NeBIO

An international journal of environment and biodiversity

Vol. 9, No. 1, March 2018, xx-xx

ISSN 2278-2281(Online Version)

www.nebio.info

RESEARCH PAPER

Medicinal Plants used against gastrointestinal disorders among the Adi Tribe of Eastern Himalaya

Luk Bahadur Chetry1,2, M K Bharali 2 , Kenry Basar1, Kirbi Taye1, Tapi Taka3, Jambey Tsering4 and Tonlong
Wangpan3*
1
Department of Zoology, Apex Professional University, Pasighat-791102, Arunachal Pradesh
2
Department of Zoology, Rajiv Gandhi University, Rono Hills, Doimukh-791112, Arunachal Pradesh
3
Department of Botany, Rajiv Gandhi University, Rono Hills, Doimukh-791112, Arunachal Pradesh
4
Orchid Research Centre, Govt. of Arunachal Pradesh, Tipi-790114, Arunachal Pradesh

ABSTRACT
The study deals with quantitative ethno-medicinal study with the aim of documenting the indigenous knowledge and
practices of using plants for therapy of gastrointestinal disease among the Adi tribe of Eastern Himalaya. Ethno-medicinal
data were documented from 120 informants by using semi-structured questionnaires. Documented data were evaluated
using the quantitative ethno-botanical indices of relative frequency of citation (RFC) and percentage of respondents having
knowledge (PRK). A total of 54 plant species belonging to 36 taxonomic families were recorded within the study area.
Maximum contribution was reported from herbs (45%), subsequently followed by shrubs (33%), tree (15%) and climbers
(7%). Among the different plant parts used, the leaves (41%) were most frequently used for the preparation of medicine.
The paste (30%) was the most commonly followed mode of utilization, followed by decoction (27%). The study also
revealed the potentiality of medicinal plants in treating about 15 different types of GI disorders. Plant species
Clerodendrum colebrookianum reported with a high relative frequency of citation (RFC= 0.78) and percentage of
respondents having knowledge (PRK= 77.50%), followed by Pouzolzia hirta (RFC = 0.74, PRK= 74.17%). Indigenous Adi
tribe of this region has demonstrated remarkable knowledge on the medicinal plants used against GI disorders.

KEYWORDS: Ethnomedicine, Adi, Eastern Himalaya, traditional knowledge

Received 15 December 2017, Accepted 20 February 2018 I Email: twangpan@gmail.com

Introduction gastric cancer, gastric ulceration and peptide ulcers (Nicki

The human’s gastrointestinal (GI) tract helps in digestion
and absorption, and it also responsible for detoxification
and neuro-endocrine regulation, immune surveillance and
responses. Any dysfunction among this complex regulatory
link results in GI disorders (Galland, 2013). Such disorder
has a significant impact on the health, quality of life, life
expectancy of patients and the economies of the health
care systems (Glise and Wiklund, 2002). There are a variety
of disorders affecting the oesophagus, of which,
gastrophageal reflux is the most common. The chronic form
of this disease was thought to result in Barret's esophagus
(Kahrilas et al., 2008). Likewise, the inflammation of the
stomach from infection causes gastritis and gastroenteritis
(inflammation in other parts of the gastrointestinal tract).
The chronic stages of gastritis are associated with several
diseases, including atrophic gastritis, pyloric stenosis,
et al., 2010). Also, the small and large intestines may be
affected by infectious, autoimmune, and physiological
states.
There are many ways to cure and prevent GI diseases using
traditional medicines (Kagyung et al., 2010). According to
WHO (World Health Organization), traditional medicines
are the sum total of the knowledge, skills, and practices
based on the theories, beliefs, and experiences indigenous
to different cultures, whether explicable or not, used in the
maintenance of health as well as in the prevention,
diagnosis, improvement or treatment of physical and
mental illness. Plants have been traditionally used for
medicinal purposes since decades. Ancient Unani
manuscripts Egyptian Papyrus and Chinese writings
described the use of herbs. Evidence exists that Unani

