Documentation of spices and condiments as medicines by Reang community of Tripura

A total of 36 species of spices and condiments belonging to 30 genera and 19 families were reported to be used for medicinal purposes by the Reang community. Leaves were the most commonly used part followed by whole plant, rhizomes, fruits, young shoots, barks, flowers and stems. Zingiberaceae was the most dominant family followed by Apiaceae, Fabaceae and Araceae. There were 24 herbs, 7 trees, 5 shrubs, and 1 climber species. The Informant Consensus Factor was maximum (0.75) for medicinal uses of spices for treating gastric problems and ulcer and minimum (0) for liver disease. The highest fidelity levels were observed in Curcuma longa L. (100%) to treat wounds and gynecological problems and lowest in Amaranthus spinosus L. (28%) for snake bite. The present study reveals that Reang community uses the plants not only as spices and condiments but also as herbal medicines for treatment of various ailments.