Ethnobotanical importance of families Apocynaceae, Asteraceae, and Fabaceae (Angiosperms) among Rajasthan tribes, India

Abstract

The families Apocynaceae, Asteraceae, and Fabaceae are well-known among Angiosperms for providing ethnic or traditional food and medicine. The Apocynaceae family is highly valued for its medicinal properties, providing a rich source of drugs used in conventional and modern medicine. This family is a powerhouse of medicinal activity with 4600 species under 415 genera. Similarly, the Asteraceae family is renowned for its edible and medicinal weeds grown for over 3000 years, making it a well-known source of natural remedies. The family mainly contains taxa with inulin, a natural polysaccharide with pro-biotic properties. However, it has been recognized that many other bioactive compounds can be found within this family. With approximately 665 genera and 17500 species worldwide and over 1100 species and 100 genera in India alone, the Fabaceae family significantly contributes to the world's flora. The genera of this family are well known for producing a diverse range of phytochemicals, including 3-nitropropanoic acid, a potent mycotoxin. It is worth noting that almost every tribe in India, particularly Rajasthan, is aware of the therapeutic properties of various plants from these families. The arid state of India boasts rich territories that host an array of plant families. By delving into the scientific literature on the phytochemical properties and ethnobotanical uses of various plant families, valuable insights can be gained that could enable us to better understand and utilize these plants. This knowledge could lead to discoveries and innovations in plant-based medicine and agriculture.