|
Ethnobotanical Leaflets 14: 274-305, 2010.
Ethnomedicinal Plant Resources of Mizoram, India: Implication of Traditional Knowledge in Health Care System
Prabhat Kumar Rai1 and H. Lalramnghinglova2
1Department of Forest Ecology, Biodiversity, and Environmental Sciences
School of Earth Sciences and Natural Resource Management
Mizoram University, Tanhril, Aizawl 796001, India
2Department of Environmental Sciences (FEBES)
School of Earth Sciences and Natural Resource Management
Mizoram University, Tanhril, Aizawl 796009, India
Corresponding author Email:
Issued: March 01, 2010
Abstract
Socially, folk medicines, mainly based on plants, enjoy a respectable position today, especially in the developing countries, where modern health service is limited. Safe, effective and inexpensive indigenous remedies are gaining popularity among the people of both urban and rural society of India. A floristic survey of ethnomedicinal plants occurring in the tribal area of Mizoram was conducted over the period of last five years to assess the potentiality of plant resources for modern treatments. The information provided in this paper on medicinal uses of plants is based on the exhaustive interviews with local physicians practising indigenous system of medicine, village headmen, priests and various tribal folks/groups of Mizoram. In this paper, 159 ethnomedicianl plant species belonging to 134 genera and 56 families recorded from tropical forests, home gardens, roadsides and University Campus of Mizoram have been described. A categorical list of plant species along with their local name, scientific name, distribution status, habit, plant part/s used and the mode of administration reported for effective control of different diseases linked with humans.
Keywords: Etnomedicines; Tribals; Asteraceae; Ethnobotany; Hot spot.
Introduction
India has rich diversity of medicinal plants distributed in different geographical and environmental conditions. Tribal people in different parts of India, use their traditional ecological knowledge (TEK), received from their ancestors and contemporary society, in primary health care. Moreover, TEK of tribals is intimately linked with geography as well as ecological and cultural factors (Gesler 1992; Wiley 2002).
Ethnobotany, as an application of TEK, must have been the first knowledge acquired by man to satisfy his hunger, healing his wounds and curing various ailments (Kshirsagar and Singh 2001). Ethnobotany is defined as the investigation and evaluation of the knowledge of all phases of life amongst the primitive societies and plant environment with respect to life, customs, beliefs and history of the tribal people (Kshirsagar and Singh 2001). Ethnomedicine, as defined by Foster and Anderson (1978), is the totality of health, knowledge, values, beliefs, skills and practices of members of a society including all the clinical and nonclinical activities that relate to their health needs. Therefore, traditional/folk medicines have inextricable link with human society.
Plants have been used since ancient times for the treatment of various ailments. The traditional systems of medicine together with folklore systems continue to serve a large portion of the population, particularly in rural areas, in spite of the advent of the modern medicines. Out of about 15,000 species of higher plants in India, medicinal uses have been attributed to 1500 species (Handa 1998).
The traditional medical practices based on plants are an important part of the primary healthcare system in the developing world (Sheldon et al. 1997). According to the World Health Organization (WHO) as many as 80% of worlds population depends today on traditional medicine for their primary health care needs (Azaizeh et al. 2003). Safe, effective and inexpensive indigenous remedies are gaining popularity among the people of both the urban and rural areas, especially in India and China (Katewa et al. 2004).
Many tribal communities in India still practice use of their TEK to cure a variety of diseases and ailments (Jain and Dam 1979; Katewa et al. 2001; Kshirsagar and Singh 2001; Jagtap et al. 2006; Kala and Sajwan 2007; Sajem et al. 2008; Katewa 2009). There are a few surveys that reveal the practice of herbal medicine by the Korkus (Bhogaonkar and Devarkar 2002a, b; Padhye et al. 1991, 1992) and other tribes of Melghat area (Chaudhari and Hutke 2002). Review of literature revealed that few reports on the ethnopharmacognostic studies and the use of some plants for antisterility and urinogenital disorders are available (Bhogaonkar and Devarkar 2002a, b). Further, this plant-based TEK has become a recognized tool in search for new sources of drugs and nutraceuticals (Sharma and Mujumdar 2003). Henceforth, age-old knowledge of the plants is the basis for ethnobotanical research in India (Jagtap et al. 2006).
The tribes of the Himalayan region also have rich ethnomedicinal traditions for which a few literatures are available (Biswas 1956; Bennet 1983; Yonzone et al. 1984; Srivastava et al. 1987; Venu et al. 1990; Pandey 1991; Rai and Sharma 1994; Rai et al. 1998; Rai and Bhujel 1999, 2002; Das and Mandal 2003; Sajem et al. 2008). Plants and their parts are not only used as food and medicine but also used in various tribal rituals that are a part of their social and religious life (Etkin and Rose 1991; Rai 2009).
The aim of the present study was to evaluate some medicinal uses of the plants utilized by the different tribes of Mizoram (an Indo Burma hot spot region) and encourage preservation of their culture, traditional knowledge, conservation and sustainable utilization of the plant wealth occurring in the study area. In the present paper, we report some ethnomedicinal uses in the treatment of different ailments by the tribal peoples of Mizoram, India.
Study area
North East India (NE India) forms a significant portion of both the Himalaya and Indo-Burma biodiversity hotspots. Study area, Mizoram, the 23rd state of the Indian union, covers an area of 21,087 sq.km and is sandwiched between Myanmar (Burma) and Bangladesh (Figure 1). Mizoram is an important state of North-eastern (NE) India and also is a part of the 25 mega-biodiversity hotspots of the world. The forests in Mizoram are classified as Tropical Wet Evergreen Forests, Tropical Semi-Evergreen Forests and Sub-Tropical Hill Forests. Therefore, there are varying forest types Mizoram which are of immense values to mankind. However, these forests are exposed to various anthropogenic disturbances e.g. shifting cultivation, timber logging, extraction of fuel wood by poor/rural tribals, industrialization and in fact urbanization in some parts of state like Aizawl (Rai et al. 2009). In NE India, nearly 80 percent of the population depend on agriculture, where the economy is predominantly agrarian and rural, where tribal with subsistence living constitute about 27 percent of the population and where nearly 87 percent of the population live a deprived life in nearly 43,000 villages. In the NE Himalayas, subsistence largely depends upon resources derived from natural forests due to the free and easy access to these and simplicity in their use.
The vegetation of Mizoram, according to proposed classification, is tropical evergreen and semi-evergreen forest in the lower altitude hills; sub-tropical to montane sub-tropical in the high hills. A major portion of Mizorams forests are therefore tropical evergreen and semi-evergreen (Rai 2009).
Fig. 1 represents the population of Mizoram and its high intensity in capital, Aizawl.
