Edible medicinal plants of Jharkhand: nutritional & therapeutic overlap in tribal diet

Jharkhand, located in the northeastern part of the Deccan plateau in India, is home to one of the richest collections of tribal communities in South Asia. Among these communities, like the Santali, Munda, Ho, Oraon and Kharia, present study found a remarkable array of edible plants that serve as both food and medicine, deeply woven into their daily dietary habits. It sheds light on the biochemical and ethnopharmacological reasons behind their important roles in both food and healthcare systems. By the field and literature surveys, the current study compiled 32 key plant species from various families with their nutritional and therapeutic properties. The present study highlights an interesting perspective in tribal Jharkhand, where food and medicine are intertwined rather than viewed as distinct entities. This ecological wisdom, passed down through generations, informs dietary habits that not only nourish but also heal. It showcases the intricate, indigenous food-based healthcare systems that are essential for tackling issues like malnutrition, food security, and promoting sustainable health within tribal communities.