A.B. Chaudhuri - Endangered Medicinal Plants PDF

Endangered Medicinal
Plants
A. B. Chaudhuri
DAYA PUBLISHING HOUSE

Endangered
Medicinal Plants
Other published books of the author A.B. Chaudhuri
- Sundarban's Mangrove - WIldlife and EcolQgy (1985)

. - . Environmental &Resources of TropiCal & Tetnperate Forests
( 1990).
- E;nvironmental and Herb Shrub Flora (1991)
- Himalayan Ecology and Environment (1992)
- Mine Environment and Management (1992)
- Plants, Animals and Man (1992)
- Tree and the Environment (1993)
- Forest Plants of Eastern India (1993)
- Sundarbans Mangrove - India (1995)
- Wetland Ecology (19%)
- Biodiversity Endangered (2002)
- Megadiversity Conservation (2003)
- Project Tiger Reserves (2000)
- Plants of Jalpaiguri and Darjeeling (2000)
WIldlife and Ground Flora (2000)
- Golden Triangle of Eco-education Tourism (2004~
- fish and the Scien:tist (2000)

- Mach Niye (in Bengali) (2000)
- Flora & Fauna of Andaman & Nicobar Islands (in Bengali)
(2003)
- Deforestation & Perilous Land Degradation
(Foresters Unique Role in Amelioration) (2005)
- Biodiver&ity of Sundaxbans and Andaman Mangroves (under
publication)
- Wetlands - A Vanishing Resource in India
(under publication)
- Forests, Environment and Man (under publication)
Endangered
Medicinal Plants
by
A.B. Chaudhuri
Ex-Director, Forest Survey of India
2007
DAYA PUBLISHING HOUSE
DELHI-IIO 035 I
© 2007, A.B. Chaudhuri (b. 1926-
ISBN : 978-81-7035-441-3
ISBN 81-7035-441-2
All rights reserved. Including the right to translate or to reproduce this

book or parts thereof except for brief quotations in critical reviews.
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Dedication
Dedicated to Dr. Rakesh Chopra, M.D. and Associate Doctor,

Oncologists of Apollo Indraprastha Hospitals of New Delhi whom
I have observed deeply involved in the treatment of cancer affected
patients very sincerely and ceaselessly by application of latest multi-
quality drugs. India needs to conserve its medicinal plants for
indepth research on such plants to discover life-saving drugs.
"This page is Intentionally Left Blank"
Acknowledgements
The author duly acknowledges the magnanimity of various

editors and authors in permitting this writer to use excerpts of their
published materials with due acknowledgements.
Thanks are also due to the librarians of Institute of Chemical
Biology and State Forest Department for helping this writer with
various documents needed for reference work using their libraries.
Preface
I am a forester by profession and a botanist by University

degree. Right from my college days I was interested in identification
of plant species. During my 34 years of forestry service and
thereafter I have all along kept interest in the identification of
species. My postings in the State as Working Plans division,
Silvicultural division and in the Centre as Chief Co-ordinator Pre-
investment Survey of Forest Resources and Director of Forest Survey
helped me in the job of knowing species of all categories of plants.
I have made a lot of status survey of tree, shrub, herb, flora also.
With these background, I have published a good number of
books indicating status of various species. This has given me
confidence to state that this country's medicinal plant is in jeopardy
and are facing crisis due to various biotic and abiotic causes.
India is a vast country and the number of plant species is high
and therefore my observation may be taken as broad based. This
leaves much work to be done by foresters and botanists in future.
I have not changed/corrected the nomenclature used by various
scientists. Also analysis of Western, Central and Eastern Indian
flora has been made in this treatise.
Hope the appropriate authorities will take steps to save India's
medicinal plants from utter ruination.
131, N.S.C. Bose Road, A.B. Chaudhuri

Block-lO, Flat - 4, Author
Kolkata-700 040
Contents
Acknowledgements .................................................................... (vii)

Preface ........................................................................................ (ix)
1. Depletion of Land, Deforestation and Medicinal
Plant Crisis ............................................................................ 1-24
2. Medicinal Plants in India - A Observation ................... 25-44
3. A yurveda : An Indian System .......................................... 45-60
4. Potential Drug Plants of Undivided India - Listed
by Kirtikar and Basu ............................... :........................ 61-100
5. Some Potential Drug Plants of India - Comments
on the List of Sibakali Bhattacharyya .......................... 101-107
6. Some Potential Drug Plants of India: Comment
on R.N. Chopra's List .................................................... 108-114
7. Technology on Trade and Commerce-
Imports and Exports ....................................................... 115-133
8. Status Assessment of Tree Flora ................................... 134-152

9. Status Assessment of Shrub Flora ................................ 153-167
10. Status Assessment of Herb Flora .................................. 168-180
11. Uses of Some Medicinal Plants of Selected
Areas and their Status ................................................... 181-262
(xii)
12. Potential Drug Plants of Laterite and

Arid Zones ....................................................................... 263-276
13. Potential Medicinal Plants of North-East India ......... 277-287
14. Research and Cultivation .............................................. 288-295
15. Conservation Strategy .................................................... 296-301
Appendix .................................................................................. 303
Bibliography ............................................................................. 307
Index ......................................................................................... 309

Chapter One
Depl etion of Land, Defo resta tion and
Med icina l Plant Crisis
The black and white map respres ents a rough status of forest
in India about 70 years back. Since 1980 Forest Survey of India
and NRSA prepar ed Forest maps of India with the help of
Satellite imagery, but in small scale, it was no possible, therefore,
,
"",", .
" -'-r
-J':~ -, ~ .
'~.:...J~l~: ':'>~,~.·· :' '
.,- ----.I:--:.~- ~ ~-,

- ----.-
~
..
.
Map 1 : Forest Map of India

2 Endangered Medicinal Plants
BAY Of' BENGAL
.ARABlAHSEA
..
~'~~ir
;'
_ OtMelCl~
_Qpw\1ONt~
. 1&r\Q.'OVfI
. Sa-",
_ ~'at., .~
INDIAN OCEAN
Map 2 : Distribution of Forest Cover in India
to draw a correct picture of existing forests in India. The problem

has now been solved. Several maps follows and by
superimposition it is possible to mark the areas vulnerable to
pollution and related problems. Maps of drought prone area,
flood affected and soil eroded areas will expose other problems
of the country vis-a-vis forest cover.
The coloured map of India shows the concentration of dense
forests which cover large areas in Arunachal Pradesh, North
Bengal, Nowgaon of Assam, Western Himalayas in Uttaranchal,
. Himachal Pradesh and J&K, Western Ghat in Karnataka, Kerala,
3
Depleti on of Land, Deforestation and" Medicinal Plant Crisis
Bastar in Chatti shgarh , Chand rapur in Mahar ashtra . It also
shows the open forests in yellow colour and Scrub in red.
The append ed tables (1 and 2) show the forest cover of the
countr y prepar ed by Forest Survey of India.
Variou s threats that the countr y faces has been shown in
severa l charts.
Chang e in Forest Cover

The change in forest cover of the country, as per the presen t
and the preced ing assessm ents, is given in Table 2a. The net
increas e in the forest cover of the counry is 3.896 sq.km. The
dense forest has increas ed by 10,098 sq.km. and mangr ove by 44
sq.km., wherea s open forest has decreasc!d by 6,246 sq. km.
The forest cover in differe nt states and union territor ies in
the presen t and preced ing assessm ents, along with the data
period of the respective assessments, is given in Table 2b. The
table reveal s that the states of Andhr a Prades h, Aruna chal
Prades h, Delhi, Gujara t, Haryan a, Himac hal Prades h, Jammu
and Kashmir, Kamat aka, Madhy a Prades h, Mahar ashtra, Orissa,
Punjab, Rajasthan, Tamil Nadu, Tripura, Uttar Prades h and West
Bengal have registe red increase in the forest cover. The States
and the Union Territories showip g decrea se in forest cover are
Assam , Bihar, Goa, Kerala , Manip ur, Megha laya, Mizor am,
Nagala nd, Sikkim, Andam an & Nicoba r Islands and Dadra &
Nagar Haveli. In Chand igarh and Daman & Diu there was no
change in the forest cover during these two assessments.
It is to be noted that the period during which the change in
the forest cover has occurr ed is not uniform in all the states but
it varies betwee n 2 to 5 years, becaus e satellite data used in the
interpr etation are of differe nt dates. The averag e difference at
the nation al level is about 3 years. In Andhr a Prades h, net
increas e of 939 sq.km. in forest "cover has occurr ed in 5 years
(1993-98), wherea s in Mizora m, loss of 43 sq. km. has occurr ed
in 4 years (1994-98). It needs to be underl ined that in case of 11
states where the metho d of interpr etation has change d from
visual to digita l, the presen t assess ment, as such, is not
compa rable to the preced ing assessment because of change in the
scale of interpretation. The area of forest cover in such cases has
been suitabl y transfo rmed from 1:50,000 to 1:250,000 scale to
Table 1.1 : Extent of Dense forest, Open forest and Mangro
ve in States/UTs
State/UT Dense forest bpen forest Mangro ve Total forest Per cent of Scrub
cover geogra phic area
Andhra Pradesh 24,190 19,642 397 44.229 16.08 9.559
Arunachal Pradesh 57,756 11,091 0 68.847 82.21 104
Assam 14,517 9,171 0 23,688 30.20 324
Bihar 13,274 13,200 0 26,474 15.23 1,914
Delhi 35 53 0 88 5.93 3
Goa 995 251 5 1,251 33.79 16
Gujarat 6,430 5,504 1,031 12,965 6.61 2,948
Haryana 449 515 0 964 2.18 191
Himachal Pradesh 9,120 3,962 0 13,082 23.50 566
Jammu & Kashmir 11,019 9,422 3 20,441 9.20 3,089
Karnataka 24,832 7,632 tTJ
0 32,467 16.93 4,489 !:'
Kerala 8,429 1,894 0-
0 10,323 26.56 91 III
Madhya Pradesh !:'
81,619 50,211 0 131,830 OQ
29.73 3,853 tI)
Maharashtra 26,613 19,951 '"
tI)
108 46,672 15.17 7,160 0-
Manipur 5,936 11,448 0 17,384 77.86 177 s::
tI)
Meghalaya 5,925 9,708 0 15,633 69.70 261 e:
O.
Mizoram 3,786 14,552 ~
0 18,338 86.99 125
Nagaland 5,137
e!..
9,027 0 14,164 85.43 ""Cl
14
contd... ..
!iI
!:'
en
Cl
Table 1.1 - contd... /1)
"'0
Dense forest Open forest Mangro ve Total forest Per cent of Scrub ro
~
State/UT geograp hic area
cover 0
::l
215 47,033 30.21 5,439 0
......
Oris sa 26,073 20,745
0 1,412 2.80 107 L'
Punjab 517 895 III
6,921 ::l
4,309 9,562 0 13,871 4.05 .?-
Rajasthan
0 3,118 43.94 386 Cl
Sikkim 2,363 755 /1)
8,659 8,398 21 17,078 13.13 2,836 0-

...
TamilNadu /1)
0 5,745 54.79 38 11>

Tripura 2,228 3,517 S"
0 34,016 11.55 1,177 ~
Uttar Pradesh 22,902 11,114 0
98 ::l
2,672 2,125 8,362 9.42
West Bengal 3,565 III
Andaman & Nicobar Islands 6,515 125 966 7,606 92.21 0 5-

6 0 7 6.14 0 :::::
Chandigarh /1)
159 43 0 202 41.14 10 e:-

O.
Dadra & Nagar Haveli
Daman& Diu
Lakshdw eep
0
0
3
0
0
0
3
0
2.68
0
0
0 -
::l
III
Pondicherry 0 0 0 0 0 0 ~
...
19.39 51,896 ()
377,358 255,064 4,871 637,293 ::t
Total
!e.
11>
Table 1.2a : Class-wise change in forest cover
(sq,km,)
Class Assessment Assessment Change
1999 1997
Dence forest 377,358 367,260 +10,098
Open forest 255,064 261,310 -6.246
Mangrove 4,871 4,827 +44
Total 637,293 633,397 +3.896
COAL FIELD AREAS OF'I"OfA

MAJOR COAUARtES
~nj
JIIafia
East and West 8okaro
Slngraull
Ttlclltr
Cllanda-Watdha
GocIa-..ry V.I"~
eo.! fields unct.

conttoIcif:-
CII.
Bel
Sc:C&.
c:C&.
WC!.
NCl
Nib'
!\eel
Map 3 : Coal field areas of India

Ts in 1997 and 1999 assessm ents Cl
Table 1.2b : Compar ative accoun t of forest cover of States/U ~
State/U T 1997 Assess ment 1999 Assess ment Change
)
...
;-
o·::s
Data period Forest (sq.km.
Data period Forest cover
(sq. km.) cover (sq.km. ) 0......
Nov. 98-Jan. 99 44,229 +939 r'

Andhra Pradesh Oct. 93 43,290 I»
::s
Nov. 94 & Nov. 95 68,602 Dec. 98-Feb. 99 68,847 +245 ,p..
Arunachal Pradesh
Dec. 98 23,688 -136 Cl
Assam Dec. 93, Apr. & Nov. 94 23,824 ro
Bihar Nov.-Dec. 94 26.524 Oct. 96-Jan. 97 26,474 -50 ...0-ro

Oct.-Nov. 98 88 +62 ~
Delhi Oct.-Nov. 92 & 94 26 I»
Dec. 95-Jan. 96 1,251 -1 PO.
Goa Dec. 93 & 94 1,252 0
12,965 +387 ::s
Oct.-Dec. 94 12,578 Oct.-Dec. 96 & 97
Gujarat
Oct. 92 & Oct.-Nov. 94 604 Nov.-Dec. 96 964 +360 [
Haryana
12,521 Oct.-Dec. 98 13,082 +561 ~
Himachal Pradesh Oct. 94 & Nov. 95 ro
p,.
Nov.-Dec. 96 & Sep.-Oct. 97 20:441 -1 ;:;.
Jammu & Kashmir Nov. 94 & 95 20,440
Dec. 95-Jan. 96 32,467 +64 Er
Karnataka Dec. 93-Jan. 94 32,403
-11
e.
Kerala Dec. 95 10,334 Jan. & Mar. 96 10,323 ::g
Madhya Pradesh Oct.-Nov. 94 131,195 Oct.-Dec. 96 131,830 +635
+529
...~
46,143 Oct.-Nov. 96 46,672 ()
...Uj'
Maharashtra Oct.-Nov. 93
Dec. 98 17,384 -34
Manipur Dec. 93-Feb. 94 17,418 Uj'
Dec. 98 15,633 -24
Meghalaya Dec. 93 15,657
Dec. 98 '.8,338 -437
Mizoram Dec. 93-Feb. 94 18,775
contd... 'l
Table 1.2b - contd...
State/UT 1997 Assessment 1999 Assessment Change
Data period Forest cover Data period Forest (sq.km.)
{sq. km.) cover (sq. km.)
Nagaland Dec. 93-0ct. 94 14,221 Dec. 98 14,164 -57
Oris sa Oct.-Nov 93 46,941 Nov.-Dec. 95 47,033 +92
Punjab Oct. 94-Jan. 95 1,387 Nov.-Dec. 96 1,412 +25
Rajasthan Nov.-Dec. 94 13,353 Oct.-Dec. 96 13,871 +518
Sikkim Sep. 94 3,129 Nov. 98 3,118 -11
TamilNadu Mar. 94 17,064 Jan., Mar. & Sep. 96 17,078 +14
Tripura Dec. 93 5,546 Dec. 98 5,745 +199
Uttar Pradesh Oct.-Dec. 94 33,994 Oct.-Dec. 96 34,016 +22
West Bengal Oct.-Dec. 93 8,349 Dec. 95-Feb. 96 & Dec. 96 8,362 +13
Andaman & Nicobar Islands Dec. 94 7,613 Mar. 97 & Jan .-Mar. 98 7,606 -7 [
I»
Chandigarh Oct.-Nov. 94 7 Jan. 99 7 0 ::s
OQ
Dadra & Nagar Haveli Oct.-Dec. 94 204 Nov. 96 202 -2 /I)
Daman&Diu Oct.-Dec. 94 3 Nov. 96 & Oct. 97 3 0 [

Lakshdweep 0 0 0 ~
Q..
Pondicherry 0 0 0 5:
Total 633,397 637,293 +3,896 ~
::g
I»
::s
fil'
9
Depleti on of Land, Defores tation and Medicin al Plant Crisis
~ AREAS OF HIGH SELENIUM

_MAZA RD
~ AREAS OF LOW SELENIUM
~MAZARD
Map 4 : Map showing selenium polluted areas
mainta in consis tency in compa rison. For doing so, digital

interpr etation was done on both the scales using the same data
of the sample d area. A ratio factor was then estima ted for each
sheet for conver ting the area of forest cover from 1:50,000 to
1:250,000 scale.
Map 3 showin g major coal belts of India. Foresters have a
very wide field of works to perfor m in the form of soil
conser vation and affore station to amelio rate the disturb ed
enviro nment.
10 Endang ered Medicin al Plants
INDIA
DROUGHT PRONE AREAS
t
- r
BAY OF BENGAL
~DROUGHTPRONEAREAS
Map 5 : Map of India showing the drough t prone areas.
Map 4 may be super impos ed on other maps on mine,

miner al, therm al power site maps and the depth of the
enviro nmenta l proble ms assessed.
Map 5 represe nts the drough t prone areas of India which
very freque ntly becom e the victim of drough t and someti mes
severe drough t conditions.
A rough presen tation of Industr ial and mining areas of the
countr y has been made on this map. The cumula tive affect of all
the issues presen ted in the maps 4-9 has to be assess ed and
11
Depleti on of Land, Defores tation and Medicinal Plant Crisis
..~--"""'-"'-- .--'!
Map 6 : Industrial and mining areas.
remedi al method s adopte d. Foresters have a great role to play

in amelioration. .
Map 7 broadl y shows the mine areas of this country. The
map has to be read along with other maps and steps taken to
rehabi litate and amelio rate the enviro nment throug h variou s
forestry method s.
Of the afores aid geogra phical distrib ution of medic inal
plants of India, the richest regions are the Himala yan forests and
Weste rn ghat forests . Other areas are either arid, desert or
heavily popula ted regions of the plains.
12 Endang ered Medicinal Plants
I~
• ,
300lun
Map 7 : Mining areas of India
India Facing a Perilous Landu se and Environmental Crisis

The plannin gs of India were done withou t considering the
terrible landuse situation on which the country's future stands.
It is like buildin g castles over a soft, cracke d and dilapid ated
foundation that ~ight breaka way anytime like quick sand. The
author s drew parallel between the Roman empero r 'Nero' (37-
60 AD) (dream of buildin g new city of Rome while he was
Depletion of Land, Deforestation and Medicinal Plant Crisis 13
Western and N. Western
Trans Himalayas Himalayas (1700 Sp.)
700 Sp. (Aconitum, Berberis, Gentiana, Inula,
(Ephedra, Hippophae Podophyllum. Saussurea, Taxus etc.)
Arnebia)
Coastal 500 sp. Central & Eastern Himalayas

(Acanthus, iIIicifolius, 1200 sp.
Avicennia marina, (Coptis teela, Taxu~, Rheum sp.,
Rhizophora mucronata, Nardostachys sp., Entada sp., .
Sonneratia caseolaris) Panax sp. etc.)
Desert zone
500 sp.
(Convolvulus microphyllus
Cressa cretica, Tecomella
Undulata, Citral/us
Colocynithus)
Western Ghat
Malabar coast
(2000 sP.)+
Deccan Peninsula
(Garcinia indica, Bay Islands (1000 sp.)
(3000 sp.)
Myrisnva malabarica (Adenanthera sp.
From Chotanagpur
Ut/eria salicifolia Aisandra sp.,
Southwards (Aristolochia
Vateria indica) etc. CoIophyllum sp.
sp., Mesua ferrea, Pterocarpus
Barringtonia sp. etc
santalinus, Terminalia pallida etc.)
Gangetic Planin 1000 sp.
(Chlorophytum sp., Holarrhena North east India
pubescens, Mallotus philippinensis 2000 sp.
Rauvolfia serpentina, Saraca (Aquilaria malaccensis, Abroma
asoca etc.) augusta, Hydnocarpas kurzii
Smi/ax glabra etc.)
Chart 1 : Biogeographical distribution of medicinal plants.
playing lyre in full view of burning city) and the planning for
development of modern India, the latter having been fully
oblivious of landuse situation.
Besides these natural calamities India has to tackle the
problems of a huge poverty-stricken, illiterate, unemployed mass
where even amenities like safe drinking water, education and
medical help etc. are lacking.
The author while analysing various facts and figures,
documented by the Planning Commission of India, the' National
Commission of Agriculture and the National Commission on
Flood found that they have registered 70% of the total 3.2 million
Categories of threats (Proximate Causes)
Indiscriminate Political Policy Movement
NWFP Collection
Human population Explosion
Human Settlement
Resource Extraction
Ruthless exploitation
Road construction
Railway construction
Pollution
Insurgency
Grazing by cattle
Fire in Forests
Pilferage of TImber
Army activities
Poaching and Hunting
Extension of cultivation
Chart 2 : Threats to India's Nature
Erosion
EthicaVMoral changes
Epidemic
Cyclon Contradictory
Policies, Laws
Landslide
Drought Absence of Regeneration
Chart 3 : Root Causes

Rajasthan Lateritic areas of
(Arid zone) West Bengal and Jharkhand
Chotanagpur hills
Purulia'
Himachal Pradesh
Manipur ....- - - - 1
1"---- Darjeeling
Jalpaiguri
Assam
Tripura
Sibakali Kirtikar & Bose's

Bhattacharjee's work
work K.P.Biswas &
A. Ghosh's work
Chart 4 : Selected study Area
(Comments based on published reports supplemented
from author's field work)
Chattisgarh
Raigarh
Jalpaiguri
Mizoram
Cachar
Arunachal Pradesh Sundargarh

Chart 5
Lack of Status
Survey of Species
Failure to monitor species

status from time to time
Issue of Rampant
Permits for
Collection
Felling or cutting of
entire tree when only
parts is required
Lack of knowledge
of species by the
collectors
Collection of root
bark damaged +---1 Collection of bark
entire plant Upto Cambium
layer killed plants
Collection of whole
plants when only a
Collection of part is enough
rhizomes. corms or
roots eradicated many Collection of entire rhizome.
species and individuals corm and bulb without leaving
a portion for regeneration
damaged the plant
Ruthless lopping of branches
Damaged the mother plant
Faulty
collection methods
Lack of proper research on

various species to identify
medicinal plant (more) properties
Chart 6 : Other causes of depletion of medicinal plants
sq. km. of land has been reeling under flood, drought and erosion
etc. Such landuse condition has to be tackled effectively before
India takes up a massive, gigantic and long-duration projects.
They have stressed that India needs to create an effective cover
of plants by massive afforestation mingled with soil
conservation engineering works, reclamation of waterbodies- big
or small. Here comes the role of foresters who are well- equipped
to create a better India. They have training, expertise and the
character built over an experience of about 200 years to
rehabilitate depleted soil.
This chapter presents some data on flood, drought, soil,
erosion, forest cover, etc. and relevant issues.
Medicinal Plants (A dwindling resource)

The author sincerely feels that the vast reservoir of medicinal
plant resources of India is in peril. The readers may peruse the
chapters on 'medicinal plants' detailed in the books (i)
Biodiversity Endangered (India's Threatened Wildlife and
Medicinal Plants) and (ii) Megadiversity Conservation (Flora,
Fauna and Medicinal Plants of India's Hot Spots) of the author.
The author has analysed various issues on the subject and
has given a broad view of the status of important plants.
The author has stressed the point about qualitative study by
the Botanical Survey of India on the flora of various region.
Without quantitative studies the status of any plant cannot be
ascertained. As such, analysis of ground flora (herbs, shrubs,
climbers) which form the bulk of medicinal plants is essential to
determine the status of a plants.
Forest Survey of India, has initiated the study of ground flora
all over the country which should focus some important features
of ground flora.
A Resource that is Fragmenting Rapidly

