Ethnobotany gives the basic idea about the medicinal properties of plants. Identification of active compounds of the medicinal plants and their standardization is essential for the production of new drugs. In the present work, different parts of the five medicinal plants (Curcuma caesia, Costus speciosus, Drymaria cordata, Leea macrophylla, Plumbago zeylanica) were washed, air dried and crushed. Three different extracts of each powdered material were prepared and standard phytochemical analysis procedure was followed for the analysis of physicochemical properties of plants and the identification of active chemical constituents. Among 5 plants, the highest moisture content (14.83%) was found in Plumbago zeylanica, higher total ash (9.22%) and acid insoluble ash (4.43%) were observed in Cucurma caesia. Phytochemical analysis revealed the presence of 12 varieties of bioactive chemicals in the 5 different plants. The plants of the area have great diversity of phytochemicals of numerous medicinal properties. In conclusions, these five important medicinal plants could be useful for the people of the locality to cure several diseases as well as to generate the source of income. BIBECHANA 17 (2020) 67-74

Background: Traditional use of pteridophytes as food and medicine is a common practice around the world. Many ethnic communities hold vast knowledge about the uses of pteridophytes and the documentation of such knowledge and biodiversity of edible and medicinal pteridophytes is important for health care, food security and conservation. Although being one of the biodiversity rich countries, the detailed use of edible and medicinal pteridophytes from Nepal is not well documented and they are one of the underutilized plant resources having vast potential. Thus, the aim of this review is to compile the knowledge about the use of edible and medicinal pteridophytes in Nepal.Methods: Relevant information on traditional uses as medicinal and edible species were collected form published literatures such as research articles on ethnobotanical surveys, books, book chapters and conference proceedings.Results: The literature survey revealed that a total of 26 species of pteridophytes were used as food and 43 species were used as traditional medicines. Among 55 useful species, 14 species were used as both food and traditional medicine. Diplazium esculentum, Diplazium maximum, Dryopteris cochleata and Ophioglossum reticulatum were common edible species and Aleuritopteris albomarginata, Equisetum ramosissimum, Nephrolepis cordifolia and Tectaria coadunata were common medicinal pteridophytes. Most of species are growing in natural habitat and the potential utilization species were sold in the market which has also supported livelihood. Some of these pteridophytes were also used in preparation of ethnic foods such as fermented foods and pickles. Conclusion:Findings from the study suggested that only a few common species of pteridophytes are used as food and traditional medicines Nepal. The knowledge about the traditional uses of pteridophytes and their biodiversity is also affected by socioeconomic changes in communities, lack of sharing of traditional knowledge through generations, improper collection practices and climate change. Very few pteridophytes from Nepal have been studied in detail for their phytoconstituents and biological activities and safety. Future research activities should focus on providing scientific evidence for traditional uses as well as development of proper conservation, cultivation, and product formulation methods in a sustainable manner.

Background: The consumption of ferns as vegetables and pickles in Nepal is a noteworthy phenomenon. Diplazium esculentum stands out as one of the most commonly consumed ferns. Being rich in plant resources, eastern Nepal remains relatively unexplored compared to central Nepal. Therefore, the present study seeks to provide a brief account of the edible uses of Blechnum orientale, a fern species, from eastern Nepal. Methods: Multiple field visits were conducted in Pathari Municipality and Kanepokhari Rural Municipality of Morang district. The habitats where B. orientale was collected by local vendors were examined, ethnobotanical uses, photographs, and market prices were recorded.Results: From April to May, young fronds of B. orientale were collected from local community forests by Tamang, Limbu, and Magar tribes of an area. Young fronds were washed, boiled to soften them, and used to prepare vegetables. Pickles are also made by mixing boiled young fronds with potatoes, green chili, onions, salt, mustard oil, and flax seed powder. Local vendors sell the fronds in bundles along Mahendra Highway in the price of 50 to 100 Nrs per bundle. Conclusion:The fern is a vital vegetable source for local communities during the monsoon season, providing sustenance and income generation opportunities. Sustainable collection and commercialization are recommended.