Unveiling the medicinal properties of Eupatorium birmanicum DC: A ritualistic plant

Eupatorium birmanicum DC, locally known as Langthrei (Asteraceae) in Manipur, is cultivated in nearly every household and holds a central place in the cultural practices of the Meitei community. Since time immemorial, this ritualistic plant has been valued for its medicinal properties and widely employed by local healers. The leaves and young shoots are primarily used for therapeutic purposes. The juice extracted from fresh leaves or shoots is consumed to relieve burning sensations in the mouth and stomach following chili intake. Leaves, often eaten raw in salads, are traditionally used to treat cold, cough, fever, and gastroenteritis. They are also used for treating diarrhea, diabetes, headache, hepatitis, heavy menstrual bleeding, and hypertension. The juice of leaves and stems is also applied directly to wounds to arrest bleeding. Scientific investigations into E. birmanicum extracts have revealed the presence of bioactive compounds such as sesquiterpene lactones (e.g., eupatoriopicrin), flavonoids, terpenoids, polyphenols, volatile oils, pyrrolizidine alkaloids, tannins, saponins, and immunoactive polysaccharides, which contribute to its diverse pharmacological properties. Recent studies indicate that plant extracts exhibit antimicrobial, antiulcer, anti-inflammatory, cytotoxic, choleretic, hepatoprotective, insecticidal, repellent, anticonvulsant, antioxidant, antidiabetic, and anti-necrotic activities. The wide-ranging medicinal applications of the plant underscore its profound cultural and ecological significance, reinforcing the urgent need to safeguard traditional knowledge systems to prevent bio piracy and to ensure the conservation of biodiversity.