Traditional uses of medicinal plants in north east India: An ethno botanical case study at dhulapadung tea estate, Rangapara, Sonitpur District, Assam, India

AbstractEthnobotany is an age-old science that shares information about the relationships between human societies and plants. The indigenous knowledge systems in India, such as Ayurveda, Unani, Nidan etc., have been utilizing the medicinal plant resources from time immemorial. In recent times, there has been a growing curiosity and interest in traditional medicines and their potential as a source for biodynamic compounds. This study aims to document the medicinal plant resources and their traditional uses employed by local people inhabiting at Dhulapadung Tea Estate, Rangapara, Sonitpur District, Assam, India. A case study was carried out during January to June 2022 at study area, and the primary data on the plants used, parts utilize and mode of administration were collected. The results obtained indicate that the tribal people are predominantly dependent upon the traditional herbal medicine system for their health care aspects as well as the traditional conservation aspects of the medicinal plant resources. This study mainly emphasizes the steps that should be taken to ex-situ conserve medicinal plant resources and documentation of the valuable traditional knowledge associated with these medicinal plants for the coming generations’ prospects. It provides a unique opportunity for research, particularly because of its rich cultural heritage as well as the medicinal plants diversity.