Pleione 11(2): 268 - 276. 2017. ISSN: 0973-9467 © East Himalayan Society for Spermatophyte doi:10.26679/Pleione.11.2.2017.268-276 Inventorization of indigenous medicinal and practices in , North East India

Zorinpuii Khiangte1 and H. Lalramnghinglova Department of Environmental Science, School of Earth Sciences and Natural Resources Management, , Aizawl-796004, Mizoram, India 1Corresponding author E-mail: [email protected] [Received 03.10.2017; Revised 08.11.2017; Accepted 21.11.2017; Published 31.12.2017]

Abstract The present study was conducted during May 2015 to June 2016 and was proposed to document the indigenous ethno-medicines, knowledge on traditional medicines and its practices among the different Mizo tribes of Mizoram, North East India. In the Mizo health care system it is observed that instead of single drug preparation the local people usually prefer 2 or more combined form of herbal formulations. A total of 82 species belonging to 50 families, 76 genera which are used in 45 formulations are documented for the treatment of different diseases like malaria, jaundice, colon ulcer, asthma, typhoid, epilepsy, tuberculosis, cardiovascular and urinary problems etc. Key words: Ethno-medicine, Formulations, Health care system, Epilepsy, Mizo

INTRODUCTION Mizoram is one of the eight states of Northeast India, the name is derived from Mi (people), Zo (hill) and Ram (land), and thus Mizoram implies “land of the hill people”. It extends from 21°58' N to 24°35' N, and 92°15' E to 93°29' E with the tropic of cancer runs nearly through the middle of the state. It has a mild climate with average annual rainfall of 254 cm (Anonymous 2011). The vegetation of Mizoram is tropical evergreen and semi-evergreen forests in the low-altitude hills; sub-tropical to montane sub-tropical in the high hills (FSI 2011). It is observed that over 99% of the interior rural population relies on herbal medicines and almost all the raw drugs are harvested from the wild plant resources (Lalramnghinglova 1998). In the remote areas due to high costs of drugs, lack of modern facilities and poor transportation, the patients are usually suffering for a long period of time. 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: 3,415). Thus, the people of the rural areas cannot take advantage of modern treatment methods and, instead, they rely on remedies from nature (Rai & Lalramnghinglova 2010). Under these conditions the herbal healers or the local healers play key role by providing them alternative medicines for their primary health care. However, the traditional knowledge and practices are fast eroding due to change in lifestyles (modernization) and disappearances of forests (shifting cultivation). Therefore, there is an urgent need to inventorize and document all ethnobotanical information before the traditional cultures are completely lost. Keeping in view the above investigation has been carried out to explore and document such invaluable traditional practices in the local health system. Zorinpuii Khiangte & H. Lalramnghinglova 269 Study Area The study was conducted at 31 villages and towns in 8 districts of the State. The study sites and their locations in their respective districts are indicated in Figure 1.

Figure 1. Location of the study sites.

MATERIALS AND METHODS The knowledge on traditional medicines was collected through questionnaires, focus group discussions and semi structured interviews. Questionnaires were prepared with the help of Data Assessment for Local Health Traditions (DALHT) suggested by North Eastern Institute of Folk Medicines (NEIFM 2011) that include detailed information including plant local name, parts used, mode of preparation and application or dosages. Conversations were done mostly through . Interpreters were taken in case of Lai, Mara, Pang, Chakma, Bru, Hmar, Ralte and Paihte languages. Prior Inform Consent was obtained from the respondents before documenting. The respondents were taken to the forests for collection of the voucher specimens, the guidelines suggested by Jain and Rao (1977) and Womersly (1981) were adopted in collection and preparation of herbarium. Plant specimens were identified with the help of available regional floras and manuals (Hooker 1872 - 1897; Kanjilal et al. 1934-1940; Singh et al. 2002, 2012; Sawmliana 2013; Lalramnghinglova 2003). The unidentified specimens are taken ASSA Herbarium for identification by matching. An effort has been made to give the latest botanical names ( 2013) and the specimens are deposited in the Herbarium of Mizoram University, Aizawl. 270 Indigenous medicinal plants and practices in Mizoram RESULTS AND DISCUSSION The collected data has been presented in Table 1, where botanical names are provided with family and references to voucher specimen and then followed by habit, disease, parts used, method of preparation/administration and dosage or mode of application.

