STUDY OF FERTILITY-PROMOTING MEDICINAL PLANTS USED BY TRIBAL COMMUNITIES OF AKOLA REGION, AHILYANAGAR (MAHARASHTRA, INDIA): AN ETHNOPHARMACOGNOSTIC APPROACH

Infertility is a growing global health concern affecting both men and women. In tribal regions of India, traditional medicinal plants remain the primary source of treatment for reproductive disorders. The Akola region of Ahilyanagar District (Maharashtra) possesses a profound, traditional knowledge base on botanicals that boost reproductive health. Objective: The present study aims to document fertility-promoting medicinal plants used by tribal communities of the Akola region and to correlate traditional claims with available pharmacognostic, phytochemical, and pharmacological evidence. Materials and Methods: Ethnobotanical surveys were conducted through personal interviews with tribal healers and elderly practitioners. Plants were identified botanically and validated using standard floras. Literature analysis was performed using Scopus, PubMed, and peer-reviewed pharmacognosy journals to evaluate pharmacological mechanisms. Results: A total of 40 medicinal plant species belonging to 29 families were documented. These plants are traditionally used as fertility enhancers, aphrodisiacs, or reproductive tonics. Pharmacological evidence indicates mechanisms such as antioxidant activity, hormone modulation, adaptogenic action, and gonadoprotective effects. Conclusion: Traditional fertility-promoting plants of the Akola region possess significant pharmacological potential. Scientific validation, conservation strategies, and ethical documentation of indigenous knowledge are essential for sustainable utilization and drug development.