Indian Journal of Traditional Knowledge (IJTK)

Ethnomedicinal heritage and significance of indigenous plants of North East India - A review

Mamoni Das — 2025-12-26

India has a long history of traditional medicinal systems such as Ayurveda, Siddha and Unani which are in coexistence with the various systems of ethnomedicine practiced in the region. Of these, the North Eastern part of India is extremely rich in terms of indigenous knowledge, due to its ecological diversity and cultural traditions of the many tribal groupings that comprise the region. The North East Indian is a land of extraordinary biological cultural diversity that is replete with the traditional ethnomedicinal information that is entrenched in the operations of the indigenous people in that region. This review examines how indigenous plants are used in the alternative health care system that is in existence among the tribes in the region where more than 200 tribes and subtribes have continued to use indigenous plant in the prevention and healing of various ailments over the years. The area, which is believed to be part of the Indo-Burmese hotspot of biodiversity, hosts a huge reservoir of endemic and useful as therapeutic plants. They are applied in the therapy of a broad range of disorders like common infections and gastrointestinal disorders to chronic diseases like diabetes, hypertension, and inflammation. The review is a synthesis of ethnobotanical information of published and field literature to bring out the main medicinal plants, their therapeutic uses, preparation modes, and phytochemical compounds. The particular focus is placed on the socio-cultural and ecological environment where this knowledge is perpetuated and issues of modernization, loss of habitats, and erosion of knowledge. This paper has put forward a strong argument on the importance of the ethnomedicinal heritage of North East India in community health care, and also highlighted the potential untapped by it in the discovery of drugs through natural products. The scientific justification and the records of these traditional practices are not only necessary to preserve cultural heritage but also the promotion of integrative and sustainable health care systems in India.

Effectiveness of the therapeutic lifestyle changes diet complemented with Thai traditional herbal sauna to improve cardiovascular disease parameters

Alongkote Singhato — 2025-12-26

Cardiovascular disease (CVD) is a significant health concern with detrimental effects on patients' quality of life. The Therapeutic Lifestyle Changes (TLC) diet has been proven to improve blood lipid profiles, a critical CVD parameter. Additionally, steam sauna therapy may stimulate metabolism and enhance blood circulation. This study investigated the effectiveness of the TLC diet complemented with Thai traditional herbal sauna in improving CVD parameters among individuals with dyslipidemia. A total of 60 participants were recruited and divided into 30-person control and intervention groups. The intervention group received individualized dietary planning based on the TLC diet guideline from a registered dietitian (biweekly appointments) and participated in herbal steam sauna sessions twice weekly for 12 weeks. The control group received only TLC diet-based dietary planning. Blood lipid profiles, Ankle Brachial Index (ABI), and body composition were assessed at baseline and study endpoint. Results demonstrated that participants in the intervention group exhibited significantly lower triglyceride, total cholesterol, and low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-c) levels compared to the control group (p<0.05). Furthermore, the intervention group showed significantly reduced arterial stiffness index values at right brachial and left ankle regions (p<0.05). In conclusion, TLC diet intervention appears to be more effective when complemented with herbal sauna steam therapy in improving CVD parameters.

Indigenous veterinary practices using medicinal plants in the Kara-Koy Gorge, Kyrgyzstan

Nurbek Aldayarov — 2025-12-26

Within the western Tian Shan of southern Kyrgyzstan, the Kara-Koy Gorge is distinguished by a highly diverse flora, with numerous plant species possessing notable relevance to traditional veterinary practice. However, ethnoveterinary studies of medicinal plants and lichens in this area have not yet been conducted. This study documents the ethnoveterinary use of plants and lichens, along with associated traditional knowledge, in the Kara-Koy Gorge. Ethnoveterinary information was collected through semi-structured interviews (n=58) conducted between 2021 and 2022. Ethnobotanical data were analyzed using the Informant Consensus Factor and Use Value. The study documented 843 homemade single-species herbal/lichen remedies derived from 97 plant species across 31 families, 8 lichen species across 6 families. The most represented families were Asteraceae and Rosaceae, with commonly used species including Artemisia absinthium, Elaeagnus rhamnoides, Trifolium pratense, and Aconitum soongaricum. Lichens were used exclusively for treating skin wounds in horses. The majority of remedies utilized aerial parts and whole plants, typically prepared as decoctions and applied fresh. A total of 1,274 use reports for treating 39 animal diseases were recorded, with horses and cattle being the primary focus. Oral and topical applications were the most common methods of administration. Key medicinal species included Artemisia absinthium, Elaeagnus rhamnoides and Allium sativum. The medicinal plants of the Kara-Koy Gorge are essential to traditional veterinary practices and hold significant scientific potential. Documenting this knowledge supports the preservation and rational management of therapeutic plant species and lichens, while also facilitating their validation for veterinary applications and highlighting their ecological, cultural, and practical value.

