Exploration and sustainable utilization of medicinal plants of Dhar forests of Madhya Pradesh

Abstract

Abstract BACKGROUND: This article deals with the pharmaceutically important medicinal plants from Dhar forest divisions of Madhya Pradesh. Exploration of Dhar forest division has been carried out during September, 2017. The study was conducted to prepare records of medicinal plants in the study areas which has not yet been explored thoroughly covering the present parameters described in the manuscript. METHODS: Exploration of pharmaceutically important medicinal plants in Dhar Forest Division has been made with a details of geographical location and potential of these plants. The collected plants were processed for documentation by preparing herbarium sheets, identification accession, and deposition in the herbarium of the Institute. RESULTS: The important medicinal plants namely Adensonia digitata L., Actiniopteris radiata (Sw.) Link, Aegle marmelos (L.) Correa., Boswellia serrata Roxb., Celastrus paniculata Willd., Commiphora madagascarensis Jacq., Helicteres isora Planch., Holarrhena pubescens Wall. ex G. Don, Justicia adhatoda L., Marsdenia tenacissima (Roxb.) Moon, Oroxylum indicum (L.) Kurz, Ougenia oogenesis (Roxb.) Hochr. Pleurolobus gangeticus (L.) J.St.-Hil. ex H. Ohashi & K. Ohashi, Solanum nigrum L., S. incanum L., Telosma pallida (Roxb.) Carib., Terminalia bellirica (Gaertn.) Roxb., etc. were recorded which can be undertaken for mass cultivation by the farmers by adding some other medicinal plants having commercial value viz. Celastrus paniculatus Willd., Marsdenia tenacissima (Roxb.) Moon., Withania somnifera (L.) Dunal, etc. CONCLUSION: The study area is widely occupied by plants of Actiniopteris radiata, Boswelia serrata Roxb., Holarrhena pubescens Wall. ex G. Donand Vitex negundo L. for commercialization whereas plants of Marsdenia tenacissima (Roxb.) Moon, Oroxylum indicum (L.) Kurz etc. need conservation and protection in the habitat.