Table 1. Enumeration of medicinal plants used in combinations by the Mizo community [Abbreviations used: T=Tree, S= Shrub, C= Climber, H=Herb]

Sl. Scientific name [Family]; Local name Habit Parts used Preparation, Administration Dosage No. Collection No. Disease & Storage 1 Anogeissus acuminata (Roxb. ex Zairum T Stomach Bark To 500 g each of barks and 2 table spoon DC.) Wall. ex Guillem. & Perr. ulcer leaves, 3 liters of water is added full (10 ml) [Combretaceae]; ZRC 22128 and boiled for 2-3 hours. The thrice daily filtrate is collected in a bottle Ficus hirta Vahl [Moraceae]; Theipui suak S Leaves ZRC 16663 2 Hedyotis scandens Roxb. Kelhnamtur C Renal Leaf stem 500 g each of the materials 100 ml [Rubiaceae]; ZRC 16633 Laikingtuibur colic boiled in 2 liters of water for 30 twice a day minutes. The filtrate is collected Phyllanthus fraternus G.L. Hlonuar in a plastic bottle for Webster []; ZRC H Root consumption 16691 Oroxylum indicum (L.) Kurz Archangkawm [Bignoniaceae]; ZRC 22109 T Bark

Callicarpa arborea Roxb. Hnahkiah [Lamiaceae]; ZRC 16692 T Bark

3 Tinospora sinensis (Lour.) Merr. Vankai-hrui C Malaria Aerial roots One long aerial root and 1 leaf 5 ml of [Menispermaceae]; ZRC 22123 are crushed and the juice is filtrate taken directly taken internally for twice a day Azadirachta indica A.Juss. Nimpata T Leaf stem malaria [Meliaceae]; ZRC 16649 4 Dillenia pentagyna Roxb. Kaihzawl T Hyperten Bark 500 g each of the materials 100 ml twice [Dilleniaceae]; ZRC 16634 sion boiled in water for about 2-3 a day before hours. The filtrate is collected in meals Derris robusta (DC.) Benth. a plastic bottle for consumption [Leguminosae]; ZRC 16664 Thingkha T Leaves or bark Cheilocostus speciosus (J.Koenig) C.D.Specht [Costaceae]; ZRC Sumbul H 16655 Leaves

Blumea lanceolaria (Roxb.) Buarze S Druce [Asteraceae]; ZRC 22101 Leaves

Phyllanthus emblica L. Sunhlu T [Phyllanthaceae]; ZRC 16656 Fruit 5 Calamus tenuis Roxb. Thilte S Malaria Tender A handful of the tender leaves One [Arecaceae]; ZRC 16665 leaves and the roots are grinded teaspoonful thoroughly and the juice is (5 ml) thrice Tinospora sinensis (Lour.) Merr. Vankai-hrui C squeezed out which is given for daily. [Menispermaceae]; ZRC 22123 Aerial roots malarial fever. 6 Callicarpa arborea Roxb. Hnahkiah T Stomach Leaves To 2 kg of leaves and barks is Taken 1 cup [Lamiaceae]; ZRC 16692 problems boiled in 4-5 liters of water in a (100 ml) Zairum steel vessel for 2-3 hrs and the twice a day Anogeissus acuminata (Roxb. ex T Bark cooled filtrate is collected in a DC.) Wall. ex Guillem. & Perr. glass bottle and stored in cool [Combretaceae]; ZRC 22128 place. 7 Callicarpa arborea Roxb. Hnahkiah T Fever Bark 500g of the bark and 20 leaves Taken 1/2 [Lamiaceae]; ZRC 16692 are boiled in water. The filtrate cup (50 ml) is mixed with 250 g of sugar for twice a day Citrus reticulata Blanco easy consumption. [Rutaceae]; ZRC16657 Serthlum T Leaves 8 Carica papaya L. [Caricaceae]; Thingfanghma T Jaundice Leaves The leaves and the aerial parts Taken 1 cup ZRC 16666 are boiled for 1 hr in water and (100 ml) the filtrate is taken internally in twice a day Euphorbia royleana Boiss. Chawng S Aerial parts jaundice. [Euphorbiaceae]; ZRC 22115 9 Centella asiatica (L.) Urb. Lambak H Blood Aerial parts Material are taken in equal 100 ml twice [Apiaceae]; ZRC 16641 purifier proportion and boiled in water a day. and the filtrate is consumed. Phyllanthus emblica L. Sunhlu T Fruit [Phyllanthaceae]; ZRC 16656 10 10 Cinchona officinalis L. Thingquinine T Malaria Leaves 500 g leaves of each species is Taken 1 Zorinpuii Khiangte & H. Lalramnghinglova 271

