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(a) Aconitum balfourii; (b) Aconitum heterophyllum; (c) Bergenia stracheyi; (d) Dactylorhiza hatagirea; (e) Hippophae salicifolia; (f) Megacarpaea polyandra; (g) Paeonia emodi; (h) Picrorhiza kurrooa; (i) Polygonatum verticillatum; (j) Rheum moorcroftianum; (k) Saussurea obvallata; (l) Swertia chirayita.
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The Indian Himalaya is rich in plant species, including many medicinal plants, greatly valued by local inhabitants for health care needs. The study in Urgam Valley of Uttarakhand, India, is to identity and document traditional knowledge of medicinal plants. The study revealed high consensus on medicinal plant usage, with 51 species belonging to 31...
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Citations
... Furthermore, herbs boast elevated levels of vital secondary metabolites crucial to their survival strategies, enhancing their therapeutic potential (Dulal et al. 2022). Across continents, studies resonate in showcasing the prevalence of herbaceous plants in addressing various ailments, a trend likely fueled by their widespread availability and abundance in nature's bounty (Hong et al. 2015, Singh et al. 2017, Singh et al. 2019, Bizuayehu, & Garedew 2018, Mekonnen et al. 2022. As integral components of forest ecosystems, herbs stand as nature's pharmacy, readily offering their healing bounty to those in need (Heinrich et al. 2009). ...
Background: Traditional knowledge of medicinal plants, their application, and conservation is very likely to be disappearing. From the perspective of conservation planning and management, it is crucial to assemble information about the use of medicinal herbs by various ethnic groups and at various spatial scales. Therefore, with this viewpoint in mind, this study was carried out, which included the ethnobotanical analysis of medicinal plants in Dimoria, Assam, which contributed to the locally based traditional healthcare system of the people living there.
... The information was recorded through a semi structured questionnaire following Singh et al. (2019). (i. ...
Background: Aboriginal therapeutic awareness of medicinal plants possibly will have realistic inference in the development of novel medications and offer additional imminent for sustenance of their unrelenting utilization in society. But, there was very less documentation on ethno-veterinary formulations, therefore, an assessment was conceded in a precise area of our country to obtain the knowledge on ethnoveterinary medicines amongst the inhabitants of Renuka Tehsil located in district Sirmour of Himachal Pradesh. Methods: Information on ethno-veterinary medicinal plants has been recorded through intensive field survey, interviews and discussion with the inhabitants of Renuka tehsil of Himachal Pradesh. Information were collected surveying 245 households with the help of semi structured interview and open-ended questionnaires. Results: Overall 68 ethnic veterinary therapeutic species belonging to 63 genera and 40 families were recorded. Usage of herbs is maximum amongst all the plant species (35.30%) in the region. The medicinal preparations include powder, extract, decoction, paste and among the plant parts usage of leaves was maximum (42.16%). Stomach disorders was predominant in the area and treated through 14 plant species (11.2%). Vitex negundo, Acorus calamus, Artemisia roxburghiana, Opuntia dillenii are well known and utmost used plant species in the region. Conclusions: Significance of ethnoveterinary plants in conventional medicines should be put into practice which endow with an indication to explore original vicinity. This study will be helpful in providing the records of unique ethnoveterinary medicinal formulations. The research work will prove valuable in the maintenance of these plant resources and their acquaintance which are used by the inhabitants of the region. Keywords: Ethno-veterinary, Inhabitants, Medicinal plants, Renuka, Traditional knowledge
... Considering an important source of carbohydrate, variety of Polygonatum food like a low-sugar Polygonatum jam can be produced which can be used in high blood pressure or diabetes (Feng et al., 2019;Haroon et al., 2012;Huaizhu et al., 2010). The rhizome is antiperiodic, antitussive, antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, anticancer, antidiabetic, cardiotonic, demulcent, diuretic, energizer, hypoglycaemic, ophthalmic, resolvent, sedative and tonic (Ha et al., 2019;Pandey et al., 2007;Singh et al., 2019;Zhang et al., 2019). Its leaves are also aphrodisiac (Kazmi et al., 2012). ...
... The plant contains significant nutritional quantity of proteins, fats, fiber, and carbohydrates (Khan et al., 2012). It is used as source of carbohydrate and have medicinal values (Feng et al., 2019;Ha et al., 2019;Singh et al., 2019). ...
