Ecology, Environment and Conservation Paper

ETHNOMEDICINAL INQUISITION OF RICINUS COMMUNIS L. IN VARIOUS DISTRICTS OF HARYANA, INDIA

Preeti Rani and Neelu Sood

Abstract

The intent of this study is to investigate, document and conserve folk knowledge about medicinal uses of Ricinus communis in different geographical regions which hitherto remained uninvestigated, in the state of Haryana, India. The objective is achieved by embarking on an extensive field survey of the area and subsequent documentation of native information pertaining to curative uses of the plant in a well-structured proforma which has later been subjected to statistical analysis so that to arrive at a logical conclusion. Explored ethno medicinal uses of the plant have been classified according to plant’s part name, therapeutic uses, formulations and their route of administration along with ailments treated. Ricinus communis is known for its toxicity however its leaves and seeds are endowed with ethno medicinal properties. This manuscript looks into medicinal uses of Ricinus communis and how itis being used by traditional practitioners of rural and urban sites in studied area for treating multiple ailments. Such folkloric information about medicinal flora is needed to be preserved and subjected to systematic inquiry.