Traditional use of medicinal plants in the Chyangthapu-Phalaicha biological sub-corridor, Panchthar District, Kangchenjunga Landscape, Nepal

Background: Chyangthapu-Phalaicha located in the northeastern Panchthar District, is a biodiversity hotspot Eastern Himalaya. The present study was conducted to document knowledge of ethnomedicinal uses and practices that exist area before associated socio-cultural on biological diversity lost. Methods: Ethnomedicinal data were collected through semi-structured questionnaires. importance medicinal plant species assessed using quantitative indices such as informant consensus factor, relative frequency citation, importance, fidelity level Rahman’s similarity index. Results: Altogether, 140 from 68 families 127 genera reported, which used treat 12 health disorder categories. dominant Asteraceae Fabaceae contributed eight each. Maximum factor (0.96) calculated for gastrointestinal disorders. highest citation observed Swertia chirayita (0.83 100% respectively). Artemisia dubia depicted (91.67). A thorough review previous literature analysis field revealed new therapeutic use reports 41 ailments with 52 species. index showed high studies neighbouring areas low geographically distant studies. Conclusions: These findings show supports significant plants traditional knowledge. varied reported indicates need phytochemical investigation, especially those ethnobotanical indices. Keywords: Ailments, East Himalaya, Nepal, Ethnomedicine, Indigenous knowledge, Quantitative