Skip to main navigation menu Skip to main content Skip to site footer
Plant Science Today (PST)

Research Articles

Early Access

Reckoning the ethnomedicinal potential of the endemic pitcher plant (Nepenthes khasiana Hook. f.) for its conservation through people’s voices in Meghalaya, India

DOI
https://doi.org/10.14719/pst.12455
Submitted
28 October 2025
Published
08-06-2026
Versions

Abstract

The pitcher plant, Nepenthes khasiana Hook. f., is an endemic and endangered species with immense pharmacological potential and is used to treat several ailments. It requires urgent conservation, as it is currently threatened with extinction due to various human-induced factors in the Garo, Khasi and Jaintia Hills of Meghalaya, India. The present study was initiated to evaluate the ethnomedicinal value of N. khasiana, along with its conservation measures, as perceived by the people. Both open-ended and closed-ended questionnaires were administered to document the ethnomedicinal properties of the pitcher plant with respect to age, gender, occupation, education and regional differences to understand the ethnomedicinal use and people’s knowledge and willingness towards conservation and the importance of the plant in their livelihood. The present study revealed that older people, male members and residents of Jaintia Hills primarily use pitcher plants as medicines; however, younger generations are apathetic towards preserving this indigenous knowledge. The plant was used to treat various ailments related to the eye, gastrointestinal, leprosy, skin, kidney, diabetes and gynaecological problems. The pitcher fluid of the plant was used more compared to other parts of the pitcher plant. Additionally, most of the informants of young age groups, in the Garo and Khasi Hills area, abstain from any inclination on the conservation perspective of pitcher plants growing in Meghalaya. Consequently, public awareness, stakeholder participation and integration of the significance of the pitcher plant in people’s culture and tradition are requisite for the conservation of indigenous knowledge and the pitcher plant.

 

