Medicinal Plants of Pilibhit Tiger Reserve (PTR) India

The persistent and intricate symbiotic relationship between plants and human beings surpasses temporal and cultural borders, profoundly influencing the fundamental nature of human existence. Plants are crucial in providing nourishment, clothing, shelter, and therapeutic resources, making them essential components of everyday existence. The varied nature of this job transcends temporal and geographical boundaries, exhibiting relevance in various communities and historical epochs. The significant role of plants in preserving health and promoting health resonates with the principles of classical wisdom and traditional folk knowledge systems. As society progresses into the future, it is crucial to recognize and safeguard the invaluable knowledge of plants for the collective progress of humanity. The enduring significance of preserving our natural environment and the inherent wisdom it contains is demonstrated by the indisputable interconnectedness between plants and the existence of human beings. In a period characterized by significant technological advancements and profound societal changes, acknowledging and preserving our botanical history is crucial in promoting sustainable development. This chapter emphasizes the inherent connection between the Earth's ecological state and its population's welfare, emphasizing the imperative to save and diligently transmit this floral heritage to succeeding cohorts. The preservation of the deep interrelation between plants and human existence is evidence of the lasting wisdom inherent in the natural world, directing humans toward a future characterized by harmony and sustainability.

District Pilibhit, situated in the foothill region of the Indo-Nepal Terai, is recognized as the most affluent biodiversity hotspot within the state of Uttar Pradesh. The municipality, despite its recent establishment, encompasses a historic settlement known as 'Old Pilibhit' situated alongside the Khakra River, which holds significant cultural and historical value due to its association with the Banjaras of the Periya clan. The etymology of the term 'Pilibhit' implies a potential association with 'PeriyaBhit,' which denotes the village mound of the Periyas. Alternatively, it could be derived from a historical reference to a yellow mud wall that used to encompass the district. Pilibhit is geographically located in the Shivalik foothills of the Himalayas and benefits from its accessibility via road networks and a meter-gauge railway line, facilitating connections with adjacent districts in the states of Uttar Pradesh and Uttarakhand. The district's importance is further elevated by a multitude of tourism and historical attractions. The Pilibhit Tiger Reserve (PTR) is worthy of attention since it was officially designated by the Central government in 2014. It encompasses an area of 730.24 square kilometers located within the densely forested region of Pilibhit. The study examines the geographic location, topographic features, climatic patterns, and vegetation composition of the region. The primary objective of this extensive investigation is to reveal the complex fabric of Pilibhit, highlighting its ecological abundance, historical origins, and its significant function as a wildlife sanctuary, particularly as the third tiger reserve in the state of Uttar Pradesh. 

This study investigates and enlists several plant families in Pilibhit, a foothill district of the Indo-Nepal sub-Himalayan International border region of Terai and one of Uttar Pradesh’s richest biodiversity hotspots is here. The study will cover these plant groups' botanical traits, historical usage, and ecological importance. Pilibhit district's unique location and different ecosystems make it excellent for plant biodiversity research. It has been investigated that many plant families, including therapeutic herbs and economically important species. This study details the distribution of several regional plant groups, their ecological roles, and their cultural significance. The research examines medicinal, ethnobotanical, and ethnoveterinary uses of these plant families and their effects on local, healthcare, and traditional practices. It also examines their ecological services, including habitat, food, and soil stabilization, and how they support local biodiversity and ecosystem functioning. This study highlights the Pilibhit district's botanical diversity and the importance of these plant families for conservation, sustainable resource management, and traditional knowledge preservation. Understanding the complex relationships between humans and plants in this biodiversity hotspot is essential for biodiversity conservation and community health.

This chapter presents findings from a survey focused on the medicinal utilization of 117 plant species spanning 44 families in the Pilibhit Tiger Reserve (PTR) region. Rather than providing concrete results, the information gathered underscores the importance of further research and clinical trials before the application of these plants for medicinal purposes. Caution is advised, and consultation with modern healthcare professionals is recommended to mitigate potential risks. The primary aim of this chapter is to systematically compile diverse survey results, obtained through questionnaires, creating a valuable resource for researchers and herbalists engaged in future investigations, research and development initiatives, and related studies. Within the PTR region, tribal and rural populations employed these plant species for medicinal purposes, distributed across various environments. The breakdown reveals a prevalence of medicinal plants among Herbs [52], Trees [27] species, followed by Shrubs [19] (Table 1). Families like Apocynaceae, Liliaceae, Asteraceae, Apiaceae, Leeaceae, Acanthaceae, Asclepiadaceae, Amaranthaceae, Euphorbiaceae, are prominently represented with 54 species belonging to these families (Table 2). The study identifies genera such as Achyranthes, Cassia, Terminalia, Leea, Allium, and Solanum, with some having multiple species within the study area. This chapter serves as a foundational resource for future investigations, emphasizing the importance of rigorous research and clinical validation before the application of these plants for medicinal purposes. It stands as a valuable reference for researchers and herbalists, contributing to the collective knowledge base and guiding future endeavors in the realms of traditional medicine and biodiversity conservation within the PTR region.