Lesser Known Ethnomedicinal Plants of Mizoram, North East India: an Indo-Burma Hotspot Region

Full Length Research Paper

Lesser known ethnomedicinal plants of Mizoram, North East India: An Indo-Burma hotspot region

Prabhat Kumar Rai 1* and H. Lalramnghinglova 2

1Department of Environmental Sciences (FEBES), School of Earth Sciences and Natural Resource Management, Mizoram University, Tanhril, Aizawl 796009, India. 2School of Earth Sciences and Natural Resource Management Mizoram University, Tanhril, Aizawl 796009, India.

Accepted 20 January, 2010

The present paper provides first-hand information of certain ethnomedicinal plants from an Indo-Burma hotspot region (Mizoram). A total of 57 less known ethnomedicinal plant species belonging to 52 genera and 36 families were recorded from tropical evergreen forest and protected areas of Mizoram. The medical applications and conservation status of recorded plants have been described.

Key words: Traditional ecological knowledge (TEK), ethnobotany, ethnomedicinal plants, IUCN.

INTRODUCTION

The practice of ethnomedicine is an important vehicle for not avail of modern methods of treatment and they understanding indigenous societies and their relation- search for remedies from nature (Sharma et al., 2001). ships with nature (Anyinam, 1995). According to the The North Eastern (NE) IHR comprising 8 states har- World Health Organization (WHO) as many as 80% of bour more than 180 major tribal communities of the total world’s population depends today on traditional medicine 427 tribal communities found in India (Sajem et al., for their primary health care needs (Azaizeh et al., 2003). 2008). A large part of the NE India is botanically under- Recent decades have seen significant changes occurring explored or even unexplored (Jamir et al., 1999; Sharma within several aspects of ethnomedicine as a result of et al., 2001). There is a great paucity of documentation of environmental degradation and tremendous changes in medicinal plants of Mizoram, a NE state. Moreover, in modern, social, and economic systems (Anyinam, 1995). Mizoram the number of doctors and other medical staff is These factors in totality resulted in disappearance of very low in comparison to the total population (ratio doc- ethnomedicinal plants at regional as well as global scale tors to total population was 1:3415 (Sharma et al., 2001). (Baillie et al., 2003). In the light of these facts, present work aims to Ethnomedicines are of particular relevance in deve- investigate the medicinal ethnobotany of Mizoram. loping countries like India (Ali, 1999; Jamir et al., 1999; Sharma et al., 2001; Buragohain, 2008; Ignacimuthu et al., 2008), where modern health service is limited. In Study area Indian Himalayan region (IHR), the number of doctors and other medical staff is very low in comparison to the Mizoram (extended between latitude 21° 58’ - 24° 45’ and total population (Sharma et al., 2001). Moreover, the 24° 35’ N and between 92°15’ and 93°29’ E longitude) is topography of IHR is responsible for the under developed an important state of north east India, sandwiched communication system. Thus, the people of the IHR can- between Burma and Bangladesh (Figure 1) and also is a part of the 34 mega-biodiversity hotspots of the world (Rai, 2009). The altitude ranges from 500 to 2157 m. Mizoram is under direct influence of monsoon, with heavy *Corresponding author. E-mail:[email protected]. Tel: rains from May to September and an average rainfall 91-9862315981. Fax: 91-389-2330642. of245 cm per year (Sharma et al., 2001). 1302 J. Med. Plant. Res.

Figure 1. Location of study area (NE India: An Indo Burma Hotspot) and study site (Mizoram).

MATERIALS AND METHODS medicinal plants were recorded from Zingiberaceae and Euphorbiaceae (each having four species belonging to The indigenous peoples belonging to different Mizo tribes were interviewed quarterly pertaining to mode of use and identification in four genera) followed by Fabaceae, Asteraceae, and local name as per (Lalramnghinghlova, 2003). Details of the Mizo Acanthaceae (each having three species belonging to tribes with their photo plates are mentioned elsewhere two genera). Although numbers of families were quite (Lalramnghinghlova, 2003). During 2007 - 2008, we recorded these high in relation to number of recorded plants, many ethnomedicinal plants from tropical evergreen forests (Aizawl and families were represented by single ethnomedicinal plant. Kolasib forest division) and protected areas (Ngengpui and Palak Further, mode of utilization and their specific role in wildlife Sanctuaries) of Mizoram. Application of IUCN Criteria at Regional Levels was adopted for threat assessment (IUCN, 2003). curing different diseases is also given. Some of the ‘Red Voucher specimens/plant samples were deposited in the herbarium Listed species’ documented in the study area are marked of Mizoram University, Aizawl, India. (IUCN, 2009). Out of 57 plants recorded, seventeen ethnomedicinal

