Ethno-medicinal Plants for Managing Diabetes and Hypertension in Almora District, Kumaun Himalaya, Uttarakhand, India

Introduction

The Himalaya is recognized globally as a biodiversity hotspot having 10,000 plant species [1]. Indian Himalayan Region (IHR) hosting approximately 8,644 plant species across 1,748 families, of which many have medicinal properties, is most abundantly reported at altitudes up to 1,800 meters [2]. The Uttarakhand region within the IHR is particularly rich in medicinal plants, including species that thrive in different Eco climatic zone. This region has long been a repository of ethno medicinal knowledge, with local communities utilizing medicinal plants to treat various ailments over generations.
Traditional medicine is defined as the sum of knowledge, skills, and practices rooted in the theories, beliefs, and experiences unique to specific cultures, used for health maintenance, disease prevention, diagnosis, and the treatment of physical and mental conditions. The Indian Himalayan Region (IHR), known as one of the world’s richest reservoirs of biological diversity, is regarded as a "storehouse" of valuable medicinal plant species. The inhabitants of the IHR utilize biodiversity in a range of ways, including medicine, food, fuel, fodder, timber, agricultural tools, fiber, religious practices, and other purposes [3,4]. Numerous researchers have previously reported medicinal plants from various parts of Uttarakhand [5-9]. These studies underscore the critical role of traditional medicinal knowledge in supporting community health, cultural practices, and biodiversity conservation within the region.

The Kumaun Himalaya, specifically, sustains diverse medicinal plant species due to its rich biodiversity and established indigenous knowledge systems. The practice of using plants to treat illnesses is an ancient tradition, especially in rural and mountainous areas where access to modern medical facilities is limited or unaffordable. Consequently, local healers play a crucial role in primary healthcare, possessing extensive knowledge of medicinal plants effective in managing common ailments. The continued reliance on these locally sourced medicinal plants reflects their importance in the healthcare practices of rural communities, underscoring the need for preservation and documentation of this traditional knowledge system.

Diabetes and Hypertension are two of the most common lifestyle-related diseases worldwide. While modern pharmacological treatments are available, many people in remote regions of the Kumaun Himalaya still depend on traditional remedies due to accessibility, affordability, and trust in indigenous knowledge. In these communities, several locally available medicinal plants have been documented to have therapeutic properties that help regulate blood sugar levels and manage blood pressure. This study aims to document and analyze the traditional knowledge related to the use of medicinal plants for the treatment of diabetes and hypertension in Almora district. Understanding this ethno botanical knowledge is crucial, not only for preserving cultural heritage but also for identifying potential plant-based treatments that could be integrated into modern healthcare practices.

Materials And Methods

Study Area
The Almora district, located at 29.5971°N and 79.6591°E, is a part of the Kumaun Himalaya and is characterized by diverse topography and rich biodiversity. It covers 3697.2 km² geographical areas from which 1309.4km² area is covered by forests which involves sub-tropical moist deciduous forests, temperate broad leaves forest and mixed coniferous forests. The study was focused on five villages: Kasar Devi, Maat, Matela, Jakheta, and Balta. These villages were selected for their proximity to forested regions and the presence of local knowledge holders, such as vaidyas (traditional healers).

Data Collection and Processing
Field surveys were conducted between August to October 2024 to document indigenous knowledge. Structured questionnaires and semi-structured interviews were used to engage with the local population, especially elderly residents and traditional healers with significant knowledge of medicinal plants. Interviews were conducted in Hindi and Kumauni, ensuring effective communication with participants.

 

Figure 1: Map showing the study area.

Key terms and plant names were documented in the local dialect to preserve authenticity. Direct observations were made in forests, home gardens, and agricultural fields to identify plant species and their natural habitats. The process of plant collection, preparation, and usage by locals was observed to gain practical insights. Key informants were identified through snowball sampling. A focus was placed on individuals with reputations for extensive traditional knowledge.

