The Biobrio 13(1 & 2), 2026

An Ethnobotanical Survey of Traditional Herbal Cosmetics Used by the Santhal Tribal Community in the Santhal Pargana Region, Jharkhand, India

Rashmi Kumari & Amar Das

ABSTRACT:

The Santhal tribal community of Jharkhand possesses a rich tradition of using herbal cosmetics, yet systematic documentation of this ethnobotanical knowledge remains limited. This study aimed to document the diversity, utilization patterns, and cultural significance of plant species used in traditional herbal cosmetics by the Santhal community in the Santhal Pargana region. An ethnobotanical survey was conducted involving 237 informants across multiple age groups and gender categories. Data were collected through semi-structured interviews, group discussions, and participant observation. Quantitative ethnobotanical indices including Use Value (UV), Fidelity Level (FL), and Informant Consensus Factor (ICF) were calculated to assess the cultural significance and consensus among informants. A total of 112 plant species belonging to 98 genera and 52 families were documented. Fabaceae (12 species), Euphorbiaceae (8 species), and Asteraceae (7 species) emerged as the dominant families. Hair care applications constituted the largest use category (38 species), followed by skin care (32 species). Emblica officinalis (UV 1.86, FL 94%), Eclipta alba (UV 1.79, FL 96%), and Centella asiatica (UV 1.68, FL 86%) demonstrated high use values. Leaves (42%) were the most frequently utilized plant part. The ICF values ranged from 0.79 (eye care) to 0.92 (hair care), indicating strong consensus among informants regarding cosmetic applications. Knowledge transmission primarily occurred through grandmother-grandchild (80%) and mother-daughter (67.6%) pathways, with 74.3% of informants reporting declining intergenerational transfer. The study reveals a rich tradition of herbal cosmetic use among the Santhal community, with significant consensus on plant applications. Urgent documentation and conservation strategies are needed to preserve this indigenous knowledge and address the declining trend in 22 species perceived as decreasing in availability.

Keywords:    

Ethnobotany, Santhal tribe, Herbal cosmetics, Traditional knowledge, Hair care plants, Quantitative ethnobotany, Jharkhand

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