Abstract Detail

Conservation Biology

Genetic Resources of RET Medicinal Plant Species in India: Distribution, Diversity and Conservation.

A plant is designated as ‘medicinal’ if it is useful as drug or therapeutic agent or an active ingredient of medicinal preparation. The World Health Organization (WHO) estimated that 80% of the population of developing countries relies on traditional medicine (majority plant drugs) for primary health care. The majority of Indian population relies on traditional and complementary medicine for their primary medical needs. The country has enormous biodiversity, ranging from hot and arid conditions in the Northwest to cold arid conditions in the Trans-Himalayan region. Tropical wet evergreen forests in Northeast and Western Ghats provides the matchless wealth of high priced and quality medicinal plants. There has been a growing concern about the increasing number of species that are globally threatened. Developmental projects and increased dependence on forests both for sustenance and livelihood have rendered many species threatened. In the Indian context, more than 150 species are critically endangered and require immediate intervention to sustain their populations. A number of plant species are destructively extracted solely from the forests. Apart from anthropogenic threats, several species are threatened due to invasive species and climate change. A magnificent diversity of medicinal plant resources exists in the country but gradually this wealth is under threat due to continuing loss of forest, over harvesting and unscientific collection by local herbal vendors and commercial enterprises. The best way to conserve the medicinal plant diversity is to follow a holistic approach to conservation as no single method of conservation is optimal for all situations.

1 - National Medicinal Plants Board, Regional Cum Facilitation Centre, 1st & 2nd Floor, Annexe Building, , Indian Red Cross Society, Red Cross Road,, New Delhi, DL, 110001, India

Keywords:
endangered species
rare plants
conservation.

Presentation Type: Oral Paper
Number: CB5004
Abstract ID:194
Candidate for Awards:None