Ethnobotanical Knowledge and Medicinal Plant Use Among Indigenous Communities: Conservation and Cultural Preservation Strategies

Abstract

Indigenous communities worldwide possess extensive ethnobotanical knowledge accumulated over millennia, representing an invaluable repository of information about medicinal plants and their therapeutic applications. This research paper examines the intricate relationship between traditional ecological knowledge, medicinal plant utilization, and conservation strategies within indigenous populations across diverse geographical regions. The study synthesizes contemporary research on ethnobotanical practices, documenting the pharmacological significance of traditionally used medicinal plants while addressing the urgent need for cultural preservation and biodiversity conservation. Through comprehensive analysis of case studies from various indigenous communities, this paper explores sustainable approaches to preserving traditional knowledge systems while promoting biocultural diversity. The findings underscore the critical importance of integrating indigenous wisdom with modern conservation frameworks to ensure both the survival of medicinal plant species and the continuity of cultural heritage. This research contributes to the growing discourse on bioprospecting ethics, intellectual property rights, and community-based conservation initiatives that respect indigenous sovereignty while facilitating scientific advancement in pharmaceutical research.