Ethnomedicinal applications of Pterospermum rubiginosum B. Heyne ex Wight & Arn. by the tribal healers of Kerala

Pterospermum rubiginosum, or Ellotti, belonging to the family Malvaceae, is an evergreen perennial tree endemic to the Western Ghats region of India. The Kurichiyas of Wayanad revere the tree, which can be found in the courtyard of "Kurichiya Tharavad" alongside many scared plants. Some of the tribes in Kerala, like the Kurichiya, Paniya, Kattunaika, and Adiyan tribes of Wayanad, the Malampandaram tribes of Achankovil forests, the Kani tribes of Kottoor reserve forest, and the Irular tribe of the Attappady area, use the powdered bark of the tree to mend broken bones, heal wounds, and cure sprains, inflammations, and pain. The dried bark of the tree is powdered and made into a paste with water, sesamum oil, or pork fat, and is used alone or in combination with other drugs to treat fractures, injuries, and inflammations. Many tribal healers registered under KIRTADS in Kozhikode specialise in fracture treatment and recommend treatment of 3, 7, 11, or 15 days depending on the severity of the fracture and inflammation around the affected area. Ellotti is believed to be a body rejuvenator, a cure for diabetes and an ingredient in "Karkidaka kanji". Each tribe practises a unique treatment procedure and drug combination that is a secret passed on from one tribal healer to his successor in the tribe. If the veracity of their claim is proven scientifically, new drug formulations and food additives without any side effects can be formulated by providing legal assurance to tribal healers and the livelihood of the tribes.