Angelica Glauca Research Articles

Nutrient Dynamics and Growth Responses of Angelica glauca Edgew. to Elevated CO2 and Temperature: A Three-Year Field Study

Nutrient Dynamics and Growth Responses of Angelica glauca Edgew. to Elevated CO2 and Temperature: A Three-Year Field Study

Phytosociological Analysis of Functional Components in Silvipastoral Land Use Systems of Himachal Pradesh, India

Phytosociological studies are important for devising suitable conservation strategies of the plant genetic resources. Himachal Pradesh is a north-western Himalayan state with diverse landscape having rich and unique floristic diversity. Silvipastoral systems are one among the most prominent agroforestry land use systems which contributes significantly in productivity, ecological balance and livelihood of local communities. Thus, to know the status of floristic and phytosociological diversity in these land use systems, the present study has been conducted from April 2018 to March 2022 in 12 selected villages in Himachal Pradesh. Total number of plant species recorded in study area was 1046 (including 114 tree, 170 shrub and 762 herb species), belonging to 108 families and 538 genera. Poaceae, Asteraceae, Fabaceae, Rosaceae and Lamiaceae were the five most dominant families. Maximum tree density recorded for species Myrica esculenta (980 ind. ha-1) at site 3, Grewia optiva (660 ind. ha-1) at site 2 and Grewia optiva (640 ind. ha-1) at Site 1 Naun, Mandi, followed by Bauhinia variegata (630 ind. ha-1) at Site 2 Banalgi, Solan in zone-II. On the basis of IVI, Cedrus deodara (252.30) was most dominant species followed by Quercus oblongata (193.11), Pinus wallichiana (164.68) and Myrica esculenta (149.10). Among the shrubs Hippophae salicifolia (119.24) was most dominant species followed by Berberis lycium (96.14) and Berberis aristata (90.98). However, Achyranthus aspera (107.66) was most dominant herb species followed by Commelina benghalensis (97.50) and Sonchus asper (44.01). The lowest value of IVI was observed for Capsella bursa-pastoris (9.63) and Tanacetum dolichophyllum (10.54). According to CAMP (Conservation Assessment and Management Prioritization), 2013 nine species viz., Angelica glauca, Berberis aristata, Dioscorea deltoidea, Polygonatum cirrhifolium, Hyoscyamus niger, Bunium persicum, Ephedra gerardiana, Juniperus communis and Selinum vaginatum are threatened and requires conservation and management efforts. In past no study was conducted on floristic and phytosociology diversity of silvipastoral systems of Himachal Pradesh. Hence, present study will definitely act as base line data for further in-depth studies on restoration of degraded lands and silvipastoral system management and improvement programs.

A Deep Insight into Chemistry and Pharmacology of Genus Angelica.: An Up-to-date Systematic Review

Introduction: Healthcare providers globally need plant-derived bioactive compounds for the treatment of ailments. The present systematic review article emphasizes the chemistry and pharmacology parts of various Angelica species, family Apiaceae. The species of Angelica genus, native to the Indian Himalayan, are beneficial for several therapeutic and edible purposes. Aromatherapy uses essential oils obtained from various species of the Angelica genus. The population of various Angelica species is declining quickly due to premature destructive harvesting. The traditional medicinal system involves Angelica glauca Edgew and other Angelica species to treat respiratory, Central Nervous System (CNS) disorders and many more ailments. Method: An extensive literature survey on the chemistry and pharmacological aspects of various Angelica species, including A. glauca, secondary metabolites, mechanism behind various pharmacological activities, and marketed products of plants of Genus Angelica was conducted using scientific databases. The search terms Angelica species, botanical description, wild Angelica, important phytoconstituents and their pharmacological responses, plant parts used, and the molecular mechanism behind observed prominent activities were used for data collection. In total, 92 publications were included from year 1983 to 2023. Articles focusing on other than Angelica species and other than the English language were excluded from the study. Also, the papers with no full-text availability were excluded from the present study. Species of the Angelica genus have been known for a wide range of biological activities, including antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial and immunotoxic. Result: The present paper highlights the secondary metabolites present in the Angelica species and their scientific uses. Ancient Ayurvedic treatise claims several other pharmacological activities, but scientific validation of some indications, including the exact mechanism of action, is underway. : Ancient Ayurvedic treatise claims several other pharmacological activities, but scientific validation of some indications, including the exact mechanism of action, is underway. Conclusion: This review compiles 30 years of data on Angelica species related to their phytochemistry, pharmacology, molecular mechanisms of bioactivity, recent advancements and possible future scope of applied and translational research.

