Indigenous knowledge of the utility and utilization aspects of Calotropis procera (ait) RBR (Asclepiadoideae) in western Rajasthan, India

Abstract

The present study is carried out in western Rajasthan to document the indigenous knowledge of traditional and other medicinal uses of Calotropis procera (Ait.) R. Br. The Calotropis species, locally known as Aak, Aakada and Madar, is deeply associated with the culture and livelihood of indigenous people in this area. Some of the indigenous practices are for shelter, agriculture equipment, firewood, hunting, fibre, fodder, toys, timber, musical instruments, ethnomedicine etc. The present study not only establishes the validity of indigenous knowledge but also indicates the urgency to use and conserve it properly, which will be seriously threatened under pressure from modernisation and especially on account of the industrialisation among the new generation.