Ethnomedicinal study of plants used by Magar community of Sangurigadhi rural municipality of Dhankuta district, Eastern Nepal

Abstract

This study has been carried out to document and analyze the traditional medicinal knowledge of the Magar community in Namje, Dhankuta, with emphasis on the use of medicinal plants. A total of 40 species from 32 families were recorded, with Asteraceae being the most represented. The community relies on these plants to treat ailments such as high blood pressure, diarrhea, fractured bones, jaundice, gastric problems, wounds, cough, and fever. Bergenia ciliata had the highest use value (0.9), highlighting its cultural and therapeutic importance. The findings underline the Magar community’s strong reliance on plant-based remedies for primary healthcare and the rich ethnomedicinal heritage that faces threats from environmental change, infrastructure development, and waning interest among youth. The study stresses the need for urgent in-situ and ex-situ conservation, alongside systematic documentation and recognition of indigenous knowledge, both for cultural preservation and sustainable bioprospecting that ensures fair benefit-sharing with local communities.