Mangroves and medicine: Ethnobotanical insights from the Thallarevu region of Kakinada district, Andhra Pradesh, India

Mangrove forests represent unique ecosystems harboring diverse plant species with substantial ethnomedicinal value, particularly for coastal communities. This study examines the indigenous therapeutic applications of mangrove vegetation in the coastal villages of Kakinada district, Andhra Pradesh, India. Traditional knowledge among the local populace about the medicinal usage of mangrove plants remains poorly documented, despite its profound implications for healthcare. The primary objective of this research is to document this indigenous knowledge, assess the therapeutic efficacy of these plants, and emphasize their potential contribution to sustainable rural healthcare practices. Field surveys, ethnobotanical inventories, and structured interviews were conducted among traditional healers and local inhabitants during 2022-2025. A total of 31 mangrove plant species from 18 botanical families were identified with significant medicinal properties. Plants such as Acanthus ilicifolius, Avicennia marina, Rhizophora apiculata, and Excoecaria agallocha were frequently cited for their diverse applications in curing ailments like dysentery, arthritis, diabetes, skin disorders, and snake bites. The findings highlight a rich ethnomedicinal tradition yet underscore threats from urbanization, climate change, and biodiversity loss. This study stresses the necessity for rigorous documentation and conservation of traditional medicinal practices and provides recommendations for integrating indigenous therapeutic knowledge into modern medicinal frameworks. Such integrative approaches could significantly enhance primary healthcare access, especially in rural coastal regions lacking modern medical infrastructure.