Table 2.

Medicinal plants treated in traditional healers of rural community in Vedaranyam (Taluk) to treat gynaecological disorders.

No.	Botanical name, family & voucher no.	Vernacular name	Life form	Parts used	IP	Illness treated with no. of IR in each illness	Total no. of UR	RFC	CI Value	Use Value	Preparations	Solvents used for administration	Reported Literatures
1.	Abrus precatorius L. (Fabaceae) PHC-1305	Kundumani ()	Climber	Seed	50	Painful bleeding (IR:36)	36	0.416	0.720	0.300	Powder	Mixed with Hot water, then taken orally during pain.	34
2.	Abutilon indicum, G. Don. (Malvaceae) PHC-1321	Thuththi ()	Herb	Seed	80	Amenorrhoea: Absence of menstrual period during the reproduction days (IR:67)	67	0.666	0.837	0.558	Powder	Dried seed powder mixed with ordinary water, then taken orally on every morning for 3 days.	Not reported
3.	Acacia farnesiana L. (Mimosaceae) PHC-1340	Kasthurivel ()	Tree	Bark	94	Leucorrhoea: White discharge from the reproductive organ (IR:87) Menorrhagia: Excessive level of blood flow with long days (IR:47)	134	0.783	1.425	1.116	Powder	Mixed with Hot water then taken orally	34
4.	Achyranthes aspera L. (Amaranthaceae) PHC-1354	Nayuruvi ()	Herb	Root Leaves	92	Easy delivery: Less pain delivery during delivery time (IR:92) Amenorrhoea: Absence of menstrual period (IR:91) Dysmenorrhoea: Painful menstruation (IR:63)	246	0.766	2.673	2.050	Powder Decoction Decoction	Mixed with water, then taken orally before delivery. Dried leaves boiled with water, then filter the decoction and taken orally on early morning for 3 days. Same as above preparation method. But, it is taken during suffer from the painful menstruation	37
5.	Aloe vera L. (Liliaceae) PHC-1311	Kaththalai ()	Herb	Leaves	83	Uterine disorders: Irregular periods and excessive pain during menstrual periods (IR:73) To control over bleeding of blood after delivery- (IR:53)	126	0.691	1.518	1.050	Juice Juice	Mixed with 12 h rice soaked water, then taken orally on 3–5 days in the early morning. Taken fresh juice at the time of bleedings	38 39
6.	Adathoda vasica. Nees. (Acanthaceae) PHC-1360	Aadathodai ()	Shrub	Root	103	Easy delivery: Less pain delivery during childbirth (IR:81)	81	0.858	0.786	0.675	Decoction	Dried leaves boiled with water, then filter the decoction and taken orally	23
7.	Annona squamosa L. (Annonaceae) PHC-1353	Seettha ()	Tree	Root	64	Abortion: Avoid unnecessary pregnancy without any effects (IR:36)	36	0.533	0.562	0.300	Powder	Mixed with water, then taken orally during pregnancy	34
8.	Aristolochia indica L. (Aristolochiaceae) PHC-1366	Eeswaramuli ()	Climber	Root Root	89	Menstrual disorders: Irregular menstrual periods (IR:83) Over bleeding: Excessive flow of blood during menstrual periods (IR:49)	132	0.741	1.483	1.100	Powder Decoction	Mixed with ordinary water, then taken orally in the daily early morning 5–7 days Dried root boiled with water, then filter the decoction and taken orally	34
9.	Asparagus racemosus Wild. (Asparagaceae) PHC-1330	Ammalkodi ()	Climber	Tuber Root Stem	112	Lactation: To increase breast milk secretion during the deficiency of milk on the time of feeding to the child (IR:72) Uterine disorders: To Cure hormone imbalanced irregular menstrual disorders (IR:42) Excess Bleeding: To control excessive flow of blood during menstrual periods (IR:103)	217	0.933	1.937	1.808	Powder Paste Decoction	Mixed with honey in paste formation, then taken orally for 5–7 days. Dried leaves boiled with water, then filter the decoction and mixed ghee. Later, this product taken orally for 28 days daily. Dried leaves boiled with water, then filter the decoction and taken orally.	34
