Research Article - Journal of Natural Product and Plant Resources ( 2017) Volume 7, Issue 4
The present study deals with the first-hand information of ethno-medicinal plants which are used traditionally by the
Ralte tribes of Mizoram. The treatment includes various ailments such as hypertension, tuberculosis, rheumatism,
allergies, fractured bones, jaundice, dysentery, cuts and wounds. The Ralte people of the study area represent a
well-organized tribe with unique dialect and identities. The study has revealed 106 plant species of ethno-botanical
importance belonging to 96 genera and 57 families. The need for complete inventory and documentation of such
indigenous knowledge is very important before they are being lost forever from the community.
Ethno-medicine, Ralte, Traditional knowledge, Mizoram, Hilly tribe
Health is like a precious jewel that makes life a wonderful adventure. Treating human health with indigenous traditional knowledge dates back age’s ago [1]. It is estimated that 70-80% of the people worldwide rely on indigenous herbal remedies for their primary healthcare [2].
The Ralte are hilly tribe living in Mizoram, Manipur and Myanmar. The word Ralte consists of two parts, viz, Ral means enemy and te indicates plurality. The Ralte people of the study area represent a well-organized tribe with unique dialect and identities. About 200 years ago they are found living mostly near Champhai in the Eastern part of Mizoram. The Ralte’s zealously maintained their individual identities and resisted absorption into the folds of Lushai (Mizo) tribes. They divided themselves into mainly 4 main clans namely Siakeng, Kawlni, Khelte and Lelhchhun clan [3]. Agriculture is the main occupation of the people.
The Ralte people are said and considered to be the noisiest people among the Mizo clan because of their high pitched tone. Almost the entire population in the rural areas (>95%) of Mizoram relies on herbal medicines and nearly 98% raw materials are harvested from wild plant resources [4].
Study area
The study area lies within Kolasib district in the northern most part of Mizoram and bordered by Aizawl district in the south and east and Mamit district in the west and Assam state in the north. The geographical area of Kolasib district is 1382.51 km. This is 6.56% of the state total geographical area (Figure 1). It is situated in between 23°5′to 24°35′N Latitude and 92°3′to 93°E Longitude [5].
Figure 1: Location of Kolasib district in Mizoram
The present study was conducted in Ralte dominated villages viz, North Chaltlang, Parsenchhip, North Bukpui, Thingthelh, North Hlimen, fewer numbers at Saiphai villages shown in Figure 2. The District is covered by Humid Sub-tropical Hill Zone (N. Hlimen, Parsenchhip, Bukpui, Thingthelh, N. Chaltlang villages) and Humid mild tropical zone (Saiphai village) [6].
Figure 2: Kolasib district map showing study area
Field observation
An extensive field work was conducted in these tribal’s dominated areas during 2013-2014. Prior informed consent was first obtained from the traditional healers. Random interviews of the herbalists, elderly men and women were done for documentation. The herbal healers or the knowledgeable person took the interviewers to the areas where they collect the plants and describe its uses. Plant specimens were photographed, collected, pressed and identified with the help of regional floras and manuals available [7-10]. The unidentified specimens are taken to Botanical Survey of India (BSI), Shillong for matching and identification. They are deposited as voucher specimen in the Herbarium of Mizoram University, Aizawl or in life forms in the botanical garden of Mizoram University, Aizawl.
From the 35 (26 female and 9 males) informants interviewed the important medicinal plants used by the tribal are, covering 106 plant species belonging to 96 genera and 57 families along with their uses are listed along with the collection number (ZO) are listed in Table 1. Most of the plants used for treatment are collected from the wild (73 plants; 68.86%). Habit wise analysis of the plants indicates that trees are highly used (33 spp.), herbs (28), climbers (13), shrubs (12) with Small tree (12) while epiphytes, succulents, canes and bamboo are less represented.
