Exploring Ethnomedicinal Plants for Treating Diverse Skin Ailments among Tribal Communities in Mizoram, India: Insights from Traditional Healing Practices

Abstract

Throughout history, plants have been extensively utilized in traditional medicine for primary healthcare purposes. It is recognized that medicinal plants contain a diverse array of bioactive compounds, making them an alternative option to synthetic medications for addressing a variety of illnesses. The primary aim of this review is to compile comprehensive data on folk medicinal plants utilized by diverse tribal communities in Mizoram, India, as traditional remedies for treating various skin diseases. A thorough literature review was conducted utilizing various sources including books and electronic databases to gain insights into the etiology of skin diseases and the corresponding traditional herbal treatments. Results: Ninety-five plant species from fifty different families have been identified for their ethnomedicinal properties in treating various skin conditions. Roots, rhizomes, stems, leaves, barks, bulbs, flowers, and even whole plants are employed as folk remedies to address a range of skin infections, often administered in the form of crushed juice, paste, or decoction.Conclusion: This information serves to guide researchers in identifying previously unexplored medicinal plants, offering avenues for developing novel therapeutic approaches and isolating and identifying new bioactive compounds that are both safe and cost-effective.