Traditional medicinal flora utilized by Chakpa People in Tairenpokpi Village, Manipur, North-East India

Abstract

Background: Ethnomedicine is the study of indigenous healing traditions and plant‑based remedies practiced to address primary health concerns. This study investigates the ethnomedicinal knowledge of the Chakpa, a Meitei Scheduled Caste community residing in Tairenpokpi village, Imphal West District, Manipur. The village sustains a rich biodiversity and a distinctive traditional healthcare system.

Methods: Fieldwork was conducted between March 2023 and May 2025 using semi-structured questionnaires from 46 informants, with 19 men and 27 women, respectively. The informants include herbal healers, elders, and women folks having ethnomedicinal knowledge. Data were analyzed quantitatively using ethnobotanical indices, including use value, fidelity level, and informant consensus factor.

Results: Overall, 51 ethnomedicinal plant species belonging to 36 families were documented, with Lamiaceae, Rubiaceae, and Solanaceae being the most common families with 3 species each.  Herbs accounted for 40% of the species, followed by shrubs with 24%, and leaves were the most used plant part. Decoction was the predominant preparation method, while oral administration was most common (63%), followed by poultices (11%). The highest use value was observed in O indicum with 2.59. Fidelity level of 100% were obtained in 3 plant species, i.e., Plumbago zeylanica, Celtis timorensis, and Litsea glutinosa, highlighting their use for a particular disease in the community. The highest informant consensus factor value was recorded for Digestive diseases (ICF = 0.95).

Conclusions: The findings underscore the critical role of ethnomedicinal knowledge in community health and emphasize the need for systematic documentation and conservation of indigenous plant resources in Tairenpokpi village.

Keywords: Chakpa, decoction, diversity, ethnomedicinal, poultice, traditional healers