| Sl. No. | Scientific name/Voucher No. | Family | Local name | Habit | Part(s) used | Preparation and administration | Distribution |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Acer laevigatum Wall. (ZO 16622) | Sapindaceae | Thingkhim | T | Bark | Decoction of bark applied as a massaging lotion in muscle strain. | F, W |
| 2 | Adina cordifolia Roxb. (ZO 16602) | Rubiaceae | Lungkhup | T | Leaves | Decoction of leaves taken in typhoid. 1 cup (50 ml twice per day after food) | C, W |
| 3 | Ageratum conyzoides (L.) L. (ZO 16623) | Asteraceae | Vaihlenhlo | H | Roots | Decoction of roots taken as a remedy for cancer (50 ml twice per day after food) | A, W |
| 4 | Alocasia fornicata Schott (ZO 16620) | Araceae | Baibing/ Dawl | H | Fruit | The fruits are dried and smoked for tuberculosis | Cu, A |
| 5 | Aloe barbadensis var. chinensis Haw. (ZO 5202) | Aloeaceae | Aloe vera | Su | Aerial parts | The aerial parts are cleansed and taken raw as convenient by the patient for stomach ulcer | In, C |
| 6 | Alstonia scholaris (L.) R. Br. (ZO 16608) | Apocynaceae | Thuamriat | T | Bark, leaves | Decoction of bark and leaves taken in 100 ml after food for hypertension | C, W |
| 7 | Anogoeisus acuminata Roxb. (ZO 16609) | Combretaceae | Zairum | T | Leaves | Decoction of leaves taken in 100 ml after food for hypertension | C, W |
| 8 | Aporosa octandra (Buch.-Ham. ex D. Don) (ZO 5210) | Phyllanthaceae | Chhawntual | T | Bark | Decoction of bark taken as a tea for stomach ulcer, it is also used as a tonic. | F, W |
| 9 | Aquilaria malaccensis Lam. (ZO 5214) | Thymelaeaceae | Thingrai | T | Resin, Bark | Dropsy, tonic, vomiting, heart palpitations | R, W |
| 10 | Artemisia indica Willd. (ZO 5204) | Asteraceae | Sai | H | Leaves | Decoction of leaves taken in 50 ml before food in stomach ulcer | F, W |
| 11 | Averrhoa carambola L. (ZO 16674) | Oxalidaceae | Theiherawt | St | Fruits | Raw fruits are taken as convenient by the patients in diabetes, regulating menstrual period in women | Cu, C |
| 12 | Baccaurea ramniflora Lour. (ZO 5267) | Euphorbiaceae | Pangkai | T | Bark | Decoction taken in 100 ml before food in stomach ulcer | C, W & Cu |
| 13 | Begonia roxburgnii (Miq.) A.DC (ZO 16654) | Begoniaceae | Sekhupthur | H | Aerial parts | The whole plant is crushed and the juice is taken for piles problems and applied externally on the affected area. | F, W |
| 14 | Benicasia hisipida (Thumb.) Cogn.(ZO 16607) | Cucurbitaceae | Maipawl | C | Leaves | Crushed juice of the leaves taken internally for jaundice, applied externally on snake bite, taken in 50 ml after food twice a day for cholera. | Cu, A |
| 15 | Berberis nepalensis (DC.) Spreng. (ZO 16621) | Berberidaceae | Pualleng | T | Bark | Decoction of the bark taken internally for stomach ache. | R, W |
| 16 | Blumea lanceolaria Roxb. (ZO 16636) | Asteraceae | Buarze | S | Leaves | 3-5 leaves are taken raw for stomach ulcer, juice of the crushed leaves applied externally for cuts and wounds. | C, W |
| 17 | Calamus tenuis Roxb.(ZO 16645) | Arecaceae | Thilte | Ca | Shoots | Juice of the pounded shoots taken for malaria. | C, W |
| 18 | Callicarpa arborea Roxb. (ZO 16606) | Verbenaceae | Hnahkiah | T | Bark | Decoction of bark taken in 100 ml for hypertension, stomach ulcer. | A, W |
