Ethnobotanical investigations of medicinal plants with antimicrobial, antioxidant, analgesic and anti-inflammatory potential in Khordha District, Odisha, India

Abstract

Background: Ethnobotanical knowledge remains a cornerstone of healthcare in rural and tribal communities, where medicinal plants are used to treat infections, pain, inflammation, and oxidative stress–related disorders. Khordha district of Odisha, with its rich ecological diversity, preserves a unique repertoire of traditional plant-based practices that require systematic documentation and validation.

Methods: An ethnobotanical survey was conducted among 90 informants across eight localities of Khordha using structured interviews, participant observation, and field collections. Voucher specimens were taxonomically authenticated. Quantitative indices, including Use Value, Relative Frequency of Citation, Cultural Importance Index, and Fidelity Level, were employed to assess the ethnomedicinal significance of each species.

Results: A total of 40 medicinal plants belonging to 24 families were recorded. Azadirachta indica, Curcuma longa, Zingiber officinale, Tinospora cordifolia, Withania somnifera, and Phyllanthus emblica were among the most frequently cited. Notably, Filicium decipiens exhibited the highest RFC (0.988) and CI (0.978), underscoring its strong cultural acceptance and therapeutic value. The majority of plants were employed for antimicrobial purposes (e.g., neem, garlic), antioxidant effects (e.g., amla, Triphala fruits), analgesic relief (e.g., Withania somnifera, Zingiber officinale), and anti-inflammatory actions (e.g., turmeric, Cassia fistula). Leaves were the most commonly used plant part, followed by roots, fruits, and rhizomes, with preparations ranging from pastes and decoctions to powders and infusions.

Conclusion: The study emphasises the ethnobotanical wealth of Khordha district, highlighting Filicium decipiens alongside widely known medicinal plants. These species, traditionally used for antimicrobial, antioxidant, analgesic, and anti-inflammatory purposes, represent a valuable resource for future pharmacological research, biodiversity conservation, and the development of integrative healthcare.

Keywords: Ethnobotany; Asteraceae, Indigenous communities; Human diseases, Herbal medicine