Journal of Medicinal Studies 2018; 6(1): 156-166

ISSN (E): 2320-3862 ISSN (P): 2394-0530 Exploration of wild medicinal plants for better NAAS Rating: 3.53 JMPS 2018; 6(1): 156-166 livelihood options for the tribal population of © 2018 JMPS Received: 24-11-2017 forest fringe villages Accepted: 25-12-2017

Manish Kumar Singh Rain Forest Research Institute, Manish Kumar Singh, Dinesh Meena, Rajarishi Bhattacharyya, Mahima Jorhat, Assam, India Arya and Kumar Avinash Bharati

Dinesh Meena Rain Forest Research Institute, Abstract Jorhat, Assam, India Tribal’s dwelling forest fringe villages use wild medicinal plants to cure various ailments, but due to been fading of this traditional knowledge the documentation of this treasurable information is call of Rajarishi Bhattacharyya today. With this aims, the present study were undertaken to document wild medicinal plants found in Rain Forest Research Institute, forest fringe villages and utilized by tribals of Kaziranga National Park (Assam) for their health care Jorhat, Assam, India management. Field trips were conducted over a period of two years, utilizing the “transect walk” method of participatory rural appraisal (PRA) and data were analyzed through Use-value valuation technique.

Mahima Arya This study documented 61 medicinal plants which were used to treat 32 human ailments. The most useful North East Institute of Science medicinal plants, ranked according to use value were: Rauwolfia serpentina, Ocimum sanctum, Vetiveria & Technology (CSIR), Jorhat, Assam, India zizanioides, Dioscorea alata, Oroxylum indicum, Randia spinosa, rhomboidea and Gnetum montanam. Among the tribes, Mishing tribal people are using maximum number of wild medicinal Kumar Avinash Bharati and collected them mainly form wild. Botanical Survey of India, Kolkata, West Bengal, India Keywords: Medicinal plants, fringe villages, transect walk, PRA, mishing tribe

Introduction

The forest of Assam is endowed with great plant wealth, due to its unique climatic conditions and because to that Assam falls under one of the recognized mega biodiversity zones of the

world. This region is also home to numerous others, smaller ethnic groups which utilize this [17] diverse plant wealth for their primary health care needs (WHO, 2013) . With the passage of time, these tribes have acquired the knowledge of economic and medicinal properties of many wild plants by trial and error methods and thus they became the repository of knowledge of their surrounding plants (Singh, et. al, 2018) [14]. This traditional knowledge were cumulated [6] and delivered on from one age group to the other orally (Kumar et al, 2013) which is very much region specific culturally and socially. However, due to the persuade of modernization youths are wandering towards cities in search for better livelihood options and thus are diminishing the chain of knowledge transfer, from one generation to the other (Shukla and Chakravarty, 2012) [13]. Also due to indiscriminate exploitation, obliteration of forests and

shifting scenario of rural standard of living, the spoken folklore of plants as well as the [14] knowledge is in the process of degeneration (Singh, et. al, 2018) . Literature review also tells that very little attention has been paid in the past regarding measurement of the floristic composition and ethno-botanical study of the forest fringe villages of Assam. Therefore, it is significant to study, document and prepare an inventory of existing information concerning

ethnobotanical plant used by the tribal community dwelling forest fringe villagesand to classify the pattern of ethnobotanical plant use in the research area in detail for a wider application in future. Keeping this in mind, this study were undertaken with the below mentioned objectives, in 12 different forest fringe villages of Kaziranga National Park of Assam:-

1. To document different varieties of traditionally used medicinal plants utilize by inhabitant tribes of forest fringe villages of Kaziranga National Park (Assam). 2. To study growing status and conservation status of these medicinal plnats in Forest Fringe Correspondence villages. Manish Kumar Singh Rain Forest Research Institute, Jorhat, Assam, India ~ 156 ~ Journal of Medicinal Plants Studies

