Traditional Use of Plants against Snakebite in Sugali tribes of Yerramalais of Kurnool district, Andhra Pradesh, India

ABSTRACT

Objective: To conduct ethnobotanical survey in Yerramalais forest among Sugali tribes and collect information on medicinal plants to used to in the treatment of snake bite. Snakebite has been a major cause of mortality of tribals and their livestock. Methods: The study was conducted during 2009-2011 visiting regularly Sugali Thandas and Lobais. Following the method of Jain and Goel. First hand information on their traditional medicine was recorded, repeated enquiries were made to understand their knowledge, methods of diagnosis and treatment. Data were collected on the specific part of the plants used collection, method of usage of the drug and dosage of the drug ,dosage of administration. Results: The paper provides information about Ehanobatanical and Scientific evidences of 23 medicinal plants which are used by sugalis as antidote for snake bite. Conclusion: Traditional medicine remains an integral part of the health system in this area Antidote medicinal plants play an important role in health and livelihood of Sugali Tribal people.