Survey of some traditionally used anti-diabetic plants in Amboli region of Maharashtra, India in perspective of Ayurveda

Medicinal plants play an important role in improving health and are gaining acceptability worldwide. Various ethnomedicinal studies had been conducted in India to document the medicinal plants used by tribals in various regions. The region Amboli lies in the Sahayadri Hills of Western India and represents dense and diversified vegetation. It is also called as Eco Hotspot of Western Ghats, abound with a variety of unusual flora. The people inhabiting here generally rely on the plants for treatment of diseases for primary health care. So the study was conducted to highlight some more frequently used traditional medicinal plants in Amboli region to treat diabetes. Local healers, traditional practitioners were interviewed in a well structured manner about the plants, its formulations, preparation methods and doses for treating diabetes. Total 18 plants were reported to be used in the treatment of diabetes in Amboli region. Among them Salacia chinensis, Salacia macrosperma, Casearia esculenta, Alstonia scholaris, Tinospora cordifolia, Gymnema sylvestris, Andrographis paniculata, Curcuma longa etc. were most frequently used plants. Ayurveda classics were referred for identification and proper documentation. Further research is needed to preserve some potent species of folklore plants and to preserve the knowledge of indigenous communities.