Polygonatum” Mill, a perennial rhizomatous herb distributed from
temperate to alpines is traditionally used as food and medicine. Recently,
its rhizome trade has been mounting in Nepal specifically in western part
of the country. Polygonatum rhizome was heavily harvested for sale, and
young shoots and leaves were plucked for vegetable. Magars are involved
for its, harvesting, use and sales. It is one of the sources of income of Magar
community of Rolpa district. On average, 8.34% of total income of the
respondents’ household was contributed by selling rhizome. Regarding trade
chain, rhizome from the harvesters was exported to international market
via two intermediators; local and regional collectors. To ensure continuous
supply of rhizome to market, for livelihood improvement of rural people
and conservation of Polygonatum in natural habitat, and initiation of its
commercial production may provide an alternative source of income in the
mountains of western Nepal. This article has been prepared based on a study
that carried out in Magar Kham community of Rolpa, western Nepal.
Keywords: rhizomatous herb, food and medicine, trade chain, intermediators,
commercial production.
... Rheum webbianum (0.2) and Prunella vulgaris were among the plants with the lowest RFCs (Table 2). (Singh et al., 2019;Monika et al., 2020;Khajuria et al., 2021), Asteraceae was the most common plant family used in traditional herbal medicine. This may be due to the fact that these plants are readily available in nature (Maulidiani et al., 2015) and have a higher phenolic and flavonoid content (Maulidiani et al., 2015;Miara et al., 2018). ...
This study was aimed at exploring the ethno-veterinary practices in the District of Kupwara in Jammu and Kashmir Union Territory of India, by examining the traditional knowledge and its application in animal healthcare. The study included qualitative methods, such as interviews with local farmers (n=100) and
traditional healers, as well as observation of their practices from February to April 2023. The results revealed a rich knowledge base among the local community regarding the use of medicinal plants for treating a range of animal ailments. 32 plants of pharmaceutical value representing 23 families have been assessed, with the Asteraceae family receiving the greatest attention. Eighty-eight percent of these ethnoveterinary medicinal
plant species were herbs. Leaves of these plants were used most often (27%), followed by the entire plant (21%), seeds (21%), roots and fruits (9%), bulbs (6%), and stems and rhizomes (3%). Glycine max (0.91) and Allium sativum (UVi = 0.89) had the highest UVi values, whereas Oryza sativa (0.51), Allium sativum (0.49), and Zea mays (0.43) were the most cited and most often mentioned therapeutic plant species. Traditional veterinary practices were found to be deeply embedded in the local culture and were passed down through generations of farmers and traditional healers. These practices are still widely used today, in combination with modern veterinary medicine, to provide comprehensive care to livestock in the region. This study highlights the importance of preserving and promoting ethno-veterinary knowledge and practices as a valuable resource for
animal healthcare in rural communities.
... Aconitum heterophyllum locally known as "Boma karpo" or simply "Bua" represents a very important plant in Ladakh with a wide range of medicinal uses. In Ladakh and other parts of Himalayan regions, Aconitum heterophyllum is used to treat stomachache, fever, diarrhea, and abdominal ailments (Adhikari, 2017;Ballabh and Chaurasia, 2009;Banday et al., 2021;Bisht et al., 2013;Gairola et al., 2014;Haq et al., 2021;Malik et al., 2015;Singh et al., 2019;Tewari et al., 2020;Uniyal, 1981). However, the use of Aconitum heterophyllum in treating gastroenteritis (UR = 14), liver ailment (UR = 13), analgesic (UR = 6), sore throat (UR = 4), reduced body heat (UR = 2), and jaundice (UR = 2) has not mentioned in any of these studies. ...
Ethnopharmacological relevance:
Ladakh, "the land of high-rising passes," is a cold arid desert located in the northernmost part of the Trans-Himalayan region. Traditional knowledge of medicinal plants in this fragile ecosystem is an important part of the primary healthcare system, particularly in remote areas where modern medical facilities are not fully operational. There is a need to update the traditional information on medicinal plants from time to time to understand any addition of plants or uses to assist in developing new drugs through pharmacological and phytochemical studies.
Aim of the study:
The study was conducted to document the traditional knowledge and current therapeutic practices of the indigenous communities of Ladakh. Besides, the study strives to evaluate previous studies from Ladakh to identify plants that have not been previously reported for medicinal use.
Material and methods:
Ethnomedicinal information was collected from 350 local informants through open and semi-structured questionnaires and field surveys in 35 villages of 8 regions of Ladakh. The primary data were analyzed for use reports (UR) and the informant consensus Factor (ICF). The reported diseases were classified according to the International Classification of Primary Care-2 (ICPC-2). New reported medicinal plants and unreported medicinal uses in this study were identified and compared to 36 prior studies conducted in Ladakh.