References

  1. 1. Adamec L, Matusikova I, Pavlovic A. Recent ecophysiological, biochemical and evolutionary insights into plant carnivory. Ann Bot. 2021;128:241–59. https://doi.org/10.1093/aob/mcab071
  2. 2. Santapau H, Henry AN. A dictionary of the flowering plants in India. New Delhi: Publication and Information Directorate; 1976.
  3. 3. Kamble MV, Harikrishnan S, Balakumar P. Utricularia caerulea (Lentibulariaceae): a new record to flora of Andaman and Nicobar Islands. Rheedea. 2012;22:116–18. https://doi.org/10.22244/rheedea.2012.22.02.12
  4. 4. Bhattacharya A, Momin SG, Sarkar P. New distribution records of the endemic pitcherplant, Nepenthes khasiana Hook f. and identification of threats in Meghalaya, India. J Environ Biol. 2024;45:1–7. https://doi.org/10.22438/jeb/45/1/MRN-5172
  5. 5. Cross AT, Krueger TA, Gonella PM, Robinson AS, Fleischmann AS. Conservation of carnivorous plants in the age of extinction. Glob Ecol Conserv. 2020;24:e01272. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.gecco.2020.e01272
  6. 6. Ved D, Saha D, Haridasan K, Ravikumar K. Nepenthes khasiana. IUCN Red List Threat Species. 2015;e.T48992883A49009685. https://doi.org/10.2305/IUCN.UK.2015-2.RLTS.T48992883A49009685.en
  7. 7. Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES). The CITES appendices [Internet]. Geneva: CITES Secretariat; 2022. https://cites.org/eng/app/index.php
  8. 8. Ziemer B. Exciting conservation news: the rare Nepenthes collection project. Carniv Plant Newslett. 2010;39:67. https://doi.org/10.55360/cpn393.bz815
  9. 9. Bordoloi RPM. The pitcher plant Nepenthes khasiana. Guwahati (Assam): Sreeguru Press; 1977. p. 58.
  10. 10. Momin KC, Mehra TS, Dobhal S, Momin BC, Gupta YC. Status of Nepenthes khasiana Hook f. (pitcher plant) in Meghalaya: a review. J Pharmacogn Phytochem. 2018;7:353–58.
  11. 11. Devi SP, Kumaria S, Sharma PR, Khoyumthem P, Tandon P. Nepenthes khasiana Hook f., an endangered tropical pitcher plant of India. Indian J Tradit Knowl. 2019;18:68–75.
  12. 12. Bhattacharya A, Verma AK, Rao S, Momin SG, Radhakrishnanand P, Sarkar P. Unlocking the phytochemicals in unopened pitcher fluids of Nepenthes khasiana: a GC-MS study. Intell Pharm. 2024;2:284–90. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ipha.2023.10.005
  13. 13. Bokatia D, Synelish SM, Rao CR. Conservation of pitcher plant. Curr Sci. 2012;102:381–382.
  14. 14. Rana CS, Rana V, Bisht MPS. An unusual composition of the plant species towards zone of ablation (Tipra glacier), Garhwal Himalaya. Curr Sci. 2010;99:574–76.
  15. 15. Hazarika TK, Marak S, Mandal D, Shukla AC. Underutilised and unexploited fruits of Indo-Burma hotspot, Meghalaya, north-east India: ethno-medicinal evaluation, socio-economic importance and conservation strategies. Genet Resour Crop Evol. 2016;63:289–304. https://doi.org/10.1007/s10722-015-0248-0
  16. 16. Dixit S, Tiwari S. Investigation of anti-diabetic plants used among the ethnic communities of Kanpur division, India. J Ethnopharmacol. 2020;253:112639. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jep.2020.112639
  17. 17. Rao TA, Shanware PG, Tribedi GN. A note on the pitcher plant habitat in Assam. Indian For. 1969;95:611–13.
  18. 18. Kumar YK, Haridasan S, Rao RR. Ethnobotanical notes on certain medicinal plants among some Garo people around Balphakram Sanctuary in Meghalaya. Bull Bot Surv India. 1980;22:161–65. https://doi.org/10.20324/nelumbo/v22/1980/75417
  19. 19. Kharkongor P, Joseph J. Folklore medicobotany of rural Khasi and Jaintia tribes in Meghalaya. In: Jain SK, editor. Glimpses of Indian ethnobotany. New Delhi: Oxford and IBH; 1981. p. 115.
  20. 20. Joseph J, Joseph KM. Insectivorous plants of Khasi and Jaintia Hills, Meghalaya, India: a preliminary survey. Kolkata: Botanical Survey of India; 1986.
  21. 21. Behera KK, Sahoo S, Mohapatra PN. Medicinal plant resources for bioprospecting and drug development in the tribal-rich district of Orissa, India. Ethnobot Leafl. 2007;11:106–12.
  22. 22. Shil D, Mohanty JP, Das T, Bhuyan NR, Uriah T, Saleem TSM. Protective role of pitcher of Nepenthes khasiana Hook against dexamethasone-induced hyperlipidemia and insulin resistance in rats. Int J Res Pharm Sci. 2010;1:195–98.
  23. 23. Sanglyne MW, Dirborne CM, Nongkynrih DH. Ethnomedicinal plants used by the tribal inhabitants of two of the wettest places on earth: an overview. Int J Bot Stud. 2021;6:125–34.
  24. 24. Dikshit KR, Dikshit JK. North-east India: land, people and economy. Dordrecht: Springer; 2014. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-94-007-7055-3
  25. 25. Ogra M. Attitudes toward resolution of human–wildlife conflict among forest-dependent agriculturalists near Rajaji National Park, India. Hum Ecol. 2009;37:161–77. https://doi.org/10.1007/s10745-009-9222-9
  26. 26. Badola R. Attitudes of local people towards conservation and alternatives to forest resources: a case study from the lower Himalayas. Biodivers Conserv. 1998;7:1245–59. https://doi.org/10.1023/A:1008845510498
  27. 27. Talukdar NR, Choudhury P. Attitudes and perceptions of the local people on human–elephant conflict in the Patharia Hills Reserve Forest of Assam, India. Proc Zool Soc. 2020;73:380–91. https://doi.org/10.1007/s12595-020-00343-5
  28. 28. Shibia MG. Determinants of attitudes and perceptions on resource use and management of Marsabit National Reserve, Kenya. J Hum Ecol. 2010;30:55–62. https://doi.org/10.1080/09709274.2010.11906272
  29. 29. Torri MC. Power, structure, gender relations and community-based conservation: the case study of the Sariska region, Rajasthan, India. J Int Womens Stud. 2010;11:1–18.
  30. 30. Ebua VB, Agwafo TE, Fonkwo SN. Attitude and perceptions as threats to wildlife conservation in Bakossi area, South West Cameroon. Int J Biodivers Conserv. 2011;3:631–36.
