Author(s): Priya Minakshi and Neeraja Ojha

Abstract: Jharkhand is being known for its rich biodiversity and home to many important ethnic communities such as Santhal, Oraon, Munda, Ho, Kharia and Bhumij etc. The present survey was carried out to investigate the ethno-medicinal plant used by different ethnic communities during the month of April 2017 to March 2018 in different areas of Jharkhand that is Ranchi, Gumla, Latehar etc. Data were collected by questionnaire based on personal interviews, informal meetings and field observation with herbal practioners, vaidhyas, knowledgeable and local persons. The result showed that, thirty-six different plants are used for the treatment of leprosy. The medicinal plants are arranged alphabetically followed by botanical name, common name, family, plant part used and uses. The knowledge of their practices was inherited from their fore parents, relatives and friends by mouth to mouth conversation. Without proper documentation of traditional knowledge of medicinal plants, the cultural heritage is losing its value at a very high rate, there is need to conserve our ancestral knowledge. Hence, the study was carried out with an aim to document medicinal plants and have the potential to form the basis of pharmaceutical drugs for the treatment of leprosy.