Traditional knowledge on plants from Toranmal plateau of Maharashtra

Abstract

Plant based traditional knowledge has beco me a recognized tool in the search for new sources of drugs and neutraceuticals. During last few decades variou s Governme nt agencies. NGOs and pharmaceutical companies have carried out several explorations in search of nc drugs . Prese nt communication deals with the traditional knowledge of tribal s residing in Toranmal plateau of Maharashtra. The tribals of this region are using plants/p lant parts or th e ir suitabl e preparations for treating various ailments. According to present survey th e most prevalent ailments in this region are gastrointestinal disorders, and in treating majority of th e m unde rground parts like rhizome, root, tubers. etc. are used. In the present study traditiona l uses of s pecies of I () I plants were documented. Out of these uses of 25 plants are not cited ill th e major literature consulted hence, are considered as less known and are enumerated ill thi s pape r.