By Our Reporter
SHILLONG, Dec 28: A two-year survey in Meghalaya’s Ri-Bhoi district has documented 184 plant species, including several with significant medicinal value, highlighting the rich biodiversity of the region. Conducted by the Regional Ayurveda Research Institute (RARI), Itanagar, the survey covered reserve forest areas such as Nongkhyllum and Umtasor and remote villages across six forest beats, including Umling, Umsaw, and 29th Mile.
The research was published by the Journal of Drug Research in Ayurvedic Sciences.
According to the report, “The forest of Ri-Bhoi district is a natural habitat for a diverse group of plant species, including many that hold significant value in Ayurveda.”
The collected specimens, preserved as herbarium sheets at RARI and verified with global databases like Plants of the World Online, will serve as a reference for future studies.
The researchers noted that 72 plant families were documented, with angiosperms making up the majority, followed by pteridophytes and a single gymnosperm family. Some of the medicinal plants identified are already used in Ayurvedic formulations.
The study emphasised that these species, if sustainably utilized, could support both conservation and healthcare initiatives.
The survey team recorded the vernacular names of plants with the help of local tribal communities and forest guards.
For instance, plants were collected from areas like Umsaw (Quinine), known for its altitude of 563 meters and a high diversity of 25 species. Such efforts underscore the importance of integrating traditional knowledge with scientific documentation.
The report also pointed out challenges, such as the need for better coordination among government departments to ensure eco-sustainability in development projects.
“Large-scale mining and monoculture plantations are rapidly altering the land use in forested areas, impacting the natural habitats of medicinal plants,” the study noted.
While Ri-Bhoi’s forests hold immense potential for medicinal plant research, the study called for greater legal protection for vulnerable ecosystems.
The researchers stressed the importance of preventing mining and monoculture in ecologically sensitive zones and encouraged consultation with the Forest Department during developmental planning.
The researchers concluded, “Proper utilisation of medicinal plant resources can not only aid conservation but also provide significant scope for future studies in Ayurveda and modern medicine.”
