Folk wisdom and traditional healing practices of the Kani tribe in Peppara Wildlife Sanctuary, Kerala, India

This ethnobotanical study documents the traditional healing practices of the Kani tribe within the Peppara Wildlife Sanctuary, Thiruvananthapuram district, Kerala, India. Through semi-structured interviews, community-based cluster sampling and participatory observations across 13 tribal set tlements (Altitudes 100–1717 m). The survey documented 81 medicinal species across 68 genera and 34 families, with Zingiberaceae emerging as the most dominant family (9.9 %), followed by Euphorbiaceae, Dioscoreaceae and Leguminosae (7.4 % each). Morphological analysis indicated a balanced exploitation of ecological strata, with herbs (31 %) being the primary source, followed by trees (25 %), shrubs (23 %) and climbers (21 %). Quantitative analysis of plant part utilisation revealed a high reliance on subterranean organs, specifically rhizomes/tubers (20 %) and roots (18 %), along with leaves (17 %) and fruits (12 %). The study identifies several novel regional applications, such as Ensete superbum (Roxb.) Cheesman for renal calculi and Cynanchum annularium (Roxb.) Liede & Khanum as a galactagogue, while corroborating established uses of Wrightia tinctoria (Roxb.) R. Br. and Acorus calamus L. Decoctions were the most prevalent preparation method, reflecting a sophisticated understanding of phytochemical extraction. However, the heavy extraction of roots, rhizomes and bark presents a long-term threat to floral sustainability. This research underscores the vital importance of the Kani pharmacopoeia and calls for urgent, structured conservation strategies and educational initiatives to safeguard this unique bio-cultural heritage against socioeconomic and environmental pressures.