© 2018. NECEER, Imphal. All rights reserved

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Hakims, Indian Vadis and European and Mediterranean
cultures were using herbs for over 4000 years as a
medicine. Indigenous cultures such as Rome, Egypt, Africa
and America used herbs in their healing rituals, while other
developed traditional medical systems such as Unani in
which herbal therapies were used systematically. About
80% of people worldwide rely on herbal medicines for
some aspect of their primary health care needs and about
21,000 plant species have the potential for being used as
medicinal plants (Farnsworth & Soejarto, 1991). Treatments
with medicinal plants was considered very safe because of
minimal or no side effects.
The tribal communities of Arunachal Pradesh use many
medicinal plants in their local health practices. More than
500 species of important medicinal plants were reported to
be used by different tribes of Arunachal Pradesh (Haridasan
and Bhuyan, 2003; Tangjang et al., 2010). Over the past
decades, there has been a tremendous increase in the use
of herbal medicine in Eastern Himalayas; however, there
was a significant lack of enough literature. So, this paper
will try to enlighten the rich knowledge of folk medicinal
plant used in gastrointestinal disorders.
knowledge, skills and practices on folk medicines. About
40-50 years old aged informants, particularly the traditional
herbal healers were selected as a focus group. Nature of
ailments was identified with the help of local herbal
practitioner. Group interview was conducted for
comparative statement. Market survey was also performed
to collect the information on the commercial viability of the
species. Identification of these medicinal plants was done
by referring the herbaria of Botanical Survey of India (BSI),
Itanagar and BSI (Kolkata) and also through consultation of
taxonomic literature and Floras (Wangpan et al., 2016). The
specimens were collected and identified according to “The
Plant List” and voucher specimens were deposited in the
unit of Plant Systematic and Ethnobotany Laboratory, Rajiv
Gandhi University, Rono Hills, Arunachal Pradesh.

Materials and Method

Field study and data collection
Situated at the bank of the mighty Siang River at 153
metress above mean sea level, Pasighat is headquarter of
East Siang district of Arunachal Pradesh, India. With a total
geographical area of 14.60 km2, it lies between 95.32° 59’
East Latitude and 28.06° 19’ North Longitude (Figure 1).
Pasighat is predominantly inhabited by the Adi indigenous
folks, known for their colorful Ponung dance and war dance
called Taapu. Solung, Aran and Etor etc. are some of the
important festivals being celebrated by the tribe, which are
primarily an agriculture-based festivals.

Field studies were conducted from March 2016 to May

Figure 1. Map of Study area: East Siang District, Arunachal
2017 following standard ethnobotanical techniques Pradesh, Eastern Himalaya.
(Martin, 1995). The survey covers 10 Adi inhabited villages
and villages having including Berung, Mirem, Rani and Analysis of result
Bamin. Ethno-medicinal data has been collected through Quantitative and qualitative ethnobotanical methods were
Participatory Rural Appraisal (PRA), based on personal used to analyze the data. The following parameters were
interaction with the indigenous population and practical used to analyze the data on medicinal plants used for GI
observation in the field survey (Chambers, 1994). Semi- disorder in the study area:
structured questionnaires were designed to obtain the i. Taxonomic diversity, preparation, application and parts
information, mainly focusing on the uses of plants in of the plant used
treatment of GI diseases, local names of the plants, growth ii. The percentage of respondents who have knowledge
forms, parts used, preparation and administration of the regarding the use of a species in the treatment of GI
herbal medicines, etc. A total of 100 informants (including disorder was estimated using the formula (PRK):
traditional herbalist), were interviewed based on their
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(number of people interviewed cited species/total information regarding treatment standardization or the
number of informants using plants) ×100 (Al-Adhroey et procedure. Thus, the quality could vary greatly among the
al., 2010). prescriptions.
iii. Relative Frequency of Citation (RFC) was calculated
using the standard method of Vitalini et al., (2013),
which is RFC = FC/N (0 < RFC < 1). The value of RFC for
species and families of medicinal plants is based on
the percentage of informants citing that particular
species and family. RFC is the relative frequency
citation; FC is the number of informants who mentioned
the species, while N is the total number of informants
participating in the study, without considering the use
value.

