STUDIES ON MEDICINAL   PLANTS OF CHIKHALI (BULDHANA-DISTRICT) WITH SPECIAL REFERENCE TO SOME ASPECTS  OF ETHNOBOTANY
Many aboriginal tribes of Buldhana District have been using the plants as medicine against common diseases. Such tribes include Thakur, Takari, Pardhi, Gond, Korku, Bhil and Labhani. Tribal people are related to the plants directly and know the methods of using plants. Actually they have acquired the reputation of highly purposive and innovative often setting pace in workable reforms in higher education suitable and relevant for national development. Ethnobotany is a dynamic and ever expanding field where the pace of discovery has been rapid during the past several years. This progress has greatly enriched our understanding of medicinal use of plants and has paved the way for the growth of many new areas of enquiry such as medicinal parts, medicinal property, bio-technology, protein engineering, etc.
Many investigators have contributed in the field of ethnomedicinal plants.
So far, no work has been done in Buldhana and hence the present contribution gives the first report.METHODS
A survey of Chikhli area was made to obtain first-hand information from the tribal people. The people were interviewed. Ambiguous plants were discussed with many experienced persons, and local vaidhyas also. Plants are arranged alphabetically.
Common Medicinal Plants
(1)     Aloe barbadensis Mill. (Liliaceae) Medicinal Part: Leaves.
UsesSlow acting purgativeAntispasmodic against grippingUsed in cosmeticsIn CoughClear Skin blemishesStimulates the growth of hairsIn Piles.
(2)     Argemone mexicana (L) (Papaveraceae) Medicinal parts: Entire plant.
Uses (1)Roosagainst scorpion bite (2) oil in rheumatism, and in scratches. (3) Aegle marmelos (L.) Corr. (Rutaceae)      Medicinal parts: Bark, leaves, fruits.UsesFleshy edible endocarp of Beal fruit alongwith Foeniculum fruits, decoction against dysentery.Against germs (leaf Juice)Against mouthache (decoctibn of bark of stem).Root decoction with milk against fever.Jelly of fruit in Amoebic dysentery.Decoction of bark against vomiting.
(4) Abroma augusta (L.) (Sterculiaceae)Medicinal part: Root.
Uses
(1) It stimulates sufficient discharge in menses. Before 3-days and after 2-days, root powder is given in irregular menses.
(5) Boerhaavia diffusa (Linn.) (Nyctaginaceae)Medicinal parts : Entire plant.
UsesDiureticExpectorantStomachachePrescribed for JaundiceGiven in loss of digestion powerEnlargment of spleen.(6) Cocculus hirsutus (Linn.) Diels (Menispermaceae)Medicinal parts Root and leaves
UsesIt controls cold fever if decoction of root is given along with pepper powderAgainst dysenteryAgainst scabiesIt stimulates sexual feeling
(7) Caesalpinia cristatta (Jacq.) Willd. (Leguminosae)Medicinal part: Seeds.
UsesOil of seeds applied in rheumatismIt stimulates liver to secret digestive juiceSeeds are used to prevent embryo formationAgainst cough.
(8) Cassia angustifolia Vahe (Leguminoceae)Medicinal part: leaves.
Uses
(1)      Leaves are purgative.
(9) Catharanthus roseus (L.) (Apocynaceae)Medicinal parts: Leaves.UsesImportant alkaloids with anticancer property are vincristine vinblastine, surpentine, and ajmalicineAntidiabetic action.
(10)    Dioscorea bulbifera (Linn.) (Dioscoreaceae) Medicinal parts: Rhizome.
UsesUsed in the treatment of rheumatic arthritis.In the synthesis of sex hormones.Oral contraceptives.
(11)    Gloriosa superba (L.) (Liliaceae) Medicinal parts: Rhizome, leaves.
UsesAgainst germsRoots against snake and scorpion bites.Against spines’ injuryIf rhizome kept in path of vagina for 3-4 days, embryo comes out easily (5) In Typhoides (6) In general weakness.
(12)    Helicteres isora (Linn.) (Sterculiaceae) Medicinal parts : Root, Bark, Fruit.Stops bleedingCure wound, scratchesControl diarrhoeaAnthelmintic.
(13) Plumbago zeylanica (Linn.) (Plumbaginaceae)Medicinal parts: Roots.
UsesFor removal of unwanted embryoAgainst white spotBark of root against skin diseases
(14)    Shorea rubusta Gaertn.f. (Dipterocarpaceae) Medicinal parts : Bark & Ral.
UsesRal against scratches, In earache, burning, against germs.Ointments against wounds.Bark-decoction against coughStops bleedingDecoction of bark and powder of Ral if taken internally bone joints are connected.
(15)    Tinospora cordifolia (Willd.) Miers (Menispermaceae) Medicinal part: Stem, leaves.For purification of bloodRemoving weakness after feverIt controls burning sensationGood appetizerControls cough and acidity.
(16) Withania somnifera Dunal (Solanaceae)Medicinal parts: Roots
UsesHypotensive and depressantAntispasmodicAnthelminticUsed in asthmaUterine sedativeAs a general tonicAntitumour action.
It can be concluded from the present study that plants found in thick forest and even on common places are very useful for human beings. Correct identification of the plants and proper diagnosis of the patient is needed. Medical expenses can be curtailed by use of herbal medicines. Such remedy is cheaper and can be utilized by all. Further, Buldhana District requires more thorough search for medicinal plants.*23\218\2*