Author: Vikash Nayek
DOI Link: https://doi.org/10.70798/Bijmrd/03080017
Abstract: The present study was undertaken to document and analyze the ethno-medicinal plants traditionally used by indigenous communities in Darjeeling and its surrounding areas and to validate their therapeutic potential through phytochemical analysis. A total of 75 plant species belonging to 42 families were recorded through field surveys and interviews with 120 informants, including traditional healers and local elders. The most commonly used plant parts included leaves, roots, rhizomes, and bark, and the major ailments treated were gastrointestinal, respiratory, and skin disorders. Ethnobotanical indices such as Use Value (UV) and Informant Consensus Factor (ICF) were calculated, revealing high consensus for several plants, notably Swertiachirayita and Ocimum sanctum. Phytochemical screening of 30 selected species confirmed the presence of key secondary metabolites such as alkaloids, flavonoids, tannins, saponins, and phenols, which supported their traditional medicinal uses. The findings were found consistent with several national and global ethnopharmacological studies, while also highlighting region-specific practices and bioactive variations. The study emphasized the importance of preserving indigenous knowledge and advocated for further pharmacological investigations and conservation efforts. This integrated approach bridged traditional knowledge with scientific validation, contributing to sustainable use of medicinal plant resources in the Eastern Himalayas.
Keywords: Ethno-Medicinal Plants, Darjeeling, Phytochemical Screening, Traditional Knowledge, Use Value, Informant Consensus Factor, Himalayan Flora.
Page No: 122-132