| 19 | Carcinia pedunculata Roxb. ex Buch.-Ham. (ZO 16613) | Clusiaceae | Vawmvapui | T | Fruit | The fruits are taken raw as a laxative. | C, W |
| 20 | Carica papaya L. (ZO 16689) | Caricaceae | Thingfanghma | St | Leaves | Juice of the pounded leaves taken in stomach ulcer and allergies towards meat. | Cu, A |
| 21 | Senna occidentalis (L.) Link (ZO 5274) | Caesalpiniaceae | Rengan | St | Leaves | The leaves are boiled with rice and taken as a vegetable for increasing breast milk. | F,W |
| 22 | Castanopsis tribuloides (Sm.) A.DC.(ZO 16603) | Fagaceae | Thingsia | T | Juice | The juice oozing out from the stem is dropped into the mouth for mouth ulcer. | F, W |
| 23 | Catharanthus roseus (L.) G. Don. (ZO 16658) | Apocyanaceae | Kumtluang | H | Aerial parts | Decoction taken in 20 ml after food for hypertension and dysentery in children | Or, F |
| 24 | Centella asiatica (L.) Urb. (ZO 16605) | Apiaceae | Lambak | H | Aerial parts | Raw plants are directly taken and chewed to cure kidney problems and toothache. | C, W |
| 25 | Chromolaena odorata (L.) R.M. King & H. Rob. (ZO 16615) | Asteraceae | Tlangsam | H | Leaves | The crushed leaves are bandaged upon cuts and wounds. | A, W |
| 26 | Citrus aurantifolia Christm. (ZO 16624) |
Rutaceae | Nimbu | S | Juice | The fruit juice is taken directly in 10-20 ml every morning for stomach ulcer. | Cu, C |
| 27 | Citrus grandis L. (ZO 16644) | Rutaceae | Sertawk | T | Seeds | 3-5 seeds are taken raw and chewed for hypertension | F,W |
| 28 | Citrus sinensis (L.) Osbeck (Z0 16604) | Rutaceae | Serthlum | T | Leaves | Decoction of leaves taken as diuretic, and used for bathing patients with fever. | Cu, A |
| 29 | Clerodendrum bracteatum Wall. ex Walp. (ZO 16661) | Verbenaceae | Phuihnam chhia | S | Leaves | Decoction of leaves or juice of the pounded leaves taken in small amount for dysentery. | F, W |
| 30 | Clerodendrum colebrookianum Walp. (ZO 16633) | Verbenaceae | Phuihnam | St | Leaves | Decoction of leaves taken for hypertension and for increasing breast milk. | Cu, A |
| 31 | Cordia fragrantissima Kurz. (ZO 16635) | Boraginaceae | Muk | T | Leaves | Juice of the crushed leaves applied in the affected area for Melasma. | C, W |
| 32 | Costus speciosus (Koenig) J.E. Sm (ZO 16610) | Zingiberaceae | Sumbul | S | Aerial parts | Juice of the aerial part used as a lotion for massaging sciatica, taken internally for kidney problems, dropped on the eye for eye infections. | F, W |
| 33 | Cucumis sativus L. (ZO 16677) | Cucurbitaceae | Fanghma | C | Fruit | The juice of the fruits is applied on insect bites. | Cu, A |
| 34 | Curcuma longa L. (ZO 16643) | Zingiberaceae | Aieng | H | Root stock | Decoction of root stock taken for stomach ulcer and jaundice, paste of the root stock applied for fractured bones, skin lightening. | Cu, A |
| 35 | Curcumorpha longiflora Wall. (ZO 16618) |
Zingiberaceae | Ailaidum | H | Root stock | 1-2 slices of the root stock taken for stomachache. | Vu, Cu & W |
| 36 | Dendrobium sp. (ZO 16664) | Orchidaceae | Nauban | Epiphyte | Flower | The flower is chewed for toothache. | Vu, W |
| 37 | Dendrocnida sinuate (Blume) Chew(ZO 16695) | Urticaceae | Thakpui | T | Roots | Decoction of roots taken internally for jaundice, tender leaves is consumed as vegetable. | A, W |
| 38 | Dillenia pentagyna Roxb. (ZO 16626) | Dilleniaceae | Kaihzawl | T | Bark | Decoction of bark taken for stomach ulcer. | F, W |