It is worth to mention that in Mizoram, the number of doctors and other medical staff is very low, in comparison to the total population (ratio doctors to total population was 1:3415) (Sharma et al. 2001). Moreover, the topography of Mizoram is responsible for the under developed communication system in the state. Thus, the people of the rural areas cannot avail of modern methods of treatment and they search for remedies from nature (Sharma et al. 2001).
Table 1. Population distribution in Mizoram and Aizawl.
|
Mizoram
|
Total
|
Male
|
Female
|
Aizawl
Total
|
Male
|
Female
|
|
Total
|
689 756
|
358 978
|
330 778
|
478 465
|
248 343
|
230 122
|
|
Rural
|
371 810
|
194 414
|
177 396
|
218 744
|
114 630
|
104 114
|
|
Urban
|
317 946
|
164 564
|
153 382
|
259 721
|
133 713
|
126 008
|
|
Source: Sharma et al. (2001)
|
Methodology
The indigenous peoples belonging to different tribes were interviewed pertaining to mode of use and identification in local name as per Lalramnghinghlova (1998). Some of the Red Listed species documented in the study area are marked (IUCN, 2003). Although it was tedious one because the indigenous peoples are hesitant to transfer their indigenous knowledge acquired from their ancestors since the time immemorial. During last 5 years of study (2004-2008), we recorded these ethnomedicinal plants from different forest types of Mizoram, protected areas of Mizoram, home gardens, herbal gardens as well as Vanaspati Van. Assistance from other Institutes has been taken for rapid identification through the herbariums which were finally submitted to Department of Environmental Science, Mizoram University, India.
Results
A total of 159 ethnomedicinal plants belonging to 134 genera and 56 families which were recorded during the study have been listed (Table 2). Asteraceae family comprised maximum number of ethnomedicinal plants (16) followed by Euphorbiaceae (9), Zingiberaceae, Clusiaceae, and Rubiaceae (7 each). Scientific name, local name, Family, their habit, survival status in Mizoram, plant parts used are mentioned precisely in Table 2. Further, mode of utilization and their specific role in curing different diseases linked with human society is also discussed.
Table 2. Ethnomedicinal plants recorded from Mizoram (2004-2008).
|
S.No.
|
Scientific name
|
Local/Mizo name
|
Family
|
Habit
|
Status
|
Part Used
|
Mode of Utilization/Uses
|
|
1.
|
Abelmoschus moschatus Medicus.
|
Uichhuhlo
|
Malvaceae
|
Herb
|
F
|
Root, seed & leaf
|
Boiled roots & leaves is administered for syphilis; crushed root is applied externally on wounds/ulcers to suck the pus out; seeds are grinded to powder & the powder is taken with water for throat-pain twice daily
|
|
2.
|
Achyranthes bidentata L.
|
Vangvat-tur
|
Amaranthaceae
|
Herb
|
A
|
Leaf
|
The leaves are crushed and the juice is applied for the remedy of poisoned leach bite
|
|
3.
|
Achyranthes aspera L.
|
Buchhawl
|
Amaranthaceae
|
Herb
|
A
|
Whole plant
|
Taken for dysentery, coloc diseases, in boils & cirrhhosis
|
|
4.
|
Adhatoda zeylanica
|
Kawldai
|
Acanthaceae
|
Herb
|
F
|
Leaf
|
Leaf is antispasmodic, used in chronic bronchitis, anti-diarrhoea, expectorant, antirheumatism, insecticidal; root antiseptic, antiperiodic, antithelminthic, antigornorrhic; flowers and fruits are also antispasmodic
|
|
5.
|
Aeginetia indica L.
|
Sanghar-vaibel
|
Orobanchaceae
|
Ephemer-al
|
F
|
Root/ Rhizome
|
Juice of the rhizome is applied to mumps & inflammatory glands; Root in combination with other plants prescribed as the pills for fertility
|
|
6.
|
Aegle marmelos L.
|
Belthei
|
Rutaceae
|
Tree
|
EN
|
Pulp of fruit
|
Decoction of fruit is applied for the remedy of dysentery, stomachache & digestive problems
|
|
7.
|
Aeschynanthus sikkimensis Stapf. EFPN*
|
Bawltehlantai
|
Gesneriaceae
|
An epiphytic undershr-ub
|
F
|
Rootstock leaves & flowers
|
Fever & pain; Juice of crushed leaves is applied for inflammatory glands; infusion of flowers is taken against tonsilitis
|
|
8.
|
Ageratum conyzoides L.
|
Vailenhlo
|
Asteraceae
|
Herb
|
A
|
Root
|
The root is crushed with Callicarpa arborea (Hnah kiah) bark and rhizome of curcuma (Aieng) & the juice is drunk for the remedy of stomach cancer; stem and leaf as anti-diarrhoeal & also aid in clotting of blood
|
|
9.
|
Albizia procera (Roxb.) Bennth.
|
Kangtekpa
|
Mimosaceae
|
Small tree
|
F
|
Bark, Leaf & root
|
The poultice of leaves is applied to ulcers; The crushed bark is used for fish-poisoning ; important Agroforestry plant; the browm & durable heartwood is used as agricultural implements & as charcoal
|
|
10.
|
Albizia odoratissima (L.f.)
|
Kangteknu
|
Mimosaceae
|
Tree
|
F
|
Leaf
|
The leaf is boiled in ghee & is used in remedy for cough
|
|
11.
|
Bauhinia variegata Linn.
|
Vaube
|
Caesalpiniaceae
|
Tree
|
C
|
Bark & flower
|
Bark is carminative, tonic; astringent, antidiarrhoea, as blood purifier, as tonic, used in goitre; flower as laxative
|
|
12
|
Bergenia ciliata (Haw.) Sternb.
|
Pan-damdawi
|
Saxifragaceae
|
Herb
|
R
|
Leafs & roots
|
Leaf used in ear-ache; leaf & root as tonic, antiscorbent, in antidiarrhoea, fubrifuge, in piles & in urinary problems
|
|
13.
|
Begonia inflata Cl.*
|
Sekhupthur-hmul
|
Begoniaceae
|
Herb
|
R
|
Whole plant
|
The whole plant is being used in the form of infusion for patients troubled with kidney and urinary troubles
|
|
14.
|
Bidens pilosa (Lour.) Merr. & Sheriff
|
Vawkpuithal
|
Asteraceae
|
Herb
|
C: as weeds
|
Shoot, leaf & floral parts
|
Young shoot is antirheumatic; leaf in eye and ear complains; flower-antidiarrhoeal
|
|
15.
|
Bischofia javanica Bl.
