Survey And Uses of Medicinal Plants from Risod, District Washim: A Comprehensive Study

The present study documents the traditional medicinal plants used by local communities in Risod tehsil, District Washim, Maharashtra, India. A comprehensive ethnobotanical survey was conducted to identify, catalog, and document the medicinal flora and their therapeutic applications. The study area, characterized by semi-arid climate and diverse vegetation, yielded 89 medicinal plant species belonging to 72 genera and 45 families. The most prominent families were Fabaceae (12 species), Asteraceae (8 species), and Euphorbiaceae (6 species). Local practitioners and tribal communities predominantly use these plants for treating ailments such as digestive disorders (32%), respiratory problems (24%), skin diseases (18%), and fever-related conditions (15%). The study reveals that leaves (38%) and roots (28%) are the most frequently used plant parts, with decoction (42%) being the preferred method of preparation. Documentation of this traditional knowledge is crucial for biodiversity conservation and potential drug development. The findings indicate a rich ethnobotanical heritage in the region that requires immediate attention for conservation and sustainable utilization.