Ethnobotanical Appraisal on Selected Gamopetalae Plant Species from Saharanpur, Uttar Pradesh

Author: Yogendra Kumar and Kanchan Awasthi

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Abstract

The present ethnobotanical study was conducted in rural parts of district Saharanpur in the state of Uttar Pradesh to obtain information on utilization of medicinal plants by the local inhabitants to treat their various health problems. This traditional knowledge plays key role in maintaining health care system in rural areas. The information has been recorded and documented for 54 Gamopetalae plant species. In order to obtain ethnobotanical information, a number of group discussions and the open interviews were organized to interact with local inhabitants. The study recorded the indigenous use of medicinal plants by the local people of this area for the treatment of various diseases. The study area has rich biodiversity of medicinal plants but due to the lack of awareness and proper monitoring about cultivation, harvesting and sustainable utilization, these valuable plant resources are declining very fast. In addition, the indigenous traditional knowledge regarding the use of valuable medicinal plants of this region is also declining rapidly. Therefore, documentation of this traditional knowledge is an important step to ensure sustainable utilization and conservation of valuable medicinal plant resources. The prime objective of this study was the documentation of floristic diversity and traditional knowledge of plant resources that are used by local inhabitants of the study area for curing various ailments. The most preferred plant part for medicinal purposes was the leaves followed by root and other parts.

Keywords

Gamopetalae, ethnobotanical, traditional use, monitoring, local inhabitants, sustainable utilization

Conclusion

In recent years, as a result of environmental degradation and modernization of social systems, significant changes are observed in various aspects of ethno medicine. Because of these factors, the system of traditional knowledge in India is degrading at very fast rate. Hence, there is urgent need of necessary steps to document all valuable traditional information among the various ethnic groups before it vanishes. It is evident from the present study that the indigenous ethnomedicinal knowledge is still in alive state in this region as the phytomedicines are still using by the local people to treat their various health problems. A total of 54 medicinal plant species from Gamopetalae group were collected and their significance in the treatment of different diseases is documented. The major life form used for medicine was the herb and leaf was the principal useful part. These plants possess enormous potentials for the preparation of commercially important pharmaceutical products but this plant wealth is declining day by day due to the lack of proper documentation and awareness in younger generation. Therefore, paying special attention on identification and conservation of medicinally important plant resources is an essential requirement of today in order to maintain our rich traditional ethnobotanical knowledge of medicinal plants. Success can be achieved by motivating younger generation towards identification, cultivation and conservation of medicinal plants in this area.

References

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How to cite this article

Yogendra Kumar and Kanchan Awasthi (2023). Ethnobotanical Appraisal on Selected Gamopetalae Plant Species from Saharanpur, Uttar Pradesh. Biological Forum – An International Journal, 15(5): 1222-1229.