Trends in Biosciences 10(43), Print : ISSN 0974-8431, 9045-9049, 2017 The Genus Swertia L. (Gentianaceae): An important Ethnomedicinal Plant of Darjeeling Himalaya of West Bengal, India RAJENDRA YONZONE Taxonomy and Ethnobiology Research Laboratory, Cluny Women’s College, P.O. Kalimpong, District Kalimpong, West Bengal email:
[email protected] ABSTRACT Districts of Darjeeling Himalaya is Darjeeling and The present investigation was carried out in Darjeeling Kalimpong (Fig. 1). This region is blessed with wide Himalaya of West Bengal, India. The present paper variation in climatic condition and topography favouring luxuriant growth of myriad of species adding richness to discusses ethnomedicinal uses of two different species of Swertia L. (Gentianaceae) by the fringe villagers of the vegetation of the region. It harbours a large number of Darjeeling Himalaya. Detailed taxonomic description, plant species with wide range of diversity and distribution phenology, field status, bioactive compounds and exact (Das, 1995). In this region a representation of tropical, sub- existence of taxa are provided. tropical, temperate, sub-temperate and sub-alpine vegetation, with their characteristic species composition. Key words Ethnomedicinal plant, Swertia spp., Field Darjeeling Himalayan region of West Bengal, India status, Exact existence, Darjeeling Himalaya. has multilingual, multicultural and multi ethnic races. The pre inhabited ethnic group live in the villages are Lepcha, Sherpa, Limbu or Subba, Tamang, Yolmo, Khambu Rai, The people living in villages and far-flung areas are Bhujel or Khawas, Manger or Thapa, Gurung and Mukhia. directly related to the forest resources. Traditionally, local Other inhabitants of tea gardens, villages and remote rural communities worldwide are very knowledgeable about the areas are Sharma or Bhahun, Chettri, Newar or Pradhan, local plant species on which they are so intimately Kami, Damai and Sarki.