Diversity, ethnomedicinal knowledge and conservation status of plant species in a part of North West Himalaya

Abstract

Uttarakhand state is well known for its aesthetic beauty and great floristic diversity including the richness of medicinal plants (MPs). The present study reports diversity, ethnomedicinal knowledge and conservation status of MPs in Dhanaulti (near Mussoorie) to Chamba localities of District Tehri Garhwal, India. Two hundred six medicinal plant species in 87 families are currently being used under traditional healthcare system, were recorded in the study area. Ethnomedicinally most dominant families were Asteraceae, followed by Fabaceae and Rosaceae. Of the total species, 104 species (50.48%) were herb, followed by shrub with 44 species (21.35%) and trees with 40 species (19.41%). Leaf of 69 species (33.49%) followed by root (50 species; 24.27%), whole plant (22 species; 10.67%), fruit (15 species; 7.28%) and tuber (6 species; 2.91%) were recorded to be used for preparation of medicine. Locally, various ailments such as asthma, bronchitis, cold, constipation, cough, cuts, diarrhoea, digestive problems, eye disorders, pyrexia, jaundice, joints pain, liver complaints, skin ailments, abdominal disorders, urinary troubles, and wounds are being treated using these plants. As per IUCN criterion, 8 species were recorded critically endangered, 3 endangered, 1 lower risk / near threatened, 3 vulnerable in the study area. The presence of high diversity and considerable number of threatened MPs indicate the conservation need of the region. Effective management interventions are urgently required for conservation and sustainable utilization of these plants in the region.