An Ethnopharmacological Survey of Herbal Remedies used by TraditionalHealers of West Jaintia Hills District, Meghalaya

Introduction/Objectives: This ethnopharmacological study documents the traditional medicinal knowledge of the Pnar and War tribes of the West Jaintia Hills District, Meghalaya, India. Methods: Field surveys were conducted in April 2023. A total of 12 traditional healers and community informants were interviewed using structured and semi-structured questionnaires. The study recorded medicinal plant species along with their local names, parts used, preparation methods, and therapeutic uses. Quantitative ethnobotanical indices, including Use Value (UV), Fidelity Level (FL%), and Relative Frequency of Citation (RFC), were calculated to assess the cultural importance and reliability of the documented plants. Results: The survey documented 34 medicinal plant species used in traditional healthcare practices. Information on plant parts utilized, modes of preparation, and therapeutic applications was systematically compiled. The calculated UV, FL%, and RFC values indicated the relative significance and usage patterns of the recorded species within the community. Discussion: The findings demonstrate the continued reliance of the Pnar and War communities on plant-based remedies for primary healthcare. The quantitative indices further highlight culturally important species and provide a structured basis for understanding local therapeutic preferences. Conclusion: The study underscores the importance of preserving medicinal plant resources and indigenous knowledge systems. It also establishes a scientific foundation for future pharmacological validation and supports the potential integration of traditional remedies into sustainable healthcare frameworks.