MEDICINAL PLANT USED FORTHE TREATMENT OF MUSCULAR SPRAIN BY THE TANGKHUL TRIBE OF UKHRUL DISTRICT, MANIPUR, INDIA

Ukhrul district of Manipur is a hilly region predominantly inhabited by the Tangkhul tribe. The Tangkhul people of this hilly region are mainly dependent on the forest and are quiet  familiar with local herbs found in the village surroundings and forest areas not only for their food but also provide a major part of the medicine for the treatment of various diseases and ailments especially for the poor people living in the district.Recent ethnomedicinal survey (2016 – 2017) among the Tangkhul community revealed the use of 35 species of angiosperms, covering 34 genera and 25 families which they use to treat muscular sprain.The present study was carried out through structured questionnaires in consultations with the elders and Tangkhul practitioners.Some significant medicinal plants which are used by the Tangkhul tribe for the treatment of muscular sprain are Argyreia nervosa, Cyperus rotundus, Equisetum ramosissinum,Homskioldia sanguine,Mikania cordata, Xylosma longifolia, etc. Plantation of medicinal plant species in home gardens and farm areas has shown its commercial potential and steps for conserving economically significant diverse plants of this hilly region.