Results:
In the study, 176 medicinal plants belonging to 45 families and 131 genera were reported to treat 116 diseases of 16 (ICPC-2) groups with a total of 4841 use reports. Based on the highest use reports (UR), the most utilized species were Thymus linearis Benth. (134), followed by Aconitum heterophyllum Wall. (127) The highest informant consensus factor (ICF) was reported for Pregnancy, Childbearing, and Family Planning (ICF = 1) followed by respiratory (ICF = 0.91), and digestive (ICF = 0.90) disorders. Based on the comparative literature review, a total of 518 plant species (502 previously reported plus 16 newly cited) are being used in the local pharmacopeia. A total of 133 use reports for 16 newly cited plants using 30 diseases were recorded. The highest degree of overlapping of medicinal plants and uses for medicines was recorded in regions with comparable ethnicity, and shorter geographical distances. Based on the IUCN Red List, recorded medicinal plants include 7 critically endangered, 9 endangered, and 13 vulnerable species.
Conclusion:
Ladakh's indigenous populations use a diverse range of medicinal plants to treat a variety of illnesses. The introduction of species and medicinal uses not previously cited in the primary health care system demonstrates that shared knowledge of traditional medicine among Ladakhi is still rich. The medicinal value of preferred medicinal plants has already been validated, but some medicinal plants lack scientific validation. We recommend further scientific studies on Aconitum violaceum Jacquem. ex Stapf,Anaphalis nepalensis var. monocephala (DC.) Hand.-Mazz, Allardia nivea Hook. f. & Thomson ex C.B. Clarke, Atriplex hortensis L., Eriophyton tibeticum (Vatke) Ryding, Iris lactea Pall. and Rheum webbianum Royle.
... M. polyandra is one of those important wild plants that have the potential for bioprospecting and are being used in traditional systems of medicine, especially in the Garhwal Himalayas [82]. Still, the detailed bioactive constituents and pharmacological activity are unknown, revealing a suitable candidature for pharmacological and therapeutic values and extraction of novel bioactive components [83,84]. ...
This review presents an up-to-date review on conservation, agro-techniques, traditional uses, phytochemistry
and pharmacological potential of Megacarpaea polyandra, an important medicinal herb of the Himalaya. Megacarpaea polyandra Benth. ex Madden (Brassicaceae) is one of the few species stored and frequently used
throughout the Himalayan region. M. polyandra has been used traditionally as a remedy for various diseases like
asthma, dysentery, fever, abdominal ailments, stomachache and rheumatism. It also has ethnoveterinary
importance. It is used to treat general debility and pneumonia in cattle. It is endemic to the Hindu Kush Himalayan region and found in sub-alpine forests and alpine meadows of India, Pakistan, Nepal, China and Tibet at
the altitudinal zone 2800–4000 m asl. Despite the wide ethnomedicinal importance, its bioactive constituents
and pharmacological activity are yet largely unknown, indicating that the species could be a good candidate for
pharmacological studies and extraction of novel bioactive components. Due to excessive collection pressure and
overexploitation, this plant is becoming rare in nature, but the species is neither categorised for conservation nor
cultivation.
... Ajuga parviflora (neelkanthi) is a flowering plant belonging to Lamiaceae family. Conventionally being used as a medicine for curing malaria, edema, fungal, and other microbes [32,33,34]. The cytotoxicity action of aqueous and methanol extracts from A. parviflora leaves was explored against leukemia murine [L-1210] and human chronic myelogenous leukemia [K-562] cell lines. ...
... Curcuma longa (turmeric, haldi) belonging to ginger family Zingiberaceae [29] has wide range of pharmacological effects like anti-HIV, antiseptic, anti-inflammatory, antibacterial, antioxidant, antifungal, antiviral, antitumor, and antimicrobial activities [33,39]. Curcumin being the main constituent of C. longa is responsible for its beneficial activities. ...
... Dioscorea bulbifera (Air Potato) belonging to family Dioscoreaceae has 13 species globally. It is mostly employed in India and China as traditional medicine for its anticancer and antidiabetic effects [33,92,93]. D. bulbifera possesses significant secondary metabolites such as diosgenin, kaempferol-3, 5-dimethyl ether, lutein, zeaxanthin, neoxanthins, mono-arachidin, behenic acid, demethyl batatasin-IV, diosbulbin-B-D-F, docosyl ferulate, tristin, protocatechuic acid, adenosine, stigmasterol, azelaic acid and caryatin [94,95]. ...