Results and discussion

Taxonomic description of plants
The traditional knowledge of medicinal plants is not only
useful for conservation of traditional cultural practices and
biodiversity, but also plays a significant role in community
health care system and in the development of alternative
new drugs. The investigation unveiled total 54 plant
species belonging to 36 taxonomic families were commonly
found to be used by the Adi tribe against GI disorders
(Figure 2). The most prominent families were Rutaceae and
Solanaceae with 4 species each, it was followed by
Zingiberaceae and Rubiaceae with 3 species each. Family
Lamiaceae, Compositae, Urticaceae, Polygonaceae,
Oxalidaceae and Apiaceae consist of 2 species each, while
rest of the family has single species.

Most of the plants used against gastrointestinal disorder

are collected directly from wild, while only few of them
were also reported to be cultivated in farms which includes
21 of them (A. vera, A. spinosus, A. indica, B. rapa, C.
sativa, C. papaya, C. limon, C. sinensis, C. colebrookianum,
C. longa, D. indica, D. cordata, E. foetidum, M. sapiantum,
O. tenuiflorum, O. monacantha, R. communis, S. nigrum, S.
torvum, Z. nitidum, Z. oxyphyllum and Z. officinale).
The details of the collected medicinal plant species,
including the botanical name, vernacular name, plant part
used, mode of utilization, plant use in gastrointestinal
disorders along with the necessary indices has been
depicted in Table 1. Owing to the availability and easy
collection, the medicinal plants were preferred by most of
the households. In the present locality, self-medication
practices were always the first choice of treatment unless
the patients grab hold of severe medical problem. Out of
their experiences, the traditional healers also opined that
the prescribed herbal drugs were devoid of any side
effects. However, there was a serious lack of any
xx
Figure 2. Family distribution of the medicinal plants used against
gastrointestinal disorder among the Adi tribe of Eastern Himalaya.
Life form, part used and mode of utilization of medicinal
plants
Maximum contribution was reported from herbs (45%),
subsequently followed by shrubs (33%), tree (15%) and
climbers (7%) (Figure 3). Among the different plant parts
used, the leaves (41%) were most frequently used for the
preparation of medicine, either exclusively or mixed with
other plants organs (Figure 4). Arranged in descending
order of medicinal use, the plant parts which follow the
leaves were Fruit (16%) > Whole plant (14%) > Root (9%) >
Stem (7%) > Seed/Tender shoots (5%) > Rhizome (3%).
The tribes of this region have been good knowledge of
preparation of herbal formulation. Herbal formulation used
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in anti-gastrointestinal dysfunction in the present study

varied among the plant species. The mode of utilization of
plant parts was grouped into seven major categories. The
most commonly followed mode of utilization of plants
against GI disorder were recorded to be the paste with a
score of 30% (Figure 5). Other mode of use were decoction
(27%), juice (20%), boiled (14%), powder (3%), infusion
(2%), raw (2 %) and fume (2%). The decoction of the plant
was obtained by soaking evenly chopped plant parts in
water until the volume of the water reduced to the required
amount. With water as solvent, the paste was prepared by
the grinding of fresh or dried plant parts. The powder was
generally prepared by the grinding of shade dried plant.
This study also revealed the potentiality of medicinal plants
in treating about 15 different types of GI disorders (along Figure 4. Plant Parts used in preparation of herbal formulation in
with other ailments), which includes Dysentery ( can be treatment of gastrointestinal disorder among the Adi tribe of
treated by 14 different plants), Gastric (10), Constipation Eastern Himalaya.
(8), Liver Problem (6), Stomach-ache (4), Diarrhoea (4),
Vomiting (2), Abdominal pain (2), Deworming (2), Cough (1),
Intestinal Biliary Colic (1), Kidney stone (1), Appetizer (1),
Acidity (1), Acid Reflux (1), Bladder inflammation (1) and
Spleen related problems (1) (Figure 6). In present study, it
was also found that dysentery is the most common among
the GI diseases, followed by gastric problems, constipation,
liver problem etc.

Figure 5. Herbal formulation used in treatment of gastrointestinal

disorder among the Adi tribe of Eastern Himalaya.

Figure 3. Life forms of the collected plants used against

gastrointestinal disorder among the Adi tribe of Eastern Himalaya.

