Medicinal Plants Diversity in Arunachal Pradesh: A review

Arunachal Pradesh, situated within the Eastern Himalayan biodiversity hotspot, is recognized as one of India’s most significant reservoirs of medicinal plant diversity. The region contains over 500 documented medicinal plant species from more than 120 families, which are extensively used by indigenous tribal communities for primary healthcare. Traditional knowledge systems, which are transmitted orally across generations, are integral to the treatment of a wide range of ailments, including gastrointestinal disorders, respiratory diseases, skin infections, fever, and metabolic conditions. This paper review existing literature on the diversity, ethnomedicinal applications, and conservation status of medicinal plants in Arunachal Pradesh, drawing on data from major scientific databases including Scopus, Web of Science, PubMed, and Google Scholar. The analysis reveals that dominant plant families, including Asteraceae, Fabaceae, Zingiberaceae, and Lamiaceae, make substantial contributions to the region’s medicinal flora. Various plant parts, such as leaves, roots, bark, and rhizomes, are used in formulations such as decoctions, infusions, and pastes. Despite their considerable therapeutic potential and cultural importance, many species face threats from overharvesting, habitat degradation, and climate change. The review underscores the urgent need for systematic documentation, the development of conservation strategies, and the implementation of sustainable utility practices. Integrating traditional knowledge with modern pharmacological research may further facilitate drug discovery and support biodiversity conservation.