Traditional Healing Practices Research Articles

Cultural and Civilizational Ties between India and China Today

From the second half of the 20th century bilateral relations between India and China have not received adequate coverage in domestic and foreign science. India and China, due to the strengthening of their economies and the gradual increase in political weight in the world arena, are increasingly viewed as geopolitical rivals, with the emphasis shifting from their bilateral to regional cooperation. It is notable that there are almost no articles on the cultural and civilizational ties between the countries. First of all, this is due to the limited nature of these contacts determined by a number of geopolitical and historical reasons. The countries separated by the world tallest mountain range developed independently from one another with little interaction between them, and it was not until the second half of the 20th century that these Asian powerhouses established solid relations. The bipolar period, in fact, formed the countries’ ambiguous perception of each other, which in many respects continues to restrain cooperation not only in the cultural sphere, but also in other areas. In addition, China and India themselves tend to pay little attention to this lack of communication, since at this stage and in the context of mistrust and rivalry cultural and civilizational ties are not a priority. Even statistics are scarce in both Indian and Chinese sources. At the same time, it is this line of cooperation that might somewhat smooth out the contradictions that have accumulated between the countries in other areas and contribute to a better understanding of each other. Because of intensifying personal contacts between the citizens of both countries and growing importance of the media sphere this mutual understanding is of utmost importance. This article aims to fill the gap that exists today in the scientific field regarding the dialogue of cultures between Delhi and Beijing. The author examines the main elements of cultural cooperation between the two countries and identifies the key problems they face today, as well as points out the opportunities for rapprochement based on the areas that make possible the development of appropriate interaction: religion, traditional health practices, similarities in the political outlook, large expatriot communities, education, art and tourism.

Perceptions about malaria among Brazilian gold miners in an Amazonian border area: perspectives for malaria elimination strategies

BackgroundMining in the Amazon exposes gold miners to various diseases, including malaria, whose control is still a major challenge. The environment of the mines contributes to the proliferation of vector mosquitoes and the precarious housing conditions facilitate transmission of the disease. Understanding gold miners’ perceptions is essential for the formulation of strategies to fight malaria. A qualitative study was carried out in the municipality of Calçoene, state of Amapá, Brazilian Amazon adjointining the municipality of Oiapoque, that is in the border area with French Guiana and Suriname.MethodsA semi-structured interview was applied to an intentional sample of 29 miners, a number determined by the theoretical saturation criterion. Thematic analysis was adopted to obtain the results and the Cohen's Kappa index was calculated to verify the agreement between observers during coding.ResultsThe agreement between observers was verified by a Cohen's Kappa index of 0.82. Analysis of the interviews showed that gold miners were subjected to prejudice from the community due to forest diseases that they can transmit, and their activities are often associated with crime. When the miners return to their hometown after a period of mining, the urban population blames them for the onset of diseases such as malaria. Most participants in the survey did not know how malaria transmission occurs, and associated its occurrence with contaminated water and food. Participants reported not being afraid of the disease, trusting the diagnosis and available treatment, though this depends on where they are treated. The use of therapeutic resources, such as medicinal plants and medicines acquired in the illegal market, is very common in this population. Despite the challenges identified by the research subjects, they believe that the disease can be controlled, or the cases reduced, but there was low acceptability for a possible mass drug administration (MDA) intervention.ConclusionDespite a recent reduction in malaria prevalence in Brazil, there are still vulnerable populations, such as gold miners, who help to perpetuate the existence of the disease in the Amazon. The lack of knowledge regarding how the transmission of malaria occurs, associated with myths regarding this and the use of traditional health practices and illegal drugs for the treatment of the disease without a specific diagnosis, jeopardizes the country’s efforts to eliminate malaria. It is necessary to implement control programmes in these populations, especially those who frequently travel around the border region and to remote locations, which are difficult regions for health teams to access, thus hindering diagnostic and treatment actions. For this reason, understanding the perceptions of these individuals as well as their customs, beliefs and lifestyle, can assist in the production of targeted educational material and adoption of strategies in the elimination of malaria in the country.