RESULTS plants recorded for the first time from Mizoram belonged to different threatened categories (IUCN, 2003; IUCN, A total of 57 ethnomedicinal plants from 52 genera and 2009) e.g. Ardisia polycephala (VU) , Begonia inflate 36 families which have been documented for the first time (NT) , Blumea lanceolaria (VU) , Canarium strictum (NT) , from Mizoram have been listed in the present article Cautleya gracillis (EW) , Claoxylon khasianum (NT) , (Table 1). Scientific name, local name, Family, their habit, Curcumorpha longiflora (VU) , Dalbergia pinnata (CR/VU) , IUCN conservation status in Mizoram, plant parts used Dendrobium ariaeflorum (EN) , Garcinia lancaeafolia are mentioned precisely. Maximum numbers of ethno- (EN) , Gelsemium elegans (VU) , Helicia excelsa (NT) , Rai and Lalramnghinglova 1303

Table 1. List of first time reported ethnomedicinal plants from Mizoram (NE India): An Indo-Burma hotspot.

Scientific name and Local/Mizo S.N. voucher specimen Family Habit Status Part used Mode of Utilization/Uses name number Fever and pain; Juice of Aeschynanthus crushed leaves is applied for sikkimensis Stapf. An epiphytic Rootstock leaves 1. Bawltehlantai Gesneriaceae LR inflammatory glands; infusion of EFPN undershrub and flowers flowers is taken against LR 08186 tonsilitis.

Colic problems, dyspepsia, powdered rhizome with that of Alpinia bracteata Roxb. 2. Aichal Zingiberaceae Herb LR Rhizome Zingiber officinalis with little salt LR 08187 is used for stomatitis and cough

The leaves are boiled and the Anacolosa crassipes water is used for bathing 3. Kurz. Lushainautur Olacaceae Shrub LR Leaf children suffering from measles LR 08171 and skin eruptions

Angiopteris evecta 4. (Forst.) Arthladawnpui Angiopteridaceae Terrestrial fern LR Root-stock Paste used in fracture of bone LR 08047

The bark is crushed & the juice Anogeisus acuminata is applied as antiseptic as well 5. (Roxb.) Zairum Combretaceae Tree LR Bark as haemostatics; decoction of LR 08188 the bark is taken against diarrhoea and beriberi

Aporusa octandra Decoction of bark taken at 50 (Buch Ham. Ex D. Don) ml. twice or thrice daily in case 6. Chhawntual Euphorbiaceae Small tree LR Bark Vick. of stomachache and stomach LR 00081 ulcer

Decoction of roots is used for rheumatism, Also crushed roots Ardisia paniculata in combination with Smilax 7. Roxb. Naunuar Myrsinaceae Small tree LR Root ovalifolia and Bridelia LR 08081 tomentosa is boiled with water and taken in jaundice

The roots with that of Amaranthus caudata Linn. Is Ardisia polycephala crushed and taken with cold 8. Wall. Sialtuai Myrsinaceae Small tree VU Root water when used for excess LR 08081a bleeding and with warm water for normal bleeding after child birth

The whole plant is being used in Begonia inflata Cl. Sekhupthur- the form of infusion for patients 9. Begoniaceae Herb NT Whole plant LR08094 hmul troubled with kidney and urinary troubles

Anti-cancer agent, pressed juice Blumea lanceolaria of leaves is applied on wounds 10. (Roxb.) Buarze Asteraceae Shrub VU Leaves and chronic ulcers, infusion of LR 08035 leaves is taken against dysentery

Cardiac tonic; paste from root is Blumea laciniata used against snake bite; 11. (Roxb.) Khuanglawr Asteraceae Herb LR Root and leaves simultaneously, leaves are LR 08077 crushed and the juice is applied externally on the bitten part` 1304 J. Med. Plant. Res.

