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Research Paper | Environmental Biology | Volume 15 Issue 5, May 2026 | Pages: 663 - 666 | India
Documentation of Ethnomedicinal Plants in Samudrapur Tehsil, Wardha District, Maharashtra, India
Abstract: Background: Ethnomedicinal plants constitute a critical component of primary healthcare in rural India, particularly where access to modern medical facilities remains limited. The Samudrapur Tehsil of Wardha District, Maharashtra, harbours diverse tribal and rural communities with rich but undocumented traditional healing knowledge. Objectives: The present study was undertaken to systematically document ethnomedicinal plant species, record traditional preparation methods, identify ailments treated, and assess conservation priorities. Methods: Field surveys were conducted from June to December 2025 across selected villages in Samudrapur Tehsil. A total of 50 informants (aged 40?85 years), including traditional healers (vaidyas), herbalists, and elderly community members, were interviewed using semi-structured questionnaires. Plant specimens were collected, identified using standard taxonomic flora, and voucher specimens deposited. Results: A total of 10 ethnomedicinal plant species belonging to 10 families were documented. Trees constituted the dominant life form (40%), followed by herbs (30%), shrubs (20%), and climbers (10%). Leaves were the most frequently utilised plant part (35%), followed by bark (15%). The documented plants addressed skin diseases, respiratory disorders, digestive ailments, fever, and cardiovascular conditions. Key species include Azadirachta indica, Terminalia arjuna, Ocimum tenuiflorum, and Asparagus racemosus. Conclusions: The study reveals significant ethnomedicinal knowledge among local communities of Samudrapur Tehsil. However, this knowledge is at risk due to modernisation and declining intergenerational transmission. Urgent measures for documentation, scientific validation, and in situ conservation are recommended.
Keywords: Ethnobotany, Medicinal plants, Traditional knowledge, Wardha District, Biodiversity conservation, Maharashtra, Indigenous healthcare
How to Cite?: Nikita Bhosale, B. M. Rajurkar, "Documentation of Ethnomedicinal Plants in Samudrapur Tehsil, Wardha District, Maharashtra, India", Volume 15 Issue 5, May 2026, International Journal of Science and Research (IJSR), Pages: 663-666, https://www.ijsr.net/getabstract.php?paperid=SR26509202807, DOI: https://dx.dx.doi.org/10.21275/SR26509202807