An Ethnobotanical Study of Medicinal Plants Traditionally Used for Treatment of Hair Problems in Nuapadhi Village from Baleswar District of Odisha, India

Ethnobotanical study encompasses the traditional use, management and conservation of plants and plant products with medicinal significance. For centuries people of indigenous habitat have developed their own unique knowledge of local plant and their optimum utilization for human benefit, however most of this knowledge is not well documented and passed on by word of mouth. The present study, was undertaken to ascertain and document the indigenous knowledge of local rural people of Nuapadhi village from Baleswar district of Odisha that enable them to identify plants with medicinal properties, formulate and administer the curative mixture to treat various ailments with special focus on hair related problems. Total 100 informants (65 females and 35 were males) were interviewed to collect information on medicinal plants usage for treating hair problems. Data was collected on the basis of semi-structured interview, field visit and group discussion and analyzed using statistical tools. The study was conducted from November 2021 to May 2022. A total 24 botanical families including 34 different plant species was surveyed to be used to treat various hair related problems. Asteraceae and Rutaceae was observed to be most dominant. Herb was identified as the dominant medicinal plant habit followed by tree and shrub. Leaves are used mostly for preparation of extracts to administer for treating hair diseases. Interestingly the informants in the current study area showed positive correlation between educational qualification and knowledge regarding medicinal plants. The study area of Nuapadhi village is rich in medicinal plants diversity. In order to protect and conserve traditional knowledge participation from both local and government agencies is a necessity of the present time.