In the hilly areas of Indian Himalaya, the inhabitants largely depend on plants for curing various diseases. The indigenous knowledge and traditional practices of medicinal plants are vanishing fast. Therefore, we aimed to document indigenous uses of some important medicinal plants of Kullu district; analyze distribution pattern, nativity and endemism of these medicinal plants; and suggest conservation strategies. We recorded information on 75 species of medicinal plants. The recorded species represent trees (12 spp.), shrubs (15), herbs (47), and fungi (1). Of these, 29 medicinal plants were native, 1 endemic, 11 near-endemic, and 46 non-native. Of all species, various plant parts such as leaves (32 spp.), roots (29), tubers (2), seeds (8), fruits (10), flowers (8), fruiting body (1), bark (8), stem (3), and wood (2) were used in curing various diseases. We recommend further studies on habitat ecology of the species, mass multiplication of commercially viable species through conventional and in vitro methods, and their establishment in the in situ and ex situ conditions. Furthermore, it is important to develop farming techniques of commercially viable species and disseminate knowledge among stakeholders through education and awareness raising.
The Indian Himalayan Region is one of the richest reservoirs of biological diversity in the world and is considered as a store house of the valuable medicinal plants. In the remote areas of Indian Himalaya, the inhabitants are largely dependent on plants for curing various diseases/ailments. But, due to urbanization and modernization, the indigenous knowledge and traditional practices of medicinal plants are vanishing fast. The Kullu district of Himachal Pradesh is one of the twelve districts, and is a veritable emporium of herbal plants and consists of five blocks (Kullu, Anni, Banjar, Naggar and Nirmand). Nirmand Block (31o25’28"N and 77o34’36"E) covers an area of 77.45 km2. The medicinal plants wealth of Nirmand valley has not been explored so far. Therefore, an attempt has been made to; (i) assess the medicinal plants diversity; (ii) document indigenous uses and practices; (iii) analyze for nativity and endemism; and (iv) suggest strategy for the conservation and management of the species. The present study recorded first hand information on 41 species of medicinal plants belonging to 39 genera and 29 families from the Nirmand Block. The recorded species represent trees (06 spp.), shrubs (06 spp.) and herbs (29 spp.). Different parts of these species, such as whole plants, roots, leaves, flowers, fruits, seeds, stems, barks, etc. were used by the inhabitants for curing various diseases. Twenty seven (27) species were natives and 14 species non-natives to the Himalayan region. Due to changing environmental conditions and habitat degradation, the populations of many species are depleting fast. Therefore, studies on habitat ecology, development of conventional and in-vitro propagation protocols and introduction in cultivation and natural habitats are suggested.
The Indian Himalayan Region one of the mega biodiversity hotspots is recognized among the best habitat for various medicinal plants. Himachal Pradesh, situated in North-West Himalaya has a suitable habitat which is rich in medicinal plant diversity. Present survey on medicinal flora was done in Janjehli, Rohanda and adjoining areas of Mandi district of Himachal Pradesh.
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