|
Khuangthli
|
Bischofiaceae
|
Tree
|
F
|
Leaf, shoot & bark
|
Young leafs and buds are used in tonsillitis and throat pain; infusion of young shoot & leaves is taken orally for diphtheria & phryngitis; decoction of the bark is taken internally for cholera
|
|
16.
|
Blumea lanceolaria (Roxb.)*
|
Buarze
|
Asteraceae
|
Shrub
|
R
|
Leaves
|
Anti-cancer agent, pressed juice of leaves is applied on wounds & chronic ulcers, infusion of leaves is taken against dysentery
|
|
17.
|
Blumea laciniata (Roxb.)*
|
Khuanglawr
|
Asteraceae
|
Herb
|
F
|
Root & leaves
|
Cardiac tonic; paste from root is used against snake bite; simultaneously, leaves are crushed & the juice is applied externally on the bitten part`
|
|
18.
|
Callicarpa arborea Roxb.
|
Hnahkiah
|
Verbenaceae
|
Tree
|
A
|
Bark
|
The bark is crushed & the juice is drunk for the remedy of stomach pain, dysentery and vomiting, juice of the inner coat of bark is effectively used as haemostatics on cuts
|
|
19.
|
Callicarpa macrophylla Roxb.
|
Hnahkiahte JHR.
|
Verbenaceae
|
Small Tree
|
F
|
Leafs
|
Leaves are turned into paste & applied in fracture of bone
|
|
20.
|
Cammelia sinensis
|
Thingpui
|
Theaceae
|
Small tree
|
F
|
Leaf
|
Tea leaf boiled is used as astringent, stimulant & diuretic
|
|
21.
|
Canavalis ensiformis Baker
|
Fangra
|
Papilionaceae
|
Climber
|
C
|
Seed
|
The sliced seed is applied to snake bite to suck out the poison
|
|
22.
|
Carcinia paniculata
|
Vawmva
|
Clusiaceae
|
Tree
|
F
|
Seed
|
The seed is used against roundworm
|
|
23.
|
Carica papaya
|
Thingfanghma
|
Caricaceae
|
Small tree
|
|
Fruit & seeds
|
Juice of unripe fruit in large doses as ubolic; used to remove freckles and other blemishes from the skin, antihelminthic; ripe fruit useful in digestive problems; seed vermifuge
|
|
24.
|
Caryota urens
|
Tum
|
Arecaceae
|
Palm tree
|
F
|
Stem
|
The fleshy toddy is taken as food during famine
|
|
25.
|
Cassia alata Linn.
|
Tuihlo
|
Caesalpiniaceae
|
Shrub
|
F
|
Leaf
|
The leaves are bruised & applied to earthworm, ringworm infection as well as to other skin infections
|
|
26.
|
Catharanthus roseus Linn.
|
Kumtluang
|
Apocynaceae
|
Herb
|
F (introduced & naturalized)
|
Leaf, root & stem
|
The raw leaves are taken for the remedy of high blood pressure; Also leaves are anti-cancerous agent ; decoction of roots, stem & leaves is useful in diabetes, diarrhoea, dysentery, cholera
|
|
|
Caulokaempferia linearis (Wall.) Larsen*
|
Lung-ai-thing Lalram
|
Zingiberaceae
|
Herb
|
C
|
Leaf
|
Chakmas apply crushed leaves on the head in vertigo
|
|
27.
|
Cautleya gracillis (Smith) Dandy*
|
Pa-le
|
Zingiberaceae
|
Herb
|
R (cultivated)
|
Rhizome
|
Infusion of rhizome is taken for flatulence, colic & hepatomegaly , the rhizome is eaten raw to relieve colic & hotness in the stomach & also used cough
|
|
28.
|
Centella asiatica (L.) Urb.
|
Lambak/Hnahbial
|
Apiaceae
|
Herb
|
C
|
Leaf
|
Popularly used as memory stimulator. The leaves are boiled & the water is taken for the remedy of asthma and eye problems ; used also in hypertension
|
|
29
|
Chassalia ophioxyloides (Wall.) Craib.
|
Khummurmu
|
Rubiaceae
|
Roots
|
F
|
Roots
|
The root paste applied externally to chronic ulcers, tumours & sores
|
|
30.
|
Chromolaena odorata Linn.
|
Tlangsam
|
Asteraceae
|
Shrub
|
A
|
Leaf
|
Juice of crushed leaves applied externally as haemostatic agent
|
|
31.
|
Chukrasia tabularis A. Juss.
|
Zawngtei
|
Meliaceae
|
Tree
|
F
|
Root & seed-coat
|
Raw roots are taken for the remedy of stomach pain; infusion of seed-coat taken internally or a small portion is eaten raw for diarrhoea and dysentery
|
|
32.
|
Chonemorpha fragrans (Moon.) Alston
|
Phungthe ikelki
|
Apocynaceae
|
Climber
|
F
|
Roots
|
In Ethnogynaecology: Infusion of roots taken internally against retained placenta @ 100 ml twice daily
|
|
33.
|
Cinnamomum obtusifolia (Buch-Ham.) Sweet
|
Thakthingsuak
|
Lauraceae
|
Tree
|
F
|
Bark
|
Bark is used in dyspepsia and liver complaints
|
|
34.
|
Cinnamomum- tamala (Buch-Ham.) Sweet
|
Tejpatta
|
Lauraceae
|
Tree
|
F
|
Leaf & bark
|
Leaf is used as stimulant, carminative, antirheumatic, antidiarrhoeal; bark is used in treating gonorrhoea
|
|
35.
|
Cinnamomum verum (Buch-Ham.) Sweet
|
Thakthing
|
Lauraceae
|
Tree
|
F
|
Bark & leaf
|
Bark is carminative, antispasmodic, haemostatic, astringent, antiseptic; leaf antidiabetic
|
|
36.
|
Dalbergia pinnata (Lour.)*
|
Tengterehrui
|
Fabaceae
|
Tree
|
VR
|
Root-bark
|
Stomach problems, hepatitis & toothache
|
|
37.
|
Datura suaveolens Hamb. & Bruph
|
Tawtawrawt par
|
Solanaceae
|
Shrub: Cultivated especially in home garden
|
F
|
Leaf
|
Leaves are dried & smoked as tobacco for chest complaints, asthma while roasted leaf is applied on breast lump/stony hard breast
|
|
38.
|
Dendrocnida sinuate
|
Thakpui
|
Urticaceae
|
Shrub
|
A
|
Root
|
The root is boiled along with crabs & the water is taken for the remedy of jaundice
|
|
39.
