Author(s):

TP Bharath Kumar, MT Lakshminarayan and AT Krishnamurthy

Abstract: The present study was carried out in Khozikhode and Thiruvananthapuram Forest Circles of Kerala state to know the extraction of medical plants by tribals. A pre-tested interview schedule was used to collect data from tribals extracting medicinal plants from forests. The tribals extract medicinal plants in the notified forest areas which are specified by the Kerala Forest Department. <em>Phyllanthus emblica</em> (berry), <em>Sida hombifolia</em> (root), <em>Desmodium triquetrum</em> (root), <em>Terminalia chebula</em> (nuts/fruits), <em>Cocuma aromatica</em> (rhizome), <em>Asparagus racemosa</em> (tuber), <em>Alpinia galanga</em> (tuber) and <em>Symplocos cochinesis</em> (bark) are the important medicinal and minor forest products extracted by the respondents in the study areas. Except <em>Symplocos cochinesis</em> (bark), which is extracted by tribals throughout the year, all the other medical plants including minor forest products were extracted depending upon the season. The extracted medicinal plants and minor forest products by the tribals are marketed to the SC/ST Federation. Further, the SC/ST Federation sells the medicinal plants to pharmaceutical companies, wholesalers and retailers. The major constraints faced by the tribals in the extraction of medicinal plants from the forest areas include: (a) scattered distribution and seasonal availability of medicinal plants, (b) attack by wild animals, (c) perishable nature of medicinal plants, and (d) lack of training on sustainable extraction of medicinal plants.

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