The insight of Angelica glauca (Smooth Angelica) and Angelica archangelica - Growing condition and health benefits.

The insight of Angelica glauca (Smooth Angelica) and Angelica archangelica - Growing condition and health benefits.

The Antibacterial Activity of Angelica glauca in form of Silver Nanoparticles

Angelica glauca have been used traditionally as an over the counter herbal preparation, nowadays nanotechnology formulate metal nanoparticles from Angelica glauca in green synthesis method which increase Angelica glauca pharmacology and pharmaceutical application. The aims of present work were to synthesis Angelica glauca silver nanoparticles from its methanolic extract, phytochemicals detection, investigation the morphology and chemical compound characteristic present in Angelica glauca AgNPs by spectroscopic method of FT-IR, and scan electron microscope, and finally in vitro evaluation the antibacterial activity of Angelica glauca in forms of methanolic extract and silver nanoparticles. Extraction by soxhlet was the method used in preparation Angelica glauca methanolic extract, to be use in preparation Angelica glauca silver nanoparticles, 5 phytochemicals were detected, in addition to detection Angelica glauca AgNPs characteristic of active chemical compound and nanoparticles morphology by FT-IR and SEM, in vitro assessment antibacterial activity against Four types of control bacteria. Methanolic extract weight yielded from 250 g of Angelica glauca was 13.3g, in addition to phytochemical detection test was positive for alkaloids, flavonoids, tannins, steroids and coumarins. However, detection of terpenoids, carbohydrate, saponine, quinine, and proteins showed negative result, FT-IR spectroscopy, which showed a sharp band with different wave length, indicating the presence of multi- functional group as aliphatic –CH3, olefinic –C=C-, and carbonyl C=O, particle size detected by SEM )mean ±SD) was 70.9nm±13.60. The antibacterial activity of Angelica glauca AgNPs was higher than methanolic extract. The two formula of Angelica glauca exhibit a varying degree of antibacterial activity, Angelica glauca contain many bioactive phytochemical compounds when reduced to nanoparticles which can be used in curing health related problems and in many pharmaceutical application across the globe.

Ethno-medicinal plants used by Jadh Bhotiya Community of District Uttarakashi, Uttarakhand, India

In the present study, our aim was to document the traditional knowledge regarding ethno-medicinal plants used by the Jadh-Bhotiya community in the Uttarakashi district (Uttarakhand, India). A total of 54 taxa, belonging to 49 genera and 31 families, were recorded with medicinal properties. Lamiaceae, Liliaceae and Orchidaceae were the dominant families (in terms of number of species), while the top genera included Berberis, Habenaria, Malaxis and Polygonatum. Herbs constituted the dominant life form (82%), followed by shrubs and trees (9% each). Roots (20%) and the whole plant (13%) showed a higher proportion of use for medication. Powder (33%) and paste (20%) were the most frequently used drug preparation methods. Regional conservation assessment analysis revealed that 76% of the species were recorded under the 'Least Concern' (LC) category, followed by 'Vulnerable' (VU) with 13% of the species, and 11% of the species were recorded under the 'Near Threatened' (NT) category. Aconitum heterophyllum, Arnebia benthamii, Nardostachys jatamansi, Rheum australe, Saussurea obvallata and Taxus wallichiana were recorded under the ‘Near Threatened’ (NT) category. Angelica glauca, Carduus edelbergii, Dactylorhiza hatagirea, Ephedra gerardiana, Lilium polyphyllum, Malaxis acuminata, and Malaxis muscifera were recorded under the ‘Vulnerable’ (VU) category, while the remaining species were recorded under the ‘Least Concern’ (LC) category. The knowledge about therapeutic information concerning plants in the study area and elsewhere is diminishing day by day. Regional-level conservation status of plant species can be helpful in the global conservation status assessment. It is recommended that conservation measures be applied for the betterment of those species falling under various conservation categories, especially the threatened ones. Additionally, more ethno-medicinal studies are recommended in such remote regions to further enhance our understanding of traditional medicinal practices and contribute to the conservation of indigenous plant knowledge.