It was also observed that to ensure conservation of forest

resources the villagers used to collect their forest
resources like fuel wood, from localities far away from
their village. The study revealed that some of the species
could be cultivated on a large scale for economic
development of villagers like Carica papaya L. Solanum
spirale, S. nigrum etc. have multiple uses among the local
people and used festival and rituals. Present findings were Figure 6. Different type of gastrointestinal disorder treated by
comparable to the studies conducted by Mollik et al., 2009 using medicinal plants among the Adi tribe of Eastern Himalaya.
and Rout et al., 2009.
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Table 1. Medicinal plants used to treat gastrointestinal disorders (GI) by Adi community of Eastern Himalayas.
Vernacular Parts Mode of Previous reports against Gastrointestinal
Collection No. Botanical Name Family Life Forms Use in GI disorder RFC PRK
name used Utilization diseases (if any)
Shrub, Stomachache,
KB/APU/2017/001 Abroma augusta (L.) L. f. Rubiaceae Yaduk st Decoction 0.47 46.67 Kagyung et al., 2010
tree dysentery and vomiting
KB/APU/2017/002 Acorus calamus L. Acoraceae herb Boch/tabiz rz Paste Cough 0.45 45.00 Rokaya et al., 2014; Tangjitman et al., 2015
KB/APU/2017/003 Ageratum conyzoides (L.) L. Compositae herb Yemmang lv Infusion Dysentery and Diarrhea 0.48 48.33 Kabir et al., 2014; Nwauzoma & Dappa 2013
Alangium alpinum (C.B. Clarke) W. Used in abdomen of
KB/APU/2017/004 Cornaceae shrub Taktong lv Paste 0.21 20.83 No record
W. Sm. & Cave child to deworming
KB/APU/2017/005 Aloe vera (L.) Burm.f. Xanthorrhoeaceae herb Aloe vera wp Decoction Acid reflux 0.35 35.00 Rokaya et al., 2014
KB/APU/2017/006 Amaranthus spinosus L. Amaranthaceae herb Gubar oying lv, rt Powder Stomachache, Constipation 0.18 17.50 Asha et al., 2016
Arundina graminifolia (D. Don) Bamboo Intestinal biliary colic,
KB/APU/2017/007 Orchidaceae shrub rt Decoction 0.43 43.33 No record
Hochr. orchid abdominal pain
KB/APU/2017/008 Azadirachta indica A. Juss. Meliaceae tree Neem wp Paste/Decoction Stomachache 0.35 35.00 Ofusori et al., 2010; Tariq et al., 2015
ts
KB/APU/2017/009 Begonia josephii A. DC. Begoniaceae herb Sisi-baying Decoction Dysentery 0.68 68.33 Kagyung et al., 2010
and lv
KB/APU/2017/010 Blumea adamsii J.-P. Lebrun & Stork Compositae herb Tangloti lv Paste Constipation 0.43 43.33 No record
KB/APU/2017/011 Brassica rapa L. Brassicaceae herb Pattu lv Raw or juice Bladder inflammation 0.47 46.67 No record
Bryophyllum adelae (Hamet)
KB/APU/2017/012 Crassulaceae herb Nebin-elam lv Boiled Dysentery 0.20 20.00 No record
A.Berger
KB/APU/2017/013 Cannabis sativa L. Cannabacea shrub Bhang lv Decoction Dysentery/ Diarrhea 0.47 46.67 Mazidi et al., 2004; Abdel-Salam (2016)
KB/APU/2017/014 Carica papaya L. Caricaceae tree Omri tang rt Paste Gastric problem 0.38 37.50 Kagyung et al., 2010
KB/APU/2017/015 Citrus limon (L.) Osbeck Rutaceae shrub Nimbu fr Boiled Liver problem 0.35 35.00 No record
KB/APU/2017/016 Citrus sinensis (L.) Osbeck Rutaceae tree Untra/untrang fr Juice Kidney stone problem 0.21 20.83 No record
KB/APU/2017/017 Clerodendrum colebrookianum Walp. Lamiaceae shrub Oin lv Boiled/juice Constipation 0.30 30.00 No record
Rotheca serratum (L.) Steane &
KB/APU/2017/018 Verbenaceae shrub Pakkomleyo lv Boiled Constipation 0.78 77.50 No record
Mabb.
KB/APU/2017/019 Curcuma longa L. Zingiberaceae herb Haladi rz Powder Stomachache 0.23 22.50 Kim et al., 2005; Chakraborty et al., 2011
KB/APU/2017/020 Dillenia indica L. Dilleniaceae tree Summpa fr Decoction Liver problem 0.65 65.00 Kagyung et al., 2010
Drymaria cordata (L.) Willd. ex
KB/APU/2017/021 Caryophyllaceae herb Perok tapen lv Paste Vomiting 0.38 37.50 Kagyung et al., 2010
Schult.
KB/APU/2017/022 Eryngium foetidum L. Apiaceae herb Ori lv Paste Dysentery 0.66 65.83 Kagyung et al., 2010
KB/APU/2017/023 Fagopyrum esculentum Moench Polygonaceae herb Phaapar fr Paste Stomachache 0.53 53.33 No record
KB/APU/2017/024 Ficus cordata (Thunb.) Moraceae tree Takuk rt Paste Dysentery 0.38 37.50 No record
Gonostegia hirta (Blume ex Hassk.) Gastric problem,
KB/APU/2017/025 Urticaceae herb Oyik lv Paste/Decoction 0.21 20.83 Hong et al., 2015
Miq. Constipation
Hedychium aureum C.B.Clarke &
KB/APU/2017/026 Zingiberaceae shrub Onyor lv Decoction Liver problem 0.20 20.00 No record
H.Mann ex Baker
KB/APU/2017/027 Houttuynia cordata (Thunb.) Saururaceae Herb, climber Roram wp Paste Deworming 0.73 73.33 Kagyung et al., 2010
KB/APU/2017/028 Hydrocotye sibthorpioides (Lam.) Apiaceae herb Killing-kiro wp Juice Dysentery 0.54 54.17 No record
KB/APU/2017/029 Leucas aspera (Willd.) Link Lamiaceae herb Ekisipyak lv Juice Dysentery 0.52 51.67 No record
KB/APU/2017/030 Musa sapiantum L. Musaceae herb Kolung fr Boiled Dysentery 0.29 29.17 No record

