Abstract

An ethnobotanical survey was undertaken to collect information about some indigenous medicines used by the poor people in and around Guskara, a moffusil town in Burdwan district, West Bengal, India during the period 2004 and 2005. Information was gathered through questionnaire and personal interviews during field trips. The investigation revealed that, the poor villagers, mainly the tribals use many medicinal plants for treating different ailments. Among them, 20 plant species of different families are used to cure skin diseases, reptile bites, stomach ache, cough and cold and various gynaecological disorders. These plants are enumerated with their scientific names, vernacular names, parts used and medicinal importance. Further studies on chemical and pharmacological properties of these plants are needed to validate the claim. This study showed that many people in this area still continue to depend on these medicinal plants, at least for the primary healthcare. The traditional healers are dwindling in number and there is a grave danger of traditional knowledge disappearing soon, since the younger generation is not interested in carrying on this tradition. So the indigenous knowledge through ethnobotanical studies is important for the conservation and utilization of biological resources. This study thus underlines the potentials of the ethnobotanical research and the need for the documentation of traditional   knowledge of healing, pertaining to the use of some important but less known medicinal plants for the greater benefit of mankind.

Key words: Pharmacological actions, ethnomedicinal, traditional healers, gynaecological disorders.