Exploring traditional knowledge: an ethnobotanical survey of medicinal flora for determining memory-enhancing activity in South Odisha, India

Authors

  • Pallishree Bhukta Centurion University of Technology and Management
  • Pratap Kumar Sahu School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Siksha ‘O’ Anusandhan (Deemed to be University) Bhubaneswar, Odisha, India
  • Santosh Kumar Ranajit Centurion University of Technology and Management
  • Biswajeet Acharya Department of Pharmacology, GITAM Institute of Pharmacy, GITAM Deemed to be University, Vishakhapatnam, Andhra Pradesh, India
  • Deepankar rath centurion university of technology and management

Abstract

Background: Memory is essential for learning and daily life, and its impairment is a growing public health concern. Traditional medicinal systems, especially among indigenous communities, have long used herbal remedies to enhance memory and cognitive performance.

Methods: An ethnobotanical survey was conducted in 2023–2024 across fifteen tribal villages in Rayagada district, Odisha. Data from 105 informants were gathered through semi-structured interviews and participatory observations. Ethnobotanical indices, including Relative Frequency of Citation (RFC), Cultural Importance Index (CI), and Use Value (UV), were calculated to assess the significance of the documented species.

 Results: A total of 33 medicinal plant species from 25 families were recorded, with Fabaceae as the dominant family. Herbs were the most common life form, while leaves and rhizomes were the most frequently used parts. Oral administration was the main route, and decoctions and powders were the most common preparation methods (17 reports each). Several species showed high cultural significance, including Curculigo orchioides (CI = 0.95, UV = 1.71), Withania somnifera (CI = 1.00, UV = 1.00), Bacopa monnieri (CI = 0.76, UV = 1.22), Allium sativum (CI = 0.90, UV = 1.24), and Centella asiatica (CI = 0.95, UV = 0.95). Pharmacological analysis revealed mainly anti-inflammatory (21.5%), neuroprotective/cognitive (19.2%), and antioxidant (16.9%) activities.

Conclusion: The study highlights the continued use of traditional medicinal plants for memory enhancement among tribal communities of southern Odisha. Species with high cultural importance and use values may be promising candidates for future phytochemical, pharmacological, and clinical studies to develop evidence-based cognitive therapeutics.

Keywords: Ethnobotany; Memory enhancement; Nootropic plants; Cultural Importance Index; Traditional knowledge; Odisha.

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Published

2026-05-30

How to Cite

Bhukta, P., Sahu, P. K. ., Ranajit, S. K. ., Acharya, B., & rath, D. (2026). Exploring traditional knowledge: an ethnobotanical survey of medicinal flora for determining memory-enhancing activity in South Odisha, India. Ethnobotany Research and Applications, 34, 1–20. Retrieved from https://www.ethnobotanyjournal.org/index.php/era/article/view/8204

Issue

Vol. 34 (2026)

Section

Research

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