Diversity and Ethnobotany of the Genus Phlogacanthus Nees in Assam, India

Abstract

The genus Phlogacanthus Nees (Acanthaceae) is represented by 49 species confined only to a few South-East Asian countries viz., Bangladesh, Bhutan, China, India, Indonesia, Myanmar and Vietnam. The genus is endemic to the region and India is represented only by 10 species which are confined only to north-east region of the country. Assam is represented by 10 taxa of the genus. Several members of the genus have been used medicinally and as vegetable by the ethnic communities of north-eastern India. It is commonly used for curing fever, cough, chronic bronchitis, asthma, and rheumatism by one or other ethnic group of northeastern India. It is also used as an antiseptic, anti-allergic and as insecticide. During the last few decades the genus has become one of the most important sources of Phlogantholide A, found in the leaves which are considered beneficial in liver and spleen diseases. The present study provides baseline information on the species diversity of the genus Phlogacanthus in Assam along with their therapeutic and other uses.