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International Journal of Current Trends in Science and Technology
Online ISSN: 0976-9730
Print ISSN: 0976-9498 Section: Botany

Ethnobotanical Studies of Some Common Plants of Karwa Pani,

Sub-Tropical Forest, Doon Valley, Uttarakhand.

Muatasim Jan1, Sandeep Dhyani2 and Tawseef Ahmad Mir1

1,2
Department of Botany, Uttaranchal (PG) College of Bio-medical Sciences and Hospital, Dehradun,
Uttarakhand-248002.
E-mail: mirtawseef787@gmail.com
Accepted 2018-04-19
DOI: http://currentsciences.info/10.15520/ctst.v8i04.439.pdf

Abstract:
In Uttarakhand, India, the plants have been used for treating various diseases and for other purposes from
ancient times. This knowledge regarding the use of plants as medicines and other purposes was transmitted
from generation to generation only orally and is draining off day by day. Besides a large number of plant
species have been rendered threatened due to various anthropogenic as well as natural activities. A survey
was conducted in the Karwa pani area of Doon valley, Uttarakhand to document the ethnobotany of the
plants present in the said area. During the study 54 plants belonging to 29 different families were
documented along with their ethnobotanical uses.
Key Words: Ethnobotany, Ethnomedicine, Tribal people, Karwa pani sub-tropical forest.
Introduction:
The plant and plant products are being used by the people in various ways since the time immemorial. The
tribal people use the plants for various purposes mostly for the treatment of diseases [9]. The plant parts
used, preparation, and administration of drugs vary from place to place [10]. There are considerable
economic benefits stemming from the development of indigenous medicine and the use of medicinal plants
for the treatment of various diseases [1]. As per the record of WHO, about 80% of the population in
developing countries are directly dependent on plants for medicines [6]. In India a large population known
as tribal live in forests. Tribal people are ecosystem people who live in harmony with nature and maintain
close link between man and environment [3]. The northern part of India harbours a great diversity of
medicinal plants because of the majestic Himalayan range. Uttarakhand, which lies in the western
Himalayan region is famous for its rich variety of herbs, medicinal and aromatic plant species. The Garhwal
Himalaya of uttrakhand is one of the richest floristic zones of India and contains more than 300 species of
medicinally important plants [5]. Ethnobotanical information on medicinal plants is useful not only in
conservation of traditional cultures, but also for community health care and drug development [4]. Taking
into consideration the rich diversity of medicinal, aromatic and timber yielding plants of Karwa pani sub-

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Muatasim Jan et al. Ethnobotanical Studies of Some Common Plants of Karwa Pani, Sub-Tropical Forest,
Doon Valley, Uttarakhand.
tropical forest Doon valley, Uttarakhand, the present work has been undertaken to study the ethnobotanically
important plants of the said area.
Materials and Methods:
Study Area:
Dehradun is in the Doon Valley on the foothills of the Himalayas nestled between the river Ganges on the
east and the river Yamuna on the west. Karwa pani sub-tropical forest, the area which was selected for the
present study, is situated near Manak Sidh temple nearby Shimla road and is about 15 Km towards the north
of Dehradun occupying an area of 3-4 Sq. Km approx. (Figure 1). The area lies in the latitude 30˚2” to 30˚
26” (N) and Longitude 77˚52" to 78˚- 19" (E). Mean maximum temperature is 19.2°C to 36.6°C and mean
minimum temperature is about 6.3°C to 23.2°C. The forest forms the border line of Uttarakhand state.
Shorea robusta, Mallotus phillipinensis, Ageratum conyzoids, Eupatorium adenophorum, Ardisia
solanaceae, Areva sangiolenta, Mangifera indica, Melia azadirach, Cynodon dactylon, Cyperus rotundas,
Kyllinga nemoralis, Arundo donax are some of the commonly founded species of the area.

Figure 1. Map Showing the Study Area.

