Socio-cultural plants used by the Moyon Naga Tribe of Manipur, Northeastern India

 Corresponding author: POTSANGBAM KUMAR SINGH Copyright © 2025 Author(s) retain the copyright of this article. This article is published under the terms of the Creative Commons Attribution License 4.0. Socio-cultural plants used by the Moyon Naga Tribe of Manipur, Northeastern India RINGPHAMCHUNG KHARTU MOYON 1, SORAISHAM JULITA DEVI 2, POTSANGBAM KUMAR SINGH 2, * and MINA RAM NATH 1 1 Department of Botany, School of Life Sciences, The Assam Royal Global University, Betkuchi, Guwahati, Assam,781035, India. 2 Department of Botany, Manipur International University, Airport Road, Ghari Awang Leikai, Imphal West, Manipur - 795140, India. World Journal of Biology Pharmacy and Health Sciences, 2025, 22(02), 445–455 Publication history: Received on 09 April 2025; revised on 27 May 2025; accepted on 30 May 2025 Article DOI: https://doi.org/10.30574/wjbphs.2025.22.2.0517 Abstract Moyon Naga tribe is one of the recognized tribes of Manipur. The study deals with 75 plant species from 32 families of socio-cultural plant (SCP) used by Moyon was documented. The SCP includes food, medicine, spice, traditional house construction, shampoo and detergent, traditional drinks and beverages, handicraft, fishing, fencing, ornamental plant, fibres, etc. Plants and their parts used by Moyon tribe in SCP ranges from stem (13), leaves (12), fruit (11), whole plant (10) and least one in case petiole and grain (1). In case of plant habit highest was recorded in shrubs (33), 17 and 15 in tree and climber respectively and found lowest in creeper (1). The study is a unique one and first of its kind so as to validate and to take up conservation steps for sustainable use in future. Keywords: Moyon tribe; Socio-cultural plants; Plant parts; Habitat; Conservation and Sustainable use 1. Introduction Moyon Naga tribe is one of the recognized tribes of Manipur with distinct identity, rich traditions and cultural heritages passed down from generation to generation [1]. Compared to other tribes Moyon tribes are very thinly populated. According to the Census of India 2011, the total population of the Moyon is 2516 with 581 households. The male population is 1,172 and female is 1,344. Sex ratio is 1177, child sex ratio is 975 [1]. Not much is known except a very few publications have contributed on ethnobotanical studies from the Chandel district of Manipur. ethno-botanically important plant species (523) from Tengnoupal district, Manipur was reported [2]. Fortyfive (45) species of ichthyotoxic plants within 21 families used for fishing was reported [3]. A total of 68 wild edible vegetables belonging to 42 families were documented which are being used by indigenous communities for nutritive and therapeutic purposes [4]. The literacy rate of Moyon is 84% with 88.5 for male and 80.2 for female. Their neighbouring tribes are Anal, Maring, Kuki, Monshang, Tarao, Aimol, Lamkang and Chothe. The Moyons are fond of merry making and relish good food as indicated in the form of festivals. They love bright colours as can be seen from their traditional shawls and other clothes woven with different patterns by looms. Traditional dresses and ornaments made of shells and bones of animals and plants products were worn and come out for dance during festivals. The Moyons have a very close bond among them, united by their unique culture and tradition [1]. World Journal of Biology Pharmacy and Health Sciences, 2025, 22(02), 445–455 446 There is not much work done on ethnobotanical studies among the Moyon community. Therefore, an urgent call for extensive research and documentation on ethnomedicinal perspectives of the Moyon-Naga tribe which is the need of the hour. 2. Material and methods 2.1. Collection of Information Information of various ethnobotanically important plants were collected with the permission of the village authority and seniors, their utilization patterns were noted periodically, based on the