Ethnobotanical survey of medicinal plants used for the treatment of diarrhoea and dysentery by the Tribals of Mahoba district (Uttar Pradesh), India

The present study is the first hand information regarding the ethanobotanical use of plants on diarrhoea and dysentery by the tribals of Mahoba district (U.P.) India. It is inhabited by different tribals who possess vast knowledge about uses of a good number of plant species for curing various ailments, where modern medicine and hospital are still unvariable within their reach. Diarrhoea and dysentery are the main water borne disease considered to be endemic in many regions of the world that bring the major health threats to the world population, both in tropical and subtropical poor countries. Questionnaire surveys, participatory observations and field visits are made to elicit information on the uses of various plants. This survey includes 23 ethanomedicinal plants of 21 genera belonging to 15 families, featured in popular antidiarrhoeal and antidysentery activities. Botanical name, family, local name, parts used and ethanobotanical uses of the plants are reported briefly. Some useful species are under serious threat due to unsustainable activities. Hence, a proper documentation of useful plants with their present status and local traditional knowledge as well as practices is urgently needed. Effort should also be initiated to implement appropriate conservation measures for preservation and sustainable use of these useful species.