Table 2 Himalayan ethnic fermented beverages and reported ethnomedicinal properties with special reference to their high-altitude sickness healing potentials

Chhang/ Lugri

Himachal Pradesh; Uttarakhand; Nepal; Darjeeling hills of West Bengal, Sikkim; and parts of Tibet

Functions as staple food and provides energy, anti-inflammatory- treatment of arthritis and joint pain and protection against cold, antioxidant, antibacterial (against high-altitude infections), anti-inflammatory, cardioprotective, neuroprotective, hepatoprotective, high-altitude sickness (hypoxia and acute mountain sickness) healing properties etc

[5, 7, 8, 22, 25, 54, 57, 64,65,66,67,68]

Sura/Sur

Himachal Pradesh

Protection against cold

[5, 54]

Soor, Ghenti and Pakhoi

Uttarakhand

Protection against cold

[5, 69]

Jann, Daru and Kacchi

Uttarakhand

Treatment of fever, dysentery, cough and cold, stomach ailments; cholera, treating weakness; being very energy rich it protects from cold at high-altitude regions

[5, 50, 57, 69, 70]

Chakti

Himachal Pradesh and Uttarakhand

Functions as high-calorie staple food

[5, 25]

Bhaati Jaanr and Nigaar

Nepal, Indo-Nepal Singalila ridge Darjeeling hills of West Bengal, Sikkim

Functions as high-calorie staple food and remedy for ailing old individuals in villages, help in recovering strength

[7, 70, 71]

Tongba

Nepal, Indo-Nepal Singalila ridge Darjeeling hills of West Bengal, Sikkim, Bhutan and parts of Tibet

Protection against cold and dehydration, moisture retention property in skin and body; antioxidant, antibacterial (against high-altitude infections), anti-inflammatory, cardioprotective, neuroprotective, hepatoprotective, high-altitude sickness (hypoxia and acute mountain sickness) healing properties etc

[22, 26, 28, 60, 72]

Kodo ko Jaanr/ Chhyang

Nepal, Indo-Nepal Singalila ridge Darjeeling hills of West Bengal, Sikkim

Most nutritious drinks with high calories and vitamins consumed as staple food; antioxidant, antibacterial (against high-altitude infections), anti-inflammatory, cardioprotective, neuroprotective, hepatoprotective, high-altitude sickness (hypoxia and acute mountain sickness) healing properties etc

[7, 22, 28, 70]

Raksi

Nepal, Indo-Nepal Singalila ridge Darjeeling hills of West Bengal, Sikkim

Antioxidant, antibacterial (against high-altitude infections), protect against respiratory illness, anti-inflammatory/ pain relieving property, cardioprotective, gastroprotective, neuroprotective, hepatoprotective, high-altitude sickness (hypoxia and acute mountain sickness) healing properties, anticancer etc

[21, 22, 28]

Guras/Buransh Wine and Raksi (Rhododendron flower based)

Rhododendron growing regions of Nepal, Indo-Nepal Singalila ridge Darjeeling hills of West Bengal, Sikkim

Anti-inflammatory or pain relieving properties, cardioprotective and gastroprotective (anti-diarrhoeal) activities, anti-viral (celebrated for anti-coronavirus potentials based on research findings during covid-19

[47, 73]

Haria/ Pachwai

Tea belt of sub-Himalayan foothills (Terai and Dooars) of West Bengal

Gastro-protective (dysentery, diarrhoea, acidity, vomiting), immuno-stimulatory, antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, antibacterial, antifungal, neuroprotective, anticancer, hepatoprotective, cardio-protective (hypotensive), antiaging etc

[74,75,76,77]

Tchang/ Jhar and Rokshi

Sikkim

Probably similar to chhang, jaanr and raksi

[7, 69]

Judima or Zu

Assam; Nagaland; Mizoram

Rejuvenating and revitalizing properties; antioxidant, antifungal, antibacterial, neuroprotective, antiaging, and anti-inflammatory properties

[5, 7, 8, 70, 78, 79]

Apong

Assam and Arunachal Pradesh

Treat kidney stone and protection against cold

[5, 8, 80,81,82,83,84]

Zutho

Nagaland and Mizoram

Boost immune system, lower blood insulin level, prevent loss of appetite, lower blood cholesterol and prevent infections

[5, 8, 70]

Yu/ Atingba

Manipur

Treat infertility factors, irregular menstrual flow, menstrual inflammation, low nourishment, obesity, loss of appetite; restorative properties; strong anti-inflammatory and anti-obesity properties

[5, 7, 8, 85]

Chu

Assam and Meghalaya

Antioxidant and antibacterial

[5, 86, 87]

Qingke

Qinghai-Tibetan Plateau

Anticarcinogenic and antidiabetic properties

[88,89,90,91]

Jou-bishi

Assam

Prevent various illnesses including jaundice and urinary tract infections caused by E. coli

[5, 8, 28, 70, 83, 84, 92, 93]