Research Article
Naveen Chandra Department Of Botany, Soban Singh Jeena University Campus, Almora, India Department Of Botany, Soban Singh Jeena University, Almora, Uttarakhand, India Department Of Botany, Soban Singh Jeena University, Almora, Uttarakhand, India Department Of Botany, Soban Singh Jeena University, Almora, Uttarakhand, India Department Of Botany, Soban Singh Jeena University, Almora, Uttarakhand, India Department Of Botany, Soban Singh Jeena University, Almora, Uttarakhand, India Department Of Botany, Soban Singh Jeena University, Almora, Uttarakhand, India
Bhawna Pandey
Ravindra Kumar
Neha Joshi
Zoya Shah
M.L. Upadhaya
Dhani Arya
Recieved on: 2024-11-21, Accepted on: 2025-01-07, Published on: 2024-12-14
Plants have played a key role in day-to-day life support system of human beings from times immemorial. Given the growing interest in understanding natural resources for scientific and economic purposes, micro-level botanical assessments have gained special importance. This necessitates fresh surveys to evaluate floristic diversity and document local ethnomedicinal practices. In this context, the authors have surveyed Almora district to identify medicinal plants used locally and referenced in ancient and modern texts. This study documents and analyzes traditional knowledge of medicinal plants used to manage diabetes and hypertension in Almora district, Kumaun Himalaya. Field surveys were conducted to retrieve data through direct observations, discussions with local experts, and literature reviews. A total of 40 medicinal plant species from 28 families were recorded. Zingiberaceae and Apiaceae were the most represented families, each with three species, followed by families like Liliaceae, Lauraceae, and Fabaceae, with two species each. Leaves were the most commonly used plant parts, followed by seeds. The study reveals a decline in traditional knowledge across generations, emphasizing the need for community-driven efforts to preserve this knowledge. Active local involvement is crucial for conserving these plant species, protecting biodiversity, and maintaining cultural heritage for future generations.