Sl. Scientific name [Family]; Local name Habit Disease Parts Preparation, Administration Dosage No. Collection No. used & Storage 10 Cinchona officinalis L. Thingquinine T Malaria Leaves 500 g leaves of each species is Taken 1 [Rubiaceae]; ZRC 16667 boiled for 2-3 hrs in water and tablespoon (5 the filtrate is collected in a glass ml) twice a Hoya griffithii Hook.f. bottle and kept away from day. [Apocynaceae]; ZRC 16693 Hnahchhah H Leaves sunlight. 11 Cordia fragrantissima Kurz Muk T Hyper Bark To 200 ml of sugarcane juice Taken ½ cup [Boraginaceae]; ZRC 16645 pigmentati 200 ml of rice and 250 g of bark (50 ml) twice on in are added. The mixture is then daily. Saccharum officinarum L. Fu S women Juice boiled for 1 hr and the filtrate is [Poaceae]; ZRC 16690 administered internally.

Oryza sativa L. [Poaceae]; ZRC Buh H Rice 22106 beer 12 Dalbergia pinnata (Lour.) Prain Tengtere T Accelerat- Seed The seeds in equal amounts are As desired by [Fabaceae]; ZRC 22129 ing birth grinded and taken directly. This the mixture should be made freshly medicine- Lablab purpureus (L.) Sweet Bepui C Seed before each administration man. [Fabaceae]; ZRC 22102 13 Dillenia pentagya Roxb. Kaihzawl T Dysentery Barks 500g each in equal proportions Taken 1/2 [Dilleniaceae]; ZRC 16634 and of the barks and 100g of the cup (50ml) 2 stomach aerial parts of Pudina are boiled times per Phyllanthus emblica L. Sunhlu T ulcer in 5l of water for 3-4 hrs to [Phyllanthaceae]; ZRC 16656 which 250g of sugar is added. The filtered water is then octandra (Buch .- Ham Chhawntual T administered internally for ex D.Don) Vickery stomach problems. [Phyllanthaceae]; ZRC 22116

Baccaurea ramiflora Lour. Pangkai T [Phyllanthaceae]; ZRC 16651

Psidium guajava L. [Myrtaceae]; Kawlthei T ZRC 16635

Helicia robusta (Roxb.) R.Br.ex Pasaltakaza T Blume [Proteaceae]; ZRC 16652

Mentha arvensis L. [Lamiaceae]; Pudina H Aerial ZRC 16654 parts

14 Melastoma malabatricum L. Builukham S Dysentery Leaves 1kg of the leaves and 5kg of the Twice daily [Melastomataceae] ; ZRC 22103 and barks are boiled in water for for 2 months. stomach 14hrs until a sticky fluid is Grevillea robusta A. Cunn. ex. R. Sasaw T ulcer Bark obtained. The sticky fluid is Br. [Proteaceae]; ZRC 16658 collected for consumption.

Dillenia indica L. [Dilleniaceae]; Kawrthingde T Bark ZRC 16636 ng 15 Ficus rigida Blume [Moraceae]; Sehsen T Hypertensi Bark 500g each of the materials are 1 tablespoon ZRC 16659 on boiled in 3l of water for 2-3 (5ml) 3 times hours and the filtrate is stored per day Thunbergia grandiflora (Roxb. Ex Vako C Leaves away from sunlight in a plastic Rottl.) Roxb. [Acanthaceae]; ZRC bottle. 22124 16 Carica papaya L. [Caricaceae]; Thingfanghm T Kidney Fruit 500g each of the fruits without 100ml taken ZRC 16666 a disorders the seeds and leaves boiled in 2l thrice daily. of water for 30 minutes. Morus alba L. [Moraceae]; ZRC T Leaves 16668 Thingtheihm u

17 Helicia robusta (Roxb.) R.Br. ex Pasaltakaza T Stomach Root The root bark of Helicia robusta Taken 50ml Blume [Proteaceae]; ZRC 16652 ulcer are scrapped and dried without twice daily. sunlight. In a large vessel 500g each of the materials are boiled Aporosa octandra (Buch.-Ham. ex Chhawntual T Bark in 10l of water for 3-4 hours and D.Don) Vickery [Phyllanthaceae]; the filtrate is kept in a cold ZRC 22116 storage.