|
Dendrobium ariaeflorum*
|
Naubanhlosen
|
Orchidaceae
|
Shrub/Or-chid
|
R
|
Stem
|
Used as narcotic
|
|
40;41;42
|
Desmos chinensis (Lour.)* Desmos dumosus* & Desmos dumosus (Roxb.) Safford. *(Used in isolation & in combination)
|
Zunin -damdawi
|
Annonaceae
|
Scandent scrub
|
C
|
Root & leaf
|
Combination of decoction of the roots is effectively used against painful urination. The medicine is taken cup daily
|
|
43.
|
Desmos longiflorus (Roxb.) Safford*
|
Chi-ri-pi
|
Annonaceae
|
Small tree
|
R
|
Root & leaf
|
Ii constitutes one ingredient for the treatment of chronic ulcer; decoction of leaves used for asthama
|
|
44.
|
Desmodium gyroides DC.
|
Kerangkana
|
Fabaceae
|
Shrub
|
F
|
Root
|
Root paste in combination is used as an effective remedy against inflammatory glands.
|
|
45.
|
Desmodium triflorum (Linn.) DC.
|
Bawngkek-hlo Lalram
|
Fabaceae
|
Herb
|
F
|
Whole plant
|
The plants are boiled & the water is taken for kidney trouble & urinal problems; juice of fresh leaves is applied on wounds
|
|
46.
|
Dillenia indica L.
|
Kawrthindeng
|
Dilleniaceae
|
Tree
|
F
|
Fruit & bark
|
The fruit is boiled & the water is taken for the remedy of jaundice; infusion of bark taken @ 50 ml twice daily for diarrhoea & dysentery
|
|
47.
|
Dillenia pentagyna Roxb.
|
Kaihzawl
|
Dilleniaceae
|
Tree
|
F
|
Bark & wood
|
Used as anticancer & antiulcer agent; decoction of the bark is taken orally for diabetes, paste of bark is applied externally on rheumatic pains
|
|
48.
|
Elaeagnus pyriformis Hook. F.
|
Ramsarzuk
|
Elaeagnaceae
|
Shrub
|
R
|
Root
|
The paste from root is dipped in water & drunk in the problem of appendicitis
|
|
49.
|
Elsholtzia blanda Benth
|
Nauhri
|
Lamiaceae
|
Shrub
|
R
|
Aerial part
|
Infusion of aerial part of plant is used for childrens disease called Nauhri, a combination of fever, cholera, skin diseases & inflammation; poultice of leaves is also used for inflammatory glands
|
|
50.
|
Elsholtzia ciliata (Thunb.) Hyland
|
Ram-lengser* Lalram
|
Lamiaceae
|
Herb
|
C
|
Whole plant
|
Juice of leaves is used as diuretic, cough & cold
|
|
51.
|
Embelia subcoriaceae (Cl.) Mez.
|
Tling
|
Elaeagnaceae
|
Climber
|
F
|
Leaves
|
Decoction of leaves is used for bathing in the treatment of small pox & also used for bathing womans injury after child birth
|
|
52.
|
Emblica officinalis L.
|
Sunhlu
|
Euphorbiaceae
|
Tree
|
A
|
Fruit
|
The raw fruit is taken for the remedy of stomach problem
|
|
53.
|
Entada pursaetha DC.
|
Kawi
|
Mimosaceae
|
Climber
|
F
|
Seed
|
The seeds are soaked in water & the water is dropped into the nostrils against leech
|
|
54.
|
Ervatamia coronaria
|
Pararsi
|
Apocynaceae
|
Shrub
|
F
|
Root, leaf & bark
|
The root provides comfort in toothache; root & bark used as antidote for scorpion sting; milky juice is used for disease of eyes
|
|
55.
|
Eryngium foetidum Linn.
|
Bahkhawr
|
Apiaceae
|
Herb
|
F
|
Root
|
Root used in stomachache
|
|
56.
|
Erythrian stricta Roxb.
|
Fartuahpui
|
Leguminoseae
|
Tree
|
F
|
Bark
|
The bark is use as astringent and antidote to snake bite; decoction of coat of inner bark is taken orally for stomach ulcer
|
|
57.
|
Eucalyptus globules Labill
|
Eucalyptus
|
Myrtaceae
|
Tree
|
C
|
Leaves
|
Infusion of leaves is taken against pneumonia; Charcoal is grinded to powder or made into paste & taken for stomach ulcer; Decoction of leaves is used for diabetes
|
|
58.
|
Eupatorium adenophorum Spreng.
|
Hlothar
|
Asteraceae
|
Herb
|
F
|
Leaves
|
Juice of crushed leaves applied to stop bleeding from the nose
|
|
59.
|
Eupatorium cannabinum L.
|
Hlothar
|
Asteraceae
|
Herb
|
A
|
Leaves
|
Juice of crushed leaves applied to stop bleeding from the nose as haemostatics
|
|
60.
|
Euphorbia royleana Boiss
|
Chawng
|
Euphorbiaceae
|
Shrub
|
VF
|
Pith & leaf
|
Pith & unripe fruit of papaya is cooked with chicken & the water is taken against diseases of the liver & chronic fever; milky juice is used externally for ring worm, rheumatism, boils, warts, etc.; Juice of heated leaves is applied to earache
|
|
61.
|
Ficus bengalensis L.
|
Hmawng
|
Moraceae
|
Tree
|
F
|
Latex, Bark, Seed, leaf & root
|
The milky juice is applied externally for pains in rheumatism, lumbago. Infusion of bark is used as tonic, astringent, used in dysentery, diarrhoea & diabetes. Seed is used for cooling tonic, leaves are applied as poultice to abscesses and root fibre in gonorrhea
|
|
62.
|
Ficus prostate Buch-Ham.
|
Theitit
|
Moraceae
|
Epiphyte
|
F
|
Root
|
The root is crushed and the juice is applied for the remedy against poisoned snake bites
|
|
63.
|
Ficus religosa L.
|
Hmawnghnahzum
|
Moraceae
|
Tree
|
C
|
Bark, leaf
|
Astringent, anti-gonorrhoeic, antidysentric, febrifuge, scabies, piles; leaf & young shoots are used as purgative & in skin diseases
|
|
64.
|
Ficus semicordata Buch-Ham. Var. conglomerata (Roxb.)*
|
Thenpui
|
Moraceae
|
Small tree
|
C
|
Bark & leaf
|
Liver ailment
|
|
65.
|
Flemingia macrophylla (willd.) Prain*
|
Tuisithing Lalram*
|
Fabaceae
|
Shrub
|
R
|
Roots
|
Decoction of root is used as external application in swellings & pain in the body [N fixer & prevent soil conservation]
|
|
66.
|
Garcinia cowa Roxb.
|
Chengkek
|
Clusiaceae
|
Tree
|
C
|
Leaf & bark
|
Bark & bark are antidiarrhoeal, antileprotic & also used in ulcer
|
|
67.