Ethnomedicinal Study of the Use of Zingiberaceae by the Mentawai People in Siberut, West Sumatra, Indonesia

The Mentawai archipelago is situated to the west of mainland Sumatra and is part of the West Sumatra province. The Mentawai people are indigenous to this archipelago and are well known for their traditional healing practices performed by their Sikerei healers. Only a few studies on the traditional plant medicines of the Mentawai people have been published, which mostly suggest that Zingiberaceae is one of the most widely used families. This study examines the indigenous knowledge of Zingiberaceae by the Mentawai people living in Siberut. Field surveys were undertaken at four locations in the island where the Sikerei healers were interviewed directly to obtain information about medicinal treatments using plants from the Zingiberaceae family. Voucher specimens were collected, dried and deposited at the Herbarium of Andalas University (ANDA), Padang, West Sumatra. The study suggests that at least 32 Zingiberaceae species are used in the Mentawai’s traditional medicines. The floristic aspects, the plant part used, and the type of disease treated are discussed.

Diseases of the Indigenous Peoples of Yakutia in Photo Projects of the Late XIX ‒ First Third of the XX Centuries

Disease theme of indigenous population of the Northern national outskirts of Russia, as well as the study of special knowledge in the field of traditional medicine and healing practices, for a long time belonged to the taboo part of knowledge. However, at the beginning of the twentieth century, there was a turning point in the visual culture of region, when the picture of diseases was expressed through the camera and became public. There are works of photographers documenting the course of the most dangerous diseases, such as leprosy and external manifestations of mental disorders. The aim of this study is to study external factors that influenced the genesis of the “medical” series of visual images of the population of Northeast Asia. The research methodology is based on a cultural and historical analysis of the events that preceded its appearance and subsequent application in medical practice in order to document the course of diseases in the Soviet period. This article presents the results of a brief review of the prehistory of the “medical” direction in ethnographic photography of the Yakut region. The circle of photographers of the Yakut region is defined, where stories illustrating the diseases that the local population suffered from are reflected. At the beginning of the twentieth century, footage of medical practices and shamanistic rituals for healing were presented in the photo projects by I. V. Popov and A. P. Kurochkin. In the 1920s-1930s. the genre of “medical photography” is represented by the works of the doctor-epidemiologist T. A. Kolpakova, military surgeon E. A. Dubrovin, unknown with the initial “D”, who worked in the medical detachment of the Commission for the Study the Productive Forces of the Yakut Republic (CYR) The Academy of Sciences of the Soviet Union and the People’s Committee the Health of the Russian Soviet Federative Socialist Republic. The experience of studying this topic serves as a clear illustration of the specifics of the region and in some way confirms the conclusions made by the participants of numerous expeditions that studied the foreign population of the Yakut region and predicted the inevitable extinction in the future. Keywords: medical anthropology, anthropology of disease, visual research, indigenous people, visual text, visual sources

Safety Evaluation of <i>Carex baccans</i> Nees. (A Traditional Anthelminthic Remedy), in Swiss Albino Mice: An Acute and Sub-acute Toxicity Study

