A review on the ethnomedicinal plants used for the traditional treatment of malaria in the Mayurbhanj district of Odisha, India.

Abstract

Malaria is one of the leading causes of death in the tropics and subtropics. Though Odisha has seen a decline in malaria cases over the past few years, it remains a contributing factor in deciding India's malaria journey. The Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA)-based systematic review aims to investigate and compile the ethnomedicinal evidence-based documented research data on anti-malarial medicinal plants in Mayurbhanj, Odisha. An extensive literature survey was conducted using online databases, following the PRISMA-Protocols (PRISMA-P) guidelines for anti-malarial prophylaxis and diagnosis using the ethnomedicinal plants in Mayurbhanj. Using appropriate exclusion and inclusion criteria, 20 literature/book chapters were included in the study. Origin 2024b was used for the analysis of the ethnomedicinal information. The study identified 40 plant species used by traditional healers in anti-malarial treatment. These 40 plant species belong to 24 families, the majority of which are the Acanthaceae and Apocyanaceae. Most of the formulations came from a decoction, paste, juice and powder. It was interesting to note that the formulations were predominantly provided by oral route. The leaves and roots were the significant parts used by the healers for the anti-malarial treatment. However, no side effects were reported for these plants. The review highlights the rich variety of ethnomedicinal plants and their recipes for anti-malarial treatment in Mayurbhanj. The disease still plagues Odisha, necessitating study on dispersed ethnomedicinal studies for a better therapeutic comprehension of the diagnosis. This will aid diagnosis and boost tribal knowledge and culture.