Folk Medicinal Plants of Sikkim Himalayas and their Pharmacological Use

Abstract

The aim of the present study is to find out the use of ethnomedicinal plants in alternative medicines and their scientific validation through literature review. A total of 32 medicinal plants were selected by random sampling method in study area. The selected medicinal plants were studied for pharmacological properties and their uses in different alternative systems of medicines in India viz., Ayurveda, Unani, Homeopathy, Siddha and Tibetan. The pharmacological properties and their earlier studies have shown that the percentage of natural products in modern drug is considerable, with estimates varying from 35%–50%. The data from indigenous systems of Sikkim have range of similarity with different traditional health care system like Ayurveda (59.37%), Unani (37.50%), Homeopathy (18.75%), Tibetan (15.62%) and Siddha (12.50%). Almost 72% of ethnomedicinal plant species shows scientific validations for their ethnic uses. The present study indicates that considerable numbers of ethnomedicinal plant species are used in two or more alternative medicinal systems for the treatment of same or similar ailment, suggesting potential pharmacological opportunities in the future.