Exploring the Ethnomedicinal Plants for Skin Disease Treatment: A Comprehensive Study in the Tribal Communities of Kandhamal District, Odisha

Skin disorders continue to be a major worldwide health issue that impact people from all walks of life. In the past, tribal communities have been essential to the preservation and dissemination of ethnomedical knowledge, especially with regard to the management of dermatological conditions. With a focus on the preservation of traditional knowledge and the possible identification of bioactive substances, this study offers a summary of the medicinal plants utilized by tribal communities in the Kandhamal region of Odisha to treat skin disorders. The use, preparation, and application of these herbs were documented through ethnobotanical surveys, community interviews, and conversations with traditional healers. Eleven plant species from different families, including the Sapindaceae, Fabaceae, Meliaceae, Apocynaceae, Acanthaceae, Cucurbitaceae, Asteraceae, Zingiberaceae, Lamiaceae, and Euphorbiaceae, were found to have therapeutic value after a thorough inventory. These plants are essential to the tribal pharmacopeia and include trees, shrubs, herbs, and creepers. In addition to preserving cultural legacy, this study identifies species with interesting pharmaceutical potential by cataloguing ethnomedicinal practices. The results could guide contemporary therapeutic research and promote the creation of novel therapies based on traditional wisdom. The significance of ethnomedicine in both cultural preservation and the search for long-term, natural treatments for skin conditions is highlighted by this study.