STUDY ON THE PHYTOTHERAPEUTIC USES OF PLANTS BY THE TRIBAL PEOPLE OF ALIRAJPUR DISTRICT, M.P., INDIA.

Naveen Jain and Jitendra Singh Pachaya*

ABSTRACT

The objective of the present study was to investigate ethno medicinal importance of some distinctive medicinal plants used by different tribes of Alirajpur. Alirajpur is one of the tribal districts of western Madhya Pradesh. Tribal communities like Bhil, Bhilala and Barela residing in Alirajpur of western Madhya Pradesh are uneducated, socio-economically backward and still depend on medicinal plants for the treatment of various diseases. Data obtained by periodical and seasonal field trips, collection of information from tribal medicine men (Badwa), patients and elderly person in and around study area. The obtained data is cross-checked with more than eight elderly persons who have traditional knowledge of plants and two to five patients who received treatment from Badwa. Present study accounts a total of 93 species, 52 genera and 41 families which are used in different types of diseases. The study also revealed few new plants of medicinal importance that are not accessible in the previous reports. This study highlights the importance and urgent need for protection and documentation of the plants of the study area.

Keywords: Alirajpur, ethno medicinal plants, traditional medicine, tribes.