Angelica glauca oil exhibits antidepressant-like effect in experimental animals: An in silico, ADMET and in vivo investigation

Angelica glauca is an aromatic plant of the Apiaceae family. Traditionally A. glauca is used to cure several diseases including anxiety and depression. The present investigation is focused on studying the in silico and in-vivo antidepressant potential of A. glauca essential oil (AGEO). The GC-MS analysis was performed on A. glauca root oil to confirm the genuineness of the drug. Compounds viz. alpha phellandrene, limonene, and z-ligustilide obtained through GC-MS analysis were screened for Monoamine oxidase from Aspergillus niger (MAO-N) (PDB: 2vvl) binding through molecular docking studies by using autoDock/Mcule tool. Prediction of ADME and physicochemical properties of above-detected compounds was done by using preADMET tool version 2.0. The antidepressant activity was investigated by the forced swimming method and tail suspension method. The docking studies exhibits that limonene has a maximum affinity for MAO-N, followed by alpha phellandrene and z-ligustilide. It has been observed that upon oral administration of A. glauca oil (250 & 500 µl/kg b.w.) and reference drug selegiline at the dose of (0.2 mg/kg) shows significant (p<0.01) reduction in immobility in rats in both the behavioral models. All the results were compared with the control group and justified by histopathological analysis of the brain. The data obtained from the study suggests the antidepressant-like action of A. glauca root oil and its phytocompounds in the behavioral models of FST and TST in a dose-dependent manner.

Diversity of arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi in the rhizosphere of Angelica glauca and Valeriana jatamansi in NW Himalaya, India

Abstract. Tapwal A, Kumar A, Sharma S. 2023. Diversity of arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi in the rhizosphere of Angelica glauca and Valeriana jatamansi in NW Himalaya, India. Asian J For 7: 89-97. The diverse mycorrhizal association helps to conserve plant biodiversity, ecosystem function, and the accumulation of pharmaceutically important compounds in medicinal plants. Climate change may have an impact on plant diversity as well as on associated microbiota. The mycorrhizal association and diversity of Arbuscular Mycorrhizal Fungi (AMF) in the rhizosphere of two important medicinal plants of the North-Western (NW) Himalayas were explored during different seasons in two distant locations. The endomycorrhizal association in Angelica glauca Edgew. and Valeriana jatamansi Jones was confirmed by morpho-anatomical characterization of the roots. Microsclerotia, vesicles, and intracellular hyphal coils were found in the roots of both medicinal plant species. The research revealed 24 AMF representing eight genera in the rhizosphere of A. glauca and 19 AMF representing seven genera in the rhizosphere of V. jatamansi. The AMF colonization varied between 55.63-86.34% in the roots of A. glauca and 55.23-78.74% in V. jatamansi. The Spore Density (SD) in the rhizosphere soil of selected medicinal plants was highest during the winter season. The rhizosphere soil of A. glauca exhibited a rich diversity of AM fungi during the rainy season. On the other hand, in various seasons and locations, the maximum diversity of AM fungi was observed during the summer season in V. jatamansi. The genera–Glomus and Acaulospora had the highest species in both study sites.