| 39 | Elaegnus caudate Schlecht. ex Momiyama (ZO 16614) |
Elaegnaceae | Sarzuk | St | Leaves | Decoction of leaves taken for retained placenta, diarrhoea, stomachache. | C, W |
| 40 | Elsholtzia communis (Collett & Hem sley) Diels (ZO 16647) | Lamiaceae | Lengser | H | Flowers | Flowers are chewed raw for diarrhea. | Cu, C |
| 41 | Emblica officinalis Gaertn. (ZO 16612) | Euphorbiaceae | Sunhlu | T | Fruit | Taken as vitamins, tonic | A, Cu & W |
| 42 | Ensete superbum (Roxb.) Cheesman (Z0 16625) | Musaceae | Saisu | Su | Seeds | 2-3 dry seeds are woven around the neck with a thread to cure epilepsy in children. | Cu, F |
| 43 | Eryngium foetidum L. (ZO 16679) | Apiaceae | Bahkhawr | H | Aerial parts | Consumed raw for increasing breast milk | Cu, A |
| 44 | Erythrina stricta Roxb. (ZO 16687) | Fabaceae | Fartuahpui | T | Bark | Paste applied directly on skin diseases in domestic animals, decoction taken for stomach ulcer. | F, W |
| 45 | Erythrina alba Cogn. & Marchal (ZO 16617) | Fabaceae | Fartuah par var | T | Bark | Decoction of bark taken for stomach ulcer. | R, In |
| 46 | Euphorbia royleana Boiss. (ZO 16691) | Euphorbiaceae | Chawng | S | Latex, leaves | The latex is taken directly for fever, decoction of leaves taken for jaundice. | C, Cu |
| 47 | Ficus prostate Buch-Ham. (ZO 5211) | Moraceae | Theitit | T | Latex | Applied directly on affected area of bee stings. | F, W |
| 48 | Garcinia cowa Roxb. (ZO 16697) | Clusiaceae | Chengkek | St | Leaves | Decoction of leaves taken for dysentery | C, Cu & W |
| 49 | Hedychium coccineum J.E. Sm. (ZO 16641) | Zingiberaceae | Aichhia | H | Root stock | Crushed plant part applied directly on the affected area of bee stings. | C, W |
| 50 | Hedychium spicatum Koenig (Z0 16678) | Zingiberaceae | Kelhnamtur | H | Aerial parts | Decoction taken for kidney and urinary problems. | F, W |
| 51 | Helicia robusta (Roxb.) R. Br. ex Blume (ZO 16700) | Proteaceae | Pasaltakaza | T | Bark, roots | Decoction taken in 100ml after food twice a day for stomach ulcer. | Vu, W |
| 52 | Homalomena aromatic Schott. (ZO 5275) | Araceae | Anchiri | H | Root stock | Paste applied on broken, fractured bones, cuts and wounds, nerve problems. | Vu, W |
| 53 | Inula cappa DC. (ZO 16655) | Asteraceae | Buarthau | H | Aerial part | Juice of the pounded plant taken internally for intestinal ulcer. | C, W |
| 54 | Jasminum nervosum Lour. (ZO 16673) | Oleaceae | Maufimhlo | H | Aerial parts | Decoction of the plant taken in 50 ml for ovarian disorder, kidney problems | C, W |
| 55 | Jatropa curcas Linn. (ZO 16639) | Euphorbiaceae | Kangdamdawi | S | Leaves | Paste applied on scabies and burns. | C, W |
| 56 | Lagerstroemia speciosa (L.) Pers. (ZO 16619) | Lythraceae | Thlado, Chawnpui | T | Bark | Decoction taken in large quantities for diarrhea, stomachache, vomiting, diabetes | F, W |
| 57 | Lepionurus sylvestris Blume (Z0 16627) | Olacaceae | Anpangthuam | St | Leaves | Decoction of the leaves taken for hrilawn (Mizo) a certain sickness in new born babies and halitosis. | C, W |
| 58 | Lindernia ruelloides Pennell. (ZO 16656) | Scrophulariaceae | Thasuih | H | Whole plant | Juice applied on cuts and wounds, used as a lotion for massaging muscular spasm. | F, W |
