Plant biodiversity and ethnomedicinal practices for female reproductive health in Ganjam (Odisha) and Northern Andhra Pradesh, India

Abstract

Background: Traditional medicinal plants are central to female reproductive healthcare among rural and coastal communities of Ganjam (Odisha) and northern Andhra Pradesh, India. Indigenous knowledge integrates biodiversity with culturally embedded practices to manage infertility, menstrual irregularities, hormonal imbalance, uterine disorders, and menopausal symptoms.

Methods: An ethnobotanical survey (December 2024–October 2025) was conducted across Berhampur, Gopalpur, Rambha, Purushottampur, Digapahandi, Nuapada, and Ichchapuram. Data were gathered from 105 informants—including traditional healers, midwives, women SHG members, farmers, fisherfolk, and herbal vendors—using semi-structured interviews, participant observation, and guided field walks. Plant specimens were taxonomically authenticated and voucher samples deposited in a recognised herbarium. Quantitative indices (IP, IR, UR, UV, RFC, CI, FL, and FUV) were calculated to assess species importance and community consensus.

Results: Fifty medicinal plant species belonging to 34 families were recorded, with Fabaceae most represented. High-use species included Cinnamomum verum (UV = 0.990; RFC = 0.961), Trigonella foenum-graecum (UV = 0.980; RFC = 0.952), Asparagus racemosus (UV = 0.952; RFC = 0.923), Hemidesmus indicus (UV = 0.971), and Withania somnifera (UV = 0.961). Preparations comprised decoctions, powders, ghritas, lehyas, oils, and fermented formulations, often administered with milk, ghee, or honey. Reported activities included ovulation induction, insulin-sensitising effects (PCOS adjunct), anti-androgenic and antioxidant actions, uterine tonicity, anti-inflammatory effects, and endocrine modulation.

Conclusions: Quantitative ethnobotanical evidence supports the scientific plausibility of multi-targeted plant-based therapies for female reproductive health and highlights priority species for further phytochemical and clinical validation, alongside urgent biodiversity conservation efforts.

Keywords: Female reproductive health; ethnobotany; fertility; PCOS; coastal Odisha; phytotherapy; traditional medicine; biodiversity conservation.