validation of the uses and a short description, updated correct botanical name of plants with valuable data used by Moyon tribe were developed and documented. Intensive ethnobotanical survey was conducted during the tenure of the research programme 2020 to 2023, among the people of Moyon-Naga tribe for gathering information on ethnobotanically important plants (wild edible plants, medicinal plants, socio-cultural plants, etc.) which are traditionally used by them. The authenticity of the uses was repeatedly verified by asking to the different informers through questionnaires. The details were recorded in the information sheets. 2.2. Study Site Manipur, one of the important biodiversity hot spot lies in the northeastern corner of India. The Moyon (Bujuur in local dialect) are one of the earliest settlers of the state of Manipur and settled in the district of Chandel and few in the border areas of Myanmar. One of the smallest tribes in the states of Manipur with a population of a little over 2689 (Publicity & information Secretary, BAP–Moyon Apex body), the Moyon tribes settled in 17 villages, namely: 1. Kapaam (Komlathabi) village, 2. Nungthar (Penaching) village, 3.Tungphae (Heigrutampak) Village, 4.Khukthar village, 5.Mangkang village, 6.Khurfhuwdam village, 7.Kuurkam village, 8.Khuwring village, 9.Sinadam village, 10.Thangkin village, 11.Chumthar village, 12.Khungjuur village, 13.Mitong village, 14.Laarfuw village, 15.Rashangkhur Village, 16.Moyon Khullen village, 17. Ringkum [Figure 1]. Figure 1 Map of Study Sites: India and Manipur map, showing the Moyon inhabited areas in Chandel (Light pink) and Tengnoupal Districts of Manipur. Study sites plotting by black spots 2.3. Identification of plant sample The field survey was conducted in the respective localities and the plant materials are collected by the following the standard method [5]. Plants were identified with the expert team of the Botanical Survey of India (BSI, Shillong) and experts of Forest Department. One set of herbarium specimens was pre-identified at Manipur University Museum of Plants (MUMP), Life Sciences Department, Manipur University, Imphal, and their accession numbers were checked and authenticated. The same herbarium was further checked at Botanical Survey of India, Eastern Circle Shillong, and deposited to the herbarium of the Department of Botany, Royal Global University, Guwahati. World Journal of Biology Pharmacy and Health Sciences, 2025, 22(02), 445–455 447 2.4. Detail Methods to Display In case of contradictory information, efforts will be made to get the correct information. Regular surveys were conducted following the questionnaire at the selected local vegetables, medicinal etc., markets of the 16 villages at least twice in a month [6]. A total of 104 women informants were interviewed regarding the local name of the leafy vegetables, their use for instance as medicinal, edible, etc., source and market price [1]. Voucher specimens were processed and mounted herbarium sheets [5]. The plants were identified with the help of different published literatures [6,7,8, 9], [10,11,12, 13], [14 – 19]. 3. Results and discussion In the present study, 75 species from 32 different families of socio-cultural plants used by the Moyon is documented. The used of plants includes food, medicine, spice, traditional house construction, shampoo and detergent, traditional drinks and beverages, handicraft, fishing, fencing, ornamental plant, fibres, etc. The plant parts used include stem, leaves, flowers, fruits, root, culm, rhizome, seed, grain, tuber, etc. is tabulated in Table 1. These plants were categorized according to the number of plants as shrubs (33), Tree (17), climbers (15), herbs (9), Creeper (1) respectively Figure 3. Plant part used are stem (13), leaves (12), fruit (11), whole plant (10), bark (5), culm (5), seed (4), rhizome (4), flower (4), tuber (3), root (2), petiole (1), grain (1) in Table 2 and Figure 2. Among the 32 families Poaceae (8) was found highest