Konyak tribe of Nagaland

Researchers have identified a traditional herbal formulation used by the Konyak tribe of Nagaland for its promising anti-cancer properties.

A multi-institutional research team, in a preliminary investigation, examined a five-plant polyherbal formulation traditionally used by Konyak healers. The study revealed that the formulation’s bioactive compounds can effectively target VEGFR2 (Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor Receptor 2)—a critical protein responsible for the formation of blood vessels that nourish tumour growth.

The findings, published in the Microchemical Journal, mark the first scientific validation of this specific herbal combination using advanced computational techniques.

Researchers noted that inhibiting VEGFR2 can potentially restrict tumour progression by cutting off its blood supply, making this formulation a promising candidate for future cancer therapeutics. However, they emphasized that further laboratory and clinical studies are required before any medical application.

The Konyak tribe, one of the largest tribal communities in Nagaland, are historically known as “headhunters” due to their past warrior traditions. Today, they are equally recognized for their rich repository of traditional medicinal knowledge, passed down through generations.

Source: DTE