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Ethnomedicinal Uses of Pteridophytes of Garhwal Region, Uttarakhand

Amit Semwal*, Dheeraj Jaiswal, Subham Kumar

Background: In this research paper efforts have been made to document the ethno-botanical knowledge of important ferns and ferns allies found in Garhwal Region. The area has many climatic and vegetation zones or biomes. Locals residing in mountainous areas belonging to various ethnic groups are traditionally utilizing plants over many generations; these ethnic groups have their distinct life style, belief, traditions and cultural heritage.

Methods: Plant collection and data regarding traditional uses in various areas of Garhwal has been done. Locals of old age belonging to various ethnic groups were personally interviewed for establishing uses of plants. Photography is done for easy identification and habitat recognition.

Collected plant specimens were preserved. Plant species were dried, mounted, identified and authenticated.

Result: 76 species were known to have traditional and ethno botanical uses. Plants have been utilized for many generations. Ethnic groups have distinct life style and have different economic uses for these plants. Due to unsustainable exploitation of natural habitats scarcity of drug plants has occurred. As consequence some species are depleting and may become extinct in near future.

Conclusion: All ethno-botanically significant ferns should be conserved and measures should be taken to prevent their extinctions. Also their medicinal value should be discussed and disseminated throughout the world for the benefit of human beings. It is expected that this research paper will be beneficial for students, researchers, farmers, foresters and general public.