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KB/APU/2017/031 Mussaenda glabra Vahl Rubiaceae shrub Taksap ts Paste Constipation 0.45 45.00 No record
KB/APU/2017/032 Ocimum tenuiflorum L. Lamiaceae shrub Tulsi lv Decoction Gastric problem 0.38 37.50 No record
KB/APU/2017/033 Opuntia monacantha (Willd.) Haw. Cactaceae shrub Cactus st Decoction Dysentery 0.29 29.17 Tariq et al., 2015
Tariq et al., 2015; Kagyung et al., 2010;
KB/APU/2017/034 Oxalis corniculata L. Oxalidaceae Herbs Puakiyup lv Paste Dysentery 0.65 65.00
Rokaya et al., 2014
KB/APU/2017/035 Oxalis debilis Kunth Oxalidaceae herb Takesi tenga wp Juice Gastric problem 0.35 35.00 No record
KB/APU/2017/036 Paederia foetida L. Rubiaceae climber Ape tar ts Boiled Gastric problem 0.53 52.50 Kagyung et al., 2010
KB/APU/2017/037 Persicaria barbata (L.) H.Hara Polygonaceae herb Dikuo tame wp Decoction Constipation 0.17 16.67 No record
Stomachache,
KB/APU/2017/038 Piper pedicellatum C. CD. Piperaceae climber Raro/lori fr Paste 0.54 54.17 No record
Dysentery
Acidity, gastric,
KB/APU/2017/039 Pouzolzia hirta Blume ex Hassk. Urticaceae herb Oyik wp Paste 0.74 74.17 No record
appetizer
KB/APU/2017/040 Psidium acranthum Urb. Myrtaceae tree Mudri lv Juice Diarrhea 0.45 45.00 No record
KB/APU/2017/041 Ricinus communis L. Euphorbiaceae shrub Aki- rokmi st, lv Luke warm Abdominal pain 0.19 19.17 Worbs et al., 2011
KB/APU/2017/042 Rubus acanthophyllos Focke. Rosaceae climber Tasin taein fr Juice Liver problem 0.47 46.67 No record
KB/APU/2017/043 Senna tora (L.) Roxb. Leguminosae shrub Donyi sori sd Paste Liver problem 0.38 37.50 No record
KB/APU/2017/044 Sida rhombifolia (L.) Raf. Malvaceae shrub Jaruessing lv Boiled Gastric problem 0.46 45.83 No record
KB/APU/2017/045 Solanum abancayense Ochoa Solanaceae shrub Kosang kopi sd Juice Constipation 0.35 35.00 No record
KB/APU/2017/046 Solanum nigrum L. Solanaceae herb Okomamang wp Paste/Decoction Diarrhea 0.73 72.50 Nyeem et al., 2017
KB/APU/2017/047 Solanum spirale Roxb. Solanaceae shrub Bangko/bak Lv, sd Paste Gastric problem 0.53 53.33 Kagyung et al., 2010
Stomachache, spleen
KB/APU/2017/048 Solanum torvum Sw. Solanaceae shrub Patabaak fr Juice, fume 0.38 37.50 Yousaf et al., 2013
problem
KB/APU/2017/049 Spondias radlkoferi Donn.Sm Anacardiaceae tree Derge fr Juice Dysentery 0.54 54.17 No record
KB/APU/2017/050 Stevia suaveolens Lag. Compositae herb Madhoi-maloti rt Boiled Stomachache 0.45 45.00 No record
Thunbergia grandiflora (Roxb. ex
KB/APU/2017/051 Acanthaceae climber Kingoreibi st Decoction Gastric problem 0.33 32.50 Kabir, et al., 2015
Rottl.) Roxb.
KB/APU/2017/052 Zanthoxylum nitidum (Roxb.) DC. Rutaceae shrub Ombeng lv Decoction Gastric problem 0.34 34.17 No record
KB/APU/2017/053 Zaxthoxyllum oxyphyllum Edgew. Rutaceae shrub Onger/hibe lv Decoction Stomachache 0.70 70.00 Kala (2005)
KB/APU/2017/054 Zingiber officinale Roscoe. Zingiberaceae herb Sisi-baying lv Juice Liver problem 0.43 43.33 Kagyung et al., 2010

