Abstract

PLANTS USED IN ETHNO-VETERINARY MEDICINE BY ORAON TRIBALS OF NORTH - EAST CHHATTISGARH, INDIA

Dr. Amia Ekka*

Abstract

A survey for documentation of ethnoveterinary medicinal plants used by the Oraon traditional healers in north-east Chhattisgarh, has been conducted during July 2013 to December 2014. Ethnoveterinary information was gathered through individual interviews and observations among the Oraon tribals. A total of 37 species of ethnoveterinary medicinal plants belongs to 30 families and 35 genera were recorded in the study with the help of 20 ethnoveterinary traditional healers. Among the plant parts used by the Oraon tribals for their domestic animals, leaves are most commonly used for the preparation of medicine. Of the plants recorded Abrus precatorius, Andrographis paniculata, Cassia fistula, Curcuma angustifolia, Gymnema sylvestre, Hemidesmus indicus, and Holarrhena antidysenterica are recognized as very commonly used ethnoveterinary medicinal plants. My study suggested that, documenting the medicinal plants and associated indigenous knowledge can be used for conservation and sustainable use of medicinal plants in the area and for validation of these plant preparations for veterinary treatment.

Keywords: Ethnoveterinary medicine, North-East Chhattisgarh , Oraon tribals.