Materials and Methods 2018, to document the wild medicinal plants, utilizing by Study Area inhabiting tribes. The methodology of Transect Walk method Twelve forest fringe villages namely Agerata, Kandhulin, of a Participatory Rural Appraisal (PRA) was adopted Japari Pathar, Damojan, Bachagaon, Mohpara, Hatikuti, (Henrich, et al. 2009; Albuquerque, et al. 2006) [4, 1] during Sildubi, Haldibari, Harmati, Kuthari, Bandar dubi which lies field study. This method involves semi-structured interviews from East to west direction along Kaziranga National Park and talk with key participants such as, community elders, (KNP) of Assam were selected (Fig.1).. Kaziranga National farmers and house-wives. Observances on status of wild Park, is located in the Kaliabor and Bokakhat subdivisions of medicinal plants were measured at 06 levels (DAFOR scale) Nagaon and Golaghat districts of Assam state, India. It i.e. Abundant, common, frequent, Sparse/ less frequent, rare slander between latitude 26°30 N to 26°45 N and longitude and endangered (Cunningham, et al., 2001) [3]. To verify the 93°08 E to 93°36 E. It is around 40 kilometres long (approx. local importance of each , the use-value (UV) 25 miles) and 13 kilometres (approx. 8 miles) broad. The park evaluation technique was adopted (Cunningham, 2001; is spread in 378.22 sq. km in and its complete area is confined Phillip, et al. 1993a, b) [3, 12, 11]. A high use-value indicates a by the Brahmaputra River that forms the eastern & northern relatively important species. boundaries and the Mora Diphlu that forges the southern boundary (https://www.kaziranga-national-park.com/kaziranga-

location.shtml). The park experiences 3 seasons- summer, monsoon and winter. The dry and windy summer extend from The scientific names of the plant specimens were updated February to May with mean maximum and minimums of 37 according to (www.theplantlist.org). The °C and 7 °C, respectively. The hot and humid Monsoon nomenclatures of families are updated according to APG III season extend from June to September. The winter, extending system of classification (Kumar & Bharti, 2013; Sutherland, from November to February, is mild and dry, with the mean 2006) [5, 15]. All plants were identified using available floras maximum and minimum being 25 °C (77 °F) and 5 °C and by matching the specimens with the herbaria of Botanical (41 °F), respectively (Kushwaha & Unni, 1986) Survey of India, Shillong. Local markets or hats were also visited to study the plants and plant products sold there. Survey, data collection and analysis Regular field surveys were conducted during the years 2016-

Fig 1: Geographical location of Kaziranga National Park in Assam and location of forest fringe villages.

~ 157 ~ Journal of Medicinal Plants Studies

Result & Discussion conservation status, growing status etc. were presented in The fringe villages of Kaziranga National Park, have been Table-1 and the photographs of some of the plants are given colonized by people belong to diverse communities and in figure 5-16. tribes, the prominent among them are the Karbi, the Mishing During the study period, a high degree of informant consensus and the Mikir tribes. Each tribal group has its own distinctive for each species was observed. Among the documented wild culture, tradition and uses the forest products not only for medicinal plants, herbs dominated the list with 26 species their livelihood but also to cure various ailments they suffer (15% planted, 15% wild while 14% both growing as wild or from. planted) followed by with 17 species (5% planted and 7% wild while 14% growing either as wild or domesticated), Ethnobotanical Richness with 10 species (5% planted and 2% wild while 10% A total number of 61 wild medicinal plants which belongs to growing both as wild and planted), vine with 4 species (2% 53 families, utilized in one form or the other by ethnic tribes planted, 2% wild and 3% both domesticated or collected from dwelling forest fringe villages of KNP were documented. The wild), climber with 3 species (2% each planted, wild and both detailed information regarding the scientific names, local planted/ collected from wild) and least used was a creeper names, families, habit, parts used, therapeutic uses, known as Hiptage benqhalensis, collected from wild (Fig. 2).

Fig 2: Growing Status of Wild medicinal plants in Forest fringe villages (Pl- Planted, W-Wild, Pl/W- Planted and Wild both).

Out of the total documented families of wild medicinal plants sanctum & Vetiveria zizanioides (0.08) from herbs; Oroxylum (i.e. 53), highly consumed were Poaceae (3), followed by indicum (0.08), Randia spinos, Emblica officinalis (0.07) Zingiberaceae (3) among Herbs; Bombacaceae (2) among from Trees; Triumfetta rhomboidea (0.06) from Shrubs and Trees; Euphorbiaceae (2) among Shrubs and Cucurbitaceae Gnetum montanam (0.09) from woody lianas/ Vines (2) among vines. Whereas, out of the total Genera recorded categories showing significantly higher use value and which (i.e. 58 Nos.) the Use Value (UV ) of Rauwolfia serpentina in turn indicate relatively important of these species to fringe (0.11), Vigna mungo (0.09) & Musa balbisiana, Ocimum forest dwellers (Table 1 & 2).