Indians are fortunate to be blessed with varieties of climate,
from tropical to alpine and desert to humid. It has therefore, a
large array of vegetation and having more than 20,000 plant
species. Most part of this sub-continent falls in the biotic region
of tropical deciduous forests and tropical scrub forests. Tropical
rain forests occupy a narrow belt in the west coast, north-east
Of 35 meteorological
Drought Prone Area (DPA) divisions, 25 remain
1.55 m sq km dry upto July
(47% of land area)
Severe DPA 42% There are 12 Drought

Moderate DPA 46% "'-_-1 \-----4~ affected states.
Extrema DPA 12%
Wetland in mdia may be 320 districts out of 524 districts

a rare commodity are affected by drought
Alkali soil 2.5 m ha
Areas affected by 1---+ Diara land 2.4 m. ha

shifting cultivation -3-5 m.ha
Cultivable waste 6.60 m ha
Water logged area -6m. ha.
Flood takes away

12 billion tonnes of soil
36.5 tonnes per ha. while
accepted limits 4 tonnesi ha
Waste land 165 m ha
=
(m. million)
=
(ha. hecatre)
Chambal river basin

barren soil 4 m ha.
Char. 7 : Perilous land use (Vohra's Assessment)
India and in Andaman and Nicobar Islands. The desert and arid
zone vegetation is found in Rajasthan and adjoining areas. Sub-
tropical, temperate and alpine forms of vegetation are found in
the Himalayas, Nilgiris and other hill regions.
PERILOUS LAND USE (Contd... )
Accelerated erosion: Various Hazards :

Water erosion - 90 million ha. • Exhausted by over grazing.
Wind erosion - 50 million ha. • ScarCity of fuel wood and
Seasonal flood - 12 million ha. fodder.
Inundated annually - 0.7 million ha. • Degradation of agricultural
Total land area - 328 million ha. land.
• Damage of water bodies.
Various Hazards : Drought prone area • Deprived of humus due to con-
155 m. sq.km. stant burning .
• Ravine affected area - 73-69 lakh ha.
• Repeated floQd and soil erosion
• Degraded areas 35 million ha. (Vohra (1978) causes of degradation.
• Increase in population and
FAO 1981 Degraded Forest 15.095 mil- . clearance for agriculture.
lion ha.
• Increased live stock population.
Scrub (no tree)
- 5.378 m. ha. • ..... for fuelwood timber,
shifting cultivation.
Open forest (scattered trees)
- 5.393 m. ha.
Forest, subjected to heavy
- 4.324 m. ha.
biotic pressure
Rate of degraded in 0.8 million
ha. per year Khan 1987
Various arid zones:

Desert zone 929000 ha
Arid zone 13455200 ha
Semi-arid zone 6686000 ha
Desertification
Sub-humid zone 110000 ha
Humid zone 211000 ha Arid areas 3200000 ha
(12% of country's area)
The extent of forest and the condition may be perused from

maps and tables.
India has 16 major vegetation types which are • Tropical Wet"
evergreen forests. Tropical Semi-evergreen forests • Tropical
moist deciduous forests • Littoral and Swamp forests • Tropical
Dry deciduous forests • Tropical thorn forests • Tropical dry-
evergreen forests • Sub tropical broad leaved hill forests • Sub-
tropical dry evergreen forests • Sub-tropical pine forests

• Montane wet temperate forests • Himalayan moist temperate
forests • Himalayan dry' temperate forests. Sub alpine forests.
Moist alpine Scrub forests • Dry alpine Scrub forests.
The Himalayan region is fragile; also the Thar desert, the
western and eastern ghats. The Himalayan region covers 50.0
million ha. The ecological stability of the region is not only
important for the local population it is equally important for the
entire Indo-Gangetic basin. The arid region Occupy 31 million ha.,
60 per cent of which lie in Rajasthan. Grazing, fire, uncontrolled
collection of wood continue round the year.
The extent of erosion may be visualised from the media report
(TImes of India dt. 11.11.05) quoted in this chapter.
Crisis Facing Medicinal Plants

The present conception of people over a wide circle is that
India's floral and faunal resources are considered very rich. In
the past sixty years the biotal scenario has undergone a drastic
change due to uncontrolled biotic factor; some abiotic factors
have also aggravated the situation. The Department of Forests
was created since the sixties of nineteenth century and on the
recommendation of the Government of India enacted Wildlife
Protection Acts for conservation of 'Birds', 'Elephants' and
'Rhinoceros' and lately Wild Life (Protection) Act of 1972 for
protection of all biotal species those are threatened of existence.
This Act of 1972 takes care to protect various categories of flora
and fauna in consideration to their present status. In various
management plans drawn for Forest Divisions adequate care
had been taken to preserve threatened tree species; but little care
was taken for the preservation of herb and shrub flora which
form bulk medicinal plant materials.
India has more than 1500 tree species of which only few are
regenerating. Over-exploitation, selective exploitation, grazing
and fire are threatening their survival. Trees which occupy the
topmost layer of a forest may not serve a foolproof function
against various atmospheric hazards; top middle and bottom,
the middle layer has the maximum number of species; next is the
bottom layer and it is hardly much forest left in the country
where the bottom and middle storey trees stand. Even the top
layers have been stripped off of many tree species. All these give
a dismal picture of the state of vegetation in this country.
Of all life-forms of plants in India, the number of herb
species out number others. Roughly, the number of shrub species
is about double the number of tree species while the number of
herbs is about four times the Shrubs.
Over-exploitation of tree crops in all the three storeys cause
considerable physical damage to shrubs; these shrubs are
essential for soil binding and create a micro climate for the
survival of young plant regeneration; besides, they help litter
formation and conservation of water.
Shrubs and young regeneration of other plant species suffer
irreparable losses due to repeated grazing and fire. These latter
two factors are directly responsible for eradication of plant
species where only those with underground stem survive. The
authors' research reveal that only about 40 to 50 per cent of the
species survive such depredation; also the density of occurrence
of species is affected. Vast tracts of forests where grazing and fire
have a free play have now very coarse grass and a few fire hardy
shrub and some annual herb species.
About ninety species of shrubs are conspicuous in the
temperate hills of India which have colourful. flowers; they also
grow in profusion. Special mention may be made of
rhododendron and roses. In the plains, however, more than one
hundred species occur but they do not have conspicuous flowers.
In eastern India there are at least a hundred species of fodder
shrub; it is about two thirds in other parts of the country. There
are at least forty genera of shrubs yielding edible fruits which
attract avifauna, animals .and men alike.
A survey made by the authors all over the country has
revealed that only fifty species of shrubs are commonly found.
Lantana, Eupatorium, Clerodendrum, Calotropis, Cassia, Carissa,
Ipomoea, Capparis, etc. are found conspicuous and are occurring
in profusion all over the country. It should be considered an
ominous indication of systematic disappearance of species
primarily due to anthropogenic factors. The number of shrub
species in the country is about 4500 (tree species about 1500); but
wide occurrence of only 50 species is hardly to be believed which
is too meager.
Vast shrub resources of this country have not been studied
from medicinal, aesthetic and environmental point of view. This
country has shrub flora occurring on wide ranges of alkaline,
saline, estuarine, sandy soils in varied climatic conditions. The
time is ripe to select typical shrubs that have conspicuous
flowers, wide range of foliage patterns and shapes and plant
them in arboreta, parks and gardens. Some shrubs are
indispensable ingredients of parks, gardens, residential quarters
premises and ~ environmental planting to arrest air pollution.
An attempt has been made to list some common and
conspicuous shrubs occurring all over the country (state-wise)
and to mark some common medicinal plants. Although some of
these shrubs are obnoxious weeds (Eupatorium, Cleistantus,
Lantana, Calotropis, Euphorbia, Jatropha etc.), quite a good
number occur on dry rocky and sandy areas (Euphorbia,
Opuntia, Agave, etc.) which provide shade, protect soil, shelter
birds and bear fruits for man and animal beside':., providing
plants of medicinal values. Vast avifaunal species in the country
side derive a lot of food and seek shelter in such shrub flora.
A quotation from Times of India, Nov. 11, 2005 by Chandrica
Mago reads:
Alarm bells are ringing for "sons of the soil". The
government says the country is losing its soil at an unacceptable
rate. The country's average soil erosion rate is 16 tonnes per
hectare per annum - more than three times the acceptable norm.
The figure go~s as high as 80 tonnes in the Himalayas. Scientists
say the figure for Hoshiarpur is the highest in the country, at a
whopping 400 tonnes a hectare every year. It takes a million
years to replace topsoil.
In areas losing soil, the impacts can be drastic. Productivity
comes down. Agriculture minister Sharad Pawar recently
estimated that soil erosion leads to a loss of about 8-9 million
tones of valuable nutrients. Second, the siltation rate goes up in
crucial water reservoirs. It is reducing storage capacity by 2%
each year. This impacts water availability on all fronts. Third,
certain grass and tree species are vanishing. Down stream, silt
in rivers is forcing them to change course.
Each earthquake creates a more suitable ground for erosion.
There are about 300 small tremors in a year across the
mountains - we may not feel them but the soil does. Melting
glaciers are leading to more erosion in specific locations, says J.S.
Samra, Indian Council of Agricultural Research deputy director-
general.
The problem is getting worse since there are more people and
livestock crammed into the same amount of land. Trees are being
cut, grasses are vanishing, leaving bald patches vulnerable to
erosion when the rain comes down hard. It doesn't matter how
much it rains in a year - what matters is the intensity of rain,
the sheer force which loosens the soil. One rain drop falls at 16
metres a second, says Samra "You can actually see the holes it
leaves in theground. Yet, it's a problem little talked of outside
scientific circles." Samra says, soil erosion across the country ranges
from 2-80 tonnes per hectare every year, with rainfed areas
suffering more than irrigated plains. An acceptable range is 5
tonnes., The irrigated Indo-Gangetic plain, where water is trapped,
has a rate of less than 2 tonnes. After the Himalayas, the highest
rates of 40-50 tonnes show up in the Nilgiris and the western and
eastern Ghat.
If there are forests and even better, grass, the ground holds.
Cultivated rather than forested slopes are more vulnerable to
erosion. There an~ solutions and programmes to check erosion -
but they have made limited impact. The best solution, says Samra,
is to treat catchments, creating trenches to hold the water and
reduce the speed of flow. If water -velocity increases two times,
its cutting capacity goes up four times and its carrying capacity,
eight times. Too much erosion can muddy the waters so much that
fish starve for oxygen. Bihar is a victim of uncontrolled erosion as
water floods in from Nepal, Rajasthan, of course has its own set of
problems - wind, not water, erosion."
Destructive forces have also affected these forests. Refugee
rehabilitation (25,000 East Bengal refugees) has been responsible
for bulk destruction and clear felling of about 1,0000 ha. Has
augmented substantial depletion of the forests.
Selection felling done to ensure natural regeneration has
opened up extensive areas of forests which have lost the
character of tropical forests. Many areas have b~n exposed to
erosion. Most significant change and degradation has been
caused by severe cyclone which is a regular feature of Andaman
forests. Hundreds of square kilometers of forests have been
uprooted and damaged (shallow root system and heavy crc,-nn
of trees). Ground flora has also been disrupted.
All these derogatory factors combine / to bring a synergetic
destructive presence on the soil of the country.
Chapter Two
Medicinal Plants of India:
An Observation
This chapter summarises the findings of a group of experts

observation on the subject.
This chapter enumerates broadly the following information:
• Richness of flora.
• Past history.
• Use of herbal drugs in India.
• Plants used in drug industry.
• Essential oils.
• Phyto-pharmaceuticals.
• Export market.
• Commercial value of medicinal plants used as drugs.
• Trade market.
• Threat to plant biodiversity.
• In-situ conservation.
• Ex-situ conservation.
• Cultivation.
• Action Plan.
The author acted as a Chairperson in Forest Bio-Diversity
Section of a study initiated by the Department of Environment, Govt.
of West Bengal. His findings along with those of four other
Chairpersons findings were compiled in a report entitled
"Biodiversity Strategy and Action Plan for West Bengal". Some
relevant paragraphs from that report are presented taking the liberty
that the author was a part of the compilers of the report.
The study of medicinal plants has assumed great importance
in India and abroad. In various states of India, no proper
inventory of medicinal plant have been prepared. So far the work
done in the field is in the form of scattered or isolated efforts,
aiming mostly towards medicinal use of the items. In fact,
preparation of an inventory alone would not be able to meet the
growing need of planned utilization of medicinal plant resources
within the states. Some basic information on the medicinal plant
species is also required to design and implement proper
management plan for the extraction and use of medicinal plants
in future. It is also important to assess the level and extent of
exploitation of medicinal plant from the wild stock and to put
in place necessary checks. The knowledge in this field would
enable introduction of timely cultivation in necessary cases and
maintain the required balance between proper sustainable use
and exploitation of limited natural resources.
Status of Medicinal Plants

India harbours a wide range of medicinal and aromatic
plants mostly used in Ayurvedic, Unani, Siddha, Homeopathic,
Allopathic and other alternate medicinal practices such as folk
medicine, home remedies, household remedies naturopathy,
tantra-therapy, Amchi and tribal medicine. The plants used in
alternate medicine are awaiting a touch of modem knowledge.
A rough conception is that out of 17,500 flowering plant
species known from India, more than 4000 species are used as
medicinal plants of which 300 species yield gum and dyes and
about 100 species yield essential oils and are used as raw
materials in drug industry. About 200 drugs are of animal and
mineral origin.
Keeping in mind this perspective it can be mentioned that
the Rigveda (4500-1600 B.c.) an old repository of human
knowledge, quoted 67 plants of medicinal value. The Atharva
Veda and the Yajurveda mention 200 and 81 species of plants of
therapeutic value. Charak (1000 B.c.) and Sushruta (800 B.c.)
quoted 341 and 395 medicinal plants respectively in their
Samhitas. Ethno-botanical studies have added about 1680 species
of medicinal value in the existing list of medicinal plants in
India.
Medicinal Plants of India : An Observation 27
In last 75 years the basic active principles like salicylic acid,

alkaloids, sapouins, glycosides, steroid compounds have been
isolated from higher group of plants except Ephidrin from
Ephedra (a gymnosperm), Taxol from Taxus (Gymnosperm), new
alkaloid from Lycopodium, ergot from Claviceps fungus and
other antibiotic from fungi groups. During 1950, only 2000
alkaloid was known to the world. By 1970, the number increased
to 4000, and in 2000 A.D. it has been estimated to be about 10,000
alkaloids, of which 5000 are chemically less known.
The discovery of hallucinogenic use of morning glory has
stimulated further studies of Datura, Canabis, and Papaver in
India. The hallucinogenic drugs are very much in demand in
today'S world. Very recently steroidal sapogenious substance has
also attracted phyto-chemists to give more attention in their
research.
India uses herbal drugs utilizing nearly 450 plant species in
different formulations (Kapoor and Mitra, 1979).
In this context three orchids can be mentioned which are
used in traditional medicine and at present endangered or
vulnerable (Lucas and Syng. 1978). Paphiopedium druryi is
native to Kerala but is endangered or extinct from the wild due
to forest fires and excessive collection. There is an indication of
its use in Ayurvedic medicine and that it might contain useful
alkaloids. Various authorities have indicated its decline in the
wild state (U.e. Pradhan, 1975, 1976, 1977; Mam_men and
Mammen, 1974). Dendrobium pauciflorum is endangered,
possibly extinct from West Bengal and Sikkim in areas open to
tree felling. It can be rediscovered in the wild, it is likely to
contain some alkaloid of potential value. Diplomaris hirsute,
which possibly contains useful alkaloids in the tubers, is restricted
to very few numbers in West Bengal in a region vulnerable to
landslides. Its decrease in number has been pointed out by G.M.
Pradhan (1976) and Varman and Sahni (1976). Another. species
Dendrobium npbile, deserves mention. Occurring in the
Himalayas regions of India and China, it is a source of
dendrobine, a principal alkaloid and is exported in tones from
China in dehydrated form (Pemupahishey, 1974). The abundance
of this species in India is decreasing rapidly aney is a matter of
serious concern (Santapu, 1970, Kataki, 1976).
An examin ation of the traditi onal system s of medic ine-
Ayurv eda and Unani system s indica ted that Rauvo lfia
serpen tina used by medicine men of India, Sri Lanka, Nepal and
Mayan mar for treatm ent of insanity. This is possibly associated
with hypert ensive enceph alopath y. Most Europe an physic ians
were very skeptic al of the purpor ted proper ties of the plant.
Howev er in 1952, the alkalo id reserp ine was isolate d, thus
confirming the plant's value. Since then the alkaloid extract as
well as purifie d alkaloids of Rauvolfia serpen tina have become
very import ant in the treatm ent to contro l hypert ension .
Medic inal Plants Based Drug Indust ry in Gener al

Medic inal plants based drug indust ry has four major
segme nts:
• Plant drugs for WHO recogn ized Indian system s of
medicine.
• Over the countr y non-pr escript ion items involvi ng plant
parts, extracts and galenicals.
• Essential oils.
• Phyto- pharma ceutica ls.
Besides these, plant derive d materi als includ ing fats, oils,
waxes, latex, pectins , resins and oleores ins, gums and other
exudat es, vegeta ble dyes and tannins , lignin, cellulose, starch,
hydroc arbons and many other bio-chemical compo unds (Pryde
et al. 1981; Schultes, 1980) are import ant primar y items. On top
of these primar y produc ts are numer ous second ary compo unds
and chemi cal interm ediate s, includ ing sterols , alcoho ls,
alkaloids, resins and esters.
These divers e catego ries are almost certain to expand as
scientific researc h comes up with more produc ts from tropical
plant - not only items more in numbe r, but materi als with
greater complexity and novelty. In the light of speedy expans ion
of the global chemic al industr y, it is clear that we shall need
much more additio nal supplie s of organic chemicals.
The chemi cal ind ustry contin ues to drive most of its
feedsto ck from fossil fuel. But due to the oil cartel i.e., the
Organi sation of Petrole um Export ing Countr ies (OPEC), many
petroc hemic als have increa sed 6-7 times in price where as
vegeta ble fats and oils have not even doubl ed in price.
Fortunately, almost all petrochemicals can now be replaced by

phyto-chemicals.
Medicinal Plants Based Drug Industries in Indian System of

Medicine
According to Handa, in 1992, there are more than 6,780
pharmacies in Indian systems of medicine of which 551 are on
loan license and the remaining are from D. In West Bengal,over
642 pharmacies are in existence of which 620 are for the
production of Ayurvedic drugs and rest 22 for Unani drugs. All
these are licensed pharmacies. Besides these, there are many
small manufacturing units using medicinal plants and thousand
of vaidyas, and hakims preparing their own drugs from various
medicinal plants.
Plant Parts Extracts

The direct utilization of plant material is a feature of
traditional systems of medicine not only in India, but also in
developed countries like Europe, U.S.A., Western countries now
a days are very much fond of herbal formulations of health, food,
preparation of decoctions, tinctures, etc. And total extracts of
plants also from a part of many pharmacopoeias of the world.
The current trend of medicinal plants based drug is to procure
standardized extracts of plants as raw material.
Essential Oils from Plants

The essential oil industry was traditionally a cottage industry
in India. Since 1947, a number of industrial companies have been
established for large-scale production of essential oils, oleoresins
and perfumes. The essential oils, oleoresins from plants being
produced in India include ajawain oil, celery oil, citronella oil,
lavender oil, eucalyptus oil, geranium oil, cedarwood oil,
sandalwood oil, lemongrass oil, vetiver grass root oil, mentha oil,
turpentine oil and resin from pines. This forms a sizeable and
well-established industry in India having annual oil production
of about 50,000 tons. [I]-lonone from lemongrass oil for
perfumery, and [I]-lonone from vitamin A synthesis are produced
in India. Before 1960, Menthol was not produced in India, but
the introduction of Japanese mint - Mentha arvensis L.
(Lamiaceae) and subsequent improvements there upon have
enabled India to produce more than 600 tons of menthol and till
date top the world market in export of natural menthol.
Limonene is the bye-product of citrus industry. Though
turpentine oil and eucalyptus oil also yield limonene, but the best
economically cheap raw materials is the discarded orange and
lemon neel which are being used by Brazilan phyto-chemical
industries. India, particularly West Bengal has not yet tapped this
source for limonene production.
Phyto-pharmaceuticals
Since the independence of India, the production of plant
based modem drugs in India and West Bengal in particular was
mostly confined to quinine, from cinchona. During the last five
decades, bulk production of plant based modern drugs has
become an important segment of Indian pharmaceutical
industry. Some of the phyto-pharmaceuticals which are produced
in India include Morphine, Codeine, Papaverine, Thebaine,
Emetine, Quinine, Quinidine, Digoxin, Caffeine, Hyoscine,
Hyoscyamine, Xanthotoxin, Psoralen, Colchicine, Rutin,
Berberine, Vinblastine, Vmcristine, Nicotine, Strychnine, Brucine,
Ergot, Alkaloids, Senna, Glycosides, Pyrethroids, Podophyllotoxin
resin, Steroid compounds etc. Phyto-pharmaceuticals for which
technology has been developed for undertaking large-scale
production include L-dopa from Mucuna, pruriens, Ajmaline and
Ajmalicine from Rauvolfia serpentina and Catharanthus roseus
respectively and B-acetyl glycyrrhetic acid from Glycyrrhiza
glabra. Medicinal plant based drug industries have started facing
and will face infuture, dwindling supply of plant materials from
natural resources. So promoting cultivation of medicinal plants
which are being extensively used by the industry, will help to
solve the problem of the industry.
Status of India in Herbal Export Market

India's share in world herbal medicine market is mere 11%
and the total market from Indian systems of medicine and
Homeopathy is about US $ 1 billion - stated by G.c. Burman,
Chairman of Dabur India Ltd.
India is losing out on the herbal export front, while China
earns US $ 5 billion annually from herbal trade which is five
times more than India's export turnover. Intensive efforts are
being made in India to boost its export of traditional medicines
to match at least half of China's current export level by 2010.
Indian exporters feel that given an effective and sustained push,
its traditional medicine export would be able to make significant
profit, almost equal to that earned from export of computer
software.
Traditional medicine manufacture and practices are largely
based on plant products. The international market for traditional
products is amount US $ 62 billion and is expected to reach US
$ 5 trillion by 2050.
Commercial Value of Medicinal Plants and Plant-based Drugs