| 59 | Lobelia angulata Forst. (ZO 16630) | Campanulaceae | Choakthi | C | Leaves | Juice of the crushed leaves taken internally for dysentery, diarrhea, stomach ulcer, night blindness. | C, W |
| 60 | Lobelia nicotianaefolia Heynne. (ZO 16616) | Lobeliaceae | Berawchal | H | Juice | Juice of the fruits rubbed on boils and warts. | R, W |
| 61 | Mallotus philippensis (Lam.) Muell. Arg (ZO 16696) | Euphorbiaceae | Thingkhei | T | Bark, root | Decoction taken internally for diarrhea and stomachache. | R, W |
| 62 | Mallotus roxburghianus Muell.-Arg. (Z0 16651) | Euphorbiaceae | Zawngtenawhlung | St | Leaves | Decoction of leaves taken in 100 ml thrice per day for hypertension. | A, W |
| 63 | Mangifera indica L. (ZO 16628) | Anacardiaceae | Theihai | T | Bark | Decoction of bark taken in 100 ml twice per day for diarrhea. | F, W |
| 64 | Marsdenia maculate Hook.f. (ZO 16676) | Asclepediaceae | Ankhapui | St/C | Leaves | Crushed leaves are applied externally for herpes zoster. | C, W |
| 65 | Melocalamus compactiflorus (Kurz.) Benth. & Hook.f. (ZO 16611) | Poaceae | Sairil | Ca | Juice | Juice of the cane applied externally for inducing hair growth. | C, W |
| 66 | Melocanna baccifera (Roxb.) Kurz. (ZO 16660) | Poaceae | Mau | Ba | Juice of the cut stem | Juice applied on cuts and wounds. | A, W |
| 67 | Mentha arvensis L. (ZO 5284) | Lamiaceae | Pudina | H | Aerial parts | The aerial parts consumed raw for stomach ulcer. | Cu, C |
| 68 | Mikania micrantha Kunth. (ZO 5216) | Asteraceae | Japanhlo | C | Leaves | Juice of the crushed leaves taken internally for diarrhoea, applied on cuts and wounds, consumed for dysentery. | A, W |
| 69 | Millettia pachycarpa Sm. (ZO 5218) | Fabaceae | Rulei | Roots | Paste applied for acute cellulitis | C, W | |
| 70 | Mimosa pudica L. (ZO 5231) | Fabaceae | Hlonuar | H | Leaves | Decoction of leaves used for massaging sciatica. | A, W |
| 71 | Momordica charantia L. (ZO 5271) | Cucurbitaceae | Changkhate | C | Aerial parts | Juice taken directly for hypertension. | Cu, C |
| 72 | Musa sp. (ZO 16672) | Musaceae | Changel | Su | Tender shoots, juice | Tender shoots are taken internally for jaundice and stomachache, juice of the stem applied on snake bite | A, W |
| 73 | Myrica esculenata Ham. (ZO 16653) | Myricaceae | Keifang | T | Bark, flowers | Decoction taken for fever, cough, sore throat, urinary disorders, flowers used in dysentery and diarrhea. Flowers smoked for asthma. | C, W |
| 74 | Nicotiana tabacum L. (ZO 16629) | Solanaceae | Vaihlo | S | Leaves | Leaves chewed for tongue ulcer. | Cu, A |
| 75 | Occimum tenuiflorum Linn. (ZO 5298) | Apiaceae | Tulsi | H | Leaves | Decoction of leaves taken for typhoid. | C, Cu |
| 76 | Oroxylum indicum (L.) Kurz (ZO 16675) | Bignoniaceae | Archangkawm | T | Aerial parts | Decoction taken for hepatitis, adenitis. | C, W |
| 77 | Oryza sativa L. (ZO 16638) | Poaceae | Buh | H | Roots | Decoction taken for UTI, Fever | Cu, A |
| 78 | Osbeckia sikkimensis Craib. (ZO 16699) | Melastomataceae | Builukhampa/Khampa | S | Roots | Decoction of roots consumed in 100 ml thrice a day for renal failure, UTI, stomachache | F, W |
| 79 | Paedaria foetida L. (ZO 16671) | Rubiaceae | Vawihuihhrui | C | Stem | Chewed for toothache. | C, W |
| 80 | Parkiana roxburghii Roxb. (ZO 5213) | Leguminaceae | Zawngtah | T | Bark | The bark is chewed for food allergies, i.e., pork, paste applied on cuts and wounds. | Cu, A |