The medicinal properties of Carex baccans Nees. (Cyperaceae) has widely been exploited in traditional healing practices for the treatment of various ailments. Though, this is a widely used herb, not much is known about the adverse implications it may have. Therefore to shed some light into this aspect, acute and sub-acute toxicity study of the plant's crude extract and fractions were carried out in Swiss albino mice following Organization for Economic Co-operation and Development 423 and 407 guidelines respectively. Additionally, the phytochemical composition of the crude extract was also determined. Effect of the extract and the fraction was analyzed taking into consideration the body weight, organs weight, blood physiology, key markers of liver and kidney functions, and microscopic analysis of liver, kidney and intestine structural composition using scanning and transmission electron microscopy. The results showed that the crude extract exert no observable signs of acute toxicity even at a dose of 5000 mg/kg body weight of mice, however, the butanol fraction proved to be toxic with a mean lethal dose of 4677.35 ± 103.38 mg/kg. Repeated oral sub-acute test of the mice with crude extract and fraction of the crude extract was also found to exert adverse effects on the animals at high doses (500 mg/kg body weight and above) when compared to control group. These adverse implications were manifested in the body weight, hematology, biochemistry, and the structural and ultrastructural composition of some important organs. Therefore, it may be concluded that the plant C. baccans, if taken in its crude native form has a high safety margin at a single dose but not the butanol fraction. Furthermore, repeated exposure to the plant, both in its crude and fractionated (butanol fraction) form at high doses should be discouraged as it may have severe implications.

Medicinal Plants Knowledge and Traditional Healing Practices of Mentawai Indigenous People in Indonesia: An Ethnomedicine Approach

Background: Medicinal plants have an important role in traditional medicine. Mentawai ethnic in Mentawai islands is one of the indigenous tribes in Indonesia that have strong traditional practices. However, little information is known about the medicinal plants that they use. This study aims to analyze medicinal ingredients used by Mentawai people seen from ethnomedicine and modern pharmacology perspectives. Methods: Data was collected through observations and interviews with key informants in Madobag village, Mentawai Regency, Indonesia. Results: Most of the medicinal plants according to the informant (Sikerei)were used for treating swelling, new wounds, and lymphatic diseases. Based on modern pharmacology literature, some of the plants used by the Mentawai people have the properties of antimicrobial, antiinflammation, and antioxidants. Conclusion: Traditional healer in Mentawai islands has knowledge of medicinal plants even though some of them do not correspond to the modern pharmaceutical science.

Reproductive Healthcare Beliefs and Behaviours Among Displaced Tribal Communities in Odisha and Chhattisgarh: An Analysis Using Health Belief Model

The modern healthcare system often experiences difficulties in understanding and providing care to indigenous communities. This is mainly because of the cultural distance between mainstream healing methods and indigenous health belief systems. The Lancet series (2006) on indigenous health discussed the integration of Western and traditional health practices and identified the importance of this integration for betterment of the human world. To understand what health and health care signify to tribal communities in India, it is necessary to examine the whole social system and the beliefs and behaviours related to their culture that provides meaning to people. This study examines the traditional medicinal practices and socio-cultural healthcare beliefs and behaviours of diplaced tribal communities in Odisha and Chattisgarh. The current study has used the health belief model (HBM) to examine the perceived susceptibility and severity of diseases among tribal communities, pertaining to their reproductive healthcare beliefs and practices.

Folk Medicine in the Philippines: A Phenomenological Study of Health-Seeking Individuals

Background: Folk medicine refers to traditional healing practices anchored on cultural beliefs of body physiology and health preservation. Reflective of indigenous heritage, it fosters a better understanding of health and disease, healthcare systems, and biocultural adaptation. In the Philippines, Quiapo is a well-known site for folk medicine services, cultural diversity, religious practices, and economic activities.
 Methods: This study utilized a phenomenological approach to comprehend the lived experiences of health-seeking individuals and the meaning behind their acquisition of folk medicine products. Using convenience sampling, seven participants acquiring folk medicine products in Quiapo on the day of data collection were approached and interviewed on separate instances. The collected data subsequently underwent thematic analysis.
 Results: Analysis revealed three emergent themes: health-seeking behavior, sources of knowledge, and folk medicine utilization. Health-seeking behavior was linked with the participants’ purpose of going to Quiapo, reasons for utilizing folk medicine, experiences in using folk medicine, and beliefs associated with the product bought. Sources of knowledge tackled the participants’ sources of information about Quiapo and its products. Folk medicine utilization relates to the type of product bought, its perceived medicinal use, and its history of usage.
 Conclusion: Folk medicine is perceived to be effective alleviating health concerns. The acquisition of such products is attributed to satisfaction from prior experience, distrust in the current healthcare system, family tradition, and intention to supplement existing medical treatment. This study provides health professionals a better understanding of patients who patronize folk medicine, subsequently aiding them in providing a holistic approach to treatment.

