Integrating Tradition and Technology: Documentation of Plant-Based Medicine and AI-Driven Conservation in Sindhudurg

Abstract Sindhudurg come under the Konkan region of Maharashtra, India. It is known for its rich biodiversity and people of Sindhudurg are known for a long tradition of using medicinal plants for healing. The aim of this study is to document and study traditional medicinal practices involving plant based medicine in the Sindhudurg. The study will also show the knowledge preserved by local people, tribal communities , and practitioners of folk medicine called as Vaidas. For this study the data were collected through questionaries and structured interviews, field surveys, and knowledge given by elderly people across the districts. A total of 116 medicinal plant species were documented with detailed knowlege on their local names, parts used for medical application , methods of preparation of medicine, and therapeutic applications.The conclusion of study reveal that a vast portion of the local communities continues to depend on plant based remedies for common diseases. However, this traditional knowledge is rapidly reducing due to factors such as modernism and lack of documended study. The study shows the urgent need for conservation of both traditional knowledge and diversity of medicinal plants. Conservation tactics include use of plants into local healthcare practices, promoting conservation efforts, and encouraging medicinal research on the species which are documented. This study further explores the research advancement and conservation strategies for medicinal plants by using AI tools.