Medicinal Plants - International Journal of Phytomedicines and Related Industries

Plants are an important source of therapeutic drugs and play a significant role in the survival of tribal and ethnic communities. Herbal medicines serve the health needs of about 80% of the world's population, especially for millions of people in the rural areas of developing countries. The Juang and Munda tribes of Eastern India have long been linked with natural resources for a multifaceted purpose such as food, fodder, medicine, and so on. This article provides insight into the traditional knowledge and practices, used by Juang and Munda tribals against gastrointestinal diseases. A total of 89 plant species belonging to 47 families have been used by them against a wide range of gastrointestinal ailments like diarrhea, dysentery, abdominal pain, gastritis, etc. Interestingly, 10 plants were found to be belonging to the Fabaceae family and their medicinal potential might be attributed to the presence of gallic acid, caffeic acid, epicatechin, ferulic acid, etc. In addition, the pharmacological studies revealed that 56 plants have been reported to be anti-diarrheal, anti-ulcer, anti-spasmodic, and anti-secretory, while other 33 species still require scientific validation in terms of protective effect against gastrointestinal ailments. Unfortunately, there is no information about the most efficacious plant. These plants can be developed into a drug-developing candidate against gastrointestinal disorders after detailed follow-up studies.