and lowest was recorded as 1 (one) in the families Araceae, Apiaceae, Asteraceae, Cannaceae, Costaceae, Ericaceae, Gnetaceae, Juglandaceae, Oxalidaceae, Pinaceae, Rubiaceae, Saururaceae, Theaceae , and Verbenaceae [Table 1]. However, the following families were recorded along with their numbers as follows: Malvaceae (6), Arecaceae (5), Zingiberaceae (5), Dioscoreaceae, Fabaceae, Musaceae, Rutaceae (4), Lauraceae (3), Lamiaceae (3), Anacardiaceae (2), Acanthaceae (2), Apocynaceae (2), Euphorbiaceae(2), Fabaceae(2), Pedaliaceae (2), Solanaceae (2) [Table 1]. From the above observation it clear that there are many socio-religious plants still in record used in various socioreligious events of Moyon tribe of Manipur. Table 1 Plants used by Moyon tribe in Socio-cultural importance Sl. No. Botanical Name Local Name Family Life form Part used Uses 1 Spondias pinnata (L.f.) Kurz Taetoo Anacardiaceae Tree leaves The crushed leaves are boiled and used as shampoo to treat dandruff and hair fall 2 Rhus chinensis Mill. Khomah Anacardiaceae Tree fruits The fruit is boiled and used as traditional herbal drinks after the food for digestion 3 Alocasia macrorrhizos (L.) G.Don. Bathuung Araceae shrub Petiole The petiole is used as an important ingredient in fermentation of fish called ‘Ngathuw’ relished by the Moyon. 4 Eryngium foetidum L. Basumaro Apiaceae Herbs Leaves The fresh leave is used as spice in curry. Controls BP and antiinflammatory 5 Calamus latifolius Roxb. Echiing Arecaceae climber Stem The mature stem harvested are used for tying the frames and pillars in construction of houses. It is also used in making baskets. The young shoots and fruits are edible World Journal of Biology Pharmacy and Health Sciences, 2025, 22(02), 445–455 448 6 Calamus floribundus Griff. Echiing ynror Arecaceae climber Stem Used in making baskets and other handicraft and robe in construction of house 7 Calamus jenkinsianus Griff. Echiing edii Arecaceae limber Stem Used in making baskets and other handicraft and robe in construction of house 8 Calamus leptospadix Griff. Echiing aanruw Arecaceae climber Stem Used in making baskets and other handicraft and robe in construction of house 9 Calamus tenuis Roxb. Echiing Arecaceae climber Stem Used in making baskets and other handicraft and robe in construction of house 10 Justicia adhatoda L. Paarchiip ivaar Acanthaceae Shrub Whole plant Used as fencing and used as medicine 11 Phlogacanthus thysiformis (Roxb. ex Hardw.) D. J. Mabberley Paarchiip Acanthaceae shrub Whole plant Used as fencing & also as medicine for controlling blood pressure. 12 Dendrobium chrysotoxum Lindl. Keenthangrii Apocynaceae herb Flower The ladies adorn the flower on their ear or pinned on their hair on all socio-cultural functions. 13 Dendrobium infudibulum Lindl. Phuurva (orchid) Apocynaceae herb Fleshy stem The ladies adorn the flower on their ear or pinned on their hair on all socio-cultural functions. The succulent stem is cut and applied on the cracked heels to heal. 14 Tagetes erecta L. Tomarii Asteraceae Shrub Whole plant Used as insect repellent. The crushed leaves are applied on the injured wound to stop bleeding and infection. 15 Canna indica L. Cannaceae shrub Flower Ornamental flower – the ladies adorn the flower on their ear or pinned on their hair on all sociocultural functions. 16 Cheilocostus speciosus (J.Konig) C.Specht Ruwhuum Costaceae shrub Whole plants Bark of stem are crushed juice is used as shampoo. The juice is also used as anti-diabetic 17 Dioscorea alata L. Barah Dioscoreaceae Climber Tuber The tuber is boiled and eat as food during famine 18 Dioscorea japonica Thunb. Rampa barah Dioscoreaceae Climber Tuber The tuber is boiled and eat as food during famine 19 Dioscorea bulbifera L. Reengkheer Dioscoreaceae Climber Fruit The fruit is boiled and eat as food during famine 20 Dioscorea pentaphylla L. Rampa barah edii Dioscoreaceae climber Tuber The tuber is boiled and eat as food during famine 21 Rhododendron arboretum