To document the medicinal value, local name, plant parts, mode of preparation and IUCN status of medicinal plants sold in local markets of Velliangiri hills (Poondi), Coimbatore district, Tamil Nadu, India. Ethnobotanical data were collected by personal interview through questionnaires from medicinal man, traditional healers and elder persons. The information’s on time of collection of medicinal plants, parts used, dosage and quantity of collection per season or year were gathered from twenty local shops (respondents) and documented. The survey revealed a total of 111 species of commercially sold medicinal plants by the different tribes of Velliangiri hills which were used in their traditional health care system. Most of the plant materials in the market were sold in dried form and alsosingly or in combination with other plants. These plants were used in the treatment of various ailments such as fever, cold, cough, rheumatism, skin diseases, scabies, diabetes, jaundice, malaria, piles, sexual complaints and antidote for poisonous bites. Of the 111 commercially sold medicinal plants, about 57 are listed in the IUCN red listed categories. It is an urgent need that to encourage the tribes in domestication and cultivation of medicinal plants which help to conserve the biodiversity and sustainable source of medicinal plants.
