Ethnopharmacological use of animals in traditional medicine in India

Ethnopharmacology, the study of the medicinal uses of plants, animals and other substances by indigenous cultures, plays a critical role in traditional healing practices worldwide. In India, traditional medicine systems such as Ayurveda, Siddha, Unani and tribal medicine have long utilized animals and animal-derived products for various therapeutic purposes. The use of animals in ethnomedicine encompasses a wide range of species, including mammals, reptiles, birds and insects, each with specific medicinal properties. These animals are often used for their bones, skin, organs and secretions, incorporated into remedies for ailments such as digestive disorders, inflammation and infections. This paper explores the ethnopharmacological use of animals in traditional medicine in India, evaluating the species used, preparation methods, therapeutic applications and the cultural significance of these practices.