Diversity, indigenous uses and conservation status of medicinal plants in Manali wildlife sanctuary, North western Himalaya

Abstract

In the moutaineous regions human populations are dependent on plants for their sustenance particularly for medicine. In India, m<span style="font-family: Giovanni-Book;" lang="EN-GB">ore than 95% of the total medicinal plants <span style="font-family: Giovanni-Book;" lang="EN-GB">used in preparing medicines by various industries <span style="font-family: Giovanni-Book;" lang="EN-GB">are harvested from wild. There is a great need to recognise the potential of bioresources at their fullest. Therefore, the present study focused to assess the medicinal plants diversity in Manali wildlife sanctuary of North western Himalaya, identify species preference, native, endemic and threatened medicinal plants and suggests conservation measures. A total of 270 medicinal plants belonging to 84 families and 197 genera were recorded. Maximum medicinal plants were reported in the altitudinal zone, 2000-2800 m and decreased with increasing altitude. Out of the total, 162 medicinal plants were native and 98 were endemic to the Himalayan region. Maximum species were used for stomach problems, followed by skin, eyes, blood and liver problems. Thirty seven species were identified as threatened. <i style="">Dactylorhiza hatagirea, Aconitum heterophyllum, Arnebia benthamii, Lilium polyphyllum, Swertia chirayita, Podophyllum hexandrum, Jurinella macrocephala, Taxus baccata </i>subsp.<i style=""> wallichiana,</i> <i style="">etc.</i> were highly preferred species and continuous extraction from the wild for trade has increased pressure which may cause extinction of these species in near future. Identification of active ingredients and mass multiplication of the potential species have been suggested in view of economic importance. Regular monitoring of populations and habitats of threatened medicinal plants, restricted harvesting and habitat protection<span style="font-family: Giovanni-Book;" lang="EN-GB"> are suggested.

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