See discussions, stats, and author profiles for this publication at: https://www.researchgate.net/publication/291274163

Critically Endangered Indian Medicinal Plants

Article · January 2016

CITATIONS

0READS

17,024

1 author:

Some of the authors of this publication are also working on these related projects:

Status, multiplication and conservation of some high altitude medicinal herbs used in Astavarga View project

Propagation, characterization and conservation of Gundagundo sweet orange (Citrus sinensis) in Gundagundo monastery of Tigray, Ethiopia, Mekelle University,

Ethiopia View project

Anurag Dhyani

Jawaharlal Nehru Tropical Botanic Garden and Research Institute

38 PUBLICATIONS   124 CITATIONS   

SEE PROFILE

All content following this page was uploaded by Anurag Dhyani on 20 January 2016.

The user has requested enhancement of the downloaded file.

Critically Endangered Indian Medicinal Plants

International Union for Conservation of Nature and Natural Resources (IUCN) is an international organization working in the field of nature conservation and sustainable use of natural resources. The organization is engaged in field data collection and analysis, research projects, advocacy, lobbying and education. The mission of IUCN is to influence, encourage and assist societies throughout the world to conserve nature and to ensure that any use of natural resources is equitable and ecologically sustainable. IUCN compiles and publish the IUCN Red List of Threatened Species, which assesses the conservation status of plant and animal species in the world.

conservation

Anurag Dhyani

Sauss

ure

a-c

ost

us-f

low

er

42 Heritage Amruth December 2015

IUCN updated the Red List in June 2015, and added forty-four Indian medicinal plants in the list. In the update, eighteen plants are categorized as vulnerable, sixteen as endangered and ten as critically endangered species. Critically endangered category indicates, a species facing a very high risk of extinction in the wild. It indicates that the species population size has been reduced, or will be reducing by 80% within three generations. It is the highest risk category assigned by IUCN Red List for the wild species. I would like to unveil all ten critically endangered species, their habitat, ecology, distribution, medicinal usage, threats and conservation measures in this article.

Aconitum chasmanthum is commonly known as Gaping monkshood in English, Meetha zahar in Hindi, Amrta in Sanskrit. It is a perennial herb, 90 cm tall, flowers are blue or bluish-white. The said species is endemic to Himalayan region of India and Pakistan. In India the herb is found in the alpine and sub-alpine meadows of Jammu-Kashmir and Himachal Pradesh from 2300-4300m asl. It is considered one of the most poisonous plants and tuber of species contains more than 60 alkaloids, glycosides, sugars and elements. Roots after mitigation are being used in number of Ayurvedic formulations and homeopathic system of medicine. Roots are traded in the name of Vatsanabha. Due to its critically endangered status the species is prohibited for export under the regulation of Convention of International Trade in Endangered Species (CITES). The species has been declining rapidly due to over harvesting of tubers and construction of roads. Avalanches in the Himalayan region lead to the loss of existing habitat of the species. Habitat conservation and sustainable collection of the plant tubers are prime requirement for the conservation of species. Further, field survey and regular monitoring of unexplored natural habitats will certainly help to ascertain the status of wild populations.

Chlorophytum borivilianum is a tuberous herb known as Safed musli in Hindi and White gold in English. Plant height may reach upto 90-120cm. Flowers are small and white in colour. The species is endemic to India and distributed in its states i.e. Rajasthan, Maharastra and Gujarat. The herb prefers shady, well drained localities with ample soil depth and humus. In Ayurveda the plant has been placed under the group Vajikaran Rasayana due to its rejuvenating and aphrodisiac properties and is an integral part of more than 100 herbal drug formulations. It is also effective in alleviating carnal desires, to treat diabetes, arthritis, natal and post natal problems. The plant is harvested for tubers and traded at local, regional, national and international market. The plant foreign demand has been estimated as 300-700 tons annually, a quantity which Indian forest cannot sustain. Due to high demand, the tubers are harvested in indiscriminate manner and thus resulting in declining of its natural populations. Major threats to the plant are unsustainable collection and habitat loss. Generally, root collection is practiced before seed maturation, which drastically hampers natural regeneration of the species. In order to conserve the species, IUCN Red list recommended trade regulation, develop sustainable harvesting packages, in

situ conservation and habitat management. It is not out of place to mention here, the species may become extinct in f u t u r e i f a p p r o p r i a t e preventive measures are not taken to save the species.

Gentiana kurroo i s a perennial herb and known as Karu in Hindi, Himalayan Gentian in English and Traayamaana in Sanskrit. The plant is 5-30cm long. It bears deep blue flowers, paler in throat and spotted with green and white colour. The species is distributed in Himalayan region of Pakistan, Nepal and India. The species is endemic to North Western Himalaya and grows in Jammu Kashmir, H imacha l P radesh and Uttarakhand from subalpine to alpine region from 1500-3000m asl. The plant grows luxuriantly on southern open exposed slopes of mid and higher mountain ridges. The most dominant associate of the species is Themeda anathera. The roots and rhizomes are used medicinally to treat cough, stomach ache and fever. Research studies on rhizomes confirm that it is a source of bitter glycosides (gentiopicrin and gentianin) and alkaloids (gentiomarin). The species is also known for its antiperiodic, expectorant, an t i b i l i ou s, a s t r i ng en t , stomachic, antithelmintic, blood purifier and carminative properties. Due to high demand in industries the wild populations have declined by 80% in last ten years. Developmental activities i.e. construction of roads and human settlement in and around the natural habitat are major threats to the species. Further, climate calamities occurred in Uttarakhand due to cloudburst in June 2013 has destroyed its huge population. It is the need of hour to extend a package for its cultivation besides restrictions on the trade to the certain extent.

