Diversity and Conservation Status of Medicinal Plants in Uttaranchal State

The Uttaranchal State is located in the Indian western Himalayan Region (IHR). Like other provinces of the IHR this region is also known for rich biodiversity. The rich plant diversity of the region has been in use since the Vedic Period. Most of the medicinal plants are being extracted for drug and pharmaceutical industries from wild populations. This has adversely affected the very existence of a number of plants of high commercial value. Further, with the increasing world demand and renewed global interest in traditional ethnopharmacy coupled with the increasing preference for natural substances in the health care system, the natural stock of medicinal plants of the State is under tremendous pressure. Majority of the species are used in Ayurvedic, Unani and other traditional systems of medicine and also in the plant based pharmaceutical industries. In view of the importance of medicinal plants of the region, it has become necessary to review the diversity and conservation status of medicinal plants of Uttaranchal State. The present study recorded 701 species of medicinal plants. Of these 138 species were trees, 135 species were shrubs, 421 species were herbs and 7 species were ferns. Among the families Asteraeeae, Fabaceae, Lamiaceae, Apiaceae, and Orchidaceae and among the genera Euphorbia, Polygonum, Allium, Ficus, Berberis, Swertia and Cassia showed the maximum representation of the species. Sixty six families were monotypic. Whole plants (179 spp.), ischolar_mains (120 spp.), leaves (56 spp.), fruits (12 spp.), seeds (25 spp.), flowers (10 spp.) and combinations of different parts (299 spp.) were used for the treatment of various ailments. Maximum diversity of medicinal plants was distributed in the zone of < 1800 m and gradually decreased with the increasing altitude. 178 species were native to the Himalayan region, 9 species were endemic and 104 species were near endemic. Seven species i.e., Saussurea costus (Endangered), Allium stracheyi, Berberis affinis, Dioscorea deltoidea, Nardostachys grandiflora, and Picrorhiza kurrooa (Vulnerable), and Pittosporum eriocarpum (Indeterminate) have been recorded in the Red Data Book of Indian Plants. Using new IUCN criteria these species along with others have been also categorized as Critically Endangered (18 spp.), Endangered (18 spp.), Vulnerable (22 spp.), Low Risk - Near Threatened (6 spp.) and Low Risk - Least Concern (I species). In- situ and ex- situ conservation initiatives have been also highlighted. Based on the distribution and potential values medicinal plants have been prioritized for cultivation in different altitude zones. Furthcr, appropriate action plan for the conservation and management of medicinal plants has been suggested.