Diversity, distribution and traditional uses of medicinal plants in Jammu and Kashmir (J&K) state of Indian Himalayas

Abstract

The Indian Himalayan state of Jammu and Kashmir (J&K) harbours rich biodiversity, including diverse medicinal flora. The scientific documentation of diversity, distribution and traditional uses of medicinal flora can prove pivotal in the conservation and sustainable use of these precious plant resources in this Himalayan state. The present study, based on extensive ethno-medicinal surveys carried out during the last decade and supplemented with verified records from a systematic literature review, has developed a biodiversity database on medicinal plants of J&K state. The comprehensive database includes a total of 1123 plant species with practised ethno-medicinal uses in the state. The majority of the species (78%) are native to the Himalayan region. In most cases, whole plants are used, followed by leaves and underground parts. In total, these medicinal plant species are traditionally used to alleviate 266 types of disease. The present study has identified 20 important medicinal species, each used to cure more than 25 diseases. Based on the relative frequency citation (RFC) value, Taraxacum officinale and Aconitum heterophyllum are the most frequently used medicinal plant species in J&K. The present study, by adopting a scientifically sound taxonomic approach, reports one of the most comprehensive and updated syntheses of the medicinal flora of J&K state. This baseline information on the diversity, distribution and traditional uses of medicinal flora has immense applications, as it can provide insightful leads towards the discovery, development and designing of future drugs.