Table 1: Documented wild medicinal plants used by the tribes of Forest fringe villages of Kaziranga National Park.

S. 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 No. Abundant Fresh juice of durva is given in a Cynodon dactylon (L) dose of 15-20 ml in conditions of K, Pers. epileptic seizures and psycho- Year round 1. Doob 0.06 H W M, (Poaceae) somatic disorders also as eye drops (whole plant) Mk RFRIH-160 to reduce the reddishness, burning sensation and treat the condition. Common Preparation of garlic is used in pulmonary phthisis, gangrene of the lungs and whooping cough. For cough, ash obtained from dried peels of ripe M. balbisiana fruit is soaked whole night in water, and Allium sativum (Linn.) Kumpun filtrate is obtained. One cup of Year round 2. (Liliaceae) 0.01 H W/Pl K talap filtrate is mixed with a little amount (tuber) RFRIH-168 of mustard oil, common salt and 3-4 pieces of crushed A. sativum. Mixture is slightly heated and allowed to take with freshly prepared rice, preferably in the morning for a week. Basella alba Linn. Kumpun Juice of leaves given to children Year round 3. 0.02 C Pl K (Basellaceae) puroioying, and pregnant woman to remove (whole plant) ~ 158 ~ Journal of Medicinal Plants Studies

RFRIH-165 Puin sag, Poi constipation and for curing allergy, sag leaf extract is applied over the affected portion. Rhizomes are also given in diseases Costus speciosus as pneumonia, rheumatism, dropsy, (Koen.) Sm. urinary diseases, jaundice, and Year round K, 4. jom lakhut 0.03 H Pl/W (Zingiberaceae) leaves are given in mental disorders (rhizome) Ms RFRIH-179 and it also has anti-fertility, anabolic properties. Bar-stomachic, demulcent, laxative, Crataeva unilocularia Year round K, Silpigan, antipyretic, diuretic, alterative, tonic 5. (Capparaceae) (leaves, roots & 0.02 T W Ms, Silpikan and used in callus infection; Leaves RFRIH-117 bark) Mk used in urinary infection. Dioscorea Tubers harvest pentaphylla L. Kanta alu, Tubers consider tonic and used for Ms, 6. early winter i.e. 0.01 H W (Dioscoreaceae) kada kanda swelling. Mk Nov.- Dec. RFRIH-136 A paste of leaves is applied in body Kydia calycina Roxb. K, kukuha, pains, used in poultices for skin Year round 7. () 0.02 T W Ms, pichhola diseases; leaf and root—anti- (leaves & roots) RFRIH-193 Mk rheumatic. For cough, ash obtained from dried peels of ripe M. balbisiana fruit is soaked whole night in water, and filtrate is obtained. One cup of Year round Musa balbisiana Colla. filtrate is mixed with a little amount (fruits, K, 8. (Musaceae) Kopak, kola of mustard oil, common salt and 3-4 leaf,pseudostem, 0.08 H Pl Ms, RFRIH-180 pieces of crushed A. sativum. flowers, root, sap, Mk Mixture is slightly heated and peel) allowed to take with freshly prepared rice, preferably in the morning for a week. Treat cough, skin diseases, ulcers, asthma, flatulence, colic; fruit has anti-inflammatory/ inflammation Randia spinosa Thunb. Gurol, reducing, emetic/inducing vomiting Year round 9. (Rubiaceae) behmona, 0.09 T Pl/W Ms and abortion causing properties; (whole plant) RFRIH-70 mon. bark is applied externally to relieve pain of bruises and rheumatism. For curing allergy, finely crushed Z. Zingiber officinale officinale mixed with old molasses K, Rosc. Year round 10. Take obtained from S. officinarum is 0.05 H Pl Ms, (Zingiberaceae) (rhizome) applied over the affected part, three Mk RFRIH-93 times daily, until cure. Endangered Rauwolfia Extraction of roots are valued for serpentina Benth.Ex Year round intestinal troubles, stimulate uterine 11. Kurz. Arachoritita (branches, leaf, 0.11 H Pl/W K contraction and used in case of (Apocynaceae) fruits, seeds) difficult delivery RFRIH-87 FREQUENT Basella ruba Linn. For curing allergy, B. ruba leaf July to frost Leene puroi K, 12. (Basellaceae) extract is applied over the infected (fruits); leaves & 0.04 V (vine) Pl oying Ms RFRIH-127 portion. roots (year round) For ringworm infection, extract Carica papaya Linn. obtained from the using portion of Dec.-Jan. Amita, Ms, 13. (Caricaceae) C. papaya is applied over the (flower);Year 0.06 T Pl Papita, Mewa Mk RFRIH-181 infected area three times daily until round (fruits) cure. Dried fruits used as purgative, Cassia fistula L. xonaru, laxative for habitual constipation, Year round 14. (Caesalpinaceae) 0.03 T Pl/W K Sonaru root bark extrcat used in black (fruits) RFRIH-186 water ferver. Roots diuretic, antiperiodic, Cissampelos pereira L. purgative, used in dyspepsia, dropy Year round Ms, 15. (Menispermaceae) tubukilota 0.02 C Pl/W and urinary troubles; contains an (roots) Mk RFRIH-141 alkaloid pelosine. Half glass fruit juice mixed with a Citrus aurantifolia glass of water is given twice daily Year round Ms, 16. Christm. (Rutaceae) Kaji nembu 0.03 S Pl/W for a month for curing piles; (fruits) Mk RFRIH-176 considered appetizer, stomachic and ~ 159 ~ Journal of Medicinal Plants Studies

