Ethnobotanical secrets of the Baiga tribe in Chhattisgarh Central India

The ethnobotanical knowledge of indigenous communities represents a vital yet under documented resource for sustainable healthcare and biodiversity conservation. This study explores the traditional medicinal practices of the Baiga tribe and the phytosociological structure of forests surrounding their villages in Bilaspur district, central India. Fieldwork was conducted between January and December 2024 across six villages, using semi-structured interviews with 74 informants (63 males and 11 females) and quadrat-based vegetation sampling. A total of 80 plant species belonging to 75 genera and 42 families were recorded. Fabaceae was the most dominant family with 11 species. Herbs and trees were the most common life forms (36% each), and open land was the primary habitat (46%). Bark was the most frequently used plant part (24%), with paste preparation (43%) and oral administration (77%) being the most preferred methods. Use value (UV) ranged from 0.08 (Jatropha curcas L.) to 0.97 (Azadirachta indica A.Juss.), while family use values ranged from 0.12 to 0.95 Informant Consensus Factor (ICF) values ranged from 0.92 to 0.97, indicating strong agreement among informants regarding plant usage. Phytosociological analysis revealed Diospyros melanoxylon Roxb. as the most ecologically dominant species (IVI = 44.89), followed by Shorea robusta C.F.Gaertn. (IVI = 26.33), both of which also hold significant cultural and medicinal value. Aegle marmelos (L.) Corrêa and Azadirachta indica A.Juss. also showed high IVI values, reflecting their dual ecological and therapeutic roles. Despite the Baiga tribe's rich medicinal heritage, their knowledge remains underrepresented in academic literature. This study fills a critical gap by documenting their ethnomedicinal practices and highlighting ecologically important species. To support long-term sustainability, we propose conservation strategies such as the establishment of Medicinal Plant Conservation and Development Areas (MPCDAs), community-based training on sustainable harvesting, and inclusion of ethnobotanical knowledge in local education and healthcare systems. These efforts can help preserve both biodiversity and traditional wisdom for future generations.