Ethno-medicinal uses of Nyctanthes arbor-tristis L. in Bargarh district, Odisha

Abstract

Bargarh is one among 30 districts and is situated in the western part of Odisha. Diverse climate and habitat of Bargarh district provide favourable condition for existence of variety of plant species. The tribals and rural people living in the hilly regions and remote areas of the district use various plants to cure for various diseases and ailments. Indiscriminate use of some plants of ethnomedicinal importance has resulted in gradual extinction of them. Proper awareness regarding the use of these medicinal plants among the tribals and other rural population is, therefore, necessary. The present paper deals with such an important medicinal plant species of ethnomedicinal importance, Nyctanthes arbor-tristis L. of family oleaceae. Its plant parts such as roots, leaves and flowers are used in traditional medicine. Local inhabitant of this region use its different parts to cure different diseases and ailments such as asthma, malarial fever, intermittent fever, constipation, stomach disorder, spleen enlargement, bed sores, sciatica, anthelmintic, killing lice and removing dandruff.