10.	Azadirachta indica A.Juss., (Meliaceae) PHC-1306	Vaembu ()	Tree	Fruit Bark		To control irregular menstrual cycle- (IR:117) Leucorrhoea: Due to the estrogen imbalance the reproductive organ is produced thick white and yellowish discharge (IR: 67)	184	0.991	1.546	0.975	Paste Decoction	Powdered fruit mixed with water, then stirred well until change paste and taken orally Dried bark is boiled in water until extract decoction well, then the honey mixed with decoction and drink daily morning 28 days	34 38
11.	Benincasa cerifera, L. (Cucurbitaceae) PHC-1341	Poosani ()	Climber	Fruit	77	Vulvodynia: To control the vulval burning region and soreness (IR: 59)	59	0.641	0.766	0.491	Juice	Fruit juice is mixed with honey, then drink daily morning	Not Reported
12.	Borassus flabellifer L. (Arecaceae) PHC-1322	Nungu ()	Tree	Male Inflorescence Root	106	Contraceptive: To avoid the unnecessary pregnancy (IR:102) To excessive or prolonged menstrual cycle-(IR:117)	219	0.883	2.066	1.825	Powder Paste	Fine powdered flower mixed with milk, then drink empty stomach Fresh root grinds paste form, then taken orally	34
13.	Boerhavia diffusa. L (Nyctaginaceae) PHC-1320	Mookarattai ()	Shrub	Whole plant Root	58	Leucorrhoea: White discharge from the female reproductive organs (IR:52) To hasten the delivery -(IR:18)	70	0.483	1.206	0.583	Decoction Paste	Dried leaves boiled with water, then filter the decoction for a drink during reproductive problem Fresh root grinds to paste, then eaten	34
14.	Calotropis gigantea (L.) R. Br. ex Schult (Apocynaceae) PHC-1312	Erukku ()	Shrub	Root Latex	75	To avoid Irregular menstruation (IR:72) To induce uterine contraction during child birth (IR:43)	115	0.625	1.533	0.958	Decoction Raw	Dried root is boiled well until to extract the decoction, then taken orally Latex mixed with coconut oil, then apply topically	34
15.	Cardiospermum halicacabum. L. (Sapindaceae) PHC-1331	Mudakkatthaan ()	Climber	Leaves	64	To avoid high risk delivery pain (IR:63)	63	0.533	0.984	0.525	Decoction	Dried bark is boiled in water until extract decoction well, then drink	23
16.	Catharanthus roseus (L.) G.Don. (Apocynaceae) PHC-1323	Nithyakalyani ()	Herb	Leaves	99	Leucorrhoea: White discharge from the female reproductive organs (IR:81) Menorrhagia: Excessive level of blood flow with long days (IR:92)	173	0.825	1.747	1.441	Juice	Fresh leaves crushed until extracts juice, then mixed with honey and drink	34
17.	Ceiba pentandra (L.). Gaertn. (Malvaceae) PHC-1355	Ilavam panju ()	Tree	Root	63	Gonorrheoa: Control the painful urination and white discharge (IR:61)	61	0.525	0.968	0.508	Paste	Fresh root grinds paste and add sugar, then taken orally	34
18.	Centella asiatica (L,) Urban. (Apiaceae) PHC-1361	Vallarai ()	Shrub	Leaves	77	Irregular menstrual cycle (IR:74)	74	0.641	0.961	0.641	Juice	Hand amount of leaves grinds well and mixed water until change like juice, then drink	34
19.	Cissus quadrangularis L. (Vitaceae) PHC-1309	Pirandai ()	Climber	Stem	78	Irregular menstruation (IR:76)	76	0.650	0.974	0.633	Juice	Fresh stem juice drinks daily 7–12 days morning empty stomach	34
20.	Cleome viscosa. L. (Capparidaceae) PHC-1351	Naaivaelai ()	Herb	Leaves	54	To control over bleeding during menstrual period (IR:49)	49	0.450	0.907	0.408	Paste	Hand amount of leaves grinds to make a paste and taken orally	23