Table 1. Contd

The bark is boiled with that Bombax insigne of Mangifera indica (equal part) and half cup of water is 12. Wall. Pang Bombacaceae Tree LR Bark taken twice daily in case of LR 08078 tonsillitis and other throat infections Canarium strictum 13. Roxb. Beraw Burseraceae Tree NT Bark Used in rashes LR 08062 Caulokaempferia Chakma tribes apply linearis (Wall.) Lung-ai-thing 14. Zingiberaceae Herb LR Leaf crushed leaves on the head Larsen Lalram in vertigo LR 08190 Infusion of rhizome is taken Cautleya gracillis for flatulence, colic and Herb hepatomegaly , the rhizome 15. (Smith) Dandy Pa-le Zingiberaceae EW Rhizome is eaten raw to relieve colic LR 08076 & hotness in the stomach & also used in cough Claoxylon Shrub/sm-all The paste is applied 16. khasianum Hook.f. Nagabang Euphorbiaceae NT Root tree externally tumour/cancer LR 08119 Clerodendrum 17. bracteatum Vent. Phuihnam Verbenaceae Small tree LR Leaf and root Used in diarrhoea LR 08120 Colysis hemionitidea (Wall.ex. Mett.) The rhizome constitute one 18. Presl. Kawkte-bet Polypodiaceae Fern LR Rhizome ingredient for the treatment of fracture of bone LR 08046 Curcumorpha Infusion of rhizome taken in 19. longiflora Wall. Ailaidum Zingiberaceae Herb VU Rhizome case of dysentery and LR 08133 diarrhoea Dalbergia pinnata Stomach problems, hepatitis 20. (Lour.) Tengterehrui Fabaceae Tree CR/VU Root-bark and toothache LR 08089 Dendrobium 21. ariaeflorum Naubanhlosen Orchidaceae Orchid/Shr-ub EN Stem Used as narcotic LR 08184 Combination of decoction of Desmos chinensis the roots is effectively used Scandent 22. (Lour.)* Zunindamdawi Annonaceae LR Root and leaf against painful urination. scrub LR 08095 The medicine is taken ½ cup daily Diplazium maximum The root stock is crushed and in combination the 23. (D. Don) C. Chatt. Chakawk-ei-chi Athyriaceae Fern LR Root stock mixture is applied externally LR 08048 on fracture of bone Dracena spitcata Root and 24. Roxb. Phunhring Dracenaceae Shrub LR Stomach ache young leaf LR 08041 Dysoxylum gobara Decoction of leaves and 25. (Buch.-Ham.) Merr. Thingthupui Meliaceae Tree LR Leaf and Bud buds is used as against in LR 08192 diarrhoea and dysentery Ficus semicordata Buch-Ham. Var. 26. conglomerata (roxb.) Thenpui Moraceae Small tree LR Bark and leaf Liver ailment LR 08192 Rai and Lalramnghinglova 1305

Table 1. Contd

Garcinia lancaeafolia Leaf and 27. Roxb. Pelhte Clusiaceae Tree EN Stomach ache fruit LR 08194 Gelsemium elegans Alkaloids exert analgesic and anti-inflammatory 28. Benth. Hnamtur Loganiaceae Tree VU Roots impact; Used in veterinary LR 08144 purposes Helicia excelsa Decoction of bark is used In 29. (Roxb.) Sialhma Proteaceae Tree NT Bark stomach problems LR 08010 Jasminum nervosum 30. Lour. Hrurkha Oleaceae Shrub LR Leaf Stomach ache and fever LR 08109 Laggera crispata Leafs are crushed and 31. (Vahl.) Hep. and Wd. Runhthung Asteraceae Herb LR Leaf applied on sores LR 08176 Lasianthus wallichii 32. Wight Ruih-thing Rubiaceae Shrub LR Leaf Hallucinogenic LR 08101 Lasianthus hirsutus Large shrub/small Juice of leaves applied as 33. (Roxb) Merr. Changneithing Rubiaceae LR Leaf tree haemostatics LR 08102 Lepidagathis incurva 34. F. Vangvattur Acanthaceae Herb LR Leaf Haemostatic LR 08166 Lepidagathis rigida 35. Dalz. Vangvattur Acanthaceae Herb LR Leaf Used in tooth decay LR 08167 Lepionurus sylvestris Decoction of leaves is taken 36. Bl. Anpangthuam Opiliaceae Shrub NT Leaf for diabetes LR 08168 Lindernia ruelloides Externally used for Whole Rheumatism, sciatica, skin 37. Pennell Thasuih Scrophulariaceae Herb LR plant worms, wounds and also LR 08169 internally for eye problems Lonicera macrantha 38. DC. Leihruisen Caprifoliaceae Climber LR Leaves Effective in diarrhoea LR 08163 Mallotus In jaundice and roxburghianus hepatomegaly- twigs are 39. Muell.-Arg. Zawngtenawhlung Euphorbiaceae Small tree LR Twigs boiled and the soup is taken daily/drunk 1 cup (100ml) LR 08116 twice daily Mallotus leucocarpus 40. (Kurz) Airy Shaw Sukiah Euphorbiaceae Small tree LR Root Used in colic problems LR 08087 Infusion of root is used as Millettia pachycarpa lotion for wounds, swellings toothache and sprains; 41. Benth. Rulei Fabaceae Shrub/climber LR Root decoction of the root is used LR 08179 for washing scabies and itches Millettia piscidia Wt. Used in case of infertility; (Endemic to NE 42. Ruteng Fabaceae Tree NT Root; fruit decoction of fruits (seeds) is India) used as abortifacient LR 08179a 1306 J. Med. Plant. Res.