Cancer being a life treating ailment is the second reason of death universally. The growing threats of medicationresistant
cancers indicates an crucial need for the improvement of more effective anticancer agents. Herbal medication
offers very reasonable alternate to modern medicine against cancer. The investigation of natural products
is a valued method for the detection and expansion of newer biologically dynamic compounds having exclusive
assemblies and pathways. This work reviews certain medicinal plant with active phytochemicals, methodology
of researches and their pharmacological characteristics. This work is created after careful literature review directed
through relevant exploration of keywords in Clarivate Analytical, Web of Science, Scopus, Google Scholar,
Science Direct, PubMed, MDPI, and Google Academic. This study was planned to accumulate the record of plants
having anticancer activity and the evidences supporting their usage in cancer treatment. Fifty plants were selected
based on their potenty as anticancer compounds. The thorough research studies exposed that plants and
its phytochemicals can play a crucial role against oral, breast, lung, cervical, colon, stomach, hepatic cancers.
The in vitro researches displayed that the plant secondary metabolites in extracts causes inhibition of cancer cell
through DNA mutilation as well as stimulation of apoptosis-tempting enzymes in different models.
... About 85% of plant-based medications are utilized in traditional healthcare systems [5] and provide a living for local communities, including the Indian Himalayan region [6]. The people residing near to the Himalaya are known to harbor a great knowledge of medicine due to the presence of rich medicinal flora [7]. ...
... A random sampling method was employed and data was gathered from a different group of indigenous people of the area. Personal talks were planned with people of different age groups; prominent traditional healers (locally called Hakeems), plant experts, and written questionnaires were prepared following [7] and verbal explanations in the local dialects (i.e., Kashmiri, Bhalessi, Gojri) for physical engagement with informants. Prior Consent was sought from the informants. ...
Ethnopharmacological relevance: The traditional knowledge about ethnomedicinal plants has a significant impact on human healthcare. However, across the globe especially in remote areas, this treasure-trove of traditional knowledge is being rapidly lost. Therefore, it is important to scientifically document and validate the folklore claims about medicinal plants, which will contribute to their bioprospection and sustainable use. Aims of the study: The study was conducted to elucidate the traditional knowledge and practices about the usage of medicinal plants by the tribal population inhabiting Bhalessa, a remote area in district Doda, Jammu, and Kashmir, Western Himalaya. Material and methods: We collected ethnomedicinal data through focused interviews of the local population in the study area by employing in situ and ex-situ survey methods. The collected data was subjected to statistical tools of informant consensus factor (ICF), use reports and comparison with previous studies. Results: We report a total of 80 medicinal plant species traditionally used against 17 disease categories in the area. The most frequently used plant parts were roots and leaves and the route of administration of the medicines was largely oral in the powdered form. The ICF values were indicative of a higher agreement among the users about the usage of plants in the treatment of disease categoriesmusculoskeletal and connective tissue, genito-urinary and gastrointestinal disease categories. Based on the number of use report and number of taxa utilized, the most prevalent disease in the study area were joint pain and fever. Conclusion: Novel information has been generated as the elderly people of Bhalessa possess precious knowledge of medicinal plants. These novel folklore claims about the various therapeutic values of medicinal plants require scientifically sound validation. Therefore, we call for focused phytochemical research and proper pharmacological validations of the reported medicinal uses in the study area, particularly of the Himalayan endemic species such as Aconitum lethale, Arisaema jacquemontii, and Saussurea costus.
... Previous studies carried out in near surroundings (adjoining districts/Tehsil/Block) showed a higher similarity to the ethnomedicinal uses of some frequently used plants while regions far from the study area showed less similarity. Aconitum lethale was used to treat, snake bite, scorpion sting, boils, gout and rheumatism, similar to Singh et al. 2019, while Bisht & Badoni, (2009 reported it for joint pain. Nardostachys jatamansi was used to treat epilepsy, mental disorders, insomnia, and heart diseases similar to (Kunwar et al. 2009, Singh et al. 2017, Tamang et al. 2021, Monika et al. 2020) however, Kunwar et al. (2009) reported that the oil of Nardostachys jatamansi is used for headaches. ...
... Paeonia emodi was used for the treatment of stomachache, intestinal spasms, vermifuge, and diarrhea similar to Singh et al. 2017. Rumex nepalensis used for healing cuts, wounds, burns and boils, similar to (Singh et al. 2017, Singh et al. 2019, Khajuria et al. 2021. Polygonum capitatum was used for curing burns, boils, pimples and herpes similar to (Singh et al. 2017, Gaur andSharma, 2011). ...
