INTRODUCTION:

Knowledge of plants of medicinal values is recognized by every society on earth. They have been used since prehistoric period for the cure of various diseases.Nearly about 80% of the world’s populations still depend upon traditional remedies together with folklore system mainly based on phytotherapy(Azaizehet al., 2003).

The inhabitants of remote places have good knowledge about the utilization of plants because of the non-availability of synthetic drugs.For survival, they use the plant based drugs growing nearby their villages. Based on their right and wrong experiences they discovered the therapeutic agents of these plants in particular diseases. These experiences are transferred from parents to their next generations. Unfortunately this traditional knowledge is dangerbecause transmission between older and younger generation is not always assured (Anyinam, 1995).

Over exploitation of some important medicinal plant species particularly collection of roots, stems, seeds, underground parts and other medicinally valuable parts cause damage to these plants. Therefore, there is a need to create awareness among the local people for the importance as well as conservation of these plant species in their original habitat.Thus, the present paper deals with the occurrence of plants of medicinal valuesgenerally used in the treatment of various diseases and their conservation in the study area.

Study area:

The study area Gopalganj is a district of Saran Commissionary of Bihar state. It is located on the West-North corner of Bihar and lies in between 26.12^oto 26.39^o North latitude and 83.54^oto 85.56^oEast longitude. It is bounded on North by East and West Champaran, South by Siwan and Chapra, East by East Champaran and Muzaffarpur and West by Uttar Pradesh.

The climate of this area is very much pleasant except a few month of summer. The area includes remote adjacent places like Kuchaikote, Hathwa, Manjhagarh etc. inhabited by a number of castes and ethnic groups namely kumhar, jats, nuts, gond etc. The economy of the area is predominantly agriculture.

MATERIALS AND METHODS:

The research area was season wise extensively surveyed during June 2011-May 2013. Plant specimens were collected from different localities of the area. Data of the folk medicinal uses of indigenous plants was obtained through questionnaire and interviews with vaids, hakims, ojhas, kabirajs, old aged peoples or traditional hillers etc. who have knowledge on medicinal plants used in the treatment of various diseases. Those people particularly the old men and women were interviewed whose empirical knowledge was respected by everyone. The present study provides some additional uses of the species which are otherwise used in other areas. Collected plants were dried, pressed and mounted properly following Carter et al., 2007.

The identification of the plants was done with the help of available literature and by comparing with the authentic specimens available in the herbariumcentre. Voucher specimens were prepared by following the methods of Jain and Rao (1977).Finally identification of voucher specimens was confirmed by consulting literature as Botany of Bihar and Orissa (H.H. Hains, 1921, 1925).After identification voucher specimens were deposited in the Plant Taxonomy lab of GopeshwarCollege, Hathwa for future reference.

Enumeration of plant species:

During the entire course of study 25 plant species belonging to 18 families were identified to cure various ailments. These are discussed as:

1. Abrusprecatorius L. (Fabaceae)

Common name: Ratti, Ghugachi.

English name: Jequirity, Indian liquorice.

Nature of plant:An annual climber.

Part (s) used: Seeds, leaves and roots.

Local uses: Seeds are used to cure nervous disorder. Paste of seeds is used for the treatment of stiffness of shoulder joints and paralysis. Leaves extract is used to cure painful swelling, leucoderma, itching and many skin diseases. Roots are very much useful for treating jaundice, gonorrhoea etc.

2. Aloe barbadensis Mill. (Liliaceae)

Common name: Ghikuawr, Ghikumari.

English name: Barbados Aloe, Indian Aloe.

Nature of plant: A perennial herb.

Part (s) used: Whole plant mainly fresh leaves and leaves pulp.

Local uses: The juice is used in skin disease, constipation, abdominal tumours sciatica etc. It is also used in treatment of rheumatic pain, wound healing, burns smoothing. It is reputed remedy for intestinal worms in children. It is also used in haemophilia, skin and uterine disorders, liver and spleen enlargement, chronic ulcers.Pulp is used in menstrual suppression.

3. Amaranthus spinosus Linn. (Amaranthaceae)

Common name: Kate matha.

English name: Prickly Amaranthus.

Nature of plant: An annual herb.

Part (s) used: Roots, leaves and whole plant.

