Abstract

DOCUMENTATION OF TRADITIONAL KNOWLEDGE ON MEDICINAL PLANTS USED IN TREATING CANDIDIASIS IN HYDERABAD KARNATAKA REGION, INDIA

Rekha Sharanappa and Vidyasagar G.M.*

ABSTRACT

An etnobotanical survey was undertaken to collect the information from traditional healers on the use of medicinal plants in treating candidiasis in Hyderabad Karnataka region. The indigenous knowledge of local traditional healers and the native plants used for treating candidiasis were collected through questionnaire and personal interviews with the herbalist and local people in the local dialect or local language about local names of the plant species, plant parts used, ailments treated, formulations and dosage, method of preparation, mode of administration for 12 months. In the region, 55 plant species belonging to 53 genera and 35 families have been documented and scientifically validated for their therapeutic properties. Since the traditional healer usually resides in the same village or in an adjoining area, the patient is more comfortable in seeking them for treatment.The most frequent ailments reported were,White discharge and oral candidiasis. The medicines prepared were mainly taken orally, but some applications were prepared with a mixture of plants or ingredients. The present study reveals that the ethnopharmacological information reported forms a basis for further research to identify and isolate bioactive constituents that can be developed todrugs for the treatment of candidiasis.

Keywords: Traditional knowledge, Medicinal plants, Candidiasis, Hyderabad Karnataka, India.