Collection and documentation of some medicinal legumes of Goa

Abstract

Leguminous plants are widely grown throughout the world. Their dietary and medicinal importance is globally appreciated and recognized. Various plant parts viz., roots, leaves, fruits, stems, gum, bark, seeds, etc. are used for medicinal purposes, but the way of application varies according to the local traditions. The plants have numerous medicinal uses viz., treatments of blisters, ulcers, cough, cold, malaria, snake bite, women and children's health care etc. Hence, Goa possess a good source of medicinal legumes. Twenty two identified legume plants alongwith their medicinal value have been listed. One of the major problems in determining whether the herbal remedies are sufficiently safe or effective for human use is the lack of guidelines available to developing countries regarding the decision making process in drug development. There is need to conserve the wild genetic resources which are gradually getting depleted during the current era of rapid deforestation. Judicious use of legumes for medicinal purpose alongwith strategies for their in vivo conservation would be encouraging to preserve biodiversity.