Local uses: Decoction of roots is used in the treatment of gonorrhea, menorrhoea and metrorrhagia. It causes profuse urination and reduces uterine pains and stops bleeding. Decoction of whole plant is used to treat leucorrhoea. During pregnancy, when given for three or four days at the period of regular menses abortion is avoided. It is used to increase flow of milk. Leaves in the form of poultice are applied to treat abscess, bubos, wounds and burns to promote suppuration and discharge of pus. Roots and leaves are boiled and given to children to treat boils and burns.

4. Andrographis paniculata (Burm.f.) Nees. (Acanthaceae)

Common name: Kalmegh, Van piyaz.

English name: Creat, Kariyat.

Nature of plant: An annual herb.

Part (s) used: Whole plant.

Local uses: Whole plant especially leaves are used in treating inflammation, dysentery, diarrhea, tonsillitis, hypertension, cough, sore throat and snake-bite.

5. Asparagus recemosus Willd.(Liliaceae)

English name: Wild Asparagus.

Common name: Satavari,Satawar.

Nature of plant: A scandentspinous herb or shrub.

Part (s) used: Roots.

Local uses: Root powder with gur (solidified sugarcane juice) is made into tablets and given to treat common fever. Root paste is given with cow’s milk for spermatorrhoea. Root powder is given to nursing mother to increase lactation. Roots are used in blood dysentery, menstrual disorders, leucorrhoea, epilepsy, leprosy etc.

6. Boerhaavia diffusa L.(Nyctaginaceae)

English name: Hogweed, Pigweed.

Common name: Sant, Bishkhapra.

Nature of plant: A perennial diffuse herb.

Part (s)used: Whole plant.

Local uses: Young branches are cut into small pieces and are hung around the neck in the form of a necklace as a best treatment of jaundice and regulate menstrual cycle. Plants are also used as anti-inflammatory.

7. Calotropisprocera (Aiton) W.T. Aiton. (Asclepiadaceae)

English name: Gigantic swallow wort.

Common name: Madar.

Nature of plant: A large much branch milky shrub.

Part (s)used: Whole plant.

Local uses: Latex is used to treat all kinds of skin diseases and toothache. Dried leaves under shade are smoked to treat asthma. Powdered leaves in small quantities are taken internally to remove roundworms. The powdered root promotes gastric secretions.

8. Celastrus paniculatusWilld.(Celastraceae)

Common name: Malkuni.

English name: Climbing staff tree, Black oil plant, Intellect tree.

Nature of plant: A large climbing shrub.

Part (s) used: Bark, leaves and seeds.

Local uses: The bark is used as brain tonic. Leaf sap is a good antidote for optimum poisoning. Seeds are stimulant, anti-inflammatory and intellect promoting and are useful in abdominal disorders.

9. Chenopodium album L. (Chenopodiaceae)

Common name: Bathua.

English name: Wild spinach, Lamb’s Quarters.

Nature of plant: An annual herb.

Part (s) used: Whole plant.

Local uses: The plant has anthelmintic, diuretic as well as laxative properties and contains vitamins C, cooked as vegetables and cure urinary disorders. Decoction of roots is effective against jaundice. It is also used to cure seminal weakness.

10. Chlorophytumborivilianum Sant and Fernand. (Liliaceae)

Common name: Sandigdha Dravyas.

English name: Safedmusli.

Nature of plant: An annual herb.

Part (s) used: Roots.

Local uses: Roots are used known to improve male reproductive performance and prevent impairment in characteristics, morphology and elevation of oxidative stress in sperms. Tuberous roots are used for the preparation of nutritive tonic and useful in dysentery.

11. Clerodendrumserratum L. Moon (Verbenaceae)

Common name: Bharangi.

English name: Kan.

Nature of plant: A slight woody shrub.

Part (s) used: Roots and leaves.

Local uses: Plant paste is mixed with honey and fruit of black pepper and used to cure asthma. Leaves are boiled with oil and this oil is used 2-3 times daily to cure swelling in eye. Seeds are used in dropsy, eye problem, bronchitis, skin disease like leucoderma, leprosy etc.

12. CuscutareflexaRoxb.(Convolvulaceae)

Common name: Akashbanwaria, Akashbela, Amerbanwaria and Amerbela.

