Traditional Phyto-therapeutic uses by Tribal People in Western Sundarbans: Henry Island, Fredric Island and Bakkhali, West Bengal, India

Abstract

The exploration of the traditional phyto-therapeutic potential of any region can make sense for future novel drug discoveries. Several contemporary researchers engaged themselves to prove the traditional belief in the light of scientific interpretations in virtue of modern tools and techniques. Bearing in mind traditional knowledge, many modern medicines have been formulated now. Within this frame of reference, ethno-medicinal studies are of supreme preponderance. The rural people of Western Sundarbans: Henry Island, Fredric Island and Bakkhali regions of West Bengal, India, still trust indigenous plants to cure different types of diseases. The present study intends to explore ethno-medicinal plant wealth of the studied regions by enlisting their present status, parts used, mode of consumption, the purpose of uses, etc. Frequent field trips were carried out during the survey, and structured questionnaires collected information and interviews with the rural people, folk men and women. The study reveals 62 different plant species (17 herbs, 24 shrubs, 14 trees, 5 climbers, 2 types of grass) belonging to 34 families that have been principally used to treat different diseases.