Scientific Rationality, Adoption and Perceived Effectiveness of Ethno Medical Practices on Cancer in Idukki District, Kerala, India

Abstract

This study aimed to document traditional ethnomedicinal practices (EMPs) used for cancer treatment among tribal farmers in Idukki, Kerala, scientifically validate selected remedies, and assess their adoption and perceived effectiveness. Field surveys, interviews, and participatory tools were used to record local practices, while literature review provided scientific validation. Nine EMPs were identified, eight of which had strong pharmacological evidence supporting their anticancer properties, and one without documented proof. Adoption rates ranged from 65% to 94.96%, with high community trust and reported positive outcomes. Commonly used plants included Ocimum sanctum, Tinospora cordifolia, Azadirachta indica, and Solanum nigrum, which possess bioactive compounds with antioxidant, anti-proliferative, and immunomodulatory effects. The findings highlight the cultural significance, therapeutic potential, and continued relevance of these practices, while stressing the need for further research, biodiversity conservation, and preservation of indigenous knowledge for future generations.