English name:Dodder.

Nature of plant: A leafless twining parasitic herb on various angiosperms.

Part (s) used: Whole plant.

Local uses:Plant used to cure general swelling of body, rheumatic pain, boils and wounds, sterility in women, eczema, bronchitis, jaundice etc.Plant extract mixed with the extract of Saccharumofficinarum is drunk to treat jaundice.

13. Datura metel Linn. (Solanaceae)

Common name: Dhatura, Sadahdhatura.

English name: White datura, White Thornapple.

Nature of plant: A sub-glabrous spreading perennial herb.

Part (s) used: Leaves, flowers and roots.

Local uses:Seeds, leaves and roots are useful in treatment of insanity, fever with catarrhal and cerebral complication, diarrhoea, skin diseases, lice etc. Root is boiled in milk and administered with clarified butter. In traditional medicine, it is a reputed drug in the treatment of rabid dog bites and poisonous insect bites. The dried leaves and flowers are cut into small chips and used in anti-asthmatic cigarettes.

14. Eclipta prostrataL.(Asteraceae)

Common name: Bhangrayia, Kala Bhangra and Rajbhang.

English name:Trailing Eclipta.

Nature of plant: A diffuse or erect perennial herb.

Part (s) used: Whole plant.

Local uses: Plants are used in snakebite, skin disease, jaundice, wound healing, leprosy etc.Infusion of the plant is used as gargle. Leaves are useful in treatment of liver disorders and jaundice as well as spleen enlargement.

15. EchinopsechinatusRoxb. (Asteraceae)

Common name:Utakanta.

English name: Globe-thistle, Camel thistle.

Nature of plant: A pubescent annual herb.

Part (s) used: Whole plant, roots, root bark, leaves and fruits.

Local uses: Seeds are used to treat liver ailments. Powdered roots with honey are taken to relieve bronchial disorders.Powder of roots is applied to wounds in cattle to destroy maggots and mixed with Acacia gum applied to hair to destroy lice. Juice of flowers is used as eye drop.

16. Emblica officinalis Gaertn f. (Euphorbiaceae)

Common name: Amla.

English name: Embelic, Indian Gooseberry.

Nature of plant: A small or medium-sized deciduous tree.

Part (s) used: Dried fruits, seeds, leaves, flowers, roots and bark.

Local uses: Fresh roots are used as a remedy for jaundice. Leaves are cerebral and gastro-intestinal tonic, cardio-tonic and anti-diabetic. Extract of leaves is useful for ulcer in mouth. Infusion of leaves mixed with fenugreek seeds is useful in chronic dysentery. Fruit has anti-cancerous properties. Dried fruits are useful in diarrhea and dysentery. It is especially good for abundant growth of hair. It has been found be effective in the treatment of peptic ulcer and scurvy. Fruit juice with lemon juice and sugar is taken for arresting bacillary dysentery.

17. Gloriosa surperba L. (Liliaceae)

Common name: Karihari, Langali.

English name: Super Lilly, Tiger Lilly.

Nature of plant: A climbing herb.

Part (s) used: Tuberous roots and seeds.

Local uses: Tuberous root is used in curing inflammations, ulcers, bleeding piles, skin disease, leprosy etc. Roots are given internally as antidote for snake poison. In high doses it is highly poisonous and causes vomiting and burning sensation.

Seeds are used for relieving rheumatic pain and act as a muscle relaxant.

18. Gymnema sylvestre (Retz.) R.Br. (Asclepiadaceae)

Common name: Gurmar.

English name: Periploca of wood.

Nature of plant: A climbing shrub.

Part (s) used: Whole plants, leaves.

Local uses: Whole plant is used in treatment of inflammations, constipation, jaundice asthma, fever and leucoderma. Extract of leaves is stimulant, cardiovascular and hypoglycemic and are used in diabetes, chewed to reduce glycosuria.

19. Mentha arvensis L. (Lamiaceae)

Common name:Pudina.

English name: Mint, Corn mint.

Natue of plant: A small annual herb.

Part (s) used: Whole plant.

Local uses: Plant extract is used in digestion and to cure stomach problems. Powdered plant is eaten after meal to treat gas problems. Infusion of plants is used to cure fever. Infusion of leaves is also used to cure rheumatism. Dried plant is also used as antiseptic.

