Healing from the wild: an ethnozoological exploration of animal-based medicine in Jhargram, West Bengal, India.

backgroundIndia possesses immense faunal, floral, and cultural diversity that supports numerous ethnic communities relying on traditional medicine for primary healthcare. The Jhargram district, an underprivileged area in West Bengal, India, and part of the Chota Nagpur Plateau, is rich in biodiversity. This area is home to various ethnic communities that practice their own ethnobiological medicine. Despite this, there is a lack of documented use of animal-based traditional medicine in this region. This study aims to explore and document the use of animal parts/products for medicinal purposes among indigenous communities in Jhargram. A summary of the study is presented in the Graphical Abstract.

methodThe study was conducted in Jhargram district, West Bengal, India, from March 2023 to January 2024. A semi-structured questionnaire was used to conduct face-to-face interviews with 55 selected individuals (29 males and 26 females) to document the medicinal uses of animals in the traditional healthcare system. The questionnaire included queries about the local names of animals, modes of preparation, applications, and other ethnozoological details. The photographs were also recorded using a camera. The collected data were analyzed using a Microsoft Excel 2019; quantitative ethnobiological indices such as the informant consensus factor (ICF) and the degree of fidelity (FL) were calculated to assess the reliability and significance of the information provided by the respondents. Additionally, use value (UV), Jaccard index (JI), and frequency of citation (FC) were also calculated.

resultThis study recorded 57 species from 57 distinct genera across 47 families, used by ethnic communities in Jhargram addressing a wide range of ailments categorized into 14 groups. Birds accounted for the highest proportion (33%) of utilized species. Apis cerana exhibited the highest use value (UV = 5.69). Apis cerana and Homo sapiens sapiens recorded the highest fidelity levels (FL = 94.54%), indicating their critical roles in treating respiratory ailments and wound healing, respectively. Conversely, Dinopium benghalense had the lowest FL (FL = 3.63%), reported for kidney stone treatment. Four species, including Hydrophilus sp., demonstrated the lowest use value (UV = 1.00), suggesting their specialized or rare application in the community's ethnomedicinal practices. In terms of informant consensus, infectious diseases recorded the highest informant consensus factor (ICF = 1.00), followed closely by eye ailments (ICF = 0.99). Common preparation methods included cooking, boiling, roasting, and frying, with oral administration being the most frequently used method, followed by topical, inhalation and anal applications.

conclusionThis study documents 57 species, including several novel species and their therapeutic uses, within the indigenous communities of Jhargram. It emphasizes the continued relevance of animal-based traditional medicine in addressing a broad spectrum of health issues. The observed variability in fidelity level and use value across species highlights the dynamic role of these resources in local healthcare systems. The discovery of novel species and previously undocumented uses significantly contributes to the expansion of ethnobiological knowledge. As traditional medicine remains a primary healthcare resource in areas with limited access to modern medical facilities, it is crucial to prioritize the documentation, conservation, and sustainable use of these species. This study provides a valuable framework for integrating traditional knowledge into contemporary healthcare and biodiversity conservation strategies. Preserving and safeguarding this knowledge is essential not only for maintaining cultural heritage but also for exploring potential biomedical applications that could benefit modern healthcare systems.