DOI: 10.36347/sajb.2017.v05i06.0010

Pages: 465-469

The family Rutaceae, comprising of about 150 genera and over 1500 species holds profound ethnobotanical importance across diverse cultures worldwide. The present study is an attempt to explore the ethnobotanical knowledge of Rutaceae and its multifaceted roles in traditional medicine, food systems, rituals and material culture. Members of Rutaceae are used in medicinal applications (digestive disorders, fever and inflammatory conditions); cultural practices (including ritual purification, spiritual protection and ceremonial adornment) and utilitarian functions (natural pesticides, dyes and timber). A framework for prioritizing conservation of culturally significant Rutaceae through community-led biocultural preservation initiatives are needed. Thus, the paper underscores Rutaceae as both a biocultural heritage and an untapped resource for sustainable development, bridging traditional wisdom with modern pharmacological and agroecological applications.