Drynaria quercifolia - an antifertility agent

Area of Science:

• Ethnobotany
• Pharmacology
• Plant Science

Background:

• The Kadar community in Tamil Nadu's Anamalai Hills utilizes local flora for medicinal purposes.
• Traditional knowledge often holds keys to discovering novel therapeutic compounds.

Purpose of the Study:

• To document and investigate the antifertility properties of a specific fern species used by the Kadar people.
• To explore the ethnobotanical uses of plants within the Polypodiaceae family.

Main Methods:

• Ethnobotanical survey and documentation of plant usage among the Kadar tribe.
• Identification of the fern species belonging to the Polypodiaceae family.
• Preliminary assessment of the plant's antifertility properties based on traditional use.

Main Results:

• A fern from the Polypodiaceae family is identified as a traditional antifertility agent.
• The plant is specifically used by the Kadar community of the Anamalai Hills, Tamil Nadu.
• This ethnobotanical use highlights a potential source for natural reproductive health solutions.

Conclusions:

• The studied fern possesses ethnobotanical significance as an antifertility agent.
• This finding warrants further scientific investigation into its pharmacological properties.
• Ethnobotanical research can uncover valuable natural products for modern medicine.