A Survey of Ethnomedicinal Plants used by the tribals of Ajoydha Hill Region, Purulia District, India

Purulia, The westernmost district of West Bengal, is inhabited by a large number of tribals. A study on the ethnomedicinal plants of Ajodhya hill and its surrounding tribal villages was carried out. Through questionnaire, personal interviews and conversation, a total number of 56 plant species used by the aboriginals to treat different ailments of human beings and livestock were enumerated. The major ethnic groups present in this area include Santhali, Bhumijs, Mundas, Oraon, Birhor, Mal Pahariya, Kharia and Ho. During the investigation, a well developed system of ethnmedicinal practices was found to exist among the tribals. The family Fabaceae was having maximum number of medicinal plants (7) used by the tribals followed by Euphorbiaceae and Rubiaceae (4 each). The major plant part used was constituted by roots followed by leaves and stem. Gastrointestinal ailments, Fever, cough and cold related ailments, skin diseases and sexually transmitted diseases were the four major disorders treated by the use of medicinal plants in this area. 14, 10, 6 and 6 plants were found to be useful in the treatment of gastrointestinal ailments, fever, cough and cold related ailments, skin diseases and sexually transmitted diseases respectively.