Medicinal plants for skin problems in Coimbatore district

Glossary definitions and references:

Scientific and Ayurvedic Glossary list for “Medicinal plants for skin problems in Coimbatore district”. This list explains important keywords that occur in this article and links it to the glossary for a better understanding of that concept in the context of Ayurveda and other topics.

1) Inflammation:
Inflammation is a biological response to harmful stimuli such as pathogens or damaged cells. Several plants listed, such as Acacia catechu and Sida cordifolia, are noted for their anti-inflammatory properties, which help manage skin ailments by reducing swelling and redness.

2) Drug:
A drug is a substance used to diagnose, treat, or prevent disease. The article discusses the need for new antifungal drugs and highlights various plants like Curcuma longa and Gloriosa superba that show potential as sources for new medicinal compounds.

3) Medicine:
Medicine involves the practice of diagnosing, treating, and preventing diseases. The document references traditional medicinal practices in Coimbatore, leveraging local plants like Azadirachta indica and Glycyrrhiza glabra for their therapeutic benefits against skin diseases.

4) Swelling:
Swelling is a common symptom of inflammation or injury, often characterized by an increase in tissue size. Plants like Datura metel and Albizia lebbeck are detailed in the article as being traditionally used to reduce swellings associated with skin conditions.

5) Worm:
Worm refers to parasitic worms that can cause infections such as ringworm. The text mentions Piper longum and Cynodon dactylon, which are used for their properties in treating fungal and parasitic worm infections in skin conditions.

6) Abrus precatorius:
Abrus precatorius is a plant belonging to the Fabaceae family. It is used specifically for treating conditions like scabies and leucoderma, as recorded by the different tribal communities in various hilly regions of Coimbatore.

7) Gloriosa superba:
Gloriosa superba, from the Liliaceae family, is utilized for its properties in treating leprosy, skin infections, and piles. Various parts of this plant, especially the root, are used in traditional medicine documented in the Coimbatore district.

8) Toxicity:
Toxicity refers to the degree to which a substance can cause harm to living organisms. The search for new medicinal compounds from plants is driven by the need to find effective treatments with lower toxicity compared to current drugs like amphotericin-B.

9) Katalati (Kaṭalāṭi, Kaṭalaṭi):
Kadaladi is a Tamil name referenced in the text for plants like Achyranthes aspera, which are used for wound healing. Traditional knowledge highlights its use in treating skin conditions.

10) Botany:
Botany is the scientific study of plants. The review discusses the ethnobotanical practices in Coimbatore, citing various plants like Sida cordifolia and their uses in treating skin disorders.

11) Water:
Access to water is a significant factor in skin health. Poor water quality and limited access can exacerbate skin diseases, as noted in the document discussing the socio-economic and environmental factors contributing to the prevalence of skin conditions.

12) Cita:
Sida refers to a genus of plants known for their medicinal uses. Specifically, Sida cordifolia is mentioned in the text for its application in treating inflammation and skin eruptions.

13) Glycyrrhiza glabra:
Glycyrrhiza glabra, commonly known as licorice, is a plant used for its therapeutic properties in treating skin diseases. The text notes its application in traditional medicine in Coimbatore.

14) Azadirachta indica:
Azadirachta indica, also known as neem, is widely utilized for its antiseptic and anti-inflammatory properties. It is used to treat various skin ailments like eczema and has a prominent role in traditional medicine in Coimbatore.

15) Cyperus rotundus:
Cyperus rotundus, from the Cyperaceae family, is used particularly for treating skin conditions like scabies. It is one of the plants documented in the ethnobotanical studies of the Coimbatore region.

16) Argyreia nervosa:
Argyreia nervosa is a plant whose leaves are used traditionally for the treatment of wounds and other skin diseases. It is one of the medicinal plants listed for the Marudhamalai hills region.

17) Cynodon dactylon:
Cynodon dactylon, commonly known as Bermuda grass, has multiple dermatological uses, including the treatment of piles, cuts, wounds, and skin diseases. Its effectiveness is highlighted in traditional practices in Coimbatore.

18) Mangifera indica:
Mangifera indica, or mango, is utilized for its leaves and stem bark in treating heel cracks and other skin issues. It is one of the plants mentioned in the traditional medicine practices of the Palamalai hills.

19) Acacia catechu:
Acacia catechu, a plant from the Mimosaceae family, has heartwood that is used for its anti-inflammatory properties. Its application in treating skin diseases is noted in traditional medicine in the Ayyasamy hills.

20) Curcuma longa:
Curcuma longa, known as turmeric, is recognized for its efficacy in treating pimples and skin diseases. It is touted for its antiseptic properties and is widely used in traditional medicine practices in Coimbatore.

