Plants used in treatment of snakebite by the tribal communities of Paschim Medinipur district, West Bengal

Abstract

An ethno-medicinal survey was conducted in 8 villages of the Paschim Medinipur district of West Bengal during 2012-2013 to collect information from traditional health healers/tribal communities on the use of medicinal plants for treatment of snake bites through questionnaire and personal interviews. The tribal communities residing in this region are the Santhals, Mundas, Lodhas, Bhumijs, Oraon and Kherias. The present study enumerates 20 plant species belonging 16 families used by the tribal communities and medicinal healers of Paschim Medinipur district, West Bengal in treatment of snakebite. Each plant species has been listed alphabetically according to its botanical name, family, vernacular name, part(s) used, mode of preparation/administration.