Sm. Ruwshopaar Ericaceae Tree Flowers The inflorescence/ flower is adorned by ladies on their ear lobes or pinned on their hair during traditional function and festivals. The extract of flower juice is given to World Journal of Biology Pharmacy and Health Sciences, 2025, 22(02), 445–455 449 patients with liver complains and anaemic condition 22 Phyllanthus emblica L. shaeruw Phylanthaceae Tree Fruit Fresh fruit is boiled with rice water for about 10-15 mins and is used for hair wash. Fresh fruit juice is mixed with sesame oil and is applied to the scalp for long black hair. 23 Euphorbia antiquorum L. Tengnu Euphorbiaceae shrub Whole plant The succulent shrub with thorns on the stem is grown along with bamboo species in heterogenous fencing. 24 Albizia myriophylla Benth. jaeruw Fabaceae Climber stem The rice powder is mixed with the bark powder of the jaeruw and kneaded with water to make into cake and dry. It becomes a yeast and uses in preparation of ‘Zuw’ 25 Senegalia rugata (Lam.) Britton & Rose Ruwphoph Fabaceae Woody Climber Bark of stem The stem is crushed, and the extract juice is used to poison fishes during community fishing. The paste of the leaves and bark is used as shampoo 26 Castanopsis armata (Roxb.) Spach Ruwshii Fabaceae Tree Stem & nuts The stem is used as pillar for construction of house 27 Entada gigas (L)Fawc & Rendle Ruwshii/kon gkra Fabaceae climber stem The stem is split and used in tying the frames and pillar in construction of traditional house. 28 Gnetum montanum Markgraf. Iriih Gnetaceae Woody climber Whole plant The stem is crushed, and the extract juice is used to poison fishes. The leaves are used for fish preservation. 29 Juglans regia L. Mangkha Juglandaceae Tree Stem & nuts The soft outer cover of the fruits are crushed and soaked in the water. The black coloured water is used as dye. The wood is used for furniture for its durability and colour. 30 Litsea cubeba (Lour.) Pers. Shiingshaar Lauraceae Tree Flower and seed The fresh flowers and seed are used as used as spice in vegetable chutney. 31 Cinnamomum cassia (L.) J Pres. Jaerhing Lauraceae Tree Bark The dry bark is used as spice in cooking curry. It is also used to treat bad mouth odour by chewing the bark. 32 Cinnamomum tamala (Buch.- Ham.) T.Nees & C.H.Eberm. Tespata Lauraceae Tree leaves The fresh or dried leaves are used as spice in cooking curry. 33 Pogostemon parviflorus Benth. Shanggarei Lamiaceae Shrub Leaves The leaves are boiled with starchy rice water and washed the hair to treat dandruff and hair fall. World Journal of Biology Pharmacy and Health Sciences, 2025, 22(02), 445–455 450 34 Perilla frutescens (L.) Britton Rikneeng Lamiaceae Herbs Leaf & inflorescence Used as spice in curry and chutney and used to cure cold and cough, tonsil. 35 Ocimum africanum Lour. Akwa rikneeng Lamiaceae Herbs Leaf & iflorescence Used as spice in curry and chutney. It is also used to cure cold and cough, tonsil 36 Albizia chinensis (Osbeck) Merr. Ruwphoph Fabaceae Tree RootBark, The bark and roots are crushed, Shocked and drained in the intended area of the river to stupefy the fish. To make it more affected, this plant is mixed with the root of Jaerii (Milletia parchycarpa Benth.). 37 Tectona grandis L.f. Teak Lamiaceae Tree stem Wood is used as pillar, plank, frame in house construction. 38 Hibiscus cannabinus L. Enthuur Evaar Malvaceae shrub Fruit & Leaves Fibre obtained from stem bark is used for making rope to tie the plant materials. 39 Hibiscus rosasinensis L. Chinarii Malvaceae Shrub Whole plant The plants are grown in boundaries of houses for fencing of homogenous ones. 40 Hibiscus acetosella Welw. ex Hiern. Enthuur eshaen Malvaceae Shrubs Fruit & Leaves The fresh fruit or dry calyx is boiled and used as traditional herbal drinks after food for digestion. 41 Gossypium arboreum L. Lashing Malvaceae Shrub Fruits Used for making threat to weave clothes. Soft fibre is used for stuffing pillows, mattresses, cushion etc. It is a main source of threads for weaving cloths. 