Ethno Botanical Studies on some medicinal plants and their application against various Gynecological Disorders in Barpeta Districts of Assam

Abstract

ABSTRACT newlineAlthough a large amount of work had been done by various workers on the rural and tribal medicines in North Eastern India but during this study it was felt that these studies are just the tip of an iceberg. There remain a lot of work to be done and a lot of literature to be documented before it is lost forever. During this study, an extensive usage of field trips and interview modules were used. Field notebooks were used to jot down these interviews and record the medicinal plant descriptions. Around 85 species of medicinal plants belonging to 51 families are found in the study period. Some plant specimens are identified with the help of standard floras and taxonomic websites. The specimens are deposited at the Herbarium of MC College, Barpeta, Assam. A photographic computerized herbarium was also maintained. newlineAs regards the ethnobotanical and pharmacological properties of the plants, they were recorded as per the accounts of the traditional healers and the authors do no claim the authenticity of the preparations. It was noted that some properties were commonly reported in majority of literatures but some remained unreported as far as we could search. A thorough record of the medicine preparation was emphasized in this work. This study recorded phytomedocines and their mode of utilizations for Menstrual related problems (Dysmenorrhea, Irregular menstruation, Menorrhagia), Female infertility, Leucorrhoea, and Hypogalactia. newlineThe scientific identification of the medicinally active compound from voucher specimen remains the critical part of an ethnobotanical study but that requires a major and dedicated research. However, two plants were biochemically analysed to find out their active ingredients. It is anticipated that the information gathered about indigenous drugs will be used a feed back to traditional medicine. The knowledge of active constituents of indigenous drugs may lead to substantial improvements in traditional therapy and bring about a fusion of modern and traditional medicine. newline