Introduction

Historically indigenous people with the inheritance of traditional and cultural legacy were protecting the sacred groves with the practice of nature worship. It is well known that rural inhabitants of the developing countries have been using herbal medicine as healthcare to an extent of 80% global population (WHO 2001). It is also indicated that the usage of medicinal plant in regards to primary health care is still occupying the prominent position in developing countries (WHO 2002) [1]. Sacred groves are rich in rare and endemic species which are unharmed and protected by the local peoples due to the belief of the deities in the forests [2].

Tribal people in these grove areas depend on traditional medicine system for healthcare [3]. A sacred grove creates a cultural space among communities to affirm the identity and solidarity [4]. Sacred groves have been the repositories of valuable medicinal plants and wild relatives of cultivated species which have potential to address the countries food and medicine [5]. In India, studies on sacred groves with regard to ethno-medicinal plants emphasized the local utilization of this age old tradition. Based on the review of contemporary works such as published literature, effort has been made to maintain and manage the collected records and information in consolidated form towards reviewing various aspects of ethnomedicinal plants. Objectives of the current study are
(i) to develop a base line information on medicinal plant resources from sacred grove in five zones of Northern part of India,
(ii) to understand the plant distribution and usage pattern,
(iii) information on threats will play role in conservation and management planning.