| 81 | Phyllanthus fraternus Webster. (ZO 16682) | Euphorbiaceae | Mitthisunhlu | H | Aerial parts | Decoction taken for hepatitis, diabetes. | F, W |
| 82 | Piper betle L. (Z0 16632) | Piperaceae | Panhnah | C | Leaves | Smoke of the leaves inhaled for asthma. | Cu, A |
| 83 | Prunus domestica L. (ZO 16646) | Rosaceae | Japan theite | St | Leaves, fruit | Paste of the leaves applied externally for scabies, fruits used for treating asthma. | C, W |
| 84 | Prunus persica (L.) Stokes (ZO 5241) | Rosaceae | Theite hmul | St | Leaves | Dried leaves smoked for asthma | Cu, A |
| 85 | Prunus venosa Buch.-Ham ex D.Don (ZO I6640) | Rosaceae | Theiarlung | T | Leaves | Decoction of leaves taken for aegina. | C, W |
| 86 | Pseudodrynaria coronans Ching. (ZO 16684) | Polypodiaceae | Awmvel | Epiphyte | Root stock | Juice of the crushed root stock applied externally on the affected area of herpes zoster | Vu, W |
| 87 | Psidium guajava L. (ZO 16642) | Myrtaceae | Kawlthei | T | Tender leaves | Tender leaves as convenient by the patient are chewed for diarrhea | Cu, A |
| 88 | Saccharum officinarum L. (ZO 16694) | Poaceae | Fu | S | Juice | Juice of the stem consumed for Jaundice and facial discoloration in women. | Cu, A |
| 89 | Saraca asoca Roxb. (ZO 5203) | Caesalpiniaceae | Mualhawih | T | Bark | Decoction of bark taken as a tonic and as diuretic. | VU, W |
| 90 | Schima wallichii (DC.) Korthals. (ZO 16631) | Theaceae | Khiang | T | Bark, seeds | Decoction of bark taken for diarrhea, seeds applied externally for insect bites. | A, W |
| 91 | Scoparia dulcis L. (ZO 16652) | Scophulariaceae | Perhpawngchaw | H | Aerial parts | Decoction of the plant taken for kidney problems like kidney stones. | C, W |
| 92 | Securinega virosa Roxb. (ZO 16692) | Euphorbiaceae | Saisiak | S | Leaves | Decoction used for bating patients with measles and scabies. | F, W |
| 93 | Smilax glabra Roxb. ZO 16650 | Liliaceae | Tluangngil | C | Bark | Decoction of bark used for massaging vsciatica, osteoarthritis, drunk for ovarian disorders and also used as a tonic | R, W |
| 94 | Solanum melongeana L. (ZO I6681) | Solanaceae | Bawkbawn | H | Fruit | The fruits are rubbed on the affected area of eczema. | Cu, A |
| 95 | Solanum nigrum L. (ZO 16693) | Solanaceae | Anhling | H | Aerial parts | Decoction of the aerial parts consumed for kidney problems. | Cu, A |
| 96 | Solanum sp. (ZO 16634) | Solanaceae | Bawngek hling | S | Fruits | Dried fruits are smoked for toothache | C, W |
| 97 | Spilanthes clava D.C. (Z0 16637) | Asteraceae | Ankasate | H | Aerial parts | Raw plants chewed as anthelminthic, decoction of plants is also drunk as anthelminthic. | Cu, A |
| 98 | Tamarindus indica L. (ZO 5255) | Papilionaceae | Tengtere | T | Seeds | Seeds attached on the affected area of insect bites and snake bites. | C, Cu |
| 99 | Thunbergia grandiflora Roxb. (ZO 16601) | Acanthaceae | Vako | C | Leaves | Juice of the crushed leaves dropped directly on eye infections. | R, W |
| 100 | Tinospora cordifolia (DC.) Miers. ex. Hook. (ZO 16649) | Menispermaceae | Theisawntlung | S | Stem, root | Decoction of the stem taken for stomachache, used as diuretic, drunk for diabetes and paste of the roots applied on skin diseases. | R, W |
| 101 | Tinospora sinensis (Lour.) Merrs. (ZO 16657) | Menispermaceae | Vankai hrui | C | Stem, leaves | Decoction of stem and leaves drunk for malaria. | C, W |