  31. 31. Bernard HR. Research methods in anthropology: qualitative and quantitative approaches. 5th ed. Lanham (MD): Altamira Press; 2011.
  32. 32. Bajracharya SB, Furley PA, Newton AC. Impacts of community-based conservation on local communities in the Annapurna Conservation Area, Nepal. Biodivers Conserv. 2006;15:2765–86. https://doi.org/10.1007/s10531-005-1343-x
  33. 33. Kalibo HW, Medley KE. Participatory resource mapping for adaptive collaborative management at Mt. Kasigau, Kenya. Landsc Urban Plan. 2007;82:145–58. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.landurbplan.2007.02.005
  34. 34. Orch H, Benkhnigue O, Zidane L, Douira A. Treatment of urolithiasis: ethnobotanical study of plants used by the population bordering the forest of Izarène Lithiasis. Ethnobot Res Appl. 2020;19:1–15. https://doi.org/10.32859/era.19.33.1-15
  35. 35. Phillips OL. Some quantitative methods for analysing ethnobotanical knowledge. In: Alexiades MN, editor. Selected guidelines for ethnobotanical research: a field manual. New York: New York Botanical Garden; 1996. p. 171–97.
  36. 36. Lazar J, Preece J. Using electronic surveys to evaluate networked resources: from idea to implementation. In: McClure C, Bertot J, editors. Evaluating networked information services: techniques, policy and issues. Medford (NJ): Information Today; 2001. p. 137–54.
  37. 37. Rajalakshmi S, Vijayakumar S, Arulmozhi P. Ethnobotanical survey of medicinal plants in Thanjavur and its surrounding (Tamil Nadu, India). Acta Ecol Sin. 2019;39:380–97. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.chnaes.2018.09.010
  38. 38. Ojha SN, Tiwari D, Anand A, Sundriyal RC. Ethnomedicinal knowledge of a marginal hill community of Central Himalaya: diversity, usage pattern and conservation concerns. J Ethnobiol Ethnomed. 2020;16:29. https://doi.org/10.1186/s13002-020-00381-5
  39. 39. Mlilo S, Sibanda S. An ethnobotanical survey of the medicinal plants used in the treatment of cancer in some parts of Matebeleland, Zimbabwe. S Afr J Bot. 2022;146:401–408. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.sajb.2021.11.022
  40. 40. Kala CP, Dhyani PP, Sajwan BS. Developing the medicinal plants sector in northern India: challenges and opportunities. J Ethnobiol Ethnomed. 2006;2:32. https://doi.org/10.1186/1746-4269-2-32
  41. 41. Tefera BN, Kim YD. Ethnobotanical study of medicinal plants in the Hawassa Zuria District, Sidama zone, Southern Ethiopia. J Ethnobiol Ethnomed. 2019;15:25. https://doi.org/10.1186/s13002-019-0302-7
  42. 42. Zougagh S, Belghiti A, Rochd T, Zerdani L, Mouslim J. Medicinal and aromatic plants used in traditional treatment of oral pathology: an ethnobotanical survey in Casablanca, Morocco (North Africa). Nat Prod Bioprospect. 2019;9:35–48. https://doi.org/10.1007/s13659-018-0194-6
  43. 43. Eshete MA, Molla EL. Cultural significance of medicinal plants in healing human ailments among Guji semi-pastoralist people, Suro Barguda District, Ethiopia. J Ethnobiol Ethnomed. 2021;17:61. https://doi.org/10.1186/s13002-021-00487-4
  44. 44. Luitel DR, Rokaya MB, Munzbergova Z. Medicinal plants used by Tamang community in the Makawanpur district of central Nepal. J Ethnobiol Ethnomed. 2014;10:5. https://doi.org/10.1186/1746-4269-10-5
  45. 45. Randrianarivony TN, Ramarosandratana AV, Andriamihajarivo TH, Rakotoarivony F, Jeannoda VH, Randrianasolo A, et al. The most used medicinal plants by communities in Mahaboboka, Amboronabo, Mikoboka, southwestern Madagascar. J Ethnobiol Ethnomed. 2017;13:19. https://doi.org/10.1186/s13002-017-0147-x
  46. 46. Adia MM, Anywar G, Byamukama R, Kamatenesi-Mugisha M, Sekagya Y, Kakudidi EK. Medicinal plants used in malaria treatment by Prometra herbalists in Uganda. J Ethnopharmacol. 2014;155:580–88. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jep.2014.05.060
  47. 47. Bouafia A, Laouini SE, Ahmed ASA, Soldatov AV, Algarni H, Chong KF, et al. Recent progress on silver nanoparticles: synthesis and electronic applications. Nanomaterials. 2021;11:2318. https://doi.org/10.3390/nano11092318
  48. 48. Njoroge GN, Kaibui IM, Njenga PK, Odhiambo PO. Utilisation of priority traditional medicinal plants and local people’s knowledge on their conservation status in arid lands of Kenya (Mwingi District). J Ethnobiol Ethnomed. 2010;6:22. https://doi.org/10.1186/1746-4269-6-22
  49. 49. Tugume P, Kakudidi EK, Buyinza M, Namaalwa J, Kamatenesi M, Mucunguzi P, et al. Ethnobotanical survey of medicinal plant species used by communities around Mabira Central Forest Reserve, Uganda. J Ethnobiol Ethnomed. 2016;12:5. https://doi.org/10.1186/s13002-015-0077-4
  50. 50. Ssenku JE, Okurut SA, Namuli A, Kudamba A, Tugume P, Matovu P, et al. Medicinal plant use, conservation and the associated traditional knowledge in rural communities in Eastern Uganda. Trop Med Health. 2022;50:39. https://doi.org/10.1186/s41182-022-00428-1
  51. 51. Tsobou R, Mapongmetsem PM, van Damme P. Medicinal plants used for treating reproductive health care problems in Cameroon, Central Africa. Econ Bot. 2016;70:145–59. https://doi.org/10.1007/s12231-016-9344-0
  52. 52. Lu Z, Chen H, Lin C, Ou G, Li J, Xu W. Ethnobotany of medicinal plants used by the Yao people in Gongcheng County, Guangxi, China. J Ethnobiol Ethnomed. 2022;18:49. https://doi.org/10.1186/s13002-022-00544-6
  53. 53. Kumari P, Wani IA, Khan S, Verma S, Mushtaq S, Gulnaz A, et al. Modelling of Valeriana wallichii habitat suitability and niche dynamics in the Himalayan region under anticipated climate change. Biology. 2022;11:498. https://doi.org/10.3390/biology11040498

Downloads

Download data is not yet available.