Integrating Tradition and Technology: Documentation of Plant-Based Medicine and AI-Driven Conservation in Sindhudurg

Journal of Research and Development Peer Reviewed International, Open Access Journal. ISSN : 2230-9578 | Website: https://jrdrvb.org Volume-17, Issue-10(IV)| October2025 81 Integrating Tradition and Technology: Documentation of Plant-Based Medicine and AI-Driven Conservation in Sindhudurg Prof. Mrs. Anagha Tikale Department of Botany, S. K. P. Sindhudurg Mahavidyalaya, Malvan, Sindhudurg, Maharashtra, India Emailtik[email protected]m Manuscript ID: JRD -2025-171022 ISSN: 2230-9578 Volume 17 Issue 10(IV) Pp. 81-88 October 2025 Submitted: 25 Sept. 2025 Revised: 12 Oct. 2025 Accepted: 15 Oct. 2025 Published: 31 Oct. 2025 Abstract Sindhudurg come under the Konkan region of Maharashtra, India. It is known for its rich biodiversity and people of Sindhudurg are known for a long tradition of using medicinal plants for healing. The aim of this study is to document and study traditional medicinal practices involving plant based medicine in the Sindhudurg. The study will also show the knowledge preserved by local people, tribal communities , and practitioners of folk medicine called as Vaidas. For this study the data were collected through questionaries and structured interviews, field surveys, and knowledge given by elderly people across the districts. A total of 116 medicinal plant species were documented with detailed knowlege on their local names, parts used for medical application , methods of preparation of medicine, and therapeutic applications.The conclusion of study reveal that a vast portion of the local communities continues to depend on plant based remedies for common diseases. However, this traditional knowledge is rapidly reducing due to factors such as modernism and lack of documended study. The study shows the urgent need for conservation of both traditional knowledge and diversity of medicinal plants. Conservation tactics include use of plants into local healthcare practices, promoting conservation efforts, and encouraging medicinal research on the species which are documented. This study further explores the research advancement and conservation strategies for medicinal plants by using AI tools. Keywords-Sindhudurg, Traditional Medicine, Herbal Remedies, Medicinal Plants, Traditional Knowledge, Plant Based Medicine, Documentation of Traditional Knowledge, AI in conservation Introduction: The Sindhudurg has a old and ancient history of rural and tribal communities and it preserved the traditional knowledge related to plant based remedies. These healing methods itself shows a cultural beliefs and understanding of nature of rural people.But a deforestation, modernism and increasing allopathic treatment and medicines reduces the traditional healing processes and put it in a risk. Also today's generation don't have beliefs or don't have patience to prepare therapeutics preparations using botanicals. Many plant species also extincts or way to extinct due to deforestation which leads to their habitat loss. Despite its tremendous use and value, these traditional knowledge is poorly documented Regional Significance: 1. Sindhudurg is a region of western ghat, which shows its rich resources of therapeutic herbs. a. Local villages like Sawantvadi, Amboli, Phondaghat has some documented unique flora which are medicinally used by local people. The study documented commonly used medicinal plants by local people, their methods of preparation and overall uses.It also explore the strategies for blending this traditional practices into modern health and conservation efforts. Documentation of Plant-Based Remedies Method of Data Collection a. Questionaries has been formed, Interviews were conducted with local vaidus, old aged, and knowledgable members of village Quick Response Code: Website: https://jrdrvb.org/ DOI: Creative Commons (CC BY-NC-SA 4.0) This is an open access journal, and articles are distributed under the terms of the Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial-ShareAlike 4.0 International Public License, which allows others to remix, tweak, and build upon the work noncommercially, as long as appropriate credit is given and the new creations ae licensed