Article: AN ETHNOMEDICINAL SURVEY OF DYSOXYLUM ALLIARIUM USED BY THE ADI TRIBES OF ARUNACHAL PRADESH, INDIA

Article Category: Original Research articles

DOI: 10.7897/2277-4343.17398

Pages: 52-58

Author: Sumby Tagi *, Rosy Gupta

Abstract: Context: The Eastern Himalayan state of Arunachal Pradesh is a biodiversity hotspot and home to the Adi tribe, whose traditional medicine remains largely undocumented. Aim: To provide the first comprehensive ethnomedicinal documentation of Dysoxylum alliarium (Buch. -Ham.) Balakr. (family: Meliaceae), locally known as Situ or Situ Payu, which holds therapeutic and ritual value among Adi communities but is absent from classical Ayurvedic texts—qualifying it as an Anukta Dravya (extra-pharmacopeial drugs). Setting and design: Fieldwork across eight villages in four districts engaged 50 informants, including 14 Traditional Medicinal Practitioners (TMPs). Methods and Materials: A survey study using personal interviews was conducted on ethnomedicinal uses. Results: The stem bark was found to be the primary part used for treating gastrointestinal and respiratory illnesses, as well as in cultural practices. Bark was also used as an amulet and hung at house entrances during epidemics, reinforcing its psychosocial significance. Toxicity: Concerns regarding reproductive toxicity were raised, with 33.3% of informants recommending avoidance during pregnancy, even exposure to the plant's potent garlic-like scent. Conclusion: This study highlights the need for pharmacological validation of this Anukta Dravyaguna (extrapharmacopoidal drug) and advocates its incorporation into the Ayurvedic Pharmacopoeia. It aligns with the goals of the WHO Traditional Medicine Strategy and the National AYUSH Mission by fostering biocultural conservation and integrating indigenous plant knowledge into mainstream healthcare systems.

Keyword: Dysoxylum alliarium, Anukta Dravya, Ethnomedicine, Adi tribe, Arunachal Pradesh, Traditional Medicinal Practitioners (TMPs)