About The Book
In developing countries, about 80% of the population depends on indigenous medicine for their primary health care. Indigenous Traditional Knowledge (ITK) refers to the localized, structured, traditional application of knowledge generated from generation to generation by continuous experimentation and observation of a phenomenon of interest. The medicinal plants have played, and continue to play, a major role in the lives of people globally. With the demand for herbal medicines and climate change, supply is declining as most of the harvest is obtained from naturally growing vegetation and going under threat.
This book ITK Database on Medicinal Plants contains information on 162 medicinal plants and is an original book, compiled from information generated through participatory appraisal of 1280 respondents of Bihar and Jharkhand from diverse ecology. It consists of 5 insightful and well-written chapters supported by suitable Schaech. It provides information on plant taxonomy, vernacular names, phenology, distribution, and cultural aspect of biodiversity conservation with a major focus on the traditional use of medicinal plants. This book mentions several diseases of present and future significance including fever, diabetes, diarrhea, cancer, tuberculosis, eye problem, skin infections, etc. potential plant-based medicines against them.
The basic information provided in this book would pave the way for the cultural aspect of conservation. We are sure that this publication would be useful for academicians, faculties, scientists, students, researchers, farmers, planners, foresters, and traditional healers.
About Author
Dr. Shyam S. Mandal
Dr. S.S. Mandal obtained his M.Sc. (Ag) from Dr. Rajendra Prasad Central Agricultural University,
Pusa, Bihar, and Ph.D. in Botany from Tilka Manjhi Bhagalpur University, Bhagalpur, Bihar. He is the
State Co-ordinator of Maize Research and Principal Investigator of the All India Co-ordinated
Research Programme on Maize at Bihar Agricultural University, Sabour, Bhagalpur. He teaches
postgraduate students and guides research scholars. He has published 51 research papers in
National and International Journals of repute. He has also published 21 book chapters from well-
known publishers.
Dr. Sweta Roy
Dr. S. Roy is presently working as a Guest Lecturer of Botany, at T.N.B. College, Bhagalpur under
T.M Bhagalpur University, Bhagalpur. Earlier, she served as Guest Faculty of Botany, at Deshbandhu
College, University of Delhi, Delhi. She completed her Ph.D. on “Studies of molecular characterization
of toxigenic Aspergillus flavus strains in relation to aflatoxin production in maize varieties” from T.M
Bhagalpur University, Bhagalpur and published 12 research papers/ review articles in journals of
National and International repute. Her teaching and research interests include Molecular Biology,
Applied Microbiology and Plant Pathology.
Dr. H. K. Chourasia
Dr. H.K. Chourasia is a University Professor of Botany,T.M. Bhagalpur University, Bhagalpur. He has
previously served as Head, of Dept. of Botany, TNB College, Bhagalpur, and Course Co-ordinator,
P.G. Department of Biotechnology, TMBU, Bhagalpur. He did his Post- Doctoral Research work on
“Biological Control of Aflatoxin in Peanut with Geocarposphere Bacteria” at Auburn University,
Alabama, USA (1990-1991). He worked as Scientists’ Pool Officer (CSIR) and Young Scientist (DST)
at CIMAP, Lucknow (1992-1996). He has been awarded a Certificate of Merit by the IBS (1989),
National Scholarship for Study Abroad by the Govt. of India (1990), Best Poster Award by the Peanut
Research Council, USA (1991), Research Associate by the CSIR, (1992), D.Sc. (HC) by the
International University for Complementary Medicines, Colombo, Sri Lanka (2000), Gold Medal by the
Indian Holistic Medical Academy (2003), Merit of Excellence by the IHMA (2008), Guest of Honour by
the Zoological Society of India (2009), Dr. S.R. Bhargava Medal (2013), Dr. M.R. Siddiqui Medal
(2014) and Dr. R.S. Paroda Medal (2018).
He has organized 14 National/ International level Conferences/ Seminars / Workshops,
completed 08 Minor / Major Research Projects, published over 80 research papers and 15 review
articles in Journals of National and International repute, and attended 05 international conferences in
India and abroad (France, Japan, USA, and Sri Lanka), delivered invited lectures in several
conferences and seminars, life member of IBS, IPS, BSI, ISMPP, and MSI, successfully guided 04
Ph.D.s besides authored and edited15 Books. He is currently the President of the Microbiologists
Society India (Bihar Unit) and his research interests include Applied Microbiology, Plant Pathology,
and Mycotoxicology.
Dr. A. K. Roy
Dr. A. K. Roy served as Emeritus Professor of Botany, Former Pro-Vice Chancellor, TMBU,
Bhagalpur; Chairman, NAAC Peer Team; Head, P. G. Dept. of Biotechnology and Director, University
Centre of Bio-informatics, TMBU, Bhagalpur, Vice Chancellor, B. N. Mandal University, Madhepura
and TMBU, Bhagalpur. He obtained his B.Sc., M.Sc., and Ph.D. degree from this University. He has
been actively engaged in teaching and research work for more than four decades, published over 150
research papers in reputed Indian and foreign journals, two dozen review articles, 15 book chapters,
and 07 reference books on different topics related to microbiology and plant pathology are to his
credit. The main thrust areas of his work are: i) Diseases of medicinal plants ii) Post-harvest fruit
pathology iii) Biofertilizer iv) Biocontrol. His recent contributions to microbial technology for the
improvement of minor millets, litchi fruit trees, and reclamation of wasteland have also been well
recognized.
Dr. Roy has been invited by different National and International Scientific Organizations for
the presentation of his research findings. He has successfully completed several research projects
sanctioned by U.G.C., I.C.A.R, C.S.I.R. D.B.T, Coal S & T, MoEF, and 36 students have been
awarded Ph.D. degrees under his supervision. He has been awarded “Prof.Y.S. Murty Gold Medal” by
the Indian Botanical Society in 1989, Jeersanidhi Lecture Award by Indian Phytopath. Soc. in 2002,
Best Teacher Award by TMBU in 2009; Prof. S. R. Bose Memorial Lecture Award by Indian Mycol.
Soc. in 2009 and E.J. Butler Memorial Lecture Award by Indian Mycol. Soc. in 2014 in recognition to
his contributions to the field of biomedical research and post-harvest plant pathology.]