African Traditional Religion Encounters Christianity: The Resilience of a Demonized Religion

African Traditional Religion Encounters Christianity: The Resilience of a Demonized Religion

'The medicine is not for sale': Practices of traditional healers in snakebite envenoming in Ghana.

BackgroundSnakebite envenoming is a medical emergency which is common in many tropical lower- and middle-income countries. Traditional healers are frequently consulted as primary care-givers for snakebite victims in distress. Traditional healers therefore present a valuable source of information about how snakebite is perceived and handled at the community level, an understanding of which is critical to improve and extend snakebite-related healthcare.MethodThe study was approached from the interpretive paradigm with phenomenology as a methodology. Semi-structured interviews were conducted with 19 traditional healers who treat snakebite patients in two rural settings in Ghana. From the Ashanti and Upper West regions respectively, 11 and 8 healers were purposively sampled. Interview data was coded, collated and analysed thematically using ATLAS.ti 8 software. Demographic statistics were analysed using IBM SPSS Statistics version 26.FindingsSnakebite was reportedly a frequent occurrence, perceived as dangerous and often deadly by healers. Healers felt optimistic in establishing a diagnosis of snakebite using a multitude of methods, ranging from herbal applications to spiritual consultations. They were equally confident about their therapies; encompassing the administration of plant and animal-based concoctions and manipulations of bite wounds. Traditional healers were consulted for both physical and spiritual manifestations of snakebite or after insufficient pain control and lack of antivenom at hospitals; referrals by healers to hospitals were primarily done to receive antivenom and care for wound complications. Most healers welcomed opportunities to engage more productively with hospitals and clinical staff.ConclusionsThe fact that traditional healers did sometimes refer victims to hospitals indicates that improvement of antivenom stocks, pain management and wound care can potentially improve health seeking at hospitals. Our results emphasize the need to explore future avenues for communication and collaboration with traditional healers to improve health seeking behaviour and the delivery of much-needed healthcare to snakebite victims.

The After-life of Social Movements

Probing the nature of social mobilization of minorities germinating from the COVID-19 crisis is the focal point of this paper. While medico-scientific discourses to fight the Pandemic gained ground in Global North, the Global South is still grappling with pseudo-knowledge/occult science narratives. The BJP displayed spectacular political opportunism during this Pandemic by prescribing traditional health practices to gain a hegemonic sway over the masses who became objects in this pedagogical discourse, often coupled with islamophobic propaganda birthed conspiracy theories binarily structured on ‘Otherness’. The purpose of this paper is to reveal findings of a self-conducted survey of the social activities of a former squatter colony based in Kolkata to examine subaltern consciousness/agency demonstrated through gaps and fissures of negotiation with power structures. Often alternate translational spaces showed possibilities of articulation from such indeterminacy and dissent. This paper’s crux is built on such collective activities like propitiating Corona Devi through religious rituals that draw precedent from similar subaltern community movements during the British Raj to counter epidemics by the worship of ‘Sitaladevi/Salabai’. The paper traces historical contingency in subaltern resistance within the domain of conflicting relations between tradition and rationality.

