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area is rich in curative flora useful to treat a variety of health-related challenges. It was found

that many diseases are cured by multiple plants e.g., asthma can be cured
byVachellianilotica,Boerhaaviadiffusa, Calotropis procera, Datura metel, Ficus religiosa,

Solanum torvum;burns/boils can be cured by V. nilotica, C. gigantea,
F. benghalensis. Sometimes, a single plant is used for curing multiple diseases e.g., B. diffusa

can cure abscess, anemia, asthma, cough and cold. Many of the plants are used as leafy
vegetables e.g., Amaranthus spinosus, Bacopa monnieri, Centella asiatica,

Marsilea quadrifolia, Mentha spicata, Moringa oleifera, etc. in various local delicacies

particularly in preparation of saag, sabji or chutni. However, there is an increasing population
in these areas which is causing habitat destruction. It has been observed that most of the

people of present generation without knowing the importance of these plants are continuously

destroying the habitats. Hence, challenging the source of herbal drugs, existence of the
medicinal plants and food security of the local people. Therefore, there is an urgent need for

their conservation and various awareness programs for the benefits of the rural people. It is
essential to raise their economic condition through identification and domestication of these

plants. A. spinosus, Hygrophila auriculata, B. monnieri, C. asiatica etc. have medicinal
properties, are good source of leafy vegetables and can act as famine food.

CONCLUSION

This study dealt with three major objectives, firstly identification of the plant species having
medicinal properties. Secondly their analysis in term of botanical name, local name, family,

plant type, parts used and uses of plant components against different diseases and thirdly to
raise awareness about the importance of medicinal plants available in the South 24 Parganas

district of West Bengal. All 64 plant species identified have medicinal importance. In West
Bengal, the uses of all wild plant taxa have yet not been recorded. The study recommends

growing these plants under organized agriculture, as crops, for large scale production,

utilization in daily meals in form of various delicacies and creating awareness meant for
conservation and hence, ensuring food and health security for the local growing population.

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