Traditional Healer of Asclepiadoideae of Apocynaceae in Bankura, West Bengal

Abstract

The present communication deals with the ethno-botanical exploration, identification of some plants of formerly Asclepiadaceae that are treated as subfamily Asclepiadoideae, the milkweed subfamily of family Apocynaceae (order Gentianales) as per APG III system of classification. The plants of this subfamily are being used frequently by the rural people of Bankura. During the present investigation, a total of 14 species of subfamily Asclepiadoideae have been reportedthey were used by the local health healers for the treatment of different diseases. Among them Calotropisgigantea, Hemidesmusindicus, Pergulariadaemia, Telosmapallida, Tylophoraindica, are leading species that are frequently used for a variety of health problems. As reported by informants, roots are the most important part used for herbal preparation followed by whole plant, leaf and fruit. The rural people of Bankura have good knowledge about ethno-medicinal plants and this legacy of traditional culture must be conserved. So present paper depicts various plant resources of ethno-medicinewith special reference to subfamily Asclepiadoideae.