Medicinal plant diversity has its economic value and it has
local, regional, national and international implications like patent
right, intellectual property right etc. It has also has an alternative
value, an intrinsic value (Pearce and Moran, 1994), which is
academic/ scientific, that is unrelated to direct human use.
Medicinal plant species are used for therapeutic purpose in
three ways:
• As traditional and alternative medicines singly or in
formulations, such as those prepared and dispensed by
traditional and alternate medicine practitioners, which
mayor may not attract a market price.
• As commercial products, dispensed by prescription or
over the counter sales, such as patented/licensed medical
products of Allopathy, Homeopathy, or traditional
systems medicine.
• As bazaar medicine singly or in formulations.
All these usually have economic value. For the lack of
adequate and appropriate data, it is near impossible to evaluate
the returns from the first and the third categories. The economic
value of plant based drugs, therefore, largely rests on the second
category uses. It is estimated that in rich countries, 25% of all
medical drugs are based on plants and their derivatives
(Principe, 1991). In the poor world, this is about 75%.
The economic value of a particular medicinal plant depends
upon a number of factors as follows:
• Certain plant species are used in a large number of
formulations. The use of a particular species with
reference to the number therapeutic effects it can

produce or the number of formulations in which it is an
ingredient, is expressed as the therapeutic index and
frequency index respectively. A higher index reflects a
higher economic value attributable to a particular
species.
• Certain species are of great importance in the treatment of
particular diseases, as they happen to be the only species
with that therapeutic potential, as the alkaloids of Taxus
baccata in the treatment of cancer. Such species attract high
market rate.
• Some species have narrow distribution and/or occur in
small populations, and/or may be difficult to cultivate.
Such species also command a higher price such as
Aquilaria agalocha of Tripura, Trichopus zeylanica of South
India, Coptis teeta of Arunachal Pradesh etc.
• Certain species of medicinal value like· Rauvolfia
serpentina, Gloriosa superb a, Swertia chirayita, Ipomoea
digitata have been over exploited and so now occur
rather scarcely in wild conditions in West Bengal.
• There are certain therapeutically active constituents
produced by plants such as digoxin and digitoxin that
could not be produced synthetically. So, the economic
value of the plant bearing digoxin is naturally on the
higher side.
• The cost involved in isolation and purification of an active
principle involve several considerations. For example, it
requires about a ton of leaves of Catharanthus roseus to
obtain 1 gm of the alkaloid vincristine, essentially needed
to treat leukemia ,Vmcristine is one of the expensive plant
products costing about US $ 24000/g. Vmblastine, another
alkaloid from the same species, used to treat Hodgkin
disease is present in quantity 1000 times more than
vincristine. One gm. of vinblastine, costs about US $ 6,800.
It has now become possible to convert vinblastine into
vincristine through bio-transformation. Thus several factors
govern the cost of the raw material and the final product
of medicinal plant.
Commercial Value of Plant-based Drugs

The introduction of a single new synthetic drug into the
market would take about 10 to 15 years of time and expenditure
in the scale of about US $ 100 to 300 million (Abelson 1990).
Plant based drugs would take a comparatively much less time
and expenses than synthetic drugs. Hence, plant based medicines
would be far inexpensive, unless the market prices are inflated
by other considerations.
The commercial evaluation of plant based drug is different
from that of the source raw material of medicinal plants, for both
depend much upon the demand and the supply potential. For
medicinal plants, the source material, the land use value, cost
of collection/cultivation, costs of preparation, packaging and
transport are the criteria. For plant-based drugs, the cost of
discovery, clinical testing, proce3sing, packaging and marketing,
add up.
According to Pearce and Moran (1994) economic value of
medicinal plants and plant based drugs mostly depend upon the
following criteria.
The actual market value of the plants being treated.
The market value of the drugs of which the plant are the
source material; and the value of the drugs in terms of their life
sa,-ing potential and value of 'statistical life', which is estimated
to be US $ 4 million on 1990 price.
Trade Market in Medicinal Plant Parts: The National Scenario

The markets dealing with medicinal plant parts (herbs and
crude drugs) in India is a highly disorganized and less studied
sector. So far little idea has been generated on the nature and
quantum of trade in medicinal plant parts. The demand, supply
and price structures are highly unstable. Even today, India lack
a total and updated inventory on which particular plant parts
are being traded in the market. There are much confusion and
controversy regarding names of the items in trade. Moreover
there exist practices of adulteration and also of selling totally
different items as inferior substitutes. There is no definite system
of quality control. There are items banned to be exported without
cultivation certificate, but majority of the enforcement staff does
not have any idea on identification of such items or even the
existing law. The trade routes and source of most of the items are
not exactly known or studied. Transit formalities and tax structure
is not uniform in different states and major wholesale markets. The
overall situation demand immediate attention from the Central
Government, respective State Governments, and other sectors
dependent on the market. A commercial database on the market
has to be prepared and carrying out a detailed analytical survey
on the market economy is an urgent necessity.
Trade Market in Medicinal Plant Parts : The West Bengal

Scenario
In West Bengal there are two major markets dealing with
herbs and crude drugs. During 2000, TRAFFIC - India conducted
an all-India survey on trade in medicinal plant parts which also
covered these two local markets. The following observations and
findings were generated mostly during that market survey, which
would perhaps give a general idea of these West Bengal two
markets.
The Kolkata Market

The wholesale medicinal plant market in Kolkata is situated
almost totally within Burrabazaar area in West-Central zone of
the city very close to river Hooghly. The market area is roughly
restricted within 1 km2 area bounded by Biplabi Rashbehari Basu
Avenue (Old Canning Street) in the South, Kali Krishna Thakur
Street in the North, Rabindra Sarani (Old Chitpur Road) in the
East and river Hooghly in the West. About 90% of the major
trading llIlits of Kolkata lie within this area.
The market is a relatively old one in medicinal plant trade
originating in the later half of the nineteenth century. Even upto
the late 1980's the market was gradually expanding. It was the
most important center for medicinal plant parts collected from
the North East India and from Nepal. The number of traders
(including major retailers) increased slowly from around 10 to
about 60, though in a considerable number of cases it resulted
from split in family business. During the last 15-20 years the
growth of the market has become almost stagnant; not even 10
new traders entered the market, and during the same period
some also left the business. Now the number of traders from the
Kolkata Market (leaving aside the minor retailers) is about
65-70 of which about 60% are wholesaler cum retailers. Only three
traders from Kolkata are regular exporters. Outside these 65-70
traders there are about 15-20 traders. who in the process of dealing
with Yunani medicine, deal with crude drugs and herbs. Most of
these shops are located on Rabindra Sarani, south of Mahatma
Gandhi Road crossing, opposite to famous Lal Masjid.
The medicinal plant trade in Kolkata is not in a flourishing
state. According to most of the traders, Delhi and Mumbai have
taken away the business from Kolkata. This is perhaps due to the
reasons mentioned below:
• With the improvement of communication system, most
of the suppliers have become direct with the major
wholesalers and exporters of Delhi from where they are
getting better rate/offer since today's Delhi market is a
far more competitive market than that of Kolkata.
• The payment terms in Delhi and Mumbai are much
better than in Kolkata. In Kolkata market generally a
supplier has to wait for around 3/4 months toget their
payments fully cleared and this hampers the overall
trade dynamics.
• Allegedly, some of the Ayurvedic and other herbal
medicine manufacturers drifted away from West Bengal
for general reasons. On the contrary many new units ace
growing up around Delhi, Mumbai and also in South
India. .
• Reportedly the tax structure is much better in Delhi. It
is now 4% in Kolkata but even in the beginning of 1999,
it was 12%. But in Delhi the rate has been uniformly 2%.
With around 10% difference in tax rate it was not
feasible for the Kolkata traders to compete with the
Delhi traders even through keeping lower margin. Since
the lowering of the tax rate the market situation has now
become relatively favourable for the Kolkata traders, but
now they are facing it difficult to regain the lost business.
• The Kolkata market also suffered from loss of business
from the North East India. Due to reasons beyond
control and also due to legal imposition, the supply of
herbs and crude drugs coming from the North East has
been greatly hampered during the last 15 years. Also due
to several reasons the supply from Nepal has diverted

to Delhi or in some cases to China.
• Cultivation of medicinal plants is being attempted with
great effort in South India and also reportedly in West /
North West India. But in the Eastern region the attempts
so far made are scanty and casual. The wild stock of
medicinal plants are being depleted at a very fast rate
due to over exploitation or premature extraction. Unless
economically viable cultivation of local/introduced
species does not become successful, it is difficult for any
market to flourish. Since such instances are rare, rather
non-existing in West Bengal, quite naturally the market
is suffering from stagnation.
In 2000, the medicinal plant part trading community of
Kolkata formed an association in the name West Bengal Herb
and Crude Drug Dealers' Association, to look after the interest
of the community and medicinal plant trade as a whole.
Siliguri Market
The other important market dealing with medicinal plant
parts in West Bengal is the market in Siliguri. There are only 4-
5 wholesale traders. The market is mostly dependant on plant
parts collected from North Eastern states, Sikkim and Bhutan.
But recently, as mentioned earlier, due to reasons beyond control
and also due to legal imposition, the supply of herbs and crude
drugs coming from the North East has been greatly hampered.
(What could be gathered from the secondary sources that due
to the insurgency problems prevailing in the NE states, collection
in the forest areas has been heavily affected. Since in most of the
forests there are alleged terrorist group base, even the local
people do not dare to enter the forests areas for collection of low
profit items. Moreover, during the last 20 years the business
community has suffered a lot from the extortionist of different
political groups).
The supplies from Nepal (partially), Sikkim and Bhutan
(wholly) generally enter the mainland market through Siliguri.
The place also has been proximity to North Bengal forest areas.
The market seems to be small but dynamic. In general, the
Siliguri market is apparently a self sufficient one surviving
almost solely on local supply, and feeding a significant quantity
of medicinal plant parts to other parts of India. The Siliguri

market is also operating in the reverse direction. Supply of
several 'items to the retailers of North Eastern states is
maintained through Siliguri, usually from Kolkata and rarely
from Utter Pradesh or Delhi also.
Some General Observations on Kolkata & Siliguri Markets

The items available in the market are sold by trade names,
and no authentic list/compilation of scientific names
corresponding to these trade names is available in the market.
Kapoor Kachri available inKolkata market might not belong to
the same species which is being sold in Delhi or Mumbai Market.
Lack of reference sample collection within nublic access is a big
problem.
It seemed that in most of the cases even the drug
manufacturers do not bother with the species level identification
and use. This is apparently true also with the quality factor.
The traders are well aware about the general quality of the
product they are selling and in most of the cases they give
cheaper rate explaining to the buyer why the rate is cheaper (e.g.,
slight degradation in quality due'to long time storage). In
reality -'apparently in majority number of cases - the traders are
not mixing inferior quality product with that of superior quality.
Instead they are asking for cheaper rate against quality sacrifice.
In such cases actually the buyers are going for less wanted
compromise.
Lack of state level inventory of medicinal plant parts in trade
and also absence of an identification handbook for common
people can be strongly felt. Most of the traders are not much
aware of the trade restrictions and conservation laws.
Till date, the State Forest Department in West Bengal has not
shown much concern over the nature or quantum of the trade
in medicinal plant parts within the state.
",
Major Stakeholders
The major stakeholders in the field are drug manufacturers,
traders in herbs and crude drugs, medicine practitioners
(particularly Ayurvedic, Hakimi, Unani, Sidha, Amchi and other
alternative medicine practitioners dependent mostly on
medici nal plants or their derivatives), cultivators, collectors. Co-
operat ive with cultiva tion and collect ion, Centra l and State
Govern ment Depart ments (particularly State Forest Depart ments
and the recently formed Dept. of Indian Systems of Medicine of the
Centra l Govt.), Scientists, research institutions, univers ities and
NGOs.
Major Cause s for the Loss of Biodiv ersity

Gener al Threa t to Phyto- divers ity in India.
Apparently the quick decline of the vegetation cover of a cOlmtry
is directl y linked with the rapid popula tion growth (102 crores in
India) with an ever increasing needs. The, major causes of the loss
of biological diversi ty in India both in the hills and plains are
anthropogenic. Howev er, eight major causes for the loss of bio-
divers ity have been identif ied namel y-(i) Habita t loss and
fragmentation, (ii) Introduced speices, (iii) Over exploitation of plant
and animal species, (iv) Pollution of Soil, Water and atmosp here,
(v) Global climate change, (vi) Expansion of Industr y, agricul ture
and forestry, (vii) Want of pollina ting vectors , (viii) Unisex ual
flowered species.
Threa t to Medic inal Plants in Particu lar

All the factors described above threatening the phyto-diversity
in India broadly cover most of the threats to medicinal plant species.
Over-e xploita tion and indiscr iminat e use of wild resourc es in
commercial deman d now-a- days playa great role not only behind
the quick decline of the species concerned, but also becomes a threat
for the survival of other associated species, thus acting as the major
factors disturb ing the entire ecosystem.
For medici nal plants, like other plant parts in comme rcial
deman d, prema ture exploi tation is anothe r factor which is
additio nally respon sible for rapid destru ction of wild stock.
Whene ver a plant is in high deman d, premat ure exploit ation is
expect ed to threate n next season 's propag ation and regene ration
of the species.
In this country , so far little work ha~ been done to assess the
level and extent of exploit ation of plant species in comme rcial
deman d for medicinal purpos e. The invento ry is also not at all
compre hensiv e or update d. Local area- specific threats or species
locally endang ered are yet to be studied .
But going for medicinal plant cultivation in response to

growing demand for certain species can be a lucrative
agricultural option in West Bengal. Timely attempt to do so,
would not only save some of the species from possible extinction,
but also feed the state economy with assured and sustained
financial benefit in near future.
Ongoing Initiatives
Protection and Conservation Strategies
Control of 'Wildlife Trade' is the most effective measure to
protect the wild potential resources for their sustainable use.
Using IUCN (1994) methods, Botanical Survey of India - the
nodal organization responsible for monitoring and preparation
of the list of plants to be included in the negative list of export -
has so far listed 53 specieds for restriction in trade.
Defection of different threat groups/categories is the
primary data source of taking the effective measure of protection
and conservation of potential plant resources. It is roughly
esfimated that about 10% of higher plants are under - different
threat categories. Botanical Survey of India has already
published 4 volumes of Red Data Book of Indian plants (RDB)
accounting relevant information of more than 800 species.
Convention of International Trade in Endangered Species of
Wild flora and Fauna (CITES), is the international treaty to
regulate the international trade of wild species.
The legal and policy framework include various Acts such
as the Forest Act 1927; the Forest Conservation Act 1980; the
Indian Wildlife Protection Act 1972, etc. These are in addition
to various international treaties like CITES. Ramsar - CMS, etc.
directly related to conservation of Biological Diversity, which has
come into force on 29th December, 1993, which India ratified and
joined on 18th February, 1994. It has been decided that for in-
situ conservation, involvement of indigenous people and local
ethnic communities is of utmost importance. (Brown 1990).
In Situ Conservation
The recorded forest area of India is about 77.01 million
hectares but according to Landsat imagery the area covered by
forests is about 64.01 million hectares. Todav India has less than
2% of total forest area in the world but supports 15% of world's
population. West Bengal possesses 11% forest of its total
landmass where 33% is the minimum requirement for pollution
free environment. West Bengal has long history of in situ
conservation and of developing in situ conservation methods at
different levels, ranging from species to ecosystems.
Habitat Conservation
India has a large network of 85 National Parks and 445
sanctuaries covering about 2.5% of total land surface as well as
marine ecosystem, such as Gulf of Mannar and Gulf of Cambay.
It has also been proposed to increase these protected areas to 148
National Parks and 519 sanctuaries to reduce the significant gaps
in various bio-geographic units. However the critical problem is
not merely the conservation of a particular species or habitat, it
is the continuation of the very process of evolution of all micro
organisms, plants and animals in their totally as integral part of
the natural ecosystem. To achieve the objective, the Government
of India has designated 8 Biosphere Reserves out of 14 proposed.
In West Bengal, Sunderban is one of the Biosphere Reserves.
World Heritage Conventionn has designated 5 natural sites as
world Heritage sites. Sunderbans of West Bengal is one of the
Heritage sites.
A National Committee on wetlands, Mangrove and Coral
Reefs has identified 21 wetlands, 15 mangrove areas and 4 coral
reef zones for conservation and scientific management.
Ex-situ Conservation
To complement theill>J.n situ conservation, considerable
attention has been paid to ex situ methods of ~onservation. The
collection (from within and outside the country), preservation,
multiplication and supply of genetic ::esources (for research only)
is done through National Bureau of Plant genetic Resources, New
Delhi for wild relatives of crop plants. In addition to 66 Botanic
Gardens (including 33 university botanic gardens), the
Department of Biotechnology has initiated germplasm facilities.
India is the 'overall coordinator for the establishment of Gene
Bank of Medicinal and Aromatic Plants among 6-15 countries.
For large scale multiplication of forest tree species two tissue
culture pilot plants have been established at National Chemical
Laboratory, Pune and at Tata Energy Research Institute, New
Delhi. Plant Issue Culture laboratories have also been set up in

different National Institute.
The West Bengal Scenario

So far, no major conservation measures aiming at
conservation of medIcinal plants in particular or ensuring
sustainable use of the same has been taken in West Bengal.
Cultivation of some commercially valuable species has been
attempted in some areas mostly by some private entrepreneurs
with the motive of searching for lucrative agricultural options.
Some research institutions like Bidhan Chandra Krishi
Viswavidyalaya has attempted to develop agro-techniques for
certain species. Only recently, the state government has started
showing interest in the field. It has now become evident that
going for medicinal plant cultivation in response to rising
demand for certain species can be a lucrative agricultural option
in West Bengal. TImely attempt to do so, would not only save
some of the species from possible extinction, but also feed the
state economy with assured and sustained financial benefit in
near future.
Proposed List of Cultivable Medicinal Plants in West Bengal

Out of about 4000 medicinal plants in India, West Bengal
possesses about 700 species covering aromatic plants, species and
herbal vegetables of which about 75 species are known to be
comm~rcially operated either collected from natural sources or
from cultivation. Some of them are supposed to be agri-
alternative in West Bengal and commercially viable in
cultivation.
Suggested Measures and Action Plan

Some suggested measures and action plan which should be
taken up to ensure proper sustainable use of medicinal plant
parts in India in brief are as follow (the expected actors and
required time period is shown within parenthesis against each
suggested action):
1. Preparation of a state level inventory of medicinal plant
parts in trade in the major markets within the state.
Species level scientific identification is extremely
necessary in case of each items. Basic minimum
information which are required to be collected on the
products are: (i) Trade or local names/Scientific or
botanical name. (ii) Source: Cultivated/Wild/Forest/non-
forest: (iii) Availability: (Districtwise and forest area-wise
in case of forest products). (iv) Known/claimed medicinal
properties (v) Current price range. (vi) Demand and
availability trend through last five years. (vii) Anticipated
conservation status. (viii) Cultivation status within the
state. (ix) Agro-techniques (if known). (x) Availability in
other parts of India (statewise and major trade centers)
(Suggested Actors: Government local NGOs, Universities
or other research institutions. Time period: 1 year).
Thorough literature survey - areawise (ecosystemwise) and
group wise up to species level and documentation.
(Suggested Actors: Government, NGOs, Universities or
other research institutions. Time period: 1 year).
2. Rapid documentation of empiric knowledge base of tribal
and ethnic communities and rural people of India about
medicinal plants and their uses. (Suggested Actors:
Government, NGOs, Universities or other research
institutions. Time Period: 3 years).
3. Rapid documentation of traditional conservation
practices existing among the tribal, ethniccommunities
and rural people of West Bengal. (Suggested Actors:
iristitutions. Time Period: 2 years).
4. Identification of threatened habitat and taxon
(Suggested Actors: Government NGOs. Universities or
other research institutions. Time Period: 2 years).
5. Preparation of State Herbarium of medicinal plants
occurring in India (Suggested Actors : Government,
NGOs, Universities or other research institutions. Time
Period: 2 years).
6. Preparation of a reference sample collection of medicinal
plant parts in trade for the country allowing public
access to the collection. (Suggested Actors: Government,
NGOs, Universities or other research institutions. Time
Period: 2 years).
Medicinal Plants of India: An Observation 43
7. Preparation of a pictorial identification handbook on

medicinal plant parts in trade. (Suggested Actors:
institutions. Tune Period: 1 year).
,8. Formation of a marketing and development board in West
Bengal for medicinal and aromatic plants and phyto
pharmaceuticals. Such a Board can interact with growers
and user industry to bring stability in their production.
demand, price, quality and can also help in fostering
international trade. The Board should invite members and
representatives from all segm~nts of stakeholders
particularly ayurvedic drug manufacturers, herbs and
crude drug traders. medical practitioners and botanists.
(Suggested Actor: State Government Time Period:
Immediate).
9. State level initiatives to introduce and promote cultivation
of medicinal plants occurring naturally within the state
which are in high demand. (Suggested Actors: Govt.,
NGOs. Time Period: 5 years).
10. Promoting cultivation throughout the state giving priority
to items which can he exnorted with cultivation certificate
authentication only. (Suggested Actors: Govt., NGOs Tune
Period: 5 years).
11. Developing agro-technique for as many as possible plants.
So far agro-technique could be developed for 42 medicinal
plants only. (Suggested Actors: Government, NGOs,
Universities or other research institutions. Tune Period: On-
going process, Long Term).
12. Providing scientific identification facilities to public at
nominal cost. The facilities should be extended to assess
also the quality of the products. Suggested Actors:
institutions. Time Period: Should be started within 1 year,
followed by possible expansion).
13. Initiating scientific research on the alleged medicinal
properties of each of the plant parts and anticipated side
effects. (Suggested Actors: Central and the State
Government, Research Institutions, R&D section of major
drug manufacturers, Universities, and NGOs. Tune Period I:
Long Term).
14. Ensuring uniformity in transit formalities for medicinal
plant parts with other Indian states. (Suggested Actors :
State Government, Central Govt. Time Period:
Immediate).
15. Ensuring uniformity in tax rate for medicinal plant parts
with other major markets in India, particularly at par
with the New Delhi market. (Suggested Actor: State
Government Time Period: Immediate.)
16. Preparation of specific list of banned medicinal plant
items for West Bengal market. (Suggested Actor: State
Government Time Period: Immediate.)
17. Training enforcement staff regarding existing laws on
medicinal plants and identification of restricted species.
(Suggested Actor: Central and State Government, NGOs.
Time Period: Immediate.)
18. Preparation of single specific list containing items
taxable as medicinal plant parts for the country. For
taxation, it is essential to include each plant part in one
list only, i.e., if any item has been included in the list of
dried fruits, it should never be considered as medicinal
plant part, and vice versa. Definition under one list is
necessary and less confusing in case of any legal
settlement. (Suggested Actor: State Government Time
Period: Immediate).
19. Publication of a manual regarding laws dealing with
medicinal plants, inventory list of herbs and crude drugs
in West Bengal market, banned item list, collection &
transit formalities within the state, list of registered
whosesale traders/exporters /manufacturers and
research laboratories equipped to deal with medicinal
plants. (Suggested Actors: Government, NGOs. Time
Period: 3 years).
20. Establishing infra structural facilities for ex-situ
conservation especially seed bank and medicinal plant
nursery. (Suggested Actors: Government NGOs, other
research institutions. Time Period: Should be started
within 1 year, followed by possible expansion).
Chapter Three
Ayurveda: An Indian System
This elaborate subject is not being discussed in this Chapter.

