Traditional zootherapeutic studies in India: a review
2008

Traditional Zootherapeutic Practices in India

Sample size: 15 publication Evidence: moderate

Author Information

Author(s): Madan Mohan Mahawar, DP Jaroli

Primary Institution: Department of Zoology, Government Post Graduate College, Sawai Madhopur, Rajasthan, India; Department of Zoology, University of Rajasthan, Jaipur, Rajasthan, India

Hypothesis

The study aims to review the zootherapeutic practices of different ethnic communities in India.

Conclusion

The study reports approximately 109 animals and their 270 medicinal uses in traditional medicine across India.

Supporting Evidence

  • Approximately 109 animals are reported in traditional medicine in different parts of India.
  • 44 mammals, 24 invertebrates, 18 birds, 12 reptiles, 9 fishes, and 2 amphibians are used for medicinal purposes.
  • 42 animal species are reported for the treatment of respiratory problems.
  • 76 of the reported animal species are included in the IUCN red data list.

Takeaway

People in India use animals for medicine, and this study lists many of those animals and how they are used.

Methodology

Data were gathered from 15 published research papers on zootherapeutic studies in India from 2000 to 2007.

Limitations

The study may not cover all zootherapeutic practices as it is based on published research papers.

Participant Demographics

Different ethnic communities in India.

Digital Object Identifier (DOI)

10.1186/1746-4269-4-17

Want to read the original?

Access the complete publication on the publisher's website

View Original Publication