|
Garcinia lancaeafolia Roxb. *
|
Pelhte
|
Clusiaceae
|
Tree
|
R
|
Leaf & fruit
|
Stomachache
|
|
68.
|
Garcinia pedunculata G.*
|
Theipumlian
|
Clusiaceae
|
Tree
|
R
|
Fruits
|
Acidic pericarp extract solution is mixed with sugar & is taken orally against dysentery & diarrhoea
|
|
69.
|
Gardenia coronaria Ham.*
|
Rul-hluah* Lalran
|
Rubiaceae
|
Tree
|
R
|
Root & leaf
|
The infusion of roots & leaves are taken orally against snake bite @ 50 ml. (twice daily)
|
|
70.
|
Garcinia sopsopia Ham.*
|
Thensaker
|
Clusiaceae
|
Tree
|
R
|
Branches
|
Snake-bite
|
|
71.
|
Giardinia palmata
|
Kangthai
|
Urticaceae
|
Tree
|
A
|
Root
|
The root is crushed & the juice is taken against food allergy e.g. pork
|
|
72.
|
Gmelina arborea Roxb.*
|
Thlanvawng
|
Verbenaceae
|
Tree
|
F
|
Flowers& fruit
|
Decoction of flowers is orally used for hypertension; Roasted fruit is applied externally in itches
|
|
73.
|
Gynocardia odorata R.Br.
|
Saithei
|
Flacourtiaceae
|
Tree
|
R
|
Seed-oil
|
The fruits are crushed & the seeds are extracted & used as lotion in leprosy & other skin diseases
|
|
74.
|
Hedychium spicatum Koenig.
|
Kelhnamtur
|
Zingiberaceae
|
Herb
|
F
|
Rhizome
|
The rhizome is used in stomachache, carminative, tonic, stimulant, expectorant, liver problem, vomiting, inflammatory & pains; also used in snakebite
|
|
75.
|
Hedychium coronarium Koenig.
|
Ai-lalnu
|
Zingiberaceae
|
Herb
|
R (cultivated in home gardens)
|
Rhizome
|
Base of stem is used for swellings & rhizome is used as febrifuge & antirheumatic
|
|
76.
|
Hedyotes scandens Roxb.
|
Laikingtuibur
|
Rubiaceae
|
Climber
|
C
|
Whole plant
|
The whole plant is boiled and the water is taken for the remedy against swelling, malaria & kidney problem
|
|
77.
|
Helianthus annus L.
|
Nihawipar
|
Asteraceae
|
Herb
|
F
|
Seed
|
Seed-diuretic, expectorant, febrifuge, stomachache, in bronchitis and in laryngeal & pulmonary infections.
|
|
78.
|
Imperata cylindrica Linn.
|
Di
|
Poaceae
|
Grass
|
A
|
Root
|
Juice of roots is used for the removal or expelling of the intestinal worms
|
|
79.
|
Inula cappa DC.
|
Buarthau
|
Asteraceae
|
Shrub
|
F
|
Leaf
|
The leaves are crushed with those of Plantago asiatica & Lobelia angulata & the juice is taken orally for diabetes & jaundice
|
|
80.
|
Ixora nigricans R.Br.
|
Thainurual
|
Rubiaceae
|
Shrub/small tree
|
R
|
Leaf
|
Infusion of the leaves is prescribed for dysentery & colic problems
|
|
81.
|
Jasminum nervosum Lour.*
|
Hrurkha
|
Oleaceae
|
Shrub
|
A
|
Leaf
|
Stomachache & fever
|
|
82.
|
Jatropa curcas
|
Kangdamdawi
|
Euphorbiaceae
|
|
|
|
Nut is purgative; plant in scabies, eczema, in ring worm; twig is used as tooth brush in swollen gums
|
|
83.
|
Juglans regia
|
Khawkherh
|
Juglandaceae
|
Tree
|
F
|
Bark, leaf and fruit
|
Bark and leafs are antihelminthic; leaf astringent, tonic; fruit is antirheumatic
|
|
84.
|
Justicia adhatoda L.
|
Kawldai
|
Acanthaceae
|
Shrub
|
F
|
Leaf
|
The leaves are boiled and the water is taken internally @20 ml twice daily for 3 days against malaria fever. Leaf paste is applied on whole body for 24 hrs. &the patient takes bath on the 3rd day. Aforesaid treatment is used to cure chronic malaria also
|
|
85.
|
Justicia zeylanica Medicus. ADPR 503*
|
Kawldai
|
Acanthaceae
|
Shrub
|
F
|
Leaf
|
Juice of crushed leaves is applied externally on cuts & wounds as haemostatics
|
|
86.
|
Kalanchoe pinnata (Lamk.) Pers.
|
Zihor
|
Crassulaceae
|
Herb
|
R (introduced & naturalized)
|
Leaf
|
Scorched leaf to be applied on forehead in vertigo
|
|
87.
|
Laggera crispata (Vahl.) Hep. & Wd.*
|
Runhthung
|
Asteraceae
|
Herb
|
C
|
Leaf
|
Leafs are crushed & applied on sores
|
|
88.
|
Lagerstroemia speciosa (Linn.) Pers.
|
Chawnpui/Thlado
|
Lythraceae
|
Tree
|
F
|
Root, Bark
|
Decoction of root is taken for jaundice and infusion of bark is taken for diarrhoea and dysentery
|
|
89.
|
Lannea coromandelica (Houtt.) Merr.*
|
Tawitawsuak
|
Anacardiaceae
|
Tree
|
C
|
Bark, leaf
|
Bark- astringent, in ulcers and sore; leaf used in swellings, sprains & pain of the body
|
|
90.
|
Lantana camara Linn.
|
Hlingpangpar
|
Verbenaceae
|
Shrub
|
A
|
Leaves
|
Antirheumatic, antimalarial, in tetanus, diaphoretic, carminative & antispasmodic
|
|
91.
|
Lindernia ruelloides Pennell*
|
Thasuih
|
Scrophulariaceae
|
Herb
|
F
|
Whole plant
|
Externally used for Rheumatism, sciatica, skin worms, wounds & also internally for eye problems
|
|
92.
|
Litsea cubeca Roxb.
|
Sernam
|
Lauraceae
|
Tree
|
F
|
Fruit
|
Fruit is antiparalytic, anticephalagic, antihysteric, carminative, in dizziness & in loss of memory
|
|
93.
|
Mallotus roxburghianus Muell.-Arg.*
|
Zawngtenawhlung
|
Euphorbiaceae
|
Small tree
|
A
|
Twigs
|
In jaundice and hepatomegaly- twigs are boiled and the soup is taken daily/drunk 1 cup (100ml) twice daily
|
|
94.