20. Oxalis corniculata L. (Oxalidaceae)

Common name:Amrulsak, Chukka tripati, Khatibuti and Amta.

English name:Wood sorrel and Yellow sorrel.

Nature of plant: A small creeping annual herb.

Part (s)used: Whole plant.

Local uses: Plants show anti-septic properties. Roots are anthelmintic. Plant juice is antidote to herbal toxicity. Plant is used as a remedy for healing fractured bones, burns, wounds, body sores, fever, dysentery etc.The leaves are crushed and used as an external application in the condition like painful swelling or any inflammation. The ‘chutney’ of leaves is beneficial in abdominal disorder. The decoction is a good medicine for fever. Leaf paste is externally applied over forehead to relieve in headache. Ground leaves purified the blood and used on open wounds. The crushed leaves are used to treat children with mouth infections as well as to treat infected navels of babies.

21. Ricinus communis L.(Euphorbiaceae)

Common name:Andi, Arandi and Arandi.

English name:Castor and Castor-bean.

Nature of plant: A large annual erect small tree (3-4 m).

Part (s) used: Leaves, seeds and fruits.

Local uses: Seeds are used as contraceptive and as purgative. Seed oil is used to easy delivery and lowers the labour pain.Leaf is tied over the injured part and extracted leaf juice is applied externally on cuts and wounds. Three drops of leaf juice are dropped in the ear to relieve earache. It is also usedto cure malarial fever, rheumatism, prevention of conception, piles and abscesses as a result of hair plucking etc.

22. Syzygium cumini (L) Skeels.(Myrtaceae)

Common name: Jamun, Jaamuna.

English name: Embelic, Jambolan, Black plum.

Nature of plant: A large evergreen tree.

Part (s) used: Fruits, leaves, dried seeds and bark.

Local uses: Jambo bark is used to cure dysentery, diarrhea, diabetes, excessive thrust, cough and asthma. Fresh roots are used as a remedy for jaundice. Leaves are cerebral and fresh juice of fruit is given with goat’s milk in diarrhea of children. Juiceof leaves is used in dysentery. Juice of ripe fruit, made into vinegar is used as a stomachic, carminative and as diuretic. Seeds in powder form are used to treat diabetes.

23. Tinospora cordifolia (Wild), Hook.f. and Thomas. (Menispermaceae)

Common name: Gulanca, Giloy, Gilori, Gurch.

English name: Heart leaved moon seed, GulanchaTinospora.

Nature of plant: A large, glabrous, deciduous climber.

Part (s) used: Stems and leaves.

Local uses: Starch from roots and stems are nutrient, used in chronic diarrhea and dysentery. It cures fever, jaundice, thirst, burning sensation, diabetes, piles, skin ailments, respiratory disorders, neurological diseases and improves intellect. Juice of fresh plant is diuretic and useful in gonorrhea. Plant is a constituent of several Ayurvedic preparations used in general debility, dyspepsia, fevers and urinary diseases. Externally the drug is used against rheumatic complaints.

24. Tribulus terrestris L.(Zygophyllaceae)

Common name:Gokharu, Gokhru, Gorkul.

English name:Land-caltrops, Puncture-vine etc.

Part (s) used: Whole plant.

Nature of plant:An annual or biennial, prostrate or decumbent hispid herb.

Local uses: Plant isused to treat gonorrhoea, leprosy and skin disease.Plant decoction is used to check the abnormal discharge of renal and urethral discharges. It is also treat oral inflammations and bladder disorder.

25. Urgenia indica (Roxb) Kunth. (Liliaceae)

Common name: Jungalipiyaz, Ban piyaz.

English name: Indian squill, White squill.

Nature of plant: A glabrous herb.

Part(s) used: Bulb.

Local uses: Bulbs are useful in asthma, hearts, cough, bronchitis, paralytic affection, skin disease, rheumatism, skin troubles,calculous affections and promotes urination. Bulbs are used asexpectorant and cardio-tonic (used in small doses). Alcoholic extract of bulb possesses anti-cancer property against human epidermoid carcinoma.

