Guwahati: A medicinal wetland herb traditionally used in Manipur for hair care and healing remedies has been recorded in India for the first time, with scientists warning that the newly documented species may already be under threat from shrinking wetlands.
Researchers from the Department of Botany at Dhanamanjuri University, Manipur, have identified Lycopus lucidus from Pumlen Lake in Kakching district, officially adding the species to India’s flora records. The findings have been published in the journal Vegetos, published by Springer Nature.
The discovery is being seen as another reminder of the hidden biodiversity of Northeast India, particularly the fragile wetlands of Manipur, which continue to yield little-known species despite mounting ecological pressures.
The plant belongs to the mint family, Lamiaceae, and was previously known from countries such as China, Japan, Korea, Mongolia and Russia. However, it had never before been documented in India.
Researchers noted that only one accepted species of the genus Lycopus had earlier been recorded in the country, primarily from the Himalayan region.
Scientists found the herb growing on phoomdi—floating masses of vegetation and organic matter unique to Manipur’s wetlands. The species was collected during field surveys conducted between 2024 and 2025 around Pumlen Lake, one of the state’s important freshwater wetlands.
The tall herb, which can grow up to 180 cm, is characterised by sharply serrated leaves and tiny white flowers marked with purple spots. Researchers also provided detailed photographs and identification keys to aid future recognition of the species in the wild.
Locally known as “Ishing Langthrei”, the plant has long been used in traditional practices in Manipur, particularly in the preparation of chinghi, a rice-water-based hair conditioner. Researchers noted that earlier scientific studies have linked the species to hair regrowth, antioxidant, anti-inflammatory and wound-healing properties.
The study further noted that Lycopus lucidus has been used for generations as both a medicinal herb and a nutritional plant, with reported benefits ranging from improved blood circulation to sedative and cardioprotective effects.
The discovery, however, comes with conservation concerns. Scientists have provisionally categorised the species as “Vulnerable” under International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) guidelines because it currently survives in a highly restricted area exposed to increasing human pressure.
According to the researchers, Pumlen Lake faces threats from habitat fragmentation, fish farming activities and the conversion of wetland areas into agricultural land.
The scientists said the finding underscores the urgent need to conserve Northeast India’s wetlands, which form part of the ecologically rich Indo-Burma biodiversity hotspot.
The research was carried out by Urikkhimbam Leishilembi, Kholi Kaini, Kazhuhrii Eshuo, Rachel Sochui Maheo, Kerene Gangmei, Gladyso Kashung, Tilling Rupa and Sochanngam Kashung.
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