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VOL. 11, ISSUE 2 (2026)
Study on the use of animal products in making traditional medicine used by the traditional healers of Kokrajhar District, Assam, India
Authors
Oliva Patgiri, Sudipta Nag, Golphina Ahmed, Syed Rizaul Karim Ahmed, Dr. Kangkan Jyoti Sarma
Abstract
Traditional medicine, rooted in cultural practices, remains an
important component of healthcare, utilizing knowledge systems that include
remedies derived from plants, animals, and minerals (Adnan et al., 2022,
WHO, 2022). The present study documents animal-based medicinal practices among
traditional healers of the Bodo, Garo, Santali, and Rabha tribes of Kokrajhar
district, Assam, India. A total of 46 animal species were recorded, comprising
7 invertebrates (15%) and 39 vertebrates (85%). These species are used to treat
a wide range of ailments, including metabolic, infectious, dermatological, and
neurological disorders, along with conditions such as tuberculosis, jaundice,
asthma, rheumatic pain, and anemia, several uses are also associated with
spiritual beliefs. The Use-Value (UV) index was highest for Rhesus monkey and
cat (0.40), followed by banded krait, money cowrie, centipede, pig, porcupine,
softshell turtle, and Royal Bengal tiger (0.33), while moderate values were
observed for Indian peafowl, elephant, Indian flying fox, black cat, and honey
bee (0.27).The findings highlight the richness of ethnozoological knowledge and
its continued role in primary healthcare. Documentation of such practices is
essential for conservation planning and provides a basis for future
pharmacological validation and discovery of novel bioactive compounds.
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Pages:180-186
How to cite this article:
Oliva Patgiri, Sudipta Nag, Golphina Ahmed, Syed Rizaul Karim Ahmed, Dr. Kangkan Jyoti Sarma "Study on the use of animal products in making traditional medicine used by the traditional healers of Kokrajhar District, Assam, India". International Journal of Entomology Research, Vol 11, Issue 2, 2026, Pages 180-186
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