Enormous amount of Literature ~xists on the subject. Legendary
figures in Ayurvedic medicines are Indian Physicians e.g., Atreya,
Mahabhorati, Nagarjun Sagar, Vagabhata, Sushruta and others.
The period between 800 B.C. and 1000 A.D. could be considerd
as the golden age of Indian System of Medicine.
"Ayurvedic medicine", according to Encyclopedia Britanica "is
an example of a well-organized system of traditional health care,
both preventive and curative".
Some useful plants, plant and some other recent information
have been presented in this Chapter.
Of 84 Ayurvedic plant species recorded in a table, only 20
species have been recorded as safe, 28 are cultivated, 16 as sporadic.
The depleted genera are Artenesia, Asparagus, Cessampelos,
Cordia, Curculiga, Gymnema, Hemidesmus, Nardostachys,
Nelumbo, Paederia and Rauvolfia.
The indication seems to be bad.
Ayurveda
The backround history of Ayurveda has its origin about 4500
RC. 'Charaka Samhita' and Susharata Samhita are considered to
be most vital documents of Ayurveda.
The evolutionary history and various stages of development
are not the subject of discussion in this treatise. As such only broad
outline on Ayurveda System is discussed.
Ayurveda-An Indian System

Enormous amount of literature exists on this subject. During
the last sixty years voluminous work has been done on various
facts of Ayurveda and on the drugs used in India. The author does
not find it necessary, in the present context, to rewrite the history
starting from Vedic Period since 4500 B.c., records of which exist.
A brief recapitulation, however, may be relevent which are -
• Most vital documents were compiled by the great Charaka
and Sushruto in Charaka-Samhita' and Sushrata-Samhita'.
• In the seventh century A.D.' Astango Hridaya Samhita' give
a wide range of information.
• The period between 800 B.C.' and 1000 A.D. is considered
as golden age on indian System of medicine.
• The Indian Ayurvedic system of medicines and treatment
suffered a stagnation due to prolonged Muslim and the
British rule.
• In 1563 Garcia D'orta a portugeese physician a tretise on
indian medicine.
• The work of several foreigners on Indian Drugs are
commendable. Mention may be made of the names of the
following:
• Flemming (1910), Ainsic (1913), Roxburgh (1834),
Waring (1868), Mohidin Sheriff (1869), Warden and
Hooper (1890-93), Georage Wall (1889-1904).
• The Scientists of CSIR are engaged in updating various
technologies particularly agro and processing
technology resulting in production of derivations like
phytochemicals, essential oils, Oleo resins etc.
• The famous Scientist Dr. (Mrs.) Asima chatterjee thinks
the therapeutic use of Indian medicine dates back to
4500--1600 B.C i.e., early are of Rig-Veda. This led to
evaluation (2SOO--ffiO B.C.) of Ayurveda which literally
means "Science of Life."
• Systematic and concerted Scientific research was
pioneered in India on indigenous plants by Dr. R.N.
Chopra and his colleagues in the school of Tropical
Medicine, Kolkata.
• Encyclopaedia Britannica (Marco, 23,906,1988) writes
UAyurvedic medicine is an example of well-oraganized
system of traditional health care, both preventive and
Ayurveda : An Indian System 47
system of traditional health care, both preventive and
curative. It is still a form of health care, both preventive
and curative. It is still a form of health care in large
part of Eastern World especially in India, where a large
number of population use this system exclusively or
combined with modem midicines."
• Dr. K.P. Biswas and A. Ghosh's work on medicinal
plants has been recoded in the books entitled. "
Bharatiya Bonousodhi". This work gives a wealth of
information. The work of Nagendra Nath Sen Gupta ,
K.M. Nadkarni and Dr. Sibakali Bhattacharjee present
an indepth information in various work done in
medicinal plants of India.
Nadkami in his book "Indian Materia Medica" describes
remedial properties of about 550 plant species. Of these, 90 are tree
species, 28 are climbing species, 35 are shrub species and 397 are
herb species. Dr. Bhattacharjee in books' Chiranjib Banousodhi' has
discussed plant properties of more than 800 species and has listed
more than 3000 local names of medicinal plants of various states
of the country.
On the context of these valuable work, it is worthwhile to
ascertain the present status of medicinal plants to find out how f~r
this wealth needs protection.
Originated in the Vedic times around 5000 years ago.
Ayurvedic formulations which are an ancient health system; use a
combination of, selection of around 1200 species about 500 of which
are commercially traded. Ayurveda uses medicinal plants in
various forms, some of which can be gathered only by destructive
harvesting: in 30 per cent cases only the roots are used, in another
13 per cent only the bark and it is only in about 16 per cent that
the whole plant is used in other cases, medicines use the fruits,
leaveSz:flowers, rhizome seeds etc. It is commonly thought that
medicinal plants are mainly herbs, but in fact about one-third are
trees-this has implications for conservation and management of
supplies to the industry. The majority of plants used in ayurveda
are procun{d from the wild, though around 10 per cent :are
cultivated on private lands. I
Trades on medicinal plants of India may be described as

extremely complex, secretive. traditional, badly oraganized, highly
under-estimated and unregulated. There is no macro level
information available for assessing the nature and full extent of
the trade; there are only 'guesstimates' based on local inventories
and micro studies. Identification of species and volumes traded is
futher complicated by the fact that there is no reliable correlation
between trade names and botanical names, and names used for
particular species may change along the supply chain. Conversely,
the same trade name is at times used for several species, especially
if they are used for similar purposes. Hence, for the purposes of
this study, twelve of the most representative species were selected
for detailed research into the conservation, collection, cultivation
and trade of medicinal plants. These are aloe vera, Chlorophytum
borivillianum, Commiphora, wightii, Embelia ribes, Embillica officinalis,
Nardostachys grandiflora, Picorrhiza kurroa, Rauwolfia serpentina,
Saraca indica, Swertia chirpta, Terminalia chebula and Withania
somnifera.
Trades on medicinal plants are localed in 6 major, 21 medium
and 37 minor markets spread across the country. The major centers,
located at the heads of the routes taken by the medicinal plants,
are big cities including the four metros. Major export take place from
Delhi, Mumbai, Chennai and Tuticorin. In terms of total volume of
the 12 species traded in 1999-2000, Mumbai tops the list with about
3,300 tonnes, followed by Delhi with about 2,000 tonnes. The
survey indintified a number of facators that affect the final price.
Volumes traded are directly proportional to the prices of the raw
material, which in turn are proportional to the
abundance/ availability of the species. There is also a connection
between the part used and prices, so that species that are
distructively harvested seem to be more expensive. High altitude
species such as Nardostachys grandiflora, Picrorrhiza kurroa, Swertia
chirata also are high value species. Price also increases with the
distance of the source of raw material from the market.
Use of Medicinal Plants in the Ayurvedic Industry

The prescribed reference texts of Ayurveda namely Charak,
Sushruta, and Bagbhatta describe use of 1,100, 1,270 and 1,150
medicinal plants respectively in drug formulations (Gupta 1993.)
AIlP..ex 4 lists some of the most important medicinal plants used in
ayurveda and the conditions they are used to treat. Ayurveda uses
medicinal plants in various forms: fruits, leaves, flowers, rhizome,
bark, roots and seeds, etc. (see Table 3.1). Sometimes whole plants
are used but mostly, some parts are used to prepare the
formulations. Estimates suggest that about 16.5 per cent of the
usage requires whole medicinal plants while in the rest one or a
combination of plant parts is used (FRLGT 1997).
Table 3.1: Analysis of Plant Parts Used in Ayurvedic Industry
Parts used Percentage
Roots 29.6
Rhizome 4.0
Leaves 5.8
Flowers 5.2
Fruits 10.3
Seed 6.6
Stems 5.5
Bark 13.5
Wood 2.8
Whole plant 16.5
(Source: FRLHT 1997)
India harbours a wide range of medicinal and aromatic plants

mostly sued in Ayurvedic, Unani. Siddha, Homepathic, Allopathic
and other alternate medicinal practices such as folk medicine, home
remedies, household remedies naturopathy, tantra-theraphy, Amchi
and tribal medicine. The plants used in alternate medicine are
awaiting a touch of modern knowledge.
Out of 17,500 flowering plants species known from India, more
than 4000 species are used as medicinal plants of which 300
species yield gum and dyes and about 100 species yield essential
oils and are used as raw material in drug industry. About 200 drugs
are of animal and mineral origion.
Keeping in mind this perspective it can be mentioned that the
rigveda (4500-1600B.C) an old reposlitory of human knowledge,
quoted 67 plants of medicinal value. The Atharva Veda and the
Yajurveda mention 200 and 81 species of plants of the therapeutic
value. Charak (1000 RC) and Sushruta (BOO RC) quoted 341 and
395 medicinal plants respectively in their Samhitas. Ethno-
botanical studies have added about 1680 species of medicinal value
in the existing list of medicinal plants in India.
In last 75 years the basic active principles like salicylic acid,
alkaloids, saponins, glycosides, steroid compounds have been
isolated from higher group of plant except Ephidrin from from
Ephedra (gymnosperm), Taxol from Taxus (gymosperm), new
alkaloid from Lycopodium, ergot from civiceps fungus and other
antibiotic from fungi groups. During 1950, only 2000 alkaloid was
known to the world. By 1970, the number increased to 4000, and
in 2000 A.D. it has been estimated to be about 10,000 alkaloids, of
which 5000 are chemically less known.
The discovery of hallucinogenic use of morning glory has
stimulated future studies of Datura, Canabis, and Paper in India.
The hallucinogenic drugs are very much in demand in today's
world. Very recently steroidal sapogenious substance has also
attracted phyto-chemists to give more attention in their research.
Herbal Medicines
The vidic and post-vedic periods since 3500 B.C. saw some
celebrated Indian physicians e.g., Atreya, Mahabarati, Nagarjun
Sagar, Vaghbhata, Sushruta, Charaka, who were legendry fighers
of Indian medicine.
Although the tradiditional Medicines bad been repleced to a
great extent by chemical and synthetic medicines, herbal medicines
are once again gaining ground das the synthetic one are costly and
found toxic and proved to be health hazardous.
People sufferiflg from chronic diseases are willing to use
trational medicines that the synthetic ones. Several countries also
are looking back towards the Traditional folklore Medicines".
U
China resisted all imports of modem medicines by use of more and

more traditional ones. So herbal wealth of India needs
concservation so that traditional species could be sused more and
more.
In 1948, Col. R.N. Chopra submitted a report recommending
revival of traditional Indian Medicine and its synthesis with
modem medicines. Such integration were also advocated by the
government of India.
Revival of Cultivation of medicinal plants- In recent years
several states and private organizations have start cultivation and
conservation of medicinal plants in garden and Arbourata. One
such endeavour adopted by Orissa State (The Statesman new
Service, Feb.6,2001) is worth mentioning.
The first phase of an ambitious Medicinal garden" was

11
launched here recently with the District Enviroment Society,

Khurda, making a modest beginning by plating 50 defferent species
of medicinal plants near patrapara village.
The species planted in the first phase area of 40 acres have
been procured from the nearby Brebera forests and from the
silviculturist, Orissa.
Funded by the forest department, district rural development
agency and by a Rajya Sabha MP Mr. BJ Par..da, the plan is to
develop Medicinal garden over a total area of 250 acres for
plantation in three phases. The area happens to be a degraded Sal
forest and is close to the state capital forest department officials
said.
Emphasizing on the need to recognize, preserve and develop
such plants, they said 8000 species of medicinal plants are used
by different medicine systems in the country.
The World Health Organisation ( WHO) has estimated that
80% of the population of developing countries on traditional
medicine mostly derive from plants for their primary healthcare
needs. The demand of medicinal plants is increasin~ throughout
the world. 90% of the drugs used in Indian Systems 6f Medicine &
Homoeopathy (ISM&H) are plant based and collected from wild
sources.
Government of Indian has set-up a national level body called
the Medicinal Plants Board in November 2000 for the development
and sustainable use of medicinal plants in the country. The Board
aims at making the cultivation of medicinal plants and its
sustainable management besides co-ordinating all matters related
to medicinal plants and to make it a people's movement. The
medicinal plant species included in this publication represent high
demand plants, which can give good remuneration if a tie up with
buyers is arranged.
The Board will undertake the following activities:
1. Promote encouragement for cultivation of selected
medicinal plants backed by buy-back arrangement.
2. Enocurage States and UTs to registering raw drug traders
and cultivators so that source of supply of medicinal plant
is monitored as a measure to promote quality control, safety
and efficacy of drugs.
3. Facilitate measures, which enhance efficency, cost

effectiveness and upgradation of harvesting, dryin, grading
packaging, transportation and storage of medicinal plants.
4. The following thirty-one (31) species, which are in high
demand both in domestic and international markets are to
be brought into cultivation status as these constitute a bulk
of the ingredients used in the preparation of ISM&H and
herbal products. This list will naturally undergo changes
from time to time.
Table 3.2
SI. Common Botanical Name
No. Name
1. Amla Emblica officinalis Gaertn Perennial tree
2. Ashok Saraca asoca(Roxb.) de Wilde Perennial tree
3. Ashwagandha Withania somnifera (Linn.) Dunal Annual herb
4. Atees Aconitum heterophyllum
Wall. ex Royale Biannual herb
5. BaeI Aegle mal!flelos (Linn) Corr. Perennial tree
6. Btuni Phyllanthus amarus Annjual herb
amlaki Schum &Thonn. (p.niruri Unn.)
7. Brahmi Bacopa monnieri (L.) pennell Annual herb
8. Chandan Santalum album Unn. Perennial tree
9. Chirata Swerlia chirata Buch-Ham Biannual herb
10. Giloe Tinospora cordifo/ia Miers. Perennial climber
11. Gudmar Gymnema sylvestre R. Br. Perennial climber
12. Guggal Commiphora wightii (Arn.)
Bhandari Annual climber
13. Isabgol Plantago ovata Forsk. Annual herb
14. Jatamansi Nardostachys jatamansi DC Perennial herb
15. Kalihari G/oriosa superba Unn. Annual climber
16. Kalmegh Andrographis paniculata Wall.
Ex Nees Annual herb
17. Kokum Garcinia indica Chois Perennial
18. Kuth Saussurea costus C.B.Clarke
(S.lappa) Annual herd
19. Kutki Picrorhiza kUffoa Benth ex Royle Annual herb
20. Makoy Solanum nigrum Unn. Annual herb
21. Mulethi Glycyrrhiza glabra Unn. Perennial herb
contd...
Table 3.2 - contd...
SI. Common Botanical Name
No. Name
22. Musali Chlorophytum arundinaceum

Safaid Baker (C. borivillianum) Annual herb
23. Pashan Coleus barbatus Benth. Annual herb
Bheda (Coleus)
24. Pippal Piper longum Linn. Parennial climber
25. Rasaut Berberis aristata DC. Parennial shrub
(Daruhaldi)
26. Sarpgandha Rauwolfia serpentina Benth.
ex Kurz Perennial herb
27. Senna Cassia angustifolia vahi. Under shrub
28. Shatavari Asparagus racemosus willd. perennial climber
29. Tulsi Ocimum sanctum Linn. Annual herb
30. Vai Vidang Embelia ribes Burm. f. Perennial shrub
31. Vatsnabh Aconitum ferox wall. Perennial herb
5. Under general and specialized surveys of the national and

international market for medicinal plants and products for
identifying niche areas.
6. Motivate and encourage States/Uts to set up State
Medicinal Plants Board/Vanaspati Van Societies who can
give a focus and direction to medicinal plants related
activities.
7. Support manufacturers/NGOs and representative
individuals for participation in international fairs,
seminars and meetings with a view to create awareness
and explore the international market for plant based herbal
products.
8. Support R & D studies in the areas of post harvest
management including increasing shelf-life introducing
better storage techniques and agro-techniques, enhnce bio-
availability to be taken up through CSIR, NBRI, CIMAP,
ICFRE, RRLs, DBT, Horticulture and Forest Departments.
9. Launch efforts to create mass awareness about the
importance of medicinal plants in all strata of society, rural
and urban.
India is bestowed with a treasure of medicinal plants. The
supply base of 90% herbal raw drugs used in the manufacture of
Ayurveda, Siddha, Unani ~ Homeopathy systems of medicine
is largely from the wild. Besides this, plant are also used in
various industries proudcing herbal items other than medicines.
This wild source is speedily shrinking day-by-day. Therefore,
there is a need for conservation and sustainable use of medicinal
plants. Cultivation is clerly a sustainable alternative to the
present collection of medicinal plants from the wild. This can be
a potential provider of returns to the farmers/cultivators.
Keeping the above concept in view, the Department of Indian
Systems of Medicine & Homoeopathy has indentified 31 (thirty-
one) potential medicinal plants. In the present booklet brief
cultivation practices together with relevant information on these
medicinal plants have been presented for the interested growers/
cultivators either as a single crop or for intercropping.
(Source : Modified by RBs Rawat, National Medicinal Plant
Board)
Table 3.3 : Important Medicinal Plants Used in Ayurveda
Plant Sanskrit Main indications/effects Status
name
Acorus calamus Vacha Neivipe, antispasmodic, sedative,

stomachic, expectorant, laxative,
diuretic,
Artemisia absinthium Indhana Anthelmintic o
Artemisia vulgaris 'Nagadamni Anthelmintic, expectorant D
Asparagus Shatavari Antispasmodic, antidirrhetic,
racemosus demulcentpS
Azadirachta indica Neem Skin disease, antibacterial S
Bacopa monnieri Brahmi Nervine tonic, diuretic,sedative S
Boerhavia diffusa Pumamava Diuretic, expectorant, laxative
Boswellia senata ShalJaki Antiarthritic, analgesic,
antiinfiamatory PS
Buchanania lazan Plyala Skin disease, laxative PS
ftutea monosperma Palasa Diarrhea, flatulence, anthelmintic PS
Callicarpa Pringu Joint pain, skin disease,
macrophylla blood disease S
Calotropis gigantea Alarka Bronchitis, diarrhoea, cancer PS
Cannabis indica Bhang Insomnia, dysmenorrhea PS
Capsicum annum Katuvira Rubefacient, stimulant C
Capicum carvi Krishnajira Flatulence, stomachic C
contd.....
Table 3.3 - contd•..
Plant Sanskrit Main Indications/effects Status
name
Carum copticum Ajwayan Spastic bowel, flatulence,
dyspepsia C
Cassia angustifolia Markandika Constipation, liver disease, joint pain
Cassia fistula Argbhada Ringworm, constipation, fever,
antibacterial PS
Cedrus deodara Devadaru Fever, diarrhea, urinary disease PS
Centella asiatica Manduk- Sedative, alterative, &nxiolytic S
parni
Cichorium intybus Kasni Emmenogogue, digestive S
Cinnamomum Karpoor Diarrhea, nervousness,
camphora muscular pain fever C
Crocus sativus Kumkuma Nervine sedative, emmenogogue,
aphrodisiac S
Cinnamomum Twak Dyspepsia, flatulence, diarrhea,
zeylanicum menorrhagia. C
Cissampelos pareira Laghu Spastic bowel, uterine prolapse,
Patha alterative D
Clitoria tematea Aparajita Cedema, anthelmintic, demulcent C/PS
Cocus nucifera Narikela Fever, pharyngitis, skin disorder,
alterative C/PS
Co/eus aromaticus Pashan- Kidnet stones, conjunctivitis,
bheda spastic colon C
Cordia obliqua Shelsh- Expectorant, colic, dyspepSia,
mantaka ulcers, cough D
Coriandurm sativum Dhanyaka Flatulence, colic, joint pain,
antiseptic C
Crinum deflexum Sudershan Emetic, inflammatory conditions C
Cuminum cyminum Jeeraka Diarrhea, dyspepSia, antiseptic,
hookworm C
Curculigo orchioldes Talamulika Hemmorroids, asthma, kidney
stones, skin D
Curcuma longa Haridra Arthritic pain, anti-inflammatory,
skin disease C
Curcuma zedoaria Shati Cough, asthma, leukorrhea,
tonnesillitis CID
Cynodon dactylon Doorwa Diuretic, styptic,hematuria,
hemorrhoids PS
Cyperus rotundus Mustaka Anti-inflammatory, flatulence,
fever, estrogenic PS
Datura metal Daturra Anti-spasmodic, joint pain,
asthma, dysmenorrhea S
contd.....

name
Daucus carota Garijara Blood purifier, nervi ne tonic,
jaundice C
Dolichos biflorus Kulitha Edama, kidney stone, asthma,
dysmenorrhea, tumours C
Eclipta Alba Bhringaraj Hapatic, deobstruenland tonic,
alliterative, emetic purgative,
antiseptic, antiviral S
E/ettaria Elaichi Bronchitis, flatulence, dyspepsia,
cardamomum Chhoti hemorrhoids C
Emblica officinalis Amalaki Fruit: cooling, laxative, stomachic,
tonic, diurentic PS/C
Evovulus alsinoides Shankha- Anxiety, diarrhoea, bronchitis,
pushpi memory loss, fever S
Ferula foetida Hingu Glatulence, cough, constipation,
palpitation, aphrodisiac C
Ficus re/igiosa Aswatha Ulcers, skin disease, diabetes,
constipation PS
Ficus racemosa Udambara Diarrhoea, hemorrhoids, bleeding,
disproders, antiseptic PS
Foeniculum vulgare Satupuspa Cough, flatulence, dysmenorrhea,
hookworm edema C
Grewia hirsuta Nagbala Diarrhoea, wounds, heart disease,
fever S
Gme/ina arborea Gambhari General tonic, to increase
strength, antiviral, indigestion PS/C
Gymnema sylvestre Meshas- Diuretic, astringent, hypoglycemic,
tringa regerant, stomachic D
Hemidesmus indicus Sariva Excellent alternative, to increase
appetite, cough, skin D
Holarrhena Kutaja Diarrhoea, dysentery, amebiasis,
antidysenterica anthelminthic PS
Hyoscyamus niger Yavani Chronic dementia, hysteria,
palpitations, asthma, sedative C
Hyssopus officina lis Zupha Cough, asthma bronchitis,
amenorrhea C
Ipomoea digitata Vidari Cough, hoarseness, respiratory
stimulant, tonic S
Justicia adhatoda Vas aka Bronchitis, asthma, jaundice,
antispasmodic Ps
Unum usitatissimum Uma' Cystitis, bronchitis, boils,
anti-torant, demulcent C
contd.....
name
Luffa acutangula Koshataki Splenomegaly, emetic, skin
disease, expectorant C
Madhuca longifolia Madhuca Tonnensillitis, cough, rheumatic
jOints, diabetes, appetizer PS
Michelia champaca Champaka Gastritis, chronic arthritis,
emmenagogue, diuretic, colic S
Mimosa pudica Lana1u Menorheagia, hemorrhoids,
skin wounds, diarrhea S
Mimusops elengi Bakula Tonic, cardiotonic, urogenital
disease, snakebite, skin sores C
Morinda citrofolia Ach Acne, eczeme, hyperlipidemia,
bronchitis, diarrhoaa S
Moringa o/eifera Slgru Source of Vitamin c, colds, boils,
fever, joint pain, gout PS/C
Mucuna pruriens Kapika- Nervine tonic, aphrodisiac,
chchha Parkinsonism, hypercholesterolemia D
Narostachys Jatamansi Nervousness, anxiety,
jatamansi dysmenorrhea, insomnia, hair tonic D
Nelumbo nucifera Parijata Refrigerant, sedative, demulcent D
Nyctanthes Parijata Liver diseases, constipation
arbortristis anthelminthic, anthistaminic C/PS
Ocimum sanctum Tualsi Demulcent, expectorant, anticatrrhal
antispasmodic, anthelminthic C
Paederia foetida Prasarni Rheumatic joint pain, edema,
bladder stones, inflammation D
Papaver somiferum Ahiphenam Anxiety, diarrhoea, aphrodisiac,
sedative C
Peucedanum Satapushpi Flatulence, colic, abscesses,
graveo/ens digestive C
Phyllanthus fraternus Bhumia- Jaundice, liver disease, fever,
malaki genitourinary disease, edema S
Picrorrhiza kurroa Katuki Hepatitis, asthma, anorexia C
Piper nigrum Maricha Dyspepsia cough, pharyngitis,
headache, diarrhea C
Plantago ovata Isaphgol Constipation, colitis, irritable bowel,
cystitis C
Plumbago zey/anica Chitraka Abortifacient, warts, rheumatic
joint pain C
Premna integrifolia Agnimantha Flatulence, fever, arthritis, liver
deobstruent S
Prunus amygda/us Badama Mental energy, general tonic esp.
nerve and kidney, semen S
contd.....
58 Endangered Medichlal Plants

