Sahyadri Medicinal Herbs: Western Ghats Pharmacopoeia of Kolhapur

Kolhapur district's eastern hills form part of the Western Ghats biodiversity hotspot, with forests containing hundreds of medicinal plant species used by Mahadeo Koli and other tribal communities. Wild turmeric (Curcuma aromatica), wild ginger (Zingiber zerumbet), ashwagandha, kavali (Ichnocarpus frutescens), and shatavari (Asparagus racemosus) are commonly harvested from forest areas. Mahadeo Koli healers treat snakebite with the root of mandukparni (Centella asiatica) paste applied to the wound site, combining with prayer rituals. Traditional gynecological medicine uses a complex preparation of forest herbs administered at specific times in the pregnancy cycle. Kolhapur's proximity to the Western Ghats chemical diversity has historically supported a pharmaceutical industry; companies including Serum Institute and Cipla source plant material from Kolhapur region suppliers. BGVS (Bharat Gyan Vigyan Samiti) has documented Kolhapur tribal medicinal knowledge.