Studies on Drug Plants of Mayurbhanj Plateau, Odisha, India

Abstract

A preliminary study on the drug plants of Mayurbhanj Plateau (situated approximately at 21° 15´ to 22° 30´ N latitude and 87° 01´ to 87° 08´ E longitude) was carried out during 2000 and 2003 and a total of 63 species of plants were recorded. During the field study help of the rural and semi urbanized practioners popularly known as Vaidyas, Oza and Gunnia as well as vendors of Jori booti was taken to indentify the drug plants. Some of the commonly used drug plants are Achyranthes aspera, Alostonia scholaris, Adhatoda vasica, Bauchinia vareigata, Butea monosperma, Datura metal, Hemidesmus indicus, Madhuca latifolia, Mimosops elengi, Rauwolfia serpentina, Swertia chirata, Zingiber officinales and Zizyphus jujube. These plant parts are used in different forms for treating amoeboid dysentery, indigestion, asthama, constipation, jaundice, diarrhea, rheumatism, diabetes, tonsillitis and for fertility in women, menorrhigia, caugh, malarial fever, low blood pressure, cuts, wounds and gingivitis, etc., by the people of different communities of the plateau in year round.