Spatial Genomic Resource Reveals Molecular Insights into Key Bioactive-Metabolite Biosynthesis in Endangered Angelica glauca Edgew.

Angelica glauca Edgew, which is an endangered medicinal and aromatic herb, is a rich source of numerous industrially important bioactive metabolites, including terpenoids, phenolics, and phthalides. Nevertheless, genomic interventions for the sustainable utilization and restoration of its genetic resources are greatly offset due to the scarcity of the genomic resources and key regulators of the underlying specialized metabolism. To unravel the global atlas of the specialized metabolism, the first spatial transcriptome sequencing of the leaf, stem, and root generated 109 million high-quality paired-end reads, assembled de novo into 81,162 unigenes, which exhibit a 61.53% significant homology with the six public protein databases. The organ-specific clustering grouped 1136 differentially expressed unigenes into four subclusters differentially enriched in the leaf, stem, and root tissues. The prediction of the transcriptional-interactome network by integrating enriched gene ontology (GO) and the KEGG metabolic pathways identified the key regulatory unigenes that correspond to terpenoid, flavonoid, and carotenoid biosynthesis in the leaf tissue, followed by the stem and root tissues. Furthermore, the stem and root-specific significant enrichments of phenylalanine ammonia lyase (PAL), cinnamate-4-hydroxylase (C4H), and caffeic acid 3-O-methyltransferase (COMT) indicate that phenylalanine mediated the ferulic acid biosynthesis in the stem and root. However, the root-specific expressions of NADPH-dependent alkenal/one oxidoreductase (NADPH-AOR), S-adenosyl-L-methionine-dependent methyltransferases (SDMs), polyketide cyclase (PKC), and CYP72A15 suggest the “root” as the primary site of phthalide biosynthesis. Additionally, the GC-MS and UPLC analyses corresponded to the organ-specific gene expressions, with higher contents of limonene and phthalide compounds in the roots, while there was a higher accumulation of ferulic acid in the stem, followed by in the root and leaf tissues. The first comprehensive genomic resource with an array of candidate genes of the key metabolic pathways can be potentially utilized for the targeted upscaling of aromatic and pharmaceutically important bioactive metabolites. This will also expedite genomic-assisted conservation and breeding strategies for the revival of the endangered A. glauca.

Phytochemical and Medical Perspective of an Endangered Plant Angelica glauca: Review on its Current Status and Future Research

Angelica glauca is an important medicinal plant commonly distributed in Himalayan region of Jammu & Kashmir, Himachal Pradesh and Uttarakhand region of India. Plant possesses immense medicinal potential and is utilized in traditional and modern medicine systems for the treatment of several aliments. The plant has become endangered due to unrestricted harvesting from natural resources, poor germination rate and lack of adequate commercial cultivation. Inspite of inherent medicinal potential there exist a wide research gap to analyze and validate biochemical activities along with isolation, purification and structural elucidation of secondary metabolites. Considering the present endangered status micropropagation studies are required not only with an objective of conservation of A. glauca, but also to felicitate mass propagation of the plant. Micropropagation as well as vegetative propagation processes are required to be optimized to develop protocol which are easily reproducible, efficient and can be simultaneously employed for commercial cultivation. Their also exits potential of analytical studies such as HPLC, FTIR, NMR, LC-MS (plant oil as well as plant extract) to provide complete biochemical profiling of the plant, as at present comparatively insufficient literature is available pertaining to biochemical and metabolic characteristics features and properties of the plant. The present review provides an insight into scientific studies conducted so far and research potential pertaining to biochemistry and medicinal properties of A. glauca.

