An ethnobotanical survey on phytomedicines based on traditional knowledge in the Barpeta district, Assam, India

BACKGROUND: Traditional knowledge (TK) is the culture as well as the identity of the majority of the ethnic communities. This knowledge is diminishing with time and with the advancement of synthetic medicines. The medicinal plants are equally effective with fewer side effects when compared to allopathic treatments for humans as well as livestock. OBJECTIVE: The main focus of this study is to document the use of plants for the treatment of human ailments by traditional healers in the Barpeta district of Assam. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A survey was conducted to gather information on phytomedicines from among the 30 local practitioners or traditional healers in the Barpeta district of Assam state through face-to-face interviews and discussions. The data obtained from the study was compiled through the UR (Use report). The data was analyzed by F(ic) (informant consensus factor) and RFC (relative frequency of citation). The botanical name of the plants was verified using https://wfoplantlist.org/plant-list. RESULTS: A total of 50 plant species having medicinal benefits belonging to 48 genera and 30 families were recorded. The leaves were the most used parts used in treatment accounting for 74% of the total and were usually used by extracting the juice. Besides, the most common disease treated using herbal medicines includes that of the GIT (gastrointestinal tract). The GIT disease category showed the highest F(ic) index which is 0.25. The plant species Syzygium cumini showed the highest RFC index of 0.50. CONCLUSIONS: The common people of the Barpeta district of Assam are found to be familiar with the practice of traditional medicines. This knowledge has mostly been passed down to generations from their ancestors who acquired it through trial and error methods. These medicinal plants are used in crude form. Therefore, the plants must be thoroughly analyzed and tested to identify the active principles involved in their mechanism of action which can be used in drug development.