42 Hibiscus abelmoschus L. Chinarii edii Malvaceae Shrub bark Fibre obtained from stem bark is used for making rope to tie the plant materials. 43 Hibiscus sabdariffa L. Enthuur Malvaceae Shrub bark Fibre obtained from stem bark is used for making rope. 44 Acacia pruineseens Kurz. Taepuung Mimosaceae Woody climber Fruit Fruit is crushed and shocked in water. The juice is used as shampoo and detergent. 45 Ensete glaucum (Roxb.) Cheesman Changkiir Musaceae shrub Stem & flower The stem is cooked with meet during functions and festivals and the flower is used as chutney. 46 Musa acuminata Colla. Naachang Musaceae Shrub Stem & fruit The stem is cooked with meat during functions and festivals and the flower is used as chutney. 47 Musa balbisiana Colla. Lampa nachang Musaceae shrub Leaves During functions and festivals leaves used as plate or wrapper. 48 Musa paradisiaca L. Meehna Musaceae Tree Whole plant The leave is also used as plate or wrapper in all socio-cultural functions. The Plant was used in all cultural function by planting at the World Journal of Biology Pharmacy and Health Sciences, 2025, 22(02), 445–455 451 entrance gate of the venue. The stem, flowers and fruits are edible. 49 Oxalis latifolia Kunth Pukcheeng Oxalidaceae creeper Whole plant The plant is boiled with starchy rice water and used as shampoo for hairball and dandruff 50 Milletia parchycarpa Benth. Jaerii Fabaceae Climber Bark of root The plant is mostly used for community fishing for its effectiveness in stupefying the fish. The extract from the crushed roots is run into the identified area of the river. 51 Sesamum indicum L. Rimpeeh Pedaliaceae Shrub seed Seeds are used in preparation of sticky rice cake during sociocultural functions and festivals. 52 Pinus roxburghii Sarg. Mashaar Pinaceae Tree Leaves Woods are used as planks in the construction of traditional house. Dry leaves are used as material for mattress. 53 Oryza sativa L. Buwshae Poaceae Shrub seed Prepared indigenous alcoholic beverages Traditional rice beer called ‘Zuw’ is prepared from rice. 54 Coix lacryma jobi L. Nii-em Poaceae shrub Grain Grains are used as main ingredients in the preparation of alcoholic beverages. 55 Dendrocalamus strictus (Roxb.) Nees Ithii ruw poaceae Shrubs Culm The culm is used for the handle of agricultural tools like hoe, knife, spade, spear etc for its thick culm and prominent nodes. Used as frames in house construction. 56 Phyllostachys bambusoides Madake. Ruwvah Poaceae shrubs culm The culm is flattened by beating and used as wall and floor in construction of traditional house. Fermented bamboo shoot is used as spice. Used for making bamboo cup due to thin wall, straight and long internodes during cultural festival & functions. Bamboo flutes 57 Bambusa nana Roxb. Khor-ruw Poaceae shrub culm Used for housing and handicraft 58 Bambusa pallida Munro. Ruwfhuw Poaceae shrub culm Used for housing and handicraft 59 Bambusa tulda Roxb. Ruwmah Poaceae shrub culm The culm is flattened by beating and used as wall and floor in construction of traditional house. Used for handicraft. 60 Imperata cylindrica (L.)P.Beauv. Mandii Poaceae shrub leaves The leaves is used as thatch for roofing traditional house. 61 Zanthoxylum rhetsa (Roxb.) DC. Bajuwr ynlor Rutaceae Tree Seed Aromatic & Extensively used as Spice with tingling sensation on the tongue World Journal of Biology Pharmacy and Health Sciences, 2025, 22(02), 445–455 452 62 Zanthoxylum laetum Drake Bajuwr edii Rutaceae Tree Leaves Aromatic & Extensively used as Spice 63 Zanthoxylum armatum DC Shiinii Rutaceae shrub fruits, Leaves, Aromatic & Extensively used as Spice with tingling sensation on the tongue 64 Citrus latipes (Swingle) Tanaka Shiirphoph Rutaceae Tree Fruit The outer layer of the fruit and the leaves are added to curry as spice 65 Canthium gracilipes Kurz. Rampa haepi Rubiaceae Tree Root The fruit is crushed and runs into the river to stupefy the fished. It is usually mean to be used in the shallow water. To make it more effective, either Jaerii or Ruwphoph is added. 