Indigenous knowledge on the use of medicinal plants against Malaria: A survey from Pranpri Langso, Karbi Anglong, Assam, India

The control and elimination of mosquito-borne diseases have become increasingly challenging due to various factors, including the growing resistance in the population of mosquito and pathogen species. Vector control is one of the best solutions in vector-borne disease management. This survey was conducted to record the medicinal plant species used by the indigenous Karbi community in the Pranpri Langso area of Karbi Anglong, a Malaria-endemic district in Assam, through unstructured conversations, interviews, and a questionnaire. The results yielded a total of seventeen plants, indicating the richness of medicinal plants in the region. Fourteen species were used in treating conditions related to Malaria, such as muscle and joint pain, headache, fever, abdominal pain and diarrhoea. Additionally, three species were found to be employed as mosquito repellents. Although further scientific validation is needed, the results of this study aid in identifying novel plants for the development of drugs and mosquito repellent formulations.