Knowledge and uses of ethnomedicinal plants: a study on tribal communities of Joypur forest, West Bengal (India)

This research delves into the ethnomedicinal expertise held by tribal communities residing in the Joypur forest region of West Bengal, India. The study's primary focus is to document and analyse the knowledge of 21 key plant species integral to their traditional healthcare systems. Notably, the Asteraceae, Acanthaceae, and Apocynaceae plant families are identified as prominent contributors, addressing a wide range of ailments. Innovative indices such as knowledge relevance index (KRI), usage value (UV), fidelity level (FL), and relative frequency of citation (RFC) evaluate the significance of each plant species in ethnomedicinal practices. The analysis reveals a positive correlation between age and traditional knowledge, underscoring the older generation's role as custodians of invaluable wisdom. Interestingly, waning interest in traditional remedies is noted among the youth, who prefer easily accessible allopathic treatments. This study provides insights into cultural dynamics and underscores the urgency of preserving ethnomedicinal wisdom.