antiscorbutic. Dioscorea alata L. Tubers harvest Tubers consider anthelmintic; also K, 17. (Dioscoreaceae) Kath alu during winter i.e. 0.07 H Pl/W used in leprosy and piles. Ms RFRIH-188 Dec.- Jan. Flacourtia janqomas Leaves and young shoots astringent Lour. Syn. F. and stomachic, used in diarrhoea Year round Ms, 18. Cataphracta Roxb. poniol and as a diaphoretic; fruits used in (fruits, leaves & 0.02 S Pl Mk (Flacourtiaceae) biliousness and other liver roots) RFRIH-131 complaints. Fruit sour and astringent, cooling, Emblica officinalis diuretic, laxative and have anti- Jan.-Feb. (fruits); K, Gaertn. Amloki, 19. inflammatory, antiulcer, year round 0.07 T Pl Ms, (Euphorbiaceae) Amlai, Amla, hepatoprotective, and anticancer (branch) Mk RFRIH-152 actions Eupatorium odoratum Sumyo During cut injury, crushed leaves of Linn. yumrang, Year round 20. E. odoratum are applied to the cut 0.02 S W K (Asteraceae) Asamia, (leaves) injury. RFRIH-161 Banmara Flemingia strobilifera For ringworm infection, plant Roxb. Year round (dried K, 21. Makhiyati extract is applied over the infected 0.03 S Pl (Papilionaceae) roots) MK area three times daily until cure. RFRIH-141 A decoction of the root is a laxative Homonia riparia Lour. K, Hil-kadam, and diuretic and is used in piles, Year round 22. (Euphorbiaceae) 0.03 S W Ms, Tuipui-sulhla stone in the bladder, gonorrhea, (roots) RFRIH-162 Mk syphilis and thirst. Flower use to treat menstrual Magolia cramps, improve respiratory health, Borhomthuri pterocarpa Roxb. Syn. detoxify the body, boost cognition, sopa, Thou- Year round K, 23. M. sphenocaroa prevent cancer, soothe the digestive 0.03 T W Thouwa, (flower & bark) MK (Magnoliaceae) system, stimulate the appetite, Doloi sopa RFRIH-132 reduce stress, and protect against severe allergic reactions. Nymphaea nouchali Burm. flower mainly used to treat Year round H K, 24. Kumud 0.07 Wl/Pl (Nymphaeaceae) indigestion (flower) (Aquatic) Ms RFRIH-193 For curing allergy, O. sanctum and Ocimum sanctum Linn. C. domestica plant extract are Year round (leaf, 25. (Lamiaceae) Tulosi, Tulsi 0.08 H Pl K applied on the affected areas thrice root, stem,branch) RFRIH-119 daily, till recovery. Polygala chinensis L. Infusion of leaves given in asthma; Year round K, 26. ( Polygalaceae) Meradu 0.06 H W roots used in fever and dizziness. (whole plant) Ms RFRIH-108 For curing allergy, finely crushed Z. Saccharum officinarrm officinale mixed with old molasses December - May Ms, 27. Linn. (Poaceae) Kuhiyar obtained from S. officinarum is 0.03 H Pl (stem) Mk RFRIH-169 applied over the affected part, three times daily, until cure. Stellaria media L. used to treat constipation, upset Year round Ms, 28. (Caryophyllaceae) Morolia stomach and to promote digestion; 0.05 H Pl (whole plant) Mk RFRIH-85 it also used in lung problems The bark is acrid, sweet, digestive, astringent to the bowels, Syzygium cumini (L) anthelmintic and used for the K, Year round; July- 29. Skeeis (Myrtaceae) Jamo treatment of sore throat, bronchitis, 0.02 T Pl Ms, August (fruits) RFRIH-278 asthma, thirst, biliousness, Mk dysentery and ulcers. It is also a good blood purifier. Trichosanthes anguina During epilepsy, outer portion of T. Linn. anguina fruit is crushed and pills Year round (roots, K, 30. Tumpat 0.05 V (vine) Pl/W (Cucurbitaceae) made out of it are taken three times leaves & fruits) Ms RFRIH-157 daily. Triumfetta rhomboidea Jacquem. treat stomachache, indigestion, and Year round (stem 31. soru ogora 0.06 S W Ms (Tiliaceae) to treat fever during menstruation & leaves) RFRIH-143 Vetiveria zizanioides L. Khas-Khas is used to treat Year round 32. (Poaceae) Birina gastrointestinal disorders like 0.08 H Pl/W Ms (whole plant) RFRIH-185 flatulence and indigestion Vigna mungo (Linn.) For backache, powdered seeds of V. October-March Ms, 33. Paret 0.09 H Pl Hepper mungo mixed with small amount of (Seeds) Mk ~ 160 ~ Journal of Medicinal Plants Studies

