Altitudinal variation in phytochemical, physicochemical, and morphological aspects of Justicia adhatoda L. plant growing wildly in Western Himalayas

Abstract

Fluctuations in environmental circumstances with varying altitudinal gradients account for variations in plants. This study was performed to scrutinize the impact of varying altitude on medicinal plant, namely, Justicia adhatoda L. for 2 consecutive years. The phytochemical, physicochemical constituents, and morphological aspects of Justicia adhatoda L. were studied and statistically compared. Significant variations were observed among plant height, crown spread, branches, leaves, inflorescence, carbohydrates, phenols, flavonoids, total sugar, and reducing sugar across different elevational sites where the observed variations showed that Justicia adhatoda L. plant chemically adapted itself to sustain at high altitudinal sites by exhibiting change in its phytochemical and morphological aspects. The quality and therapeutic efficacy of medicinal plants are influenced by their biochemical composition, which, in turn, depends on the environment in which they grow. The various biotic and abiotic stresses operating in the environment across altitudinal gradient undeniably perform as a driving force behind these variations and ultimately the survival of medicinal plants. The assessment of biochemical composition of medicinal plants growing at different elevational sites can contribute to selecting the best genotype and better altitude for commercial cultivation of medicinal plants.

Altitudinal Impact on Phytochemical Composition and Mycorrhizal Diversity of Taxus Contorta Griff in the Temperate Forest of Shimla District

“…There is more herbivory pressure at lower altitude that is why plant produces more alkaloids as a defence against herbivory, therefore the alkaloids often decrease with the increase in altitude [34,35]. Similarly, Večeřová et al [32] noted the along with the altitude, the terpenoid content showed a decreasing trend.…”

“…Similar study done by Thapliyal and Shukla [33] noted a similar result in the Garhwal Himalayan region that there is decrease in alkaloid content with increase in altitude. There is more herbivory pressure at lower altitude that is why plant produces more alkaloids as a defence against herbivory, therefore the alkaloids often decrease with the increase in altitude [34, 35]. Similarly, Večeřová et al [32] noted the along with the altitude, the terpenoid content showed a decreasing trend.…”

“…According to Adhikari et al [35], factors shifting along the altitudinal gradient affect plant genotype, growth conditions such as temperature, water availability, and mineral supply, as well as the overall amount and composition of terpenes and terpenoids. Jamwal et al [34], Frohnmeyer et al [36] and Sun et al [37] noted an increase in the phenol and flavonoid content along with the altitude. The formation of large number of flavonoids and phenols is the most effective defence mechanism against UV‐B radiations, which are more prevalent at higher altitudes and have a direct impact on plant physiology, morphology, and development [38].…”