Callicarpa arborea Roxb. Hnahkiah T Bark [Lamiaceae]; ZRC 16692

Schima wallichii (DC.) Korth Khiang T Bark [Theaceae]; ZRC 16637

Dillenia pentagya Roxb. Kaihzawl T Bark [Dilleniaceae]; ZRC 16634 18 (Roxb.) R.Br. ex Pasaltakaza T Uterus Root- Root bark 1kg dried, bark 1kg Taken 50ml 272 Indigenous medicinal plants and practices in Mizoram

Sl. Scientific name [Family]; Local name Habit Disease Parts Preparation, Administration Dosage No. Collection No. used & Storage 18 Helicia robusta (Roxb.) R.Br. ex Pasaltakaza T Uterus Root- Root bark 1kg dried, bark 1kg Taken 50ml Blume [Proteaceae]; ZRC 16652 problems bark each, 500g of leaves, root 100g, twice daily. Root stock around 1.6 inch in diameter are boiled in 3l of Aporosa octandra Buch.-Ham ex Chhawntual T water with 1 tablespoon of sugar D. Don [Phyllanthaceae]; ZRC Bark for 3-4 hrs. The water is then 22116 filtered out with a thin cotton cloth and stored in a plastic Baccaurea ramiflora Lour. Pangkai T bottle. [Phyllanthaceae]; ZRC 16651 Bark

Cajanus cajans (L.) Millsp. [Leguminosae]; ZRC 22104 Behliang S Leaves Thysanolaena latifolia (Roxb. ex Hornem.) Honda [Poaceae]; ZRC 16694 Hmunphiah S Root

Mangifera indica L. [Anacardiaceae]; ZRC 16669 Theihai T Bark Dioscorea alata L. [Dioscoreaceae]; ZRC 22117 Changchald C awn Lepionurus sylvestris Blume bal/rambach Root [Opiliaceae]; ZRC 22110 him S stock

Anpangthua m Root 19 Helicia robusta (Roxb.) R.Br. ex Pasaltakaza T Used as Bark The barks of Helicia robusta are Taken as Blume [Proteaceae]; ZRC 16652 vitamins scrapped and sun dried. The convenient fruits of gooseberry are also by the Sunhlu T Fruit sundried excluding the seeds. patient. Phyllanthus emblica L. The leaves are also sundried. [Phyllanthaceae]; ZRC 16656 These 500g each of the sundried

materials are then mixed Girardinia palmata L. Kangthai S Leaves thoroughly. The infusion of [Urticaceae]; ZRC 16638 these plants is then taken as vitamins.

20 Inula cappa (Buch.-Ham. ex Buarthau H Colon Aerial 600g of the aerial parts and Taken 5ml D.Don) DC. [Compositae]; ulcer parts 400g of root stock are grinded twice daily ZRC 22105 and the juice is squeezed out and taken directly for ulcer. Aieng H Curcuma longa L. Root [Zingiberaceae]; ZRC 22111 stock 21 Jasminum nervosum Lour. Maufimhlo H Regulation Aerial 2kg of rice is cooked and cooled 1 tablespoon [Oleaceae]; ZRC 16646 of parts, down to which 50g of yeast is (5ml) 5 times menstrual added and put it in a steel per day. Oryza sativa L. [Poaceae]; ZRC Buh (Zufang) H cycle in container.1 medium sized plant 22106 women and Juice of of Jasminum nervosum is also for the inserted. The lid is sealed tightly kidney Fermen and after 4 days the water that problems ted is collected from the bottom of rice/ the container is taken for Rice consumption. beer 22 Lobelia angulata G. Forst Choakthi H Sore gums Fruit 3-4 fruits and leaves are grinded Applied for [Campanulaceae]; ZRC 22118 and make it into a thick paste. It about 15-20 is applied directly inside the minutes. mouth. Persicaria chinensis (L.) H. Gross Taham H Leaves [Polygonaceae]; ZRC 16670 23 Melocanna baccifera (Roxb.) Mautak T Sore throat Vinega 1l each of vinegar is 5ml of the Kurz [Poaceae]; ZRC 16647 r mixed with 1l of fresh neembu mixture juice and dilute with water. diluted with Citrus aurantifolia Swingle Nimbu S 5ml of water [Rutaceae]; ZRC 16650 Fruit taken thrice daily. 24 Mimosa pudica L. [Leguminosae]; Hlonuar H Kidney Leaves The leaves are boiled in equal Taken 100ml ZRC 16691 problems proportions in large quantity for twice daily. 1 hour and the filtrate is taken Hedyotis scandens Roxb. Kelhnamtur/ internally in kidney problems. [Rubiaceae]; ZRC 16633 Laikingtuibu C Leaves r Elaeagnus pyriformis Hook.f. [Elaeagnaceae]; ZRC16660 S Leaves Sarzuk Zorinpuii Khiangte & H. Lalramnghinglova 273