(Fabaceae) warm mustard oil are applied on RFRIH-163 affected part, for an hour. The same is repeated twice daily for a week. Using portion of V. negundo is Vitex negundo Linn. Pochotia, crushed finely and applied over the Year round Ms, 34. (Verbenaceae) 0.01 S W Nisinda infected eczema portion thrice (seeds) Mk RFRIH-178 daily. Frequent or Sparse The juice of young leaves has been used to treat gonorrhoea and as a cough medicine. The leaf juice Gmelina arborea L. has also been used externally to May-June (fruits), K, 35. (Verbenaceae) Gomari treat ulcers. A paste of the leaves year round 0.01 T Pl/W Ms RFRIH-113 has been applied to treat headaches (leaves) associated with fever; fruit has been included in cooling decoctions given for fevers. Gnetum montanam Mameilet, The root is used as a general MGF. Year round K, 36. thanlping- antidote to poisons and also used as 0.09 WL Pl/W (Gnetaceae) (roots) Ms rhui a remedy for malaria. RFRIH-118 For diabetes, about 6cc of using portion of B. cieba and O. indicum Jul.-Aug. Oroxylum indicum (L.) Ghila yesing, are crushed and soaked in two litre (flower);Oct.- Bent. 37. Kanaidingi, of water for whole night and the Dec. (fruit); 0.09 T Pl/W Ms (Bignoniaceae) Totola decoction is administered in the yearround (root, RFRIH-142 morning after breakfast on alternate bark, leaf) days for about two weeks. Rare Improves sperm and semen quantity Dioscorea bulbifera L. Tubers harvest Kathalu, Mati and quality; helpful in throat C 38. (Dioscoreaceae) during winter i.e. 0.05 W K alu infection and related disorders; (climber) RFRIH-167 Dec.- Jan. improves strength and immunity. The fruits and the juice of the plant are traditionally used for the treatment of Diabetes Mellitus, to Dillenia indica L. treat dandruff and falling hairs; bark K, 39. (Dilleniaceae) owtenga April-July (fruits) 0.02 T Pl/W and leaves were mixed and given Ms RFRIH-174 orally for the treatment of cancer and diarrhea and also used as a laxative and astringent. Hodgsonia macrocarpa The ashes from burnt leaves are K, (BI.) Cogn. Thebou-lata, also used to heal wounds; the fruit Year round 40. 0.02 V W Ms, (Cucurbitaceae) taponguti bulb is applied to bacterial (levaes & fruits) Mk RFRIH-183 infections in the feet. Oxalis corniculata Botene It is very effective herb used for Year round K, 41. Linn. (Oxalidaceae) 0.01 H W tengeshi treating stomach and liver problems (whole plant) Ms RFRIH-107 Stephania The leaves of this plant are used as hernandifolia (Wild.) a purgative and emetic, whereas the Year round Ms, 42. Walp. Tubuki lota roots are employed in the treatment 0.03 H W (whole plant) Mk (Menispermaceae) of roundworm, menorrhagia RFRIH-79 and boils. Stereospermum It is used in snake bite, scorpion personatum (Hassk) Year round (root Parul, Parolli, bite, vomiting etc. It is also used for 43. Chatt. bark, flowers and 0.01 H W Ms Pareya-auwal neuro-protective and hepato- (Bignoniaceae) tender fruits) protective benefits. RFRIH-206 Flower expectorant; their infusion Urena lobata L. used in aphthae and sore throat; Year round 44. (Malvaceae) Sampakpi 0.01 H W Ms decoction of stem and roots used (whole plant) RFRIH-192 for flatulent colic. Rare or Sparse Terminalia bellirica It has also been used for asthma, Roxb. March - May 45. bauri bile duct disorders, scorpion stings, 0.06 T W Mk (Combretaceae) (fruits) and poisonings RFRIH-201 Fuits are anti-inflammatory and Terminelia astringent in nature and it is also K, chebula Retz. 46. Haritaki helpful in urinary tract infections; Jan. - Mar. (fruits) 0.09 T W Ms, (Combretaceae) also effecetive in gout, asthma and Mk RFRIH-84 hiccups. ~ 161 ~ Journal of Medicinal Plants Studies

