidesmus indicus (L.) R. Br. Periplocaceae
Naruneendi
Hemigraphis colorata (Blume) H.G.Hallier
Acanthaceae Murikoodi
Hibiscus
rosasinensis
L.
Malvaceae
Chemparuthi
Fruiting body is pasted on chin and neck in the treatment of mumps.
Holostemma adakodien Schult. Asclepiadaceae
Adapathiyan
Hydnocarpus pentandra (Buch.- Ham.) Oken
Almeida Flacourtiaceae Marotti
Hygrophila schulli (Buch.- Ham.) M.R. & S.M.
Almeida Acanthaceae Vayal chulli
Ichnocarpus
frutescens
(L.)
R..
Br.
Apocynaceae Parvalli
Indigofera tinctoria L. Fabaceae Neelamari
Ipomoea
marginata
(Desr.)
Verdc.
Convolvulaceae Thiruthali
Jatropha curcas L. Euphorbiaceae Kammatti
Jasminum grandiflorum L. Oleaceae Pichakam
Justicia gendarussa Burm. f. Acanthaceae
Vathamkolli
Kaempferia
galanga
L.
Zingiberaceae
Kacholam
Kyllinga nemoralis (J.R. & G. Frost.) Dandy ex
Hutch. Dalz. Cyperaceae Muthanga
Lawsonia inermis L. Lythraceae Mylanchi
Leucas aspera (Willd.) Spreng. Lamiaceae
Thumba
Lobelia nicotianifolia Roth ex Roem. &
Schultz. Lobeliaceae Kattupukayila
Luffa cylindrica (L.) Roem. Cucurbitaceae
Peechil
Mangifera indica L. Anacardiaceae Mavu
Maranta arundinacea L. Marantaceae Koova
Michelia
champaca
Chembakam
L.
Magnoliaceae
Leaf juice is used along with neem leaves externally in the treatment of chicken
pox.
Use of bark fibre for hair cleaning promotes hair growth.
Leaf paste is applied externally for wounds. Leaves are eaten for diabetes.
Dried fruit powder with fruit powder of Phyllanthus emblica is used internally in
the treatment of dysentery and cough.
Leaf paste is applied on bitten spot in the treatment of scorpion bite.
Root paste/root decoction is taken internally in the treatment of eczema,
leucorrhoea, diabetes and anaemia.
Leaf juice is applied on wounds.
Leaf juice is used as a poultice for hair growth. For many diseases (like bleeding,
leucorrhoea) plant decoction is used. Root/bark paste is applied in the case of
inflammations.
Root is used for the preparation of decoction recommended for body strength.
Oil obtained from seeds mixed with leaf juice of Calotropis is applied externally
for scabies and leprosy.
Root or leaf paste is applied for inflammation. Decoction is used for jaundice,
rheumatism and cough.
Root juice is used internally in the treatment of anaemia and kidney stone.
Root decoction is given internally in decoction for kidney stone. Leaf juice is used
for the preparation of oil for hair growth. Root juice or leaf juice is used internally
for snake poison, rat poison, etc.
Root decoction is taken internally for the treatment of leucorrhoea and urinary
infection.
Fresh the stem latex is applied on wounds, eczema and scabies. Young twigs are
used as tooth brush in toothache.
Leaves boiled in water is gargled for gingivitis. Leaf juice mixed with coconut
flower juice is dropped into nose for the treatment of nasal bleeding.
Bathing in water boiled with leaves is done in the treatment of rheumatism.
Rhizome paste is applied on forehead in the treatment of headache.
Rhizome paste mixed with milk is used internally for worm infection.
Leaf paste is applied for leprosy, burns and skin diseases. Leaf extract is used for
preparation of oil for hair growth and in the treatment of bronchitis.
Plant paste is applied on forehead for headache. Root decoction is used in
bronchial diseases. Whole plant paste mixed with milk is used internally for worm
diseases and poison.
Peeling of stem bark relieves toothache when placed on the aching spot. Leaf juice
is applied on feet to prevent tineapedis.
Leaf paste is used externally in the treatment of haemorrhoids and leprosy.
Root bark juice mixed with salt is used internally for bleeding. Leaf decoction is
used during bath for rheumatism. Seed powder mixed with milk is used internally
for dysentery.
