Traditional Ethno-Medicinal Plants Used for Snake Bite in Mahoba district of South-Western Uttar Pradesh

Abstract

Snakebite envenomation is a serious public health concern in rural India, often resulting in morbidity and mortality due to limited access to modern medical care. Traditional plant-based remedies play a vital role in primary healthcare in such regions. This study documents the ethnomedicinal plants used for snakebite treatment in Mahoba district, Bundelkhand region, Uttar Pradesh, India. Ethnobotanical surveys were conducted among local communities and traditional healers using semi-structured interviews, personal discussions, and field observations. A total of 10 plant species belonging to 9 families were recorded, with roots and whole plants being the most frequently used parts. Families such as Caesalpiniaceae, Apocynaceae, and Fabaceae were predominant. These plants are employed to alleviate symptoms of envenomation, including pain, inflammation, and neurotoxic effects. The findings underscore the richness of indigenous knowledge, highlight the need for pharmacological validation, and emphasize the importance of conservation of medicinal flora in Bundelkhand. This study provides a foundation for future research in pharmacology and drug development.

Keywords: Ethnomedicine, Snake bite, Mahoba, Bundelkhand, Medicinal plants, Traditional knowledge.