Qualitative and quantitative ethnobotanical analysis of Gymnanthemum amygdalinum (Delile) Sch. Bip. (Asteraceae) - A new report from the foothills of Kumaun Himalaya, Uttarakhand

Gymnanthemum amygdalinum (Delile) Sch. Bip., formerly known as Vernonia amygdalina Delile, is an exotic tree species belonging to the tribe Vernonieae within the family Asteraceae. The present study was carried out with an aim to document its qualitative and quantitative ethnobotanical studies in Kumaun Himalayan foothills. The plant was collected from various localities of the study area, and the species was identified as a new addition to the flora of the study area as well as Uttarakhand. Ethnobotanical information about the plant was gathered through interviews with tribal and local people from the study area. The qualitative and quantitative methods in ethnobotany ensure the authenticity of research. As qualitative study involves non numerical data, the plant has been noted for its utility in treating various diseases, including diabetes, wounds, bone fractures, arthritis, and jaundice, as well as for other purposes. Quantitative studies on the other hand, rely on numerical data collected and analyzed using standard formulas. Leaf (PPV 0.346) was found to be the most commonly used part of the plant followed by the twig (PPV 0.269), the whole plant (PPV 0.230), and both the stem and petiole (PPV 0.076 each). The fidelity level (FL) was calculated for different disease categories, with the highest value observed for diabetes (35%) and the lowest for arthritis (5%). The present qualitative and quantitative analysis will be helpful for further phytochemical study and other related fields. Keywords: Asteraceae, Ethnobotany, Gymnanthemum amygdalinum, Uttarakhand, Vernonieae.