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VOL. 10, ISSUE 9 (2025)
Ethnobotanical survey on local community to treat the human diseases in Shivamogga district
Authors
Naguvanahalli Somashekar Bhavana, Channarayapatana Ramu Manasa, Chandramallappa Harkanchi Shrishail, Manjushree
Abstract
Traditional medicinal knowledge, rooted in
centuries of human interaction with nature, continues to play a vital role in
primary healthcare among rural and indigenous communities across India. This
ethnobotanical survey was conducted in Sagara and Shikaripur taluks of
Shivamogga district, Karnataka, to document and analyze the traditional
medicinal knowledge held by local communities. The region, recognized for its
rich biodiversity and cultural heritage, presented a exceptional location to
explore the use of medicinal plants for treating human diseases. Twelve male
informants, including local healers and elderly individuals with hereditary
knowledge, were carefully chosen through purposive sampling. Semi-structured
interviews were carried out to collect information on plant species, its local
names, parts used for traditional medicinal practices. Totally 48 plant species
belonging to 30 families and 46 genera were documented. A wide range of human
ailments were documented as being treated with the documented plant species,
such as skin infections, digestive, respiratory and neurological disorders.
Ethno botanical indices were applied to evaluate their medicinal and
traditional cultural relevance. Among all the species, Aegle marmelos
was cited by all informants with FC and RFC values of 100% and 1.00
respectively indicating its consistent use and potent traditional importance
with the UV of 1.33 and CI of 0.70. Next to that, Coleus amboinicus was
also mentioned frequently, with a high FL of 85% and CI of 0.85, indicating
broad consensus among all the informants. Leaves were the most commonly used
plant part, making up about 35% of the reported uses, followed by roots, bark,
and seeds. As for growth habits, trees were dominant (37%), while shrubs and
herbs were also well represented. This research emphasizes the importance of
integrating ethnobotanical knowledge into conservation strategies and
scientific exploration to ensure sustainable utilization and intergenerational
transmission of valuable traditional practices.
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Pages:19-26
How to cite this article:
Naguvanahalli Somashekar Bhavana, Channarayapatana Ramu Manasa, Chandramallappa Harkanchi Shrishail, Manjushree "Ethnobotanical survey on local community to treat the human diseases in Shivamogga district". International Journal of Botany Studies, Vol 10, Issue 9, 2025, Pages 19-26
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