DPJ 1

Journal of Ethnobiology and
Ethnomedicine
BioMed Central
Open Access
Research
Animals and their products utilized as medicines by the inhabitants

surrounding the Ranthambhore National Park, India
Madan Mohan Mahawar*1 and DP Jaroli2
Address: 1Department of Zoology, Government Post Graduate College, Sawai Madhopur, Rajasthan, India and 2Department of Zoology,
University of Rajasthan, Jaipur, Rajasthan, India
Email: Madan Mohan Mahawar* - madanmohanmahawar@yahoo.co.in; DP Jaroli - jaroli28@uniraj.ernet.in
* Corresponding author
Published: 03 November 2006

Journal of Ethnobiology and Ethnomedicine 2006, 2:46
doi:10.1186/1746-4269-2-46
Received: 28 July 2006

Accepted: 03 November 2006
This article is available from: http://www.ethnobiomed.com/content/2/1/46

2006 Mahawar and Jaroli; licensee BioMed Central Ltd.
This is an Open Access article distributed under the terms of the Creative Commons Attribution License (http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/2.0),
which permits unrestricted use, distribution, and reproduction in any medium, provided the original work is properly cited.
Abstract
The present ethnozoological study describes the traditional knowledge related to the use of
different animals and animal-derived products as medicines by the inhabitants of villages
surrounding the Ranthambhore National Park of India (Bawaria, Mogya, Meena), which is well
known for its very rich biodiversity. The field survey was conducted from May to July 2005 by
performing interviews through structured questionnaires with 24 informants (16 men and 8
women), who provided information regarding therapeutic uses of animals. A total of 15 animals and
animal products were recorded and they are used for different ethnomedical purposes, including
tuberculosis, asthma, paralysis, jaundice, earache, constipation, weakness, snake poisoning. The
zootherapeutic knowledge was mostly based on domestic animals, but some protected species like
the collared dove (Streptopelia sp.), hard shelled turtle (Kachuga tentoria), sambhar (Cervus unicolor)
were also mentioned as important medicinal resources. We would suggest that this kind of
neglected traditional knowledge should be included into the strategies of conservation and
management of faunistic resources in the investigated area.
Background
The healing of human ailments by using therapeutics
based on medicines obtained from animals or ultimately
derived from them is known as zootherapy [1]. As
Marques states, "all human culture which presents a structured medical system will utilize animals as medicines"
[2]. The use of animals for medicinal purposes is part of a
body of traditional knowledge which is increasingly
becoming more relevant to discussions on conservation
biology, public health policies, sustainable management
of natural resources, biological prospection, and patents
[3]. Research interest and activities in the areas of ethnobiology and ethnomedicine have increased tremendously
in the last decade. Since the inception of the disciplines,
scientific research in ethnobiology and ethnomedicine
has made important contributions to understanding traditional subsistence and medical knowledge and practice
[4]. But in India the traditional knowledge system is fast
eroding due to urbanization. So there is an urgent need to
inventorise and record all ethnobiological information
among the different ethnic communities before the traditional cultures are completely lost [5]. A lot of work has
been done in the Ranthambhore National Park on the
medicinal plants & plant products and documented too,
but there is a definite scarcity of such knowledge when it
comes to animal products. Thus there is an urgent need to
make such study in the field of zootherapy and document
it, so that it can be put to the welfare of human kind.
Therefore keeping this aspect in view, we have undertaken
this study.
Page 1 of 5
(page number not for citation purposes)
Study area
The Ranthambhore National Park (250 54' N 260 12' N
and 760 22' E 760 39' E) at the junction of the Aravalis
and the Vindhyas (mountain ranges) is a unique juxtaposition of natural richness, standing out conspicuously in
the vast, arid and denuded tract of eastern Rajasthan,
barely 14 kilometer from the town, Sawai Madhopur.
Being a typical representative of dry-deciduous dhok (Anogeissus pendula) forest, the vegetation of Ranthambhore is
considered as i) Tropical Dry Deciduous Forest and ii) Tropical Thorn Forest [6]. The climate is dry-subtropical with
four distinct seasons: summer (March to June), followed
by monsoon (July-August), post-monsoon (SeptemberOctober) and winter (November-February). Average
annual rainfall of about 800 mm is received mostly during
July-September. From socio-cultural point of view, the
region exhibits a great ethnic and cultural diversity. The
present study was mainly conducted in the villages surrounding Ranthambhore national park, Rajasthan (figure
1). Most of the information was collected from Mogya and
Bawaria people, which are living around the national
park.
http://www.ethnobiomed.com/content/2/1/46
Methodology
Data were obtained through field survey conducted from
May to July 2005 by performing interview through structured questionnaire with 24 selected people (Informants),
to collect information about traditional knowledge
regarding use of animals and their products. These
informants were local herbalists, healers, farmers, and
midwives. The Informants are between 4074 age groups.
The selection of Informants was based on their recognition
as experts and knowledgeable members concerning folk
medicine. We ask the informants whether they use animals in the healing practices. Then we ask that which animal remedies have been prescribes for which ailment. We
also ask the modes of preparation of remedies and how
the medicines are administered, since this kind of information indicates how a given medicine can be therapeutically efficient in terms of the right ingredients, the proper
dose, and the right length of preparation. According to
them, their knowledge of folk medicine was acquired
mainly through parental heritage, or because they have
experience about medicinal value of animals to heal their
kin or themselves. The interviews were recorded and documented. All the animal species were identified by using
relevant and standard literature.
Result and discussion

The present study describes the traditional knowledge of
treating various kinds of disease using different animals
and their product by inhabitants (Bawaria, Mogya, Meena
etc) of villages surrounding the Ranthambhore National
Park of India. The information of all local names of the
animal, part or product used to cure and methods of preparation were provided by the Informants. In this study, we
enlisted 15 animal species, which are being used for 20
medicinal purposes. These animals are used as whole or
body part or byproduct like milk, blood, organ, skeleton
etc. for the treatment of different kind of ailments including tuberculosis, asthma, paralysis, jaundice, earache,
constipation, weakness, snake poison etc. (see table 1).
Figure
Map
of the
1 study area
Map of the study areaxsxs.
Since ancient times animals, their parts, and their products have constituted part of the inventory of medicinal
substances used in various cultures. This phenomenon is
marked by both a broad geographical distribution and
very deep historical origins [7]. In Pakistan, 31 substances
were listed (animal parts and products), constituting 9%
of all the medicinal substances in the inventory of traditional medicines [8]. Costa-Neto describes the use of 180
animal species as medicinal resources in the state of
Bahia, Northeastern Brazil [9]. A survey of traditional
materia medica in use in the markets of Israel recorded 20
substances of animal origin [25]. In the states of Maranho and Paraba (Northeast Brazil) a survey carried out
and recorded 100 animal species was used as medicine
[26]. Examination and research show that these sub-
Page 2 of 5
Table 1: List of animals and their parts use for therapeutic purpose in the studied area.
English Name
Scientific Name
Local Name
Part used
No. of Informants
reporting the use
1. Indian ass
Equs hemionus
Gadha
Dung
2. Cow
Bos indicus
Gai
Urine
18
Urine
Dung + Milk
2
20
Ghee
Method of preparation and

medicinal use
Related earlier reported use in

India [Ref.]
Dung kept in water and after one

day filtered water is given to cure
jaundice.
Weakness due to fever is cure by
drinking urine.
Given to cure cancer.
Muscle pain can relieve by smear of
dung and milk mixture.
250 gm Ghee + 100 gm Black
pepper mixture given orally to
neutralize snake poison.
Used as eardrop for curing earache.
3. Dog
Canis familiaris
Kukaro
Urine
22
4. Goat
Capra indicus
Bakri
Urine
Urine of goat administered orally

to cure tuberculosis.
Milk
22
Mouth ulcer is treated by direct

spray of milk from breast of goat to
tongue of a patient.
Human urine is used as antiseptic
for wound healing.
Peacock's leg is rubbed with water
and this essenced water is used in
ear infections
5. Human
Homo sapiens
Manakh
Urine
24
6. Indian Peafowl
Pavo cristatus
Mor
Leg
7. Pig
Sus scrofa
Soor
Fat
12
Fat of pig is use as massage cream

in muscular pain.
8. Sambhar
Cervus unicolor
Sambhar
Antler
9. Sheep
Capra sp.
Menda
Milk
23
10. House sparrow
Passer domesticus
Cheedi
Fecal
20
Antler is rubbed with water this

paste is applied in eye ailments.
Used as massage cream in muscular
pain.
Fecal matter is applied in the anus
of baby to treat constipation.
11. Pigeon
Columba livia
Kabutar
Fresh blood
14
12. Collared dove
Streptopelia sp.
Kamedii
Flesh
13. Hardshelled Turtle.
Kachuga tentoria
Kachhua
Carapace
14. Honey bee
Apis indica
Mokh
Honey
21
15. Bivalves
Mactra sp.
Seepi
Shell
stances are similar to those used as remedies throughout

human history, irrespective of geographical borders [7].
In India, nearly 1520 percent of the Ayurvedic medicine
is based on animal-derived substances. There are references to nearly 380 types of animal substances in Charaka
Samhita [10]. The Hindu religion has used five products
(milk, urine, dung, curd and ghee) of the cow for purification since ancient times [27]. Besides immense knowledge has come down to modern times through folklore as
various practices became a part of tradition amongst various groups in India (see table 2). Different animals used
by the Naga tribe of Nagaland [11], Ao tribe of Nagaland[12], Irular, Kurimba of Tamilnadu[13], Chakhesang
tribe of Nagaland[14], Kachch (Gujrat)[15], Kanikar, Pal-
The fresh blood is massaged

externally to treat paralysis.
To attain early puberty girls eat
flesh of collared dove.
Ash of carapace is used in lung
diseases as cough, asthma, T. B. etc.
Used as eye drops to cure eye
disease.
Shell of sepia is rubbed with
clarified butter (ghee) and red lead
(sindoor) to apply on acne to cure.
The Dried dung is burnt and ash is

applied to treat utricaria in
Kachchh [15].
Also reported by Naga tribe of

Nagaland [11].
Reported by Ao [12] and Naga [11]
tribe for asthma, T.B., paralysis, and
by Tamilnadu tribe for insect bite
[13].