Ecological status of Alpine Medicinal and Aromatic Plants of Western Himalaya

ABSTRACT The ecological status of medicinal and aromatic plants species (MAPs) in the alpine region of the Western Himalaya was assessed to identify the current threats on these MAPs. Of the 400 MAPs reported from the alpine region of Uttarakhand, 50 highly used and commercially exploited MAPs were prioritized for assessment. A semistructured questionnaire survey was used in the representative sites (50) of the alpine landscape based on the information, parts used, locality of occurrence, and socioeconomic status. Field surveys were conducted using Rapid Mapping Exercise (RME) (4 plots of 1 × 1 m at every 50 m distance, total 40 plots in one transect) along the elevation and habitat gradient to assess the population status of species. The intensity of threat was evaluated using a rapid threat assessment (RTA) approach using eight criteria viz., plant parts used, life forms, habitat, endemism, population size, use pattern, trade, and threat status. The recorded magnitude of threats revealed that Angelica glauca, Nardostachys jatamansi, Aconitum heterophyllum, and Rheum australe were the most vulnerable. Roots/rhizomes (68%) were the most frequently used plant parts of MAPs, followed by inflorescence/fruit (19%).

Methanolic Extract of Angelica glauca Edgew Root and Stem: A Possible Component of Herbal Medicines against Respiratory Infections

Plants are identified to produce a variety of compounds to protect themselves against a diversity of pathogens. This study assessed the antibacterial, antioxidant potential and phytochemical screening of medicinal plant Angelica glauca (Choru) root and stem extracts against respiratory tract pathogens i.e., Staphylococcus aureus MTCC 1144, Streptococcus pneumoniae MTCC 655, Streptococcus pyogenes MTCC 442, Pseudomonas aeruginosa MTCC 2474 and Klebsiella pneumoniae MTCC 4030. The plant material was collected from Tungnath 3,800m amsl of Garhwal Himalaya. Root and stem of the plants were washed, shade dried, grinded into fine powder and extracted in the organic solvents of different polarity (petroleum ether, chloroform, methanol and water). Antibacterial activities of prepared extracts were assayed using agar well diffusion and two-fold serial dilution method of MIC determination. Antioxidant potential was determined using DPPH assay and phytochemical analysis was performed using qualitative methods for different phytochemicals. Experimental outcomes revealed maximum antibacterial and antioxidant activity of methanol extract;also the maximum groups of phytochemicals were present in the methanolic extract. The methanol extract produced ZOIs of 11.0±0.54mm to 30.3±1.58mm diameters and MICs ranges were recorded between 3.12 mg/ml to 25 mg/ml against all the tested bacteria. Alkaloids, flavonoids, glycosides, tannins, steroids and saponins were present in the extracts of A. glauca. This study favors a good response towards using A. glauca as natural antioxidant in herbal medicines, either in pure form or as supplement with other herbal formulations already available in the market, to enhance their potential against respiratory tract diseases. In the present COVID-19 pandemic situation, use of A. glauca can be beneficial, as it’s methanolic extract showed promising antibacterial activity against bacterial pathogens of human respiratory tract. © 2021, Association of Pharmaceutical Teachers of India. All rights reserved.

Evaluation of Phyto Chemical Biochemical and In Vitro Antioxidant Potential of Angelica Glauca Grown at High Altitude Areas of Western Himalayas

