Article: MORINDA CITRIFOLIA L. AN ETHNO-MEDICINAL REPORT FROM DIMAPUR DISTRICT, NAGALAND, INDIA

Article Category: Original Research articles

DOI: 10.7897/2277-4343.15372

Pages: 54-58

Author: Amom Gyanendro Singh, Laiphrakpam Renu Devi, Nikhil Krishna, Vishnu Walsan Kalarikkal *, Devanjal Bora, Vilas Gangurde

Abstract: Background: Tribal communities living inside and in close proximity to forests will have connections with forests emotionally, spiritually and scientifically. These communities must know ethnic plants used against various ailments. Ayurveda, the ancient Indian traditional system of medicine, also has its roots in folk medicinal practices. Objectives: The present study aimed to explore and document a new ethnomedicinal claim from Dimapur district, Nagaland. Materials and Methods: An ethnomedicinal study was carried out in January 2023 among the native people of the study area. Indigenous traditional healers, informants and local people practising traditional medicine were approached for documentation of folk uses. Result: A new and unique ethnomedicinal report of Morinda citrifolia L. (Rubiaceae), used by the Sema tribal community from Dimapur district in Nagaland against calculi, is documented in the present communication. The use of fruit juice extract in this folk claim has not been previously reported from Nagaland. Conclusion: A new report on the ethnomedicinal use of Morinda citrifolia L. against calculi and its justification using classical Ayurvedic texts and published literature has been presented.

Keyword: Morinda citrifolia L., Sema community, folk medicine, calculi, ethnomedicine, Ayurveda