21.	Clitoria ternatea L. (Fabaceae) PHC-1342	Sangupushpam ()	Climber	Root	97	Leucorrhoea: White discharge from the female reproductive organs (IR:93) Urinal disorder: Iincrease the urination (IR:73)	166	0.808	1.711	1.383	Paste	4-5 healthy fresh leaves crushed and taken juice orally	34
22.	Coccinia indica. L. (voigt) (Cucurbitaceae) PHC-1313	Kovai ()	Climber	Leaves	88	Urinary obstruction (IR: 85)	85	0.733	0.966	0.708	Juice	Enough amount of leaves grinds to paste, then taken orally	23
23.	Commelina bengalensis, L. (Commelinaceae) PHC-1339	Kana vaalai ()	Herb	Leaves	27	Control the painful urination and white discharge (IR:23)	23	0.225	0.851	0.191	Paste	7-8 dried leaves taken into the pot and burned, then respiratory through nasal	23
24.	Convolvulus gemellus. L. (Convolvulaceae) PHC-1324	Thaalikkeerai ()	Climber	Leaves	39	Lactation: To increase breast milk secretion during the deficiency of milk on the time of feeding to the child (IR: 37) Urinary tract infection (IR:68)	105	0.325	1.179	0.875	Fumes Paste	Hand amount of seed cotyledons juice with milk combination taken orally Fresh leaves grinds paste, then taken orally	23
25.	Cucurbita maxima, L. (Cucurbitaceae) PHC-1310	Parangi ()	Climber	Seed	27	Overactive bladder during the pregnancy period (IR:23)	23	0.225	0.851	0.191	Juice	Dried stem powder mixed with honey before treatment, then taken orally	23
26.	Cyclea peltata. Arn. ex wight (Menispermaceae) PHC-1307	Seenthilkodi ()	Herb	Stem	77	Lactation: To increase breast milk secretion during the deficiency of milk at the time of feeding to the child (IR:67)	67	0.641	0.870	0.558	Powder	Hand amount of fresh leaves grinds with water and making juice, then taken orally	23
27.	Cynodon dactylon, Pers., (Poaceae) PHC-1332	Arugam pull ()	Herb	Leaves	56	Irregular menstrual cycle (IR:114)	114	0.466	2.035	0.950	Juice	Dried 70gm of fruit powder mixed with honey, then taken orally	38
28.	Curculigo orchioides S. Gaerth (Amaryllidaceae) PHC-1365	Nilapanai ()	Herb	Tuber	93	Promoting sexual desire (IR:81)	81	0.775	0.870	1.033	Powder	50gm of healthy fresh fruit taken orally	37
29.	Emblica officinalis Gaertn.(T) (Phyllanthaceae) PHC-1343	Nelli ()	Tree	Fruit	76	Gonorrhea: Control the painful urination and white discharge (IR:75)	75	0.633	0.986	0.625	Raw	70gm of dried leaf powder mixed with Ghee, then taken orally	34
30.	Euphorbia heterophylla, L. (Euphorbiaceae) PHC-1356	Paal perukki ()	Herb	Leaves	86	Lactation: To increase breast milk secretion during the deficiency of milk on the time of feeding to the child (IR:81)	81	0.716	0.941	0.675	Paste	75gm of dried powder is boiled with water until the extraction of decoction. Then the decoction mixed with Cow milk and taken orally	23
31.	Euphorbia hirta L. (Euphorbiaceae) PHC-1350	Chithrapaladai ()	Herb	Leaves	44	Lactation: To increase breast milk secretion during the deficiency of milk on the time of feeding to the child (IR:32)	32	0.366	0.727	0.266	Decoction	4-5 healthy, fresh leaves crushed and collected the juice, then drink	40
32.	Feronia elephantum, Corr. (Rutaceae) PHC-1325	Vilaa ()	Tree	Latex	72	Menorrhargia: Excessive level of blood flow with long days and Leucorrhoea: White discharge from the female reproductive organs (IR:71)	71	0.600	0.986	0.591	Powder	Latex mixed honey, then drink Latex mixed honey, then drink	34