|
Mallotus leucocarpus (Kurz) Airy Shaw*
|
Sukiah
|
Euphorbiaceae
|
Small tree
|
F
|
Root
|
Used in colic problems
|
|
95.
|
Melocalamus compactiflorus
|
Sairil
|
Poaceae
|
Climber
|
F
|
Stem
|
Juice of stem is taken against as influenza
|
|
96.
|
Mallotus philippensis Muell.-Arg.
|
Bari khei
|
Euphorbiaceae
|
Tree
|
F
|
Stem bark
|
Gland and hair of fruit are antihelminthic, styptic, used in scabies, also in ring-worm & herpes
|
|
97.
|
Melastoma malabathricum
|
Builukham
|
Melastomataceae
|
Tree
|
F
|
Bark, leaf & flower
|
Bark is used as wound healer; leaf as antidiarrhoeal, antiseptic; leaf & flower top astringent & antileucorrhoeic
|
|
98.
|
Melia azedarach Linn.
|
Nim-suak
|
Meliaceae
|
Tree
|
Introduce-d & naturalize-d
|
Leaf
|
Decoction of leaves is taken orally against fever & hypertension
|
|
99.
|
Melocanna baccifera Roxb.
|
Mautak
|
Poaceae
|
Bamboo
|
A
|
Stem
|
The outer skin is scraped off & applied on cuts as haemostatics.
|
|
100.
|
Merremia umbellata
|
Vawktesentil
|
Convolvulaceae
|
Tree
|
C
|
Leaf
|
Poultice of leaves is applied on burns & sores
|
|
101.
|
Mesua ferrea Linn.
|
Herhse
|
Clusiaceae
|
Tree
|
F
|
Flower, bark & leaf
|
Flower is used as astringent, stomachache. Flowers and leaves are also used against snakebite & scorpion sting
|
|
102.
|
Mikania micrantha Kunth. WI
|
Japan-hlo
|
Asteraceae
|
Climber
|
A
|
Leaf
|
The leaf juice is a good haemostatic. The leaves boiled with that Vitex penduncularis is taken against fever. Also the leaf juice is good for dysentery
|
|
103.
|
Ocimum tenuiflorum Linn.
|
Runhmui-dum
|
Lamiaceae
|
Shrub
|
R; Cultivated in home gardens; often cultivated by chakma tribes
|
Whole plant
|
The plant is boiled & the steam is inhaled against hepatitis; infusion of the plant is used in cough, bronchitis, gastric disorders & as mosquito repellant
|
|
104.
|
Oroxylum indicum Linn.
|
Archangkawn
|
Bignoniaceae
|
Small tree
|
C
|
Root-bark, bark & seed
|
Root bark is used as tonic, antidiarrhoeal; bark antirheumatic; tender fruit is carminative, used in stomachache; seed purgative; stem is antidote for scorpion sting
|
|
105.
|
Osbeckia sikkimensis Craib.
|
Builukhampa
|
Melastomataceae
|
Shrub
|
F
|
Root
|
Steamed roots & extracted solution is taken internally for renal disorder & genitor-urinary problems; decoction of roots is taken for kidney trouble & stomachache
|
|
106.
|
Paedaria foetida Linn.
|
Vawihuihhrui
|
Rubiaceae
|
Climber
|
C
|
Root & leaf
|
Plant-antirheumatic; root and leaf as tonic; root in piles, pain in chest and liver; leaf carminative, astringent, diuretic, in herpes
|
|
107.
|
Pajenela longifolia (Wall.)K. Schum.*
|
Ram-archangkawm
|
Bignoniaceae
|
Tree
|
R
|
Leaf & stem
|
Leaf & stem paste used in fracture
|
|
108.
|
Parbarium hookerii Pierre*
|
Theikelkibawr
|
Apocynaceae
|
Climber
|
F
|
Root
|
Decoction of roots taken as tea against placental disorders
|
|
109
|
Parkia timoriana Merr.
|
Zawngtah
|
Mimosaceae
|
Tree
|
A
|
Bark twig & pods
|
Decoction of bark & twigs is taken orally against diarrhoea & dysentery; green skin of the pods is turned into paste & applied on cuts & wounds; Chakmas use hot infusion of scraped pods for diarrhoea & dysentery
|
|
110
|
Passiflora nepalensis
|
Nauawimu
|
Pasifloraceae
|
Climber
|
A
|
Root
|
The root is boiled & the water is taken to cure malaria
|
|
111
|
Pathos cathcartii
|
Lehpong
|
Araceae
|
Epiphyte
|
F
|
Stem
|
Used in fracture of bone
|
|
112
|
Pentapetes phoenicea Linn.
|
Parsenbial
|
Sterculiaceae
|
Herb
|
VR
|
Leaf
|
The leaves are boiled & the water is taken for inflammatory glands, cough & cold; Juice of leaves is applied on inflammatory glands
|
|
113
|
Phyllanthus fraternus Webster.
|
Mitthi sunhlu
|
Euphorbiaceae
|
Herb
|
F
|
Whole plant
|
Infusion of plant @ 50 ml twice daily for diabetes; juice of whole plant is used for liver problems & jaundice; fruits & the plant parts are useful in thirst, bronchitis, leprosy, anaemia, urinary discharges, anuria & asthma
|
|
114
|
Rauvolfia Serpentina Benth.
|
Rullturzung
|
Apocyanaceae
|
Herb
|
R( cultivated & naturalize-d at some places)
|
Root
|
Used in hypertension & stomach problems
|
|
115
|
Ricinus communis Linn.
|
Mutih
|
Euphorbiaceae
|
Shrub or small tree
|
R
|
Leaf & stalk
|
Young leaves after heating are used in ulcer, sciatica & paralysis while crushed leaves are applied as bandage against urinary problems
|
|
116
|
Rhus acuminate Murr.
|
Chhimhruk
|
Anacardiaceae
|
Herb
|
F
|
|
Leaf used in nausea; fruit-in colic problems; leaf excrescentas & in diarrhoea
|
|
117
|
Rhaphidophora decursiva Roxb.
|
Makhal
|
Araceae
|
Epiphyte
|
A
|
Stem &leaves
|
Used in fracture of bone after crushing the plant parts into paste
|
|
118
|
Raphidophora hookeri Schott.*
|
Thiallawn
|
Araceae
|
|
R
|
Stem
|
Helpful in easy labour
|
|
119
|
Rubia cordifoloia L.
|
Rawngsen
|
Rubiaceae
|
Climber/creeping herb
|
R
|
Root
|
Root is boiled & taken orally for kidney trouble & liver ailments; used in gonorrhoea, syphilis & renal infections
|
|
120
|
Saraca asoca Roxb.