Note: lv=leaves, rt=root, sd=seed, fr=fruit, st=stem, wp=whole plant, ts=tender shoot, rz=rhizome.

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displayed gastric acid inhibitors and gastric protective

Quantitative data analysis effects (Abdel-Salam, 2016). Root decoction of Carica
Relative frequency citation (RFC) which unknots the local papaya was used against malarial attack, dysentery and in
importance of the collected plants in this region and dog bite (Kagyung et al., 2010). Curcuma longa can prevent
Percentage of respondents interviewed with knowledge gastric ulcer (Kim et al. 2005), and has properties such as,
(PRK) on medicinal flora used to treat GI disorder are appetizer, carminative, stomachic, laxative, diuretic,
depicted in Table 1. The RFC value ranges from 0.17 to expectorant, stimulant, anti-inflammatory, anti-allergic and
0.78. Plant species Clerodendrum colebrookianum reported anti-pruritic (Chakraborty et al., 2011). Dillenia indica are
with high relative frequency of citation (RFC= 0.78) and used against stomachache (Kagyung et al., 2010). Drymaria
percentage of respondents having knowledge (PRK= cordata (whole plant) is mixed with Psidium guajava fruit is
77.50%). It is followed by other high scored plant species consumed in gastritis (Kagyung et al., 2010). Leaves of
including, Pouzolzia hirta (RFC = 0.74, PRK= 74.17%), Eryngium foetidum act as appetizer, while the paste from
Houttuynia cordata (RFC = 0.73, PRK= 73.33%), Solanum stems and a leaf is applied together on the forehead as a
nigrum (RFC = 0.73, PRK= 72.50%), Zanthoxylum remedy for headache (Kagyung et al., 2010). The leaves of
oxyphyllum (RFC = 0.70, PRK= 70.00 %), Begonia josephii Gonostegia hirta help in clearing away heat and removing
(RFC = 0.68, PRK= 68.33%), Eryngium foetidum (RFC = 0.66, dampness, inflanunatory of unknown origin (Hong et al.,
PRK= 65.83%), Oxalis corniculata (RFC = 0.65, PRK= 2015). Houttuynia cordata helps relieves from sinusitis
65.00%). The high score of RFC and PRK indicates that (Kagyung et al., 2010). Opuntia monacantha are used
these plants are the best plant species with anti GI disorder against indigestion (Tariq et al., 2015). Oxalis corniculata
properties and are widely used to treat the disease in the have several utilities, including appetizer, biliousness,
region. It also narrates the fact that the plants were well constipation, diarrhea, digestive, dysentery, dyspepsia
known to maximum number of the informants and also (Rokaya et al., 2014). Paederia foetida are used against
effective in curing the disease respectively (Shah and indigestion, dysentery and diarrhoea (Kagyung et al., 2010).
Rahim, 2017). Such analysis can assist in identification of Ricinus communis L. (intoxication of stomach) (Worbs et al.,
the species which should be prioritized for conservation as 2011). Solanum torvum are used as vermifuge (Yousaf et
their ideal used may cause to threats to their existence due al., 2013). Leaves and stem of Thunbergia grandiflora used
to over harvesting (Asase et al., 2005). as a poultice in stomach complaints and to treat eye
diseases (Kabir et al., 2015). Zanthoxylum oxyphyllum are
Analysis of reported plants used in stomachache (Kala, 2005). Zingiber officinale are
