Harmony in nature: understanding the cultural and ecological aspects of plant use in Ladakh.

Background: Traditional knowledge (TK) in Ladakh encapsulates a repository of experimental wisdom cultivated over millennia. Despite this cultural wealth, dwindling interest among the younger generations in the region's age-old practices underscores the urgency to document TK. The current study investigates the diverse usage of plants in Surru, Wakha and Lower Indus valleys of Western Ladakh exploring the influence of socioeconomic and ecological factors.

Isolation and characterization of lactic acid bacteria from traditional pickles of Himachal Pradesh, India.

A total of 15 isolates of lactic acid bacteria (LAB) were isolated from traditional pickles of rural and urban areas of Himachal Pradesh. These isolates were identified as (7), (3), (2), (1), (1) and sp. (1) on the basis of morphological, biochemical and 16S rDNA sequence analysis.

Probiotic attributes of indigenous Lactobacillus spp. isolated from traditional fermented foods and beverages of north-western Himalayas using in vitro screening and principal component analysis.

The present research was designed to explore indigenous probiotic Lactic acid bacteria from traditional fermented foods and beverages of North-western Himalayas for their probiotic potential. It was achieved through a step-by step approach focused on the technological characterization, evaluation of the probiotic traits and adherence ability. Fifty one LAB isolates from traditional fermented foods and beverages were initially screened for their technological properties and among them twenty isolates were selected.

Changing aspects of traditional healthcare system in western Ladakh, India.

Ethnopharmacological Relevance: The Sowa-rigpa system of traditional healing has been practiced from time immemorial in western Ladakh but its existence is in jeopardy today. Documentation of information on various aspects of this system such as treatment methods, materials used for medicine and socio-cultural aspects is needed to ensure the long-term survival of this system.

Materials And Methods: Extensive field surveys were conducted from March 2009 to June 2011 in three different Valleys of the Kargil district.