... Picrorhiza kurrooa is used against fever, abdominal pain, coolant and intestinal worms. Singh et al. (2019), Malik et al. (2015), Singh & Rawat (2011), Kunwar et al. (2009) reported it for fever and stomachache, Masood et al. (2015) reported to cure stomachache and high fever, while Monika et al. (2020) reported it for biliousness, urinary discharge, blood troubles, burning sensations, leukoderma, and jaundice, while Rana et al. (2019) reported it for fever and jaundice, Ahmad et al. (2014) digestive complaints, heart disease. Saussurea obvallata is used for the treatment of asthma however, Kirtikar & Basu 1984,Monika et al. (2020 reported to cure cardiac diseases, cuts and wounds. ...
Background: Khatling valley is an unexplored and remote region located in the Uttarakhand state of Indian
Himalaya, the area possesses rich medicinal flora, and local inhabitants using these plants since generations. The
majority of primary health care depends upon traditional medicine due to the unavailability of a modern medicinal
facility, however, the identity of medicinal plants is limited to traditional healers or elder people in the region thus
the documentation of such important medicinal knowledge is a dire need for sustainable use.
Methods: An ethnomedicinal survey was carried out in this region from 2018 to 2020. Ethnomedicinal data were
collected from 82 informants through semi-structured questionnaires and group conversations. To check the
popular and frequently used species URs and Informant consensus factor (ICF) were calculated for the collected
data.
Results: The present study recorded 68 plants from 63 genera and 35 families utilized for treating various disorders.
The dominant families were Asteraceae (7) and Rosaceae (6) followed by Apiaceae, Lamiaceae, Ranunculaceae,
Polygonaceae, Zingiberiaceae (4 species each). The majority of the useful plants were herbaceous (78%) followed
by trees (12%), shrubs (9%), and climbers were the least in number (1%). Most of the plant parts used were leaves
and roots 25% each, followed by rhizome, aerial part and tuber (9% each), seeds, fruits, and whole plant (5% each),
bark (4%) while, stem, flower, resin, and the bulb has less proportion (1% each). Five drug formulations were used
by the local inhabitants of which paste was the most common (32%) followed by powder (31%), decoction (19%),
raw (12%), and juice (6%). Some important medicinal plants based on use reports (URs) were Valeriana jatamansi
Jones (300 URs and 5 uses), Aconitum lethale Griff. (275 URs and 5 uses ), Nardostachys jatamansi (D. Don) DC (250
URs and 4 uses), Solanum nigrum (L.) (234 URs and 5 uses), Paeonia emodi Royle (230 URs and 4 uses). ICF values
ranged between 0.96 and 1. The highest ICF value (1) was recorded for mental disorders (ICD code F) and epilepsy
(ICD code G) while a minimum of 0.96 was recorded for blood problems (ICD code I).
Conclusion: Ethnomedicinal plants having high URs and ICF can be a good source for novel phytoconstituents and
novel drug discoveries, apart from this documentation of traditional knowledge will be helpful for the new
generation, researchers, and policymakers for sustainable use of the species.
... The diverse topography and climatic conditions provide rich medicinal plants diversity in Indian Himalaya, especially alpine region are the major source of important medicinal plants (Singh et al., 2019). Himalaya is one of the major hot spot of the world having considerable diversity with many endemic plant species. ...
Alpine plant species are perennial in nature but have shorter growing period in accordance prevailing habitat condition that remains snow covered during winter. Most of the species are important source of valuable drugs. Phenological observations were recorded at weekly interval in Tungnath region of western Himalaya. Seven principal growth stages from seed germination to senescence as per BBCH (Biologische Bundesantalt, Bundessortenamt and Chemische industrie) scale have been described along with secondary growth stages. These stages include stage 0 (germination phase), stage 1 (leaf development), stage 5 (Inflorescence emergence), stage 6 (flowering), stage 7 (fruit development), stage 8 (Fruit ripening) and stage 9 (Senescence). Phenological studies in alpine plants are very limited especially in Indian Himalaya, thus the present study was carried out to describe detailed phenological stages of Meconopsis aculeata in Tungnath region of Indian Himalaya. Due to the high market demand of medicinal plants in local and international markets, work on the various aspects of domestication and crop improvement is a dire need, so the detailed phenological growth stages of M.aculeata could be helpful and complementary for local growers, breeders and researchers in the near future.
