DIVERSITY AND UTILIZATION OF MEDICINAL PLANTS IN HOME GARDENS OF UTTARA KANNADA DISTRICT, KARNATAKA, INDIA

Abstract

Home gardens in the Uttara Kannada district of Karnataka, India, represent vital agroforestry systems that contribute to food security, biodiversity conservation, and cultural heritage. This study, conducted from May 2017 to February 2019, surveyed 200 home gardens, documenting 80 medicinal plant species across 34 families. Notable families included Apocynaceae, Zingiberaceae, and Lamiaceae, with prominent species such as Ocimum tenuiflorum L., Aloe vera L., and Andrographis paniculata (Burm.f.) Nees. The study revealed that 48 species were herbs, 19 were climbers, 19 were shrubs, and 14 were trees. The majority of medicinal preparations utilized leaves (40%), followed by roots (26%), stems (18%), fruits (10%), and bark (6%). Traditional uses of these plants included applications for skin care, bone disorders, and culinary uses, with Aloe vera and turmeric noted for their cosmetic applications. This research underscores the significance of home gardens in preserving traditional ethnobotanical knowledge and providing accessible healthcare solutions, both for humans and animals. The findings highlight the critical role of home gardens in maintaining plant diversity and supporting local health practices.