Nagaland [11].
Nagaland [11], Bhil of Rajasthan
[19]. Legs boil with oil in kachchh
[15] and Maharastra [17] for similar
purpose.
Also reported by Ao tribe of
Nagaland [12], but fat of pig used
for Hemorrhoids in Tamilnadu
[13].
Also reported in Kachchh of Gujrat
[15].
Ash of excreta is used for

treatment of asthma in children is
reported in Kchchh [15].
Same use reported in Kachchh [15]
and Tamilnadu [13].
Ash of Lissemys punctatus' Carapace

is used for healing of internal
injuries, pruritis and cough
(Kachchh) [15].
Honey is used for cough and could.
(Tamilnadu tribes) [13] [16].
iyar of Taminadu[16], Bhil, Gamit, Kokna etc of Maharastra[17], Assam[18], Bhil of Rajasthan[19], Dibrugarh
(Assam) [20]etc. has some or the other relevance with the
animals that are found to be use by the Mogya, Bawaria,
Meena etc. residing in this part of India.
The use of urine drop of Canis familiaris against earache
has been also reported amongst the Naga tribe of Nagaland [11]. The urine of Capra indicus has been also
reported by Ao and Naga tribes for asthma, T.B., paralysis,
[11,12] but the milk of this animal is use for mouth ulcer
has never been reported earlier. Pavo cristatus' legs uses for
ear infection are also similar in Naga tribe of Nagaland
and Bhil of Rajasthan, [11,19] but Legs are boil with oil in
kachchh and Maharastra for similar purpose [15,17]. Ao
Page 3 of 5
Table 2: Ethnomedicinal uses of animals reported from different parts of India.
Tribes/Ethnic Groups/Region/Indigenous people
Number of animals Reported
Assam
Sporadic study in India
Chakhesang of Nagaland
Bhil of Rajasthan
Bhil, Gamit, Kokna etc of Maharastra
Chhattisgarh
Chhattisgarh
Bhopalpatnam (chhattisgarh)
Kachch (Gujrat)
Irular, Kurimba of Tamilnadu
Kanikar, Paliyar of Taminadu
Naga tribe of Nagaland
Dibrugarh (Assam)
Ao tribe of Nagaland
Mogya, Meena, Bawaria of Rajasthan
tribe of Nagaland [12] also reports the fat of Sus scrofa in

muscular pain, but in Tamilnadu this is used for Hemorrhoids [13]. The use of antler of cervus unicolor for eye ailments and the fresh blood of columba livia for paralysis has
been also reported in the Kachchh region of Gujarat [15].
The use of fecal matter of Passer domesticus to treat baby
constipation, but ash of excreta is used for treatment of
asthma in children is reported in Kachchh[15]. The flesh
of Streptopelia sp. to attain early puberty and dung of Equs
hemionus to cure jaundice has never been reported earlier
in India. Ash of Kachuga tentoria' carapace is used in lung
diseases as cough, asthma, T. B. etc. but Lissemys punctatus'
Carapace is used for healing of internal injuries, prurities
and cough in Kachchh region [15].
Noteworthy is the observation that mostly animal
byproducts are used in traditional health care systems
without any loss to animal. The therapeutic information's
is mostly based on domestic animals, but some protected
5
20
23
17
15
10
7
3
34
26
11
26
4
25
15
Authors
Dutta A (1996)
Gosh A K, Maiti P K (1996)
Kakati and Doulo (2000)
Sharma S K (2002)
Patil S H (2003)
Oudhia P (2003)
Oudhia P (2003)
Oudhia P (2003)
Gupta Leena et al (2003)
Solvan A et al (2004)
Ranjit Singh ASA (2004)
Jamir N S et al (2005)
Dilip Kalita (2005)
Kakati L N et al (2006)
Mahawar, Jaroli (Present study)
Ref. No.
[18]
[24]
[14]
[19]
[17]
[23]
[21]
[22]
[15]
[13]
[16]
[11]
[20]
12]
species like the collared dove (Streptopelia sp) (figure 2),

hard shelled turtle (Kachuga tentoria), sambhar (Cervus
unicolor) are also included as important medicinal
resources in this studied area. Kakati and Doulo enlisted
six species as rare among twenty three species among Chakhesang tribe of Nagaland[14]. Inadequate knowledge
and myths associated with the therapeutics like children
are made to wear beer's claw around their neck as it is suppose to protect them from evil forces, similarly animals
like sheep and goat are sacrifice to cause healing as this act
is believe to please local gods. However such acts have
cause harm to animal life. Thus there is a need to shift the
focus from how to obtain the greatest amount of zootherapeutical resources to how to ensure future uses. There is
also a need for a transdisciplinary approach to integrate
the various aspects of zootherapy in such a way that
frameworks or methods to amalgamate ecological and
social components of that practice can be increasingly
tested [3]. So the traditional knowledge should be
included into the strategies of conservation and management of faunistic resources [26]. Further studies are
required not only to confirm the presence of bioactive
compounds in these traditional remedies, but also to
emphasize more sustainable use of these resources.
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Page 5 of 5

Ethnomedicine
BioMed Central
Open Access
Research
Traditional knowledge on zootherapeutic uses by the Saharia tribe

of Rajasthan, India
Published: 5 June 2007

doi:10.1186/1746-4269-3-25
Received: 22 January 2007

Accepted: 5 June 2007

Abstract
The present zootherapeutic study describes the traditional knowledge related to the use of
different animals and animal-derived products as medicines by the Saharia tribe reside in the
Shahabad and Kishanganj Panchayat Samiti's of Baran district of Rajasthan, India. A field survey was
conducted from April to June 2006 by performing interview through structured questionnaire with
21 selected respondents, who provided information regarding use of animals and their products in
folk medicine. A total of 15 animal species were recorded and they are used for different
ethnomedical purposes, including cough, asthma, tuberculosis, paralysis, earache, herpes, weakness,
muscular pain etc. The zootherapeutic knowledge was mostly based on domestic animals, but some
protected species like the peacock (Pavo cristatus,), hard shelled turtle (Kachuga tentoria), sambhar
(Cervus unicolor) were also mentioned as medicinal resources. We would suggest that this kind of
neglected traditional knowledge should be included into the strategies of conservation and
management of faunistic resources. Further studies are required for experimental validation to
confirm the presence of bioactive compounds in these traditional remedies and also to emphasize
more sustainable use of these resources.
Background
Zootherapy and its importance
The healing of human ailments by using therapeutics
based on medicines obtained from animals or ultimately
derived from them is known as zootherapy [1]. In modern
society, zootherapy constitutes an important alternative
among many other known therapies practiced worldwide
[2]. Research interest and activities in the areas of ethnobiology and ethnomedicine have increased tremendously
in the last decade. Since the inception of the disciplines,
scientific research in ethnobiology and ethnomedicine
has made important contributions to understanding traditional subsistence and medical knowledge and practice
[3]. Since ancient time animals, their parts and their prod-
ucts have constituted part of the inventory of medicinal

substances used in various cultures. This phenomenon is
marked by both a broad geographical distribution and
very deep historical origins [4]. In Pakistan 31 substances
of all the medicinal substances in the inventory of traditional medicines [5]. A survey of traditional materia medica in use in the markets of Israel recorded 20 substances
of animal origin [6]. Alves and Rosa carried out a survey
in fishing communities located in the North and Northeastern regions of Brazil and recorded 138 animal species
was used as medicine [7]. Costa Neto describes the use of
180 animal species as medicinal resources in the state of
Bahia, Northeastern Brazil [8]. In a review Alves and Rosa
Page 1 of 6
discusses ecological, cultural (traditional knowledge),

economical, and sanitary aspects of zootherapy and
describes many reasons to why studies on the use of animals, integrally or in parts, as medicines and their implications should be carried out and recorded [2].
In India, since times immemorial, great work was done in
this field and documented in works like Ayurveda and
charaka Samhita. Additionally immense knowledge has
come down to modern times through folklore as various
practices became a part of tradition amongst various
groups. We can find that in our rural people still use various animal products and by-products for cure of various
diseases. For example, honey is used as expectorant, cattle
urine has been used as a therapeutic. All this knowledge
has once again come to the limelight, as there has been a
sort of disillusionment with the current allopathic cure, as
it has got its own side effect and in fact has no cure for various diseases. Therefore people are looking for traditional
remedies for the treatment of ailments. But in India this
traditional knowledge is fast eroding due to modernization. Thus there is an urgent need to inventorise and
record all ethnobiological information among the different ethnic communities before the traditional cultures are
completely lost [9]. The studies on the therapeutic uses of
animals and their body parts have been neglected, when
compared to plants [10]. This paper deals with the
zootherapeutic aspects of the Saharia tribe of Rajasthan,
India to narrow the gap of our knowledge in this field.
Traditional zootherapeutic uses in India
In India, nearly 1520 percent of the Ayurvedic medicine
is based on animal-derived substances [11]. The Hindu
religion has used five products (milk, urine, dung, curd
and ghee) of the cow for purification since ancient times
[12]. Different ethnic groups use animal-derived substances for healing human ailments in present times in
India. Ghosh and Maiti identified 20 species of mammals
have been proved as vital sources of tribal medicine [13].
Dutta et al studied use of certain animals and their product in medical treatment by tribal people in Assam. [14].
S.K. Sharma describes use of birds and animals to cure ailments of human beings and domestic cattle by Bhil tribe
of Rajasthan. [15]. Jamir and Lal describe the traditional
method of treating various kinds of ailments using twenty
six animal species and their products by different Naga
tribes [16]. Patil found that the tribals of Nandurbar district (Maharashtra) have been use wild animal parts as
medicines along with plants. This study assesses 15 species of animals used by the tribals like Bhils, Gamits, Koknas and Pawaras as medicine [17]. Ranjit Singh et al
describe the Ethno-entomological practices in Tirunelveli
district, Tamil Nadu. In this investigation, 11 species of
insects used to prepare traditional medicine [18]. Banerjee
et al describe that Honey, as a product from bees, has mul-
tiple properties, and is being therapeutically used since