Effect of beta-cyclodextrin encapsulated gallic acid from Polygonum equisetiforme L. on kidney stones produced by ethylene glycol and ammonium chloride in rats

Hacer Sinem Büyüknacar — 2025-12-26

In this study, we examined the effects of encapsulated ellagic acid from Polygonum equisetiforme (PE) on kidney stones. Rats in this study randomly divided into 4 groups: Group I (control), Group II (disease group), Group III (low dose-100 mg/kg) and Group IV (high dose- 400 mg/kg). Kidney stones induced by adding 0.75% Ethylene Glycol (EG) + 2% Ammonium Chloride (AC) to drinking water and treatment groups received PE extract by gavage for 14 days. Exposure to EG/AC resulted in a significant decrease in SOD and GPx and an increase in creatinine levels. The treatment reversed the decreased GPx, SOD and the increased the creatinine levels. Histopathological findings are compatible with the ELISA results. There was no pathologic findings were detected in Group I. In Group II, the presence of calcium oxalate crystalloids in the kidney tissues as well as tubular dilatation and interstitial inflammation confirmed the formation of kidney stones. These histopathological findings in the kidneys were reversed by the PE extract. On the other hand, the histopathological results of liver tissues were different from kidney tissues. While no pathological findings were found in group I, a trace amount of damage was observed in the disease group. In addition, while a mild portal inflammation occurred in the low-dose treatment group, moderate portal inflammation and mild interface hepatitis occurred in the high-dose treatment group. This finding may restrict usability of the phenolic extract of PE in the treatment of kidney stone except of low doses of the PE extract.

Traditional knowledge about animal-derived remedies in human and veterinary ethnomedicine on Rujan Mt, Serbia

Milica N Simić — 2025-12-26

Small rural areas represent significant sources of ethnopharmacological knowledge preserved in these areas since ancient times. This study aimed to systematize traditional knowledge about the use of animal remedies in human and veterinary ethnomedicine according to the data collected from the inhabitants of Rujan Mt. This rural area is unique both in terms of the flora and fauna present in the area and in the fact that two different ethnic groups, Serbs and Albanians, have inhabited this area for centuries. The study recorded 36 animal-based remedies, including 29 for 13 categories of human ailments, 3 for ritual-medicinal purposes, and 4 for veterinary ethnomedicine. The antidote prepared from venomous snakes in "komovica" brandy is the only folk medicine used to treat humans and animals. Mammals, birds, reptiles, snails, and insects are used for the preparation of folk remedies, and the domestic goat was the most frequently mentioned animal species in the survey. Skin and respiratory groups of human ailments are mostly treated with traditional animal-derived remedies, and goat pulmonary pleura was reported as the most used animal ingredient in the researched area. Five new species unknown in previous ethnozoological research (Dendrocopos sp., Garrulus glandarius, Streptopelia turtur, Vipera berus, and V. ammodytes), 14 new animal remedies, and 67 new applications were reported in the study. The collected data contribute to preserving and expanding traditional knowledge about animal remedies in ethnopharmacology, but can also form a scientific basis for further pharmacological research.

An analytical ethnobotanical survey-study and its contribution to ‘Amchi System’ of Spiti valley, India

Bandana Dhiman — 2025-12-26

This review paper provides an updated overview on the importance of the traditional healthcare system in tribal communities of the Spiti Valley (Himachal Pradesh) in the cold deserts of the Western Himalayas. Existing studies have justified a strong connection of tribals with nature as their livelihood depends on the resources from wild. In Spiti valley, the local health practitioners, known as ‘Amchi’, utilize native flora with therapeutic potential to treat a variety of ailments. The traditional repository of ancestral knowledge and practices as well as exploitation of Himalayan resources by emerging industrial sectors has been extensively documented. Consequently, the disappearance of wild flora has led to a decline in Amchi profession. This has drawn the global attention towards preserving and conserving indigenous communities' knowledge i.e., ITK. Hence, this review aims to compile the ethnobotanical vernacular database on the existing health-care system through a survey to present an updated overview of the current status of the Amchi system in Spiti Valley. The study also presents a comprehensive analysis of ethnobotanical approaches, including descriptive and qualitative databases, that serve as a foundation for further quantitative analysis, and it highlights awareness on the status and conservation of indigenous traditional knowledge (ITK) emphasizing its critical role in sustaining Himalayan health-care practices.

