BIO-PROSPECTING AND DOCUMENTATION OF TRADITIONAL MEDICINAL PLANTS USED TO TREAT SELECTED SKIN DISEASESBY ETHNIC GROUPS OF KURNOOL DISTRICT, ANDHRA PRADESH, INDIA

摘要

WHO Promoting the herbal drugs because of its therapeutic potentials. The present paper aimed to document the wealth of medicinal plant species used by ethnic groups of Kurnool District to curing scabies, leucoderma, boils and cuts skin diseases. It was found that all plant parts and their extracts used to treat scabies, leucoderma, boils and cuts skin diseases skin disease. The information of plants used to treat these skin diseases from tribal people was collected and plant species were identified with the help of the floristic treatises and date was documented. The documented information was cross checked with Ayurvedic physicians. The results revealed that 21 plants species are using by people belonging to four ethnic groups. Among these 8 plant species used by ethnic groups to treat scabies, leucoderma, boils and cuts skin diseases are also prescribed by Ayurvedic physicians. Nationally four Ayurvedic companies are preparing 21 types of drugs and releasing in the market. Remaining 13 plant species should be explored for the safety of herbal preparation to cure scabies, leucoderma, boils and cuts skin diseases. These plants represent a major source for the pharmaceutical industries in a view of their raw material. The information will draw the attention of pharmacologists and phytochemists for further critical investigations.