time immemorial. It's antibacterial, anti-inflammatory
and wound healing properties are promising [19]. Gupta
et al describe the traditional knowledge of local communities in district Kachchh and listed about 34 animals and
bird species, which are used in primary health care of
human beings and livestock [20]. Kalita et al study the
plant and animal based folk medicine used by people of
Dibrugarh district, Assam for treatment of eleven different
diseases. In this study, information on utility of 19 plant
species and 4 animal species is collected [21]. Solavan A et
al carried out a study among nine tribes spread over four
districts of Tamil Nadu, India and identified the traditional therapeutic uses of sixteen different animal's species, consisting of mammals (6), birds (5), reptiles (2),
arthropods (2) and annelid (1), for the treatment of over
17 kinds of ailments [10]. Mahawar and Jaroli carried out
a study among the inhabitants, whose are living surrounding the Ranthambhore National Park, India and identified
a total of 15 animals were used comprising 20 therapeutic
purposes [22]. The Chakhesang tribe of Nagaland also
uses twelve mammals, one bird, one reptile, two amphibians, one fish, one mollusk, one annelid and four arthropods for treatment of various ailments [23]. Kakati and
Doulo studied Ao tribe of Nagaland and identified twenty
five different vertebrate species for traditional therapeutic
use, of which, some have become rare [24].
Saharia tribe and study area
Sahariya, the only primitive tribe of the Rajasthan state,
resides in the Shahabad and Kishanganj Panchayat Samiti's
of Baran district (2425' to 2525' North latitudes, 7612'
to 7726' east longitudes and 262 mts. Altitude) (Figure
1). The total population of Saharia is 79,312 with sex ratio
of 951 females per 1000 males. A majority (93%) of the
Saharia population inhabits of Kishanganj and Shahbad.
The major occupation of the head of the households is
either agricultural or other labour (82%), followed by cultivation (14.3%), service (1.6%) and business (1.3%)
[25]. Ox, Cow, Buffalo, Sheep, Goat are major domesticated animals used in agriculture by them. They are nonvegetarians and eat the flesh of goat, sheep and birds.
Nearly half of the households were living at a distance of
> 10 km from primary health center for allopathic treatment [25]. The district has a dry climate except in the
monsoon seasons and average rainfall is 854.5 mm. The
forest covers an area of 2.15 lacs hectare of the district. The
main wild animals found in this area are Panther, spotted
deer, Wild Bear, Chinkara, Sambhar, Langoor, Jackal etc.
Birds found in the district are Bulbul, Sparrow, Peacock,
Saras, and Partridges etc. Among the poisonous snakes
Cobra and Viper are common. The Sahariya people maintained ecological equilibrium with their environment for
ages, despite low level of technology. Sahariya live in
infrastructural weak and remote areas, not well connected
Page 2 of 6
through road/bridge network even now. Lack of exposure

to modern life and historic exploitation by landlords who
paid them fewer wage, has left Sahariyas economically
weak tribe. Trivedi has provided detailed information
regarding the use of medicinal plants by this tribe in a
major research project on ethnomedicinal plants of Rajasthan state [26]. However animals and minerals which are
being put to therapeutic use in this tribe are yet to be highlighted. So we have taken up the zootherapeutic aspects of
Saharia tribe in this paper.
Methodology
A field survey was conducted from April to June 2006 by
performing interview through structured questionnaire
with 21 selected respondents (17 men and 4 women), to
collect information about traditional knowledge regarding use of animals and their products in folk medicine
(Figure 2, 3). These respondents were local herbalists,
healers, farmers, and midwives and between 3064 age
groups. The selection of respondents was based on their
recognition as knowledgeable members concerning folk
medicine. Prior consent was taken from the respondents
for recording of the information. We ask the respondents
whether they know the use of animals in the healing practices. Mostly they have knowledge on plant based medicine but they also know some use of animals in
therapeutics. We questioned them about the animal remedies and which of them is prescribed for which ailment.
We also ask the modes of preparation of remedies and
how the medicines are administered, since this kind of
information indicates how a given medicine can be therapeutically efficient in terms of the right ingredients and
the proper dose. According to them, their knowledge of

folk medicine was acquired mainly through parental heritage, or because they have experience about medicinal
value of animals to heal their kin or themselves. The scientific name and species of animals were identified by
using relevant and standard literature [27,28].
For the data analysis, fidelity level (FL) calculated that
demonstrates the percentage of respondents claiming the
use of a certain animal for the same major purpose, was
calculated for the most frequently reported diseases or ailments as:
FL (%) = Np 100/N
Where Np is the number of respondents that claim a use
of a species to treat a particular disease, and N is the
number of respondents that use the animals as a medicine
to treat any given disease [29].
Result and discussion

Data obtained from field surveys are summarized in Table
1. The respondents have been provided all the information
regarding local name of the animal, part or product used
to cure which ailment and method of preparation. In this
study, we identified 15 animal species, which are being
used for 19 medicinal purposes. These animals are used as
whole or body part or byproduct like milk, blood, organ,
flesh, antler, feather etc. for the treatment of different kind
of human ailments including cough, asthma, tuberculosis, paralysis, earache, herpes, weakness, muscular pain etc
[Table 1].
Fidelity level (FL) demonstrates the percentage of
respondents claiming the use of a certain animal for the
Figure
Map
of study
1
area
Map of study area.
Figure
A
Saharia
2 man
A Saharia man.
Page 3 of 6
of Nagaland and Rajasthan [15,16,22,24] but Legs are

boil with oil in Maharastra and kachchh for similar purpose [17,20]. Fresh blood of Columba livia is used for
paralysis is also reported by other groups of Rajasthan
[15,22] Kachchh [20] and Tamilnadu [10]. Antler of Cervus unicolor used for eye ailments in Rajasthan [22] and
Kachchh region [20]. The Capra sp. milk is used for muscular pain is also reported for same purpose by Mogya,
Bawaria and Meena of Rajasthan [22].
Figure
Local
vendors
3
selling medicines at a fair
Local vendors selling medicines at a fair.
same major purpose. The uses of animals that are commonly known by the respondents have higher fidelity
level than less common known. The soup of Capra' legs
bone used to cure weakness has the highest FL (100%)
and semen of Equus sp. has the lowest (9%). Obviously,
the remedies for frequently reported aliments have the
highest FL value and those with low number of reports
have lowest FL values.
The relevance of highlighting the use of a number of animal-based drugs to treat various diseases by different ethnic communities of India has been established by
previous authors, in different landscapes. Gupta Leena et
al inventoried 34 animal species used as remedies in the
kachchh of Gujarat [20], Solvan A et al reported the use of
26 animal species by Kanikar, Paliyar tribe of Taminadu
[10], Jamir N S et al reported the use of 26 species by the
Naga tribe of Nagaland [16], Kakati L N et al identified 25
species used by Ao tribe of Nagaland [24]and Mahawar
and Jaroli reported the use of 15 species by the Mogya,
Meena, Bawaria of Rajasthan [22].
Different animals used for healing by the Saharia are also
being used by various groups in India. Some animals or
their products are being put to similar uses, such as the
urine of Capra indicus for asthma, T.B., paralysis is also
used by Ao and Naga tribes of Nagaland and Mogya,
Bawaria of Rajasthan [16,22,23] and the Soup of leg's
bone used to cure weakness is also reported in Kachchh
region [20]. The ash of Kachuga tentoria carapace is used in
cough, asthma, T. B. etc. also reported By Mogya of Rajasthan [22]. Homo sapiens urine used as antiseptic for wound
healing is also reported by Naga tribe of Nagaland and
Mogya, Bawaria, Meena tribe of Rajasthan [16,22]. Pavo
cristatus legs used for ear infection is also similar in tribes
However some of these animals and their products are