Sparse or Less Frequent Adhatoda is useful for curing coughs, colds and asthma and Adhatoda vasica Nees Titabahak, Sept.- Feb. powdered leaves used for skin K, 47. (Acanthaceae) Bahak, (leaves, roots & 0.03 S W infections, leaves are rich in Vit. C Ms RFRIH-159 Konkani flower) (uptp 250 mg/100g) and carotine (450µg/100g) Artemisia nilagirica Leaveas and flowering tops used in (Cl.) pamp. asthma, alos leaves are used to Ms, 48. Nilum Aug.-Oct. (fruits) 0.02 H Pl (Asteraceae) prepare a local hair-care Mk RFRIH-182 lotion Chinghi For diabetes, about 6cc of using portion of B. cieba and O. indicum Bombax ceiba Linn. are crushed and soaked in two litre May-Jun. (fruits); K, 49. (Bombacaceae) Singi, Semul of water for whole night and the Year round (leaf, 0.02 T Pl/W Ms RFRIH- 118 decoction is administered in the root) morning after breakfast on alternate days for about two weeks. Cleome gynandra L. The leaves also have antioxidative Year round Ms, 50. (Cleomaceae) Bhutmulla properties that can help with 0.02 H W (leaves) Mk RFRIH-106 inflammatory diseases. Rhizome-use as stimulant, tonic, Curcuma domestica Rhozome stomachic and depurative; for Valeton harvested when K, 51. Halodhi curing allergy, C. domestica plant 0.04 H Pl (Zinigiberaceae) foliage dies in MK extract are applied on the affected RFRIH-191 winter areas thrice daily, till recovery. Garcinia tinctoria (Dc.) Cuithekera, Wight A decoction of rind is given in April- July Ms, 52. Kangach, 0.02 T Wl/P () rheumatism and bowel complaints. (Fruits) Mk Kujithekera RFRIH-115 Hiptage benqhalensis Leaves used in cutaneous diseases, K, (L.) Kurz. leaf juice insecticidal used in Year round 53. Kerek-lata 0.01 Cr W Ms, (Malpighiaceae) scrabies; vine used in chronic (whole plant) Mk RFRIH-250 rheumatism and asthma Lasia spinosa Thw. Syn. L. heterophylla Plant use for colic rheumatism and K, Year round 54. Schott; L. aculeata Kanta kachu intestinal diseases; juice of root- 0.03 H Pl/W Ms, (whole plant) Lour. (Araceae) stock used for piles. Mk RFRIH-133 During indigestion, sufficient amount of young leaf and stem of Leucas aspera Spreng. L. aspera are given to eat as K, Year round 55. (Lamiaceae) Takom Kori vegetable with rice for first two 0.03 H W Ms, (whole plant) RFRIH-172 days. From third day 3 to 4 fruits of Mk E. officinalis are given to eat. It is continued for a week. Herb use in disease of liver, spleen, Portulaca oleracea L kidney and bladder, also in cardio- Year round K, 56. (Portulacaceae) malbhog xaak vascular disease, dysuria, 0.02 H Pl/W (whole plant) Ms RFRIH-101 haematuria, sore nipples and mouth ulcer. Arena, Using portion of R. communis is Mar.-April Ricinus communis Aranda, crushed finely and applied over the (fruit/seed);year Ms, 57. Linn. (Euphoriaceae) 0.03 S W Varenda, infected eczema portion thrice round (leaf, Mk RFRIH-105 Rahari daily. branches Salmalia malabarica Gum is used to relieve sores and Schott & Endl. 58. Simolu wounds on the skin, bladder Year round (gum) 0.02 T Pl/W Ms (Bombacaceae) disorders and gonorrhea RFRIH-75 For constipation, powdered S. Sesamum indicum Linn. indicum ripe and dry seeds mixed August - October Ms, 59. (Pedaliaceae) Til with equal amount of S. officinarum 0.07 H Pl (Sesame oil) Mk RFRIH-99 molasses is given thrice daily for two days. Leaves are used for the treatment of Sterculia villosa Roxb. impotency; the bark and the petiole Year round 60. (Sterculiaceae) oudal 0.01 T W Ms are used as a remedy in seminal (leaves, bark) RFRIH-81 weakness in Jointiapur of Sylhet. used in traditional medicine as a Tamarix dioica Roxb. diuretic and a carminative, as an Year round (galls 61. (Tamariacaceae) Jhau, lal-jhau 0.01 S Pl Mk astringent, and for the treatment of & twigs) RFRIH-334 inflammation of the liver and ~ 162 ~ Journal of Medicinal Plants Studies

