Ethnomedical Applications and Conservation Status of Leguminosae- Caesalpinioideae Plants in Uttar Pradesh, India

Abstract

Background: This review highlights the folklore, ethnomedicinal uses and conservation status of Caesalpinioideae in Uttar Pradesh (India).

Aims: It aims at compiling available data on traditional medicine, biological activity, phytochemical information and assessing the regional red list status of Caesalpinioideae in Uttar Pradesh. The information provided would help in formulating new drugs and medicines and addressing global conservation issues of such medicinally exploited species.

Methods: The current study included an extensive and systematic review of available literature, the study of previous collections of herbarium specimens, random interviews with locals and tribals, field surveys, and GeoCAT tool-based assessment during 2016-2020. The study reports that the majority of species of Caesalpinioideae are used for curing digestive problems (about 20 species) and skin diseases (19 species).

Results: Almost all the species have antimicrobial and antioxidant properties. These pharmacological activities can be attributed to the presence of various types of anthraquinones in plants.

Conclusion: The regional conservation status reveals that eight species qualified for the status of regionally threatened category while two species fall under the near threatened category.

Keywords: Caesalpinioideae; Ethnomedicine; anticancerous; antimicrobial; antioxidant; indigenous plants.