Ethnomedicinal Properties of Gnetum gnemon L. in Mizoram, Northeast India, and the Contribution of Regeneration Studies for Future Ethnobotanical Resources.

Abstract

Gnetum gnemon L. (Gnetaceae), locally known as Pelh in Mizoram, Northeast India is a traditional ethnobotanical plant used by local for food and to treat various ailments, including fever, inflammation, joint pain, and digestive disorders. Its seeds, leaves, and roots contain pharmacologically active compounds such as resveratrol, flavonoids, and stilbenoids with documented antioxidant, anti‑inflammatory, antimicrobial, and anticancer properties. However, the natural regeneration status of this species in protected areas of Mizoram is uncertain for the long‑term sustainability. Natural regeneration of G. gnemon was studied for two consecutive years (2020–2021) in a reserved forest of Serchhip District, Mizoram. Ten permanent 1 m² quadrats were established, and all saplings were followed bimonthly for survival, recruitment, height growth, and diameter growth.

The species was present in only one quadrat (10% frequency). Of the initial six saplings, four survived 18 months (66.7% survival). Only two new recruits appeared during the entire study, and one died. Height of surviving individuals increased significantly (p = 0.028), but diameter did not, and the height–diameter correlation was weak (r = 0.48, p = 0.009), indicating suboptimal microsite conditions. The population of G. gnemon in a Mizoram reserved forest has low regeneration, with insufficient recruitment to balance mortality. This directly threatens the long‑term availability of its ethnomedicinal resources. Active conservation measures are immediately needed to preserve this valuable medicinal plant for future generations.