AN INVESTIGATION ON ANTI DIABETIC MEDICINAL PLANTS USED BY VILLAGERS IN NALBARI DISTRICT, ASSAM, INDIA

Nalbari district is situated in between 26°N and 27^oN latitude and 92^oE and 97^oE longitude. It lies between Kamrup and Barpeta district of lower Assam. Nalbari has a population of 1138184 (2001 census). An ethnobotanical Survey was conducted in 2010 in selected villages to explore the medicinal plant used by the villagers to cure Diabetes. This villages are inhabited by Boros, Koch, Muslim communities. The indigenous knowledge of local traditional healers and native plants used by the villagers to cure Diabetes were collected using a questionnaire and personal interviews. Total 30 villagers in the age group of 30-68 years were interviewed out of which 3 were local healers. The investigation reveals 35 species of plants belonging to 28 families which are used to cure Diabetes. It is found that the whole plant is used for curing the ailment but mostly fresh juice, powder, fresh leaves, paste or decoction in water remains the most preferred method of preparation. Most plants are very effective remedy when used in a combination or singly. The present study throws light on the traditional knowledge of the villagers regarding medicinal plant which can be used against Diabetes which is largely unexplored.