IJRAP International Journal of Research in Ayurveda and Pharmacy 2277-4343 Moksha Publishing House 10.7897/2277-4343.174135 ETHNOMEDICINAL HERITAGE OF GANDHAMARDAN HILLS, BALANGIR, ODISHA, INDIA: A STUDY ON INDIGENOUS HERBAL KNOWLEDGE Bal Nigamanand * Sahu Janhabi Das Arun Kumar Das Sangram Keshari 11 -0001 50 56 Background and Aim: Traditional medicine and ethno-plants play a vital role in tribal communities, and medicinal plants have been used since ancient times. The Gandhamardan hill range of the Balangir district of Odisha, a recently declared Biodiversity Heritage Site, harbours rich floristic diversity and is inhabited by tribes possessing valuable indigenous herbal knowledge. The present study taimed at document the most well-known ethnomedicinal plants traditionally used by the ethnic community of this hill region, together with their local names, botanical names, families, parts used, and modes of administration. Materials and Methods: A field-based ethnomedicinal survey was carried out through several field trips, surveys and interviews with indigenous tribes and traditional healers of the Gandhamardan hill. Plant specimens were collected, identified and authenticated with the help of standard floras, and information on their therapeutic uses and methods of administration was recorded and analysed qualitatively. Results: Fifteen plant species belonging to different families were documented. For each species, the local name, Ayurvedic name, botanical name, family, part(s) used and ethnomedicinal indications were recorded. The species are traditionally used to manage a wide range of conditions, including digestive, respiratory, dermatological, gynaecological, urinary, metabolic and neurological disorders. Discussion: The findings reflect the deep-rooted relationship between local biodiversity and traditional healthcare and reveal a rich, orally transmitted body of herbal knowledge that is currently under threat. Conclusion: The study emphasises the unique plant wealth of this hill range and the urgent need to conserve threatened species and to scientifically validate these traditional remedies. Gandhamardan hill Ethno-medicine Ayurveda Tribal community Medicinal plants.