Methodology:
For the course of investigation field trips were carried out to the respected area during January-June 2017.
During the course of study all possible attempts were made to cover all the forest area. Appropriate
methodology was used to obtain the possible information about the ethnobotanical uses of different plants
from the local population. The information was obtained from the people by using legal questionnaire. The
local herbal healers were mostly consulted during the course of study. The plant specimens were then
collected processed, preserved and mounted on herbarium sheets after including all the relevant information
according to Jain and Roa [7]. The specimens were identified by carefully matching with specimens at the
herbarium of Botanical Survey of India (NRC) Dehradun and by using various floras [2][5][8].
Results:
The present study shows that Karwa pani sub-tropical forest has a rich and unique kind of floristic diversity.
Due to its rich and unique kind of floral diversity a large proportion of plants are being used
ethnobotanically in different ways by the local population. During the present ethnobotanical exploration, 54
plant species belonging to 29 Families were documented along with their ethnobotanical uses (Table 1).
Analysis of data based on their habit shows that herbs were dominating with 37% species as compared to

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Muatasim Jan et al. Ethnobotanical Studies of Some Common Plants of Karwa Pani, Sub-Tropical Forest,
Doon Valley, Uttarakhand.
trees-35%, shrubs-20%, climbers-6% and sedges-2% (Figure 2). These plants are being used from ancient
times mainly for curing many diseases and ailments like cough, fever, rheumatism, constipation, boils, and
for obtaining other survival needs such as fuel, food, fodder, etc.

6% 2%
37%
35%

20%

Herbs Shrubs Trees Climbers Sedges

Figure 2. Habit wise distribution of Plants.

Table 1. The Ethnobotanicals documented in Karwa pani sub-tropical forest.

S.N BOTANICAL NAME COMMON FAMILY PART USED USES
NAME
1 Aerva sanguinolenta (L.) Karadia Amaranthaceae Leaves Colds, chest discomfort,
Blume headaches and pneumonia.
2 Ageratum conyzoides L. Billygoat- Asteraceae Leaves and Antiallergic, anti-
weed Stem inflammatory, ornamental.
3 Anagallis arvensis L. Blue-scarlet Primulaceae Seeds and Roots Rheumatism, rabies, leprosy,
pimpernel and snake-bites.
4 Ardisia solanacea (Poir.) Shoebutton Primulaceae Roots and Fruit Edible, for indigestion,
Roxb. ardisia antispasmodic, as dye.
5 Apluda mutica L. Mauritian Poaceae Whole plant Fodder, healing wounds and
Grass for reclamation.
6 Artocarpus Jackfruit Moraceae Leaves, Fruit, Ulcers, diarrhea, for musical
heterophyllus Lam. Latex, roots and instruments, furniture.
bark
7 Bauhinia vahlii Wight & Gulmohar Fabaceae Seeds, Bark and Edible, protect the soil
Arn. Leaves erosion, sewing straw mats.
8 Broussonetia papyrifera Paper Moraceae Leaves, Bark, Edible fruits, ophthalmic,
(L.) L'Hér. ex Vent. mulberry Fruit and Roots stomachic, paper and cloths.
9 Cannabis sativu L. Hemp Cannabaceae Whole plant Pain-killer, sleep-inducer,
anti-inflammatory.
10 Carissa opaca Stapf ex Granda Apocynaceae Fruit Cardiac dysfunction,
Haines infection, cough,
ornamental.
11 Cissampelos pareira L. Velvet leaf Menispermaceae Rhizome, Gastro-intestinal complaints,
Leaves and stem rheumatism, and skin
infections.

