Traditional phytotherapy against skin diseases and in wound healing of the tribes of Purulia district, West Bengal, India

Abstract

An ethnobotanical survey was conducted in the remote hilly and tribal dominated areas of the Purulia district (West Bengal, India) to explore the traditional botanical uses against skin diseases and wound healing. Santhal, Bhumija, Munda, Oraon, Birhor, Mal Paharya, Kharia, Kharwar, Gond, and Ho represent the major ethnic groups residing in the area. A semi structured questionnaire was used to extract information from the informants who were mostly the traditional medical practitioners and knowledgeable villagers. A total number of 77 informants provided information on 33 plants having curative properties against the said ailments. Asteraceae and Lamiaceae were found to the predominant families, while leaves were noted as the most used plant part. Paste was found to be the most preferred method of formulation, whereas topical mode of administration was the most popular in disease treatment.