Ethnobotanical Study of Medicinal Plants used by Tharu Community of Parroha VDC, Rupandehi District, Nepal

Abstract

The indigenous knowledge on medicinal plants is gaining recognition worldwide because of its support in discovery of new medicines and its importance for proper conservation of biodiversity. Present study aims to explore the ethnobotanical information on medicinal plants used by Tharu community of Pahhoha VDC of Rupandehi district. The study was conducted during different periods of the year 2007. Informations on plant and plant parts uses were collected interviewing key informants using semi-structured open-ended questionnaire. Altogether 45 different plant species of plants belonging to 31 families and 42 genera were documented and majority of them are trees. In terms of plant and plant parts use, seed or fruits and leaf are in top priorities. These plants are used to treat different ailments ranging from gastro-intestinal to headache and fever, respiratory tract related problems to dermatological problems, snake bite to ophthalmic and cuts and wounds. Easy access to modern medicines and less recognition of traditional healers are the main causes leading to decrease in interest of young generation in the use of traditional medicinal practices. Keywords: Ethnobotany; Medicinal plants; Parroha VDC; Tharu. DOI: 10.3126/sw.v7i7.3832 Scientific World Vol.7(7) 2009 pp.80-84