Nagaland University researchers unlock medicinal secrets of rare Meghalaya plant

A research team from Nagaland University the only Central university in the state has partnered with an Assambased private varsity to carry out the first comprehensive scientific study on Goniothalamussimonsii an endangered and endemic medicinal plant found in the forests of MeghalayaLong used by indigenous communities to treat gastrointestinal complications throat irritation typhoid fever and malaria this plant had never before been studied for its scientific or pharmacological potentialNagaland University officials said that the study provides scientific validation for the plantrsquos traditional use and reveals that G simonsii is a rich source of bioactive phytochemicals with potent antioxidant antimicrobial and anticancer activitiesUsing advanced analytical tools and computational modelling the team demonstrated how natural compounds from this species interact with cancerrelated proteins offering valuable leads for the development of new naturebased therapeutic drugsThe Research was led by Dr Mayur Mausoom Phukan faculty Nagaland University with his student Samson Rosly SangmaThe findings were published in October 2025 in a reputable journal The paper was coauthored by Sangma research scholar Dr Phukan Assistant Professor Department of Forestry Dr Pranay Punj Pankaj Associate Professor Department of Zoology Vahshi Chongloi Research Scholar of the Nagaland University and Dr Dhrubajyoti Gogoi Assistant Professor of the Assambased private varsitySpeaking about this research Prof Jagadish K Patnaik Vice Chancellor Nagaland University said ldquoNagaland University in collaboration with Assamrsquos private University have undertaken the first comprehensive scientific study on Goniothalamussimonsii an endangered and endemic medicinal plant native to the forests of MeghalayardquoldquoThrough this study our researchers are not only contributing to the conservation and understanding of a rare plant species but are also helping to bridge the gap between traditional knowledge and modern sciencerdquo the VC saidCommending the research team for their dedication and innovative approach Prof Patnaik said that he is confident that this work will open new pathways for sustainable utilisation of our rich biodiversityldquoNagaland University remains committed to promoting excellence in research and fostering collaborations that contribute to the scientific cultural and ecological advancement of the regionrdquo he addedElaborating on this research Dr Phukan said ldquoThis study bridges traditional knowledge with modern science at a crucial time when antibiotic resistance chronic illnesses and the side effects of synthetic drugs continue to strain healthcare systemsrdquoldquoOur findings reaffirm that Indiarsquos rich biodiversity holds untapped potential for modern drug discovery Goniothalamussimonsii not only offers pharmacological promise but also underscores the urgent need to conserve such endangered speciesrdquo he statedHighlighting the unique aspects of this research Sangma said ldquoWhat makes this research particularly significant is that Goniothalamussimonsii is an exceptionally rare species with its population declining alarmingly and now confined to only a few natural habitatsrdquoHe said that this decline is largely attributed to the limited awareness of its medicinal importance among local communitiesListed as lsquoEndangeredrsquo by the International Union for Conservation of Nature IUCN this remarkable plant now faces an urgent need for focused conservation effortsldquoBy generating robust scientific data we hope that our work will encourage conservation and cultivation initiatives for this rare plant ensuring its sustainable use and protection in the wildrdquo Sangma addedBeyond its immediate medicinal implications this study represents a model for how traditional ethnomedicinal knowledge can be combined with modern biotechnological and computational methods to unlock new possibilities for drug discoveryIt also reflects Indiarsquos growing emphasis on using indigenous biodiversity as a foundation for affordable accessible healthcare innovationsMoving forward the researchers plan to conduct in vivo and clinical studies to validate these findings further and explore the plantrsquos potential as a component of future phytopharmaceutical formulationsThis story has been sourced from a third party syndicated feed agencies Midday accepts no responsibility or liability for its dependability trustworthiness reliability and data of the text Midday managementmiddaycom reserves the sole right to alter delete or remove without notice the content in its absolute discretion for any reason whatsoever