Phytochemical Screening and Antibacterial Activity of an Epiphytic Orchid Rhynchostylis retusa (L.) Blume. Collected from Kannur District, Kerala, India

Treatment with medicinal plants consists of the ancient tradition of India and which has been continued for years. Our ancestors collected rare plants from forests and mountains for treatment purpose. At the same time, they give deep concern for the conservation of the species on the earth. Their knowledge and services are not profitable but valuable. The study is focused on the phytochemical and antimicrobial activity of the medicinal plant Rhynchostylis retusa of the family Orchidaceae. The plant is growing in sacred groves and local gardens of Payyanur of Kannur district, Kerala, India and used for traditional healing practices. The Orchidaceae family includes many plants having medicinal properties, but most of them were not studied or exploited yet. Qualitative analysis of primary metabolites and secondary metabolites indicates the presence of phytochemicals in Rhynchostylis retusa. The total alkaloid, carbohydrate, protein, phenolic compounds and flavonoids were seen in significant amount in this plant. In vitro antibacterial (agar well diffusion) activity was done by gram-negative Pseudomonas aeruginosa (ATCC 27853), gram-positive Streptococcus mutans (MTCC 890), Staphylococcus aureus (ATCC 25923), Escherichia coli (ATCC 25922) and antifungal activity by Aspergillus niger (ATCC 16404). The plant extracts exhibited potent antimicrobial activity against these strains. The studies with the medicinal plant R.retusa make clear that the plant is rich in active components and phytochemicals. The plant contains a favourable amount of phytochemicals and this makes them cure various diseases. The plant also shows antioxidant and antibacterial activities.

Beyond Care: Validating a First Nations Mental Wellness Framework

Worldwide, Indigenous peoples focus on being well rather than merely managing diseases and illnesses. We have elaborated on a mental wellness framework earlier developed with Manitoba First Nations (FN). This article further explores wider community perspectives in relation to the themes previously shared by FN Elders. Surveys were administered to a simple random sample of participants by household in 8 participating FN communities. We determined what resonates from the wellness framework in order to expand understanding of mental wellness in FN communities. Appropriate application of traditional health knowledge and practices may result in increased self-awareness and contribute to mental well-being in FN people.

Healing from Healer: Use of Traditional Health Services in the Age of Modern Health

The phenomenon of traditional health practices is still being used by some people, the unique thing is that those who take advantage of this health service do not only come from underprivileged segments of society but are also often used by the rich. Moreover, this phenomenon occurs during the existence of a modern health industry whose access is increasingly accessible to all people. Traditional medicine or so-called alternative medicine that uses plant-based medicines (herbal) or other media. Not only in the area of medicine, but this research also describes traditional healers or as local, sanro, as an alternative to modern health industry practices. This study uses an ethnographic method with a participatory-observative approach to understanding in-depth the practice of alternative medicine. Field research focus in the district. Somba Opu, Gowa Regency, South Sulawesi. Where the distribution of modern health facilities in the capital of this sub-district is higher than in other sub-districts. The results of the study indicated that the medical instruments performed by traditional healers, apart from using traditional herbs in the form of special plants, also used mantras written in the book using Arabic letters. Some of the traditional medicinal methods in maintaining their existence are carried out, both in the form of good health services, trying to prove the efficacy of the treatment, and strengthening their networks with doctors and fellow sanro outside the District of Gowa.

An Assessment of Local Use Pattern and Traditional Knowledge on Medicinal and Aromatic Plants in Kapilvastu District Nepal

