Ethnotherapeutic Uses of Aquatic Animals in the North Eastern Region of India: A Preliminary Observation

Since ancient times humans have been associating themselves with animals to derive various benefits which include the therapeutic values of animals. Zootherapy is in practice among the indigenous people of various parts of the world. The indigenous people living in the North Eastern (NE) region of India also know the medicinal values of animals and they have been using many animals in the treatment of various health ailments. This region is bestowed with many nature’s gifts, among which the vast water bodies are considered the best. The diverse terrain of the region has made varieties of aquatic animals exist. Hence, it has become favourable for the indigenous people to use the easily available resources - aquatic animals for the treatment of health ailments. This precious indigenous knowledge is restricted locally and is handed down from one generation to the other through verbal communication. Consequently, this knowledge has started perishing. Making proper documentation of the traditional uses of aquatic animals of this region in the treatment of health ailments is intended in the present study. Attempts have also been made to reveal the presence of bioactive components in the aquatic animals of the region. The present study will be helpful while analyzing the therapeutic potentials of aquatic animals and then preparing drugs for clinical purposes.