Ethnobotanical survey of mangrove biodiversity and traditional medicinal practices in North Goa and the Konkan region of Maharashtra, India

Abstract

Mangroves are unique tropical and subtropical intertidal ecosystems that play a vital role in biodiversity conservation, carbon sequestration, coastal protection, food security, and traditional healthcare systems. Though India has third highest mangrove diversity globally, threats like deforestation and climate change rendering this ecosystem vulnerable including West coast of India however, systematic ethnomedicinal documentation is still limited. This study aimed to document mangrove species diversity and their traditional medicinal uses in selected coastal villages of North Goa and some villages of Ratnagiri–Sindhudurg districts of Maharashtra. Field surveys were conducted between September 2024 and January 2025, using purposive sampling for site selection recommended by Goa State Biodiversity Board and Mangrove Cell, Maharashtra while ethnomedicinal data were gathered through semi-structured interviews employing snowball sampling. Botanical identification was achieved through regional floras, expert consultation, and herbarium validation. A total of 16 mangrove species from 8 families were recorded, including 13 trees, 2 shrubs, and 1 fern. Several species, such as Bruguiera gymnorhiza, Acanthus ilicifolius, and Xylocarpus granatum, were found to have significant traditional therapeutic applications for skin, gastrointestinal, and respiratory disorders. The study underscores the importance of conserving mangrove ecosystems and preserving associated traditional knowledge systems. The findings provide baseline data for future pharmacological validation and conservation planning.