Angelica glauca Edgew is an important medicinal and aromatic herb (family Apiaceae). The roots of A. glauca commonly used as spices by local peoples. In the present study, the phytochemical constituents, biochemical parameters and, in-vitro antioxidant activity of A. glauca roots collected from the Himalayan region have been studied. For preliminary phytochemical analysis, the hydroalcoholic and aqueous root extract of Angelica glauca were screened for the presence of carbohydrates, protein, alkaloids, glycosides, sterols, triterpenes, saponin, tannins, phenols, flavonoids, and coumarin. The biochemical parameter and in-vitro antioxidant potential of Angelica glauca were analysed by using standard methods. Phytochemical analysis of extract showed major classes of phytochemicals constituents such as carbohydrates, protein, alkaloids, glycosides, sterols, triterpenes, saponin, tannins, phenols, flavonoids, and coumarin. The results from the current study demonstrated that A.glauca roots contained carbohydrate (21±0.72 %), crude protein (12.7±0.31 %), total ash (3.86±0.034 %), dietary fiber (18.9±0.14 %), total fat (4.5±0.38 %) and ascorbic acid (68.5±0.19mg/100g). The hydroalcoholic extract showed the highest quantity of total phenol, total flavonoids, and total tannin content compared to aqueous extract. The hydroalcoholic extract exhibited high DPPH radical scavenging activity (IC50=68.1±0.34 µg/ml). The result showed that A.glauca roots have high nutritional and antioxidant potential. Hence the plant can be used as a nutraceutical and natural antioxidant.

Fatty acid composition and antioxidant activity of Angelica glauca and Chenopodium album seed extracts from Kashmir

Angelica glauca Edgew. and Chenopodium album Linn. are medicinally important plants with aromatic, nutritious and flavor-enhancing properties. In this study the fatty acid composition of petroleum ether seed extracts (PE) of processed plants were analyzed by gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS). The PE consisted mainly of unsaturated fatty acids, such as petroselinic acid 74.26% and oleic acid 7.37% for A. glauca and linoleic acid 53.05% and oleic acid 20.74% for C. album. The de-fatted seed extracts were screened for their antioxidant activities using 2,2-di-phenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH), nitroblue tetrazolium (NBT), hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) and 2,2'-azino-bis (3-ethylbenzothiazoline-6-sulphonic acid) (ABTS) radical scavenging assay. Almost all the assays resulted in defatted seed extracts showing powerful radical scavenging activity. These findings suggest that the processed plants could be used as ingredients (as a source of natural antioxidants and unsaturated fatty acids) for the formulation of functional foods.

Endophytic fungal diversity associated with roots of Angelica glauca: An endangered medicinal plant of Northwest Himalaya

Angelica glauca Edgew. is an endangered medicinal plant species that is known for its roots containing valuable essential oil. It is overexploited for its roots and has become endangered and nearing its threshold. This study is aimed at exploring the endophytic fungal diversity associated with its roots to further study the conservation aspects with the help of the interaction of host plant species and endophytes. About 24 different root fungal endophyte species were isolated among which Geotrichum candidum (32.03 ± 7.95 %) was found to be the most dominant followed by Fusarium oxysporum (11.49 ± 21.69 %). The average root colonization of all the endophytes in all four collection fields was 61.195 ± 9.67 % wherein the maximum colonization was observed in wild root samples (74%) and the least root colonization by fungal endophytes was observed in two years old cultivated plants root system (52.36%). Positive Pearson’s correlation (r = 0.801) was observed between the samples/fields and root colonization by fungal endophytes, indicating the colonization increases in roots as the age of plant species advances. Both the Simpson’s Diversity Index (D) and Shannon Wiener diversity index (H) indicate relatively lower diversity in Field 3 (D = 0.43 & H = 1.07) and Field 4 (D = 0.57 & H = 0.97) i.e. in two years old plantations and wild plants. Menhinick Index (Dmn) and Margalef Richness Index (Mf) are based on species richness, and both of them indicate Field 3 (Dmn = 0.95 & Mf = 2.04) to be the richest. Both Buzas and Gibson’s Index (E) and Equitability Index (EH) are a measure of evenness and yield similar results viz. Field 1 (one year old plantations) (E = 0.65 & EH = 0.76) and Field 4 (E = 0.66 & EH = 0.70) being the most even in terms of species distribution. Berger-Parker Dominance Index (B) shows field 3 (B = 0.75) having the highest values.

