Ethnobotanical Assessment of Traditional Medicinal Plants in Sehore, Madhya Pradesh: A Comprehensive Review

Abstract

The ethnobotanical study of medicinal plants represents a crucial intersection between 
traditional knowledge systems and modern pharmaceutical research. Sehore District in 
Madhya Pradesh, India, harbors rich biodiversity and traditional medicinal practices that have 
been documented through various ethnobotanical surveys over the past decades. This review 
paper presents a comprehensive meta-analysis of past research work conducted on medicinal 
plants in Sehore District, examining methodological approaches, documented species, 
therapeutic applications, and conservation concerns. Through systematic analysis of 30 peer
reviewed studies, field surveys, and ethnobotanical documentation efforts, this review 
identifies 156 medicinal plant species belonging to 68 families that have been traditionally 
used by local communities. The most frequently documented families include Fabaceae, 
Asteraceae, and Euphorbiaceae, with applications ranging from gastrointestinal disorders to 
respiratory ailments. Critical analysis reveals methodological variations in data collection 
techniques, informant selection criteria, and quantitative indices used across different studies. 
This meta-analysis highlights the urgent need for standardized protocols in ethnobotanical 
research and emphasizes the importance of community-based conservation strategies. The 
findings underscore the significant contribution of traditional knowledge to modern drug 
discovery while identifying research gaps that require future investigation for sustainable 
utilization of medicinal plant resources in the region.