name·
Pterocarpus Rakta Skin tonic, liver disorders, fever CID
sanatalinus Chandan
Punica granatum Dadima Anthelminthic (esp. tapeworm),
diarrhoea, dyspepsia C
Randia ducmetorum Madana Fruit and rind are emetic, diaphoretic
and antispasodic, bark is sedative
and nervi ne calamative S
Rauvolfia serpentina Sarpa- Hypertension, anxiety, insomnia,
gandha colic 0
Ayurvedic Formulations
Ayruvedic medicines can be classified as ayurvedic classical
formulations and patent and proprietary formulations. The
ayurvedic classical formulations include those medicines that are
menufactured according to prescriptions given in one of the ancient
ayurvedic texts, while the patent and proprietary medicines are the
outcome of research and development efforts of manufacturing
companies. The concept of combination of ingredients and hence
formulations in ayurveda. Table 3.4 indicates the extensive range
of formulations in which particular species may occur.
Table 3.4 : Frequency of Occurrence of Medicinal Plants in Herbal
Formulations in India
Common Botanical name No. of herbal Status
name formulation
Harra Terminalia chebu/a Herra, behera and aonla PS
Behera Terminalia be/erica together used in 219 PS
Aonla Emb/ica officina/is Formulations PS
Yashtimadhu G/ycyrrhiza glabra 141 C
Pipali Piper /ongum 125 C
Vasaka Adhatoda vasica 110 PS
Ashwagandha Withania somnifera 109 C
Mastak (Motha) Cyperus rotundus 102 PS
Guduchi Tinispora cordifo/ia 88 0
Daruharidra Berberis aristata 65 0
Gokshura Tribu/us terestris 65 0
Kutja I'!0/arrhena antidysenterica 59 PS
Punamava Bderhavia diffusa 52 S
Source: Biotech Consortium India Ltd. 1996
Background to the Unani and Siddha System of Medicine
Unani System
The unani system of medicine was introduced in India by
Arabs and Persians from Greece where it originated between 460
BC-377 BC. According to Hippocrates, disease is a normal process
and its symptoms the reaction of the body to the disease. The body
has four humours namely Blood (Dam), Phlegm (Balgam), Yellow
bile (Safra) and Black bile that keep the equilibrium. The humours
have specific temperament and the temperament of a person is
expressed as being sanguine, phlegmatic, choleric and melancholic
according to their level in the body. The System believes in the
presence of some self-preservation mechanism in human body. The
diagnosis and treatment are based on the concept of temperament
and changes in temperament are related to changes in the balance
of humours. Drugs are made of herbal, animal and mineral origin.
The drugs stimulate and strengthen the defence mechanism and
normalize the imbalance.
Table 3.5 : Top 17 medicinal plants consumed by Baidyanath, Jhansi
Trade name Botanical name Status
Amla* Emblica officinalis PS
2 Ashok* Saraca indica C
3 Babul Acacia arabica PS
4 Ghee kunwar* Aioevera C
5 Urad Phaseo/us mungo PS
6 Harra* ( Large and Small) Terminalia chebula PS
7 Munkka
8 A~un Terminalia arjuna PS
9 Adusa Adathoda vasica PS
10 Baheda Terminalia belerica PS
11 Guduchi Tinospora cordifolia 0
12 Kateri ( Large and Small) Solanum surattense S
13 Rasna Pluchea lanceolatal
Po/ygonum spp.!
Dendrophthe facultata S
14 Shankhpushpi Convolvulus pluricaulis 0
15 Jawasa Alhaqi maurorum/ pseudalhaqi 0
16 Ashwagandha* Withania somnifera DIC
17 Safedmusli* Chlorophytum borivillianun 0
*Species selected for detailed market study
Siddha System
Siddha means achievment of perfection, saintly figures who
achieve excellence through the practice of yoga, promoted the
system in Tamil Nadu. The manuscripts are in Tamil. It is believed
that eighteen siddhas contributed towards the development of
siddha medicine. It is largely therapeutic in nature.
The principles and doctrine of this system are similar to that
of ayurveda. The difference is basically linguistic. According to this
system, the human body is the replica of the universe, as are the
food and drugs, irrespective of their origin. This system also accepts
the five-element theory and the tridosha theory as in ayurveda. The
diagnosis involves identifying causes by examining pulse, urine,
eyes, voice, body colour, tongue and the state of the digestive system
(ITeOT 1999).
The study was divided into three phases:
Phase I: An overview of the ayurvedic industry in India,
especially in relation to its consumption of raw material
(i.e., medicinal plants).
Phase 11: Study of pricing, value addition and information
flow mechanisms at different points in the supply chain
ranging from the primary collector/cultivator to the
processing industry.
Phase Ill: Investigation of the potential application of
market based instruments to ensure both supply of
sustainably managed medicinal plants to the ayurvedic
industry and better returns for primary collectors/
cultivators.
Chapter Four
Potential Drug Plants of Undivided
India Listed by Kirtikar and Basu
The list of drug plants prepared by Kirtikar and Basu covers

