AN ETHNOMEDICINAL STUDY OF CERTAIN WILD AND CULTIVATED FRUIT VEGETABLES OF GENUS ABELMOSCHUS MEDIK

Objective: Southeast Asia's agricultural diversity is shaped by its varied agro-climatic conditions, including diverse farming practices, rainfall patterns, and soil types. India, in particular, is home to a wide range of Abelmoschus species, which are found in cultivated, semi-wild, and wild varieties. Methods: In this study, four species of the Abelmoschus genus were identified and documented: A. moschatus L., A. manihot L., A. esculentus L., and A. ficulneus L. Data was collected from 280 tribal individuals within the study area. Results: The present study aims to explore the traditional knowledge and utilization of wild and cultivated Abelmoschus fruit vegetables by indigenous communities in the deep tribal pockets of Jiwati Tehsil, Chandrapur district (Maharashtra). Among four species of the Abelmoschus genus, A. esculentus L. (FI-87%) is widely cultivated, while A. manihot L. (FI-59%) and A. moschatus L. (FI-47%) is predominantly wild, with occasional cultivation. In contrast, A. ficulneus L. (FI-48%) remains strictly wild. Fruits from these species are commonly incorporated into vegetable-based meals, serving as a significant dietary component. Conclusion: These fruit vegetables are known for their ethnomedical and pharmacological benefits, including their use in controlling blood sugar levels and improving digestion. Documenting these practices can provide valuable insights into sustainable food sources, medicinal plant conservation, and potential applications in modern healthcare.