Gentiana-kurroo

Gymnocladus asssamicus Male Inflorescence

Aconitum-chasmanthum

Chlorophytum borivilianum

Heritage Amruth December 2015 43

Gymnocladus assamicus is a medium-sized deciduous tree and locally known as Mewangmanba-shi or Minkling. Mature trees are observed along hill slopes and along bank of streams, rich in moisture and organic matter. Most common trees growing with the species are Quercus griffithii and Rhus wallichii. This species is endemic to Northeast India where it is found in Arunachal Pradesh, Meghalaya, and Nagaland. The plant bears purple flowers, however male and hermaphrodite flowers grow on separate trees. Local people collect the seed pod, which is rich in saponine, and use it as a substitute for soap or detergent for hair washing and detergent in Arunachal Pradesh. The people of Monpa community are seen in using it in making Torma (a religious offering to Buddha), to cure dermatological disorders and to get rid of leaches. The plant parts are used in ethno-medicine for its anthelminthic properties. Some specific threats to species are over harvesting of mature seed pod for domestic purposes, grazing and fungal damage to seed. Seeds have lack of dispersal and a hard-waxy seed coat. In nature, the numbers of mature tree are higher compared to sapling and seedlings. Field reports confirm that wild population is inferred to have declined by more than 80% over 84 years. Natural habitat of the species has been declining due to road construction, agricultural expansion and human settlements. Moreover, small population size, poor seed dispersal, separate male and hermaphrodite trees are other concern. Conservation actions by developing plant propagation methods, ex situ conservation initiatives by North East Region Institute of Science and Technology (NERIST), Arunachal Pradesh are a few steps. The species is also listed for national recovery program in India.

Lilium polypyllum is locally known as Ksirakakoli in Hindi, White lily in English. It is a perennial herb 30-100 cm tall. The plant bears white creamy flowers spotted within purple colour having fragrance. The species is distributed in Pakistan, Afghanistan and India. In India it occurs in Jammu-Kashmir, Himachal Pradesh and Uttarakhand in association with deodar tree community between 2200-3200m asl. The underground bulbs are used medicinally as expectorant, astringent, aphrodisiac, antipyretic and general debility. The bulbs were vital ingredient of Chyawanprash but due to critically endangered status of species, now its substitute plant is used in Chyawanprash. The species is traded at regional, national and global level. Habitat loss particularly deforestation of deodar forest and unregulated collection of its bulb are major threats assigned by IUCN Red list. Recent field research reveals that the species has only three populations in the wild. Important steps to conserve the species are to develop trade regulations: in situ and ex situ conservation. Besides, domestication of the species will help to reduce the pressure on wild populations.

Nardostachys jatamansi is a perennial dwarf, hairy, rhizomatous medicinal herb. It has pink bell shaped flowers. It is endemic to mountain range of Himalaya in Nepal, Bhutan, Myanmar, Southwest China and India at an altitude range of 2200 to 4800m asl. In Hindi it is known as Jatamansi or Balchchard, and

Indian nard in English. Distribution in India is reported from Himachal Pradesh, Uttarakhand, Sikkim and Arunachal Pradesh. The species occurs in western aspect, mostly on moist rocky and undisturbed slopes or sometimes on stones with coarse sandy loam soils. Rhizomes are used for medicinal purpose (i.e. to treat epilepsy). It is also an antiseptic besides useful in controlling high palpitation of the heart. Research unveils its potential use in treating diabetes. The herb is traded at local as well as global level. High demand from pharmaceutical industries, leads to unregulated collection of rhizomes and loss of h a b i t a t . M o r e o v e r , construction of roads, human settlement and agriculture invasion are major threats as also suggested by IUCN. Initial c o n s e r v a t i o n s t e p s b y cultivation of Jatamansi in Uttarakhand will certainly reduce the pressure on its natural populations.

