Article: AN ETHNO-MEDICINAL REPORT ON ARISTOLOCHIA INDICA L. (ISHWARI) USED IN UDALGURI DISTRICT, ASSAM, INDIA

Article Category: Original Research articles

DOI: 10.7897/2277-4343.140378

Pages: 32-37

Author: Priyanka Chakraborty, Devanjal Bora *, Kapil Kumar Kemprai, Bimisa Khersa, Dinesh Baruah

Abstract: Background: Ethnomedicine allows medicinal plants to cure disease combined with traditional health medicine (Ayurveda) for better healthcare worldwide. Ayurveda, the ancient traditional system of medicine in India, focuses on the natural way of managing and preventing diseases. Similarly, ethnic communities depend highly on medicinal plants in their vicinity for healthcare. Folk medicine and Ayurveda are being imbricated to each other regarding treating ailments. Objectives: The study aimed to explore and document a new claim in Udalguri district, Assam. Material and Methods: An ethnomedicinal study was carried out in September 2022 among the local inhabitants of the study area. Traditional healers and local people practising folk medicine were approached for documentation of folk uses. Result: A new ethnomedicinal report of Aristolochia indica L. (Aristolochiaceae) used by the Bodo community from Udalguri district in Assam against insect bites is reported in the present communication. The use of leaf in this claim has not been previously reported from Assam. Conclusion: Comprehensive justification with the help of Ayurveda and ethnopharmacology has been given to verify the efficacy of the plant and the folk claim against insect bites.

Keyword: Ethnomedicine, Ayurveda, Aristolochia indica L., folk medicine, Bodo community, insect bite