Author(s): Sarita Sasmal, Mihir Tanay Das and Rajashree Das

Abstract: Given the current state of deforestation and the steadily declining availability of economically and medicinally significant flora, traditional knowledge is essential for maintaining a balance towards biodiversity and sustainability. It must be targeted and passed down generation by generation. The use of traditional medicine is widespread in rural areas. It is predicated on information, expertise, and knowledge about the plants that will be utilized for various objectives. The study of ethnobotany has sparked a fresh interest in traditional medicine, especially in herbal remedies. This research focuses on the ethnomedicinal characteristics of some non-cultivated, native green leafy vegetables from different parts of Balasore district Odisha. Based on ethnobotanical data gathered from field surveys and literature reviews, it is noted that rural populations use them as diuretics, laxatives, cooling agents, digestive aids, antioxidants, and tonics. It is due to source of proteins, carbohydrates, iron, some other essential minerals etc. and used in regular diet. As a result, they serve as an oblique substitute for readily available medical supplies in their natural habitat. Thus, these plants may be presented as herbal medicine in the future by examining their bioactive ingredients.

DOI: 10.22271/flora.2024.v12.i6b.963