DIETARY BIORESOURCES AND THEIR ETHNOMEDICINAL UTILITIES IN DHULE DISTRICT (MAHARASHTRA, INDIA)

Abstract

ABSTRACT: The paper reports 20 plant taxa belonging to 19 species, 18 genera and 12 families of angiosperms  used for combating common human afflictions in tribal communities of Dhule district. The tribes such as Bhil, Pawara, Kokani, Mavachi, etc. depend on bioresources for their sustenance and medicinal purposes. This paper communicates only plant species which are generally used in their diet but having also medicinal significance. Majority of the taxa are under  cultivation, in thier house-gardens, whereas a  few are found wild in their vicinity. Various parts e.g. leaves, sprouts, root tubers, fruits, inflorescences, etc. find place in their dietary preparations , but consumed understanding also their medicinal utilities. As many as 14 different human diseases or complaints are cured. Their doses or recipes, if any , have been mentioned after careful enquiries  during our ethnobotanical surveys. This is an attempt to point out additional potentialities of dietary plant resources.