ETHNOBOTANICAL SURVEY OF MEDICINAL PLANTS IN NILAVELI AREA AT TRINCOMALEE DISTRICT, WHICH PLANTS ARE MENTIONED IN PEDIATRIC MANAGEMENT IN SIDDHA MEDICAL SYSTEM

Siddha medical system is very old medical system which deal with medicinal plants in surrounding the society and authenticated to medical purpose of all target groups without age limits such as; pediatrics, gynecology, geriatric and patients with diseases. 18 siddhars defined this siddha medicine with natural resources in specific manner and written manuscripts then these ola manuscripts transferred to digital copy at present. in this research, selected written text book; Balavagadam mentioned medicinal plants were searched in Nilaveli area at Trincomalee District in Sri Lanka. research Objectives: to enumerate the medicinal plants which were in Balavagadam book, to identify the medicinal plants in Nilaveli area, Trincomalee District, to reveal the medicinal plants which used in pediatrics complaints in siddha medical system. Results were; altogether 140 medicinal plants were identified. in taxonomical classification; Trees were 33 (23%), Shrubs were 21 (15%), Herbs were 31 (22%), Climbers were 31 (22%), Creepers were 19 (13.5%), Parasite Plants were 02 (1%), Aquatic Plants were 03 (2%). The part used in medicinal purpose were; Whole plants were 65%, Roots were 31%, seeds were 24%, flowers were 19%, rhizomes were 15%, Barks were 15%, latex were 9% and resin were 2%. finally conclude as; this research showed as 140 medicinal plants found in Nilaveli area, Trincomalee district which mentioned in Balavagadam text book for management of pediatrics complaints through the siddha medical system. in future this study will helpful to prepare medicine and will do clinical researches in pediatric drug discovery. Key words: Pediatric, siddha medicine, medicinal plants, Nilaveli, balavagadam