Medicinal plants used by different tribes of Cachar district, Assam

Abstract

A survey was carried out in different parts of Cachar district of Assam to gather information regarding the uses of medicinal plants by the different tribes/communities settled in the district. Out of 107 plant species, some are being used against jaundice, diarrhoea, dysentery, cough, malarial fever, skin diseases, sexual diseases, etc. Due to the impact of urbanisation and partial modernisation, the primitive communities in this region are losing their traditional culture and practice of medicinal plant use in their daily life. Certain anthropogenic activities (i.e. deforestation, shifting cultivation, construction of roads, etc.) are the main causes to affect this medicinal plant diversity. Therefore, appropriate measures should be taken to improve the habitat of these wild medicinal plants by controlling deforestation, soil erosion, etc. Sustainable harvesting of medicinal plants and the new found medicinal plant species are advised to be cultivated and in vitro conservation should be encouraged for the benefit of mankind at large.