Rhizome powder along with milk is used in the treatment of urinary complaints
and asthma.
Bark decoction is used in bath for the treatment of malaria.
Contd
SILJA et al.: ETHNOMEDICINAL PLANT KNOWLEDGE OF MULLU KURUMA TRIBE OF KERALA
609
Table 2 Medicinally important plants used by the Mullu kuruma tribe Contd
Plant name, Family Local name
Uses
Mimosa pudica L. Mimosaceae Thottavadi
Roots crushed with roots of Sida rhombifolia and leaves of Hibiscus rosa-sinensis
are boiled with coconut oil to treat psoriasis. Leaf juice is applied on wounds.
Plant juice mixed with coconut milk is used internally for asthma. Plant juice with
salt is applied externally in the case of inflammations.
Leaf juice is used internally for diabetes. Fruit used as vegetable is good for
anaemic patients. Leaf dried powder is used for leprosy and other skin diseases.
Young leaf paste with curd is used internally for stomachache. Leaf juice or bark
paste is used as a drink for constipation and piles. Cooked leaves are taken
internally in the case of anaemia. Young leaf paste with salt is applied for sprain.
Fruit pulp is used in the treatment of paronychia.
Momordica charantia L. Cucurbitaceae Paval
Moringa oleifera Lam. Moringaceae Muringa
Mukia maderaspatana (L.) M. Roem.
Cucurbitaceae Attanga
Murraya koenigii (L.) Spreng. Rutaceae
Kariveppu
Mussaenda frondosa L. Rubiaceae Vellila
Nelumbo nucifera Gaertn. Nelumbionaceae
Thamara
Ocimum tenuiflorum L. Lamiaceae Thulasi
Oxalis corniculata L. Oxalidaceae Pulyarila
Pandanus odoratissimus L. f. Pandanaceae
Kaitha
Phyllanthus amarus Schum. & Thonn.
Euphorbiaceae Keezharnelli
Phyllanthus emblica L. Euphorbiaceae Nelli
Physalis
angulata
L.
Solanaceae
Nhottanhodiyan
Piper nigrum L. Piperaceae Kurumulaku
Pongamia pinnata (L.) Pierre Fabaceae
Pongam
Psidium guajava L. Myrtaceae Pera
Pterospermum canescens Roxb. Sterculiaceae
Idinjil
Punica
granatum
L.
Punicaceae
Urumampazham
Rauvolfia serpentina (L.) Benth. ex Kurz
Apocynaceae Amalpori
Rhynchostylis retusa (L.) Blume Orchidaceae
Marathali
Ricinus communis L. Euphorbiaceae Avanakku
Rubia cordifolia L. Rubiaceae Manchatti
Ruta chalepensis L. Rutaceae Arutha
Santalum album L. Santalaceae Chandanam
Patients are made to smell the leaves in the case of epilepsy. Leaf paste mixed
with toddy is drunk for malaria. Leaf paste mixed in curd or water is drunk for
stomachache. Leaf juice is used for the preparation of oil for hair growth.
Leaf juice is used as poultice for dandruff. Leaf juice mixed with cumin seeds is
used for eye diseases.
Dried flower powder mixed with ghee is taken internally in the treatment of piles.
Leaves are boiled in water and the steam inhaled for cold, cough and fever. Oil
prepared with the leaves is used for ear pain. Leaf juice along with rhizome paste
of turmeric is used externally for skin diseases, mumps and poison. Leaf juice
mixed with leaf juice of Centella, rhizome of turmeric and seeds of pepper are
used internally for Lymphogranuloma venereum.
Leaf juice with curd is used as drink in the treatment of dysentery and diarrhoea.
Stem pieces are used as a support for bandage. Oil prepared from younger leaves
is smeared in the burned portion in the case of burns.
Plant extract with rhizome paste of turmeric is used internally for skin diseases
and jaundice. Leaf juice is used for anaemia and dandruff.
Leaf juice is used for stomachache. Root bark paste mixed with fruit powder of
Terminalia chebula is used internally for bleeding.
Leaf paste is applied at the inflated portion in case of inflammation.
Seeds and leaves are used as decoction in the treatment of cough, cold and
indigestion.