Plant specimens were collected during surveys to authenticate the identified species. The specimens were processed using standard herbarium techniques. Taxonomic identification was carried out using reference floras like the "Flora of Kumaun Himalaya" and through consultation with experts in the department. Information was systematically recorded, including local names, family, plant part used, and method of administration (details on plant usage for diabetes and hypertension, preparation methods like plant-based remedies). A comprehensive review of existing research on medicinal plants in the Kumaun Himalaya was conducted to verify the collected data, such as sources included ethnobotanical journals, books, and local publications. After compilation of all information, the report was documented respectively.

Results And Discussion

In this study, a total of 40 medicinal plant species representing 28 families were documented. The most prevalent families were Zingiberaceae and Apiaceae, each with three species, followed by Liliaceae, Lauraceae, Cucurbitaceae, Lamiaceae, Poaceae, Fabaceae, Plantaginaceae, Rosaceae, and Brassicaceae, each represented by two species. Plant parts used for medicinal preparations included roots, rhizomes, bark, leaves, flowers, and seeds, with leaves being the most frequently utilized part, followed by seeds. Medicines are predominantly consumed in decoction and powdered form, as local communities believe this method is more effective than alternatives such as pills or tablets. In most cases, a decoction made from seeds, leaves, stems, fruits, or roots/tubers is used. These decoctions are typically prepared by crushing plant parts using a mortar and pestle. Alternatively, some are made by boiling the plant materials in water, straining the liquid, and drinking it once cooled. The medicinal plants recorded in the study area were traditionally used by locals for managing diabetes and hypertension. The findings align with previous research conducted [10-14]. A detailed documentation of each medicinal plant, including local names, family, plant parts used, and specific ethnomedicinal applications, is provided below. This comprehensive record contributes to preserving and understanding the traditional medicinal practices employed within the region. This research underscores the richness of traditional medicinal practices in the Almora district while highlighting the challenges in preserving this knowledge. The findings can serve as a valuable resource for ethno botanists, conservationists, and healthcare researchers aiming to promote sustainable and culturally-sensitive medicinal practices.

Table 1: Different Ethno-medicinal Plants used as cure for Diabetes in the study area.

