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T HE PRIMARY objective of this study is to present a database of indigenous knowledge on medicinal plants used to cure diseases among the local traditional people of Bhadrak district of Odisha, which could provide novel remedies for diseases. The study highlights the use of local flora (wild and cultivated plant species); explore; identify; ethnobotany and conservation of Bhadrak district. It also pays heed to the proper utilization of flora as a way of highlighting its ethnopharmacological importance. A field survey was conducted to collect the information about floral diversity in and around the study site. Data on the use of plants were collected with a semi-structured questionnaire and from the peer reviewed literatures. A total of 85 plant species belongs to 46 different families were identified and documented along with their botanical name. Among them Cucurbitaceae, Asteraceae, Euphorbiaceae, Solanaceae, Amaranthaceae, Fabaceae and Rutaceae were found to be dominated families. It is concluded that many people in the studied area still depend on medicinal plants for their treatment of different diseases like urinary tract infections, gastrointestinal tract infections, piles, tumors, asthma, diabetes, etc. This study needs to harness this traditional knowledge and preserve for the betterment of future mankind.

Rice is the most popular food variety globally and is consumed as a staple food due to its high nutritional value. It is primarily black rice because of its rich anthocyanin levels, carbs, lipids, proteins, dietary fibres and minerals. Consumers are increasingly more aware of consuming healthy foods to maintain good health. Because of the strong demand from consumers, cultivars are now more interested in developing black rice due to its high anthocyanin content. The rice appears black because of the presence of anthocyanin in rice bran. Lysine, tryptophan and other essential amino acids are found in black rice. It also contains many antioxidants, the first line that protects against free radical damage and helps maintain good health. This rice type offers several health advantages and may reduce the risk of several ailments, including chronic ones. There are several health benefits associated with eating black rice. Atherosclerosis is lessened, the digestive system is strengthened, high blood pressure is stabilized, allergies are lessened, the body is cleansed, diabetes is better controlled, weight loss is more manageable and cancer development is slowed. It is now used in different food industries as a substitute for wheat due to its high nutritional profile, increasing protein digestion and decreasing starch digestion. This variety is also gluten-free and gluten-sensitive consumers can consume it. Black rice's history, chemical makeup and nutritional and functional qualities are all examined in this study. Black rice scientifically verified therapeutic benefits are the focus of this study paper.

This study aimed to characterize the morphological and anatomical traits of six Ocimum species namely Ocimum tenuiflorum L. Syn. O. Sanctum L. (green var. known as Radha Tulasi), O. tenuiflorum L. (purple var. known as Krishna Tulasi), O. basilicum L.( green var. known as Sugandhi Tulasi), O. basilicum var. pupurascens L.( purple var. known as Durlabha Tulasi), O. canum Sims. (Kanaka Tulasi) and O. gratissimum L. (Rama Tulasi). Chlorophyll estimation of young and matured leaves was also estimated. Cholorophyll a, Chl. b and total chlorophyll was maximum in both young and matured leaves of O. gratissimum L. compared to other species. Carotenoid pigments was maximum of 203.94 mg/ml in young leaves of O. gratissimum L. and 244.92 mg/ml in matured leaves of O. sanctum L. Comparative morphological characters and anatomical variation were studied for identification of the desired species in drug manufacturing industries before making formulations. This study will certainly help to ensure the quality of the crude drug as these are collected by untrained workers and supplied in dry condition to the drug manufacturing industries. Therefore, there is a chance of adulteration because of vested interest or ignorance as many plants are known by common names or in vernacular names. It was found that the six species can be identified and authenticated using these experimental findings before preparation of compound Ayurveda, Siddha and Unani (ASU) drugs in Indian System of Medicines.

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