being used for the treatment for other diseases in different
parts of India, such as the ash of crab is used in lung diseases as cough, asthma, T. B. etc. in this area but the whole
body used for Jaundice and other liver disorders by tribes
of Nagaland [16]. The Pavo cristatus' feather uses in infertility in this region but the ash of feather is used for cough
in Maharastra [17] and in hiccups by the Tamilnadu tribes
[10]. Fresh blood of Columba livia is used for paralysis by
this tribe but it has been reported for epilepsy in Tamilnadu [10] and the flesh use for asthma and weakness by
Naga tribes [16,24]. Lissemys punctatus carapace is used for
healing of internal injuries and cough in Kachchh region
[20]. Flesh of Pila sp is use for asthma, tuberculosis, stomach disorders and eye related problems by tribes of Nagaland. [16]
The Homo sapiens bones for herpes, Cervical vertebrae of
Labeo rohia for Urine Problem, Camelus dromedaries milk
for muscular pain, the ash of Lissemys punctatus carapace
for burn, Macrobrachium for tuberculosis, semen of Equus
sp. for tetanus and rabies, antler of Cervus unicolor for herpes and the shell of Mactra sp. and Pila sp. for weakness are
used by Saharia in this region has not possibly been
reported earlier in India.
Some animals are also being reported in other parts of the
world, such as shell of bivalve used in Brazil to treat weakness [7], Honey bee used in Brazil and Sudan for a wide
variety of ailments, such as cough, liver disorders and gastrointestinal disorders [7,30]; Flesh of Marcrobrachium
used in Brazil to treat irritation when milk teeth are erupting [7].
The Saharias used some protected species like the Pavo
cristatus, hard shelled turtle (Kachuga tentoria), sambhar
(Cervus unicolor) are also included as medicinal resources.
We would suggest that this kind of neglected traditional
knowledge should be included into the strategies of conservation and management of faunistic resources. Alves
and Rosa suggest numerous reasons to urgently re-think
the medicinal use of animal products in traditional medicine both in humans and animals. For doing this, the rarity of species, the unnecessary suffering involved in the
harvesting (e.g., hunting, fishing) process, and the possi-
Page 4 of 6
Homo sapiens
Pavo cristatus
Pavo cristatus
Columba livia
Macrobrachium
malcolmsonii
Cervus unicolor
Capra sp.
Pila sp.
12. Human
13. Indian
Peafowl
14. Indian
Peafowl
15. Pigeon
16. Prawn
17. Sambhar
18. Sheep
19. Snail
Homo sapiens
Kachuga tentoria
11. Human
Capra indicus
Kachuga tentoria
6. Goat
7.
Hardshelled
Turtle.
8.
Hardshelled
Turtle.
Equus sp.
Capra indicus
5. Goat
10. Horse
Labeo rohia
4. Labeo
Apis indica
Kachhua
Cancer pararus
3. Crab
9. Honey
bee
Bakri
Kachhua
Camelus dromedaries
2. Camel
Sankh
Menda
Jhinga
machchi
Sambhar
Kabutar
Mor
Mor
Manakh
Manakh
Ghoda
Mokh
Bakri
Machchhi
Kekada
Uant
Seepi
Mactra sp.
1. Bivalves
Local
Name
Scientific Name
English
Name
11
16
14
19
17
21
6
12
10
15
11
No. of
Respondents
mentions
52%
76%
14%
09%
67%
19%
29%
90%
14%
09%
81%
24%
100%
29%
57%
48%
29%
71%
52%
Fidelity
level
(FL)
Ash of shell
Milk
Antler
Dried powder
Fresh blood,
meat, Feather
Feather
Leg
Urine
Bones
Semen
Honey
Carapace Flesh
Bones of Legs
Carapace
Urine
Cervical
vertebrae
Whole body
Milk
Ash of shell
Part used
Muscular
pain
Weakness
Herpes
Tuberculosis
Paralysis
Infertility
Ear
infections
Wound
Tetanus,
Rabies
Herpes
Eye disease
Cough,
asthma, T. B
Weakness
Burn
Cough,
tuberculosis
Muscular
pain
Cough,
asthma, T. B.
Urine
Problem
Weakness
Medicinal
use
Ash of shell is taken for weakness.
Antler is rubbed with water this paste is

applied in Herpes.
Used as massage cream in muscular pain.
Taken for cure of Tuberculosis.
The fresh blood is massaged externally to

treat paralysis. Soup of meat and feather is
useful in paralysis.
Rounded spots of feather mix with Jaggery.
Peacock's leg is rubbed with water and this

essenced water is used in ear infections
Bone is grounded with water and this paste

is applied in Herpes.
Human urine is used as antiseptic for
wound healing.
Administered orally to cure.
Used as eye drops to cure eye disease.
Ash of carapace is used in lung diseases as

cough, asthma, T. B. etc.
Soup of leg's bone used to cure weakness.

Ash of carapace mix with coconut oil and
use for skin burns.
Ash of crab is used in lung diseases as

cough, asthma, T. B. etc.
A fish cervical vertebra is rubbed with
water and this essenced water is taken in
urine blockage problem.
Urine of goat administered orally to cure
tuberculosis.
Used as massage cream in muscular pain.
Ash of shell is taken for weakness.
Method of preparation
Table 1: Medicinal uses of animals and animal parts in traditional therapy By Saharia tribe in district Baran (Rajasthan).
Antler use in eye ailments by Mogya, Bawaria,

Meena tribe of Rajasthan [22] and Kachchh [20]
Same use by Mogya, Bawaria, Meena tribe of
Rajasthan [22]
Flesh is use for asthma, tuberculosis, stomach
disorders and eye related problems by tribes of
Nagaland. [16]
Also reported by Naga tribe of Nagaland and

Mogya, Bawaria, Meena tribe of Rajasthan.
[16][22]
Also reported in Naga tribe of Nagaland [16][24]
and Bhil [15], Mogya, Bawaria of Rajasthan [22]
Legs boil with oil in kachchh [20] and Maharastra.
[17]
The ash of feather is used for cough in Maharastra
[17] and feather used in hiccups by the Tamilnadu
tribes. [10]
Same use reported in Bhil [15] Mogya, Bawaria of
Rajasthan [22] Kachchh [20] and Tamilnadu. [10]
Blood is also use for epilepsy in tamilnadu [10]
and Flesh use for asthma and weakness by Naga
tribes. [16] [24]

Rajasthan [22] and Ash of Lissemys punctatus'
Carapace is used for healing of internal injuries,
prurities and cough (Kachchh). [20]
Rajasthan [22] Honey is used for cough and could
and asthma (Tamilnadu tribes). [10] [18]
Also reported by Ao tribe for asthma, T.B.,

paralysis [16] [24] and for insect bite by
Tamilnadu tribe [10] and by Mogya in paralysis.
[22]
Same use reported in Kachchh. [20]
Whole body used for Jaundice and other liver

disorders by tribes of Nagaland. [16]
Shell use for acne by Mogya, Bawaria, Meena tribe

of Rajasthan. [22]
Dung use for constipation in Kachchh. [20]
Related earlier reported use in India [References]

Page 5 of 6
ble health risks linked to the administration of the animal-based remedies [2]. Further studies are required for
experimental validation to confirm the presence of any
bioactive compounds in these traditional remedies and
also to emphasize more sustainable use of these resources.
Conclusion
The result of our survey among Saharia people revealed
the use of 15 animal species for 19 medicinal purposes.
We would suggest for further studies on these traditional
remedies to confirm the presence of any bioactive compounds and also include this traditional knowledge into
the strategies of conservation and management of faunistic resources for sustainable use.
17.
18.
19.
20.
21.
Acknowledgements
22.
We are very much grateful to all the respondents who shared their traditional zootherapeutic knowledge and permitted us to take photographs.
Without their contribution, this study would have been impossible.
23.
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BioMedcentral

Page 6 of 6

Ethnomedicine
BioMed Central
Open Access
Research
Traditional zootherapeutic studies in India: a review

Published: 18 July 2008

doi:10.1186/1746-4269-4-17
Received: 17 January 2008

Accepted: 18 July 2008

Abstract
The present study aims to review the zootherapeutic practices of the different ethnic communities
of India. This work is also an attempt to present a list of animals' use for medicinal purposes by
different communities of India. Data were gathered from 15 published research papers of various
authors on zootherapeutic studies in India from 2000 to 2007. Approximately 109 animals and their
270 uses are reported in traditional medicine in different parts of India. Of these, the highest
numbers of animal species (42, 38.5%) with 50 (18.5%) uses have been reported for the treatment
of Respiratory system related problems. Rheumatic and other pains are treated with 32 species
(29.4%) in 34 (12.9%) uses. Gastric problems are reported to be treated with 22 (20.2%) species
in 26 (9.9%) uses. The mammals constitute the highest number of animals used for medicinal
purposes. 44 (40%) mammals, 24 (22%) invertebrates, 18 (17%) birds, 12 (11%) reptiles, nine (8%)
fishes and two (2%) amphibians have been reported for medicinal purposes. Of the total 109 animal
species reported, 76(70%) are included in IUCN red data list and 36 (33%) animal species are listed
in CITES appendix I, II, and III. This work will be helpful in biodiversity conservation in India and
also give a clue to investigate bio-active compound in these animal raw materials.
Background
The world health organization estimates that as many as
80% of the world's more then six billion people rely primarily on animal and plant based medicine [1]. In modern societies, zootherapy constitutes an important
alternative among many other known therapies practiced
worldwide. Wild and domestic animals and their byproducts (e.g. hooves, skin, bones, feathers and tusks) form
important ingredients in the preparation of curative, protective and preventive medicine [2]. For example, in Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) more then 1500 animal
species have been recorded to be some medicinal use [3].
Of the 252 essential chemicals that have been selected by
the World Health Organization, 11.1% come from plants,
and 8.7% from animals [4]. And of the 150 prescription
drugs currently in use in the United States of America, 27

have animal origin [5]. In India nearly 1520 percent of
the Ayurvedic medicine is based on animal-derive substance [6]. In Unani system of medicines about 200 drug
of animal origin are described which are claimed to be
beneficial for the treatment of the various ailments [7]. In
Bahia state, in the northeast of Brazil, over 180 medicinal
animals have been recorded [8]. In Pakistan 31 substances
of all the medicinal substances in the inventory of traditional medicines [9].
In India, since times immemorial, great work was done in
this field and documented in works like Ayurveda and
charaka Samhita. Additionally immense knowledge has
Page 1 of 12
come down to modern times through folklore as various

