IASST Guwahati study identifies 70 poisonous plants with healing potential
On 19 June 2025, the Department of Science and Technology said researchers at the Institute of Advanced Study in Science and Technology (IASST), Guwahati, Assam identified 70 poisonous plant species traditionally used to treat illnesses.
Summary
The Department of Science and Technology said on 19 June 2025 that researchers at the Institute of Advanced Study in Science and Technology (IASST), Guwahati had reviewed existing literature and identified 70 poisonous plant species that are traditionally used to treat illnesses ranging from fevers and colds to skin diseases and oedema. The team, led by IASST Director Prof. Ashis K. Mukherjee, said phytochemicals from such plants could, when isolated and modified, become therapeutic agents after rigorous validation. The study was published in Toxicon: X (Elsevier).
Key facts
- Institute
- IASST, Guwahati (DST)
- Plants identified
- 70 poisonous species with traditional medicinal use
- Lead
- Prof. Ashis K. Mukherjee
- Journal
- Toxicon: X (Elsevier)
Practice MCQs 1 questions
How many poisonous plant species used in traditional treatment did IASST Guwahati researchers identify in the study reported in June 2025?
Show answer
Correct answer: D — 70
PIB (DST): The IASST team reviewed existing literature and identified 70 poisonous plant species which are used traditionally to treat a wide array of illnesses.