Indigenous Medicinal Plants of Northeast India in Human Health

Abstract

Objective: This study was conducted to prepare records of medicinal plants used in various traditional practices in Northeast India for the management of different diseases. Introduction: Northeastern region comprises the states of Arunachal Pradesh, Assam, Manipur, Meghalaya, Mizoram, Nagaland, Tripura, and Sikkim. Topography of the region which is the prime source of diversity of flora and fauna covering the part of natural medicine is from tropical, subtropical, temperate, and alpine regions of vegetation distribution. This topography reflects the occurrence of diverse types of medicinal plants suitable for different climatic conditions. The study deals with the medicinal plants used in the management of various prevalent diseases in Northeast India by the use of locally available herbs. Outcome: Medicinal plants distributed in the different climatic zones of Northeast are Aconitum heterophyllum, Acer palmatum, Adiantum capillus veneris, A. lunulatum, Aquilaria malaccensis, Bacopa monnieri, Berberis aristata, B. wal- lichiana, Bergenia ciliata, Curcuma caesia, C. zedoaria, Crateva nurvela, Cordyceps sinensis, Embelia ribes, Emblica officinalis, Gentiana kurroo, Gmelina arborea, Gynocardia odorata, Hydnocarpus kurzii, Nardostachys jatamansi, Panax pseudoginseng, Paris polyphylla, Picrorhiza kurrooa, Rauvolfia serpentina, Rubia manjith, Saraca asoca, Solanum nigrum, Taxus wallichiana, Terminalia arjuna, T. bellerica, T. chebula, T. citrina, Valeriana jatamansi, Zanthoxylum armatum, Z. rhetsa, Zingiber zerumbet, Z. officinale, etc. Conclusion: The commercial cultivation, systemic collection for trade is the mode through which local inhabitants may earn money for moving toward prosperity.