practices became a part of tradition amongst various
groups. We can find that people still use various animal
products and by-products for cure of various diseases. For
example, honey is used as expectorant, cattle urine has
been used as a therapeutic. All this knowledge has once
again come to the limelight, as there has been a sort of disillusionment with the current allopathic cure, as it has got
its own side effect and in fact has no cure for various diseases. Therefore people are looking for traditional remedies for the treatment of ailments. But in India this
traditional knowledge is fast eroding due to modernization. Thus there is an urgent need to inventorise and
record all ethnobiological information among the different ethnic communities before the traditional cultures are
completely lost [10]. Therefore, ethnobiologist have a
greater responsibility not only in inventorising the traditionally used biological resources but also in conserving
and revitalizing the traditionally beliefs, so that the ageold cultures are not lost. The studies on the therapeutic
uses of animals and their parts have been neglected, when
compare to plants [11]. Thus there is an urgent need to
make such study in the field of ethnozoology and document it, so that it can be put to the welfare of human kind.
Many ethnobiologist are collected zootherapeutic information from different ethnic groups or tribes in India. S.K.
Sharma describes use of animals to cure ailments of
human beings and domestic cattle by Bhil tribe of Rajasthan. [12]. Jamir and Lal describe the traditional method
of treating various kinds of ailments using twenty six animal species and their products by different Naga tribes
[13]. Patil found that the tribals of Nandurbar district
(Maharashtra) have been use wild animal parts as medicines along with plants. This study assesses 15 species of
animals used by the tribals like Bhils, Gamits, Koknas and
Pawaras as medicine [14]. Ranjit Singh et al describe the
Ethno-entomological practices in Tirunelveli district,
Tamil Nadu. In this investigation, 11 species of insects
used to prepare traditional medicine [15]. Banerjee et al
describe that Honey, as a product from bees, has multiple
properties, and is being therapeutically used since time
immemorial. It's antibacterial, anti-inflammatory and
wound healing properties are promising [16]. Gupta et al
describe the traditional knowledge of local communities
in district Kachchh and listed about 34 animal species,
which are used in primary health care needs of human
beings and livestock [17]. Kalita et al study the plant and
animal based folk medicine used by people of Dibrugarh
district, Assam for treatment of eleven different diseases.
In this study, information on utility of 19 plant species
and four animal species is collected [18]. Solavan A et al
carried out a study among nine tribes spread over four districts of Tamil Nadu, India and identified the traditional
therapeutic uses of sixteen different animal's species, con-
sisting of six mammals, five birds, two reptiles, two

arthropod and one annelid for the treatment of over 17
kinds of ailments [10]. Mahawar and Jaroli carried out a
study among the inhabitants, whose are living surrounding the Ranthambhore National Park, India and identified
a total of 15 animals were used comprising 20 therapeutic
purposes [19]. Mahawar and Jaroli [2007] carried out a
study among the Saharia tribe and identified a total of 15
animal species were recorded and they are used for different ethnomedical purposes, including cough, asthma,
tuberculosis, paralysis, earache, herpes, weakness, muscular pain, etc [20]. The Chakhesang tribe of Nagaland also
uses twelve mammals, one bird, one reptile, two amphibians, one fish, one mollusk, one annelid and four arthropods for treatment of various ailments [21]. Kakati and
Doulo studied Ao tribe of Nagaland and identified twenty
five different vertebrate species for traditional therapeutic
use, of which, some have become rare [22]. Oudhia
describe three animal's medicinal uses, which are reported
by traditional healers and natives of Bhopalpatnam
region, Chhattisgarh, India. These native have rich traditional medicinal knowledge about common herbs insects
and other animals [23]. Oudhia also describe the traditional Medicinal knowledge about excreta of ten animals
used to treat many common diseases in Chhattisgarh,
India [24]. Insects, mites, and spiders are used as medicines to cure both common and complicated ailments in
Chhattisgarh, India. For example, the oil from the red velvet mite (Trombidium grandissimum (Koch, 1867) is useful
for paralysis. Also due to its ability to increase the sexual
desire, these mites are named as Indian Viagra [25].
This study deals to summarized and review on the
zootherapeutic practices by the different ethnic communities of India. This work is also an attempt to present a list
of animal's uses for medicinal purposes by different communities of India. The authors hope that this work will be
helpful in biodiversity conservation in India and also give
a clue to investigate bio-active compound in these animal
raw materials.
Methods
Data were gathered from 15 published research papers of
various authors on zootherapeutic studies in India from
2000 to 2007 (Table 1). The majority of these papers contain English name, scientific name, area or tribe reported,
part or product or raw material name and mode of preparation, etc. All the medicinal uses of animals are classified
in 14 major disease categories i.e. Antidote, Burn, Eye and
Ear, Gastric disorder, Gynecological problems, Impotency, Nervous System, Pains, Respiratory Problem, Skin
related Problem, Urinary Problem, Weakness and Wound
healing. These categories are forms to show all related
health problems in a major group. For example asthma,
cough, cold, tuberculosis or any other respiratory prob-
Page 2 of 12
Table 1: List of published research works on Ethnomedicinal uses of animals in different parts of India.
Tribes/Ethnic Groups/Region/
Indigenous people
Chakhesang of Nagaland
Bhil of Rajasthan
Bhil, Gamit, Kokna, etc of Maharastra
Bhopalpatnam (chhattisgarh)
Chhattisgarh
Chhattisgarh
Kachch (Gujrat)
Irular, Kurimba of Tamilnadu
Kanikar, Paliyar of Taminadu
Naga tribe of Nagaland
Dibrugarh (Assam)
Ao tribe of Nagaland
Mogya, Meena, Bawaria of Rajasthan
Shoka tribe of Uttaranchal
Saharia of Rajasthan
lems are presented into a major disease category called

respiratory system related problems.
We summarized all the medicinal information in 14 disease categories table. Each disease category table contains
information in the following pattern: English name, scientific name, area or tribe reported, part or product or raw
material name, mode of preparation and reference of the
authors (additional file 1).
The valid scientific names with author's names of the animal's species were included in the database. Many times
authors have given synonyms of animal species in their
publications. These data are updated according to the ITIS
Catalogue of Life, Annual Checklist (2007) and NCL Centre for Biodiversity Informatics (NCBI) [26,27] (Table 2).
The conservation status of the animal species follows
IUCN (2007) and CITES (2007) [28,29].
Result
Approximately 109 animals are reported in traditional
medicine in different parts of India. The mammals constitute the highest number of animals used for medicinal
purposes. 44 (40%) mammals, 24 (22%) invertebrates,
18 (17%) birds, 12 (11%) reptiles, nine (8%) fishes and
two (2%) amphibians have been reported for medicinal
purposes (Table 3, figure 1). Approximately 270 medicinal uses of these animals are reported in different diseases
in India. Many animals were used for the treatment of
multiple ailments. Of these, the highest numbers of animal species (42, 38.5%) with 50 (18.5%) uses have been
reported for the treatment of Respiratory system related
problems. Rheumatic and other pains are treated with 32
species (29.4%) in 34 (12.9%) uses. Gastric problems are
reported to be treated with 22 (20.2%) species in
Number of
animals
reported
23
17
15
3
10
7
34
26
11
26
4
25
15
36
15
Authors
Kakati and Doulo (2000)

Sharma S K (2002)
Patil S H (2003)
Oudhia P (2003a)
Oudhia P (2003b)
Oudhia P (2005)
Gupta Leena et al (2003)
Solvan A et al (2004)
Ranjit Singh ASA (2004)
Jamir N S et al (2005)
Dilip Kalita (2005)
Kakati L N et al (2006)
Mahawar, Jaroli (2006)
Negi and palyal (2007)
Mahawar, Jaroli (2007)
26(9.9%) uses. Skin related Problems are treated with 16

species (14.7%) in 19 (7%) uses. 20 species (18.4%) are
reported in 20 (7.6%) uses in Eye and Ear disease category. Impotency, aphrodisiac and birth control category is
reported to be treated with 16 species (14.7%) in 20
(7.6%) uses. 26 (23.9%) animal species are reported in 31
(11.5%) uses in miscellaneous disease category (table 4,
figure 2 and 3). Of the total 109 animal species reported,
76 (70%) are included in IUCN red data list (Table 5, figure 4). 36 (33%) animal species are listed in CITES appendix I, II, and III (Table 6).
Animal body part or product use as raw material
All animal body part or products use as raw materials are
categorized in following three categories (Table 7, figure
5). (1) The flesh, fat, organs, bile blood, whole body and
ash are those raw materials, which are always collected
with injury to animal life. (2) But Excreta, urine, by-products (Honey, milk, mucous, wax, shellac, cocoon, musk,
egg) are those raw materials, which are collected without
injury to animal's life. (3) However some raw material
like scale, antler, feather, teeth and bones can be collected
with injury to animal life or some time these raw materials
can be collected from natural dead animals.
The raw materials are used in 170 medicinal preparations

is always injured to animal life (flesh in 62 preparations,
fat in 24 preparations, organs and bile in 25 preparations,
blood in 19 preparations, whole body and ash in 40 preparations). The number of raw materials collected for
medicinal preparation with injury to animal's life is very
high (Table 8, figure 6). However in 73 medicinal uses,
the raw materials are collected without injury to animal
life (byproducts uses in 34 preparations, excreta uses in 27
preparations and urine uses in 12 preparations). Others
Page 3 of 12
Table 2: List of animals uses as medicinal purposes in different parts of India.
S. N. Category
Scientific name
English name
1.
2.
3.
4.
Invertebrate
Invertebrate
Invertebrate
Invertebrate
Honey bee
(Rock bee)
(Little bee)
Cockroach
5.
6.
7.
8.
9.
10.
11.
12.
13.
Invertebrate
Invertebrate
Invertebrate
Invertebrate
Invertebrate
Invertebrate
Invertebrate
Invertebrate
Invertebrate
14.
15.
Invertebrate
Invertebrate
16.
Invertebrate
17.
18.
19.
20.
21.
Invertebrate
Invertebrate
Invertebrate
Invertebrate
Invertebrate
Apis cerana indica (Fabricius 1798)

