Distribution Pattern, Ecological Status and Ethnomedicinal Uses of Medicinal Plants Along an Altitudinal Gradient Among Jaunsar Tribes of Western Himalaya

The medicinal plant usage by Jaunsari tribe in Chakrata forest of Dehradun district, India were documented. The study area was divided into five elevation gradients. The data was collected through interviews with local communities to document medicinal plants and their uses, while simultaneously assessing their ecological characteristics. A total of 105 plant species from 47 families were documented, with treatments identified for 43 ailment types. Thirteen different plant parts were recorded for their medicinal properties. Asteraceae had highest number of recorded plants. Herbaceous plants constituted the majority, accounting for 42%, followed by shrubs at 29%. The richness of medicinal trees and shrubs declined with increasing elevation while medicinal herb richness displayed positive correlation with elevation. The study identified three IUCN red-listed plant species in the study area.