Swertia chirayita (Roxb. ex Flem.): Chirayata/Chiretta

Abstract

Native to the temperate Himalayas, the well-known medicinal plant Swertia chirayita (Roxb. ex Flem) is used in traditional medicine to cure a number of ailments, such as liver illnesses, malaria, and diabetes, and is reported to have a wide range of pharmacological effects. Its therapeutic uses are well-documented in the Indian Pharmaceutical Codex, the British, and American Pharmacopoeias, as well as in several traditional medical practices including Ayurveda, Unani, Siddha, and other conventional medical systems. This ethnomedicinal herb is most known for its bitter taste, which is brought on by the presence of several bioactive substances that are directly linked to the welfare of human health. Among the various parts of Swertia chirayita, its roots have been more extensively studied. The plant is in danger of getting extinct due to a rapid fall in its population brought on by illegal overharvesting and habitat deterioration. Swertia chirayita is in high demand on a national and international level, which has resulted in unethical wild collecting practices and the adulteration of supply. The purpose of this chapter is to inform readers and disseminate scientific information about the taxonomy, flowering season, global distribution, morphology, medicinal applications, phytochemistry, pharmacological activities, safety assessment, and potential contributions of plant biotechnology to the conservation of Swertia chirayita and its future prospects.