Cite this article:
Lodh, Tomar and Chitle (2016). A Survey of Medicinal Weed Flora of Rice Fields in Raipur District of Chhattisgarh (India). Journal of Ravishankar University (Part-B: Science), 29(1), pp.117.
PP-A08
A Survey of
Medicinal Weed Flora of Rice Fields in Raipur District of Chhattisgarh (India)
Banshri Lodh, GS Tomar and
Shrikant Chitle
Department of Agronomy, Indira
Gandhi Krishi Vishwavidyalaya, Raipur - 492 006, India
Corresponding author email:
banashrilodh29@gmail.com
[Received
15 January 2016, accepted 29 January 2016]
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.
Keywords: Medicinal
weed, Survey, Raipur, Dharsiwa