ABSTRACT:
The State of Chhattisgarh is a hotspot of ethno medicinal, natural and exotic plants. Some of them are found in rice fields. The objective of present study was to explore the ethno medicinal weeds of rice fields in order to document the existing weed flora and their medicinal, industrial and food value to create awareness among the rural and scientific community. Thus ethno medicinal survey was conducted in Dharsiwa block of Raipur district during rainy season of 2014- 15. A total of 14 villages across the block were surveyed. Diverse age group of rural people ranging from 30-65 years and vaids of that area were interviewed for collection of the information on ethnomedicinal weed species growing in rice fields in the study area. A total of 45 species of weeds in rice fields representing 16 families were collected and identified. Out of these weed species, 27species are known to possess therapeutic properties and are used by the native people for cure of a variety of human and cattle diseases. The medicinal properties of these weeds have been found well documented in literature. Achyranthus aspera, L. Amaranthus spinosus, L, Celosia argentea, L, Anagalis arvensis, L. Commelina benghalensis, L. Cynodon dactylon, L, Eclipta alba (L) Hassk, Portulaca oleracea, L. Tridax procumbens, L, etc are some of the important weeds observed in the rice fields. The plant parts mostly used are the tubers, corms, leaves, flowers, fruit, seeds etc. The herbal remedies are effective against cuts and wounds, cough, fever, stomachache, dysentery, etc. Besides medicinal use many weeds are highly nutritious and their leaves are used as vegetable. The study indicated that there is a scope of utilizing medicinal weed plants to provide additional income to farm families.