large area of undivided India. In marking the 'Status' of various
species the author has not corrected any nomenclature of species.
The 'Status' column shows making of 'dash' (- sign), which mean
not known. The status column shows preponderance of 'Sporadic'
species. The legend used in all the lists is as follows:
S Sporadic.
S'" = Sporadic with concentrated patches of regeneration.
T = Threatened (also D = Depleted).
PS = Presently safe.
C Cultivated.
Table 4.1 : List of Medicinal Plants (Kirtikar and 8asu)
Scientific Name Status Scientific Name Status
Ranunculaceae Adonis
Clematis aestivalis
napaulensis T Nigel/a
triloba T sativa c
smilacifolia S Ranunculus
gouriana S trichophyllus
graveolens lingua
Anemone sceleratus FS
obtusiloba T pensylvanicus
Thalictrum arvensis
foliolosum T muricatus
falcatus
I'
contd .....
Table 4.1 : contd•..•
Scientif ic Name Status Scientif ic Name Status
Caltha I/Jicium
palustris T griffithii
Coptis
Annonaceae
teeta T Ucaria
Delphinium
narum S
denudatum T Artabotrys
caeruleum
odoratissimus C
elatum
Canangium
brunonianum
odoratum
Actaea
Annona
spicata
Squamosa C
Cimicifuga
reticulata C
foetida T Sageraea
Paeonia
laurifolia
emodi T Polyalthia
Aconitum
Iongifolia FS
lucidum
simian.m FS
chasmanthum
thwaites
violaceum
heterophyllum T Menisp ermace ae
palmatum Tinospora
T
deinorrhizum malabarica T
balfourii cordifolia T
falconeri "var. I Anamirta
spicatum cocculus
laciniatum Tiliacora
ferox T acuminata S
elwesii Cocculus
lethal hirsutus S
napellus pendulus S
laurifolius S
Dillieniaceae
macrocarpus S
Dillenia
Pachygone
indica PS ovata
.M,gnol iaceae Pericampylus
Michelia g1aucus
champaca PS Stephania
nilagirica PS hemandifolia S
montana S glabra
contd.....
Potential Drug Plants of Undivided India 63
Table 4.1 : contel••••
Cissampelos Cruciferae
pareira S Nasturtium
Tinospora sinensis palustre S
Stephania japonica indicum PS
Berberidaceae montanum
Berberis Cardamine
petiolaris impatiens
aristata Capsella
Iycium bursa-pastoris
asiatica T Lepidium
Mahonia sativum S
napaulensis T draba S
Podophyllum crassifolium S
,emodi T latifolium
ruderale S
Nymphaeaceae
perfoliatum S
Nyrnphaea
Cochlearia
alba T flava
rubra T
Crambe
pubescens T
cordifolia
stellata T Raphanus
Euryale
sativus C
ferox T
Brassica
Nelumbo
oleracea C
nucifera T
campestris· var. apa C
Nymphaea nouchali
nigra C
Papaveraceae
Capparldaceae
Argemone
C/eome
mexicana PS monophylla
Meconopsis
brachycarpa
aculeata
icosandra PS
napaulensis T
feUna
Papaver
heptaphylla
somniferum C chelidonii
Fumariaceae gynandra
Corydalis Macrua S
govaniana S arenaria
ramosa
contd.....
Table 4.1 : contd....
Crataeva Flacourtiaceae
murvala PS Flacourtia
Cadaba cataphracta S
farinosa ramontchi S
trifoliata sepiaria S
Capparis Camellia
spinosa thea PS
heyneana PS Gordonia
decidua PS obtusa
grandis S Dlpterocarpaceae
sepiaria S Dipterocarpus
zeylanica S turbinatus PS
Reseda ceae tuberculatus PS
Reseda alatus PS
odorata pilosus
Oligomeris Shorea
subulata robusta PS
Ochrade nus tumbuggaia
baccatus Hopea
Violaceae odorata S
Viola Vateria
serpens T indica S
odorata Nlalvaceae
cinerea Althaea
diffusa officinalis
patrini rosea
.tricolor ludwigii
biflora T Ma/va
sylvestris sylvestris S
lonidium rotundifolia S
enneaspermum S parviflora
Cochlospermaceae verticillata
Coch/ospermum Malvastrum
gossypium PS coromandelianum S
Sida
Bixaceae
Bixa veronicaefolia S
rhomboidea S
orellana C
spinosa S
contd.....
Table 4.1 : contd..••
acuta S Kydia
rhombifolia S calycina PS
cordifolia S Bombacaceae
Abutilon Adonsonia
indicum S digitata PS
hirtum Cynocardia
theophrasti S odorata T
glaucum Hydnocarpus
asiaticum wightiana
Malachra venenata
capitata S anthelmintica
Urena Taraktogenos
lobata S kurzii 0
sinuata 5 Pittosporaceae
repanda S Pittosporum
Pavania napaulense
odorata
Polygalaceae
zeylanica
Polygala
Hibiscus
crotalarioides
furcatus S
micranthus S
chinensis 5
cannabinus S
telephioides 5
glomerata
sabdariffa S
abelmoschus S
sibirica 5
esculentus S Frankeniaceae
tiliaceus S Frankenia
rosa-sinensis C pulverulenta
lampas S Caryophyllaceae
trionum S Saponaria
surattensis S vaccaria 5
manihot S Polycarpea
mutabilis C corymbosa 5
Thespesia Vaccaria pyramidata 5
populnea PS
Portulacaceae
Gossypium
Portulaca
herbaceum S
arboreum" var.
oleracea 5
PS
quadrifida PS
barbadense
tuberosa S
hirsutum S
contd.....
Tamaricaceae Ternstroemiaceae
Tamarix Schima
troupii S wallichii PS
dioica S monogynum
aphylla coca
galJica S Malpighiaceae
Myricaria Hiptage
elegans benghalensis C
germanica
Zygophyliaceae
Elatlnaceae Tribulus
Bergia terrestris
odorata alatlJs
Zygophy/fum
Hyperiacaceae
simplex
Hypericum
coccineum
patulum T
Fugonia
perforatum
cretica
humifusum
Geraniaceae
sampsoni
Geranium
japonicum T
wallichianum
chinense
napalense T
Guttlferae robertianum
Garcinia ocellatum
mangostana C luddum S
indica moIle
morella pratense
xanthochymus S pusillum
dulcis rotundifolium
cornea sibiricum
cowa S
Oxalldaceae
heterandra
Oxalis
Ochrocarpa
comiculata PS
longifolius S
Calophyllum
acetosella PS
Biophytum
inophyDum S
sensitivum PS
apetalum
Averrhoa
elatum
carambola C
Mesua
bilimbi
ferea PS
contd.....
Balsaminaceae Clausena
Impatiens excavata T
balsamina C Bombax
tripetala S ceiba FS
chinensis Ceiba
Rutaceae pentandra FS
Evodia Sterculiaceae
Lunur-ankenda S pterygota
fraxinifolia FS alata FS
rutaecarpa Sterculia
Ruta foetida S
graveolens urens S
tuberculata balanghas
Peganum rubiginosa
harmala pterocymbium
Dictamnus javanicum S
albus Scaphium
Zanthoxylum affine
a1ahm wallichii
acanthopodium S Helicteres
oxyphyllum S isora FS
hamiltonianum Peterospermum
budrunga S suberifolium S
Toddalia acerifolium FS
asiatica S heyneanum
Vepris Pentapetes
bilocularjs phoenicea
Skimmia Eriolaena
laureola T quinquelocularis S
Glycosmis Melochia
cochinchinensis corchorifolia S
Acronychia Abroma
laurifolia S augusta FS
Murraya Guazuma
koenigii Ps.C tomentosa FS
paniculata C Theobroma
cacoa C
contd.....
Buettneria Erythroxylaceae
herbaca Erythroxy/on
Tilinceae pentaphylla S
Grewia wampi
tiliaefolia Umonia
S
asiatica S crenulata S
sclerophylla Luvunga
villosa scandens S
hirsuta S Paramignya
tenax monophylla S
umbellata longispina
paniculata Ata/antia
microcos monophylla T
Triumfetta Citrus
bartramia S medica C
semitriloba NK medica var. proper C
Corchorus medica var. limonum
capsularis C medica var. acida C
olitorius medica var. limetta C
C
trilocularis C aurantium
fascicularis aurantium var. proper
depressus aurantium var.
bigaradia
Elaeocarpaceae aurantium var. bergamia
E/aeocarpus maxima C
ganitrus T Feronia
oblong us elephantum S
serratus S Aeg/e
tuberculatus S marmelos FS
Linaceae Simaroubaceae
Unum Ailanthus
usitatissimum C glandulosa S
perenne excelsa C
strictum malabarica S
Reinwardtia Samadera
trigyna S indica
Mugonia indica var. lucida
mystaxS Picrasma
quassioides S
contd.....
javanica S Dysoxylum
Brucea hamiltonii S
sumalfana malabaricum S
Eurycoma Sandoricum
longifolia indicum
Balanites Aglaia
aegyptiaca T odoratissima
roxburghii roxburghiana
Ochnaceae Aphanamixis
Ourataa polystachya PS
angustifolia Amoora
Ochna cucullata
pumila Walsura
S
squarrosa piscidia
heynea S
Buseraceae
trijuga S
Boswllia
Carapa
serrata PS moluccensis T
glabra
obovata T
Garuga
Soymida
pirnata PS febrifuga S
Commiphora
Chukrasia
mukul T
tabularis R3
agallocha D
tooba atach R3
stocksiana
Chloroxylon
Canarium
swietenia R3
commune
strictum S Icacinaceae
bengalense S Ximenia
americana
Meliaceae
TUffacea Olacaceae
villosa Olax
Naregamia scandens
alata nana
Azadirachta Sarcostigma
indica PS kleinfi
Mafia Celastraceae
azedarach PS Euonymus
composita S tingens
contd ....
Scientif ic Name Status Scientif ic Name Status
javanicus S latifolia
Kokoon a vinifera
zeylanica indi.;a
Celastrus setosa
paniculata T carnosa
Gymnosporia araneosa
spinosa
pedata S
royleana
tomentosa
Elaeodendron
repens
glaucum S pallida
Salacia
Leea
oblonga
macrophylla
reticulata
crispa S
Rhamn aceae indica PS
Ventilago robusta
maderaspatana S aequata
talyculata
Berchemia Sapind aceae
lineata Cardiospermum
Zizyphus halicacabum S
mauritiana Aesculus
S
trinervia S indica S
nummularia S hippocastanum S
sativa Allophylus
rugosa S serratus S
oenoplia S Schleichera
Rhamnus trijuga PS
dahuricus Sapindus
wightii trifoliatus
purpureus mukorossi S
triqueter Litclu
nipalensis chinensis C
Gonania Nephelium
leplostachya S longana S
lappaceum
Viitacea e
Vitis Acer
quadrangularis pictum
S
Dodonaea
adnata
viscosa PS
contd.....
Table 4.1 : contd. ...
Scientific Name Status ScienUfic Name Status
Anacardiaceae Connaraceae
Rhus Connarus
parviflora monocarpus
semialata S Rourea
wallichii santaloides
insignis bofa/aria
succedanea burhia
Pist8r;ia prostrata
iiltegerrima T albida
Mtmgifera verrucosa
indica S juncea
caesia medicaginea
Anacardium trifoliastrum
occidentale PS retusa
Buchanania sericea
lanzan PS Trigonella
Melanorrhoea occulta
usitata foenum-graecum S
wallichii S polycerata
curtisii corniculata
Lamea Melilotus
coromendelica S indica S
Semecarpus officinalis S
anacardium PS alba
Holigarna Cyamopsis
arnottiana S tetragonoloba S
longifolia Indigofera
Spondias ilinifolia S
pinnata PS glandulosa
Coriariaceae enneaphylla S
Coriaria aspalathoides
nepalensis T trifoliata
oblongifolia
Moringaceae
tinctoria
Moringa
pulchella
oleifera C
trita
coneanensis
articulata
glabra
contd.....
1-2 Endangered Medicinal Plan~s ,
Pseudarlhri Erythrina
viscid indica PS
Uraria Psoralea
picta corylifolia
lagopoides S Colutea
hamosa nepalensis
Alysicarpus Mundulea
longifolius S suberosa
arachis Tephrosia
hypogaea C parpurea S
Ougenia vil/osa S
oojeinensis S petrosa
Desmodium G/ycyrrhiza
tihaefolium S glabra S
gangeticum Millettia
polycarpum S auriculata S
trifolium pachycarpa S
lasiocarpum Adinobotrys
retroflexum S atropurpureus
poIchellum Sesbania
Abrus aegyptiaca C
precatorius T aculeata C
Cicer grandiflora C
arietinum C Astragalus
Lathyrus tribuloides ..,.
sativus C hamosus S
aphaca multiceps
pratensis strobiliferous
Pisum Tavemiera
sativum C cuneifolia
Glycine Lens
soja esculenta C
Teranmus Athagi
labiafis came/orum
Mucuna Zomia
monosperma diphylla S
gigantea Smithia
prurita T conferta S
contd.....
Table 4.1 : contd••••
sensitiva Pongamia
Omocarpum pinnata PS
sennoides Derris
lunatus scandens S
aconitifolius elleptica PS
adenanthus uliginosa
catiang Sophora
Clitoria tomentosa
ternatea C moIlis S
Dolichos griffithii
biflorus "var. roxburghi
lablab C suberosa
Rhynehosia Butea
minima monosperma PS
Cajanus superba S
cajans C Canavalia
Atylosia virosa
searabaeoides S ensiformis
Cylista Pueraria
seariosa tuberosa
Flemingia Phaseolus
strobilifera trilobus
chappar S radiatus C
grahamiana mungo C
congesta S Caesalplniaceae
tuberosa Caesalpinia
nana crista S
Dalbergia jayabo
sisso PS nuga
multiflora sapan
lanceolaria S pulcherrima C
volubilis S sepiaria
spinosa S digyna S
famarindifolia S coriaria
laifolia T DeIonix
pterocarpus
elata C
santalinus T Wagatea
indicus 0 spicata
marsupium T
contd.....
Cassia Mimosaceae
fistula PS Neptunia
occidentalis PS oleracea
sophera PS Xylia
obtusifolia dolabrifonnis S
auriculata S Entada
obovata scanclens S
alata PS Adenanthera
glauca pavonia T
absus Prosopis
mimosoides spicigera FS
pumila Dichrostachys
angustifolia TIC cinerea
Leuceena
javanica
glauca FS
tora PS
Mimosa
Cynometra
pudica FS
mimosoides
runicaulis FS
cauliflora
Acacia
Hardwickia
famesiana S
pinnata PS
nilotica FS
Saraca
leucophloea
indica C catechu FS
Ceratonia
ferruginea
siliqua senegal
Haematoxylon modesta
campechianum rugata
Tamarindus caesia
indica PS pennata S
Humbo/dtia suma S
vahliana S Albizzia
Bauhinia Iebbeck FS
tomentosa odoratissima FS
racemosa PS julibrissin
retusa PS arnara
vahlii PS procera FS
purpurea PS stipulata FS
variegata PS Pithecellob/~m
malabarica bigeminurn FS
macrostachya dulce FS
contd.....
Rosaceae gallica
Prunus alba C/S
amygdalus S indica
persica S banksiae
anneniaca multiflora
cerasus Cydonia
avium C/S vulgaris
cerasoides S Pyrus
communis malus C
dornestica communis
insititia Eriobotrya
corn uta japonica C
rnahaleb Cotoneaster
undulata nummulana SIr
triflora bacillaris
Prinsepia microphylla S
utilis S S var. buxifolia
Rubus Saxifragaceae
moluccanus Bergenia
saxatilis ligulata
fruticosus Dichora
Geum febrifuga S
urbanum Ribes
alatum orientale S
Potentilla nigrum
nepalensis S Kalanchoe
supina pinnata
anserina S spathulata
fruticosa S laciniata
reptans Sedum
fragarioides asiaticum S
kleiniana S
multicaule
sericea S
Agrimonia Droseraceae
eupatoria S Drosera
Rosa lunata
damascena C indica
centifolia bunnanm T
contd.....
Hamamelidaceae Myrtaceae
Exbacklandia populnea SIC Myrtus
Rhizophofaceae communis .10-
Rhizophora Melaleuca
mucronata FS leucadendron C
Ceriops Lufta
candolleana FS aegyptiaca C
Kandelia acutangula C
ca'ndel T var. amara
echinata
Combretaceae
Benincasa
Terminalia
hispida C
catappa S
cerifera
belerica FS
Momordica
chebula S
charantia balsamina
citrina S
dioica C
a~una FS
cochinchinensis C
tomentosa FS
tUberosa
paniculata
Cucum
pyrifolia
trigonus
bialata
meIo O'PS
oliveri
·var. momordica
myriocarpa FS
·var. utilissimus
coriacea
prophetarum
pallida 0
sativus
Calycopteris
Citrullus
floribunda 0
colocynthis
Anogeissus
vulgaris C
latifolia FS
·var fistulosus
Quisqualis
Coccinia
indica C
indica S
Lecythedaceae Cucurbita
Barrlngtonia maxima C
racemosa pepo C
acutangula FS Bryonopsis
speciosa laciniosa C
Careya Melothria
arborea FS maderaspatana S
perpusilla
contd...
Table 4.1 : contd.•••
heterophylla S Bupleurum
Blastania Eucalyptus
garcini citriodora FS
Kedostris globulus
rostrata Psidium
Coral/ocarpus guyava C
epigaeus Jambosa
Zanonia jambos FS
indica Syzygium
Datiscaceae operculatum S
Datisca ClJ11ini FS
cannabina spicatum
hemispherican
Cactaceae
Pimenta
Opuntia
acris
coccinellifera
monacantha Melastomaceae
stricta Mdemecylon
nigricans I.IT1beIlatum
dillenii S amplexicaule S
angustifolium
Ficoidaceae
Melastoma
Tnanthema
malabathricum S
portulacastrum S decemfidum
pentandra
Osbeckia
decandra
nepalensis S
Mol/ugo
crinita S
hirta S Ammannia
oppositifolia
baccifera
pentaphylla
auriculata S
cerviana PS
nudicaulis Lythraceae
Giesekia Woodfordia
fruticosa S
pharmacoides
Lawsonia
Umbelliferae inermis PS
Hydrocotyle Lagerstroemia
asiatica PS speciosa
javanica PS indica c
ErynglUm Sonneratia
caeruleum caseolans 0
contd.....
Punicaceae jucundum
Punica Apium
granatum C graveolens
Onagraceae Carum
jussieua carvi C
suffruticosa S bulbocastanum
repens roxburghianum
copticum C
Trapa
bispinosa S Pimpinella
heyneana C
Samydaceae
sexifraga
Casearia
diversifolia
graveolens S stocksii
esculenta S Seseli
tomentosa indicum S
Cariaceae Pycnocycla
Carica aucheriana
papaya C Foeniculum
Passifloraceae capillaceum C
Passiflora Prangos
foetida C pabularia
edulis Angelica
Adenia glauca
paImata C Ferula
narthex C
Cucurbitaceae
jaeschkeana
Trichosanthes
toctida
paImata C
Peucedamum
cordata C
graveolens
dioica C
grande
nervifolia C
dhana
cucumerina
aucheri
anguina C
nagpurense
wallichiana
Heracleum
Gymnopetalum
wallichii
cochinchinense
Zosimia
Laganaria
orientialis
vulgaris C
falcatum
contd.....
Coriandrum Hymenexiictyon
sativum C excelsum FS
Nothopanax Paederia
fruticosum foetida T
Hedera Pavetta
helix C indica FS
Cuminum Randia
cyminum dLmetorum S
Oaucus uliginosa S
carota C Rubia cordifolia
Psammogeton Vangueria S
bitematum spinosa S
Alangiaceae Morinda
AJangium citrifolia FS
larnarckii S Ophiopogon
serpentinum
Caprifoliaceae
Cuises
Sambucus
officinalis
eburus
Oldenlandia
javanica S
corymbosa S
Viburnum
Psychotria
foetidum S
ipecacuana S
Lonicera
Ophiorrhiza
glauca
mungo's S
Rubiaceae Ixora
Sarcocephalus parviflora C
missionis cocinea C
cordatus Mussaenda
Anthocephalus frondosa FS
chinensis PS
Adina Valarianilceae
cordifolia PS Nardostachys
Nauclea jatamansi T
sessilifolia PS Valeriana
Mytragyna hardwickii
parvifolia officinalis
Uncaria Asclepiacaceae
gambir Hemidesmus
indicus T
contd. ...
Crypto/epis Leptadenta
buchanani T reticulata
Cryptostegia Tylophora
grandiflora S fasciculata
Periploca asthmatica
aphylla S tenuis
Secamone Cosmostigma
emetica S racemosum
G/ossonema Dregea
varians S valubilis S
Oxystelma Caropegia
esculentum S bulbosa S
Calotropis tuberosa
gigantea PS Caralluma
procera PS edulis
Asclepias Boucerosia
curassavica PS aucheriana
Pentatropis Loganiaceae
cynanchoides Fagraea
microphylla racemosa S
Pergularia Strychnos
extensa colubrina S
Daemia nux-vomica T
cordata potatorum T
Holostemma bourdilloni
annulare cinnamomifolia
Cynanchum Cyrtophyllum
amottianum peregrinum
Sarcostemma
Gentianaceae
brevistigma
Exacum
brunonianum
tetragonum S
intermedium
bicolor
stocksii
pedunculatum S
Gymbema
lawii
sylvestre T
Marsdenia Enicostemma
roylei littorale
Erythraea
volubilis
roxburghii
contd.....
Table 4.1 : contd.•.•
Happea Rotu/a
dichotoma acquatica
Canscora He/iotropium
diffusa S eichwaldi
decussata S tuberculosum
Gentiana strigosum PS
tenella brevifolium
kurroo indicum
decumbens S Trichodesma
dahurica indicum
Swertia africanum PS
purpurascens zeylanicum
paniculata Cynog/ossum
chirata T glochidiatum PS
angustifolia T Macrotomia
angustifolia Vr benthami
decussata perennis
alata Onosma
lawii echioides
Limnanthemum bracteatum
nymphaeoides PS Caccinia
Menyanths glauca
trifoliata Uthospermum
Hydrophyllaceae officinale
Hydro/ea arvense
zeylanica Convolvulaceae
Boraginaceae Argyreia
Cordia speciosa S
obliqua PS fulgens
wallichii Lettsomia
rothii PS aggregata S
vestita Ca/onyction
macleodii bona-nox
Ehretia muricatum
aspera Quamoclit
microphylla pinnata PS
Co/denia coccinea
procumbens vulgaris
contd.....
Erycibe Solanaceae
paniculata Solanum
Rivea nigrum PS
ornata PS dulcamara T
Ipomoea spirale
hederacea S verbascilolium PS
uniflora ferox S
paniaelata indicum S
batatas C melongena C
pes-tigridis PS xanthocarpum S
reniformis trilobatum
obscura gracilipes
sepiaria torvum S
reptans C incanum
campanulata sarattense S
pes-caprae PS Physalis
dissecta minima S
tuberosa minima var. indica PS
dasys.:>erma angulata
hispida peruviana S
Operculina capsicum
turpethum frutescens
Merremia annuum PS
vitifolia PS minimum
tridentata Withania
Convolvulus somnifera T
arvensis PS coagulans
glomeratus Nicandra
spinosus physaloides
Evolvulus Lycium
alsinoides PS barbarum
Cressa ruthenicum
cretica Atropa
Cuscuta belladonna T
reflexa PS Datura
hyalina stramonium S
chinensis fastuosa var al. ClS
metal S
contd.....
Scopolia roxburghii
lurida Moniera
Physoclaina cuneifolia
praealta Artanema
Hyoscyamus sesamoides
niger T Curanga
muticus amara S
reticulatus Veronica
Nicotiana anagallis S
tabacum C beccabunga
rustica Striga
Scrophulariaceae lutea
Torenia orobanchoides
asiatica PS Sopubia
Vandel/ia delphinifolia
pysidaria PS Pedicularis
pedunculata pectinata
Bonnaya siphonantha
reptans PS Orobanchaceae
Scoparia Cistanche
dulcis PS tubulosa
Picrorrhiza Orobanche
kurrooa T aegyptiaca T
Verbascum
Lentibulariaceae
thapsus S Utricularia
Ca/sia
bifida s
coromandeliana S
Linaria
Bignoniaceae
Oroxy/um
ramosissima PS
Schweinfurthia
indicum PS
Tecomella
sphaerocarpa
Lindenbergia
undulata C
Dolichandrone
urticaefolia PS
Stemodia spathacea S
viscosa falcata
Limnophila Heterophragma
gratissima roxburghii
gratioloides Stereospemum
Chelonoides PS
contd.....
Scienti fic Name Status Scientif ic Name Status
suaveolens PS Hap/anthus
Raderm achera verticillaris
xylocarpa tentaculatus
Amphicome Gymnostachyum
emodi N< febrifugum
Tecoma Phlogacanthus
stans C thyrsiflorus PS
Crescentia Crossandra
cujete C undulaefolia
Pedalia ceae Asystasia
Martyni a gangetica
annua S Lepidagathis
Pedalium cristata S
murex trinervis S
sesamum C hamiltoniana
indicum C Justica
gendarussa PS
Acanth aceae
pror.umbens
Auricula tus
Adhatoda
ciliatus
Blepharis vasica PS/C
Rhinacanthus
edulis S
communis
sindica
Acanthu s nasuta
Ecbolium
ilicifolius PS
linneanum
Barieria
Graptophy/lum
prionitis T
pictum
noctiflora
Rungia
cOstata T
repens
cristata var. dichotoma
parviflora S
strigosa T
Dicliptera
courtaHica
longiflora roxburghiana S
Peristrophe
Neuraca nthus
sphaerostachys bicalyculata
Androgr aphis Cardanthera
paniculata uliginosa S
T
Asteracantha
echiodes
longifolia S
contd.....
Ruellia agnus-castus
prostrata S pubescens
suffruitcosa leucoxylon
Daedalacanthus Clerodendrum
roseus S inerme S
Strobilanthes phlomidis C/S
callosus S serratum S
Verbenaceae speciosium PS
Lantana siphonanthus S
indica PS Avicennia
aculeata PS officinalis PS
Uppia tomentosa
nodiflora PS Labiatae
Verbena Ocimum
officinalis C canum C
Callicarpa basilicum C
arborea S gratissimum
lanata sanctum c
macrophylla S Geniosporum
cana prostratum
Stachytarpheta Orthosiphon
indica S stamineus S
Tectona CoIeus
grandis PS amboinicus C
Premna Anisochi/us
integrifolia S carnosus
tomentosa Lavandu/a
latifolia PS bipinnata
esculenta Pogostemon
herbacea S plectranthoides S
Gmelina purpurascens S
arborea PSIC parviflorus
asiatica Colebrookia
Vitex QPl:ositifolia S
trifolia Mentha
negundo PS viridis
peduncularis PS piperita C
glabrata sylvestris C
contd.....
Scientific Name Status Scientific Name Stai.US
arvensis C Brunella
Lycopus vulgaris S
europaeus Maffubium
Origanum vulgare
majorana Anisomeles
vulgare indica S
Thymus rnalabanca
serpyllum Stachys
Hyssopus parviflora
officinalis Leonurus
Micromeria sibiricus S
capitellata S Roylea
Calamintha elegans
dinopodium S Otostegia
Melissa fimbata
parviflora S aucheri
Perowskia Leucas
abrotanoides cephalotes
atriplicifolia zeylanica
Meriandra aspera FS
strobilifera linifolia
bengalensis urticeafolia
Salvia stelligera
moorcroftiana Leonotis
lanata C nepetaefolia
pIebeia Eremostays
aegyptiaca vicaryi
cabulica acanthocalyx
spinosa Hyptis
officinalis suaveolens S
Nepeta Ajuga
eUiptica S bracteosa
ciliaris Zalaria
ruderalis multiftora
glomerufosa Ziziphora
Dracoceohalum dinopodioides
moIdavicum tenuior
Lallemanlia Hymenocraler
royleana sessilifolius
contd.....
Tenucrium lanata FS
stocksianum Acyranthes
scordium aspera FS
Plantaginaceae bidentata FS
Plantago Altemanathera
major C sessilis FS
lanceolata Chenopodiaceae
amplexicaulis Chenopodium
ovata C album FS
Psyllium botrys
ciliata ambrosiodes FS
lagocephala Beta
vulgaris C
Nyctaginaceae
Spinacia
Boerhavia
oleracea C
diffusa FS
repens FS Kochia
Pisonia indica
aculeata sedoides
morindaefolia scoparia
Mirabi/is Arthrocnemum
jalapa S indicum
Salicornia
Amaranthaceae
brachiata
Celosia
Suaeda
argentea S fruticosa FS
·var. cristata
monoica
Digere
Salsola
arvensis S kali
Amaranthus
foetida
spinosus FS Basella
paniculatus
rubra C
gangeticus FS Haloxylon
·var. tristis
salicomicum
virdis
recurvum
bIitLm
·var. oleracea Phytolaccacesae
Aerva Phylolacea
tomentosa FS acinosa S
conid.....
Table 4.1 : contd.•..
Polygonaceae scutatus
Calligonum Rumex maritimus L. PS
polygonoides S Rumex vesicarius L.
Pleropyrum Aristolochiaceae
olivierii Bragantia
Polygonum wallichii
aviculare tomentosa
plebejum S Aristolochia
viviparum bracteata
glabrum indica T
persicaria tagala T
barbatum FS
Piperaceae
hydropiper S
Piper
punctatum
longum C
moIle S
cluba
chinense
sylvaticum
ientale
betle PS
virginianum
nigrum C
sphaerostachyum
attenuatum
serrulatum
sarmentosum
Fagopyrum
aurantiacum
cymosum
esculentum FS Chloranthaceae
talaricum Chloranthus
Rheum officinalis
spiciforme brachystachys
emodi T Myristicaceae
webbianum Myristica
nobile T malabarica
Oxyria fragrans PS
d~na
Lauraceae
Rumex
Cinnamomum
maritimus
tamala C
dentatus FS oblusifolium C/S
nepalensis FS iners
vesicarius FS zeylancum C
acetosella
macrocarpum
acetosa
glanduliferum S
contd.....
Table 4.1 : contd.••.
parthenoxylon Santalac~ae
camphora C Santalum
cassia album C
pauciflorum Osyris
javanicum arborea
Machilus Euphorbiaceae
macrantha S Euphorbia
Actinodaphne hypericifolia
hookeri S hirta S
Litsea thymifolia
chinensis S microphylla
Iyantha S tirucalli C
stocksii neriifolia C
Lindera nivulia C
neesiana S antiquorum C
Cassytha royleana C1PS
filiformis PS thomsoniana
Litsea glutinosa Lot. Pers. PS jhelioscopia
Litsea monopetala (Rc) PS draounculoides
Elaeagnaceae longifolia
Elaeagnus granulata
hortensis sanguinea
umbellata S turcomanica
latifolia Buxus
Hippophae sempervirens T
rhamnoides S Bride/ia
salicifolia retusa S
montana S
Loranthaceae
Cleistanthus
Dendrophthoe falcata
collinus S
cochinchinensis PS
Andrachne
Loranthus
cordifolia
elasticus
Phyllanthus
falcatus PS reticulatus S
Viscum
maderaspatensis S
album S urinaria S
monoicum S simplex S
orientale niruri S
articulatum
contd.....
Cicca Acalypha
disticha S fruticosa
Glochidion indica PS
hohenackeri hispida
zeylanicum S paniculata
Flueggea Trewia
virosa S nudiflora PS
leucopyrus Mal/otus
Sauropus philippinensis PSIS
quadrangularis Macaranga
Breynia peltata S
rhamnoides S indica S
patens S Laportea
Putranjiva crenulata PS
roxburghii PSC Boehmeria
Antidesma nivea PS
bunius T Platanaceae
zeylanicum
Platanus
Jatropha oriental is S
glandulifera
nana Juglandaceae
multifida PS Juglans
curcaS S regia CID
gossypifolia S Myricaceae
Aleurites Myrica
moluccana C Myrica esculenta D
Bischofia Casuarinaceae
javanica S Casuarina
Aporosa equisetifolia C
lindleyana
Croton Cupuliferae
Betula
reticulatus S
oblongifolius PS utilis S
caudatus alnoides
Quercus
tiglium S
Chrozophora incana PS
rottleri PS lamellosa .S
prostrata pachyphylla
contd.....
Gorylus kumaonensis
eoluma soongarica
Quercus infectoria Oliver Crocus
Salicaceae sativus G
Salix Belamecanda
tetrasperma S chinensis C
acmophylla AmarylJidaceae
caprea Agave
alba americana C
babylonica C angustifolia
Populus vera-cruz
nigra Homonoia
cieiata S riparia S
Ceratophyllaceae Ricinus
Ceratophyllum communis C
demersum S Baliosperrnum
Elettaria montanum T
cardamomum C axillare T
Alpinia Tragia
galanga T involucrata S
alihugas S Sapium
calcarata indicum
malaccensis S insigne S
speciosa sebiferum S
Maranta Excoecaria
arundinaceae C agallocha PS
Ganna acerifolia
indica C Sebastiania
Musa ehamelaea
sapientum C Huru
textilis C crepitans
Haemodoraceae Manihot
Sansevieria utilissima C
roxburghiana C Hippomane
maneinella-
Irid
Iris Urticaceae
ensata Hunulus
nepalensis C lupulus
contd.....
Table 4.1 : contd. ••.
Cannabis Pouzo/zia
sativa C indica PS
streb/us Antiaris
asper S toxicaria
Morus Mocarpus
indica C hirsuta
alba C integrifolia C
nigra lakoocha C
Ficus Urtica
gibbosa S parviflora
bengalensis S dioica S
benjamina S pilulifera
retusa S Curcu/igo
rumphii S orchioides
religiosa PS Crinum
lacor asiafticum C
heterophylla ES latifolium
asperrima defixum
hispida PS Po/ianthes
cunia S tuberosa C
ribes Taccaceae
palmata PS Tacea
glomerata pinnatifida S
carica aspera
amottiana
dalhousiae
Bromeliaceae
talboti
Ananas
sativus C
ts~la
H%pte/ea Dioscoreaceae
integrifolia PS Dioscorea
Celtis pentaphylla T
australis S oppositifolia T
cinnamomea S bulbifera T
Terma triphylla S
orientalis PS alata T
Gironniera
var. globosa
reticulata
sativa S
Girardinia
zeylanica
contd.....
Tab/e 4.1 : contd....
Liliaceae Fritil/aria
Smi/ax imperialis
glabra roylei
lanceaefolia cirrhosa
zeylanica T Colchicum
prolifera T Iutet.m C
merophylla T Gloriosa
Asparagus superba T
filicinus PoIyanthes
racemosus T tuberosa C
adscendens Pontederiaceae
gonoclados Monochoria
officina lis vaginalis S
Yucca
Xyridaceae
gloriosa
Xyris
aloifolia
indica
Aloe
anceps
vera T pauriflora
Polygonatum
multiflorum Commelinaceae
Commelina
Asphodelus S
obliqua S
tenuifolius
suffruticosa S
Chlorophytum
nudiflora S
arundinaceum S
benghalensis PS
Allium
salicifolia
ascalonicum
Aneilema
cepa C scapiflorum
sativum C Cyanotis
schaenoprasum tuberosa
tuberosum axillaris
ampeloprasum Floscopa
Urginea S scandens S
indica
Flagellariaceae
coromandeliana
Flagellaria
Scilla
indica S
indica C
Ulium Juncaceae
giganteum C Luzula
wallichianum campestris S
contd.....
Palmae Travancoricus
Areca rheedii
catechu FS ziminalis
nagensis Nipa
Loxococcus fruticans T
rupicola
Pandanaceae
Pinanga
Pandanus
dicksonii S tectorius S
Irachis
tascinalatus
Arenga
saccharifera Typhaceae
obtusifolia FS Typha
Nallichia angustata S
disticha elephantina FS
Caryota laxmanni
urens T Araceae
mitis Cryptocoryne
Phoenix spiralis FS
dectylifera FS Pistia
sylvestris FS stratiotes FS
pusilla Lagenandra
Nannorphos ovata FS
ritchieana Arisaema
Copemicia speciosum
cerifera tortuosum
Corypha leschenaultii
umbraculifera Sauromatum
Borassus guttatum
flabellifer Typhonium
Lodoicea trilobatum FS
seychellarum Amorphophallus
Elaeis campanulatus C
guineensis prainii
Cocos Synantheras
nucifera FS sylvatica
schizophylla Plesmonium
yatai margaritiferum C
Calamus Remusatia
rotang T vivipara C
contd.....
I
Co/ocasia Cymbidium
esculenta C aloifolium T
antiquorum c Vanda
Alocasia roxburghii T
indica C spathulata
macrorrhiza PS tessellata T
montana Saccolabium
denudata papillosum T
Homa/omena Acampe
aromatica wightiana T
rubescens Zeuxine
indapsus strateumatica T
officina lis Orchis
Rhaphidophora latifolia
pertusa PS Habenaria
Lasia commelinifolia T
heterophylla S Curcuma
Pothos angustifolia S
scandens PS aromatica C
cathecarti PS zedoaria S
Acorus caesia
calamus S amada C
gramineus D long a C
Alismaceae Kaempferia
Sagittaria galanga T
sagittifolia PS angustifolia SIT
rotunda
Hydrocharitaceae
Gastrochi/us
Vallisneria
pandurata
spiralis PS
Hedychium
Orchidaceae spicatum S
Desmotrichum Amomum
fimbriatum xanthioides
Dendrobium subulatum C
ovatum T aromaticum S
Eu/ophia costatum
campestris Zingiber
nuda officinale C
contd.....
SCientific Name Status Scientific Name Status
zerumbet S multiflorum C
cassumunar S (su. pubeseens) C
Costus humilis
Speciosus Nyctanthes
Plumbaginaceae arbor-tristis CIS
Plumbago Schrebera
zeylanica S swietenoides
rosea S Salvadoraceae
indica Azima
Sapotaceae tetracantha
Acrus Sa/vadora
sapota S persica S
Madhuca Asteraceae
indica Sonchus
longifolia SIPS arvensis S
Mimusops brachyotes S
elengi C Pluchia
hixandra S lanceolata S
Mamikara Vernonia
kanki cinera PS
Sarcos stoma anthelmentica PS
brevistina Elephantopus
Erenaceae scaber PS
Diospyros Gnangea
embryopIeis S maderaspetara S
Eupatorium
Symplocaceae
ayapara C
Symplocos
triplinerve S
rac:emosa S Blumea
Styraceae laeera S
Styrax Anacyelus
benzoin S pyrethrum S
Oleaceae Artimesia
Jasminum vulgaris S
arborescens Carthamus
grandiflorum CIS tinctorius C
sambac C Crysanthemum
coronarium C
contd.....
Table 4.1 : contd..•.
Eclipta solanea PS
alba FS Plumeria
prostrata acutifolia C
Enhydra rubra C
fluctuans FS Ervatania
Saussurea coronaria C
lappa T Polypodiacesae
Guisotia Cinbotium
abisinica FS barometz
Xanthium Stenoloma
strumarium FS chinensis
Wedelia Adiantum
calendulacea FS lunulatum T
Sphaeranthes sp. FS eaudatum T
Agocynaceae eapillus-veneris T
Carissa aethiopicum
carandus sp. S venustum
Aganosma pedatum
caryophyllata C flabellulatum
dichQtoma C Cheilanthes
Alstonia, tenuifolia SID
scholaris FS Pferis
Ichnocarpus aquilina T
fruitescens FS Asplenium
Holarrhene adiantum-nigrum T
antidysentetica FS ruta-muraria SIP
Rauwolfia trichomanes
serpentina falcatum
Nerium
odorum
indicum
C
C
Athyrrium
filix-foemina
Actiniopteris
-.
Wrightia dichotoma
tomentosa FS Aspidium
tinctoria S polymorphum T
Thevetia Drynaria
neriifolia C quercifolia PS
Vallaris Pleopeltis
haynei FS lanceolata
contd.....
Lygodium ostreatus
flexuosum P.) igniarius
japonict.m Polyporus
Osmundaceae anthelminticus
Osmunda officinalis
regalis D Boletus
crocatus
Ophioglossaceae
Mytitta
Ophiog/ossum
lapidescens
vulgatum T
Auricularia
He/minthostachys
sambucina PS
zeylanica T
Cotrychium Lichen
lunaria Parmelia
tematum kamstchadalis
perlata PS
Equisetaceae
perforata
Equisetum
debile T Cyperaceae
Kyllinga
Polypodiaceae
triceps S
1. Acliniopteris austra/is
monocephala
(I.t.) L.
Fimbrystylis
2. Adiantum capillus
veneris L. junciformis
3. Adiantum incisum Forsk. Juncellus
syn inundatus
Adiantum philippense Cyperus
Adiantum venustum scariosus
rotundus
Polypodiaceae
sculentus PS
Drynaria quercifolia S
longus
Marsileaceae articulatus
Marsilea minata PS iria
Salviniaceae Scripus
Azolla pinnata S grossus PS
Salvinia cucullata Roxb. S articulatus
'.kysoor
Fungi
maritimus
Agaricus
campestris S
contd.....
Potential Drug Plants of Undivi ded India
99
Poacea e Eleusine
Oryza coracena
sativa indica
Hygroryza
Gymnospermae (Coniferae)
aristata
Cycas
Coix
rumphii 0
lachryma-jobi
revoluta 0
Polytoca
Ephedra
barbata
gerardiana QC
Zea
Gnetum
mays
scandens 0
Saccharum
Cupressus
officinarum
sempervirens S
arundinaceum
Juniperus
munja
communis T
spontaneum
recurva T
Manisur is
macropoda T
granularis
Taxus
Vetiveria
baccata T
zjzanioides
Pinus
Amphilophis
longifolia PS
odorata PS gerardiana
Cymbopogon
excelsa PS
jwarancusa
Cedrus
schoenanthus
deodara PS
nardus
Abies
citratus
webbiana PS
Heterop ogon
contortus Poaceae
Avena Phragmites
fatua maxima PS
sativa Dactyloctenium
satvia var. orientalis aegypticum PS
Desmostachya Triticum
bipinnata PS aestivum C
Cynodo n durum C
dactylon spelta C
amy/elm C
contd.....
Table 4.1 : contd•...
Hordeum frumentacea PS
vulgare C crus-galli PS
Paspalum Setaria
scrobiculatum PS italica C
Pennisetum plicata S
spicatum PS viridis S
compressum PS Sorghum
Thysanolaena halepense C
maxima PS vulgare C
Panicum Bambusa
miliaceum PS arundinacea C/PS
miliare PS Dendrocalamus
antidotale PS stricutus C/PS
Echinochloa
colona PS
LEGEND: C = Cultivated; P.S. = Presently Safe; S = Sporadic; T = Threatened;
o = Not known; S* = Sporadic (gregarious at places)
Chapter Five
Some Potential Drug Plants of India
Comments on the list of
Dr. Sibakali Bhattacharyya
It is a list that covers the plants of tl:!e temperate and tropical

regions. The conifers such as Abies, Ts,,!ga, Picea occur in hills at
particular heights and gregariously. Most of other species all over
are sporadic in occurrence though aiew species have gregarious
growth over a small area; in legend such species are mark~d 5*.
Most of the species listed by Bhattacharyya are sporadic in
occurrence. He has not listed a great number of species, but most
of the species listed are common.
On the whole the species listed are facing a crisis.
Bhattacharyya's book - "Chiranjib Vanausodhi" has discussed
more than 800 diseases; and has listed more than 3000 local
names of medicinal plants.
Table 5.1 : Drug Plants - List Prepared by S. Bhattacharyya