Sl. Scientific name [Family]; Local name Habit Disease Parts Preparation, Administration Dosage No. Collection No. used & Storage 25 Momordica charantia L. Changkha C Scabies Aerial 200g each of the aerial parts are Dressing is [Cucurbitaceae]; ZRC 22119 parts boiled in 1l of water for 30 mins done only in and the cooled filtrate is applied the morning. Scoparia dulcis L. externally for dressing scabies. [Plantaginaceae]; ZRC16653 Perhpawngc H Aerial haw parts 26 Piper beetle L. [Piperaceae]; ZRC Panhnah C Asthma Leaves 20 leaves of Piper beetle, 100g 1 tablespoon 22125 of root stock, 100g of the other (5ml) twice leaves are grinded and the juice daily. In Zingiber officinale Roscoe Sawhthing H Root is squeezed out which is taken severe cases [Zingiberaceae]; ZRC 16661 stock directly. This mixture should be thrice daily. made freshly for each Ampelocissus latifolia Roxb. Hruipawl C administration. Planch [Vitaceae]; ZRC 16695 Leaves

Prunus domestica L. [Rosaceae]; Japan theite T Leaves ZRC 22126 27 Prunus undulata Buch. – Ham. ex Theiarlung T Heart Leaves 500g of the leaves and 7 leaves Taken 50ml D.Don [Rosaceae]; ZRC 16671 problems , of Pudina are boiled in 1l of twice daily. water and the filtrate is taken Mentha arvensis L. [Lamiaceae]; Pudina H Aerial internally ZRC 16654 parts 28 Rhus chinensis Mill. Khawmhma T Unhealthy Fruit 500ml each of the juices of both 1 tablespoon [Anacardiaceae]; ZRC 16639 babies the plants are mixed in equal (5ml) twice quantity and taken along with daily Centella asiatica (L.) Urb. Aerial sugar for easy consumption. [Apiaceae]; ZRC16641 Lambak H parts 29 Senecio scandens Buch.-Ham. Ex Saiekhlo C Wounds Aerial The materials are grinded in Applied only D. Don [Compositae]; ZRC 16662 parts equal proportions and make into once in order thick paste. The paste is applied to prevent Scoparia dulcis L. directly onto wounds or the infection. [Plantaginaceae]; ZRC 16653 Perhpawngc H Aerial juices are squeezed out and haw parts applied directly. 30 Sesamum indicum L. Chhawhchhi H Bald hair Seed In equal proportions the oils are Applied [Pedaliaceae]; ZRC 22120 and oil mixed and applied externally whenever it rejuvenatio is convenient Olea europaea L. [Oleaceae]; ZRC Olive T n of skin Seed by the 42200 oil medicine- men. 31 Smilax glabra Roxb. Tluang-ngil C Arthritis, A small 2kg of rice is cooked and cooled 1 cup [Smilacaceae]; ZRC 16672 sciatica portion down to which 50g of yeast is (100ml) of the added and put it in a steel taken every Oryza sativa L. [Poaceae]; Buh H green container. A portion of the day before ZRC 22106 twigs green twig of Smilax glabra bed. Juice of mostly 2 inch long is also the inserted. The lid is sealed tightly fermen and after 4 days the water that is ted rice collected from the bottom of the container is taken for consumption. 32 Asparagus racemosus Willd. Arkezungba H Whooping Root The materials are boiled for 30 Taken once [Asparagaceae]; ZRC 22112 wk cough stock mins and the filtrate is collected in a day in in a plastic bottle. 100ml.

