A Synergistic Approach: Combining Traditional Wisdom and Modern Technology for Wound Care in Northeast India

Abstract: Northeastern India, recognized as a significant biodiversity hotspot, has a long-standing ethnomedicine tradition. The present study investigated the plant species employed by indigenous populations within the region for wound healing. Through comprehensive field surveys in conjunction with literature reviews, we identified 20 distinct plant species across 15 families utilized by different tribes for wound treatment. This includes communities such as the Garos from Garo Hills, the Nyishi and Wancho from Arunachal Pradesh, and the Kuki and Ahom and Karbi from Karbi Anglong. Conventional healing practitioners use different parts of these botanical samples, such as leaves, roots, and stems, in various formulations, such as pastes, extracts, and decoctions. This study investigated the different preparation methods and application techniques associated with each plant species. We also evaluated the bioactive compounds in these plants, including flavonoids, tannins, and asiaticoside, that contribute to their woundhealing properties. This research further stresses the possibility of combining traditional knowledge with modern medical practices to innovate wound-healing therapies. We discuss the use of botanical gels, such as Cresilon Traumagel, which harness the biological activities of Centella asiatica for therapeutic purposes. Such an approach is thus promising for developing safe, accessible, and productive solutions in wound care. This paper contributes to preserving traditional knowledge by documenting and analysing these ethnomedical practices, which can provide valuable insights for developing innovative wound-healing strategies. These findings highlight the need for exploration of the rich flora of Northeast India for potential therapeutic agents and the integration of traditional wisdom with modern technology for better wound care.