A note on the ethno-medicinal properties of some plants used by the tribal and rural community in Ghatol area of district Banswara of South Rajasthan, India

Abstract

Ethno-botanical practices, in both the developing and developed countries, are increasing regularly. The trade of herbal products in the national and international market is also growing very fast. No nation can progress unless it makes it’s national heritage and rituals intelligible and accessible. The rich biodiversity and associated indigenous knowledge system for their sustainable use, more intelligible and accessible to masses is the need of the hour. The Banswara is well known for its scenic beauty, high tribal density, fascinating culture and tradition based on intricate relationship with the nature. Plants and plant products play an important role in tribal life of this region of Rajasthan. These plant species are used as edible plants, indicators of agricultural seasons and in the treatment of some common ailments. The rural community uses these herbal drugs along with modern medicines. An ethno-botanical exploration was carried out in the Ghatol-Peepalkhunt forest area of Banswara in the years 2011-2013, so far less frequently studied from the perspective of plant folk traditions. The study shows that tribes of this area still prefer to use herbs for different diagnostic purposes either the whole plant or different parts like leaves, stem, bark, roots directly or in different traditional formulations. About 38 plant species belonging to 35 genera and 22 families are employed ethno-medicinally by the rural people in 12 villages of Ghatol-Peepalkhunt area. Documentation of traditional knowledge on the ethno-medicinal uses of these plants is essential for conservation efforts for the plant resources and new drug development.