Among the collected plant species, total 29 of them were used against stomachache, diarrhoea, flatulence, gastric
not been reported in previous literatures. In addition to our ulcer (Kagyung et al., 2010; Angjitman et al., 2015).
reports, the collected plants species have several anti- GI Solanum nigrum is considered to have gastric acid
disorder properties. Abroma augusta stem has properties of inhibitory and gastric protective effects (Nyeem et al.,
antidysenteric and antiemetic (Kagyung et al., 2010). 2016).
Acorus calamus has properties such as, anthelmintic,
bowel, cholera, colic, diarrhea, dysentery, dyspepsia, Conclusion
stomach disorders and stomach ache (Rokaya et al., 2014; The native of this region depends heavily on
Tangjitman et al., 2015). Ageratum conizoides also used ethnomedicinal as well as ethnobotanical practices to solve
against abdominal pains and other stomach disorders the crisis locally. In this context, they had a rich tradition of
(Kabir et al., 2014; Nwauzoma and Dappa, 2013). Aloe vera medicinal plant consumption. They have also displayed
are used against constipation, dysentery, hemorrhoids, good knowledge of medicinal plants used in the
hepatic stimulant, indigestion, intestinal worms, liver management of GI disorders. There is a dire need to
disorders, spleen enlargement, peptic ulcer, stomach protect, improve and document the information on herbal
disorders and stomachache (Rokaya et al., 2014). remedies of gastrointestinal disorders with scientific
Amaranthus spinosus act as an enema for the stomach, proofs. Accordingly, our findings would be the basis for
and also used against rheumatic pain and stomach ache subsequent research from a phytochemical point of view
(Asha et al., 2016). Azadirachta indica on the other hand, considering the potential use of their active metabolites.
have multiple utility against the ailments (Ofusori et al., However, it is recommended to screen all mentioned plant
2010; Tariq et al., 2015). Begonia josephii has species to confirm their toxicity risks in order to justify their
antidysenteric property (Kagyung et al., 2010). Cannabis traditional usage. Besides, the factors which threatening
sativa are used as appetizers (Mazidi et al., 2004) and have the knowledge and diversity of medicinal flora in this
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region includes overharvesting and fading of traditional Ofusori, D. A., Falana, B. A., Ofusori, A. E. and Caxton-
knowledge with time, as most of the TKS (Traditional Martins, E. A. 2010. Regenerative Potential of Aqueous
knowledge systems) is confined to the age old individuals Extract of Neem Azadirachta indica on the Stomach and
only. Ileum Following Ethanol-induced Mucosa Lesion in
Adult Wistar Rats. Gastroenterology Research 3(2), 86-
Acknowledgements 90.
The authors are thankful to the College of Horticulture and Hong, L., Guo, Z., Huang, K., Wei, S., Liu, B., Meng, S. and
Forestry, Pasighat, local healers and tribal communities of Long C. 2015. Ethnobotanical study on medicinal plants
Pasighat, Arunachal Pradesh, for their contributions and used by Maonan people in China. Journal of
sharing their valuable information for the research. Ethnobiology and Ethnomedicine 11: 32.
Mazidi, M., Taraghdari, S.B., Rezaee P., Kamgar, M.,
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