33.	Ficus benghalensis L. (Moraceae) PHC-1338	Aalam ()	Tree	Stem Bark Seed	53	Leucorrhoea: White discharge from the female reproductive organs (IR:50) Menorrhagia: Excessive level of blood flow with long days (IR:49) Lactation: To increase breast milk secretion during the deficiency of milk at the time of feeding to the child (IR:23)	122	0.441	2.301	1.016	Paste Decoction Paste	50gm of dried stem bark grinds to fine powder and make a paste with honey, then taken orally 70gm of dried bark is mixed with honey, then taken Orally Dried seeds grind to a fine powder then mixed with milk and drink	34
34.	Ficus racemosa L. (Moraceae) PHC-1333	Aththi ()	Tree	Bark Fruit	78	Contraceptive: To avoid the unnecessary pregnancy (IR:72) Gonorrhea: Control the painful urination and white discharge (IR:42)	114	0.650	1.461	0.950	Juice Raw	Fresh bark juice taken orally Fresh fruit eaten daily morning and evening	37
35.	Ficus religiosa L. (Moraceae) PHC-1308	Arasam ()	Tree	Bark	51	To induce sterility in women (IR:27) Gonorrhea: Control the painful urination and white discharge (IR:50)	77	0.425	1.509	0.641	Paste Decoction	Fresh bark grinds paste and taken orally Dried bark boiled in water, then taken orally	34
36.	Glinus latoides, Roefl. (Aizoaceae) PHC-1344	Siruseruppadai ()	Herb	Root	65	Gonorrhoea: Control the painful urination and white discharge (IR:64)	64	0.541	0.984	0.533	Powder	Dried root powder mixed with honey and taken orally	23
37.	Hemidesmus indicus R.Br. (Asclepiadaceae) PHC-1362	Nannari ()	Climber	Root	29	Lactation: To increase breast milk secretion during the deficiency of milk on the time of feeding to the child (NI:23) Leucorrhoea: White and yellowish discharge from the female reproductive organs (NI:17)	40	0.241	1.379	0.333	Paste Powder	Dried root powder mixed with ghee, then stirred until change paste and eaten Dried root powder mixed with water and drink	37 34
38.	Hibiscus rosa-sinensis L. (Malvaceae) PHC-1301	Sembaruththi ()	Shrub	Bark Flower Root	67	Abortion (NI:49) Amenorrhea: The absence of menstrual period (IR:63) Over bleeding during menstrual period (IR:39)	151	0.558	2.253	1.258	Paste Paste Powder	Bark grinds to paste and eaten 6-8 fresh leaves grinds to paste and eaten daily morning Dried root powder mixed with honey and stirred well until change paste, then taken orally	34
39.	Ixora coccinea L. (Rubiaceae) PHC-1326	Idly poo ()	Shrub	Flower	29	Leucorrhoea: White and yellowish discharge from the female reproductive organs (IR:27)	27	0.241	0.931	0.225	Decoction	Dried flower boiled with water, then drink	41
40.	Jasminum angustifolium (L.) Willd (Combretaceae) PHC-1314	Kaattu malli ()	Climber	Flower	94	Clot of breast milk-Avoid the lactation production of breast (IR:93)	93	0.783	0.989	0.775	Paste	Fresh flower knot 6 h in topically in the breast region
41.	Lawsonia inermis, L. (Lythraceae) PHC-1334	Maruthaani ()	Shrub	Leaves	48	Gonorrhoea: Control the painful urination and white discharge (IR:46)	46	0.400	0.958	0.383	Paste	Dried leaves powdered and mixed milk for making paste, then eaten	23
42.	Leucus aspera Link. (H) (Lamiaceae) PHC-1318	Thumbai ()	Herb	Leaves Flower	93	Dysmenorrhoea: painful periods (IR:86) Menstrual disorders: Excessive and irregular bleeding on menstrual time (IR:92)	178	0.775	1.913	1.483	Juice Decoction	Fresh leaves crushed and extracted juice mixed honey, then drink Dried flower boiled in water until extraction well, then drink	34
43.	Lippia nodiflora. Mich. (Verbenaceae) PHC-1357	Poduthalai ()	Shrub	Leaves	46	Gonorrhea: Control the painful urination and white discharge (IR:42)	72	0.383	1.565	0.350	Paste	Dried flowers grinds and mixed ghee, then eaten	23
