Ethnobotanical survey of genus Garcinia L. (Clusiaceae) in Bodoland Territorial Region, Assam, India

Abstract

Background: The Bodoland Territorial Region, Assam, India, lies on the north bank of the Brahmaputra River, below the foothills of the Himalayan range as a biodiversity hotspot. Many underutilized species used by tribal communities needs documentation due to health beneficial properties. The study aims to explore one such underutilized genus, Garcinia, and investigate three species, namely, Garcinia pedunculata, Garcinia morella, and Garcinia xanthochymus, for their uses in medicinal, culinary, and others.

Methods: The ethnobotanical study was conducted in the four districts of BTR-Kokrajhar, Chirang, Baksa, and Udalguri with the help of questionnaire for data collection and 100 key informants per district interviews with plant parts used, method of use, status, history, and propagation of the plant in the villages and market areas between 2020 and 2023.

Results: Garcinia species were identified as G. pedunculata, G. xanthochymus, and G. morella.  Current study revealed that the awareness in major population, consumption in either fresh or preserved by sun-drying, pickle making, juice, candy, and use in traditional medicine to cure mild body ailments like dysentery, stomach ache, and headache. G. morella was absent in Kokrajhar and Chirang districts, but G. pedunculata and G. xanthochymus were found in all four districts. With an RFC and UV value of 1 and 0.89, G. pedunculata is found to be the most significant species used for multiple applications.

Conclusions: G. pedunculata is found to be the most recognized variety, followed by G. xanthochymus, and G. morella within the local community.

Keywords: Ethnobotany, Underutilized fruit, Traditional medicine, Garcinia