66 Capsicum chinense Jacq. Brosfhuw Solanaceae shrub Fruit Fresh and dried powdered are used as spice in Curry. The crushed chillies is the main ingredient for making chutney. 67 Capsicum annuum L. Brosedii Solanaceae shrub Fruit Fresh and dried powdered are used as spice in Curry. The crushed chillies is the main ingredient for making chutney. 68 Houttuynia cordata Thunb. Toningkok Saururaceae herb Whole plant Used as spice & as fresh herbal garnish in chutney for taste and flavour. 69 Camellia sinensis (L.) O. Kuntze. Rampa chaa Theaceae Shrub leaves Leaves are crushed and dried. The dried leaves are used as traditional beverages. 70 Lantana camara L. Ering Paar Verbenaceae shrub Whole plant The plants are grown in boundaries of houses and village for fencing of homogenous ones. This is the most commonly used plant as bio-fencing. 71 Alpinia nigra (Gaetn.) Burtt. Chaekho Zingiberaceae shrub Rhizome, flower Crushed Rhizome and boiled flowers are added to dried meet chutney as spice for flavour 72 Curcuma amada Roxb. Chuwhae Zingiberaceae shrub Rhizome & flower Crushed Rhizome is added raw vegetable chutney as spice for flavour & steamed flower is make chutney with river fish. 73 Curcuma longa L. Jinghaang Zingiberaceae herbs Rhizome Dried rhizome powder is used as spice. leaves are used for cooking small river fishes by wrapping and roasted in the hot ash call ‘Nganam’. 74 Zingiber montanum (J.König) Link ex A .Dietr. Lamshiig Zingiberaceae Herbs Rhizome Rhizome is crushed and used as spice. 75 Curcuma amarissima L. Roscoe. Aetang Zingiberaceae Herbs Leaves & flower Leaves are used as traditional packaging materials. Flowers are edible World Journal of Biology Pharmacy and Health Sciences, 2025, 22(02), 445–455 453 Table 2 Plants used by Moyon tribe in socio-cultural importance Sl. No. Socio-cultural uses of plants No. of plants Plant used 1 Traditional spice 17 1.Eryngium foetidum , 2. Zingiber montanum, 3. Curcuma longa, 4. Curcuma amada, 5. Litsea cubeba, 6. Cinnamomum cassia, 7.Cinnamomum tamala., 8. Perilla frutescens, 9. Ocimum africanum, 10. Zanthoxylum rhetsa, 11. Zanthoxylum laetum, 12. Zanthoxylum armatum, 13. Citrus latipes, 14. Capsicum chinense, 15. Capsicum annuum, 16. Houttuynia cordata, 17. Alpinia nigra, 2 House construction 11 1.Calamus latifolius, 2. Castanopsis armata, 3. Entada gigas, 4. Tectona grandis, 5. Pinus roxburghii, 6. Dendrocalamus strictus, 7. Phyllostachys bambusoides, 8. Bambusa nana, 9. Bambusa pallida, 10. Bambusa tulda, 11. Imperata cylindrica, 3 Edible plants used in socio-cultural festivals 7 1.Dioscorea alata, 2. Dioscorea japonica, 3. Dioscorea bulbifera, 4. Dioscorea pentaphylla, 5. Ensete glaucum, 6. Sesamum indicum, 7. Musa cuminate, 4 Shampoo & detergent 6 1.Spondias pinnata, 2. Costus speciosus, 3. Phyllanthus emblica, 4. Pogostemon parviflorus, 5. Acacia pruineseens, 6. Oxalis latifolia, 5 Traditional drinks & beverages 5 1.Rhus chinensis, 2. Hibiscus acetosella, 3. Oryza sativa, 4. Coix lacryma jobi, 5. Camellia sinensis, 6 Bio-fencing 5 1.Justicia adhatoda, 2. Phlogacanthus thysiformis, 3. Euphorbia antiquorum, 4. Hibiscus rosasinensis, 5. Lantana camara, 7 Plants used for fishing 5 1.Senegalia rugata, 2. Gnetum montanum, 3. Albizia chinensis, 4. Milletia parchycarpa, 5. Canthium gracilipes, 8 Fibre & Thread 4 1.Hibiscus cannabinus, 2. Gossypium arboreum, 3. Hibiscus abelmoschus, 4. Hibiscus sabdariffa, 9 Handicraft 4 Calamus floribundus, Calamus jenkinsianus, Calamus leptospadix, 4. Calamus tenuis, 10 Ornamentals flowers used during festivals 3 1.Dendrobium infudibulum, 2. Canna indica, 3. Rhododendron arboretum, 11 wrapper/traditional packaging 3 1.Curcuma amarissima, 2. Musa paradisiaca L., 3. Musa balbisiana, 12 Ingredient for fermented food 2 1.Alocasia macrorrhizos, 2. Albizia myriophylla 13 Insect repellent 1 Tagetes erecta 14 Traditional dye 1 Juglans regia 15 Agriculture tools 1 Dendrocalamus strictus,