MPdb: Melghat Plant databank
Nitin M Atre1, Purna N Shrimali2, Dinesh D Khedkar3
1Bioinformatics and Data Management, ICMR - National Institute of Virology, Pune, Maharashtra, India.
Bioinformation
|September 13, 2023
Summary
The Melghat Plant databank (MPdb) digitizes the Melghat Flora, cataloging 1028 plants, including 660 medicinal species. This resource details medicinal uses, phytochemicals, and references for herbal drug research.
Area of Science:
- Botany
- Ethnobotany
- Pharmacognosy
Background:
- The Melghat region possesses rich biodiversity with significant ethnobotanical knowledge.
- Existing floristic documents and medicinal plant information were fragmented and not digitally accessible.
Purpose of the Study:
- To create the first comprehensive digital database of the Melghat Flora.
- To compile and scrutinize information on medicinal plants, their uses, phytochemicals, and references.
Main Methods:
- Digitization of past floristic documents and medicinal plant records.
- Compilation of data on 1028 plant species from 139 families and 537 genera.
- Inclusion of 660 medicinal plant records detailing uses for approximately 140 diseases.
Main Results:
- The Melghat Plant databank (MPdb) is established, containing over 9000 records.
- Detailed information on plant species, medicinal applications, phytochemicals, and cross-references is curated.
- The database includes data on 660 medicinal species across 128 families and 421 genera.
Conclusions:
- MPdb serves as a vital digital resource for Melghat Flora.
- Facilitates exploration of medicinal plants for herbal drug research and development.
- Supports students, researchers, and indigenous communities in utilizing local botanical knowledge.
