Some abortifacient plants used by the tribal people of West Bengal

Abstract

Use of abortifacient plants is common practice among the tribal communities of West Bengal. In the present paper a list of 22 Angiospermic plant species belonging to 21 genera under 18 families and used as abortifacient has been provided. The study was conducted with 7 native tribal communities of West Bengal, i.e. Lodha, Lohar, Munda, Oraon, Polia, Sabar and Santal. Among these, Santal and Oraon people are well-acquainted with knowledge of the plants usage. The mode of preparation, administration and the dosage of the drugs are also provided for further studies and induce early stage pregnancy termination.