Diversity and conservation of medicinal plants in Barak valley, Northeast India

Abstract

Through an ethnobotanical survey of Barak-valley, about 150 naturally growing and frequently used medicinal plants were collected. Out of these collections, 24 plant species have been highly prioritised for conservation. Among these, population of <i>Acorus calamus </i>Linn.,<i> Aegle marmelos</i> Linn., <i>Artocarpus lakoocha</i> Roxb., <i>Costus speciosus</i> (Koem.ex.Retz) Sm., <i>Rauvolfia serpentina </i>(L.) Benth.ex Kurz., <i>Tinospora cordifolia </i>(Willd.) Miers., etc are reducing day-by-day due to over-exploitation for medicinal purposes, felling for timber, etc. and also due to inherent poor natural regeneration. During the exploration, emphasis was given on herbal treatment for everyday common ailments and diseases, particularly used by the local tribes of Barak-valley such as <i style="">Riang, Kachari, Hmar, Rongmai Naga, and Manipuri</i> and <i style="">Teagarden</i> community. The study gives an account on the diversity of medicinal plants and priority medicinal plants for conservation. The study also warrants an herbal policy to address public awareness, cultivation and conservation on a sustainable basis with in the environmental protection regime.