Saussurea costus is known as Kuth in Hindi, is endemic to Jammu-Kashmir and Himachal Pradesh in India. It is a tall perennial herb upto 150-200cm. Flowers are rounded cluster of purple colour. The plant grows on the moist slopes of high hill forest or pastures in Himalaya. The species is cultivated for roots which are used for preparing perfume, incense and medicine. The roots of the plant have a strong and sweet aromatic odour with bitter taste which is used as an antiseptic and in treating bronchial asthma. Oil extracted from roots is known as Costus oil which is used in perfumes, hair oil and for the treatment of l e p ro s y. Recen t l y an t i -ulcerogenic activity of roots has been recorded. Roots are used as strong insecticide to protect shawls and woolen fabrics. Roots are traded in high volume from 100-200 MT,

Gymnocladus asssamicus Male Inflorescence

Lilium polypyllum

Nardostachys jatamansi (flower)

Tribulus rajasthanensis

44 Heritage Amruth December 2015

gum from stem. Each mature tree produces an average 250-500g of guggal gum during extraction season. The unsustainable exploitation of the stem and roots for gum caused subsequent death of plants. The gum has high value in international trade but unsustainable extraction methods causes decline in natural populations. Collection of branches for fuel wood aggravates the conservation status. The species demonstrates one of the most generic problems of conservation: the species was initially subjected to a very high degree of organized extermination, leaving to small population, which was exposed to continuing anthropogenic pressure, like grazing and browsing, which ultimately arrests new recruitment. Overexploitation, narrow extent of occurrence, small area of occupancy, severe fragmentation of populations, low regeneration indicates the species facing high extinction risk. Although the Government of India has banned the export of species yet an advanced technology in order to extract the standard/better gum may be explored which may minimize the mortality rate of the species. Moreover, conventional and micro propagation techniques could help to reduce the pressure on wild individuals. 'Guggal Bachao Abhiyan' (Save Guggal Movement) was also initiated with close association to village level communities.

In a nutshell, it may be said that the main reasons behind

the existing threats to these medicinal plants are due to

loss and degradation of habitat, illegal trade, over

exploitation, over grazing, human settlements, climatic

disaster and due to avalanches. There is a need of hour to

conserve these threatened species by bridging the gap. To

review trade regulations and its implementation, develop

its cultivation packages, sustainable collection practices,

habitat management, besides conducting surveys and

periodic monitoring across known range may prove

beneficial.

AcknowledgementI am thankful to contributors of photographs Dr. Gurucharan Singh, University of Delhi (Aconitum chasmanthum, Gentiana kurroo, Saussurea costus), Dr. Umeshkumar Tiwari, FRLHT, Bangalore (Chlorophytum borivilianum, Tribulus rajasthanensis), Dr. D.S. Rawat, G.B. Pant University of Agriculture and Technology, Pantnagar, Uttarakhand (Nardostachys jatamansi) and Dr. Baharul Choudhury, Concordia University, Canada (Gymnocladus assamicus)

Dr Anurag Dhyani is from College of Natural and Computational Sciences, Department of Biology, Mekelle University, P.O. Box no. 3033, Mekelle, Tigray, Ethiopia, E-mail: anuragdhyani@gmail.com

price range varies from 200-225 per kg in India. The species is facing high threat due to its overexploitation, unregulated collection, illegal trade and habitat loss (road construction and military establishment). Recreational activities and uncontrolled grazing of yak is also threat to the plants. The species is in dire need of conservation, which may be achieved by trade regulations, sustainable collection and habitat management.

Tribulus rajasthanensis is another plant placed under the category of critically endangered. It is distributed in Rajasthan and Gujarat in India. It is a perennial, or rarely annual, diffusely prostate, and ascending herb. Flowers are yellow bright in colour. The plants generally found scattered in patches, grows well on rocks and hill regions. The whole plant is used to treat fever, sterility and skin problems. Fruit of the plant is used in Ayurveda and Unani system of medicine. This species is threatened due overexploitation and human settlement, construction of roads, development and recreational activities which leads to loss of habitat. The species is placed under critically endangered category due to its unsustainable harvesting and habitat degradation. There is a need of hour to take appropriate action to conserve the plant besides its harvest management and habitat protection.

Valeriana leschenaultia is an endemic to high altitude region of Southern western Ghats. It is recorded from the moist grassy slopes and shady areas in forest at an elevation of 2200m asl. In India the species is reported from Kerala and Tamil Nadu. According to IUCN Red list only two localities have been recorded for the species. This plant is very interesting and shows two different forms in natural habitats. One form grows along exposed grassy slopes possessing stunted plant parts while other found along shady areas of marginal robust life form. It may lead to confuse the variant for a different species. Two types of leaves are also reported the basal leaves crowded near ground and cauline leaves present on the stem. Valeriana is well conversant in Indian traditional system of medicine and useful in treating the diseases of eye, blood, liver, hysteria, hypochondriasis, nervous unrest and emotional stress. It is also useful in clearing voice and acts as stimulant in advance stage of fever and nervous disorder. Major threats for the species are forest degradation, deforestation and collection of plant for local use. Habitat loss continues due to road construction, agricultural expansion and human settlement. Conservation action including management of habitat, harvest practices and in situ conservation can help in the recovery of the species.

Commiphora wightii is a tree known as Guggulu in Hindi, Oleo gum in English. It is restricted to dry regions of western India and adjoining areas of Pakistan. In India the species is recorded mainly in Gujarat, Rajasthan and to small extent in adjoining Madhya Pradesh and Maharastra. The tree grows in arid and semi-arid climate and is tolerant to poor soil. It prefers sandy, loamy, clayey and gravelly soil types and grows well in open canopy cover. The plant medicinally used to decrease cholesterol synthesis in the liver. The species is harvested for

Heritage Amruth December 2015 45

View publication statsView publication stats