spleen. An extract of the leaves has been shown to have antifungal activity Scientific name (Family) & specimen number; 2- Vernacular name; 3-Use; 4-Time of collection & part used 5- Use value; 6- Plant form, 7- Conservation status; 9-Growing status; 10-Community using the species (Ms-Mishing, K-Karbi, Mk-Mikirs); T- tree; S- ; H- herb; C- climber; Cr- creeper; V-Vine; WL-Woody liana; W- wild; Pl-Planted.

Table 2: Ethnobotanical species richness used by forest fringe dwellers

1 2 3 4 5 6 Poaceae, Zingiberaceae, Rauwolfia serpentine, Ocimum sanctum, Vetiveria zizanioides, H 26 24 20 Dioscoreaceae, Lamiaceae Dioscorea alata, Nymphaea nouchali, Sesamum indicum, Oroxylum indicum. T 17 16 16 Bombacaceae Randia spinosa, Emblica officinalis S 10 10 9 Euphorbiaceae Triumfetta rhomboidea V 4 4 4 Cucurbitaceae Gnetum montanam C 3 3 3

Cr 1 1 1

Total 61 58 53

1- Plant Form, 2- Richness, 3-Total Genera, 4- Total Families, 5- Dominant family, 6- Dominant species utilized-, T-Tree, S-Shrub, H-Herb, C- Climber, Cr-Creeper, V-Vine.

In term of conservation status of wild medicinal plants, it was Common, 3% were Rare and 2% were both Abundant and observed that, out of the total recorded species, 38 % were Endangered. (Fig. 3) frequent, 25% were Sparse or less frequent, 15% were

Fig 3: Conservation Status of Wild medicinal plants in Forest fringe villages

Ethnobotanical Uses followed by Cissampelos pereira and Magolia The medicinal plant species use richness of different pterocarpa which were used to cure 7 ailments each whereas, communities residing in fringe villages of KNP reveals that approx. 5 plant species were documented to cure a single maximum number of wild plant species i.e. 49 was used by disease/ailment. Mishing tribe followed by Karbis with 35 species and least by Regarding plant part used as medicine, the usage of leaf has Mikir with 33 species (figure 4). Also, majority of them were shown highest percentage (20%) followed by Flower (18%), used to cure multiple problems (Table 1) like Costus root/ rhizome (17%), Whole plant (13%), Flower and Stem speciosus, Terminalia chebula, Flacourtia janqomas, (7%), seed (5%), bark and tuber (4%), branches (2%) and Homonia riparis, Randia spinosa, and Curcuma domestica gum (1%) (Fig. 4). were used to treat maximum (10-12) number of diseases

