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Plant Science Today (PST)

Research Articles

Vol. 13 No. 3 (2026)

Ethnoveterinary potential of plants in Anuppur, Madhya Pradesh: Traditional livestock healthcare

DOI
https://doi.org/10.14719/pst.11507
Submitted
8 September 2025
Published
29-06-2026 — Updated on 01-07-2026
Versions

Abstract

The study investigates the ethnoveterinary practices of the Anuppur district, Madhya Pradesh, where tribal communities rely heavily on traditional ethnoveterinary medicine (EVM) remedies and sustainable solutions for livestock healthcare. Field data were collected through surveys and semi-structured interviews with 139 livestock traditional healers and analysed using quantitative ethnobotanical indices (use value (UV), informant consensus factor (ICF) and fidelity level (FL)). The study documented 30 medicinal plant species across 21 botanical families, including tree 18, herb 8, shrub 3 and climber 1. Various plant parts- whole plant [6], Leaves [17], seed [4], stem [1], bark [9], flower [1], fruit [10] and root [7] are commonly used to treat gastrointestinal disorders, dermatological infections, parasitic infections, wounds and reproductive problems. The UV and ICF analyses revealed that plant species like Terminalia chebula Retz., Madhuca longifolia (L.) J. F. Macbr. and Cordia macleodii (Griff.) Hook.f. & Thomson have high values, are frequently used and have diverse applications in livestock healthcare. Several species, including Azadirachta indica A. Juss., Curcuma longa L., Butea monosperma (Lam.) Kuntze and Terminalia chebula Retz., are primarily prepared as decoctions, pastes and infusions. These ethnoveterinary practices are highly valued for their affordability, cultural acceptance and perceived efficacy compared to conventional veterinary drugs. The significance of ethnoveterinary traditional practices is that they help to promote sustainable livestock management and reduce dependence on synthetic medications. Furthermore, the study highlights the urgent need for systematic documentation, pharmacological validation and conservation of these practices to safeguard ethnoveterinary knowledge and integrate it into modern veterinary healthcare systems, enhancing animal health and supporting rural livelihoods.

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