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Muatasim Jan et al. Ethnobotanical Studies of Some Common Plants of Karwa Pani, Sub-Tropical Forest,
Doon Valley, Uttarakhand.
12 Citrus maxima (Burm.) Pomello Rutaceae Leaves, Fruits Coughs, fevers and gastric
Merr. and Seeds disorders, scenting tea.
13 Clerodendrum Viscosum Glory tree Verbanaceae Leaves and Diarrhea, dysentery,
L. Roots jaundice and scabies
problems.
14 Cyperus rotundus L. Nut sedge Cyperaceae Whole plant Eaten raw, for scabies and
eczema, weaving hats.
15 Dalbergia sisso Roxb. Indian Fabaceae Leaves, Seed Stimulant, anti-
Rosewood and Wood inflammatory, for
constructing window
shutters.
16 Datura stramonium L. Thorn Apple Solanaceae Leaves and Antiasthmatic,
Seeds antispasmodic, hypnotic and
narcotic.
17 Dioscorea belophylla Nepal Yam Dioscoreaceae Root and Tuber Washing shawls and for
(Prain) Voigt ex Haines woollen cloths.
18 Duranta repens L. Golden Verbanaceae Fruit and Leaves Ornamental, Reduce
Dewberry Fatality, Control the Fever.
19 Ehretia acuminate R.Br. Kodowood Boraginaceae Leaves and Used in Chinese medicine
wood. and for building and
flooring.
20 Emblica officinalis Amla Euphorbiaceae Fruits, Leaves Jaundice, dyspepsia and
Gaertn. and Seeds anaemia, Fruits as pickles.
21 Eucalyptus grandis Rose gum Myrtaceae Whole Plant Fence posts, building,
W.Hill. transmission poles, boxes
and hooks.
22 Eupatorium Not known Asteraceae Leaves Anti-inflammatory,
adenophorum analgesic, antiasthematic.
Hort.Berol. ex Kunth
23 Ficus religiosa L. Sacred fig Moraceae Leaves, Fruit Alterative, antidote,
and Bark aphrodisiac, antigonorrhoeal
and laxative.
24 Flemingia strobilifera Wild Hops Fabaceae Leaves, Roots, Stuffing pillows,
(L.) W.T.Aiton Flowers and contraceptive and cushion
Bracts manufacturing.
25 Grevillea robusta Silky Oak Proteaceae Leaves, Flowers Colonizer of degraded sites,
A.Cunn. ex R.Br. and Wood used for panelling and
cabinet making.
26 Indigofera cassioides Cassia Fabaceae Flowers and Vegetable, treatment of
DC. Indigo Roots cough, Asthma, feeding
livestock.
27 Lantana camara L. Wild Sage Verbenaceae Leaves and Aromatic, ornamental,
Fruits antiseptic and anti-
asthamatic.
28 Lindenbergia indica Nettle Scrophulariaceae Leaves and Chronic bronchitis, sore
Vatke Leaved Seeds throat, toothache and
Lindenbergia elephantiasis.
29 Mallotus Red kamala Euphorbiaceae Fruits and Bark Anthelmintic and rope
philippensis (Lam.) making and is also edible.
Müll.Arg.
30 Malvastrum False Malvaceae Whole plant Ringworm, wounds, sores,
coramendlicum (L.) Mallow spiritual values and woven
Garcke into handicrafts.