RESULTS AND DISCUSSION:

The survey of the medicinal plants of the proposed area was taken to understand their medicinal values and conservation. In this study, identification and documentation of 25 medicinally importantplants belonging to 18 families were mentioned.

Specific medicinal values of all 25 medicinally important plants of the present investigation with their family, habit nature and parts used for the medicinal properties were given. Based on habit nature the medicinal plants of 25 species, 11 belonging to herb, 1 belonging to twining herb, 1 belonging to diffuse herb, 1 belonging to parasitic herb,1 belonging to spinous herb or shrub, 2 belonging to shrub,3 belonging to tree habit and 5 belonging to climber. Of the parts used for medicinal purpose the roots, the stems, the leaves, the fruits, the seeds and even the whole plant parts are dominating in position during present investigation.

The medicinal plants are widely used by all sections of the populations in India whether directly as folk remedies or through the medicinemen because of their less expensive, easily availability and without any side effects. Most of these medicinal plants used in Indian systems of medicine (viz. Ayurveda, Siddha andUnani) and in homeopathy are forest based and few are cultivated.In spite of the advent of the modern medicines, rural and tribal populations are still relying on the art of herbal medicine (Singh and Singh, 2009).

Local peoples of these areas were dependent upon the plant resources for their day to day livelihood practice. Many of the traditional Hakims, Kabirajs, Vaids etc. also collect the medicinal plants for treatment of various diseases. In the processthey unearth the roots, tubers, bulbs and unscientifically collect the flowers, barks, fruits and other medicinally important parts of the plants for extracting drugs and unused parts of the plants were left in the field. The exploitation of the vegetation and habitat destructions leads towards rare and endangered situation for many medicinal plants.In this way, sometimesthey destroy the important medicinal plants. Thus, over exploitation of some important medicinal plant species cause damage to these plants. Many medicinal plants facing rare or endangered condition e.g., Abrusprecatorius L., Aloe barbadensis Mill., Andrographis paniculata (Burm.) Wall. Ex. Nees., Asparagus recemosus Willd., Celastrus paniculatus Willd., Datura metel L., Emblica officinalis Gaertn f., Gloriosa surperba L., Chlorophytumborivilianum Sant and Fernand., Gymnemasylvestre R.Br., Syzygium cumini (L) Steels., Tinospora cordifolia (Wild), Hook. Fand Thomas., Urgenia indica (Roxb) Kunth.etc. Therefore, there is need to create awareness among the local people for the importance as well as conservation of these plant species in their original habitat.

Some practices leading for conservation and sustainable utilization:

During study period it was observed that, there are some people who know their uses along with the danger consequences of their extinction, so they have developed their own way of conserving these plants in the nature. These practices are utilized by the local and rural people and these include common socio-cultural and religious belief and cultivation practices.They strictly follow some practices while collecting and preserving these medicinal plant resources for further use. Some of the common practices are:

· They strictly avoid collecting the immature underground parts of certain species.

· They always leave the propagating materials to ensure the regeneration in the next season.

· They never pluck all the flowers and fruits from the single plant etc.

· They planted these plants in a specified area like botanical garden.

These practices often lead to conservation, preservation and wise management of these medicinal plants diversity, so that it can be maintained for future use. In addition to these, the Government along with NGOs applied various conservation techniques to save these medicinal plants

SUMMARY AND CONCLUSION:

The present work entitled is a result of two years extensive study.The vegetation of District Gopalganj has been selected for the present study regarding their medicinal uses and conservation.Due to ever increasing demand of medicinal plants growing in nature, it is highly desirable that steps to be undertaken for their conservation, protection, propagation and systematic scientific exploration for meeting out the future need.

Keeping in view the above facts, the present study forms the basis for the report on summary of the medicinal plants used for curing various ailments in the district Gopalganj.It has been observed and studied that the rural and local people of the study area are still strong belief of using medicinal plants and their drug preparations and same time these medicinal herbs are used to treat even the chronic disease. These medicinal plants are very much used in the folklores and different proverbs.The folklore on several medicinal plants and the formulation developed by using them is well recognized in different ethnic communities living in these areas.

Variety of plants	Number of plants
1	Diffuse Herb
1	Parasitic Herb
1	Spinons Herb
2	Shrub
3	Tree
5	Climber
11	Herb
1	Twinning Herb