Ethnobotanical Survey of Medicinal Plants Used by the Tribal Population of Ashti Taluka, Wardha District, Maharashtra, India

Abstract

Introduction: India has a rich heritage of medicinal plants, which constitute a central pillar of its traditional healing systems. An ethnobotanical survey of medicinal plants provides extensive knowledge about plant species and their efficacy in local communities, thereby helping to strengthen and enhance the Ayurvedic healthcare system, particularly in the management of rare diseases. This study focuses on conducting an ethnobotanical survey. Aim: To collect information on herbs used for medicinal purposes by the tribal population of Ashti taluka in Wardha District, Maharashtra, India. Materials and Methods: A descriptive, observational survey was conducted in remote villages of Ashti tahsil, Wardha district, Maharashtra, India. Traditional healers and elderly community members were identified with the help of leaders and local people. Interviews were conducted in the local language from November 2020 to November 2021 using a structured questionnaire covering plant common names, habits, useful parts, method of preparation, mode of application, dosage, and medicinal uses. Photographs of wild plants were taken, and taxonomic identification and verification were carried out using Indian medicinal plant literature and international botanical databases. The age and experience of informants were taken into consideration during data collection. Results: Twelve plant species belonging to ten different plant families were documented. These plant species were used by folk practitioners for the management of acute and chronic conditions such as hypertension, diabetes mellitus, cancer, asthma, and skin diseases, including eczema, psoriasis, and leukoderma. Conclusion: Plants utilised by tribal communities appear to play an important role in the management of acute and chronic conditions, including hypertension, diabetes mellitus, asthma, and skin disorders such as eczema, psoriasis, and leukoderma. Traditional therapeutic practices reflect a deep integration of folk and classic Ayurvedic knowledge systems.