"Meta-Review of Ethnobotanical Diversity Indices in Dhule Region"

This meta-review presents a comprehensive quantitative synthesis of ethnobotanical diversity studies conducted in the Dhule district of Maharashtra, India, with a special focus on tribal populations in Sakri, Shirpur, and Dondaicha talukas. A total of 23 eligible studies (2000–2025) were screened, and 9 were finalized for analysis based on inclusion criteria emphasizing the use of key ethnobotanical indices—Shannon-Wiener Diversity Index (H′), Simpson’s Index (D), Use Value (UV), and Informant Consensus Factor (ICF). Data were extracted from peer-reviewed journals, dissertations, and field reports, followed by recalculation or standardization of indices where necessary. Results reveal moderate to high species richness (S = 45–142) and average diversity index values (H′ = 2.89 ± 0.34; D = 0.86 ± 0.06), suggesting robust ethnomedicinal knowledge among local tribes. The top 20 medicinal plants, including Azadirachta indica, Tinospora cordifolia, and Adhatoda vasica, demonstrated high UV values (≥0.70), reflecting their cultural significance and perceived efficacy. Informant consensus was strongest for respiratory (ICF = 0.87), skin (0.83), and digestive ailments (0.81), highlighting shared therapeutic knowledge in these domains. Dominant plant families included Fabaceae, Asteraceae, and Euphorbiaceae. The study provides a standardized baseline for future comparative analyses and underscores the importance of preserving indigenous plant knowledge in the region.