Some important abortifacients plants used by tribes and villegers of bundelkhand region of m.p.

The Bundelkhand region of M.P. is rich in natural resources including vegetation. The Ethno-medicinal survey of the region was carried out during April 2013 to November 2014 frequently. Various tribes of the region such as Kols, Gonds, Gujars, Lodhas and Naths were surveyed. Information on plants used as abortifacients by tribals was obtained through interview of local medicine men and elderly women and local vaidaya (Ayurvedic medicinal practioners), who had knowledge of such use of folk drugs. To gether reliable and authentic information, repeated verification of data was done. The plants collected were identified and authenticated by the herbarium present in Dept. of Botany, Dr. H.S.G.V.V. Sagar (M.P.). The preparation of remedies includes infusion, decoction, and preparation of paste of leaves, stem, bark flowers seeds or whole plants. A total of 19 plant species belonging to 15 Angiospermic plant families were found to be commonly used by the tribes for the termination of pregnancies either for social or medical region or for family planning. In the paper, various plants used as abortifacients have been discussed with their mode of application. However further phyto-chemical investigations are required to provide information on the extact role of the various active components present in the plant which are used as abortifacients. This information can be utilized scientifically to develop contraceptives, which can be popularized among civilized communities for the benefit of mankind.