21) Piper longum:
Piper longum, commonly known as long pepper, is used in traditional medicine for treating skin diseases, leucoderma, and ringworm. Its fruits possess properties beneficial for skin health.

22) Tribulus terrestris:
Tribulus terrestris, from the Zygophyllaceae family, is traditionally used to treat wounds. Its roots have medicinal properties that are applied in various dermatological treatments documented in Coimbatore.

23) Tamarindus indica:
Tamarindus indica, known as tamarind, is used in traditional medicine for its bark, which aids in wound healing and treating various skin problems. Its use is highlighted in ethnobotanical studies in Coimbatore.

24) Embelia ribes:
Embelia ribes, from the Myrsinaceae family, has seeds and fruits used for treating skin diseases, ringworms, and leprosy. This plant is a part of the traditional medicine inventory in Coimbatore.

25) Saraca asoca:
Saraca asoca, or the Ashoka tree, has stem and bark used for treating piles and other skin diseases. Its medicinal properties are documented in the traditional medicinal practices in Coimbatore.

26) Ashvagandha (Ashva-gandha, Aśvagandhā, Ashvagamdha):
Ashvagandha, also known as Withania somnifera, is noted for its roots, which are used to treat leucoderma, scabies, and ringworms. This plant is part of the traditional medicinal treatments highlighted for Coimbatore.

27) Knowledge:
Knowledge in the context of the document refers to the traditional and scientific understanding of medicinal plants and their uses. Ethnobotanical knowledge plays a crucial role in identifying plants like Azadirachta indica for treating skin conditions.

28) Kasturi (Kastūrī, Kastūri):
Kasthuri refers to Curcuma zerumbet, a plant used in traditional medicine for treating cuts, wounds, and skin diseases. Its medicinal properties make it a key component in the traditional therapeutic practices of Coimbatore.

29) Nymphaea:
Nymphaea, particularly Nymphaea nouchali, is used for its flowers to treat skin diseases, scabies, and wounds. Its application in traditional medicine is documented in the ethnobotanical studies of Coimbatore.

30) Pippali (Pippalī, Pīppalī, Pippalin):
Pippali, or Piper longum, is recognized for its medicinal use in treating skin diseases and leucoderma. Its fruits have properties that make it valuable in traditional dermatological treatments in Coimbatore.

31) Nannari (Nannāri, Naṉṉāri):
Nannari refers to Hemidesmus indicus, known for its root, which is used in treating skin diseases. It is part of the traditional medicinal practices documented in the ethnobotanical studies of Coimbatore.

32) Hygiene (Hygienic):
Hygiene refers to practices that maintain health and prevent disease, especially through cleanliness. Poor hygiene is noted as a significant factor contributing to the prevalence of skin diseases in developing regions like Coimbatore.

33) Itching:
Itching is a common symptom of many skin conditions. Plants like Toddalia asiatica and Mimosa pudica are used to treat itching and other skin-related issues, as documented in the traditional medicinal practices in Coimbatore.

34) Science (Scientific):
Science in this context refers to the systematic study of medicinal plants and their properties. Ethnobotany, the science of traditional plant uses, helps in identifying plants like Sida cordifolia for their medicinal benefits against skin diseases.

35) Pashani (Pāṣānī, Pasanī, Pasānī):
Pasaani refers to Gymnema sylvestre, known in Tamil. Its leaves are used in traditional medicine to treat wounds and piles, highlighting its contribution to dermatological treatments in Coimbatore.

36) Camara (Cāmara, Camará):
Camara refers to Lantana camara, a plant whose leaves are used for treating cuts and wounds. Its inclusion in the ethnobotanical studies highlights its traditional use in skin treatments in Coimbatore.

37) Milagu:
Milagu refers to Piper nigrum or black pepper, used traditionally for treating piles and skin diseases. It is documented as part of the medicinal plants in Coimbatore with significant dermatological applications.

38) Tutti (Tuṭṭī, Tūṭṭi):
Thuthi refers to Abutilon indicum, a plant whose leaves are used to treat inflammation, piles, and skin eruptions. It is part of the medicinal plant inventory used for traditional skin treatments in Coimbatore.

39) Palai (Pālai, Paḻai, Paḷai, Pāḷai):
Paalai refers to Wrightia tinctoria, known for its latex and leaves used in treating blisters and skin diseases. Its traditional use is noted in the ethnobotanical studies of the Velliangiri hills in Coimbatore.

40) Amara (Amarā, Amāra):
Amara refers to Albizia amara, a plant whose leaves are used traditionally for treating dandruff and fungal infections. Its application highlights the ethnomedical knowledge of skin treatments in Coimbatore.

41) Veppu:
Veppu refers to Azadirachta indica or neem, widely used in traditional medicine for its antiseptic and therapeutic properties in treating various skin diseases. Its significance is well-documented in Coimbatore's ethnobotanical practices.