Apis dorsata (Fabricius, 1793)
Apis florea (Fabricius, 1787)
Blatta orientalis Linnaeus, 1758 valid blatte
orientale, oriental cockroach
Bombyx mori (Linnaeus)
Cancer pagurus (Linnaeus, 1758)
Cimex lectularius (Linnaeus, 1758)
Cimex rotundatus (Signoret, 1852)
Dactylopius coccus (Costa, 1835)
Dasymutilla occidentalis (Linnaeus)
Dorylus labiatus Shuckard, 1840
Helicoverpa armigera (Hbner, 1805)
Heterometrus swammerdami (Simon, 1872)
Synonym Palamnaeus swammerdami
Kerria lacca (Kerr, 1782)
Macrobrachium malcolmsonii
(H. Milne-Edwards, 1844)
Matuta planipes (Fabricius, 1798) SynonymMatuta victor
Musca domestica nebulo (Fabricius. 1784)
Nephotettix nigropictus (Stal), 1870
Oecophylla smaragdina (Fabricius, 1775)
Pheretima posthuma (L. Vaillant) 1868
Photuris lucicrescens (Barber, 1951)
22.
23.
24.
25.
26.
27.
28.
29.
30.
Invertebrate
Invertebrate
Invertebrate
Pisces
Pisces
Pisces
Pisces
Pisces
Pisces
31.
32.
33.
Pisces
Pisces
Pisces
34.
Amphibian
35.
Amphibian
36.
Reptile
37.
38.
39.
40.
41.
42.
43.
Reptile
Reptile
Reptile
Reptile
Reptile
Reptile
Reptile
44.
45.
46.
47.
48.
49.
Reptile
Reptile
Reptile
Reptile
Aves
Aves
Pila globosa (Swainson, 1822)

Trombidium grandissimum (Koch, 1867)
Uca pugnax
Amphipnous cuchia (Hamilton, 1822).
Monopterus cuchia (Hamilton, 1822)
Schizothorax richardsonii (Gray, 1832)
Monopterus albus (Zuiew, 1793)
Tor putitora (Hamilton, 1822)
Channa punctata (Bloch, 1793) Synonym-Channa
punctatus Linn.
Labeo gonius (Hamilton, 1822)
Labeo rohita (Hamilton, 1822)
Eusphyra blochii (Cuvier, 1816) SynonymZygaena blochii
Fejervarya limnocharis synonym-Lymnonecties
limnorcharis
Hoplobatrachus tigerinus (Daudin, 1803) synonymRana tigrina
Gloydius himalayanus (Gnther, 1864) SynonymAncistrodon himalayans
Eryx johnii (Russell, 1801)
Naja naja (Linnaeus, 1758)
Calotes versicolor (Fitzinger, 1826)
Lissemys punctata (Lacpde, 1788)
Ptyas mucosus (Linnaeus, 1758)
Python reticulatus (Schneider, 1801)
Daboia russelii (Shaw & Nodder, 1797) SynonymVipera russelli
Varanus bengalensis (Daudin, 1758)
Kachuga tentoria (Gray, 1834)
Uromastyx hardwickii (Gray, 1827)
Varanus salvator (Laurenti, 1768)
Acridotheres ginginianus (Latham, 1790)
Centropus sinensis (Stephens, 1815)
Red data list
CITES
Silkworm
Crab
Bed Bug
Bed Bug
Cochineal insect
Velvet ant
Ant
Pod Borer
Scorpion
Lac insect
Prawn
Sandy shore Crab
Housefly
Green Leafhopper (GLH)
Weaver ant
Earthworm
Lightening Beetles or Fireflies or
Lighting bugs
Apple Snail
Red Velvet Mite
Hermit Crab
Eel
cuchia eel
Fish
Eel Fish
Fish
Channa
Data deficient
Endangered
Least concern
carp fish
Labeo
Hammer head shark
Least concern
Least concern
Near threatened
Frog
Vulnerable
Frog
Vulnerable
Snakes
Data Deficient
Earth Boa
Cobra
Common Garden Lizard
Indian Flap shell turtle
Snakes
python
Snakes
Least concern
Near threatened
Near threatened
Near threatened
Near threatened
Near threatened
Near threatened
Monitor
Hard shelled Turtle.
Spiny tailed lizard
Monitor
Bank myna
Crow-pheasant
Vulnerable
Vulnerable
Vulnerable
Vulnerable
Least concern
Least concern
II
II
II
II
II
II
III
I
II
II
II
Page 4 of 12
Table 2: List of animals uses as medicinal purposes in different parts of India. (Continued)
50.
51.
52.
53.
54.
55.
56.
57.
58.
59.
60.
61.
62.
63.
64.
65.
66.
67.
68.
69.
70.
71.
72.
73.
74.
75.
76.
Aves
Aves
Aves
Aves
Aves
Aves
Aves
Aves
Aves
Aves
Aves
Aves
Aves
Aves
Aves
Aves
Mammal
Mammal
Mammal
Mammal
Mammal
Mammal
Mammal
Mammal
Mammal
Mammal
Mammal
77.
78.
79.
80.
81.
82.
83.
84.
85.
86.
87.
88.
Mammal
Mammal
Mammal
Mammal
Mammal
Mammal
Mammal
Mammal
Mammal
Mammal
Mammal
Mammal
89.
Mammal
90.
91.
92.
Mammal
Mammal
Mammal
93.
94.
95.
96.
97.
Mammal
Mammal
Mammal
Mammal
Mammal
98.
99.
100.
101.
102.
Mammal
Mammal
Mammal
Mammal
Mammal
103.
Mammal
104.
105.
Mammal
Mammal
Coracias benghalensis (Linnaeus, 1758)

Corvus splendens (Vieillot, 1817)
Gallus gallus domesticus
Halcyon smyrnensis (Linnaeus, 1758)
Passer domesticus (Linnaeus, 1758)
Pavo cristatus (Linnaeus, 1758)
Pseudibis papillosa (Temminck, 1824)
Streptopelia decaocto (Frivaldszky, 1838)
Vanellus indicus (Boddaert, 1783)
Aquila rapax (Temminck, 1828)
Gallus sonneratii (Temminck, 1813)
Strix aluco nivicolum (Blyth, 1845)
Tyto alba (Scopoli, 1769)
Columba livia (Gmelin, 1789)
Martes flavigula (Boddaert, 1785)
Catreus wallichii (Hardwicke, 1827)
Myotis lucifugus (LeConte, 1831)
Bison bison (Linnaeus, 1758)
Equus asinus (Linnaeus, 1758)
Panthera tigris (Linnaeus, 1758)
Bubalus bubalis (B. arnee) (Linnaeus, 1758)
Capra falconeri (Wagner, 1839)
Camelus dromedarius (Linnaeus, 1758)
Capra sibirica (Pallas, 1776)
Cervus unicolor (Kerr, 1792)
Cynopterus sphinx (Vahl, 1797)
Felis catus (Linnaeus, 1758) Synonym-Felis
domesticus
Funambulus pennantii (Wroughton, 1905)
Hystrix indica (Kerr, 1792)
Lepus nigricollis (F. Cuvier, 1823)
Muntiacus muntjak (Zimmermann, 1780)
Oryctolagus cuniculus (Linnaeus, 1758)
Paraechinus micropus (Blyth, 1846)
Petaurista petaurista (Pallas, 1766)
Pseudois nayaur (Hodgson, 1833)
Rattus rattus (Linnaeus, 1758)
Sus scrofa cristatus
Sus scrofa domestica
Semnopithecus entellus (Dufresne, 1797)
Synomym-Presbytis entellus
Ursus thibetanus (G. Cuvier, 1823) SynonymSelenarctos thibetanus
Macaca mulatta (Zimmermann, 1780)
Canis aureus (Linnaeus, 1758)
Herpestes edwardsii
(. Geoffroy Saint-Hilaire, 1818)
Paradoxurus hermaphroditus (Pallas, 1777)
Bos taurus (Linnaeus, 1758) Synonym-Bos indicus
Equus caballus (Linnaeus, 1758)
Homo sapiens (Linnaeus, 1758)
Canis lupus familiaris (Linnaeus, 1758) SynonymCanis familiaris
Hemitragus jemlahicus (H. Smith, 1826)
Hyaena hyaena (Linnaeus, 1758)
Manis crassicaudata (Gray, 1827)
Pteropus giganteus (Brnnich, 1782)
Equus onager khur (Lesson, 1827) Synonym-Equus
hemionus khur (Lesson, 1827)
Bos gaurus (H. Smith, 1827) Synonym-Bos
frontalis
Elephas maximus indicus (Cuvier, 1798)
Melursus ursinus (Shaw, 1791)
Indian Roller
Crow
hen
White-breasted Kingfisher
House sparrow
Indian Peafowl
Black ibis
Collared dove
Red-wattled bird
Eagle
Jungle fowl
Owl
Barn or Screech Owl
Pigeon
Martens bird
Chir pheasant
Bat
Bison
Donkey Indian
Tiger
Buffalo
goat
Camel
goat
Sambhar
Bat
Cat
Least concern
Least concern
Least concern
Least concern
Least concern
Least concern
Least concern
Least concern
Least concern
Least concern
Least concern
Least concern
Least concern
Least concern
Least concern
Vulnerable
Conservation Dependent
Endangered
Endangered
Least concern
Least concern
Least concern
Least concern
Least concern
Five Striped Palm Squirrel

Porcupine
Hare
Barking deer
Hare
hedgehog
Flying squirrel
Bharal
Rat
Indian Wild Boar
Domesticated pig
Hanuman Monkey
Least concern
Least concern
Least concern
Least concern
Least concern
Least concern
Least concern
Least concern
Least concern
Least concern
Least concern
Least concern
Himalayan black bear
Least concern
Rhesus Macaque
Jackal
Mongoose
Least concern
Least concern
Least concern
II
III
III
Common Palm Civet, Toddy Cat

