Unit 2: Study of Plants Used in Traditional Systems

Syllabus Reference: Concept of Ethnobotany: Brief history, importance, materials and methods of Ethnobotanical Investigation, study of plants used by dominant ethnic tribes in N.E. India. [cite_start]Sarpogondha, Basak, Tulsi, Turmeric, Ginger, Ashoka, Arjun spp [cite: 576-578].

1. Concept of Ethnobotany

Definition: The term was coined by J.W. Harshberger (1896). It is the study of the direct relationship between plants and people (ethnos = people). It involves how people of a particular culture and region make use of indigenous plants.

Methods of Investigation:

• Field Survey: Visiting tribal areas.
• Interviews: Questionnaires and discussions with local healers (Medicine men/women).
• Collection: Collecting plant specimens for Herbarium (Voucher specimens).
• Identification: Scientific naming using Floras.

2. Ethnobotany in N.E. India

North-East India is a biodiversity hotspot with diverse ethnic tribes (e.g., Bodos, Khasis, Nagas, Mizos).

• Tribal Knowledge: Extensive knowledge of wild edible plants, bamboo usage, and medicinal herbs.
• Example: Use of Houttuynia cordata (Fish mint) by various tribes for stomach ailments and as a vegetable.

3. Study of Specific Plants

Common Name	Botanical Name	Family	Part Used	Traditional/Medicinal Uses
Sarpagandha	Rauwolfia serpentina	Apocynaceae	Roots	Cure for insanity, snake bites, and high blood pressure (contains Reserpine).
Basak (Vasaka)	Adhatoda vasica (Justicia adhatoda)	Acanthaceae	Leaves	Treats cough, bronchitis, asthma, and colds (Expectorant).
Tulsi	Ocimum sanctum (O. tenuiflorum)	Lamiaceae	Leaves	Immunomodulator, adaptogen, anti-stress, cough, and cold. Sacred plant.
Turmeric (Haldi)	Curcuma longa	Zingiberaceae	Rhizome	Antiseptic, anti-inflammatory, skin care, digestive aid.
Ginger (Adrak)	Zingiber officinale	Zingiberaceae	Rhizome	Digestive, anti-nausea (motion sickness), sore throat.
Ashoka	Saraca asoca	Fabaceae (Caesalpinioideae)	Bark	"Friend of women." Uterine tonic, treats menstrual disorders (Dysmenorrhea).
Arjun	Terminalia arjuna	Combretaceae	Bark	Cardiotonic (Heart tonic), lowers cholesterol and blood pressure.