under the idential terms. Address for correspondence: Prof. Mrs. Anagha Tikale, Department of Botany, S. K. P. Sindhudurg Mahavidyalaya, Malvan, Sindhudurg, Maharashtra, India How to cite this article: Anagha Tikale, (2025) Integrating Tradition and Technology: Documentation of Plant-Based Medicine and AI-Driven Conservation in Sindhudurg.Journal of Research & Development,17(10(IV)), 81-88 Original Article Journal of Research and Development Peer Reviewed International, Open Access Journal. ISSN : 2230-9578 | Website: https://jrdrvb.org Volume-17, Issue-10(IV)| October2025 82 b. Also referred books of earlier study of same topics. c. ournal published of the same topic were also studied. 2. The recorded plants were varified with botanists. Documented Medicinal Plants and Their Uses The research recorded and documented total of 116 plants species and each plant were documented with its marathi local name, scientific name, useful part, preparation method and uses. Sr. No. Local Name Scientific Name Part Used Preparation Method Traditional Use 1. Murudsheng Helicteres isora Pods Pulp used directly Constipation 2. Garudvel Derris scandens Stem Dried stem powder with water Maintain sugar 3. Coconut Cocos nucifera Fruit Application of Coconut Water on morning Pigmentation on face 4. Zendu/ Marigold Tagetes Spp. Petals Soak overnight RT water, filter and drink Cough 5. Panfuti Kalanchoe pinnata Leaves Mix Leaves+water+jeera+ sugar, grind it. Consume for 3 days Urine Stone 6. Gokarn (pigeon wings plant) Clitoria ternatea Root Root powder Mumps 7. Parijaat Nyctanthes arbor-tristis Leaves Mix all the leaves, grind and apply on wounds. Ringworm 8. Gokarn (pigeon wings plant) Clitoria ternatea Leaves 9. Sagwan Tectona grandis Leaves 10. Raaan dodka Luffa acutangula Leaves 11. Neem Azadirachta indica Leaves, Bark Paste, infusion Skin infection, Wounds 12. Erand Ricinus communis Leaves Mix Leaves, milk, jeera and sugar, grind and take filtrate Jaundice, Constipation, Eye problem 13. Durva Cynodon dactylon Root Tips Juice of root tips Acidity 14. Sandalwood Santalum album Bark Paste Skin whitening, Calm inflammation 15. Tulsi Ocimum tenuiflorum Leaves Tea or juice Fever, Cold, Immunity seeds Soak seeds overnight and drink with milk For regular menstrual cycles 16. Aloe vera Aloe barbadensis miller. Pulp Apply directly on skin, used as face gel Reduce internal and external body heat, Reduce acne 17. Adulsa Adhatoda vasica Leaves Juice with honey Cough, respiratory issues 18. Aghada Achyranthes aspera Leaves, roots Decoction Cough, cold, asthma 19. Ashwagandha Withania somnifera Root Powder with milk Weakness, stress relief 20. Amla Phyllanthus emblica Fruit Hair Mask: Powdered Amla mixed with yogurt or oil Hair health Whole fruit Skin health, detoxification, boost immunity 21. Papaya Carica papaya Leaves Juice of Leaves To increase WBC Journal of Research and Development Peer Reviewed International, Open Access Journal. ISSN : 2230-9578 | Website: https://jrdrvb.org Volume-17, Issue-10(IV)| October2025 83 22. Henna Lawsonia inermis Leaves Paste Soothing burns 23. Alashi Linum usitatissimum Seeds Boil in water, filter, and apply gel hair Hair conditioner 24. Coriander Coriandrum sativum Leaves, Stem Coriander extracts Gastrointestinal discomforts, Bloating 25. Ginger/ Sunth Zingiber officinale Rhizome Chew small pieces of fresh ginger/ decoction Nausea, sinus, chest burning, ear ache 26. Brahmi Bacopa monnieri Leaves Mixed with warm water, milk, or smoothies Healthy Hair, Boost memory 27. Daisy Tridax procumbens Leaves Paste, Juice Wound healing, Cuts, Burns 28. Gulwel Tinospora cordifolia Stem Decoction Jaundice 29. Nisool/ Saptarangi Salacia reticulata Root, Bark Root or Bark Decoction Diabetes. 