Exploring the ethnomedicinal potential of the wetland flora in Jajpur district, Odisha, Eastern India

Abstract

Background: Wetlands are highly productive ecosystems that provide essential ecological services and sustain diverse flora and fauna. In Odisha, India, wetland plants play a vital role in traditional healthcare, particularly among rural and indigenous communities. Despite their ecological and cultural importance, systematic documentation of the ethnomedicinal uses of wetland flora in Jajpur district has been limited. This study addresses that gap by integrating traditional knowledge with quantitative ethnobotanical analysis to evaluate the cultural significance and therapeutic potential of wetland plants.

Methods: Field surveys were conducted across diverse wetland habitats of Jajpur district between 2023 and 2025. Plant specimens were collected, identified, and preserved following standard herbarium techniques. Ethnomedicinal data were obtained from 239 informants, including traditional healers, farmers, and elderly community members, using semi-structured interviews, free listing, and guided field walks. Quantitative ethnobotanical indices such as Frequency of Citation (FC), Relative Frequency of Citation (RFC), and Use Value (UV) were applied to assess cultural importance and consensus among informants.

Results: A total of 45 ethnomedicinal plant species belonging to 32 families were documented, with Cynodon dactylon, Bacopa monnieri, Boerhavia diffusa, Centella asiatica, and Tridax procumbens emerging as culturally dominant and therapeutically versatile. Leaves were the most frequently used plant part, and remedies were prepared in the form of juices, pastes, and decoctions to treat common ailments such as fever, gastrointestinal disorders, respiratory complaints, and skin infections.

Conclusions: The findings highlight wetlands as vital repositories of traditional medicine and emphasize the need for conservation and ecological monitoring.

Keywords: Ethnomedicine; Wetlands; FC; RFC; Jajpur