Justicia adhatoda L. S [Acanthaceae]; ZRC 22121 Chhawldai Leaves 33 Vitex peduncularis Wall. ex Thingkhawil T Typhoid 2-3 kg each of the leaves are 100ml thrice Schauer [Lamiaceae]; ZRC 16673 u Leaves boiled in 5l of water and after 1- daily. 2 hours the cooled filtrate is taken internally. It can be stored Haldina cordifolia (Roxb.) T for a long period of time if kept Ridsdale [Rubiaceae]; ZRC 16644 Lungkhup(A Leaves in a cold storage. zik sen) 34 Ananas comosus (L.) Merr. Lakhuihthei H Hiccups Fruits The outer scales of the fruits are As [Bromeliaceae]; ZRC 16643 removed and 2-3 small grinded convenient seeds of Piper nigrum are added by the Piper nigrum L. [Piperaceae]; Thinghmarc H Seed and taken directly. patient. ZRC 16674 ha 35 Cinnamomum verum J.Presl Thakthing T Jaundice Root The materials are grinded and 50ml taken [Lauraceae]; ZRC 16675 bark boiled to which sugar is added. twice per The water is then filtered out day. Root with a thin piece of cotton cloth. Curcuma longa L. Aieng H stock [Zingiberaceae]; ZRC 22111 36 Azadirachta indica A. Juss Nimpata T Ringworm Leaves 2-3 leaves are first burnt in fire As [Meliaceae]; ZRC 16649 the ashes are then collected convenient which is grinded with 7-8 drops by the Cocos nucifera L. [Arecaceae]; Coconut T Oil of coconut oil. It is applied patient. ZRC 22122 directly. 274 Indigenous medicinal plants and practices in Mizoram

Sl. Scientific name [Family]; Local name Habit Disease Parts Preparation, Administration Dosage No. Collection No. used & Storage 37 Gossypium hirsutum L. La S Enlarged Seed Root stock are first dried in Applied once [Malvaceae]; ZRC 16642 serrotum sunlight which is then grinded in a day. with the seeds in equal Zingiber officinale Roscoe Root proportions and applied [Zingiberaceae]; ZRC 16661 Sawhthing H stock externally on the affected areas. 38 Cheilocostus speciosus (J.Koenig) Sumbul H Kidney Root The materials are grinded in 50 ml once a C.D.Specht [Costaceae]; ZRC stone equal proportions and boiled. day. 16655

Mimosa pudica L. [Leguminosae]; Hlonuar H Root ZRC16691

Catharanthus roseus (L.) G. Don Kumtluang S Leaves [Apocynaceae]; ZRC 16640 39 Parkia timoriana (DC.) Merr. Zawngtah T Anthelmint Bark The materials in equal Taken in a [Leguminosae]; ZRC 22130 hic proportions are grinded and small amount taken directly. once a day. Mangifera indica L. Theihai T Bark [Anacardiaceae]; ZRC 16669 40 Solanum anguivi Lam. Tawkte S Epilepsy Root One medium sized root is 50 ml once a [Solanaceae]; ZRC 16676 grinded and bring it to boil with day. a handful of rice. The filtrate is Oryza sativa L. [Poaceae]; ZRC Buh H Rice- then taken internally for 22106 water epilepsy. 41 Breonia chinensis (Lam.) Capuron Banphar T Tuberculos Bark 1kg of the barks and 30 tender 1 cup [Rubiaceae]; ZRC 22107 is leaves are crushed and boiled (100ml) with 3l of water which is then thrice per day cooled down and the filtrate is for 15 days. Vitex peduncularis Wall. ex Thingkhuailu T Tender collected in a glass bottle. The patient Schauer [Lamiaceae]; ZRC 16673 leaves must not eat any meat during these 15 days. 42 Musa x paradisiaca L. Balhla T Ear Tender 500g of the barks and 1 large 1-2 drops [Musaceae]; ZRC 22108 problems leaves tender leaf are crushed and the once in a day. juice is squeezed out and Derris robusta (DC.) Benth. Thingkha T Bark applied into the ear. [Leguminosae]; ZRC 16677 43 Boesenbergia longiflora (Wall.) Ailaidum H Sinus Root One medium sized root stock 1-2 drops Kuntze [Zingiberaceae]; ZRC stock and 50ml of the seed oil are once in a day 22113 crushed and the oily water obtained from it is collected and dropped into the nose. Sesamum indicum L. Chhawhchhi S Seed [Pedaliaceae]; ZRC22121 oil 44 lanceolaria Roxb. Druce Buarze S Ovary Leaves The leaves and the whole plants 10ml twice a [Compositae] ; ZRC 22101 disorders are boiled for 3 hours to which day for 40 1l of the pounded juice of the days. Phyllanthus fraternus G.L. rhizome is added along with Webster. [Phyllanthaceae]; ZRC Mitthisunhlu H Whole 250g of the root bark. It is boiled 16648 for 1 hr and filtered out for consumption with 1 teaspoon of Scoparia dulcis L. Perhpwngch H Whole honey. [Plantaginaceae]; ZRC 16653 aw