A REVIEW ON AN ENDANGERED HIMALAYAN MEDICINAL AROMATIC PLANT - CHORAKA (ANGELICA GLAUCA EDGEW)

Choraka is a highly valued aromatic plant endemic to the Himalayan region. Angelica glauca is a perennial herb of Umbelliferae family. It is very commonly used as a spice and for treating stomach ailments. Its es-sential oil is highly valued and has broncho-relaxant, antimicrobial, antifungal, anxiolytic and antioxidant activity. Its chemical constituents are mainly (Z)-ligustilide, (Z)-butylidenephthalide, and (E)-butyl ideneph-thalide. It has been in use since the period of Arthashastra and references can also be seen in Brihatrayi and various Nighantus for Mukha and Nasa roga chikitsa. Ruthless uprooting of the plant from its natural habitat for its sale in the market has led to a considerable decline in its availability. This article deals with its distribution, its uses in Ayurveda with classical references, researches on its extracts, controversies and the threats faced by the plant.

Distribution and Threat Assessment of an Endemic and Endangered Species Angelica glauca in High Ranges of Western Himalaya

ABSTRACT The Geospatial extent, availability and threats on Angelica glauca in the alpine region of Western Himalaya were assessed. Landsat-8 data was used to delineate the extent of species using ground control points (GCPs) collected based on the rapid mapping exercise (RME) (4 plots at every 50 m distance, total 40 plots in one transect) as well as herbarium and published literature. To assess the threats on the species, information on livestock population, grazing period, and exploitation by humans were collected. The suitable habitat for A. glauca was recorded ~332 km2 in the alpine region of Uttarakhand where the species ranged between 0.5 to 1.5 individual m−2. However, field-based investigations assessed ~ 322 km2 area as available for the persistence of species in the region. Livestock grazing, collection by human beings for personal and commercial use across the landscape were the major threats for this species.

Conservation and prioritization of threatened plants in Indian Himalayan Region

Assessing the impact of threats, identification, prioritization and predicting conservation pockets are vital for the conservation and management of threatened species. This study investigated the diversity and distribution through inventorization and analysis of International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) categorized threatened plants and their prioritization for conservation. A total of 456 threatened taxa belonging to 233 genera coming under 87 families were recorded as threatened under various threat categories of IUCN. Among lited taxa, 64 species were falls under higher risk of extinction categories of IUCN viz. Critically endangered, Endangered, and Vulnerable with 13, 28 and 23 species respectively. Maximum number of threatened plants was found (84 species) in family Fabaceae followed by Cyperaceae (65 species) and Poaceae (36 species). Richness of threatened plants was found maximum in the Sikkim (203) followed by Himachal Pradesh (190) and Jammu & Kashmir (189). Major causes of depletion of threatened taxa were anthropogenic activities such as habitat loss, overgrazing, deforestation, over-exploitation and unsustainable harvesting of medicinal plants. Therefore, conservation of all the inventorized 64 threatened plants is needful at its earliest. Thus the strategies for the conservation of threatened species must be directed towards those species facing highest risk of extinction, biologically distinct and ecologically valuable for the ecosystem as well having socio-economic significance. Considering this, prioritization of the threatened species was done following existing methodologies. Among the threatened taxa, Angelica glauca, Coptis teeta, Lilium polyphyllum, Nardostachys jatamansi, Aconitum heterophyllum and Gentiana kurroo etc. are ranked at apex, thus needs higher priority for conservation. The study further indicate that six species such as Angelica glauca, Coptis teeta, Gymnocladus assamicus, Illicium griffithii, Piper pedicellatum and Saussurea costus are endemic, having restricted distribution, however highly traded in the IHR. Thus, it is proposed that these species must be taken under special apprehension for conservation planning. Besides this for the conservation of higher risk of extinction species, grid mapping of targeted species was done for identifying specific distribution areas for effective conservation.

