Ethnobotany of Arghakhanchi District, Nepal: Plants used in dermatological and cosmetic disorders

An attempt was made to explore, identify, and document medicinal plants used in dermatological and cosmetic disorders by the people of Arghakhanchi district of western Nepal. The study was conducted during 2006-2008 using semi-structured, open-ended questionnaires, informal interviews, and group discussion with traditional healers and persons of different age and occupation having knowledge about plants and plant based remedies. A total of 31 plant species belonging to 24 families were identified and documented. Arghakhanchi district has a rich repository of medicinal plants. The indigenous traditional knowledge has been transmitted orally for years is becoming extinct, with the introduction of modern and alternative facilities of treatments in the district. Hence, these traditional practices need proper documentation and this reinforces the need for screening new active compounds. These documented plant species may be used for development of new, cheep, and effective medicines in future.