Saussurea Species in Indian Himalayan Region: Diversity, Distribution and Indigenous Uses

Abstract

In spite of the high economic value of the Saussurea species in the Indian Himalayan Region (IHR), the potential of most of the species is yet to be investigated. Therefore, an attempt has been made to study the diversity, distribution, habitat preference, nativity, endemism, status and indigenous uses of Saussurea species in the IHR. A total of 62 species were recorded from the IHR; of these, 37 species were native to the Himalayan region, 8 were endemic and 21 were near endemic to the IHR. Twenty-seven of the 28 species that were known to have indigenous uses also had medicinal value and are used for the treatment of various diseases/ailments. Many species, e.g., S. affinis (Ganga Mula*), S. auriculata (Pachak Kut), S. bracteata (Prerak Mul), S. costus (Kuth), S. gossypiphora (Kasturi Kamal) and S. obvallata (Brahm Kamal), have multiple uses. The genus showed high habitat specificity in that 16 species were recorded to be restricted to one or two habitats only. As many as 44 species were identified as rare in the study region. Considering the high industrial demand for raw materials and the endangered status of S. costus, S. gossypiphora, S. obvallata and S. simpsoniana (Fen Kamal), these species should be prioritized for conservation (in situ and ex situ) throughout the IHR. Population assessment of the rare-endangered, native, endemic and economically important species using standard ecological methods has been suggested for the quantification of the existing stock of these species in their natural habitats. Further, phyto-chemical investigations for the identification of active ingredients are suggested. Propagation and cultivation techniques are lacking for most of the species of Saussurea except for S. costus, S. obvallata and S. medusa (Snow Lotus). Furthermore, the native communities need to be sensitized to the sustainable use and conservation value of the species in this genus. *Local names given in parentheses throughout are in the Pahari language, spoken by native communities in the Himalayan region

An initial investigation of the taxonomic status of Saussurea esthonica Baer ex Rupr. utilising DNA markers and sequencing

“…Saussurea is one of the largest genera of the family Compositae, adapted to cool temperate and arctic regions of Asia, Europe and North America (Butola and Samant 2010). It comprises about 400 species (most of them in the Central and Eastern Asia where the centre of origin of this genus is located), and classification of this genus has largely been based on morphological characters (Lipschitz 1979).…”

Indian Medicinal Plants Useful in Treatment of Gout: A Review for Current Status and Future Prospective

“…Conventionally, Helianthus annuus is used in contraception and gout-related complaints [25,106]. Saussurea lappa is another herb widely distributed in high altitude areas of India including Kashmir, Lahaul Spiti, and Uttarakhand w [107]. The plant possesses various medicinal values such as antiulcer, anticonvulsant, anticancer, hepatoprotective, antiarthritic, antiviral, and antigout [108].…”

Taxonomic Status of Saussurea costus (Falc.) Lipsch. (Asteraceae: Cardueae): a critically endangered species from Himalaya, India

“…(Asteraceae: Cardueae) includes approximately 400 species distributed mainly in cool temperate (holarctic and arctic) regions of the world (Lipschitz 1979;Raab-Straube 2003;Kita et al2004;Butola & Samant 2010). In India, the genus is represented by c. 62 species (Hajra 1988;Hajra et al, 1995).…”

“…Saussurea costus is a widely used name in the taxonomic and ayurvedic literature of India and China (Pandey et al 2007;Butola & Samant 2010). The species is native to North-West India and North-East Pakistan, but widely cultivated in China and Nepal for its medicinal properties (Hajra, 1988;Hajra et al 1995;Kuniyal et al 2005;Butola & Samant 2010;Shi et al2011).The roots of this plant are used for the treatment of various ailments like rheumatism, ulcer, leprosy and dysentery and are traded in international markets for use as drugs (Pandey et al 2007).…”

“…The species is native to North-West India and North-East Pakistan, but widely cultivated in China and Nepal for its medicinal properties (Hajra, 1988;Hajra et al 1995;Kuniyal et al 2005;Butola & Samant 2010;Shi et al2011).The roots of this plant are used for the treatment of various ailments like rheumatism, ulcer, leprosy and dysentery and are traded in international markets for use as drugs (Pandey et al 2007). The presence of strong aromatic odour in the roots of this plant makes it highly useful in perfume and incense industry.…”