S.No.	Name of Species	Local Name	Family	Part used	Method of administration
1.	Aloe barbadensis Mill.	Aloevera	Liliaceae	Leaves	Juice 10-20 ml[15]
2.	Berberis aristata DC.	Kilmora	Berberidaceae	Root	Ethanolic extract: 5 g of root is milled, steeped in 250 ml of water overnight, then filtered and drunk in the morning.[8,16-19]
3.	Beta vulgaris L.	Chukandar	Amranthaceae	Fruit	10-20 ml juice was taken in the morning and evening after the meal.[20]
4.	Catharanthus roseus (L.) G.Don	Sadabahar	Apocynaceae	Leaves	3 to 4 fresh leaves are eaten raw on an empty stomach in the morning.[21-23]
5.	Cinnamomum tamala (Buch.-Ham.) T.Nees & C.H.Eberm.	Tejpatta	Lauraceae	Leaves	Take one cup of hot water with the leaf and bark powder.[24]
6.	Cajanus cajan (L.) Huth	Arhar	Fabaceae	Seeds	Seeds are used in diabetes.[25,26]
7.	Phyllanthus emblica L.	Amla	Euphorbiaceae	Fruit	Dried seeds powder with hot water and fresh fruit juice is taken twice a day.[2]
8.	Hibiscus rosa sinesis L.	Gudhal	Malvaceae	Flower	Decoction of flowers twice in a day.[20,27]
9.	Momordica charantia L.	Karela	Cucurbitaceae	Fruit	Fresh Juice 10-20 ml of fruit and dried fruit powder is taken with hot water after meal.[16,28]
10.	Murraya koenigii (L.)	Karipatta	Rutaceae	Leaves	Decoction of leaves taken on an empty stomach daily in the early morning for a long time.[13,19,29]
11.	Ocimum scantum L.	Tulsi	Lamiaceae	Leaves	Decoction and tea of leaves taken in the early morning.[19,30]
12.	Lantana camara L.	Kuri	Verbenaceae	Fruits	Fruit powder takes with hot water in the early morning.[31]
13.	Ajuga bracteosa Wall. ex Benth.	Ratpatiya	Lamiaceae	Leaves	Leaf extracts are taken with hot water in the early morning.[9,32,33]
14.	Eleusine coracana Gaertn.	Raagi	Poaceae	Seeds	Flour used to make Bread, soup, and pudding.[10,12]
15.	Trigonella foenum-graecum L.	Methi	Fabaceae	Seeds	Half to one tablespoon of seeds is soaked in 1 cup of water overnight and drunk in the morning to treat diabetes.[10,12]
16.	Potentilla indica (Andrews) Th.Wolf	Bhikafal	Rosaceae	Leaves	Leaf extracts are taken with hot water.[10,12]
17.	Raphanus sativus L.	Muli	Brassicaceae	Root	Root extract is taken with normal water.[29,34]
18.	Psidium guajava L.	Amrud	Myrtaceae	Fruit, leaves	Fresh leaves/fruit paste is used in diabetes.[27,34]
19.	Roylea cinerea (D.Don) Baill.	Kaural	Fabaceae	Leaves	Fresh leaf juice is used twice in a day.[17]
20.	Solena heterophylla Lour.	Gulakhari	Cucurbitaceae	Tubers	Tubers eaten as vegetables to control diabetes.[17]
21.	Dioscorea bulbifera L.	Gethi	Dioscoreaceae	Tubers	Tubers as vegetables to cure diabetes.[29]
22.	Asparagus racemosus Willd.	Shataver	Asparagaceae	Roots	Root extract is taken with normal water.[13,15]
23.	Urtica dioica L.	Sisuna	Urticaceae	Roots	Root extract is taken with normal water and leaves are used to makevegetables for curing diabetes.[13]
24.	Scoparia dulcis L.	Banganjei	Plantaginaceae	leaves	Leaves are chewed on an empty stomach for treating diabetes.[14]
25.	Tinospora cordifolia (Willd.) Hook.f. & Thomson	Giloy	Menispermaceae	Leaves, bark	Decoction of leaves and bark is used to cure diabetes.[10,13,28]

 

Table 2: Different Ethno-medicinal Plants used as cure for Hypertension in the study area.

S.No.	Name of Species	Local Name	Family	Usable Part	Ethnomedicinal uses and using procedures
1.	Allium cepa L.	Onion	Liliaceae	Bulb	Aqueous extraction is used with normal water.[11]
2.	Allium sativum L.	Garlic	Alliaceae	Clove	Aqueous extraction is taken with normal water and chewed clove on an empty stomach.[11,35,36]
3.	Bidens pilosa L.	Black jack	Asteraceae	Leaf	Extraction of leaves is taken to cure hypertension[11,36]
4.	Trachyspermum ammi (L.) Sprague	Ajwain	Apiaceae	Seed	Aqueous extraction is used with hot water after meal.[11,36]
5.	Cinnamomum zeylanicum Blume	Dalchini	Lauraceae	Stem bark, leaf	Bark and leaf powder is taken with hot water after meal.[11]
6.	Coriandrum sativum L.	Dhaniya	Apiaceae	Seed	Aqueous extraction is taken with normal water.[11,35,36]
7.	Cymbopogon citratus(DC.) Stapf	Lemon Grass	Poaceae	Leaf	Leaves were used to make tea as a sedative.[11,35]
8.	Daucus carota L.	Gajar	Apiaceae	Root	Ethanolic extraction of roots is used to cure hypertension.[11,37]
9.	Zingiber oficinale Roscoe	Adrak	Zingiberaceae	Rhizome	Decoction of rhizome is taken with hot water.[11,36]
10.	Punica granatum L.	Anar	Lythraceae	Fruit	Fruit juice is taken to cure hypertension.[11,37]
11.	Elettaria cardamomum (L.) Maton	Cardamom	Zingiberaceae	Seed	Seeds powder is taken with normal water twice in a day.[11]
12.	Raphanus sativus L.	Muli	Brassicaceae	Seed	Extraction of seeds is taken with normal water once a day.[11,37]
13.	Curcuma longa L.	Haldi	Zingiberaceae	Rhizome	Extraction is taken with either hot water or cow milk.[11]
14.	Lycopersicon esculentum L.	Tamatar	Solanaceae	Fruit	Extraction is taken with normal water once a day.[11,37]
15.	Plantago ovate Forssk.	Esabgol	Plantaginaceae	Seed	Seed Extraction is taken with normal water once a day.[11]