Oil extracted from the seeds is used for skin diseases. Seed powder is used
internally for piles.
Young leaf juice mixed with curd is used for diarrhoea. Fruits are good for
constipation. Young leaf juice with cumin seeds is used in food poisoning.
Leaf paste is applied on the affected portion in the treatment of fracture and
inflammation.
Fruit is good for anaemic patients. Fruit juice is used as a tonic in stomach
diseases. Dried fruit wall mixed with ghee is used internally for stomach diseases,
dysentery and worm infection.
Rhizome juice is used internally for high blood pressure and mental disorders.
Leaves are slowly heated and the juice is dropped into ears to cure ear pain.
Root paste is applied on the chin for toothache. Leaf juice mixed with seven
Cumin seeds is used internally for jaundice. Oil obtained from seeds is used for
constipation.
Root paste mixed with rhizome paste of turmeric is applied on the affected portion
in the treatment of skin diseases.
Leaf juice is used for small pox and worm infection. Leaves are used for smelling
in the case of epilepsy.
Stem paste is applied on the forehead for treating headache. Stem paste mixed
with rhizome paste of turmeric is applied on face to cure pimples.
Contd
INDIAN J TRADITIONAL KNOWLEDGE, VOL 7, No. 4, OCTOBER 2008
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Table 2 Medicinally important plants used by the Mullu kuruma tribe Contd
Plant name, Family Local name
Uses
Saraca
asoca
(Roxb.)
Caesalpiniaceae Asokam
de
Wilde
Chewing the flowers is recommended for bleeding. Root bark decoction is taken
internally in the case of irregular menstruation.
Schumannianthus virgatus
Marantaceae Kattukoova
(Roxb.)
Rolfe
Rhizome paste is applied for one/two weeks in the treatment of skin diseases.
Scoparia dulcis L. Scrophulariaceae Kallurukki
Plant extract is taken internally in the treatment of urinary diseases.
Sesamum indicum L. Pedaliaceae Ellu
Seeds are edible and good for piles and urinary complaints. Oil obtained from
seeds is used for burns and hair growth.
Sida acuta Burm. f. Malvaceae Kurumthotti
Plant decoction is taken internally for leucorrhoea. Leaf juice is used as a poultice
for dandruff. Root decoction is used for rheumatism, breathing problems and
cough.
Solanum violaceum Ortega Solanaceae Puthari
chunda
Root paste is applied for poison. Seeds are used for the preparation of oil used in
the case of cough and bronchial diseases.
Mill.
Solanum americanum
Kadumundanga
Solanaceae
Solanum virginianum Burm. f. Solanaceae
Kandakari chunda
Sphaeranthus
Adakkamanian
L.
indicus
Asteraceae
Leaves are used as vegetable for anaemia during pregnancy, tonsillitis, fungal
infection and to induce lactation in the case of first delivery. Fruits fried in ghee
are used for gingivitis.
Plant decoction is used along with powder of pepper in the treatment of cough.
Leaf juice mixed in water is used for bath in case of scabies.
Syzygium cumini (L.) Skeels Myrtaceae Njaval
Bark juice is used for dysentery. Fruit juice is good for leucorrhoea and diabetes.
Tabernaemontana divaricata (L.) R.Br. ex
Roem. & Schult. Apocynaceae Nanthyarvattam
Flower juice along with breast milk is used as eye drop in case of eye diseases.
Tamarindus
Valanpuli
L.
indica
Caesalpiniaceae
Tectona grandis L. f. Verbenaceae Thek
(Gaertn)
Terminalia
bellirica
Combretaceae Thanni
Thespesia populnea (L.)
Malvaceae Poovarasu
Sol.
Leaves are boiled in water and poured on the inflated portion in the case of
inflammations. Leaves are boiled in water and used to warm the infected body
parts in the case of rheumatism.
Tender leaves are used for the preparation of oil for burns. The coloured sap from
leaves is applied for eczema.
Roxb.
Tender leaf paste mixed with turmeric rhizome paste is used for allergy. Dried
fruit powder is taken along with fruit powder of Phyllanthus emblica and
Terminalia chebula for diabetes.
Corr.
Leaf decoction is used as a drink in case of abscess due to severe heat.
