Ethnobotanical studies of Citrullus colocynthis (Linn.) Schrad. An important threatened medicinal herb

Abstract

Ethnobotanical survey based on utilization of plants by the tribals has gained much importance in the recent past all over the world. In India, lot of work has been done, both at national and regional levels. Rajasthan, the largest state of the country is rich in floristic as well as ethnic diversity, which makes it the ideal place to work on ‘Ethnobotany’. In the present study Citrullus colocynthis is a very important medicinal plant which is used by various tribes for treatment of many diseases. Seventeen recipes are based on root, twelve on fruits, five on seeds, two on whole plant, three on leaf and in two recipes both roots and fruits are used. Keyword: Ethnobotany, Medicinal Plant, Citrullus colocynthis, tribes.