Cattle
Horse
Human
Dog
Least concern
III
Himalayan Thar
Striped Hyena
Indian Pangolin
Indian flying fox
Indian wild ass
Near threatened
Near threatened
Near threatened
Near threatened
Endangered
II
II
I
Mithun
Vulnerable
elephant
Sloth Bear
Vulnerable
Vulnerable
II
II
II
II
III
III
I
II
I
I
Page 5 of 12
Table 2: List of animals uses as medicinal purposes in different parts of India. (Continued)
106.
107.
108.
109.
Mammal
Mammal
Mammal
Mammal
Moschus moschiferus (Linnaeus, 1758)

Panthera pardus (Linnaeus, 1758)
Equus hemionus (Pallas, 1775)
Semnopithecus johnii Synonym-Presbytis johni
27 medicinal uses, the raw materials are collected with or

without injury to animal life (scale, antler, feather, teeth
are uses in 14 preparation and bones are uses in 13 preparations).
Respiratory system Problems
The damp conditions in local homes, leading to high
mold counts, as well as insufficient air circulation account
for the prevalence of respiratory problems. Many houses
in rural areas still have wooden stoves, with smoke causing constant irritation to the pulmonary system.
42 animal species with 50 uses is reported for the treatment of Respiratory related problems like asthma, cough,
cold, tuberculosis in different part of India. Of the total 50
Respiratory uses, 32 uses are only for the treatment of
asthma. In 16 uses, flesh of animal is reported as raw
material for the treatment of respiratory problems.
Because mostly ethnic communities eat flash of various
animals to control asthma, so there can be a relation
between animal flash and asthma.
Gastric system Problems
Stomach disorders, liver problems, constipation, cholera,
dysentery, etc are included in the gastric system problem
category. 22 (20.2%) animal species are reported in 26
(9.9%) medicinal uses to treat gastric problems. Gastric
problems treated include liver problems (2 uses); stomach problems (7 uses); constipation (2 uses); dysentery (3
uses); cholera (1 uses) and other gastric problems (2
uses).
The animal raw materials reported are urine, excreta,

dung, feaces, Gall bladder bile, etc.
Table 3: No. of animals species of different classes reported for

medicinal purposes in India.
Name of animal class
No. of species
% of Total animals
Mammals
Aves
Reptiles
Amphibians
Pisces
Invertebrates
Total
44
18
12
2
9
24
109
40%
17%
11%
2%
8%
22%
Musk deer
Leopard
Indian wild ass
Black monkey
Vulnerable
Vulnerable
Vulnerable
Vulnerable
I
I
II
II
Rheumatic and other pains

The housing conditions already described, as well as difficult working conditions, leads to a wide spectrum of
pains. 34 uses (12.9%) of 32 animal species (29.4%) are
fall into this illness category. Body pain, Sprain, Rheumatism, Muscle pain, Headache, Sprain, Bone fracture,
Arthritis, Internal Pain, etc are included in this disease category. Animal raw materials are reported for the treatment
of arthritis and rheumatic pain in the 23 uses. Mostly fat
is uses as raw material in the pain related problems. Of the
total 34 uses, fat is reported as raw material in 12 uses of
this category. So there can be a relation between animal
fat and pains.
Skin related Problem
Skin infections, either fungal or bacterial, as well as sunspots, moles, pockmarks and acne can be observed frequently in India. Traditional healers are consequently
consulted to treat these problems. 16 species (14.7%) are
reported in 19 uses (7%) to treat skin problems. Fungal
infections are particularly difficult to treat in the context of
Western medicine, and the use of animal raw materials to
alleviate such infections is thus of particular interest. Leprosy, Acne, leucoderma, Scabies, Spots, Itching, eczema,
ringworm infections and to improve the fairness, etc are
included in this disease category.
Eye and Ear related Problem
20 (18.4%) animal species are reported for 20 (7.6%) uses
to treat eye and ear related Problem. Eye-ache, Conjunctivitis, Night blindness, Cataract, Earache and pus in ear are
included in this disease category. Legs of Pavo cristatus
(Linnaeus, 1758) is used for ear infection is reported in
many parts of India.
Impotency, Aphrodisiac, Birth control
16 (14.7%) animal species are reported in 20 (7.6%) uses
to treat Impotency and birth control related Problem in
various part of India. This disease category included aphrodisiac, increase sexual desire and efficacy, birth control
measure, male impotency and to attain early puberty. 19
uses are reported for increase sexual potency and two uses
are for birth control measures. Four uses are for remove to
male impotency. Sex organs mainly penis, excreta, flesh,
etc are main animal raw materials uses in this category. Of
the total 20 uses, 12 times flesh is reported as raw material
in this disease category.
Page 6 of 12
Table 4: No. of animal species and their medicinal uses reported in different disease categories in India.
Disease Categories
Antidote
Burn
Eye and Ear
Gastric disorder
Gynecological problems
Impotency, aphrodisiac, birth control
Miscellaneous
Nervous System
Rheumatic and other pains
Respiratory Problem
Skin related Problem
Urinary Problem
Weakness
Wound healing
Gynecological Problem
Gynecological problems are among the important medical problems treated by different ethnic communities of
India. Infections of ovaries, uterus, and vagina as well as
post partum infections were very common conditions for
which women sought the help of healers. Six (5.5%) animal species are reported in six (2.3%) uses of Gynecological Problem in the various part of the India. Menstruation
problem, Facilitates delivery, leucorrhoea, gonorrhea, etc
are included in this disease category.
Nervous System
The enormous role that traditional healer play in the area
of treatment of psychosomatic and nervous system problems. 12 (11%) animal species are reported for 15 (5.7%)
uses of nervous system disorders in the various part of the
India. Epilepsy, paralysis migraine, nervous disorder, etc
are main ailments that are included in this disease category. Of the total 15 uses, nine uses are reported for paralysis and four uses for epilepsy in this disease category.
No. of
animal
species
Uses
% of total
109 animals
uses
No. of
medicinal
applications
of animals
06
10
20
22
06
16
26
12
32
42
16
8
13
10
5.5%
9.2%
18.4%
20.2%
5.5%
14.7%
23.9%
11%
29.4%
38.5%
14.7%
7.3%
11.9%
9.2%
07
10
20
26
06
20
31
15
34
50
19
8
13
11
270
2.7%
3.8%
7.6%
9.9%
2.3%
7.6%
11.5%
5.7%
12.9%
18.5%
7%
3%
5%
4%
Weakness
13 (11.9%) animal species are reported in 13(5%) uses to
treat weakness in the various part of the India. General
weakness, anemia, malnutrition are main ailments, that
are included in this disease category. In 13 uses, milk,
flesh and blood are main raw materials reported in this
category.
Wound healing
Wound infections from accidents are very common in
India, and are a major concern especially in rural areas. 10
(9.2%) animal species are reported for 11 (4%) uses of
wound healing in the various parts of the India. small
cuts, ulcers, wounds and mouth ulcers are included in this
disease category.
Urinary Problem
Eight (7.3%) animal species are reported for eight (3%)
medicinal uses of urinary problems in the various parts of
the India.
Table 5: Conservation status of animal species reported for medicinal purposes in India according to IUCN Red List or Red Data List.
Conservation status
No. of animal species
% of total 109 animal

species reported
Endangered
Vulnerable
Near threatened
Least concern
Data Deficient
Not evaluated
Total
04
14
2
11
43
2
33
109
3.7%
12.4%
1.8%
10.1%
39.4%
1.8%
70%
Page 7 of 12
Table 6: Conservation status of animal species reported for

medicinal purposes in India according to CITES.
Appendix
CITES
% of the total animal

used
I
II
III
Total
11
19
6
36
10%
17.5%
5.5%
33%
Antidote
Six (5.5%) animal species are reported in seven (2.7%)
uses to treat antidotes in the various parts of the India.
Snake bite, spider bite, poisoning are included in this category. Bile duct, intestine, fat are reported as raw materials
for antidote.
Burn
10 (9.2%) animal species are reported for 10 (3.38%)
medicinal uses of burn problems in the various parts of
the India. Fat is mostly uses as raw material in burn
wounds.
Miscellaneous
26 (23.9%) animal species are reported for 31 (11.5%)
uses of miscellaneous purposes in the various parts of the
India. The rare disorders included are diabetes, Cancer,
carbuncle, haematoma, eosinophilia, Enuresis (bed wetting), Internal tumours, Obesity, alcoholic drinks, Stammering, contracted limbs, hiccups, etc in this category.
Discussion
It is widely accepted that plants, animals and their byproducts used as a source of folk or traditional medicines
indicate the presence of a biologically active constituent(s) in them. A significant portion of the currently avail-
Figure
No.
inal
purposes
of animal
1
in
species
India in different classes reported for medicNo. of animal species in different classes reported for medicinal purposes in India.
Figure
No.
disease
of animal
categories
2
species
in India
reported for medicinal uses in different
No. of animal species reported for medicinal uses in different
disease categories in India.
able non-synthetic and/or semi-synthetic pharmaceuticals
in clinical use is comprised of drugs derived from plants,
animal, microbial, and mineral products [30-32].
Although today much is known about the phytochemistry
and phytopharmacology of many traditional plant remedies, but real bio-scientific evaluations of remedies of animal origin are still quite rare in the literature [33].
However many animals have been methodically tested by
pharmaceutical companies as sources of drugs to the
modern medical science [34].
Approximately 109 animals and their 270 uses are
reported in folk medicine in different part of India. The
number of animals reported for medicinal purposes in
different parts of India is enough to feel a need to discuss
on the use of animals and their products, as medicines. In
order to stress how important animals were, are and can
be as sources of pharmacological substances and discus-
No.
in India
Figure
of medicinal
3
uses reported in different disease categories
No. of medicinal uses reported in different disease categories
in India.
Page 8 of 12
In Brazil, Alves et al reported the medicinal uses of 283

