ETHNOBOTANICAL INVESTIGATIONS ON ANTIDOTES IN SINGHASON HILLS, KARBI ANGLONG DISTRICT, ASSAM, INDIA

Abstract

The Singhason hill range in Karbi Anglong district, Assam, India is considered a floristic hotspot of Assam, India. The region has poor access to modern healthcare system and people rely on traditional medicine for primary healthcare. The present study investigates ethnomedicinal claims relating to treatment and management of plant poisons and venomous bites practised among the people in Singhason hills. Methods adopted for the present study included semi-structured interviews and personal observations. The present paper provides ethnobotanical knowledge of 42 medicinal plants of 40 families, used as antidotes-food poisoning (6), insect and spider poisons (11), snake poison (17) and other poisons (13). Both herbal prescriptions as well as restrictions are maintained to manage many poisons and allergy reactions. Traditional medicines remain an integral part of healthcare; it can be developed through validation and value addition.