M Sundaramari, R Priyanka, Simi Asharaf, S Rajaguru
Ethno-medicinal practices (EMPs) play a crucial role in primary healthcare among tribal communities, particularly in regions with limited access to modern medical facilities. The present study was conducted in Idukki district of Kerala with the objectives of documenting EMPs related to oral care, assessing their scientific rationality, and analyzing their adoption and perceived effectiveness among tribal farmers. The study was carried out in three phases: documentation through participatory interviews and focus group discussions, rationality assessment using expert evaluation, and field-level analysis of adoption and effectiveness among 452 tribal farmers. A total of thirteen EMPs were documented, of which eleven were found to be scientifically rational based on expert scoring. The presence of bioactive phytochemicals such as alkaloids, flavonoids, terpenes, and phenolic compounds supports their therapeutic potential in treating oral diseases. The results revealed a high level of adoption, with most EMPs practiced by more than 60 percent of respondents, and all widely adopted practices were perceived as effective. Practices involving Azadirachta indica, Centella asiatica, and Sesbania grandiflora showed higher levels of rationality, adoption, and effectiveness. The study concludes that EMPs are scientifically valid, culturally accepted, and economically viable, offering significant potential for integration into sustainable oral healthcare systems.