Background: Nepal is rich in culture, tradition, knowledge of traditional health practices. In fact, traditional healing practices have been a strong cultural and scientific heritage in this country. The majority of people (80%) in Nepal continue to rely on these practices of health care. Practitioners of this traditional medical wisdom are called as traditional healers (THs). THs are prevalent in every ethnic group and community. Majority of rural people are very dependent on traditional medical practices of THs who mostly use locally available medicinal herbs and spiritual methods to treat diseases. Therefore, this study had investigated whether traditional healers had the knowledge, skill, practices and technology of diagnosis and treatment of diseases which could be utilized to assist in providing health care services to rural people in Nepal.
 Materials and Methods: Using a cross-sectional research design a total of 25 traditional healers from Kapilvasttu district of Nepal were interviewed. Responses on the following topics were obtained: socio-demographic characteristics, knowledge, skill and practice regarding medicinal plants use. Descriptive statistics was used to analyze the responses.
 Results: Traditional healers’ knowledge, skill, practice and technology of diagnosis and treatment of diseases were related to tradition and culture of particular ethnic groups and communities. Majority of THs (n=25) are male (73.33%) and Hindu (88.29%) by religion. They mostly used medicinal plants (85.6%) singly or in combination with shaman, spiritual and others techniques. Less than 22.5% of THs had got training from health related institutions formally. Rest of the THs had acquired the knowledge and skill of traditional healing practices from ancestors, colleagues, self-study, from guru (traditional teachers), grandparents etc. Some of the both trained and untrained traditional healers would treat 52 types of diseases including gastro-intestinal and cardiac disorders, HIV, cancer, mental disorders, fractures and other common diseases with 79 known medicinal plants.
 Conclusion: The results indicate that traditional healers (THs) have acquired traditional medical knowledge, skill, practice and technology from their ancestors, teachers, trainings etc. They use medicinal plants as a means of treatment for providing primary health care to local people in the communities. This is significant considering, that are serving the health needs of a large percentage of the Nepalese rural population. However, further health policy and development of controlling mechanism for them on the treatment related issues is necessary.
 Keywords:Traditional healers, medicinal plants, traditional medicines, Nepal

Belief Persistence and Reliance on Traditional Healing of Students at Central Bicol State University of Agriculture

Limited scientific evidence about the safety and efficacy of traditional healing make it essential for policymakers to develop policies, regulations, and strategies to mitigate issues related to this practice. Such issues include hit-and-miss operation, incorrect diagnosis, improper dosage, low hygiene standards, and the dominant lack of statutory regulation for traditional healing practitioners and practices owing to the secrecy of some healing methods. On the other hand, the high cost of drugs and other critical considerations strengthen the belief persistence and reliance of people on traditional healing over modern medical treatments, a situation that makes it challenging for the government to define the policymaking parameters in this area. The focus of this descriptive-comparative study was to determine how persistent are the beliefs and reliance on traditional healing of students by obtaining quantitative results from a survey. A total of 277 students were surveyed using stratified proportionate random sampling. Data were gathered through a questionnaire and unstructured interviews. Descriptive statistics, dependent t-test, and one-way analysis of variance were the statistical tools used. Results showed that almost all respondents still manifest very strong belief persistence in faith healers (arbolaryo) and bone setters (hilot) and a great majority in those who cure illness caused by spirits (surhano/parasantigwar). The illnesses they usually consult with traditional healers were vomiting, sprain, and stomachache. Male respondents have stronger belief persistence than do their female counterparts. The belief persistence and reliance of students on traditional healing, even with the recent advances in science, technology, and innovation, as well as the upsurge of new interventions for diagnosis, prevention, and treatments, indicate that the popularity of traditional healing is not declining. These findings are particularly evident in some prevailing traditional healing practices.

Facilitating Gender Friendly Spaces around Maternal and Child Health Care

Traditional health practices, lack of skilled care services and strong patriarchal norms in the families are preventing women from enjoying their Right to Health particularly the Reproductive health. Contextual need therefore is identification and address of root causes both at societal and systemic level. The paper presents experience of an action research done jointly by APMSS and Care India-AP. Implemented in 380 villages of 7 districts in combined AP State, it aimed to create women friendly spaces within the household by building social norms around reproductive health. Target families were those having pregnant women, lactating mothers and children of the age 7 months to 2 years. Implementation strategies were: Targeted interventions at family level for facilitating change in gender roles, Systemic/Institutional interventions to mainstream the change process, Community level interventions to sustain the momentum and to create enabling environment. Presence of strong women’s collective (Sangham) at village level taking responsibility of implementation was the core element. APMSS and Care India-AP extended resource support. Village level institutions (PRIs, AWC) supported Sanghams and actively participated in the programmes. Despite challenges, overall results were promising in breaking myths around maternal health and in bringing more men into the women and child care roles. Certain systemic practices like NH day were streamlined. The project demonstrated the need for participatory approaches in development as against welfare model, particularly in women’s health sector.

