Ethnobotanical and chemotypic aspects of Origanum vulgare in Uttarakhand Himalayas

摘要

Oregano (Origanum vulgare L.) is one of plant species being put to multifarious uses by the local inhabitants of Uttarakhand. To investigate its ethnobotanical and traditional uses in ten Himalayan districts of Uttarakhand, a study was undertaken employing a research design based on the use of random sampling methods and participatory rural appraisal techniques. The study revealed that oregano is used as medicine in various human ailments and as veterinary medicine, in aromatherapy, as flavouring agent in recipes and beverages, and as insecticide, besides being considered sacred, worthy of being offered to gods and goddesses. Its chemical analysis revealed that it contains beta-cymine, Zbeta-cymine, Ebeta-cymine, gamma-terpinene, linalool, thymol and carvacrol as major constituents. The study also indicated that there is a positive correlation between traditional knowledge and modem scientific rationale in respect of various plant uses.