 

Figure 2: Plant Parts used in Diabetes.

Figure 3: Plant Parts used in Hypertension.

Figure 4: Dominant families of the study.

The results of the study highlight the richness of medicinal plant diversity in Almora district, particularly in managing diabetes and hypertension. The high representation of families such as Zingiberaceae and Apiaceae, each with three species, could be attributed to their well-documented therapeutic properties and widespread usage in traditional medicine. For instance, plants from these families are known for their bioactive compounds, such as gingerol in Zingiber species and essential oils in Apiaceae members, which have been previously reported for their antidiabetic and antihypertensive effects (cite relevant literature). Similarly, the predominance of leaves as the most commonly used plant parts reflects their ease of access and high concentration of active phytochemicals, as corroborated by earlier studies. The observed decline in traditional knowledge across generations may stem from lifestyle changes, urbanization, and reduced dependence on traditional medicine, consistent with trends reported in other ethnobotanical surveys. This underscores the urgent need to preserve ethnomedicinal knowledge through documentation and active community engagement. The significance of the findings lies in their contribution to understanding the interplay between biodiversity conservation and healthcare practices. By documenting and analyzing traditional knowledge, the study provides a foundation for integrating local practices with modern medicine, promoting sustainable use of plant resources while conserving cultural heritage. These findings resonate with the global need for biodiversity preservation and the sustainable utilization of natural resources for therapeutic purposes.

Conclusion

This study emphasizes the rich diversity of medicinal plants in the Almora district and the strong cultural connection that local inhabitants, especially the elderly, maintain with these plants. The findings highlight the integral role that traditional knowledge plays in managing health issues such as diabetes and hypertension, with the elderly population holding a deep understanding of the therapeutic potential of local plants. However, observations during the survey revealed a generational gap—while older generations possess detailed knowledge and a personal connection to these plants, younger generations are less interested in preserving or learning about this traditional wisdom.

This decline in the transmission of ethnomedicinal knowledge is a significant concern, as it threatens the continuity of valuable healthcare practices passed down through generations. The knowledge accumulated by local communities is based on extensive experiential learning, offering insights into the therapeutic properties of plants that may not be fully understood by modern allopathic medicine. Many plants traditionally used in the region are believed to have medicinal properties that are either not addressed or inadequately addressed by contemporary pharmaceutical solutions. To preserve this ethnobotanical heritage, it is crucial to encourage the active participation of local communities in the conservation and sustainable use of medicinal plant species. Such efforts will not only sustain traditional health practices but also promote the sustainable utilization of these plants, ensuring they remain available for future generations. Furthermore, the restoration, conservation, and management of vulnerable or critically endangered medicinal plant species are essential for safeguarding their biodiversity and therapeutic potential. Effective management practices can support both the conservation of plant diversity and the integration of traditional knowledge into modern healthcare systems, benefiting both local communities and the broader public. In conclusion, this study serves as a call to action for preserving both the cultural and ecological significance of medicinal plants in the Kumaun Himalaya. Active efforts to protect these plants, along with their traditional uses, can bridge the gap between generations and integrate ancient wisdom with contemporary healthcare practices for the benefit of future generations.

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