Abies webbiana PS A. vulgaris S
Acacia pennata PS Arundinella nepalensis PS
Achyranthes aspera S Aster trinervius S
Ageratumconyzoides S Azadirachta indica PS/C
Albizzia lebback S Bambusa arundinacea C/PS
A. procera PS Bauhinia purpurea C/PS
Alpinia malaccensis S B. variegata GIPS
A. nigra S Bischofia javanica PS
Alstonia scholaris PS Bombax ceiba PS/C
Aphanamixis polystachya S Caianthe arborea PS
Argemone maxicana S Calliqarpfj macrr/Jp~yltr 3
Artemisia nilagirica S Candamine hirsuta S
; ) I
crutti!L ..
Table 5.1 contrl••••
Careya arborea S O. nepalensis T
Carica papaya Cf'S O. stellata S
Chukras ia tabularis FS Paederia foetida T
Cassiat ora S Peperomia pellucid a S
Cinnamomum tamala C Pinus roxburg hii PSlC
Cissampelos pareira S Piperbe tle C
Aloeasia esculenta C Pongamia pinnata PS
Croton caudatus S Populus ciliata C
Cynodon dactylon FS Pothos cathcar tii C
Cyperus rotundus FS P. scandens C
Erythrin a stricta Cf'S Pouzolzia hirta S
Euryaja ponica Rhodod endron arboreu m S
Fagopyrum esculentum S Rungia parviflor a S
Ficus semialata S Sabia lanceolata S
F. fistilosa S Saccharum spontaneum SIPS
F. gibbosa S Salix tetras perma S
F. hispida FS Schima waflichii PS
F. rumpii S Schleichera oleosa C/PS
Garuga pinnata S Spondias pinnata PS
Gryaphalium lutea-album S Sterculia villosa S
Holmskioldia sanguinea S Stereospermum chelono ides S
Homonia riparia S Streblus asper S
Imperata cylindrica FS Tamarix dioica S
Lannea coromandelica FS Themeda arunina cca PS
Leea aequata S Thysanolaena maxima PS
L. asiatica S II.negun do S
L. inidca S Wendlandia tinctoria S
Lygodium flexuosum S Woodfordia fruticosa S
Maesa chisia S Wrightia tomentosa S
M. indica S Aegle mermelos C/PS
M. ramentiaca S Alpinia galanga T
Mallotus philippin ensis S Alteman thera sessillis S
Mangifera indica C Butea parviflor a PS
Mikania macrantha S Calotrop is gigantea S
Mimosa pudica S Cassia fistula S
Oroxylu m indicum PSIS Commelina bengale nsis S
Osbeck ia chinens is S Euphorbia hirta S
Osbeck ia crinata S Holarrhe na pubesce ns PS
contd.....
Some Potential Drug Plants of India 103
Table 5.1 contd....
Hymenodictyon exce/sum S Ardisia crispa S
Hyptis suaveolens S* A. Solanacea S
Jasminum sambac C Asplenium nidus T
Jatropha curcas S* Baliospermum montanum T
Justicia adhatosa S Bidens pi/osa T
Lantana camara S* B. tripatita S
Lepidagalhis incurva S Blechnum orientale T
Leucus aspera S Boehmeria ,macrophylla S
Ludwigia parviflora S B. nivea S
Luvunga scandens 5 Breynia retusa S
Melocanna bambusoides C/PS Buddleja asiafica S
Micromelum pubescens S Butea monoperma S'PS
Pharagmites karka S Buttneria grandiflora S
Phlagocanthus thyrsiflorus S Caesalpinia cucullata S
Scoparia dulcis S Casearia vareca S
Setaria palmifolia S Canarium bengalense T
Dipterocarpus turbinatus S C. strictum S
Engelhardtia spicata S Cassia occidentalis S
Erythrina variegata S Celastrus paniculata S
Ficus cunia S Chasalia euriviflora S
F. glomerata S Celtis australia 5
F. plamata S Chionanthus intermedia 5
Phoenix sylvestris SIPS Chioranthus elatoir S
Quercus lamel/osa S Christalla perasitica S
Oxalis comiculata S Chroniolaena odorata S
Urena lobata S Cinnamomuum bejolghata S
S. theaefolia S C. glanduliferum S
Tsuga dumosa 5 C/SSUS repens S
Abutilon indicum S Citrus onlimetta C
Acronychia laurifolia S C. medica C
A. Pedunculata S Clausena excavata 5
Aglaea hiemu S Clerodendrurm colebookianum S
Ailanthus exce/sa PS C. serratum 5
Altingia exce/sa T C. viscosum S
Ampelopteris prolifera S Cocculus hirsutus T
Anisomeles indica S Combretum acumnatum S
Antidesma bunilis T C. pilosum S
Aporusa octandra S C. roxburgia S
contd.....
Table 5.1 contd...•
Cordia dictiotoma S Ichnocarpus frutescens S

G.joufra S Indigofera tinctoria S
C. tiglium S Ipomoea cymosa S
Curculigo orchioides T I.purpurea S
Dalbergia lanceolaria S Justicia vasiculosa S
D. pinnata S Knema linifolia S
D. stipalacea S Kaulfussia aesulifolia S
Derris indica S Lindenbergia indica S
Desmodium gangeticum S Lindera neesiana S
D. leterocarpum S L. glutinosa S
D. pulchellum S L.Lancifolia S
Dichroa febrifuga S Lyonia ovalifolia S
Dimocarpus longan Mahonia nepaulensis T
Dioscorea bulbifera T Melastoma malabathricum T
Drymaria cordata T Melodina monogynus S
Dryopteris barbegera T Michetiaontana
D.odontoloma S Miliusa roxburghiana S
Elaeocarpus floribundus T Mi/lettia auriculata S
Elsholtzia blande S Phyllanthus S
Engelhardtia spicata S Pmaderas patensis S
Erioglossum rubiginosum S Picrasma javanica T
Evodia fraxinifolia S Pimpinella diversifolia S
Flacourtia jangomas S Psylvatium S
Floscopa scandens S P thomsonii S
Forrestia mollissima S Pithecolobium angulatum S
Fragaria vesca S P begeminium S
Gardenia campanulata S p. montanum S
Geranium nepatense S Pityrogramma calomelonos NK
Glochidion lanceolarium S Plantago erosa T
Glycosmis arborea S Pogostemon bingalense S
Goniothalamus sesquipedalis S P pubescens S
Grewia hirsuta S Polygala urillata S
G. laerigata S Polygala longifolia S
Haldina cordifolia S Polygonatum mulliflorum S
Hedera nepalensis T Polygonum barbatum S
Hedyotis seandens S P chinense S
Hovenia dulcis S POrientale S
Hydnocarpus kurzii S Prude S
contd.....
Table 5.1 contd....
P tomentosum S Phrynium capitatum S

Premna latifolia S Phyllanthus reticulatus S
Prunus ceraoides S P urinaria S
P salicina S Rourea minor S
P undulata S Sambucus javanica S
Psychotria monticola S Sanicula europea $
pteridium aquilinum T Sapindus mukorossi S
pteris ensiformis T Sapindus varak S
pterospermum acerifolium S Saprosma tematum S
Quercus lamellose S Senecio quinquelobus S
Rhamnus nepalensis S S.scandens S
Mitragyna rotundifolia S Sida rombifolia S
Mucuna imbricata S Smilax glaucophylla S
M.pruriens S S. lancaefolia S
Mussaenda glabra S S. ocalifolia S
Myristica angustifolia S Solanum nigram S
Myxopyrum smilacifolium S S.xanthocarpum S
Naravelia zeylanica S S. torvum S
Nephrolepis cordifolia S Sphenomoris chusane S
Ochna squarrosa S Spitanthes paniculata S
Olax nana S Stephania japonica S
O. scandens S Strobilanthes caleisus S
Oldenlandia auriculata S Styrax serrulatum S
Olea dioica S Symplocos racemosa S
Oleandra wallicilii S S. malaccense S
Ophiopogon intermedius S Temsnalia S
Ophiorrhiza mungos S T.chabula S
Oreocnide integrifolia S T. citrina S
Osmanthus fragrans S Tetracer sarmentosa T
Olax comiculata S Tetratigma serrulatum
P scandens S Thaspi avense
Pajanelia longifolia S Tiliacora racemosa S
Pandanus furcatus S Toddelia asiatica S
Parameria gladulifera S Trachelaspermum lucidum S
Pavettia indica S Trema cannabina S
Persea bombycina S T. orientalis S
Persicaria chinensis S T. nudiflora S
Phonebe lanceolata S Triumfetta rhomboidea S
contd.....
Table 5.1 contd•.••
Tropidia curculioides S Hedyotis scandens S

Uncaria lobata var glauca S Lindera candata S
Valliaris solanacea S Diospyros toposia S
Ventilago madraspatana S Hydrocotyle nepa/ensis S
Verbascumthapsus S Michelia doltsopa S
Vivumum co/ebrookianum S Mucuna bracteata S
v. foetifum S Sterculia urens S
Viola biflora S Swertia pulche/la S
Viola patrinii S Vittis peduncularis S
Vitex glabrata S Zanthoxylum armatum S
Anthoxylum acanthopodium S Clerodendrum phlomoides S
Abroma agusta S Ligustrum spicatum S
Acacia dea/bata S Dichroa febrifuga S
Argyreia nervosa S Evodia meliaefolia S
Artemisia indica S Juniperus pseudosabina T
Bauhinia acuminata S Picea smithiane T
B. racemosa S Prunus aeraissoides T
Bridelia stipu/aris S R. hodgsonii T
Dendrocnide sinuata S Rhus hooden S
Derris ferruginea S
Desmodium e/egans S Acanthopanax trifoliatum cS
Elephantopus scaber S Aconitum ferox T
Garcinia xanthochymus S Aconitum sp. T
Garuga gamblei S Actcnodapmine angustifo/ia S
Glochidion lanceolarium S Adiantum flabe/lulaum T
Hydrocotyle sibthorpiodes S A. pedatum T
Myrica asculenta S Anisome/es indica S
Olea diocica S Aquilaria malacensis T
Paveta indica S A. p/atanifolia
Polygala ari/lata S A. lagata
Polygonum perfoliatum S Caryota urens T
Rhus semia/ata S Cephalotaxus griffthii T
A/pinia nigra S Chisocheton cumingianus S
Andropogon citratas C Coptis teeta T
Anidesma acuminatum T Cymbidium aloifolium T
Artimisea indica S Elaeocarpus S
Aesculus assamica S Galium aparine S
Capparis spinosa S Garcinia cowa S
contd.....
Table 5.1 contd••••
G. acumilnata S Kydia calicina S

G. lancifolia S Lagerstroemia speciosa PS
Gymnema acuminatum T Litsaea cubeba C
Gynocardia odorata S Melia dubia S
Juglans regia T Piper C
Panax pseudoginseng T Longum C
Podophyl/um hexandrum T P. nigram C
Polyalthia T P. peepuloides C
Simiarum S Plumeria acutifolia C
Rhynchostylis retusa T Polyalthia longifolia C
Skimmia anquetillia T Potentilla fruticosa S
Adiantum caudatum T Piperbetle C
Scheffera venulosa S Santalum album C
Taxus wal/ichiana T Syzygium cumini C
Va/eriana wallichi T Tectona grandis C
Psidium guava C Terminalia belterica PS
Rhodondron barbatum T T. myriocarpa PS
Tamarindus indica C Toona ciliata C
Alnus nepa/eusis C Zingiber officinale C
Cannabis sativa C Embilica officinalis C
Anthocephalus chinensis S Momordica charantia C
Ocimum sanctum C Nyctanthes arbortistis C
Aleurites moluccana C Saraca indica C
AI/amanda cathartica C Terminalia arjuna C
Alocasia fornicata C Agave amernicana C
Amomum dealbatum C Camellia sinensis C
A. subulatum C Curcuma angustifolia C
Carica papaya C Magnolia grandiflora C
Colocasia esculenta C Mimosops e/engi C
D. sissoo C Melia composita S
Dil/enia indica S Morus laevigata C
Gloriosa superba T Mesua terrea C
Gmelina arborea C Michelia bail/onii
Hiptage bengalensis C Miche/ia champaca C
Impatiens balasamina S Moringa o/eifera C
Kleinhovia hospita S
Chap ter Six
Pote ntial Drug Plan ts of Indi a
Com men ts on the list of Med icina l
Plan ts Prep ared by R.N. Chop ra and
Indi an Coun cil of Med ical Rese arch
R.N. Chopr a's List

It is not an elaborate one, but a glimpse of the remarkS on
status of variou s specie s may be had. This will show the
prepon derenc e of species which are cultivated or threate ned of
depleted. Only about 23 per cent of the species are presen tly safe.
This shows the depth of depletion of species.
I.C.M.R's Ust
The Council described 900 species of plants of which 350
were publish ed in the first volum e in 1976 and 550 species were
described in 1987.
The Status column shows that cultivated and sporadically
occurring speices form a good percentage of species.
Legends has been the same as in other list which are:
S = Sporadic
S* = Sporadic with concentrated regeneration.
C = Cultiv ated
T = Threateaned
D = Depleted
PS Presently safe.
Potential Drug Plants of India 109
Table 6.1 : Chopra and Charka's Work on Potential Drug Plant

Scientific name Status Local NamelParts used
Abroma augusta S Abroma bark
Acacia arabica PS Indian acacia
Acacia catechu PSIS Black catechu
Acalypha indica S Indian acalypha
Aconitum chasmanthum Aconite
Adhatoda vasica PS Vasaka
Aegle marmelos PS Bael. Bela fructus
Allium sativum PS Garlic allium
Alpinia barbadensis Aloes
Alpinia officinarum S Alpinia. Galangal.
Alstonia scholaris S Alstomia bark.Oita bark
Andrographis paniculata T Kalmegh
Anethum graveolens T Dill
Anethum sowa T Sowa
Arachis hypogea C Groundnut
Areca catechu C Betel nut
Aristolochia indica T Aristolochia
Artemisia marima S Santonin. Artemisia
santonica
Astragalus strobiliforus T Tragacanth
Atropa acuminata T Indian belladonna
Atropa belladonna T Belladonna
Bacopa monniec S Herpestis
(Herpestis monicra) santoniea
Berberis aristata T Berberis root
Baoerl7aavia repens S Punarnaba
Brassica integrifolia C Sinapis
Brassica juncea C Brown mustard
Butea monosperma PS Butea seed
Calatropis procera PS Calatropis
Camellia sinnsis PS Tea plant
Cannabis sativa PS Cannabis
Capsicum frutescens PS Capsicum
Carica papaya PS Papaya
Carum carvi C Caraway
Cassia angustifolia C Senna
Cassia fistula PS Cassia fruit
Centella asiatica PS Hydrocotyle
Cephaelise pecacuanha T Ipecae
contd.....
Table 6.1 contd••••
Scientific name Status Local Name/Parts used
Chenopodium album PS Wormseed

Chenopodium ambrosioides
vat: anthelminicum PS American worm seed
Chrysanthcemum
cinerariafolium CID Pyrethrum
Cinchona ledgeriana
C. Succirubra and other
species and hybrids C Cinchona
Cinnamomum camphora C Camphor
Cinnamomum zeylanicum C Cinnamon
Cissampelos pareira DfT Cissampelos
Citrullus colocynthis C Colocynth
Citrus aurantium C Bitter-orange ped
Citrus medica var. limon C lemon peel
Cocos nucifera. C Coconut
Coffea arabica C Coffee plant
Colchicum luteum DfT Colchicum corm and seed
Coriandrion sativum C Coriander
Crocus sativa C Saffron
Cuminum cyninum C Curnin
Curcuma longa C Turmeric
Cymbp pogon f1exuosus PS lemon grass
Datura fastuosa PS Datura
Datura metal PS Datura
Datura stramonium PS Datura
Derris ferruginea PS Derris. Tuba root
Digitalis lanata DfT Digoxin
Digitalis purpurea DfT Digitalis leaf
Dryopteris flix mas DfT Male fern. Aspidium
Elettaria cardamomum C Cardamom fruit
Ephedra gerardiana.
E. nebrodensis DfT Ephedra
Eucalyptus globulus PS Eucalyptus
Eugenia caryophyl/us C Clove
Eupatoriam ayapana C Ayapana
Ferula northex (Ferula factida) C Asaioetida
Focniculum vulgare C Fennel
Gaultheria fragrantissima D/T Wintergreen
contd.....
Table 8.1 contd••.•
Scientific name Status Local NamelParts used
Glycyrrhiza glabra OfT Liquorice

Hemidesmus inducus OIT Indian sarsaparilla
Holarrhena antidysenterica PS Kurchi bark
Hydnocarpus wightiana OfT
Hyoscyamus muticus OfT Hyoscyamus
Hyoscyamus niger OIT Hyoscyamus leave
Ipomoea hederacca C Kaladana
Ipomaa turpethum C Turpeth
Juniperus macropoda OfT Juniper
Linum usitatissimon C Linseed
Lobelia nicotiatafolia Lobelia
Melia azadirachta PS Nim
Mentha arvensis C Peppermint
Mentha piperita C Peppermint
Moringa olcifera C Moringa
Myristica fragrans OfT Nutmeg
Papaver somniferum C Opium
Picrasma quassioides OIT Quassia
Picrorhiza Kurrooa OfT Picrorhiza
Pimpincll anisum C Anise
Pinus excelsa PS Colophony
Pinus Khasya PS Colophony
Pinus longifolia PS Colophony
Piper cubela C Betel
Piperovata C Isabgul
Podophyllum hexandrum
(Podophy"um emodi) OfT Indian podophyllum
Polygala chinensis S Indian senega
Prunus amygdaius S Almond oil
Psoralea corylifolia S Babchi
Ptcrocarpus marsupium OfT Kino
Rauwolfia serpentina OIT Rauwolfia
Rheum emodi;
R. webbianum OIT Rhubarb
Ricinus communis PS Castor oil
Rosa damascena CS Rose
Rosmarimus officinalis CS Rosemary
Santichom album PS Sandal wood
contd.....
Tabl. 6.1 contd•••.
SclentHic name Status Local NameiParts used
Saraca indica C Asoka bark

Saussurea lappa OIT 8aussurea
Sesamum indicum C 8esame oil
Strophantinus Kombi OIT 8trphanthus
Strycinos nux-domina OIT Nux vomica
Swerlia chirata OIT Chiretta
Terminalia chebula 8 Myrobalam
Thymus vulgaris C Thyme
Tinospora cordifolia OIT Tinospora
Trachyspermum animi
( Carum copticum) C Ajowan
Ty/ophora asthmatica 8 Antamul
Urginea indica 8 Indian squill
Valeriana wallichii and
other species OIT Valerian
Vernonia anthelmintica OIT Vernonia
Vitex peduncularis OIT Vitex leaf
Withania somnifera SIC Ashwagandha
Zing/ber officinale C Gin~er
Status of Plants (Medicinal)

Listed by Indian Council of Medical Research:
The Council described 900 species (350 in their first volume
published in 1976 and 550 in their second volume published in
1987)
Table 6.2

Abi'us precatorius 8 Carica papaya C
Aloeindica CIT Curcuma lonja C
Areca catechu C Daucus carota C
Azadirachta indica P8 Plants with uterine activity
Arotabotrys odoratissima C/8 Abroma augusta 8
Butea frondosa PS Anona squamosa C
Caesalpinia bondiucella 8 Aristolochia bracteata T
Canscora decussata 8 Boxbax ceiba P8
contd.....
Table 6.2 contd.•...
Scientific Name Status --------------------
--------------------- Scientific Name Status
Cyperus rotundus PS Gynandropsis pentaphylla SIPS
Gloriosa superba T Plants with anti-ateros Clerotic
Gossypium arboreum S activity
Acacio farnestnata PS Acorus clamus CID
Achyranthes aspera S Achyranthes aspera SIPS
Aconitum sp. T Afpinia galanga S
Acorus calamus TIC Aphanamixis polystachia S
Aegle marmelos PS Anagallis arvensis S
Artemisia vulgaris S Argemone maxicana PS
Callophyllum inophyllum S Aradirachta indica PS
Calotropis procera PS Capparis decidua PS
Catharanthus roseus C Bryophy/lum calicinm S
Cestrum diurnum C Carissa carandus S
C. nocterrum C Cassia fistula P
Cissampelos pareira S C. occidentalis P
Cissus quadrangularis S Crotalaria juncea C
Coceulus hirsutus S Cucurbita maxima C
Cocos nucifera GIPS C.longa C
Crotalaria juncea S Desmodium gangetium S
Daucus carota- C/PS Ervatania coronaria c/PS
Euphorbia reriifolia S
Plants with anti-fungal activity
Evolvulus alsinoides PS
Astera cantha longifofia S
Plants with Anti-Cancer activity Cassia fistula PS
Arbus precatorius S Cocos nucifera PS
Albizzia lebbeck PS Desmodium gangeticum S
Alstonia scholaris SIPS
Plants with anti-ateros Clerotic
Aphanamixis polystachia S activity
Anacardium occidentale C Aphanamixis polystachia S
Anona squamosa C Caesalpinia bonducella S
Argemone maxicana S C. sepiaria S
Asparagus racemosus T
Capparis decidua S
Bacopamonnien S Cassia auriculata C
Calotropis gigantea S
Cedrus deodara C Plants with Anti-bacterial activity
Datura metel S Acorus calamus T
Erythrina suberosa S Achytranthes aspera S
Glycosmis arborea SIPS Alpinia galanga S
Euphorbia hira Eclipta alba PS
SIPS
contd.....
Table 6.2 contd•....
Scienti fic Name Status SCientific Name Status
Emblica officinalis PS Plants with Diureti c and Anti-
Gmelina arborea PS urolithi atic activity
Grewia hirsuta S Achyranthes aspera SIPS
Grewea tilitalia S Azadirachta indica PS
Plants with Anti-pro tozoal Bar/eria prionitis S
Acacia nilotica Boerhaavia diffusa PS
PS
Alangium salvifoIium Cassia occidentalis PS
S
Albizzia /ebbeck Crataeva nurvala S
PS
Asparag us racemosus T Plants with anti-as thmatic and
Atropha belladonna T Antihist amic Activity
Berberis aristata S Alliums epa GIPS
Toona ciliata CIPS Clerodendrum serratum S
Centella asiatia PS Curcuma longa GIPS
Cinchona sp. Q'PS Platns with Anti-helmentic activity
Clerodendrum speciosum SIPS Aegle marmelos PS
Curctuma longifo/ia Q'PS Alangium lamarkii S
Euphorbia hirta Q'PS Aphana mixis polystachia SIT
Ficus racemosa S Butea frondosa PS
Celastrus paieulatus S Capparis decidua S
Cynodon dactylon PS Datura metel S
Cyperus nivens PS Plants with Respira tory activity
Diospyros preragrina PS
Alpinia galanga S
Dryneria quercifO/ia S
Brassica oleracea G
Embelia ribes S
Rcus religiosa PS Plants with Astring ent activity
Caesalpinia bonducefla S
Plants with Insectic idal activity
Capparis decidua S
Acorus calamus Grr Carum coptis GIPS
Anona squamosa G
Cassia fistula SIPS
Euphorbia neriifo/ia PS
Chapter Seven
Technology on Trade and Commerce,
Imports and Exports
This Chapter records various facts on Cultivation, Marketing