30. Kokum Garcinia indica Fruit rind Fruit Juice skin boils and allergies 31. Manjishtha Rubia cordifolia Leaves Leaves powder Root decoction Blood disorders, Skin diseases Root Root decoction Skin diseases 32. Rose Rosa indica Flowers Petals Paste Inflammation of mouth 33. Shewanti Chrysanthemum coronarium Flowers Decoction Irregular menstrual cycle 34. Shatavari Asparagus racemosus Root Powder with milk Tonic, female reproductive health, lactation support; 35. Apta Bauhinia racemosa Leaves, fruits Paste Scorpio bite 36. Miri Piper nigrum Fruits Smoke of fruit Rheumatism, appetizer, treats diarrhoea 37. Sabja Origanum vulgare Seeds Seeds soaked overnight Irregular menstrual cycle 38. Nilgiri Eucalyptus globulus Leaves, bark Oil Anti-inflammatory, treats skin problems 39. Kevada Pandanus tectorius Roots Root decoction, Paste Paste of unripe fruit. Diuretic, Reduces swelling Fruits Paste of unripe fruit Skin problems 40. Ghotwel Smilax zeylanica Leaves Leaf Paste / Poultice Antiseptic, Skin problems Roots Root Paste Pain relief 41. Gavati chaha Cymbopogon citratus Leaves Decoction, through tea, through steam Fever, stomach cramps 42. Katekoranti Barleria prionitis Leaves, Stem Crushed leaves or Leaf or stem juice Toothache Leaves Leaves Paste Joint pain Whole plant Whole Plant Decoction Lung diseases 43. Kanchan Bauhinia purpurea Roots Dried roots decoction Urine infection, Acidity, Menstrual problems 44. Kaner Thevetia peruviana Leaves Decoction in oil Itching 45. Karela Momordica charantia Fruits Powder Diabetes Journal of Research and Development Peer Reviewed International, Open Access Journal. ISSN : 2230-9578 | Website: https://jrdrvb.org Volume-17, Issue-10(IV)| October2025 84 46. Jaiphal Myristica fragrans Fruits Powder Improves blood circulation, Toothache 47. Peepal Ficus religiosa Leaves Leaf Decoction or Juice Asthma, Jaundice, Diabetes Leaf paste helps heal wounds 48. Lajari Mimosa pudica Leaves / Whole Plant Powder mixed with milk Piles; urogenital disorder; pain relief 49. Ambehalad Curcuma amada Rhizome Paste with Milk Treats acne&boils; Scar removal 50. Lavang Syzygium aromaticum Buds powder Cough, Asthama 51. Sadaphuli Catharanthus roseus Whole Plant Decoction Mild laxative 52. Sitaphal Annona squamosa Leaves Leaves Paste Uterine problems; anthelmintic (worms) 53. Ranmodi Chromolaena odorata Leaves Paste Wounds; burns; fever; malaria; diabetes 54. Rumbad/Umbar Ficus racemosa Bark, Root Bark and root extracts Diabetes Fruit Fruit extract Diarrhoea Leaves Leaves with curd mixer paste Piles 55. Kadhipatta Murraya koenigii Leaves Consume Directly Constipation; diarrhoea; dysentery; nausea; flatulence 56. Bhuichafa Kaempferia rotunda Rhizomes / young leaves Paste of Roots or Leaves Mumps, Skin problems; diabetes; helps with cardiovascular issues 57. Parijatak Nyctanthes arbor-tristis Leaves, Stem Decoction Fever; cough; arthritis; worm infestation; joint pain; malaria 58. Ramphal Annona reticulata Seeds Pulp and seeds powder Diabetes; skin&hair issues; weak joints; boosts immunity 59. Rui Calotropis gigantea Milky sap Powder Fever; intestinal worms; stomach issues 60. Jasvand/Hibiscus Hibiscus rosasinensis Leaves&flowers Dried hibiscus petals with hot water, Decoction in Coconut oil heart/nervous issues; upper respiratory tract infection, Hair Health Roots Mash and paste White discharge 61. Dhotra Datura metal Seeds, flowers Dried and powdered Asthama Leaves Place the warm leaf gently over the swollen/painful area of the breast Swelling/paining of breast 62. Jeera Cuminum cyminum Seeds Decoction Tape worm 63. Chinch/ Tamarind Tamarindus indica Fruit, leaves Eating directly Leaves or fruits Wound healing; respiratory problems; Journal of Research and Development Peer Reviewed International, Open Access Journal. ISSN : 2230-9578 | Website: https://jrdrvb.org Volume-17, Issue-10(IV)| October2025 85 abdominal pain 64. Halad (Turmeric) Curcuma longa Leaves / rhizome Dried rhizome powder for cooking Anti-inflammatory 65. Akrod Juglans regia Leaves, Fruits, Bark Chewing Bark, leaves decoction skin diseases; wounds; herpes; improving physical strength 66. Ugra Habe-amri, Saadhi Narvi Amri Habenaria foliosa, Nervilia simplex Roots Paste of Both Ear ache 67. Lahan Kankan Acampe praemorsa Leaves or roots Paste / Poultice Reduce pain and Inflammation 68. Shevga Moringa oleifera Root, seeds, bark, fruit, flowers, leaf Powder with Milk Hypothyroid, stomach pain, 69. Ransuran Tacca leontopetaloides Tuber Bhaaji Body ache&headache 70. Pewa Costus speciosus Leaf Leaf Paste, Burns Rhizome Decoction of Rhizome Constipation Rhizome Rhizome Paste Skin diseases 71. Phagul Luffa acutangula Leaves Leaf juice Diabetes Paste of Fresh leaves Tinea (fungal), Leprosy 72. Lasun Allium sativum Bulb (ripe) Direct