Indigenous knowledge and phytochemical screening of medicinal chuk from Rhus chinensis, Docynia indica and Hippophae salicifolia in Sikkim Himalaya

250-260Under traditional system of medicine, bhakmilo-ko-chuk (juice extracted from Rhus chinensis fruits) is used to cure diarrhoea, dysentery, diabetes, oral diseases and inflammation; mel-ko-amilo (juice extracted from Docynia indica fruits) for treating diarrhoea, dysentery, stomach disorder, and Achuk (juice of Hippophae salicifolia berries) for lung problems, respiratory infections, high blood pressure, heart disorders, gastric ulcer and digestive disorders. Bhakmilo (Rhus chinensis) is distributed from 300 to 1800 m amsl, Mel (Docynia indica) occurs from 1200 to 2000 m and Achuk (Hippophae salicifolia) within 2700 to 4000 m in the Sikkim Himalaya. These are lesser known underutilized species having high socio-cultural, socio-economic and socio-ecological importance. Phytochemical screening of juice extracted from berries of Hippophae showed moderate concentration of alkaloids, flavonoides, tannins, steroids, amino acids, proteins and carbohydrates. Screening of Docynia fruits showed high concentration of triterpenes and amino acids, and moderate concentration of alkaloids, steroids, proteins and carbohydrates. Rhus fruits showed high concentration of tannins, triterpenes, and carbohydrates, and moderate concentration of steroids and amino acids. The local market price for bhakmilo-ko-chuk was Rs.1000 L-1, mel-ko-chuk was Rs.1500 kg-1 and Hippophaea chuk was Rs.1200 L-1. Economics showed that juice extracted from a matured Hippophae tree berries earn Rs. 10,000-15000 yr-1, a fully grown Docynia tree fruits exchange Rs. 10,000 – 12000 yr-1 and a Rhus tree fruits earned around Rs. 4000 yr-1. Promotion of enterprise-based cultivation, agro-technique development, suitable processing techniques and value addition, and establishment of market linkage can boost household income of marginal farmers