An Ethnobotanical Survey of Medicinal Flora Employed in Cancer Management in Kutch District, Gujarat, India

Abstract

Background and Aim: This study documents the efficacy of traditional herbal wisdom from Kutch, Gujarat, to treat cancer. Experimental procedure - The ethnobotanical survey conducted in the Kutch district, Gujarat, India, spanned from December 2022 to December 2023 and utilised a cross-sectional study design. Employing random sampling techniques, we engaged with 147 individuals, of whom only 72 possessed traditional knowledge regarding plants used in cancer treatment. This survey meticulously documented details such as the specific parts of the plant used (roots, shoots, leaves, and flowers), the methods of preparation for herbal remedies, and their modes of administration (whether orally or externally). The herbal formulations were categorised into Swarasa, Kalka, Kwath, Hima, Phant, and the prescribed dosages. Results: The study reveals the medicinal use of plants in Kutch for cancers like breast (UV 20%, FIC 21%, FL 22%), hepatocellular (UV 14%, FL 16%), colon (UV 12%, FL 9%), and lung (UV 11%, FL 15%). Other cancers treated include cervical, oral, leukemia, colorectal, pancreatic, skin, prostate, osteosarcoma, and ovarian. Predominant plant parts used are leaves (40%), roots (25%), seeds (12%), and bark (10%). Conclusion: The research underscores traditional healers' vital role in preserving ethnomedicinal knowledge, offering profound insights and potential breakthroughs in cancer treatment. Investigating phytochemicals can uncover potent anticancer agents, revolutionising therapy and integrating ethnomedicine with modern biomedical research.