Tinospora cordifolia (Willd.) Hook. f. &
Thoms. Menispermaceae Amruth
For gonorrhoea and diabetes, whole plant decoction is taken internally.
L.
Tragia
involucrata
Kodithoova
ex
Euphorbiaceae
Root paste is taken internally in the treatment of piles.
Urena lobata ssp. Lobata L. Malvaceae
Oorakam
Root decoction is used for the treatment of fever and urinary diseases.
Vernonia anthelmintica (L.) Willd. Asteraceae
Kattujeerakam
Seed paste mixed with salt and hot water is taken internally in the case of
stomachache.
(L.)
Plant extract mixed with rhizome paste of turmeric is used for treating jaundice.
Leaf juice is dropped into eyes for curing eye diseases.
Vernonia cinerea
Poovamkurunthal
Vetiveria zizanioides
Ramacham
Less.
(L.)
Asteraceae
Nash
Poaceae
Vitex negundo L. Verbenaceae Karinochi
Wattakaka
volubilis
(L.)
Asclepiadaceae Kaimavalli
f.
Root decoction is used during bath in case of dandruff.
Leaf paste mixed with rhizome paste of turmeric is applied on the bitten spot in
case of snake bite. Leaves decoction is gargled for gingivitis.
Stapf.
Zingiber officinale Rosc. Zingiberaceae Inchi
Bark paste and mixed with hot milk is used internally for treating urinary troubles.
Rhizome juice alone or mixed with lemon juice and Kaempferia galanga rhizome
is taken for cold, gastroenteritis, indigestion and whooping cough.
SILJA et al.: ETHNOMEDICINAL PLANT KNOWLEDGE OF MULLU KURUMA TRIBE OF KERALA
611
Table 3 Plants used for different diseases by the Mullu kuruma tribe
Diseases
Plants used
Skin diseases
Acacia sinuata, Artemisia nilagirica, Bauhinia acuminata, Cassia fistula, Curcuma longa, Ficus racemosa,
Lawsonia inermis, Ocimum tenuiflorum, Phyllanthus amarus, Pongamia pinnata, Rubia cordifolia,
Schumannianthus virgatus, Tectona grandis, Sphaeranthus indicus
Abrus precatorius, Annona squamosa, Cynodon dactylon, Desmodium triflorum, Hibiscus rosasinensis,
Hygrophila schulli, Tamarindus indica, Aristolochia bracteolata, Pterospermum canescens, Physalis
angulata
Abrus precatorius, Calotropis gigantea, Carica papaya.
Acacia sinuata, Aloe vera, Cardiospermum halicacabum, Cyclea peltata, Eclipta prostrata, Mussaenda
frondosa, Phyllanthus amarus, Sida acuta,Vetiveria zizanioides
Acacia nilotica, Aegle marmelos, Kaloanchoe pinnata, Elephantopus scaber, Helicteres isora, Mangifera
indica, Oxalis corniculata, Punica granatum, Syzygium cumini, Psidium guajava
Achyranthes aspera, Amorphophallus paeonifolius, Moringa oleifera, Nelumbo nucifera, Pongamia pinnata,
Tragia involucrata
Acorus calamus, Asparagus racemosus, Bacopa monnieri, Caesalpinia mimosoides, Elettaria cardamomum,
Murraya koenigii, Ruta graveiolens
Adhatoda zeylanica, Artemisia nilagirica, Bacopa monneiri, Cassia occidentalis, Cinnamomum verum,
Plectranthus amboinicus, Hygrophila schulli, Helicteres isora, Lawsonia inermis, Leucas aspera, Maranta
arundinacea, Murraya koenigii, Ocimum tenuiflorum, Piper nigrum, Solanum violaceum, Solanum
virginianum, Terminalia bellirica, Zingiber officinale, Mimosa pudica, Sida acuta
Ageratum conyzoides, Boerhavia diffusa, Hemidesmus indicus, Ichnocarpus frutescens, Momordica
charantia, Moringa oleifera, Phyllanthus amarus, Punica granatum, Ocimum tenuiflorum, Phyllanthus
emblica.