The Effect of Local Herbs on Children Oral Health Condition in Omisanjana Ado Ekiti, Ekiti State, Nigeria

Local herbs contain antibiotic and anti‒inflammatory constituents for treatment of certain diseases. The use of local herbs is dated back to many decades most especially in African countries. The 10 different oral conditions (toothache/decay, gingivitis, ulcerative gingivitis, angular stomatitis, mouth ulcers, swollen tonsil, oral thrush, tonsillitis, and black tongue) treatable with plants in traditional health practice documented in the literature were also noted in this study except for black tongue. The objective of this study is to investigate the effect of local herbs on children’s oral health in Ado Ekiti. Fifty questionnaires were randomly distributed among parents in the study area. Data were collected and analyzed in percentage and graphical representations. It was concluded that local herbs has varied effects on oral health of children in the study area. It was therefore recommended that Health Educationist should enlighten the producer of local herb to scientifically demonstrate the real effects of natural medicine, as well as clarify and establish their possible therapeutic applications while parents should discourage the use of prescribed drugs in form of local herbs.

Micronutrients and phytochemicals content in various rice (Oryza sativa Linn.) samples control carbohydrate digestion variedly and present differential antioxidant activities: an in vitro appraisal

High starch and carbohydrate content in rice ( Oryza sativa Linn.) disparages this food responsible for postprandial hyperglycemic excursions. However, rice is an Asian food synonym. Additionally, in traditional Indian healing practices, rice is used for treatment of various disorders. In this research, we analyzed micronutrient and phytochemical contents in different rice samples available in market. Effect of aqueous-ethanol extract of each type of rice was evaluated against intestinal α-glucosidase to examine extract’s influence on carbohydrate digestion. Free-radicals scavenging activities as a measure of antioxidant potential in different rice were also examined. Brown-rice presented highest (54%) α-glucosidase inhibition followed by parboiled-rice (52%), idly-rice (48%), hand-pounded rice (42%), dosa-rice (40%) and basmati-rice (39%). Polished white sona-masoori rice presented least enzyme inhibitory (31%) activity. Presence of higher α-glucosidase inhibitory activity was regarded as slow digesting rice that would impart lesser postprandial glycemic excursion. Brown and parboiled-rice presented highest ABTS֗ + radical scavenging (74%) activity whereas; idly-rice displayed highest DPPH scavenging (50%) activity. Higher polyphenol and niacin contents in rice were found significantly (p<0.0001 and p<0.01 respectively) correlated with enzyme inhibitory activity. Higher polyphenol content was found responsible for enhanced free-radicals scavenging activity. Increasing concentrations of niacin and pantothenic acid correlated with ABTS֗ + radical scavenging activity.

Traditional healing practices of Pnar and War communities in West Jaintia Hills District of Meghalaya, Northeast India

Pnar and War are the most predominant and oldest ethnic community in the West Jaintia Hills of Meghalaya; they have faith on the medicinal plants for their primary health care. Information about the ethno medicinal uses of several plants were collected through interview of the local respondents following the standard ethno medicinal methods. Statistical tools, informant consensus factors (FIC) and fidelity level (FL) were used to analyze the importance of ethnomedicinal plants. The present investigation revealed 70 plant species belong 64 genera, under 44 family were being used against different ailments, which were classified into 11 groups. The results of the FIC value of blood related disease category had the greatest agreement =1.0), followed by Urinogenetal disease (0.90), Antidote (0.85), Dermatological, fungal and bacterial infections (0.82). The highest FL values were gastrointestinal, parasitic and hepatobiliary (Melastoma malabathricum, 95.83%), followed by external injuries and bleeding (Centella asiatica, 94.11%), oral, dental and otorhinolaryngolgical problems (Curcuma longa, 91.66%).