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Muatasim Jan et al. Ethnobotanical Studies of Some Common Plants of Karwa Pani, Sub-Tropical Forest,
Doon Valley, Uttarakhand.
31 Mangifera indica L. Mango Anacardiaceae Fruits, Leaves Edible, chutneys, jams and
and Seeds pickles, anthelmintic.
32 Melia azedarach L. Chinaberry Meliaceae Leaves, Fruits, Treat headaches and body
tree Seeds and Bark swellings due to injury, for
piles.
33 Morus alba L. White Moraceae Leaves, Stem, Edible, urinary infections,
mulberry Bark, Fruit and insomnia, hypertension,
Wood diabetes.
34 Muraya koenigii L. Curry tree Rutaceae Leaves, Roots Constipation, colic, tonic,
and Bark anti-dihoereal.
35 Nelsonia canescens Blue Acanthaceae Leaves and For small-pox, chicken-pox,
(Lam.) Spreng. pussyleaf Stem measles and as fodder.
36 Oxalis corniculata L. Yellow Oxalidaceae Whole plant Fever, influenza, diarrhea
Sorrel. and urinary tract infections.
37 Parthenium Congress Asteraceae Leaves and For neurologic disorders,
hysterophorus L. grass. Flowers urinary tract infections,
dysentery.
38 Persea odoratissimus Fragrant Bay Rosaceae Leaves and Seed Purulent wounds, lesions of
(Nees) Kosterm. Tree. the scalp and relieving
cough.
39 Prunus domestica L. Plum Rosaceae Bark, Leaves Fruits eaten, for musical
and Fruits instruments, laxative.
40 Pyrus pashia Buch.- Indian Wild Rosaceae Leaves, Fruits Laxative, sedative diuretic,
Ham. ex D.Don Pear and Wood peptic, tonic, walking sticks.
41 Ranunculus arvensis L. Corn Ranunculaceae Roots, Leaves Anodyne, antispasmodic,
buttercup and Flowers diaphoretic; external
rubefacient.
42 Rauvolfia serpentine (L.) Indian Apocynaceae Leaves,Roots, Hypnotic, hypotensive and
Benth. ex Kurz snakeroot Bark and Wood sedative.
43 Ricinus communis L. Castor bean Euphorbiaceae Seeds and Anthelmintic, cathartic,
Leaves emollient, laxative and
purgative.
44 Shorea robusta (Gaertn.) Sal Tree Dipterocarpaceae Seed and Leaves Chocolate, in dysentery,
gonorrhea, boils for fuel
wood.
45 Sida rhombifolia L. Broom Jute Malvaceae Leaves and As vegetable, for
Roots rheumatism, toothache,
chapped lips, pimples.
46 Stellaria media (L.) Vill. chickenwort Caryophyllaceae Leaves and Diuretic, demulcent,
roots expectorant, and laxative.
47 Solanum nigrum L. Black Solanaceae Whole plant Analgesic, antispasmodic,
nightshade sedative and vasodilator.
48 Solanum viarum Dunal. Tropical Solanaceae Fruits For jaundice, dysentry and
soda apple deworming.
49 Sonchus asper (L.) Hill Prickly sow- Asteraceae Roots, Stem and Cooked or eaten raw, for
thistle Leaves bronchitis, intestinal
infections.
50 Toona ciliata M.Roem. Mountain Meliaceae Leaves, Fruit Aromatic,for racing boats,
Cedar and Seed sailing boats, furnitures.
51 Trifolium repens L. White clover Fabaceae Whole Plant Forage crop, as flour,
ointment to gout.

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Muatasim Jan et al. Ethnobotanical Studies of Some Common Plants of Karwa Pani, Sub-Tropical Forest,
Doon Valley, Uttarakhand.
52 Utrica dioca L. Stinging Urticaceae Whole plant Fibre, coloring agent, anti-
nettle asthmatic, anti-dandruff.
53 Vicia hirsuta (L.) Gray Hairy tare Fabaceae Whole plant As famine food, forage and
also as ornamental.
54 Xanthium indicum Cocklebur Asteraceae Leaves, Fruit, Biliousness, leucoderma,
(Koenig.) Seed and Root snake bites, bladder
affections.

7 6
6 5
Species No.

5 4
4 3 3 3 3
3 2 2 2 2 2
2
1
0

Families

Figure 3. Graph showing the dominant families used.

Discussion:
Due to the human settlements, agriculture, cultivation and related developmental activities the sub-tropical
forest of Karwa pani is under great stress and has been degraded to a great extent during the last few
decades. Since the local population depends on the forests for their basic survival needs. As a result most of
the plant species are being used extensively and are therefore overharvested. The shrinking population of
some plant species on account of extensive use is a great matter of concern as plants form the backbone of
our traditional medicinal system with a large population still depending on traditional medicines. Therefore
there is a great need to speedily document the valuable information of Ethnobotany and to take immediate
steps for conservation of these plants, otherwise a large number of plant species will become extinct from
their natural habitat. The aim of the present study is to underline the potential of Ethnobotanical survey and
the need for documentation of traditional knowledge regarding the utilization of plants for the benefit of
mankind.
Acknowledgement:
The authors are highly thankful to the common people of the area who shared their valuable knowledge and
authors are also thankful to the Botanical survey of India (NRC) Dehradun for the identification of various
plants species.
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