Curcuma longa L. Aieng H Rhizo [Zingiberaceae]; ZRC 22111 me

Rotheca serrata (L.) Steane & Phuihnam S Root Mabb. [Lamiaceae]; ZRC 22127 chhia bark 45 Trichosanthes cucumerina L. Berul C Fever Leaves The materials in equal 1 cup [Cucurbitaceae]; ZRC 22131 proportions are crushed and (100ml) boiled. The filtrate is taken as twice daily. medicine for fever. Marsdenia macrophylla (Humb. & Ankhapui C Leaves Bonpl. ex Schult.) E.Fourn.

[Apocynaceae]; ZRC 22114 In the present study a total of 82 plant species belonging to 76 genera from 50 families, which are used in 45 formulations are documented. Plants are mostly collected from the wild whereas some of the species are cultivated at home gardens. Therefore home gardens played an important role in the conservation of these medicinal plants. Taxonomic analysis shows that Poaceae, Lamiaceae, Phyllanthaceae and Rubiaceae are the highest utilized family that contribute 4 species each, followed by Fabaceae, Apocynaceae and Zingiberaceae contributing 3 species each, whereas the rest are less Zorinpuii Khiangte & H. Lalramnghinglova 275 represented. In most of the formulations fresh water is used as the main solvent. Of the 45 formulations 5 are reported to be administered externally while the rest are used/ administered internally. The doses are usually measured in terms of teaspoonful (5 ml), tablespoon (10 ml) and a cup or half of a cup (100 ml or 50 ml). Callicarpa arborea is used in 5 formulations for the treatment of stomach problems like renal colic, stomach ulcer etc. Shankar & Rawat (2012) also reported that it is used for treating colic ulcer in the western part of Mizoram. In Malaysian Traditional medicine this plant is used effectively for the treatment of stomach pain and dysentery (Alsarhan et al. 2014). Helicia robusta and Phyllanthus emblica are also used in 4 formulations respectively. It is observed that instead of single drug, the local people usually prefer medicines prepared from 2 or more species as they thought that these combined medicines are more powerful. This is also generally followed by most of the herbal healers. Some herbal healers are very difficult to approach while some freely shared their knowledge. At present the traditional knowledge about herbal medicines is vanishing rapidly due to change in lifestyles or westernization and many Government implemented health projects. Instead of practicing the traditional methods, the present generations usually prefer using allopathic medicines. However in some cases these herbal medicines are also used to run a small scale business but the costs are usually much low compared to allopathic medicines.

CONCLUSION The present study is an attempt to document the different types of plants used by the herbal healers of Mizoram for the treatment of various ailments or diseases. However, the recorded formulations need to be scrutinized clinically and observed pharmacologically. Phytochemical analysis of this knowledge is very important in order to validate these folklore claims.

Acknowledgements The authors are thankful to the herbal practitioners, knowledgeable persons and the community people for sharing their valuable knowledge and information. Their assistance and guidance during the field work are also deeply acknowledged. Authorities of Botanical Survey of India, Eastern Circle, Shillong are also thankfully acknowledged for their kind help in consulting Herbarium.

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