LUMAMI, NAGALAND : Nagaland University researchers have partnered with Assam Down Town University to carry out the first comprehensive scientific study on Goniothalamus simonsii Hook. f. Thoms., an endangered and endemic medicinal plant found in Meghalaya’s forests.
Long used by indigenous communities to treat gastrointestinal complications, throat irritation, typhoid fever, and malaria, this plant had never before been studied for its scientific or pharmacological potential.
The study provides scientific validation for the plant’s traditional use and reveals that G. simonsii is a rich source of bioactive phytochemicals with potent antioxidant, antimicrobial, and anticancer activities. Using advanced analytical tools and computational modelling, the team demonstrated how natural compounds from this species interact with cancer-related proteins, offering valuable leads for the development of new, nature-based therapeutic drugs.
The Research was led by Dr. Mayur Mausoom Phukan, faculty, Nagaland University, with this Student Mr. Samson Rosly Sangma. The findings were published during October 2025 in Chemistry and Biodiversity (https://doi.org/10.1002/cbdv.202501513), a peer-reviewed journal publishing research on the chemical aspects of biological diversity, including natural products, chemical ecology, and molecular studies of living organisms.
The paper was co-authored by Mr. Samson Rosly Sangma, Research Scholar; Dr. Mayur Mausoom Phukan, Assistant Professor, Department of Forestry, Nagaland University; Dr. Dhrubajyoti Gogoi, Assistant Professor, Department of Biotechnology, Assam Down Town University; Dr. Pranay Punj Pankaj, Associate Professor, Department of Zoology, Nagaland University; and Ms. Vahshi Chongloi, Research Scholar, Department of Forestry, Nagaland University.
Speaking about this research, Prof. Jagadish K Patnaik, Vice Chancellor, Nagaland University, said, “Nagaland University, in collaboration with Assam Down Town University, have undertaken the first comprehensive scientific study on Goniothalamus simonsii Hook. f. Thoms., an endangered and endemic medicinal plant native to the forests of Meghalaya. Through this study, our researchers are not only contributing to the conservation and understanding of a rare plant species but are also helping to bridge the gap between traditional knowledge and modern science.”
Prof. Jagadish K Patnaik added, “I commend the research team for their dedication and innovative approach, and I am confident that this work will open new pathways for sustainable utilization of our rich biodiversity. Nagaland University remains committed to promoting excellence in research and fostering collaborations that contribute to the scientific, cultural, and ecological advancement of the region.”
Elaborating on this research, Dr. Mayur Mausoom Phukan, Assistant Professor, Department of Forestry, Nagaland University, said, “This study bridges traditional knowledge with modern science at a crucial time when antibiotic resistance, chronic illnesses, and the side effects of synthetic drugs continue to strain healthcare systems. Our findings reaffirm that India’s rich biodiversity holds untapped potential for modern drug discovery. Goniothalamus simonsii not only offers pharmacological promise but also underscores the urgent need to conserve such endangered species.”
The study identified multiple bioactive compounds that exhibit promising biological properties, including antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, antidiabetic, antimicrobial, and anticancer effects. Notably, extracts from different parts of G. simonsii showed strong antiproliferative activity against colon cancer cells in laboratory tests, suggesting its potential as a natural source of anti-cancer agents.
Highlighting the unique aspects of this research, Mr. Samson Rosly Sangma, Research Scholar, Department of Forestry, Nagaland University, said, “What makes this research particularly significant is that Goniothalamus simonsii is an exceptionally rare species, with its population declining alarmingly and now confined to only a few natural habitats. This decline is largely attributed to the limited awareness of its medicinal importance among local communities. Listed as ‘Endangered’ by the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN), this remarkable plant now faces an urgent need for focused conservation efforts. By generating robust scientific data, we hope that our work will encourage conservation and cultivation initiatives for this rare plant, ensuring its sustainable use and protection in the wild.”
Beyond its immediate medicinal implications, this study represents a model for how traditional ethnomedicinal knowledge can be combined with modern biotechnological and computational methods to unlock new possibilities for drug discovery. It also reflects India’s growing emphasis on using indigenous biodiversity as a foundation for affordable, accessible healthcare innovations.
Moving forward, the researchers plan to conduct in vivo and clinical studies to validate these findings further and explore the plant’s potential as a component of future phytopharmaceutical formulations. This research reinforces the connection between traditional wisdom, biodiversity, and sustainable health solutions.
This landmark research positions Nagaland University at the forefront of efforts to scientifically validate India’s indigenous medicinal heritage, reinforcing the Northeast’s role as a vital centre for biodiversity-based innovation and conservation.
