Rational Utilization of Important Medicinal Plants: a Tool for Conservation

Medicinal plants have been in use, perhaps since the beginning of civilization. Chhindwara District in Madhya Pradesh is blessed with innumerable varieties of medicinal plants, most of which are found growing in the under storey and as ground flora in forests. Unfortunately, rapid depletion of forests due to excessive pressure has threatened many species to extinction. The current trend in increasing demand for medicinal and aromatic plants in India and world-wide has resulted in unscientific and over exploitation of the country's dwindling and vital forest resources. This article is an attempt to reflect the approach of rational utilization which includes authentic identification, scientific collection, grading, processing, storage, marketing, chemical characterization, education and extension of medical plants that need immediate attention to help protect, conserve and develop the vital natural forest resources.