• Dr. K. Sasidhar

India has great a great diversity in medical practices like Ayurveda, Siddha and Unani followed by indigenous people from the beginning of human evolution. Ethnobotany is the study comparison of the traditional medicine based on bioactive compounds in plants and animals and practiced by various ethnic groups like Chenchu, Yanadhi etc. However, there is a urgent need to understand ethnomedicinal plants used by tribal populations at global level. The present ethno botanical study represents the medicinal use of wild plants by the chenchu tribal people of the Yerragondapalem Mandal of Prakasam district, Andhra Pradesh, India. The aim of the study is to elucidate the medicinal plants used by the Chenchu Tribes of Prakasam District. A very few people are being practiced herbal therapy with the traditional knowledge which was inherited from their elders. The data on ethnobotanical and ethnomedicinal plant species were collected during 2018-2019 through regular field trips of 2-3 weeks duration to the tribal locations of Yerragondapalem. The standard ethnobotanical methods of Jain were followed for the data collection. First-hand information on tribal medicine was recorded and repeated inquiries were made to ascertain tribal knowledge, method of disease diagnosis and treatment. Data on plant local name, part of the plant used in the drug, method of administration and dosage along with precautions to be followed were also collected. The identification of plant species was made with the help of authentic published flora. The present study revealed that the Chenchu tribe people used nearly 81 plant species belonging to 44 families to treat various diseases like Jaundice, Leucoderma, Bronchitis, Scorpion bite, Skin disease, Cough, Pains, stomach ache, headache, etc. The plant parts like leaves, seed, stem, bark and other parts are used in the medicinal treatment.

Ethnobotany, Ethnomedicianal, Chenchu, Yerragondapalem.

"Studies on Medicinal Plants Used by the Chenchus of Yerragondapalem Mandal, Prakasam District, Andhra Pradesh, India.", International Journal of Emerging Technologies and Innovative Research (www.jetir.org), ISSN:2349-5162, Vol.9, Issue 8, page no.a209-a218, August-2022, Available :http://www.jetir.org/papers/JETIR2208029.pdf

"Studies on Medicinal Plants Used by the Chenchus of Yerragondapalem Mandal, Prakasam District, Andhra Pradesh, India.", International Journal of Emerging Technologies and Innovative Research (www.jetir.org | UGC and issn Approved), ISSN:2349-5162, Vol.9, Issue 8, page no. ppa209-a218, August-2022, Available at : http://www.jetir.org/papers/JETIR2208029.pdf