Ethnobotanical Assessment of Medicinal Gum-Yielding Plants in Akole Tahsil

Nestled within the rugged terrain of the Western Ghats, the Akole Tahsil of Ahilyanagar District serves as a vital sanctuary for both biodiversity and indigenous heritage. For the tribal and rural populations of this region, the forest is more than just a landscape.it is a living pharmacy. The research focuses on the ethnobotanical significance of gum-yielding flora, which represent a unique intersection of economic value and therapeutic utility. The field investigations, conducted throughout 2025, involved deep engagement with local forest dwellers, tribal elders, and traditional healers. The primary outcomes include the identification of key species whose natural resins are cornerstone treatments for gastrointestinal, respiratory, and dermatological disorders. The reliance on these resources highlights a sophisticated, time-tested understanding of nature. However, the study concludes that this traditional ecological knowledge (TEK) is at a crossroads. There is a pressing requirement for scientific validation to bridge the gap between folklore and pharmacology. Furthermore, active conservation strategies are essential to ensure that over-exploitation or habitat loss does not erase these "liquid gold" resources from the Western Ghats.