Journal of
Medicinal Plants Research

  • Abbreviation: J. Med. Plants Res.
  • Language: English
  • ISSN: 1996-0875
  • DOI: 10.5897/JMPR
  • Start Year: 2007
  • Published Articles: 3835

Full Length Research Paper

Traditional phytotherapy against skin diseases and in wound healing of the tribes of Purulia district,West Bengal, India

Abhijit Dey1, Bhaskar Gupta2* and Jitendra Nath De3
1Department of Botany, Presidency University (Formerly Presidency College), 86/1, College Street, Kolkata-700073, West Bengal, India. 2Molecular Biology Laboratory, Department of Biotechnology, Presidency University, 86/1 College Street,Kolkata-700073, India. 3Department of Botany, Charuchandra College, 22, Lake Road, Kolkata-700029. West Bengal, India.
Email: [email protected], [email protected]

  •  Accepted: 22 August 2012
  •  Published: 29 August 2012

Abstract

An ethnobotanical survey was conducted in the remote hilly and tribal dominated areas of the Purulia district (West Bengal, India) to explore the traditional botanical uses against skin diseases and wound healing. Santhal, Bhumija, Munda, Oraon, Birhor, Mal Paharya, Kharia, Kharwar, Gond, and Ho represent the major ethnic groups residing in the area. A semi structured questionnaire was used to extract information from the informants who were mostly the traditional medical practitioners and knowledgeable villagers. A total number of 77 informants provided information on 33 plants having curative properties against the said ailments. Asteraceae and Lamiaceae were found to the predominant families, while leaves were noted as the most used plant part. Paste was found to be the most preferred method of formulation, whereas topical mode of administration was the most popular in disease treatment.

 

Key words: Ethnobotany, Purulia, tribes, skin diseases, wound healing