BIO-PROSPECTING OF NATURAL RESOURCES: ROLE OF MEDICINAL PLANTS IN ASSAM

Bio prospecting in Assam, celebrated for its abundant biodiversity, entails the exploration and sustainable use of natural resources for both economic and scientific progress. This involves identifying and extracting valuable compounds from diverse sources such as plants, microbes, and insects. Non-timber forest products (NTFPs) in Assam, including medicinal plants, edible forest products, spices, and herbal dyes, are vital for the healthcare and livelihoods of local communities. Furthermore, the region’s mineral resources, like coal, petroleum, and natural gas, play a significant role in its economy. However, it is crucial to exploit these resources sustainably and scientifically to avoid ecological imbalance and ensure long-term benefits. Significantly, Assam boasts a rich diversity of medicinal plants, extensively utilized in traditional medicine by local indigenous communities. These plants play a vital role in bio-prospecting initiatives, given their potential to produce new pharmaceuticals and therapeutic substances. We shall delve deeper to look into understanding the ecology and different other aspects of such traditional methods paving new paths for bio-prospecting. This paper underscores the potential of Assam’s natural resources in fostering the role of medicinal plants in Assam, highlighting their importance in traditional medicine, the ongoing bio-prospecting efforts, and the economic and social impacts of these activities.