Irshad A Nawchoo
University of Kashmir, India
Title: Diversity, distribution, different operative threats and conservation strategies of the Medicinal Plants of Kashmir Himalaya, India
Biography
Biography: Irshad A Nawchoo
Abstract
Medicinal and Aromatic Plant species (MAPs) have been an important resource for human health care from prehistoric times to the present day. These plant species are especially useful in traditional medicine, in the treatment of various diseases. Up to 90% of the population in developing countries rely on the use of medicinal plants to meet their primary health care needs. MAPs also play a vital role in health care of domestic animals. Kashmir Himalaya with great heterogeneity in its topography, altitude and climate, harbors diverse habitats which support a rich floristic wealth that has been used as a resource-base by its people since times immemorial. Owing to the rich and unique floristic diversity, a good proportion of plants are used as medicine in one or other form. The exhaustive field explorations in different areas of Kashmir valley and extensive literature survey revealed that about 833 plant species are being used as medicine in the Kashmir Himalaya. These MAPs belong to 378 genera in 112 families; of the latter, 90 belong to dicotyledons, 13 to monocotyledons, 4 to Gymnosperms, and 4 belong to Pteridophyta. Majority of these plants revealed different threat status due to over-exploitation thereby necessitating development of conservation protocols using various methods. The present study will provide data about the diversity and status of MAP wealth of Kashmir Himalaya, India and highlight different measures reflecting suitable plans for conservation and commercialization.