Copyright © 2026 Authors retain the copyright of this article. This article is an open access article distributed under the Creative Commons Attribution License which permits unrestricted use, distribution, and reproduction in any medium, provided the original work is properly cited.

@article{195926,
        author = {Anurag kumar and Priyanka Gupta and Amita Arjariya},
        title = {Ethnomedicinal Importance of Non-Timber Forest Products in Chhatarpur District, Madhya Pradesh},
        journal = {International Journal of Innovative Research in Technology},
        year = {2026},
        volume = {12},
        number = {11},
        pages = {2069-2080},
        issn = {2349-6002},
        url = {https://ijirt.org/article?manuscript=195926},
        abstract = {Non-Timber Forest Products (NTFPs) represent a vital component of rural livelihoods, providing food, medicine, fodder and income while sustaining the socio-economic fabric of tribal and folk communities. This study systematically documents the ethnomedicinal importance of NTFPs in Chhatarpur District, Madhya Pradesh, an under-explored region of Bundelkhand. Field surveys were conducted between 2023-2025 across four sites- Bijawar, Bajna, Badamalhera and Buxwaha using interview, group discussions, and participatory observations with traditional healers and local villagers. A total of 50 plant species belonging to diverse families were recorded, with leaves, roots, bark and fruits being the most frequently used parts. 
Medicinal uses were categorized into ten major disease groups, including arthritis, diabetes, asthma, cancer, dengue, malaria, skin diseases, liver disorders, and tuberculosis. Multipurpose plants such as Curcuma longa, Tinos Pora cordifolia, and Azadirachta indica were repeatedly cited, reflecting their pharmacological versatility and cultural significance. Unique species like Catharanthus roseus and Gymnema sylvestre highlighted localized knowledge and specialized appliccations. Modes of administration were dominated by simple preparations pastes, decoctions, and juices demonstrating the accessibility of remedies to rural populations.
Beyond healthcare, several NTFPs such as Madhuca longifolia (Mahua), Buchanania lanzan (Chironji), and Phyllanthus emblica (Amla) were found to hold strong economic value, contributing to household income and food security. The dominance of dicot families, with selective contributions from monocots, aligns with broader ethnobotanical patterns in India.
The findings emphasize the dual importance of NTFPs as both medicinal resources and livelihood assets. Conservation of ethnomedicinal plants, sustainable harvesting practices, and pharmacological validation are urgently needed to safeguard biodiversity and strengthen their role in healthcare. This study enriches the ethnobotanical knowledge base of Mahya Pradesh and underscores the potential of integrating traditional practices into modern conservation and healthcare strategies.},
        keywords = {Ethnobotany, Ethnomedicine, Medicinal Diversity, Healing Practices, Sustainable Livelihoods},
        month = {April},
        }