By our reporter
Shillong, December 28: A two-year survey in Meghalaya’s Libhoi district documented 184 plant species, including some with important medicinal properties, highlighting the region’s rich biodiversity. The study, conducted by the Regional Ayurveda Research Institute (RARI) in Itanagar, covered protected forest areas such as Nongkilam and Umtasor and remote villages across six forest areas including Umling, Umsoor and 29 Mile.
The study was published in the Journal of Drug Research in Ayurvedic Science.
According to the report, “Forests in Ribhoi district are a natural habitat for diverse plant species, including many plant species that have important Ayurvedic value.”
The collected specimens will be stored as herbarium sheets at RARI and verified in global databases such as Plants of the World Online to serve as a reference for future research.
The researchers noted that 72 plant families have been recorded, with angiosperms making up the majority, followed by pteridophytes and one family of gymnosperms. Some of the identified medicinal plants are already used in Ayurvedic formulations.
This study highlighted that these species, if used sustainably, can support both conservation and medical efforts.
The research team recorded the local names of the plants with the help of local tribal communities and forest rangers.
For example, plants were collected from areas such as Umso (quinine), which is known for its high diversity of 25 species at an altitude of 563 meters. Such efforts highlight the importance of integrating traditional knowledge and scientific texts.
The report also pointed to challenges such as the need for better coordination between government departments to ensure environmental sustainability in development projects.
“Large-scale mining and monoculture plantations are rapidly changing land use in forested areas, impacting the natural habitat of medicinal plants,” the study said.
Riboi’s forests hold immense potential for medicinal plant research, which calls for stronger legal protections for this fragile ecosystem.
The researchers emphasized the importance of preventing mining and monocultures in ecologically sensitive areas and encouraged consultation with the Forest Service when planning development.
The researchers concluded that “appropriate utilization of medicinal plant resources can not only aid conservation but also provide great scope for future research in Ayurveda and modern medicine.”