animal species, 96% of which are wild caught and 27% of
which are on one or more lists of endangered species [38].
Alves et al also demonstrate that at least 165 reptile species are used in traditional folk medicine around the
world. Some species are used as sources of drugs for modern medical science. Of the reptiles recorded, 53% are
included on lists of endangered species [39].
Figure 4 in India
Conservation
purposes
status
according
of animal
tospecies
IUCN Red
reported
List for medicinal
Conservation status of animal species reported for medicinal
purposes in India according to IUCN Red List.
sion on the use of the animals and their products, as medicines in conservation biology and sustainable use.
42 animal species with 50 uses is reported for the treatment of Respiratory problems like asthma, cough, cold,
tuberculosis in different part of India. Of the total 50 Respiratory uses, 32 uses are only for the treatment of asthma.
In 16 uses flesh of animal is reported as raw material for
the use of respiratory problems. So there can be a relation
between animal flash and asthma, because mostly ethnic
communities reported flash of various animals is uses for
asthma.
Kadrobova et al. (1996) reported that low selenium (Se)
levels were observed in patients with asthma when compared to a group of patients without asthma. The researchers concluded that Se supplementation may be beneficial
to patients with intrinsic asthma, who may be at risk of Se
deficiency [35]. Selenium occurs in various chemical
forms (selenite or selenate) in plants and animals. It is in
an inorganic form such as selenomethionine or other selenium-containing amino acids [36]. The meat and fish
group which include quantities of dry fish (Tilapia nicotilus), cray fish (Procambaris clarkii), snail (Achatina fulica)
and albino rat was richest in selenium. Although snail and
rat contained little or none [37].
109 animal species are uses in India, of which 76 (70%)

are included in IUCN red data list and 36 (33%) animal
species are listed in CITES appendix I, II, and III and the
Raw materials are used in 170 medicinal preparations is
always injured to animal life. All these data is very high to
affect biodiversity. Many protected animal species like
peacock (Pavo cristatus (Linnaeus, 1758), hard shelled turtle (Kachuga tentoria (Gray, 1834)), sambhar (Cervus unicolor (Kerr, 1792)), Spiny-tailed lizard (Uromastyx
hardwickii (Gray, 1827)), and collared dove (Streptopelia
decaocto (Frivaldszky, 1838)) are mentioned as important
medicinal resources in India. The Kanjar community girls
eat flesh of collared dove for attain puberty in early age in
the surrounding areas of Ranthambhore national park
[19]. Now collared dove facing a serious problem due to
this activity in this area. It's suggested that this kind of
neglected traditional knowledge should be included into
the strategies of conservation and management of faunistic resources in the investigated areas.
Conclusion
We have summarized and analyses the data collected by
various authors in 15 published research works on
zootherapeutic practices in different part of India. Some
important points are outcome of this work.
1. Approximately 109 animals and their 270 medicinal
uses are reported in traditional medicine in different parts
of India.
2. Of the total 109 animal species reported, 76 (70%) are
included in IUCN red data list. 36 (33%) animal species
are listed in CITES appendix I, II, and III.
3. The mammals constitute the highest number of animals used for medicinal purposes. 44 (40%) mammals,
24 (22%) invertebrates, 18 (17%) birds, 12 (11%) rep-
Table 7: Raw material collected with or without injury to animal life for medicinal uses in India.
Injury status
With injury to animal life
With or without injury to animal life
without injury to animal life
Total
No. of medicinal uses
% of animal uses
170
27
73
270
63%
10%
27%
100%
Page 9 of 12
tiles, 9 (8%) fishes and two (2%) amphibians have been

reported for medicinal purposes.
4. The highest numbers of animal species (42, 38.5%)
with 50 (18.5%) uses have been reported for the treatment of Respiratory system related problems, like asthma,
cough, cold, tuberculosis in different part of India. Of the
total 50 Respiratory uses, 32 uses are only for the treatment of asthma. In 16 uses, flesh of animal is reported as
raw material for the treatment of respiratory problems.
Because mostly ethnic communities eat flash of various
animals to control asthma, so there can be a relation
between animal flash and asthma.
5. Rheumatic and other pains are reported to be treated
with 32 species (29.4%) for 34 (12.9%) uses in different
part of India.
Figure
Raw
for
medicinal
material
5
uses
collected
in India
with or without injury to animal life
Raw material collected with or without injury to animal life
for medicinal uses in India.
6. Gastric problems are reported with 22(20.2%) for 26

(9.9%) uses in different part of India.
7. Skin related Problems are treated with 16 species
(14.7%) for 19 (7%) uses in different part of India.
Table 8: Animal part or products uses for medicinal purposes in different parts of India.
Medicinal uses without injury to animal
Medicinal uses with injury to animals

Medicinal uses
with/without injury to animal
Disease
Antidote
Burn
Eye and Ear
Gastric disorder
Gynecological
problems
Impotency
Miscellaneous
Nervous System
Pain
Respiratory
Problem
Skin related
Problem
Urinary Problem
Weakness
Wound healing
Total-270
% of total-
By-products
(Honey,
milk,
mucous,
wax, shellac,
cocoon, musk,
egg)
3
3
1
1
4
Excreta Urine
8
1
2
2
7
7
4
5
1
2
4
1
1
1
2
scale/antler/
Feather/teeth
Bones
/carapace
3
2
1
2
1
1
1
2
1
1
12
4
4
5
16
1
1
3
5
1
2
2
13
5%
62
23%
24
8.9%
19
7%
2
2
3
34
13%
1
1
27
10%
12
4%
14
5%
Flesh
/meat
Fat
2
4
Blood Organs/ Whole

bile
body/ash
/powder
6
2
2
3
12
1
4
3
5
4
3
2
6
1
2
2
2
1
1
3
1
2
3
6
4
3
9
4
2
3
1
25
9%
40
15%
Page 10 of 12
Additional material
Additional file 1
Medicinal uses of animals and their products in different disease categories in India. All the medicinal uses of animals in India are classified in
14 major disease categories i.e. Antidote, Burn, Eye and Ear, Gastric disorder, Gynecological problems, Impotency, Nervous System, Pains, Respiratory Problem, Skin related Problem, Urinary Problem, Weakness and
Wound healing. Each disease category table contains information in the
following pattern: English name, scientific name, area or tribe reported,
part or product or raw material name, mode of preparation and reference
of the authors.
Click here for file
[http://www.biomedcentral.com/content/supplementary/17464269-4-17-S1.pdf]
Figure
No.
in
different
of animal
6 parts
partofor
India
products uses for medicinal purposes
No. of animal part or products uses for medicinal purposes
in different parts of India.
8. 20 species (18.4%) are used in 20 uses (7.6%) in eye

and ear related diseases in different part of India.
References
9. Impotency, aphrodisiac and birth control is reported

with 16 species (14.7%) for 20(19) (7.6%) uses in different part of India.
2.
10. Raw materials are used in 170 medicinal preparations

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fat in 24 preparations, organs and bile in 25 preparations,
blood in 19 preparations, whole body and ash in 40 preparations).
11. In 73 medicinal uses, the raw materials are collected
without injury to animal life (byproducts uses in 34 preparations, excreta uses in 27 preparations and urine uses in
12 preparations). However in 27 medicinal uses, the raw
materials are collected with or without injury to animal
life (scale, antler, feather, teeth are uses in 14 preparation
and bones are uses in 13 preparations).
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Journal of Ethnobiology and

Animals and their products utilized as medicines by the inhabitants

Published: 03 November 2006

Received: 28 July 2006

This article is available from: http://www.ethnobiomed.com/content/2/1/46

Journal of Ethnobiology and Ethnomedicine 2006, 2:46

Result and discussion

Journal of Ethnobiology and Ethnomedicine 2006, 2:46

Method of preparation and

Related earlier reported use in

Dung kept in water and after one

Urine of goat administered orally

Mouth ulcer is treated by direct

Fat of pig is use as massage cream

10. House sparrow

Antler is rubbed with water this

12. Collared dove

13. Hardshelled Turtle.

14. Honey bee

stances are similar to those used as remedies throughout

The fresh blood is massaged

The Dried dung is burnt and ash is

Also reported by Naga tribe of

Also reported by Naga tribe of

Ash of excreta is used for

Ash of Lissemys punctatus' Carapace

Journal of Ethnobiology and Ethnomedicine 2006, 2:46

Table 2: Ethnomedicinal uses of animals reported from different parts of India.

Tribes/Ethnic Groups/Region/Indigenous people

Number of animals Reported

tribe of Nagaland [12] also reports the fat of Sus scrofa in

species like the collared dove (Streptopelia sp) (figure 2),

Eraldo M, Costa-Neto : Animal based medicines biological

Journal of Ethnobiology and Ethnomedicine 2006, 2:46

Simoons FJ: The purification rule of the five products of the

Publish with Bio Med Central and every

Your research papers will be:

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Journal of Ethnobiology and

Traditional knowledge on zootherapeutic uses by the Saharia tribe

Published: 5 June 2007

Received: 22 January 2007

This article is available from: http://www.ethnobiomed.com/content/3/1/25

ucts have constituted part of the inventory of medicinal

Journal of Ethnobiology and Ethnomedicine 2007, 3:25

discusses ecological, cultural (traditional knowledge),

tiple properties, and is being therapeutically used since

Journal of Ethnobiology and Ethnomedicine 2007, 3:25

through road/bridge network even now. Lack of exposure

the proper dose. According to them, their knowledge of

Result and discussion

Journal of Ethnobiology and Ethnomedicine 2007, 3:25

of Nagaland and Rajasthan [15,16,22,24] but Legs are

However some of these animals and their products are

Journal of Ethnobiology and Ethnomedicine 2007, 3:25

Ash of shell is taken for weakness.

Antler is rubbed with water this paste is

Taken for cure of Tuberculosis.

The fresh blood is massaged externally to

Rounded spots of feather mix with Jaggery.

Peacock's leg is rubbed with water and this

Bone is grounded with water and this paste

Administered orally to cure.