|
Mualhawih
|
Caesalpiniaceae
|
Tree
|
EN/VU
|
Bark
|
In ethnogynaecology: Bark is astringent, used in uterine inflation, in gonorrhoea & scorpion sting
|
|
121
|
Schima wallichii (DC.) Korthals
|
Khiang
|
Theaceae
|
Tree
|
A
|
Fruit, leaf & bark
|
Decoction of fruit is used for snake bite and insect bite; bark-rubefacient, antihelminthic, antigonorrhoeic; leaf-carminative
|
|
122
|
Scoparia dulcis Medic.
|
Perhpawng-chaw/Hlothlum
|
Scrophulariaceae
|
Herb
|
C
|
Whole plant
|
The whole plant is crushed and the juice is taken for the remedy of kidney stone, jaundice & genitor-urinary troubles
|
|
123
|
Securinega virosa Roxb.
|
Saisiak
|
Euphorbiaceae
|
Shrub
|
F
|
Leaf
|
The leaves are boiled & the water is taken for bathing children suffering from scabies and measles
|
|
124
|
Semecarpus anacardium Linn.
|
Vawmbal-pui
|
Anacardiaceae
|
Tree
|
F
|
Fruit/ nut
|
Juice of fruit (nut) is applied externally on sprain & in rheumatism
|
|
125
|
Senecio scandens Buch.-Ham.
|
Sai-ek-hlo
|
Asteraceae
|
Climber
|
R
|
Leaf/aerial parts
|
Boiled leaves/aerial parts is used for ulcerated cancer/ulcers
|
|
126
|
Sida acuta Burm. F.
|
Khingkhih
|
Malvaceae
|
Shrub
|
VF
|
Root
|
Crushed root applied on boils to suck out the pus. Also used in nervous, urinary & stomach/gastric diseases
|
|
127
|
Smilax pervifolia Roxb.
|
Kaiha
|
Liliaceae
|
Climber
|
A
|
Root
|
The root is grounded with old molasses or with coagulated lows milk mixed with water and taken orally for blood purification
|
|
128
|
Smilax glabra Roxb.
|
Tluang-ngil
|
Liliaceae
|
Climber
|
A
|
Root
|
Taken in uterine and stomach infection
|
|
129
|
Solanum torvum Linn.
|
Tawkpui
|
Solanaceae
|
Shrub
|
C
|
Seed
|
The crushed seed is applied to toothache and tooth decay
|
|
130
|
Solanum khasianum Cl. Var. chatterjeanum*
|
Athlo
|
Solanaceae
|
Shrub
|
R
|
Fruit/seeds
|
Used to expel tooth worms from the mouth
|
|
131
|
Solanum nigrum Linn.*
|
Anhling
|
Solanaceae
|
Herb
|
F
|
Whole plant
|
Infusion of the plant is prescribed for liver problem & dropsy
|
|
132
|
Sonchus wightianus DC.
|
Gangmula
|
Asteraceae
|
Herb
|
C
|
Root
|
In combination used as cardiac tonic
|
|
133
|
Spondias pinnata Linn.
|
Tawitaw
|
Anacardiaceae
|
Tree
|
F
|
Bark
|
The bark is refrigerant, used in dysentery and after mixing with water used in both auricular and muscular rheumatism
|
|
134
|
Terminalia bellirica Roxb.
|
Thingvandawt
|
Combretaceae
|
Tree
|
F
|
Fruit, bark & kernel
|
The fruit is taken for stomach problem, antidropsical, antileprotic, anti-inflammatory, antidiarrhoeal, antibillious, antiasthmatic, anticephalagic, tonic in bronchitis, also in sore throat, & in diseases of eye, nose, piles; Bark-diuretic, used in anaemia, leucoderma; kernel-narcotic & aphrodisiac
|
|
135
|
Terminalia chebula Retz.
|
Reraw
|
Combretaceae
|
Tree
|
F
|
Fruit & bark
|
The fruit is taken against stomach problem, purgative, febrifuge, antiasthmatic, antidysentery, enriches blood, antiparalytic, in piles, cold, opthalmia, sore throat, dental caries, bleeding & ulceration of gums, burns etc.; bark is diuretic & cardiotonic
|
|
136
|
Tetracera sarmentosa Linn.*
|
Hruithingdeng
|
Dilleniaceae
|
Tree
|
F
|
Bark
|
Decoction of bark taken orally for stomachache
|
|
137
|
Tetrameles nudiflora R.Br.*
|
Thingdawl
|
Tetramelaceae
|
Tree
|
C
|
Bark/leaf
|
Juice of bark/leaves dropped into orifice against ottorea
|
|
138
|
Thunbergia grandiflora Roxb.
|
Zawngafian
|
Acanthaceae
|
Climber
|
R
|
Leaf
|
Juice of the leaves is used for diabetes, eye diseases & as an antiseptic in cuts & wounds
|
|
139
|
Tinospora cordifolia (DC.) Miers. Ex. Hook.
|
Theisawntlung
|
Menispermaceae
|
Shrub/climber
|
R
|
Stem, root & fruit
|
Stem used in stomachache, antispasmodic, anti-inflammatory, diuretic, emetic, antidiabetic, aphrodisiac, antiperiodic, in skin diseases, piles, anaemia; root-emetic, antileprotic; fruit-tonic, antirheumatic; stem & fruit together in jaundice
|
|
140
|
Toona ciliate Roem.
|
Teipui
|
Meliaceae
|
Tree
|
C
|
Bark & flower
|
Bark-astringent, tonic, antiperiodic, antidysenteric, in ulcers; flower-emmenagogue
|
|
142
|
Trevetia palmate Roxb.*
|
Kawhtebel
|
Araliaceae
|
Small tree
|
C
|
Leaf/root
|
The leaf is crushed and the juice is taken as an effective remedy for colic, stomachache and high blood pressure
|
|
143
|
Uncaria sessilifructus Roxb.
|
Ralsamkuai-ziksen
|
Rubiaceae
|
Climber
|
F
|
Leaf & root
|
Young leafs are boiled and taken orally against diphtheria; roots are boiled & the water is taken against excess bleeding.
|
|
144
|
Urena lobata Linn.
|
Sehnap
|
Malvaceae
|
Shrub
|
F
|
Root & leaf
|
Crushed root mixed with water as aphrodisiac; juice of leaves is used against rheumatism
|
|
145
|
Veronia albicans DC.
|
Dawn-do-u-pun
|
Asteraceae
|
Herb
|
C
|
Leaf
|
Infusion of leaves is warmed & then dropped into ear against ear-ache/ottorhoea
|
|
146
|
Vitex peduncularis* Wall. ex. Schauer.
