A Survey of Medicinal Plants on Acharya Prafulla Chandra College Campus

Abstract

A survey of medicinal plants was undertaken on the campus of Acharya Prafulla Chandra College in New Barrackpore, Kolkata, West Bengal, India. The study included in-depth field visits and observations of the surrounding outdoor spaces as well as the medicinal plant garden. The well-organized recording of the plant species by the research work means that the traditional knowledge is conserved and the basis for further scientific research is laid. The medicinal garden is made by going to the field to find and categorize plant species, talking with the old aged Kaviraj all over West Bengal to get their opinions and a review of the existing literature to put the findings into perspective with the help of the Government of West Bengal, Department of Higher Education, Science & Technology and Biotechnology (Science & Technology Branch and Biotechnology Branch). The study is designed to list the different species of medicinal flora that are identified in the conventional knowledge, traditional application and pharmacological properties. One hundred fourteen (114) different species of medical plants were recorded in the designated medicinal plant garden. The medicinal properties of the plants that were recorded included anti-bacterial, anti-cancer, anti-diabetic, anti-viral, anti-fungal, antidote, anthelminthic, and anti-analgesic qualities. These properties were found to be efficacious in treating a variety of ailments, including colds, coughs, ulcers, diarrhea, skin conditions, and snakebite. This survey draws attention to the possibility that, in the ensuing decades, some species may become endangered on college campuses. Thus, the campus can be considered a great source for both education and medicinal aspects. The purpose of this survey’s results is to offer Acharya Prafulla Chandra College students insightful information on the medicinal plants on campus. It also highlights the significance of conservation efforts in maintaining these bioresources for therapeutic purposes. Furthermore, the survey research also covers the conservation status of these plants and proposes methods for their sustainable use and protection.