Abortifacient Phytotherapy in Indigenous Healthcare Practices: An Ethnobotanical Survey from Bhandara District, Maharashtra, India

Author(s): Pitambar Humane

Abstract:

Bhandara district, located in the eastern Vidarbha region of Maharashtra, India, is endowed with rich floristic and cultural diversity. The tribal communities of the district, especially those living close to forest areas, rely extensively on forest resources for their daily needs, including healthcare practices. This study aimed to document the ethnomedicinal plants used as abortifacients by tribal people in Bhandara district, highlighting traditional knowledge and plant usage patterns. Field surveys and semi-structured interviews were conducted with traditional healers, elder women, and knowledgeable community members to record plant species, local names, plant parts used, preparation methods, and administration practices. Voucher specimens were collected and identified using standard floras. The study recorded 19 angiosperm species used as abortifacients, of which 16 were dicotyledons and 3 monocotyledons, belonging to 13 families. Leaves were the most commonly used plant part (10 species), followed by seeds (3 species), bark and roots (2 species each), and fruits and whole plant (1 species each). The results highlight the dominance of dicotyledonous plants and the preference for leaves, reflecting sustainable harvesting practices and ethnopharmacological knowledge. The findings underscore the importance of indigenous knowledge in reproductive healthcare and provide a basis for future pharmacological investigations. Conservation and sustainable use of these medicinal plants are essential to preserve traditional practices and biodiversity.

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