New Cancer-Fighting Plant Species Discovered Near Guwahati

Botanists have officially documented a new plant species, Ophiorrhiza assamensis, from the Satargaon Road area of Kamrup Metropolitan district, Assam. The newly identified herb belongs to the Ophiorrhiza genus, a group of plants known for their importance in producing camptothecin, a naturally occurring compound used in the development of several anti-cancer drugs. The discovery highlights Assam’s rich and largely unexplored botanical diversity and could encourage further research into the medicinal potential of native plant species. Scientists say the finding adds to the growing knowledge of India’s unique flora while underscoring the importance of conserving habitats where such rare medicinal plants are found.