Nutraceutical potential of North-West Himalayan spices Allium stracheyi and Angelica glauca and their comparison with commonly used spices

Proximate and mineral composition, phytochemical content, antinutrient content, and antioxidant activities of Himalayan spices have been analyzed for estimating their nutraceutical potential and compared with other commonly used spices. For understanding the closeness among the spices, factor analysis, and cluster analysis was carried out. The Himalayan spices were found rich in important nutraceutical components and equivalent to other commercially available spices. Allium stracheyi has shown far proximity, and Angelica glauca has shown proximity with the rest of the spices except Syzygium aromaticum and Curcuma longa. As the Himalayan spices have high nutraceutical potential, so can be used as nutraceutical as well as for fortification of food.

Ethnobotanical knowledge among the semi-pastoral Gujjar tribe in the high altitude (Adhwari\u2019s) of Churah subdivision, district Chamba, Western Himalaya

BackgroundThe wild plants not only form an integral part of the culture and traditions of the Himalayan tribal communities but also contribute largely to the sustenance of these communities. The tribal people use large varieties of wild fruits, vegetables, fodder, medicinal plants, etc. for meeting their day-to-day requirements. The present study was conducted in Churah subdivision of district Chamba where large populations of Muslim Gujjars inhabit various remote villages. These tribal people are semi-pastoralists, and they seasonally (early summers) migrate to the upper altitudes (Adhwari’s) along with their cattle and return to permanent settlements before the onset of winters. A major source of subsistence of these tribal people is on natural resources to a wide extent, and thus, they have wide ethnobotanical knowledge. Therefore, the current study was aimed to report the ethnobotanical knowledge of plants among the Gujjar tribe in Churah subdivision of district Chamba, Himachal Pradesh.MethodsExtensive field surveys were conducted in 15 remote villages dominant in Gujjar population from June 2016 to September 2017. The Gujjars of the area having ethnobotanical knowledge of the plants were interrogated especially during their stay at the higher altitudes (Adhwari’s) through well-structured questionnaires, interviews, and group meetings. The data generated was examined using quantitative tools such as use value, fidelity, and informant consensus factor (Fic).ResultsThis study reveals 83 plants belonging to 75 genera and 49 families that were observed to have ethnobotanical uses. Plants were listed in five categories as per their use by the Gujjars, i.e. food plants, fruit plants, fodder plants, household, and ethnomedicinal plants. The leaves, fruits, and roots were the most commonly used plant parts in the various preparations. The highest number of plants was recorded from the family Rosaceae followed by Polygonaceae and Betulaceae. On the basis of use value (UV), the most important plants in the study area were Pteridium aquilinum, Juglans regia, Corylus jacquemontii, Urtica dioica, Diplazium maximum, and Angelica glauca. Maximum plant species (32) were reported for ethnomedicinal uses followed by food plants (22 species), household purposes (16 species), edible fruits (15 species), and as fodder plants (14 species). The agreement of the informants conceded the most from the use of various plants used as food plants and fruit plants (Fic = 0.99), followed by fodder plants and household uses (Fic = 0.98) while it was least for the use of plants in ethnomedicine (Fic = 0.97). The fidelity value varied from 8 to 100% in all the use categories. Phytolacca acinosa (100%), Stellaria media (100%), and Urtica dioica (100%) were among the species with high fidelity level used as food plants, while the important species used as fruit plants in the study area were Berberis lycium (100%), Prunus armeniaca (100%), and Rubus ellipticus (100%). Some important fodder plants with high fidelity values (100%) were Acer caesium, Aesculus indica, Ailanthus altissima, and Quercus semecarpifolia. The comparison of age interval with the number of plant use revealed the obvious transfer of traditional knowledge among the younger generation, but it was mostly concentrated in the informants within the age group of 60–79 years.ConclusionsValue addition and product development of wild fruit plants can provide an alternate source of livelihood for the rural people. The identification of the active components of the plants used by the people may provide some useful leads for the development of new drugs which can help in the well-being of mankind. Thus, bioprospection, phytochemical profiling, and evaluation of economically viable products can lead to the optimum harnessing of Himalayan bioresources in this region.