|
Thingkhawilu
|
Verbenaceae
|
Tree
|
F
|
Bark
|
The bark is boiled and the water is drunk in case of typhoid & malarial fever
|
|
147
|
Vitis bifurcata*
|
Hruiveikual
|
Vitaceae
|
Climber
|
C
|
Root
|
Crushed roots used to produce mucous substance which is applied externally on swellings & sciatica
|
|
148
|
Trapa natans var. bispinosa (Roxb.) Makino
|
Not Known
|
Trapaceae
|
Aquatic/semiaquatic
|
CR/VU
|
Root
|
A part of nutritious diet
|
|
149.
|
Trevetia palmate Roxb.*
|
Kawhtebel
|
Araliaceae
|
Small tree
|
C
|
Leaf/root
|
The leaf is crushed and the juice is taken as an effective remedy for colic, stomachache and high blood pressure
|
|
150.
|
Uncaria sessilifructus Roxb.
|
Ralsamkuai-ziksen
|
Rubiaceae
|
Climber
|
F
|
Leaf & root
|
Young leafs are boiled and taken orally against diphtheria; roots are boiled & the water is taken against excess bleeding.
|
|
151
|
Urena lobata Linn.
|
Sehnap
|
Malvaceae
|
Shrub
|
F
|
Root & leaf
|
Crushed root mixed with water as aphrodisiac; juice of leaves is used against rheumatism
|
|
152
|
Veronia albicans DC.
|
Dawn-do-u-pun
|
Asteraceae
|
Herb
|
C
|
Leaf
|
Infusion of leaves is warmed & then dropped into ear against ear-ache/ottorhoea
|
|
153
|
Vitex peduncularis* Wall. ex. Schauer.
|
Thingkhawilu
|
Verbenaceae
|
Tree
|
F
|
Bark
|
The bark is boiled and the water is drunk in case of typhoid & malarial fever
|
|
154.
|
Vitis bifurcata*
|
Hruiveikual
|
Vitaceae
|
Climber
|
C
|
Root
|
Crushed roots used to produce mucous substance which is applied externally on swellings & sciatica
|
|
155
|
Woodfordia fructicosa Kurz.
|
Ainawn
|
Lythraceae
|
Shrub
|
R
|
Flower
|
The powdered flower is used externally on sores & ulcers
|
|
156
|
Xylia xylocarpa
|
Thinguk
|
Mimosaceae
|
Tree
|
F
|
Bark & seed
|
Decoction of bark is used in ulcer, gonorrhoea and diarrhoea; seed oil is antirheumatic, used also in piles, bark and seed oil are antileprotic
|
|
157
|
Zanthoxylum armatum DC.
|
Arhrikreh
|
Rutaceae
|
Small tree
|
R
|
Leaf, flower & fruit
|
The leaves are used towards off fouls and lice; fruit as appetizer, anticephalgic, antiasthmatic, antihelminthic, in leucoderma, eye & ear diseases, piles; flower used as antidote for snake bite
|
|
158
|
Zingiber officinale Rosc.
|
Sawhthing
|
Zingiberaceae
|
Herb
|
Cultivated on large scale as cash crop
|
Rhizome & flower
|
Extract i.e. ginger oil is used in cough & bronchitis; rhizome is roasted & eaten against throat pain, applied as condiment; flowering bunches are sold in local market as vegetable
|
|
159
|
Zingiber purpureum Rosc.
|
Pale
|
Zingiberaceae
|
Herb
|
VU: Cultivate-d
|
Rhizome
|
Chakmas tribe use rhizome to cure stomachache & diarrhoea
|
R: rare; F: frequent; VF: frequent; VR: very rare; A: abundant; C: common; VU:
Vulnerable; EN: Endangered; CR: Critically endangered
*Those marked by asterisk represent the plants which were recorded for the first time.
Discussion
Traditional knowledge of herbal remedy to treat human diseases is fast declining in many parts of the world, including India. Even today, tribals and certain local communities in India still practice herbal medicine to cure a variety of diseases and disorders. They collect and preserve locally available, wild and cultivated plant species.
Bio-resources of Mizoram comprise a great share of natural resources. The agroecosystems as well as natural ecosystems harbour immense genetic potential (Lalramnghinghlova 1999b; 1999c; 2002). Lalramnghinghlova and Jha (1998) described more than 200 ethnomedicinal plants for their efficiency to cure diseases like bleeding from nose, fever, malarial fever, asthma, tuberculosis, calculi, stones in kidney, gall-bladder, urinary troubles, hypertension, diabetes, stomachache, stomach ulcer, dysentery, diarrhoea, jaundice, hepatomegaly, fracture of bone, gyneic disorder and snake bite. They added that over 60% people living in the interior parts of the state depends upon herbal medicine. Further, Lalramnghinghlova and Jha (1997) identified and hand in hand characterized the ethnomedicinal plants based on IUCN threat categories. Also, Lalramnghinghlova and Jha (1999) during their extensive survey of ethnomedicinal plants provided new records of aforesaid which has not been reported earlier in forests of Mizoram. Lalramnghinghlova (1999) marked that although more works have been undertaken on ethnobotany, very less focus has been given to ethnozoology which is very necessary in order to address ethnobiology in its totality.
Conclusions
Recent decades have seen significant changes occurring within several aspects of ethnomedicine as a result of environmental degradation and tremendous changes in modern, social, and economic systems. Due to aforesaid factors, acting in concert, the traditional knowledge system in India is fast eroding. Hence, there is an urgent need to record all ethnobotanical information among the diverse ethnic communities before the traditional culture is completely lost. Often, tribals are exploited by the modern societies and they are forbidden to use the forest resources with which their lives are strongly interwoven. Policy makers should secure the TEK of tribal people, whose socio-economic life is interwoven with the forests from where they derive all their material requirements, including their healthcare needs and foodstuffs. Further, we recommend that after survey, mapping and identification we have to have some collaborative and financial cooperation extended from governmental and scientific institutions to prepare a database of medicinal plants from Mizoram and also to extract the bioactive compounds responsible to treat the ailments. The claims emanating from the present survey need to be subjected to pharmaco-chemical studies in order to explore their true potential as it is very difficult to judge the effectiveness of folk medicine. The ethnomedicinal plants, particularly threatened ones, should be cultivated in herbal gardens, agroforestry systems and home gardens to encourage their sustainable utilization and hence conservation.
Acknowledgements
The authors are thankful to University Grants Commission (UGC) and Department of Science and Technology, Government of Mizoram for financial assistance to HLR. Also, HLR is thankful to Environment and Forest Department, Government of Mizoram and Professor L.K. Jha for providing all sort of cooperation during his work as Forest Botanist. The authors also extend their regard to Professor A.N. Rai, Vice Chancellor, Mizoram University, for his kind co-operation and support.
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