Ethnomedicinal plants used in the management of skin diseases: A review of traditional practices in Gujarat

This review focuses on contemporary ethnomedicine practices, with a specific focus on the use of medicinal plants for the treatment of skin diseases. It is based solely on published studies documenting such plants across the state’s five regions: Saurashtra, North Gujarat, South Gujarat, Central Gujarat and Kachchh. Relevant literature was extensively searched through online databases, including Google, Google Scholar, ResearchGate, Scopus, Academia and Web of Science. A total of 193 plant species were identified from previous studies as being used to treat 18 different types of skin diseases. These diseases were classified into five categories based on their origin: bacterial, fungal, viral, parasitic and autoimmune. Conditions such as Abscess, Boils, Mastitis, Leprosy, Ringworm, Tinea versicolor (Karodiya), Itching, Chicken pox, Measles, Warts, Rabies, Scabies, Psoriasis, Eczema, Leucoderma, as well as cosmetic skin practices, are treated with the documented medicinal plants using various modes of administrations. Among the reported species, Azadirchta indica, Cassia fistula, Aloe vera, Milletia peguensis, Centella asiatica, Argimone Mexicana, Calotropis gigantea and Bombax ceiba are the most frequently used for managing skin disorders and cosmetic purposes. This review highlights the rich ethnomedicinal knowledge in Gujarat and the significant role of traditional plant-based remedies in managing skin diseases. The documented information can serve as a valuable resource for future pharmacological studies, conservation efforts and the development of novel herbal formulations. Promoting and preserving such indigenous knowledge is essential to ensure its sustainable use and potential integration into modern healthcare practices.