Traditional practice of naming of people based on plants amongst the Meitei community of Manipur, North East India

Huidrom Birkumar Singh — 2025-12-26

Naming of a person may be based on numerous factors. The Meitei community of Manipur has a tradition of naming people based on plants. In a survey conducted amongst the Meitei community of Manipur state has revealed that 85 people names are based on 56 plant species, 9 species each are herbs and trees, 7 species for shrub, 6 species each for aquatic herb and undershrub, 3 species each for climbers, epiphytes, rhizomatous herbs and woody climbers, 2 species each for bulbous herb and scandent shrub and single species each for creeper, stoloniferous herb and twinning herb. Out of the 85 names, around 70% are called in female, 28% in male while only 2% are called in both male and female. Based on RFC values, around 25% of the total names are frequently used, 28% commonly used and 47% are occasionally used. The name Thambal is generally called in both male and female which is adopted from vernacular name of Nelumbo nucifera Gaertn. and similarly, Parijat is also called in both male and female, adopted from the vernacular name of Combretum indicum (L.) Filipps.

Toxic and deterrent effects of natural products against Cnaphalocrocis medinalis (Guenee) (Lepidoptera: Crambidae)

Aarushi Sharma — 2025-12-26

The inhibitory and lethal effects of natural pest management products were observed against rice leaf folder,
C. medinalis, during 2022 and 2023, under both laboratory and field conditions at the Department of Organic Agriculture and Natural Farming, CSK Himachal Pradesh Krishi Vishvavidyalaya, Palampur. Agniastra, Brahmastra, Darekastra, Dashparni ark, and Neemastra were the products which were made and used for pest management studies. The LC₅₀ values ranged from 26.56 (Dashparni ark) to 62.13% (Brahmastra). Dashparni ark showed the highest repellent activity with a repellence index (RI) of 0.48 and the highest feeding deterrence with a feeding deterrence index (FDI) of -70.01 at 40% concentration. When given a choice, Neemastra was least preferred by C. medinalis for oviposition, in the choice test at all concentrations compared to when no choice was given. Field evaluations data of two years, further confirmed the efficacy of Dashparni ark by reducing C. medinalis infestations by 62.82 and 66.49% over untreated controls in both years, respectively. These findings suggest that natural products, especially Dashparni ark and Neemastra, could be effective and eco-friendly alternatives to chemical pesticides for managing C. medinalis in rice cultivation.

Acceptability and effects of the raga music listening intervention for blood pressure: a pilot study among the Indian ethnic population in Malaysia

Kirthana Puniamurthy — 2025-12-26

This study was undertaken with the primary objective of evaluating the feasibility of a raga listening intervention for blood pressure among the Malaysian Indian population. This exploratory study was a single-centered randomized controlled trial consisting of fifty participants. The treatment group was required to listen to raga music daily, twice a day for thirty minutes per session for two weeks. The control group continued their daily activities and was only requested not to listen to raga music. Blood pressure was measured at the start and end of the two-week intervention period. The Depression, Anxiety and Stress Scale-21 was used to evaluate mood parameters. All participants in the treatment group complied and adhered to the required intervention. There was no statistically significant difference in systolic, diastolic blood pressure and heart rate between the treatment and control groups (p-values of 0.822, 0.937 and 0.861). A statistically significant decline in blood pressure was observed within the treatment group (-11.48 mmHg for systolic, -5.61 mmHg for diastolic blood pressure), but not in the control group. There was a significant decrease in stress scores in the treatment group with a p-value of 0.027 at post-intervention compared to the control group. Within the treatment group, there was a significant decrease in depression, anxiety, and stress scores (p-value<0.001 throughout). No adverse effects were reported. Raga music therapy in this setting was feasible. The result of this study lays the foundation to support future studies to determine its effectiveness.

Content December 2025

Charu Lata — 2025-12-26

Author Index December 2025

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Subject Index December 2025

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Annual Author Content December 2025

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Annual Author Index December 2025

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Annual Subject Index December 2025

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Annual Referee List January to December 2025

Charu Lata — 2025-12-26