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VOL. 5, ISSUE 4 (2023)
Traditional plant-based remedies in the Western Ghats region of Kodagu district: A recent survey of ethnomedicinal knowledge
Authors
Ashitha Ganesh B, Devi Prasad A G
Abstract
The ethnomedicinal survey was made in the
unexplored regions of Western Ghats in Kodagu district during the period of
September 2020 to April 2021 to document the diversity of medicinal plants and
ethnomedicinal knowledge. The information and data related to these were
obtained through interviews with traditional medicinal practitioners. A
semi-structured questionnaire and a random sample technique were employed. A
total of 145 species were documented, belonging to 57 families, and among them
Fabaceae (17), Apocynaceae (9), and Malvaceae (8) were dominant. Of the total
species recorded, herbs (32%) were used prominently, followed by shrubs (25%),
trees (22%), and climbers (11%). The informant consensus factor was calculated
for the quantitative study of the ethnobotanical data. The highest degree of
informant consensus was reported for kidney problems (0.75), gastrointestinal
disorders (0.74), liver disorders (0.60), and wound healing (0.66). Detailed
information on ailments treated, habit, parts used, method of preparation, and
mode of application was recorded. Leaves (45%) were predominantly used plant
parts, and paste (34%) was the most used herbal preparation method. The
demographic profile of the respondents has shown that the younger generation
has a very meagre traditional knowledge in their vicinity. The present study
emphasizes the importance of safeguarding traditional knowledge for a
sustainable future.
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Pages:1-13
How to cite this article:
Ashitha Ganesh B, Devi Prasad A G "Traditional plant-based remedies in the Western Ghats region of Kodagu district: A recent survey of ethnomedicinal knowledge". International Journal of Ecology and Environmental Sciences, Vol 5, Issue 4, 2023, Pages 1-13
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