Ethnomedicinal Plants Used in Sores and Dog Bite Treatment in South-Western Uttar Pradesh, Bundelkhand Region, India

Abstract

Sores and dog bites are common health concerns in rural India, often aggravated by limited access to modern healthcare facilities. In such regions, traditional plant-based remedies play a crucial role in primary healthcare systems. The present study documents ethnomedicinal plants used for the treatment of sores and dog bites in Mahoba district of the Bundelkhand region, Uttar Pradesh, India. Ethnobotanical surveys were conducted during 2018–2019 using semi-structured interviews, personal discussions, and field observations involving local healers and elderly informants. A total of 10 plant species belonging to 9 families were recorded. Leaves were the most frequently used plant part, followed by bark and roots. These plants are traditionally applied to reduce inflammation, prevent infection, and promote wound healing. The study highlights the richness of indigenous knowledge, emphasizes the need for pharmacological validation, and underscores the importance of conservation of medicinal flora. The findings provide a valuable baseline for future research in ethnopharmacology and drug development.

Keywords: Ethnomedicine, Sores, Dog bite, Bundelkhand, Medicinal plants, Traditional knowledge, wound healing