Plants used in treatment of snakebite by the tribal communities of Paschim Medinipur district, West Bengal

An ethno-medicinal survey was conducted in 8 villages of the Paschim Medinipur district of West Bengal during 2012-2013 to collect information from traditional h ealth healers/tribal communities on the use of medi cinal plants for treatment of snake bites through questionnaire and personal interviews. The tribal communities res iding in this region are the Santhals, Mundas, Lodhas, Bhumijs, Oraon and Kherias . The present study enumerates 20 plant species belonging 16 families used by the tribal co mmunities and medicinal healers of Paschim Medinipur district, West Bengal in treatment of snakebite. Each plant s pecies has been listed alphabetically according to its botanical name, family, vernacular name, part(s) used, mode o f preparation/administration.