Consumption of petals Prevents abscess, common cold, Bad breath, Cholesterol 73. Hing Ferula foetida Rhizomes&Roots With water. Through food items Digestive problems; whooping cough; respiratory infections 74. Pipewort Eriocaulon sharmae Whole plant Infusion Fever, Immune support 75. Pudina Mentha spicata Leaves Juice, Powder Digestive problems; nausea 76. Tambut Flacourtia montana Leaves Water with boiled leaves Tonic for asthma Bark Bark decoction Fever, Diarrhoea 77. Anjan Memecylon umbellatum Leaves Leaf Decoction, Leaf Powder Anti-diarrhoeal 78. Khajkuyli Mucuna pruriens Leaves Leaf Juice/ Decoction Deworming 79. Kuda Holarrhena antidysenterica Bark, Seeds, Root Paste Diarrhoea, Piles, deworming 80. Bahava Cassia fistula Seeds Decoction In milk Mild laxative for constipation relief 81. Arjun Terminalia arjuna Bark Bark powder Vertigo, High BP, Pimples 82. Avala Phyllanthus emblica Fruit Juice, powder Acidity, Immunity, Blood purification 83. Anjeer Ficus carica Leaves Decoction Ulcer, Dribbling of urine 84. Kadulimb Azadirachta indica Leaf Powder, Decoction Blood purifier, Immunity, Pimples 85. Kanda Allium cepa Seeds Decoction Diabetes Stem Juice mixed with jaggery Cholesterol, Cholera, Stomach ache 86. *Kurdu Celosia argentea Stem Dried stem decoction Cough, Cold 87. Kohala Dimocarpus longan Fruit Juice Brain Tonic, Piles, Tape worm Journal of Research and Development Peer Reviewed International, Open Access Journal. ISSN : 2230-9578 | Website: https://jrdrvb.org Volume-17, Issue-10(IV)| October2025 86 88. Gokhru Tribulus terrestris Fruit Powder Urine stone, Acidity, Stomach Paining during periods 89. Bel Aegle marmelos Leaves Decoction Cough, Cold, Dandruff Root Paste Ear Ache 90. *Shingada Eleocharis dulcis Fruit Fruit Diarrhoea, 91. Harada Terminalia chebula Fruit Powder Vomiting, Cough, Tape worm 92. Rui Calotropis procera Stem Sap and salt mixer Toothache Root Powder Eyes redness 93. Mango Mangifera indica Leaves Decoction Diabetes Raw Fruit Pulp of fruit Sweat rash 94. Agasti Sesbania grandiflora Leaves Juice Migraine 95. Ova Trachyspermum ammi Seeds Seeds in milk Tape worm, Stomach ache 96. Amarbel Cuscuta reflexa Vine Decoction Hair fall 97. Peru/ Guava Psidium guajava Fruit Stir fry and add salt Cough 98. Dalimb Punica granatum Leaves Decoction and add milk Insomnia 99. Draksh Vitis vinifera Fruits Dried fruits Bad breath, Acidity 100. Ashoka Saraca asoca Bark Powder Brain tonic, Heavy bleeding during periods 101. Babhul Acacia nilotica Leaves Juice Eye redness 102. Vad Ficus Benghalensis Arial Roots Decoction in coconut oil Hair fall 103. Dudhi Euphorbia thymifolia Leaves with stem Decoction Asthama 104. Behada Terminalia bellirica Bark Bark and honey paste Eye problem 105. Bhui avala Phyllanthus fraternus Leaves Leaf and salt paste Skin Rashes 106. Mehandi Lawsonia inermis Leaves Leaves decoction Blisters in mouth 107. Gaajar Daucus carota Plant Juice Irregular Menstrual cycle 108. Chameli Jasminum grandiflorum Leaves Leaves juice with jaggery Headache 109. Uus/ Sugarcane Saccharum officinarum Stem Juice Mumps 110. Vavding Embelia ribes Fruit Decoction Deworming 111. Jambhul Syzygium cumini Seed, fruit Powder, juice Diabetes 112. Velchi Amomum subulatum Seeds Chewing seeds Toothache, vomiting 113. Dalchini Cinnamomum zeylanicum Bark Decoction Influenza Bark Powder Cholesterol Leaves Paste Headache . Kothimbir Coriandrum sativum Leaves Chewing fresh leaves Bad breath Seeds Eating Seeds Throat problems . Nirgundi/ Nigad Tribulus terrestris Leaves Juice Dandruff, Skin infection, Leaves Leaves paste Joint Pain Roots Paste Piles Ajwain powder with Cold Journal of Research and Development Peer Reviewed International, Open Access Journal. ISSN : 2230-9578 | Website: https://jrdrvb.org Volume-17, Issue-10(IV)| October2025 87 . Ajwain Trachyspermum ammi (L.) Seeds jaggery Mixture of ajwain, salt and warm water Colic Ajwain water Bloating Who should not take plant based medicine:- 1. person with chronic diseases. 2. Those will have surgeries. 