Ethnopharmacological values of weeds in Eastern Uttar Pradesh, India

Weeds may be potential source of useful drugs if they are evaluated through proper identification, characterization, and biochemical screening. The main goal of this study was to know the importance of weeds in the modern medicine sector and addresses their implications for public health. The ethnomedical data of weeds were collected through semi-structured interviews of fifty four healers, group discussion, and field observation. According to the results, weeds have been an exemplary source of medicine in human health care system. The present paper reviews 24 weeds of medicinal importance that have been mostly used by tribal people for the treatment of several diseases like respiratory, stomach, kidney disorders, diabetes, wounds healings, etc. The most commonly used drugs of modern medicine such as atropine, berberine, vinblastine and vincristine (anti-cancers), digitalis, etc., have been originated from weeds. Therefore, weeds are one of the best choices in establishing a new way for drugs development in herbal medicine sector.   Key words: Weeds, medicinal plants, phytopharmacological study, chemical composition, drugs, traditional value.