44.	Madhuca longifoila (L.) JFMacbr. (Sapotaceae) PHC-1345	Iluppai ()	Tree	Leaves	36	Lactation: To increase breast milk secretion during the deficiency of milk at the time of breastfeeding to the child (IR:30)	30	0.300	0.833	0.250	Paste	Fresh leaves grinds to paste, then apply topically in breast the region with coconut oil	Not Reported
45.	Mangifera indica L. (Anacardiaceae) PHC- 1302	Maa ()	Tree	Bark Seed	63	To stop bleeding from uterus (IR:46) Leucorrhoea: White and yellowish discharge from the female reproductive organs (IR:52)	98	0.525	1.555	0.816	Decoction Powder	Dried bark boiled in water until to extract well, then drink Seed powder mixed with ghee, then eaten	34
46.	Marsilea minuta L. (Marsileaceae) PHC-1349	Aarakkerai ()	Herb	Leaves	83	Decrease breast milk (IR:82)	82	0.691	0.987	0.683	Paste	Fresh leaves grinds to paste and mixed ghee, then eaten	23
47.	Mimosa pudica L. (Mimosaceae) PHC-1327	Thottal sinungi $($$)$	Herb	Root Leaves	61	Vaginitis (IR:58) Prevent the excessive menstrual bleeding (IR:45)	103	0.508	1.688	0.858	Paste Juice	Fresh root grinds to well and mixed Ghee, then eaten Fresh leaves crushed until get juice. Thereafter mixed milk with juice, then drink	34
48.	Momordica charantia L. (Cucurbitaceae) PHC-1335	Pakarkaai ()	Climber	Leaves	61	Lactation: To increase breast milk secretion during the deficiency of milk at the time of breastfeeding to the child (IR:56)	56	0.508	0.918	0.466	Paste	Fresh leaves grinds to paste and mixed coconut oil, then apply topically in the region of the breast	Suresh et al., 2013
49.	Moringa oleifera Lam. (Moringaceae) PHC-1315	Murungai ()	Tree	Root Bark Leaves Leaves	95	Treat some sexually transmitted diseases by the pathogenic microorganism (IR:73) Irregular menstrual period and painful bleeding (IR:78) Contraceptive: To avoid the unnecessary pregnancy (IR:73) Lactation: To increase breast milk secretion during the deficiency of milk at the time of breastfeeding to the child (IR:83)	307	0.791	3.231	2.558	Powder Powder Paste Fumes	Dried root powder mixed with warm milk, then drink Dried bark mixed with honey, then taken orally Fresh leaves fry with Ghee, then taken orally Dried leaves burned with the inside of the pot, then respiratory the fumes
50.	Musa paradisiaca L. (Musaceae) PHC-1359	Vaazhai ()	Tree	Stem	52	Menorrhagia: Excessive level of blood flow with long days (IR:46)	46	0.433	0.884	0.383	Juice	Stem juice is taken orally in empty stomach	38
51.	Nelumbium speciosum, wild (Nymphaeaceae) PHC-1358	Thamarai ()	Aquatic Herb	Seed	64	Leucorrhoea: White and yellowish discharge from the female reproductive organs (IR:62)	62	0.533	0.968	0.516	Powder	Dried fruit powder mixed with honey and taken orally in empty stomach at morning	Not reported
52.	Ocimum basilicum, L. (Lamiaceae) PHC-1346	Thiruneetru pachilai $($$)$	Herb	Seed	89	Gonorrhea: Control the painful urination and white discharge (IR:82)	82	0.741	0.921	0.683	Paste	Seed powder is mixed with water and stirred well until change paste, then taken orally	23
53.	Ocimum canum Sims. (Lamiaceae) PHC-1319	Naathulasi ()	Herb	Leaves	57	Gonorrhoea: Control the painful urination and white discharge (IR:53)	53	0.475	0.929	0.441	Paste	Dried leaves mixed with Ghee, then taken orally	23
54.	Odina wodifer Roxb. FL (Anacardiaceae) PHC-1348	Odhiyam ()	Tree	Leaves	64	Menstrual disorders: Irregular period and excess bleeding with pain (IR:62)	62	0.533	0.968	0.516	Paste	3-4 leaves pinched and grind with Milk in paste, then taken orally	Not reported