Aegle marmelos, Ricinus communis, Moringa oleifera, Psidium guajava
Annona squamosa
Andrographis paniculata, Boerhavia diffusa, Centella asiatica, Coccinia grandis, Hygrophila auriculata,
Phyllanthus amarus, Ricinus communis, Vernonia cineria
Areca catechu, Aristolochia bracteolata, Lawsonia inermis, Pandanus odoratissimus, Sesamum indicum,
Tectona grandis
Asparagus racemosus, Curculigo orchioides, Hibiscus rosasinensis, Ipomoea marginata, Syzygium cumini,
Sida acuta
Cassia fistula, Coccinia grandis, Hydnocarpus pentandra, Luffa cylindrica, Momordica charantia, Lawsonia
inermis, Syzygium cumini
Calotropis gigantea, Biophytum sensitivum
Jatropha curcas, Mimosa pudica, Hemigraphis colorata, Chromolaena odorata, Gymnema sylvestre
Erythrina variegata, Michelia champaca, Murraya koenigii
Bauhinia acuminata, Cucumis sativus, Elephantopus scaber, Ficus racemosa, Ichnocarpus frutescens,
Indigofera tinctoria, Ipomoea marginata, Maranta arundinacea, Sesamum indicum, Urena lobata,
Wattakaka volubilis, Scoparia dulcis
Inflammation
Abortifacient
Dandruff
Dysentery
Piles
Epilepsy
Asthma, Cough and
Bronchial diseases
Anaemia
Constipation
Tuberculosis
Jaundice and Liver
diseases
Burns
Leucorrhoea
Leprosy
Migraine
Wounds
Malaria
Urinary
complaints/kidney
stone
Common health problems faced by them are
malnutrition, worm infections, skin diseases,
diarrhoea, jaundice and fever. Based on the
information available, an effort has been made to
study the ethnobotanically important plants used by
the Mullu kuruma tribe of Noolpuzha village
panchayat of Wayanad district of Kerala.
Methodology
The field work was conducted during April-June
2005 in Noolpuzha village panchayat based on a
formal interview schedule prepared for the purpose.
Out of the 60 Mullukuruma colonies in the area, 10
colonies were randomly selected for the study. Each
colony was visited 2-3 times and both men and
women of age varying between 20-80 yrs were
interviewed to get details of plants being used by
them for medicinal purposes. Details of the colonies
studied and medicinal plants being used by the
population have been presented (Tables 1-3).
Specimens were collected and identified for the
purpose and herbaria prepared.
Results and discussion
A total of 136 plants have been found to be used
for medicinal purposes by the Mullu kuruma tribe
(Tables 2 & 3). Different parts of plants like leaves,
roots, rhizome, inflorescence, fruits, seeds, etc. are
being used for different purposes. About 19 plants for
asthma and other bronchial diseases, 14 plants are
used by the tribe for skin diseases, about 13 plants for
urinary complaints and kidney stone, 11 plants for
612
INDIAN J TRADITIONAL KNOWLEDGE, VOL 7, No. 4, OCTOBER 2008
dysentery and for anaemia, 10 plants for treating
inflammation, 9 plants for dandruff, about 8 plants for
jaundice and liver diseases, 7 plants for epilepsy and
for leucorrhoea, 6 plants for piles, burns and leprosy,
about 5 for wounds, 4 plants for constipation, 3 plants
as abortifacient and for malaria, 2 for migraine and 1
plant for tuberculosis (Table 3). Ethnobotanical
investigations into the tribal communities of Kerala
have been made by earlier workers with different
perspectives. The traditional ethnomedical knowledge
of the physicians of Kerala has been documented in
Van Rheede's Hortus Malabaricus. An ethnobotanical
survey of Kannur district has revealed the use of 93
species of plants by the tribals of the district8. Use of
79 plant species for ethnobotanical purposes by the
tribals of Kerala and 41 plants belonging to 27
families being used by Kaadar tribe of Sholayar
forest of Kerala have also been documented9,10. The
study has revealed the utilization of 136 species of
plants in ethnomedicine by the Mullu kuruma tribe of
Wayanad district of Kerala. Further investigations
into the pharmacological importance of such plants
and their diversity and phytochemistry may add new
knowledge to the information in the traditional
medical and cultural systems of the Western Ghats
region of India.
References
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