| Abstract: |
Ethnobotany plays a pivotal role in documenting indigenous knowledge of medicinal plants among tribal communities in India, where biodiversity hotspots coincide with rich cultural traditions. This comprehensive review and meta-analysis synthesizes findings from over 150 ethnobotanical studies conducted across diverse tribal regions between 1995 and 2025. The primary objectives were to quantify trends in documentation efforts, identify commonly utilized plant parts, evaluate conservation strategies, and critically assess gaps in past research methodologies. Data were systematically extracted from peer-reviewed journals, including the Journal of Ethnopharmacology, Indian Journal of Traditional Knowledge, and Biodiversity and Conservation. Results indicate a steady increase in publications post-2010, with leaves (32%) and roots (22%) being the most frequently documented plant parts. Tribal communities in the Northeast, Central India, and Western Ghats regions exhibit the highest ethnobotanical activity. However, critical analysis reveals significant methodological inconsistencies, including inadequate sample sizes, lack of quantitative indices in earlier studies, and insufficient integration of molecular validation. Major threats identified through the meta-analysis include habitat loss (impact score 87), overharvesting (72), and policy gaps. Emerging conservation approaches such as community-based management and ex-situ cultivation show promise but remain under-adopted (overall adoption |
