CAPPARIS DECIDUA(FORSK.) EDGEW: AN ETHNOBOTANICAL ANALYSIS WITH SPECIAL REFERENCE TO TEHSIL NOHAR DISTRICT HANUMANGARH (RAJASTHAN) APART OF THAR DESERT OF INDIA

Abstract

Capparis decidua (Forsk.) Edgew is an important shrubby plant of family Capparidaceae. It is reported to be used in curing various diseases and as food in various cultures. In the traditional medicinal system of India, it has a unique position as medicinal plant. However, the recipe and mode of utilization against different ailments varies according to the locality and culture. Thar desert of India is enriched equally with medicinal fora and cultural values. A study was conducted in the Department Botany, SNDB Government College, Nohar District Hanumangarh (Rajasthan) India during the year 2022-23 to document the traditional uses of Capparis decidua by the local dwellers and medicinal plant experts of Thar desert rangeland.

                        Questionnaires were used to interview the local inhabitants (16 villages of Tehsil Nohar) and medicinal plant experts/herbal medicinal practitioners (14 respondents) of the area. The shrub is being used as Fodder, Food, medicinal, Firewood and as wood For making hand tools, Fences For livestock and construction of ‘jhopas’(a type of hut) in the area. About 25 different diseases were recorded to be cured by this shrub. Local dwellers use this shrub in 11 diseases while medicinal plant experts reported 24 diseases like cough, pains, joint pains, jaundice, intestinal pain, anemia, asthma and swellings as blister on boils and in toothache. Different plant parts were also sampled from the area to analyze chemically for various nutritive and secondary metabolite attributes. It has high amount of nitrogen, ether extractable fat, potassium in stem (3.28, 4.45 and 1.83%) and root bark (3.26, 4.68 and 1.66%) as compared to other plant parts. Crude fiber and ash were noted higher in stem (37.16 and 24.94%), higher phosphorus (P = 0.16%) in fruits while nitrogen free extract (NFE = 68.60%) was calculated more in flower than other parts.