Indiginous knowledge, phytochemical analysis, antimicrobial activity and in vitro conservation of some medicinal plants of Bhimkund and its adjoining regions in Mayurbhanj district of Odisha, India

Abstract

Mayurbhanj district in the state of Odisha is much rich with indigenous knowledge about the medicinal plants used by various ethnic groups. Bhimkund and its adjoining region in this district are endowed with rich biodiversity. People of these areas are utilizing various plants and plant products for the ailments of various diseases. The rich traditional knowledge about the use of medicinal plants for the treatment of various diseases is on the verge of extinction in these areas which should be properly documented for their use in the compilation of Traditional Knowledge Digital Library. These areas are endowed with large number of medicinal plants along with plants of other socio-economic importance. During the present investigation, the phytochemical analysis of some common medicinal plants have been conducted which gives evidence on the medicinal properties of these plants. Antimicrobial activity of some selected medicinal plants of this region such as Cissampelos pareira L., Nyctanthes arbor-tristis L., Terminalia chebula Retz., Curcuma angustifolia Roxb., Rauvolfia serpentina Benth. ex Kurz shows that the plants have inhibitory effects on the growth of the bacterium Lactobacillus. It gives an idea that medicines prepared from various parts of these plants will be much effective for the treatment of various diseases caused by the infection of various microorganisms. The in vitro conservation through the techniques of tissue culture of the medicinal plants Curcuma angustifolia Roxb. Collected for these region seems to be an effective method for the ex situ conservation.