Agartala: A recent study on traditional healing practices in Tripura has identified a “wonder shrub” called Antidesma roxburghii (locally known as the “Apang Plant”), which has long been used by traditional healers in the state to treat bone fractures.
The research, titled Point Pattern Analysis and Consensus Agreements on Traditional Knowledge of Medicinal Plants Used by Traditional Healers of Tripura, was published in the Journal of Bioresources, a UGC-CARE journal. The study, co-authored by Prasenjit Patari and three others, involved interviews with 100 traditional healers actively practicing herbal medicine.
Patari explained, “Through our research, we found that Antidesma roxburghii is commonly used by healers for treating bone fractures. Despite no photochemical studies being conducted on this plant, its usage has been widespread for years.”
The study compiled a list of 248 medicinal plants used by traditional healers in Tripura, belonging to 56 genera and 37 plant families. These plants are used to treat 75 types of health conditions. Key species with high ethno-botanical significance include Tinospora cordifolia, Piper nigrum, Zingiber officinale, and Antidesma roxburghii. According to the study, these plants are considered highly effective against specific ailments.
The research also highlighted plants used for treating liver, gallbladder, and bile duct-related diseases. “Further phytochemical and pharmacological studies are needed to validate these traditional uses,” the report stated, urging greater efforts in preserving plant diversity for future drug development.
The study also noted that herbal treatments provided by Tripura’s traditional healers were generally effective, but to meet Western medical standards, there’s a need to standardize preparations, dosages, and administration methods. The study emphasized the importance of further research to confirm the therapeutic efficacy of the plants listed.
The findings showed that Antidesma roxburghii had the highest fidelity levels for bone fracture treatment, along with Cissus quadrangularis for the same ailment, and Euphorbia royleana for treating bronchitis.
In terms of demographics, the study revealed that 88% of the traditional healers interviewed were female, with 59% from indigenous communities and 37% from non-tribal backgrounds. The healers ranged in age from 30 to 90 years, with varying levels of education, from primary school to higher secondary and even graduates.
Regarding the parts of plants used for healing, the study found that leaves were the most commonly used plant parts, with 131 species utilizing their leaves for medicinal purposes. Other parts like roots, stems, and fruits were also used, though less frequently.
The study was supported by the Regional Ayurveda Research Centre, Agartala, and involved contributions from co-authors Sojeetra Niral Hansrajbhai, Sanjoy Das, and Rohit Kumar Ravte. The findings aim to preserve and validate the invaluable traditional knowledge of medicinal plants in Tripura.
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