Medicinal Importance of Tree Suitable for Agroforestry System

Abstract

The main objective of the study is to investigate about the indigenous health practices as followed by tribes (belonging to Kaimur Bhabhua district in Bihar state) in relation to locally available tree species and also to determine their scientific validity. The results indicate that five trees suitable for agroforestry systems namely Babul (Acacia nilotica), Neem (Azadirachta indica), Mahua (Madhuca indica), Arjuna (Terminalia arjuna) and Bahera (Terminalia belirica) are found to be effectively used by the respondents in form of various indigenous health practices for curing their different health related problems. Out of these, usefulness of Babool against bleeding gum and sore throat, Neem as a antibiotic and Arjuna for curing heart diseases are found to be scientifically relevant. While the indigenous technologies of Mahua and Bahera as reported by the respondents are not found to be scientifically proven. Hence, there is a need to strengthen the scientific component lacking in these technologies for revival and revitalization of these traditional remedies and also to document other location specific indigenous technological knowledge.