AbstractIntroduction: Sonebhadra is the only district in India which borders four states namely MP, Chhattisgarh, Bihar and Jharkhand. This district has eight blocks Babhani, Chatra, Chopan, Duddhi, Ghorawal, Myorpur, Nagwan and Robertsganj. This district has an area of 6,788km2 and a population of 1,862,559 (2011 census), with a population density of 270 inhabitants per square kilometre. It lies in extreme south-east of the state. About 83.12% population of this district lives in rural areas. Nature is integrated part of their life. These tribes having distinct culture, values and practices hold on their traditional knowledge which is transmitted only to people belonging to their clan. The present study is designed to explore the traditional medicine used for skin disorders, cuts, wounds and fractures by different tribal communities of Sonebhadra.
Objectives: (1) To find out the ethnobotanical knowledge of different tribes of Myorpur and Chopan block of Sonebhadra district of Uttar Pradesh; related to cure of skin diseases, wounds and fractures. (2) Collection of medicinal plants used by tribes for treatment of skin disorders, cuts, wounds and fractures and their botanical identification in lab.
Methodology: It is a survey study in which primary and secondary data has been collected. Primary data was collected by interview of participants; collection of medicinal plants used by tribes for the treatment of skin disorders, cuts, wounds and fracture and their botanical identification in lab. Audio and visual aids (camera and mobile) was used to take photographs and videos related to the present study. Secondary data was collected by related books and previous researches.
Result: Many of the plants used by different tribal communities of Sonebhadra for the treatment of skin disorders, cuts, wounds and fracture. There are many plants that are known by different vernacular names of different tribal communities. Some of the plants used by them are – Dhawai (Wood for diafruticosa Kurz.), Chilbil (Holopteleaintegrifolia Planch), Kuthua (Xanthium strumarium L.), Mamarkhi, Bhains (Martyniaannua L.), Giloy (Tinosporacordifolia Willd.), Shatawar (Asparagus racemosus Willd.), Hadjod (Cissusquadrangularis Linn.), IndarbagaiPadhar (Randiauliginosa DC.), Barwat etc.
Conclusion: Tribal communities of Sonebhadra have Unique lifestyles and cultures. Their Knowledge of herbs related to the treatment of skin disorders, cuts, wounds, and fractures is unique and surprising. There is a need to explore their knowledge and establish it on a scientific basis.