Chironji (Buchanania lanzan Spreng.) is a member of the family Anacardiaceae and it is originated in the Indian sub-continent, is an excellent multipurpose tree species. Traditional indigenous knowledge reveals the immense value of almost all parts of the plant i.e. roots, leaves, fruits, seeds and gum for various medicinal uses. Chironji (Buchanania lanzan) is an important non-wood tree species found in deciduous forests throughout the greater part of India. It is a multipurpose tree and very important plant for rural and tribal economy. It is used as a fuel, fodder, alternative host for Kusmi lac insect, and also used in cosmetic items and soaps. Seeds/ kernel are nutritional, palatable and used as a substitute of almonds in confectionery. It is widely used by Indian tribes for treating various diseases. Three major chemical constituents of potent medicinal value, namely celidoniol, vomicine, epinitol have been characterized from an organic extract of leaves. Such extracts mainly exhibit antidiabetic, anti hyperlipidemic, antioxidant, antiinflammatory, wound healing, antidiarrheal, antivenom activity including a host of other curative properties. Very recently, unique biomaterials and biofilms are being extracted from seeds, which promise to become a major contributor in pharmaceutical industry. At present, it is growing under forest condition as an under exploited fruit and gives monitory reward to tribal community of the country. The tree is natural wild growth in the tropical deciduous forests of Northern, Western and Central India, mostly in the States of Chhattisgarh, Jharkhand, Madhya Pradesh and in Varanasi and Mirzapur districts and Bundelkhand region of Uttar Pradesh. Chironji is a vulnerable medicinal plant, is included in the Red Data Book published by International Union for Conservation of Nature and Natural Resources. In this background, there is compelling need for developing a suitable technology facilitating easy multiplication, regeneration and conservation of the species, simultaneously imparting and disseminating proper knowledge and education to the tribal population.
K e y w o r d sDeciduous forests tribal community knowledge and education