Mishmi Tita
Parts Usually Used
The rhizome, roots, and leaves, with the rhizome being the primary medicinal part.
Description of Plant(s) and Culture
Coptis teeta is a small, stemless, perennial, flowering, evergreen herb native to the eastern Himalayas. The plant grows to a height of 30-50 cm with a 5-15 cm long horizontal to oblique rhizome. The leaves are 5-20 cm long, pinnatifid, with 3-lobed lamina and are glabrous. The inflorescence is panicled with few white or yellowish flowers. The fruits are capsules up to 6 mm long containing several black seeds.
The rhizome is bitter in taste, yellowish-brown externally and golden-yellow internally.
Where Found
Coptis teeta is found in: India (primarily Arunachal Pradesh – Lohit, Dibang Valley, Siang, and Upper Subansiri districts) Nepal Bhutan China (Yunnan province) The plant grows at elevations between 1,700-3,000 meters in temperate regions, preferring acidic soil and moist conditions. It can grow in light sandy, medium loamy, and heavy clay soils, thriving in both semi-shade and full sunlight.
Medicinal Properties
Coptis teeta exhibits numerous pharmacological activities: Antimicrobial and antibacterial Antidiarrheal Antihypertensive Antiarrhythmic Antihyperlipidemic Anti-inflammatory Antidepressant Antioxidant Antitrachoma Antidiabetic Analgesic Phosphodiesterase-inhibiting Antihistaminic Antimalarial
Biochemical Information
5%) Palmatine Jatrorrhizine Coptisine Columbamine Epiberberine Other constituents: Carbohydrates Flavonoids Glycosides Organic acids Phenolic compounds Reducing sugars Saponins Starch Terpenoids Tannins
Uses
In Indian folk tradition, the plant was utilized for stomach aches, dysentery, fevers, eye disorders, skin conditions, and general gastrointestinal complaints, as well as for jaundice. In traditional Chinese practice, practitioners employed it to address heat and dampness, high fevers, vomiting, diarrhea, heartburn, upset stomach, and toothaches. In Myanmar, historical applications included using the botanical to address constipation, regulate bowel movements, and stimulate digestion, while combinations with Piper nigrum were traditionally administered for coughs and asthma.
How Sold
The dried root and rhizome are sold in the market for approximately Rs. 2,000/kg. The plant material is sometimes adulterated with: Rootstock of Geranium wallichianum Root of Thalictrum filiolosum Roots of Swertia species
Warning
The plant is listed as endangered in the Red Data Book Wild populations are declining due to over-collection and habitat destruction The species has a low reproductive success rate Proper identification is crucial due to common adulterants in the market Conservation efforts are ongoing through: Small-scale cultivation by local farmers in Arunachal Pradesh and Nagaland Forest Department cultivation programs Traditional agroforestry methods by the Lisu people in Yunnan Both in situ and ex situ conservation approaches