Discover how an urban university campus in Bhubaneswar hosts 111 medicinal plant species, creating a living pharmacy in the heart of the city.
Explore the FindingsImagine a university campus not just as a place of learning, but as a living pharmacy. Between lecture halls and sports fields, a diverse community of plants thrives, many possessing a hidden power—the power to heal. This is not a scene from a remote rainforest but the reality of the Regional Institute of Education (RIE) campus in Bhubaneswar, Odisha. A scientific exploration of this urban oasis has revealed a stunning diversity of medicinal flora, proving that even in the heart of a bustling city, nature's remedies are quietly growing, waiting to be rediscovered 2 .
Even in densely populated areas, nature maintains a foothold with diverse plant species that have adapted to urban environments.
Centuries of traditional medicine practices have identified healing properties in plants that modern science continues to validate.
This botanical treasure trove is more than just a curiosity; it is a critical resource. For centuries, plants have formed the backbone of traditional medicine, and today, they are the source of many modern pharmaceuticals. The discovery of 111 medicinal plant species on the RIE campus highlights the incredible potential of urban ecosystems to contribute to health, wellness, and biodiversity conservation, reminding us that you don't have to venture into the wilderness to find nature's pharmacy 2 .
The study conducted on the RIE campus was a meticulous exercise in cataloging biodiversity. Researchers combed through the 98.4-acre campus, identifying and documenting every plant with known medicinal value. The result was a comprehensive list of 111 species nestled within an urban environment, a testament to the resilience of nature 2 .
The research revealed fascinating patterns. The plant family Fabaceae was the most dominant, a common trend in many medicinal plant surveys given its numerous species with bioactive compounds 2 .
The study also sounded a note of caution. Growing alongside common species were plants classified as Rare, Endangered, and Threatened (RET), such as Paderia foetida and Saraca asoca 2 . These species are very effective against various diseases, but their scarcity underscores the fragile balance of urban ecosystems and the pressing need for their conservation.
Status: Endangered
Traditional Uses: Gynecological disorders, bleeding, infections
This tree is revered in traditional medicine but faces threats from habitat loss and overharvesting.
Status: Rare
Traditional Uses: Fever, inflammation, skin diseases
Known for its distinctive odor, this climbing shrub has multiple medicinal applications but is becoming increasingly scarce.
Uncovering this green pharmacy required a systematic scientific approach. The methodology provides a blueprint for how such biodiversity assessments are conducted.
To systematically document the diversity, traditional uses, and conservation status of medicinal plants within the urban environment of the RIE campus in Bhubaneswar, Odisha.
Extensive field surveys were conducted across different zones of the campus over a defined period, from July 2017 to August 2018, to account for seasonal variations in plant life 2 .
Every plant species encountered was collected, identified, and classified by botanical name, family, and local name. This crucial step ensures accuracy and allows for comparison with global scientific databases 2 .
The researchers went beyond simple identification. They documented the ethnobotanical uses of each plant—recording the specific ailments treated, the parts of the plant used (leaves, roots, bark, etc.), and the methods of preparation (e.g., paste, decoction, juice) as known through traditional knowledge 2 .
Each species was evaluated against the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) Red List to determine if it was common, vulnerable, or endangered 2 .
The core finding was the sheer scale of medicinal diversity: 111 plant species from 53 different families were recorded 2 . The research provided a detailed snapshot of the urban ecosystem's health, revealing a rich medicinal flora while also highlighting specific species in need of immediate protection. This data is vital for creating management plans to conserve these plants for future generations.
Curious about the tools researchers use in such studies? The table below details key items and their functions in fieldwork.
| Tool/Solution | Primary Function |
|---|---|
| Plant Press & Field Notebook | For collecting, preserving, and recording initial data about plant specimens for later identification and verification. |
| Botanical Field Guides | Reference materials specific to the local region's flora, essential for accurate on-site plant identification 2 . |
| GPS Device | Precisely records the location of plant collections, allowing for mapping of species distribution and return visits. |
| Semi-structured Questionnaires | Used to conduct interviews with local inhabitants or knowledgeable individuals to document traditional uses of plants in a systematic way 2 6 . |
| Herbarium Voucher Specimens | Created by pressing and drying plant samples; these serve as permanent physical records for a scientific collection, confirming a species' identity 5 . |
The discovery at the RIE campus is not an isolated phenomenon. Around the world, from the bustling markets of Harare to home gardens in Costa Rica, urban populations are relying on medicinal plants.
| Location | Context | Key Insight |
|---|---|---|
| Harare, Zimbabwe | Urban Markets | 64 medicinal species were sold, with roots and bark being the most commonly traded plant parts, raising sustainability concerns 5 . |
| Heredia, Costa Rica | Urban Home Gardens | A study of home gardens found 27 medicinal species, primarily used for respiratory, skin, and digestive disorders, and often cared for by women 6 . |
| Global North (e.g., Germany) | Community Gardens | An emerging focus is on how gardening and using medicinal plants can rebuild a reciprocal relationship with nature, fostering appreciation and conservation . |
111 species at RIE Campus
64 species in urban markets
27 species in home gardens
Community garden initiatives
The study of the RIE campus does more than just list plants; it serves as a call to action. The presence of threatened species like Saraca asoca is a powerful reminder that urbanization and over-exploitation pose real dangers to our botanical heritage 2 . Conservation is not just an option; it is a necessity.
Initiatives like the Endangered Wildlife Trust's Medicinal Plant Initiative in South Africa show the way. By working with traditional healers to cultivate at-risk species like the Pepper-bark Tree, they are sowing the seeds of hope for the future of medicinal plants 7 .
The RIE campus in Bhubaneswar stands as a powerful example of the "ethnobiosphere in urban environments," a concept gaining traction among scientists 6 . Its 111 medicinal species are a living library of healing knowledge and genetic diversity. As cities continue to grow, the preservation of such urban green spaces becomes not just a matter of environmental policy, but of public health and cultural preservation.
The next time you walk through a park or your university campus, take a closer look. The "weeds" at your feet might be chickweed, a cooling herb for skin inflammation, or plantain, a powerful drawing agent for bites and stings 4 . The journey to safeguard these natural treasures begins with awareness, continues with appreciation, and is secured through collective action. The urban pharmacy is open; it is our responsibility to ensure it remains stocked for generations to come.
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