Table 1. Contd

Leaves and root are used Mimosa pudica Linn. for pile and pistula; 43. Hlonuar Mimosaceae Herb LR Leaf and root LR 08138 decoction of root is useful in gravelliest complaint

Musa glauca Roxb. Seeds are made into beads 44. Saisu Musaceae Pseudo-tree NT Seed and put on children against LR 08133 convulsion Pajenela longifolia Leaf and stem paste used in 45. (Wall.)K. Schum. Ram-archangkawm Bignoniaceae Tree NT Leaf and stem fracture LR 08156 Parbarium hookerii Decoction of roots taken as 46. Pierre Theikelkibawr Apocynaceae Climber LR Root tea against placental LR 08122 disorders Phlogacanthus thyrsiformis (Hardw.) Used in ulcer in combination 47. Khumtiangkohha Acanthaceae Shrub LR Root Mabb. with other plants LR 08127 Piper diffusum Vahl. 48. Pawhrual Piperaceae Climber LR Leaf Stomach ache LR 08043 Pseudodrynari-a 49. coronans Ching. Awmvel Polypodiaceae Epiphyte LR Rhizome Stomach and tooth problem LR 08142 Raphidophora 50. hookeri Schott. Thiallawn Araceae Climber NT Stem Helpful in easy labour LR 08142 Stereopermum 51. neuranthum Kurz Zihaw Bignoniaceae Tree LR Wood vinegar Used in chronic ulcer LR 08145 Tarenna odorata Paste of root applied on 52. Roxb. Khalagor song Rubiaceae Shrub LR Root snake bite LR 08098 Tetracera Decoction of bark taken 53. sarmentosa Linn. Hruithingdeng Dilleniaceae Tree LR Bark orally for stomach ache LR 08019 Tetrameles nudiflora Juice of bark/leaves 54. R.Br. Thingdawl Tetramelaceae Tree LR Bark/leaf dropped into orifice against LR 08038 ottorea The leaf is crushed and the Trevetia palmate juice is taken as an effective 55. Roxb. Kawhtebel Araliaceae Small tree LR Leaf/root remedy for colic, stomach LR 08085 ache and high blood pressure Vitex peduncularis The bark is boiled and the 56. Wall. ex. Schauer. Thingkhawilu Verbenaceae Tree LR Bark water is drunk in case of LR 08017 typhoid and malarial fever Crushed roots used to Vitis bifurcate produce mucous substance 57. Hruiveikual Vitaceae Climber LR Root LR 08027 which is applied externally on swellings and sciatica

Lepionurus sylvestris (NT) , Millettia piscidia (NT) , Musa glauca (NT) , Pajenela longifolia (NT) and Raphidophora hookeri (NT). One, Cautleya gracillis was extinct in wild, two were endangered, five were vulnerable and maximum nine plant species were of nearly threatened status.

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ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS

The authors are thankful to University Grants Commis- sion (UGC) and Department of Science and Technology, Government of Mizoram for financial assistance to H. Lalramnghinglova (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 cooperation and support.

Rai and Lalramnghinglova 1307

REFERENCES