Medicinally important orchids of Northeast India: traditional knowledge and scientific validation

Abstract

Northeast India, comprising eight states, harbors a rich gene pool of orchids vital to local culture, economy, and medicine. These plants, with 145 documented species used across the region, are valued for treating diseases like cancer, tumors, nervous disorders, and skin ailments. Key genera include Acampe, Aerides, Anoectochilus, Bulbophyllum, Calanthe, Coelogyne, Cymbidium, Dendrobium, and Vanda, known for their diverse secondary metabolites such as alkaloids, flavonoids, and polyphenols that contribute to their healing properties. However, scientific exploration has been limited, with only 54 species reported to contain active compounds. Future research should focus on identifying new bioactive compounds, validating efficacy through animal and human studies, and exploring traditional knowledge for potential new species, aiming to harness these plants for commercial medicinal applications.