Nagaland University documents Sonowal Kachari medicinal knowledge, highlighting low-cost healthcare and drug discovery potential.
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DIMAPUR — Nagaland University has documented the rapidly declining ethno-medicinal knowledge of the Sonowal Kachari tribe of Assam, highlighting its potential for affordable healthcare and future drug discovery.
According to a press release, the study focused on 39 medicinal plant species and their applications, systematically recording traditional herbal practices passed down orally within the Sonowal Kachari community.
The research involved 180 elderly knowledge-holders and captured a detailed and quantitative understanding of plant-based treatments used to manage various ailments.
One of the key findings of the study was the continued relevance of herbal medicine as a low-cost and accessible healthcare solution, particularly in rural and resource-constrained settings. The research also revealed that the community relies on both traditional remedies and allopathic medicine, indicating opportunities for integrative healthcare models.
The study highlighted that many of the documented remedies are used to treat common conditions such as fever, respiratory ailments, kidney stones, and skin disorders, indicating their therapeutic relevance for primary healthcare systems. It stated that the findings reinforce the potential for developing validated plant-derived formulations that can complement modern medicine, especially in underserved regions.
The findings were published in the Journal of Ayurveda and Integrative Medicine, a peer-reviewed journal that publishes research bridging traditional Ayurvedic knowledge with modern biomedical science. The paper was co-authored by Pramod Chandra Dihingia, Wungsim Zimik and Prabhakar Sharma from Nagaland University and Deepika Borah from the Indian Council of Medical Research, Assam.
Elaborating on the findings, Dr. Pramod Chandra Dihingia, Assistant Professor, Department of Agricultural Engineering and Technology, Nagaland University, said, “This study underscores the urgent need to conserve both indigenous knowledge and medicinal plant biodiversity. With younger generations increasingly shifting away from traditional practices, the research warns of a potential loss of valuable ethnobotanical knowledge. To address this, the team proposes a conservation framework that supports knowledge preservation while promoting sustainable use of plant resources.”
Prabhakar Sharma, Head, Department of Agricultural Engineering and Technology, Nagaland University, added, “Beyond documentation, the findings open new avenues for pharmacological research, with several identified plants showing promise for future drug development. By bridging traditional wisdom with scientific validation, this study contributes to national priorities in affordable healthcare, biodiversity conservation, and innovation in natural product-based therapeutics.”
The researchers stated that the work lays the groundwork for further interdisciplinary studies aimed at validating medicinal properties, exploring bioactive compounds, and developing community-driven conservation strategies.
The research also emphasised that systematic documentation and quantitative validation of indigenous practices can accelerate bioprospecting and pharmacological screening of bioactive compounds, paving the way for future drug development pipelines.
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The School of Agricultural Sciences, Nagaland University, Medziphema Campus, organised a one-day interactive session on entrepreneurship on the theme “Motivating the next generation of entrepreneurs” on May 16 under the ICAR-TSP project on enhancing employability among students.
The session featured Kevisato Sanyü, founder of NagaEd, and his team. Students participated in DISC personality assessment exercises, self-awareness activities and leadership-based group interactions conducted by the NagaEd team.
The programme highlighted entrepreneurship and innovation in agriculture and allied sectors in Nagaland and encouraged students to explore agri-based enterprises and rural development opportunities.
Career talk on skilling, employment
The Department of English, Nagaland University, Meriema, organised a sensitisation and interactive talk on “Opportunities for skilling and employment: Shifting paradigms on employment and job opportunities” on May 12 in collaboration with the Nagaland Skill and Entrepreneurship Development Mission (NSEDM).
Speakers highlighted the growing mismatch between the number of graduates and limited government vacancies, while stressing the importance of skills, adaptability, entrepreneurship and experiential learning.
NSEDM officials shared professional experiences and encouraged students to explore employable skills, internships and emerging career opportunities beyond conventional government jobs.