3. Pregnant or breastfeeding women. Knowledge Transmission and Cultural Practices Older generation of people used to transfer knowledge about herbal therapeutics orally. Many traditional healers has a huge knowledge about plants ID, their availability in different season and unique method of preparation. But because of modernization, younger generation have less interest towards learning of these traditional practices. Conservation Status and Challenges of Medicinal Plants The reducing number of medicinal plant is a problem. Many species of plants are becoming increasingly rare, which can be threatening for people dependent on them. Observed threats: Deforestation The portions or entire forest land has been cleared for porposes like constructions and agricultures.In this deforestation process, many plant species which are found in such specific area have been lost. Overcollection Scope for Ayurvedas has been increasing day by day which leads to overexploitation of medicinal plants. Plants collector generally collected entire plants which stop it's regeneration property. Climate Change Today a Climate changes becoming a serious concern. Wheather is becoming extreme and inconsistent which leads to habitat loss of medicinal plants. Loss of Indigenous Knowledge Because of modernization and changing life style such as overly reliability on allopathic drugs leads to fade such traditional knowlege in today's generation that's why people doesn't know the medicinal uses of plants which are present in the surrounding. Solutions: 1. In situ conservation: Protect plants in their natural habitats 2. Ex situ conservation: Use seed banks and botanical gardens 3. Sustainable harvesting: Train collectors in regenerative practices 4. Cultivation: Promote farming of medicinal plants 5. Protect indigenous knowledge: Document and involve communities respectfully Conservation of medicinal plants: Use of AI Artificial intelligence (AI) can be useful for conserving plant species by automatic identification, it can predict the distribution of species in given habitat and identify threats. But AI also got limitations because of limited data on wild plants and technical complexity. Identification and monitoring 1. specific identification: Traditional identification is manual, can prone to human error and also time consuming. AI tools in mobile as well as in computer and algorithm like CNNs can accurately identify plants using deep observation of plant. 2. Tracking of population: AI tools with drones or satellite can use to monitor forest canopy dynamics and to identify presence of specific tree in specific area. 3. Enhancing the quality of data on rare-endangered species: Some AI tools, such as Generative Adversarial Networks (GANs) can use to create synthetic image of plants with respect to limited data present. Prediction and resource management 1. Prediction of species distribution: AI can examine soil conditions and climate of given area and can predict how specific plant can respond to different or changing environmental conditions. 2. Analysis for suitable habitat: AI and Quantum Geographic Information System can analyze the soil type and geographical data and can forecast the area suitable for cultivating rare endangered medicinal plants. 3. Cultivation and harvesting optimization: AI can analyze climate, soil and plants growth of cultivated medicinal plants and can suggest the optimising farming techniques. Conclusion: The documentation of herbal medicine in Sindhudurg shows the richness, diverse tradition and cultural practices of the districts. This legacy need to be preserved by active efforts in documentation, awareness in community and students Journal of Research and Development Peer Reviewed International, Open Access Journal. ISSN : 2230-9578 | Website: https://jrdrvb.org Volume-17, Issue-10(IV)| October2025 88 and sustainable harvesting. However, AI tools can use for plant conservation ie. for identification, monitoring habitat, mapping of rare plants and prediction of weather changes can significantly improve the protection strategies and sustainable management of these valuable resources. Reference: 1. Aacharya Balkrushna (2008); Ayurved jadi buti Rahasya; Divya Prakashan 2. Pal S.K, Shukla Y. Herbal medicine: current status and the future (2003); Asian pacific journal of cancer prevention 4(4); 281-288. 3. Petrovska B.B (2012), Historical review of medicinal plants’ usage. 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