Medicinal Plants of Khasi Hills of Meghalaya, India

Abstract

Indigenous people are generally very knowledgeable about the wild medicinal plants around them, many of which have local names and are important to the people medically or are featured in folklore. This traditional knowledge is the best starting point for effective in situ conservation, which requires accurate and up to date information on the status of medicinal plant populations, the extent and nature of plant use by local communities and the capacity of the resource base to support different economic activities. This knowledge can be used in the evaluation and in creation of awareness of the importance of medicinal plant as it is generally easier for the public to relate to the cultural significance than the results of scientific trials. An understanding of the many aspects of human influences on biodiversity and the underlying driving forces of the influences is of crucial importance for setting priorities and directing efforts towards conservation and sustainable use.

Multi-loci Molecular Characterisation of Endophytic Fungi Isolated from Five Medicinal Plants of Meghalaya, India

“…The hill state of Meghalaya in the north-eastern region of India (20.1° N~26.5° N latitude, 85.49° E~92.52° E longitude) is part of the Indo-Burma mega-biodiversity hotspot. Local communities in this region have traditionally used and relied on herbs and plants for treating various ailments [ 1 ]. These medicinal plants are mostly found in the traditionally preserved 'sacred forests,' which have remained untouched for centuries due to the religious beliefs of the indigenous tribal inhabitants.…”

Venus Flytrap (Dionaea muscipula Solander ex Ellis) Contains Powerful Compounds that Prevent and Cure Cancer

“…They used juice of young flowers and of unopened pitchers or crushed pitcher powder to treat stomach pain and eye troubles (pain, cataract, night blindness), urinary troubles but also skin diseases. Preparations were also given to malaria, leprosy, and cholera patients (41–46). …”

Ethnomedicinal Plants Used by the Pnar Tribes of Meghalaya for the Treat-ment of Diabetes Mellitus

“…The therapeutic impact of medicinal plants in Meghalaya's North, East, South, West and Central regions indicated that this state is a huge area to utilize herbs for treating common ailments, including fever, headache, infected wounds, stomach problems, etc [13,14,15]. However, there are very few published records on the ethnomedicinal use of the Pnar tribe.…”