Ethnobotanical Studies in Nawarangpur District, Odisha, India

Traditionally, plants have been used as a source of medicine in India by indigenous people inhabiting various terrains for the control of different ailments afflicting human. An ethno botanical survey was undertaken in Nawarangpur District, Odisha, India. The plants and their traditional use are part of the natural and cultural heritage of the region. The study was carried out regarding the medicinal plants used by the local peoples during 2000 to 2004. Finally, the data were assessed to which extent plants are vulnerable due to collection and habitat destruction. An ethno botanical survey was undertaken in the Nawarangpur District, Odisha, India. Data were collected through field assessments from traditional healers and locals by means of personal interviews and semi-structured questionnaires. Voucher specimens were collected following standard methods, identified with the help of pertinent floras and taxonomic experts and deposited in the Herbarium, RRL-B, India for future references. A total of 69 plant species belonging to 43 families are reported during the study. The major life forms were herbs, trees, shrubs, climbers, small tree and creeper. Several medicinal plants recognized for the treatment of various diseases were collected. The root parts were widely used, followed by leaf, bark, seed and stem. This study reveals that medicinal plants still play a vital role in the primary healthcare of this local community. Traditional medicines also have the potential to form the basis of pharmaceutical drugs for the treatment of a range of diseases. Further, the information requires validation for further clinical usage.

Author(s): NK Dhal, SS Panda and SD Muduli

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