Roots Of Healing: Tribal Medicine In MP Finds Scientific Backing

Indore (Madhya Pradesh): In the forested heartlands of Madhya Pradesh, where knowledge is often passed down through whispers and wild roots, ancient tribal medicine is now gaining scientific validation.

A path-breaking collaboration between Holkar Science College and Sri Aurobindo Institute of Medical Science (SAIMS) is transforming centuries-old tribal healing practices into clinically tested healthcare solutions.

Led by Dr Vinod Bhandari from SAIMS and Prof Sanjay Vyas of Holkar College, the initiative spans 20 tribal-dominated districts and six major indigenous communities—Bhil, Baiga, Gond, Sahariya, Barela and Korku.

With CSR funding, the team has begun documenting and testing traditional remedies long used in remote villages.  “We met healers like Barua and Patel who inherited their medicinal knowledge through generations,” said Vyas. “Their methods were undocumented until now.

We’re finally giving them a platform and a future,” he said. Key support came from Dr PC Dubey, former principal chief conservator of forests, who helped researchers gain trust and access to isolated communities. The project focuses on chronic diseases—diabetes, heart ailments, kidney issues, anxiety, skin diseases and even cancer. Plants long used by tribal healers are now being scientifically reviewed.

“This is not just a study, it’s a revolution,” said Dr Bhandari. “We’re creating an integrative medical model combining modern allopathy with Ayurveda, naturopathy, homoeopathy, yoga, meditation and even AUM therapy,” he added. The project also features an ethical and economic dimension. A patent model ensures profit-sharing with tribal communities once the remedies are registered under the Ministry of AYUSH.

The Homoeopathy Council has pledged support for further validation. “With ethical clearance already secured, the initiative isn’t just preserving traditional knowledge—it’s rewriting the narrative of affordable, holistic healthcare in India. It’s where the forest meets the future,” Vyas said.

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Wood extract drops blood sugar level

At Aurobindo Hospital, over 200 patients aged 12 to 75 took part in clinical trials. One traditional wood extract, used after soaking overnight, led to measurable drops in blood sugar and reduced insulin dependency. Tests revealed that the herbal compounds stimulated pancreatic function without side effects.