55.	Pedalium murex L. (Pedaliaceae) PHC-1303	Perunerunchil ()	Herb	Seed Leaves	31	Amenorrhea: The absence of menstrual period (IR: 12) Dysmenorrhoea: Painful menstruation (IR:3)	15	0.258	0.483	0.125	Powder Juice	Seed powder is mixed with honey and taken orally in early morning daily Small amount of leaves, making juice mixed with water and taken orally
56.	Physalis minima L. (Solanaceae) PHC-1363	Sodakku thakkali $($$)$	Herb	Leaves	36	Lactation: To increase breast milk secretion during the deficiency of milk at the time of breastfeeding to the child (IR:7)	7	0.300	0.194	0.058	Decoction	Hand amount of dried leaves, making a decoction with water, then taken orally	Not Reported
57.	Saraca asoca (Roxb.) Wilde (Fabaceae) PHC-1328	Asokam ()	Tree	Bark Root	85	Leucorrhoea: White and yellowish discharge from the female reproductive organs (IR:52) Menstrual disorder: Avoid the irregular menstruation (IR:83)	135	0.708	1.588	1.125	Powder Decoction	Dried bark powder mixed with Water and then taken orally Boiled root juice taken orally in every morning	34 37
58.	Ricinus communis L. (Euphorbiaceae) PHC-1316	Aamanakku ()	Herb	Leaves	44	Menstrual problem: To promote menstruation (IR:43)	43	0.366	0.977	0.358	Juice	1-2 leaves juice taken orally in every morning daily	34
59.	Rosa damescena, L. (Rosaceae) PHC-1336	Roja ()	Herb	Flower Seed	65	Excess blood bleeding during menstrual periods (IR:62) Blood bleeding between menstrual time and bleeding after sex (IR:42)	104	0.541	1.600	0.866	Decoction Powder	Dried flower boiled with water, then taken orally Seed powder mixed with Honey, then taken orally	23
60.	Sesbania grandiflora (L.) Poiret (Fabaceae) PHC-1364	Agaththi ()	Tree	Flower	18	To treat scanty menstruation (IR:12)	12	0.150	0.666	0.100	Paste	Dried flower is making on paste with Water, then taken orally	34
61.	Sida acuta Burm. F (Malvaceae) PHC-1352	Arivaalmanaipoondu $($$)$	Herb	Root	20	Leucorrhoea: White and yellowish discharge from the female reproductive organs (IR:52) (IR:13)	13	0.166	0.650	0.108	Powder	Dried root grinds fine, then taken orally with water	34
62.	Smilax zeylanica, L. (Liliaceae) PHC-1347	Kaattukkodi ()	Climber	Root Leaves	93	Leucorrhoea: White and yellowish discharge from the female reproductive organs (IR:52) Weakness during Monthly discharge (IR:92) Gonorrhoea: Control the painful urination and white discharge (IR:78)	262	0.775	2.183	2.183	Decoction Powder Juice	Boiled root decoction taken orally Dried leaves powder mixed with Honey, then taken orally 4–5 fresh leaves crushed and taken juice to drink orally	37
63.	Tamarindus indica,L. (Caesalpiniaceae) PHC-1317	Puliyam ()	Tree	Fruit	34	Contraceptive: To avoid the unnecessary pregnancy (IR:23)	23	0.283	0.676	0.191	Raw	Fresh fruit taken orally	34
64.	Tephrosia purpurea Pers. (Fabaceae) PHC-1329	Kattukkolinchi $($$)$	Herb	Root	69	Dysmenorrhoea: Painful menstruation during the menstrual periods (IR:67)	67	0.575	0.971	0.558	Powder	Dried root powdered mixed with Honey, then taken orally
65.	Terminalia arjuna W. & A. (Combretaceae) PHC-1337	Marutham ()	Tree	Bark	53	Leucorrhoea: White and yellowish discharge from the female reproductive organs and taken excessive bleeding during menstrual period (IR:42)	42	0.441	0.792	0.350	Paste	Dried bark powder stirred with water until change paste, then taken orally	34
66.	Tribulus terrestris. L. (Zygophyllaceae) PHC-1304	Nerinchil ()	Herb	Root	113	Treat some sexually transmitted diseases by the pathogenic microorganism (IR:92)	92	0.941	0.814	0.766	Juice	Fresh leaves grinds well and make juice, then drink	22

IP = informant participants, IR = informant response, UR = use-reports, RFC = relative frequency citation & CI = cultural index.