| 102 | Trichosanthes anguina L. (ZO 5212) | Cucrbitaceae | Berul | C | Latex | Latex consumed for diarrhea. | Cu, A |
| 103 | Uncaria sessilifructus Roxb. (ZO 5227) | Rubiaceae | Ralsamkuai | C | Leaves | Tender leaves chewed for tonsillitis. | F, W |
| 104 | Vitex peduncularis Wall. ex. Schauer. (ZO 16667) | Verbenaceae | Thingkhawilu | T | Leaves | Decoction of leaves taken internally for typhoid. | F, W |
| 105 | Zanonia indica L.(ZO 16698) | Cucurbitaceae | Lalruanga dawibur | C | Fruit | Water is poured in to the cavity of the fruits and drunk for stomachache. | R, W |
| 106 | Zingiber officinale Rosc. (ZO 5201) | Zingiberaceae | Sawhthing | H | Root stock | Consumed directly for inducing lactation, roasted root stock taken for sore throat, cough, asthma and food poisoning. | Cu, A |
H: Herb; C: Climber; T: Tree; St: Small tree; Su: Succulent; UTI: Urinary Tract Infection; Ca: Cane; Cu: Cultivated; A: Abundant; R: Rare; W: Wild; F: Frequent; C: Common; Vu: Vulnerable; In: Introduced: Or: Ornaments; ml: millilitre
Table 1: Plants used by the Ralte tribes for treating different diseases
Of the 57 families reported Euphorbiaceae and Asteraceae have been found to be the most dominant with 8 species in used, followed by Zingiberaceae and Cucurbitaceae with four and five species respectively. Some of the common ailments those are cured by using herbs are fever, cough, dysentery, toothache, cuts and wounds etc. Usually one plant was used for treatment of a single ailment, like Adina cordifolia for typhoid. Used of the same species for more than one ailments were also common, like use of Callicarpa arborea for both hypertension and stomach ulcer. Depending on the type and severity of the disease they usually prefer external or internal applications, usually by decoction of the plant part, infusion, ash of the plant, paste which are directly taken alone or with sugar and honey. Leaves are highly utilized by the local people (29%), followed by bark (16%), aerial part of the plant (13%), fruits (8%), roots and juice (7%) whereas the rest like flowers, stem, latex or lac, seeds are less represented.
The Ralte traditional herbal healers and knowledgeable persons are co-operative, their hospitality and their response were noteworthy. They are among one of the trusted members of the community. In each village it is found that women have better knowledge about plants and their medicinal uses than men. Due to the road conditions and the distance of the villages from the hospital, the people mainly depend on plants and its resources for their first aid as medical facilities were not easily available. Shifting cultivation, smuggling of medicinal plants and overexploitation are also the major threats to the medicinal plants. However there is a concern that these knowledge are disappearing from the community. Therefore, the need for documentation of such indigenous knowledge is very important before they are being lost forever from the community.
The authors are extremely grateful to the Ralte community people for their co-operation, guidance and their hospitality during the course of the study. The financial support given to Miss Zorinpuii Khiangte through UGC Maulana Azad National Fellowship for Minority Students is also deeply acknowledged.