Fig 4: Plant Part use as medicine (in %), L-Leaf, Fr-Fruit, Rt/Rz- Roots/ Rhizome, WP- Whole Plant, Fl- Flower, St- Stem, Sd- Seed, Bk- Bark, Tb- Tuber, Br-Branch, G-Gum. ~ 163 ~ Journal of Medicinal Plants Studies

Portulaca oleracea (Herb) Leucas aspera (Herb)

Cleome gynandra (Herb) Polygala chinensis (Herb)

Rauwolfia serpentina (Herb Vetiveria zizanioides (Herb)

Tamarixdioica (Shrub) Vitexnegundo (Shrub) ~ 164 ~ Journal of Medicinal Plants Studies

Garcinia tinctoria (Tree) Gmelina arborea (Tree)

Bombaxceiba (Tree) Randiaspinosa (Tree)

Fig 5-16: Photographs of some of the recorded Ethnobotanical plants.

Regarding application of plant product, they are either applied (Shtub) were most extensively utilized. Among the tribal Externally (E) or consumed Internally (I) or in both ways. community, Mishings tribes (49) use maximum number of Internal application of plants products by tribals is more ethnobotanical plant species followed by Karbis (35) and frequent (48%) in the present study area than external Mikirs tribes (33). Majority of the plant species (38) have applications (29%) whereas 21% were taken both internally more than one part that was medicinally important and and externally. Out of 32 ailments of human beings i.e. herbal majority of them used to treat multiple problems. The medicines are applied externally in 18 ailments namely cut indigenous communities mainly used leaf (21%) of the plant and wounds, body pain, boil, bone fracture, headache, joint for their ethnobotanical uses and also majority of preparation pain, toothache, snake bite etc. and taken orally in 29 ailments of the medicinal plants were consumed internally (48%). viz. bleeding, blood purification, cough and cold, diarrhoea, Several reports also recognized that leaves of the hypertension, jaundice, dysentery, fever, indigestion, ethnomedicinal plants, were used to cure majority of remedies jaundice, malaria, stress, piles, stomach pain, uterine disorders in traditional medicines (Murad et al., 2013; Mondal and etc. Samanta, 2014; Amja et al., 2015) [10, 9, 2]. As this traditional knowledge which is surviving in their Discussion culture and oral transmission through generation is vanishing The observation emanating from the study accounts that, at a faster rate, due to over exploitation, demolition of forests medicinal plants play a pivotal role in providing primary and due to shifting of rural life style. Thus, it is essential to health care services to the tribal people inhabiting Forest document this ethnical knowledge before it will wipe out and Fringe villages of the Kaziranga National Park. Among the plan for conservation of our valuable forest resources. In this total species documented, 29 % species were planted by the direction, our present study will be helpful in developing indigenous communities, 41% species growing wild or action plans for conservation, propagation, cultivation, collected from the forest for use and 29% species were both processing and marketing of different medicinal plants. Also, wild and planted. Also,it was observed that the herbs (43%) this study will going to boost the rural health care sector, as are the most important medicinal plants which are used well as going to provide better livelihood options to the tribal largely by the local people, followed by the trees (28%), people of forest fringe villages. shrubs (16%), vines (6%), climbers (5%) and creepers (2%) respectively. Among the recorded families, most predominant Acknowledgement were Poaceae & Zingiberaceae and among plant species The authors acknowledge tribals residing in fringe forest of Rauwolfiaserpentina (Herb), Gnetummontanam (Woody Kaziranga National Park of Assam for sharing traditional liana), Oroxylumindicum (Tree), Triumfettarhomboidea knowledge and their active participation during the field ~ 165 ~ Journal of Medicinal Plants Studies

study. The authors are also gratifying Dr. A.A. Mao, Scientist handbook, 2ndedn. (Cambridge University Press), 2006. Incharge, Botanical Survey of India, Shillong for their 16. The Plant List-working list of all plant species, 2013 valuable help rendered during plant identification process. http://www.theplantlist.org/ (accessed on 27 Dec. 2017). The first author is also expresses his gratitude to Dr. RSC 17. WHO. Regulatory situation of herbal medicines: a Jayraj, Director, RFRI, Jorhat for his valuable suggestions and worldwide review. World Health Organization, Geneva, help rendered during the writing of this paper. Switzerland, 2013.

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