Ushoi kangshu is a fiery traditional seasonal delicacy of the Meiteis of Manipur, India prepared from fresh bamboo shoot. The main ingredients being fermented fish, chillies and peas. The preparation method is a traditional art which is handed over from generation to generation. Bamboo shoots are low in calories, high in dietary fiber and rich in various nutrients like protein, carbohydrates, amino acids, minerals, fat, sugar and inorganic salts, however, bamboo shoots are known to contain plant toxins (cyanogenic glycosides) which are harmful to human health. Studies on the cyanogenic content shows that the toxin is present in high concentration (600mg/kg) in the fresh bamboo shoot however, the concentration of the toxic compound is decreased step wise (400mg/kg to 160mg/kg) during the preparation of ushoi kangshu and is completely removed at the final step of preparation. More over it was observed that this ethnic bamboo shoot salad is highly nutritious due to its garnishing with locally available herbs which has medicinal and therapeutic values.&nbsp;

Ushoi kangshu - A traditional bamboo shoot salad of the Meiteis of Manipur

Background: Sacred plants in Manipur (Northeast India) have important roles in religious and cultural practices among the Meitei and Meitei Hindu communities. They are part of rituals, festivals, taboos, traditional ecological knowledge (TEK) and support biodiversity in the region. Unfortunately, increasing impacts from human activities are affecting the availability of the sacred plants and their associated significance/cultural value. 
 
Methods: A field-based survey of three prominent women&rsquo;s markets (Ima Keithel, Nambol Keithel and Singjamei Keithel) from two districts in Manipur was conducted over May-July (2024 and 2025). Plants were collected from each market, followed by taxonomic identification of plants using standard books and other reputable databases. Plant descriptions were also gathered through purposive interviews with thirty elderly participants (ten from each market) and confirmed with the traditional managers (Arangphams, Maiba and Maibi). Plant scientific names were verified using the GBIF database and other reputable sources. 
 
Result: A total of 49 taxa belong to 43 genera and 30 families. The family with the highest number of recorded species is Rosaceae, followed by Asteraceae, Cucurbitaceae and Zingiberaceae. The site with the highest number of species was Ima Keithel. Most plants recorded for species have medicinal properties and are used in major rituals such as Cheiraoba and Lai-haraoba. The identified threats are cultural erosion, habitat destruction, climate change, pollution and over-harvesting, indicating an urgent need for conservation efforts and the revitalization of TEK. 
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Ushoi kangshu - A traditional bamboo shoot salad of the Meiteis of Manipur

Survey of Sacred Plants and Their Plant-derived Products in Women’s Markets, Manipur, North East India