Economics of cultivation, Trade and Commerce, Conservation,
Sustainable harvest of rare medicinal plants, besides presenting
lists of major plants required by Indian Pharmaceutical
Industries on raw drug materials and a broad outline on export
and import of medicinal plants.
A paper cutting (Tunes of India dt. 12.11.05) on drug market
which reveals India's position may be relevant to quote which
may be read at the ultimate page of this Chapter.
The author finds it very convenient and relevant to quote the
opinion of several technologists on the following issues relating to
"Medicinal plants" which are on:
• Cultivation and Marketing.
• Economics of cultivation
• That desert biodiversity on Medicinal plants.
• Trade and Commerce.
• Cultivation and Conservation
• Marketing strategy and Trade.
• Marketing Trade.
• Sustainable harvest.
• Introduction of Nitrages fixing Medicinal plants.
• Rare and less known Medicinal plants.
• N.S. BISHT et al write on .. Cultivation and Marketing of
Medicinal plants of Pithoragarh". A summary is given below:
The status of collection, cultivation and marketing of medicinal

and aromatic plants was studied in Pithoragarh District of
Uttaranchal. The primary information was collected as per
structural questionnaires from collectors/ cultivators belonging to
twelve villages spread over two blocks namely Munsiyari and
Didihat. The important species being collected were observed to be
Jhula, Reetha and Tejpat. The cultivators seem to be growing greater
quantities of Atees, Gudhvach, Indrayan, Jambo, Jatamansi,
Kalajeera, Kutki, Pashanbhed, Reetha, Sameva and Tejpat. The most
favoured market channel was observed to be producer, Middlemen,
. Trader and Consumer which was being adopted by 50% collectors
and 90% cultivators. The producer's share in consumer's rupee in
case of collection varied between 45-76. 47% for different species
with an average of 56.22%. Similarly the producer's share in
consumer's rupee for cultivated species varied between
32.67%- 89% with an average of 60.88%. The paper also discusses
the recent changes introduced by Uttaranchal Govt. in marketing of
these medicinal and aromatic plant species.
• Mohit Gera et al writes on " Economics of Cultivation" of
some medicinal plants a Summa~y of which is as follows:
Agro technologies for cultivation of a number of medicinal plant
species have been developed but large-scale cultivation on farmland
is yet to begin. Amongst other causes for this gap, lack of reasonably
correct information on econmics of cultivation of these species is
one important cause. The economics of cultivation of five medicinal
plant species, viz., Kalmegh, Buch, Safed musH, Ashwagandha and
Akarkara was studied on farmer's field in Haryana. The net benefits
calculated for each species were also subjected to sensitivity analysis
in relation to fall in price by 25%, 50%, 75% increase in wage rate
by 10%, 20% 30% and increase in rental value of land by 20%, 40%,
and 60%. The results showed that maximum net benefits of Rs.
36,140 and Rs. 19,016 per acre could be received by cultivation of
safed musH and Kalmegh respectively. The cultivation of Kalmegh
and Ashwagandha were observed to be more resilient to the adverse
factors of price fall, increase in wage rate and rental value of land,
compared to other species. On the basis of initial investment
involved .And resilience to adverse marked conditions, the
cultivation of Kalmegh and Ashwagandha is rcommended·for
small farmers. The large farmers who can afford greater risk
Technology on Trade and Commerce, Imports and Exports 117
may cultivate Bush and Safed mulsi and Akarkara for higher
returns.
• K.K. Chaudhuri et al summarise their work on " Thar Desert
Biodiversity f~r:medicinal plant" as follows:
The Thar Desert is the world's seventh largest desert and is
most inhospitable eco-region in the Indo-Pacific region. It is spread
over in the four states of India, and in Pakistan and cover. an area
of about 2,38,700 km2• There are as many as 157 species of plants
with medicinal value. Medicinal value and usefulness of several
species is yet to be studied and established. The diversity of the
medicinal flora typical of desert ecosystem has immense future
prospects. The prominent families to which the majority of the
medicinal plants of the arid zone belong are : Fabaceae,
Asclepiadaceae, Malvaceae, Acanthaceae, Amaranthaceae,
Convolvulaceae, Lamiaceae ( Labiatae). The present study is aimed
at indexing of all medicinal flora occuring in the Western Rajasthan
of Indian desert and their uses for the benefit of the researchers to
undertake studies on the prospects and potential of commercial
exploitation.
• R.B.S. Rawat et al summarise their work on" Trade and
Commerce opportunities of medicinal plant in India".
About 5,000 plant species have been documented for
m,edicinal value and phyto-chemically studied. Of these,l,loo are
used in different systems of medicine, 600-700 are used in
indigenous industries, but only about 150 have been
commercially exploited. Besides domestic use, export potential of
these plants is huge and given a quality upgradation of such
drugs, competitiveness and globalization is ensured. There is,
however need for doing scientific work on their pharmacology,
phytochemistry and clinical experiments to develop the export
potential fully. Important plant species being utilized at present,
their world prices, and other potential species have been listed.
Shift towards use of herbal drugs worldwide has been noted.
There is good scope in developing this sector. Trade and
commerce requirements relating to export and marketing in
various foreign marketing e.g., Canada, Hungary, France, UK,
USA have been discussed with a view to developing trade in these
countries in medicinal products. Various measures, which
handicap expansion, have been pointed out These are : agricultural
practices like harvesting and propagation, processing high yield
varieties, quality control, marketing, training of personnel,
equipment and knowledge about latest advances in technology etc.
where efforts need to be focused.
• Dhan Singh et al on " Marketing Strategies and Trade" of
medicinal plants write as follows:
Medicinal plants have attracted considerable interest in
recent years. Commercial enterprises and local dwellers are
regularly exploiting natural heritage of these medicinal plants.
There is an urgent need of conservation of these valuable
medicinal plants through cultivation. Poor marketing structure
in the country is the primary challenge towards its pronotion
and cultivation. In Uttaranchal, attention has been given to
conservation/ cultivation and its open trading system by the
government. The present paper highlights the cultivation and
open trading aspects of medicinal plants in the State.
• S. Chandola writes on " Some rare and less known
medicinal plants of Uttaranchal as follows: (Source : Ind for
March 2005)
Valuable species have been removed for so long and so
intensively from the wild that they have come to the brink of
extinction. The market forces, however have been so strong that
substitute have emerged to satisfy the demand, and over time· the
substitute has assumed the importance of the original drug. The
present paper deals with correct identity of Akarkara (Anacyclas
pyrethrum), Chirayta (Swertia chirata), Kuth (Saussurea costus),
Salam Mishri (Eulophia dabia), Gentiana kurroo has been
rediscovered after a lapse of 50 years. It is time now to educate
ourselves and to adopt the latest benefits of modem science to
retrieve the true herbs species from final annihilation. Serious
species Recovery Programmes need to be initiated for the highly
threatened plants.
• Manmohan Yadav on n Marketing trade of medicinal
plants" writes as follows:
Increasing consumer awamess and preference for herb-based
natural products including herbal medicines, has resulted in an
unexpected surge in the demand for Medicinal and Aromatic
Plants (MAPs) and thus over-exploitation of the medicinal
wealth present in the forests. The markets for most Non-Timber
Forest Products including NAPs are highly unorganized and
secretive and thus suffer from various market imperfections
mainly due to the lack of information about the demand and
supply of the products being traded to the disadvantage to the
collectors and cultivators and sustainable resource availability.
The situation thus calls for the need of information which is
reliable and readily avilable to the various stakeholders of
medicinal plants trade including the policy makers and
implementing agencies. A conceptual framework for such a
Market Information System (MI5) with its various stakeholders,
type of information, and the output to be generated is discussed
in this paper. The suggested MI5 is at a conceptual framework
and has to be tested in the field at a division level before it is
refiend and finalized for its actual implementation. The design
and implementation of such MI5 on Forest Management Unit
(FMU) level can help solve many impediments in the
development of the MAPs sector on a sustainable and equitable
basis.
• W.O. Thomas et al write on ., Sustainable harvest of medicinal
plants" as follows :
Urbanisation and scientific rediscovery is increasing the
demand for herbal products, whose overharvest threatens 30%
of the traded species. Sustainable harvest traditions are eroding
due to (a) poor prices paid to the raw drug gatherers, (b)
competition between, (c) market insecurity, (d) many youth
gatherers and (e) vehicular mobility to new collection areas. To
revive traditions through equitable benefit sharing, Gram
Mooligai (i.e., Village Herbs) Company Limited (GMCL) was
established, with gatherer's groups as shareholders in Tamil
Nadu state in Southern India. Sustainable Biometric
experiments could not continue or help in predicting yield but
participant observations and memory harvesting revealed that
11 11
focal species have become rare amongst 25% of their earlier

collection areas. Major pressures other that ll.arvest include' (a)
scarce or untimely rainfall, (b) habitat encroachments and (c)
grazing. To earn more better price and sustained business
demand, GMCL gathers maximized not quanity b~t quality
through thump rules (lido's and don'ts") of sustainable harvesting
practices: (a) appropriate habitat area (b) maturity timing (c) less
damaging methods (d) proper post-harvest treatment (e) user
(buyer,co-harvester) agreements.
• R.c. Sundriyal weites on "Cultivation and Conservation" of
medicinal plants in the Himalayas as follows:
This paper highlights strategy for large scale cultivation and
long-term conservation of medicinal plants involving differnt
stakeholders in the Himalaya. It is emphasized that the focus of
the cultivation could be protection of endangered species and/
or achieving the target of higher income by raising and
cultivating market demanding species. The paper discusses
selection of potential Medicinal and Aromatic Plants (MAPs)
broadly recommended for the region and ways and means of
domestication, value addition, product formulation, processing,
conservation, infrastructure, and R&D support desired for
cultivation of medicinal plants. Designs for marketing and
possible funding sources are also given. It is highlighted that if
cultivation of MAPs is planned properly, it could emerge as a
potential sector to support large number of people with high
revenue generation.
• A.K. Parandial et al write on "Introduction of nitrogen
fixing medicinal plants" a summary of which follows:
The Garhwal Himalayas are one of the richest floristic zones
for the medicinal plants of Indian subcontinent. It provides
matchless wealth of more than 300 rare and endangered species
of medicinal plants having therapeutic properties. The over-ex-
plOitation of these precious material from the Himalayan forest
ecosystem over last few decades have not only pushed these to-
wards extinction but also enhanced the problem of soil. erosion,
land degradation and loss of biodiversity in the area. Introduction
of nitrogen fixing plants may provide an important tool for the
ecorestoration attempts in this area. Advocating nitrogen fixing
plants having medicinal uses may provide wider acceptability
among the local populace from economic as well as soil conserva-
tion point of view. The adoptability of ~digenous species may be
useful for planting and rejuvenating the degraded sites in differ-
ent altitudinal zones of the Himalayan ecosystem. In the present
article an attempt has been made to enumerate the existing nitro-
gen fixing species of medicinal values at various altitude for the
conservation of degraded sited in Garhwal Himalayas.
(Source: Ind. Forester of all opinion: March 2005)
Technology on Trade and Commerce, Imports and Exports
121
Industri es
Table: 7.1 : Major Plants Require d by Indian Pharma ceutical
Ingredi ent Source of supply (Augus t 1999) Consum ption
Cultiva tion Wild Importe d (Tonne s)
100% 200
Ajwain
(Carum copticum)
100% 50
Akkalkadha
(Anacycus phrethrum)
66% 33% 60
Cardamomum green
(Elettariecerciemomum)
Assam NA
Cardamomum big
(Amomum subuletum)
Maharashtra 200
Aloes (Aloe vera)
TamilNadu
50% South 5O%MPIUP 10,000
Amala green
(Emblice officinelis) Maharashtra
Anantmool TNAP 200
(Hemidesmus indicus)
Maharashtra 500
Baheda
(Terminelia belerice) W
Bhringraj MP, Up, TN,
(Eclipte e/be) Maharashtra,
W. Bengal 500
Brahmi TamilNadu,
(Bacopa monniert) West Bengal 700
Kankol (Piper cubebe) 150 tonnes NA
Chitrak Maharashtra,
(Plumbago Zeylanica) TamilNadu 500
Dalchini (Cinnamomum
Zeylanicum) 100% 250
Daruhaldi Nainital, Kulu 500

(Berberis aristata)
Deodar Nainital, Kulu 200
(cedrus deodara)
Gajpippali 100% 400
(Scindapsus officiale)
Guggul 10% Gujarat,
(Commiphora wighti/) Rajastan 90% 500
Harda Maharashtra,
(Terminalia chebula) W 500
Nutmen/mace
(Myristica fregrens) 20% Kerala 80% 500
cotftd...
Table : 7.1 - contd•••
Ingredi ent Source of supply (Augus t 1999) Consum ption
Cultiva tion Wild Importe d (Tonne s)
Jambhul beej Maharashtra,
(Eugenia jambolana) Gujarat, UP,
MP,TN 300
Jatamansi (Nardostachys Nepal,
grandiflora) Assam,
Kulu 200
Jeshthimadh 100% 5000
(Glycyrrhiza glabra)
Kadu kutuki Kulu (HP),
(Picrorrhiza kurroa) Nepal,
Assam 200
Kesar (Crocus sativa) Jammuand
Kashmir 5
Clove (syzygium
aromaticum) 13% Kerala 87% 150
Black pepper Kerala 150
(piper nigrum)
Ginger 50% Assam
(Zingiber officinale) Kerala 50% 500
Ashwag andha 5O%MP 50% MP 500
(Withania somnifera)
Nagkesar (Mesua ferma)
200
Pipramool AP, 200
(Piper longum, Maharashtra
Sated musli (Chlorophytum40% MP 40% MP
arundinaceum) tvI-I. M-I. 20% 25
Shatavri (Asparagus 50% MP, 50% MP, 500
racemosus) UP UP
Vayvidang Maharashtra,
(Embelia ribes) MP 200
Kuchla (Strychnos Assam, AP,
Nux vomica) Bihar 1000
Kalmegh MP, UP,
(Andrographis Bihar 250
paniculata)
Senna 60%TN
20%
Gujarat 1000
Source: Mr. Anand Puranik, Chemexcil, Mumbai, Personal commun
ication.
Technology on 'Trade and Commerce, Imports and Exports 123
Table 7.2: Raw Drug Material Imported to India
Botanical Name Trade Name
Anacycus pyrethrum Akkalkadha
Asperagus adscendens Musli white
Atropa belladonna Belladona
Cinnamomum zeylanica Dalchini
Commiphora wightii Guggul
Curcuma zedoaria Kapurkachri
Elettaria cardamomum Cardamomum green
Garcinia indica Kokurn
Glycyrrhiza glabra Jeshthimadhu
Hemidesmus indicus Sariva
Myristica fragrans Nutmeglrnace
Piper cubeba Kankol
Psyllium husk Isabgol
Rauwolfia serpentina Sarpgandha
Saussurea lappa Kusth
Swertia chirata Chirata
Ayurvedic and Un ani herbs
Saps and extracts of Opium
Azadiracta indica extracts Extracts of Neem
Source: Planning Commission 2000
Medicinal plant species which are also imported.

1. Glycyrrhiza glabra
2. Pmpinella anisum
3. Thymus vulgaris
4. Opercutina terpertum
5. Cuscuta epithymum
6. Smilax ornata
7. Smilax china
8. Lavandula strechas
(Source: Ind. For. March 2005 : RB.S. Rawat)
Table 7.3 : Top Twenty Medicinal Plants Traded in India in Value
Terms
Trade Name Botanical Name
1. Atis Aconitum heterophyllum
2. Meetha telialBachnag Aconitum vio/aceam
3. Safed musli* Chlorophytum borivillianum
4. Guggul* Commiphora wighti
5. MamiralMishmi-bitter Coptis teeta
6. Salam PanjalSalep Dectylorhiza hatagirea
7. VidangalBaibiranga* Embelia ribes
8. Nagkesar Mesua nagassarium
9. RampatrVBombay Mac;e Myristica malabarica
10. Jatamansi* Nardostachys grandiflora
11. Gaozaban Onosma bracteatum
12. Kutki* Picrorrhiza kurroa
13. Kakra-singi Pistacia integrimma
14. Sarpa gandha* Rauwolfia serpentina Benth
15. Manjistha Rubia cordifolia
16. ChandanalSandalwood Santalum album
17. Chobchini gulabi Smilax glabra
18. ChlrSlyfa*- Swertia chirata
19. Taggar~ushkabata VlJleTians-/um:lwikij
20. Banafsha Viola pilosa
*Species selected for detailed market study
( Source: Amruth, December 1999)
Table 7.4: Number of Licensed Pharmacies in Indian System of
Medicine
State/Union Number of licensed Number of licensed pharma-
Territory pharmacies (April 1999) cies Holding loan licences·
Ayur- Unani Siddha Total Ayur- Unani Siddha Total
veda veda
Andhra 556 222 778 4 4
Pradesh
Assam 39 39
Bihar 228 21 249
Delhi 78 24 102 1
Goa 5 5 1
Gujarat 892 892 125 125
Haryana 210 3 213
Himachal 54 54
Pradesh
Jammu& 10 10
Kashmir
Kamataka 241 241 20 20
Kerala 962 962 9 9
Madhya 225 12 237 11 11
Pradesh
Maharashtra 757 757 243 243
Orissa 160 160
Punjab 149 149 2 2
Rajasthan 388 4 392
Tamilnadu 218 8 323 549 17 3 6 26
Tripura
Uttar 2.575 217 2.792 2 2
Pradesh
West 620 22 642 21 21
Bengal
Chandigarh 2 2
Dadra and 10 10
Nagar
Haven
Demanand
Due
Pondicherry 24 94 118
Total 8,405 533 417 9,355 458 3 6 467
Source: Website of Department of Indian Systems of Medicine and Homeopathy.
Table 7.5 : Plants Considered In Market Study by TRAFFIC (India)

Trade Name Botanical Name
Atis Aconitum heterophyllum
2 Agar Aconitum melasensis
3 Daruhaldi Berberis spp.
4 Safed musli* Chlorophytum borivillianum
5 Guggul* Commiphora wightii
6. Mameera Coptis teeta
7 Salabmisri Orchis latifolia
8 Kutki* Gentiana kurroa
9 Kalihari Gloriosa superba
10 Kapoorkachri H. spicatum
11 Pushkarmool Inula racemosa
12 Jatamansi* Nardostachys grandiflora
13 Kutki* Picrorrhiza kurroa
14 Vankakadi Picrorhiza hexandrum
15 Lal chandan Pterocarpus santalinus
16 Sarpgandha Rauwolfia serpentina
17 Kuth Sassurea lappa
18 Chirayata Swertia chirata
19 Talispatra Taxus wallichiana
(Source: Mr. Manoj Mishra, TRAFFIC-India: personal communication)
Notification prohibiting the export of medicinal plants

Ministry of Commerce, Government of India
Notification No. 24( RE-98)/1997-2002
New Delhi, Dated 14 October 1998
5.0.(E) Attention is invited to para 4 of Notification No.

2(RE098)/1997-2002 dated the 13 th April, 1998 relating to
export of plants, plant portion and their derivatives and
extracts obtained from the wild.
The export of under-mentioned 29 plants, plant portions and

their derivatives and extracts as such obtained from the wild
except the formulations'" made therefrom, is prohibited.
Cycas beddomei ( Beddomes cycad)
Vanda coerulea ( Blue vandal
Saussurea sp.
Paphiopedilium species (Ladies slipper orchids)
Nepenthes khasiana ( Pitcher plant)
Renathera imschootiana ( Red Vandal
Rauwolfia serpentina (sarpagandha)
Ceropegia species
Frerea indica ( Shindal Mankundi)
Podophyllum hexandrum ( emodi) (Indian Podophyllum)
Cyathea species (Tree Ferns)
Cycadaceae species
Dioscorea deltoidea (Elephant's foot)
Euphorbia species ( Euphoribias)
Orchidaceae species (Orchids)
Pterocarpus santalinus ( Red Sanders)
Taxus wallichiana ( Common Yew or Birmi leaves)
Aquilaria malaccensis ( Agarwood)
Aconitum species
Coptis teeta
Coscinium Fenestratum (Calumba wood)
Dactylorhiza hatagirea
Gentiana kurroo ( Kuru, kutki)
Gentum species
Kamphergia galenga
Nardostachys grandiflora
Panax pseudoginseng
Picrorrhiza kurroa
Swertia chirata ( Charayatah)
Major medicin al plant species exported from India
Plant name Plant part exporte d
Plantago ovata Seed and husk
Cassia angustifolia leaf and pod
Rheum australe Rhizome
Inulal8C8fflOS8 Rhizome
Rauwolfia serpentina Roots
Hedychium spictatum Rhizome
Zingiber officinale Rhizome
CoIchium luteum Rhizome and seed
Acoros calamus Rhizome
Adhatoda vasica Whole plant
Jug/ans regia Bark
Punica granatum Flower, root, bark
Barons anstata Root
Juniperus communis Fruit
J. m8CIDpoda Fruit
Heracleum cane/ieans Rhizome
Picrotrhiza kurroa Root
Aconitum species Root
Saussutea lappa Rhizome
Swetfia chirata Whole plant
Podophyflum emodi Rhizome
VaIeriana wallichi Rhizome
(Soun:e: Handa 1992.)
• Medic inal plants having export potential

Palntago ovata (Isabgul), Catharenthus rosea (SadaBahar),
Aloe vera, A. barbadensis (Kuma ri), Garcinia cambogia
(Koku m), Gymnema sylvestre (Madh unasin i), Ocimum
sanctum (Tulsi), Picrorhiza kurroa (Kutki), Phyllanthus
nirula; Pamarus (Bhum ianalak i), Holarrhena pubescens
(Kutaja).
• Species banned for export.
The Direct or Genral , Foreig n Trade (DGFT) under the
foregn Trade Development Act-1992 prohibits the export
of the follow ing:
ce, Imp orts and Exports 129
Technology on Trade and Commer
pegia sp., Coptis teeta,
Aconitum sp., Aquilaria malaccensis, Cero
sp., Cycas beddomei,
Consciniuim fenestratum, Cyathea
aidea, Frerea indica,
Dactylorhiza hatagirea, Dioscorea delt
Kae mpferia galanga,
Gentiana kurroa, Gnetum sp., , €)rchidaceae sp.,
khas ian.a
Nardostachys jatamansi, Nepenthes orhiza kurroa,
ium sp., Picr
Panax pseudoginseng, Paphiopedil us, Rauwolfia
rpus san talin
Podophyllum hexadrum, Pteroca costus, Swertia
, Sau ssur ea
serpentina, Renauthera imschootiara
coer ulea .
chirata, Taxus wallichiana, VanOO
aran cha l
• Collection stric tly ban ned in Utt
Microstylis muscifera,
Paris polyphylla, Nardostachys jatamansi,
dia, H. edgeworthii,
Lilium polyphyllum, Habenaria interme
Eulophia dabia,
Gentiana kurroa, FrilliIaria royleu,
thamii, /uglans regia
Dactylorhiza hatagirea, Arenebia ben
es), Acorus calamus
(Akhrot), Aconitum heterophyllum (Ale
nka kri) , Viola serpens
(Bach), Podophyllum hexandrum (Ba
ata) , lurinea sp. (Dh op
(Banafsha), Swertia chirata (Ch iray
(DoHs), Angelica glauca
jad) , Dioscorea sp., Rheum emodi
jari), Morechella escuienta,
(Ga ndr aya n), Stephania glabra (Gin
rophylum (Kakolisir),
Myrica esculenta (Kaiphal), Lilium hete
oa (Kutki), Malaxis
Berberis aristata (Kilmora), Picrorhiza kurr
natum cirrhifolium
muscifera (La hus uni a), Polygo
etha ), Skimmia laurata
(Ma ham aida ), Aconitum ferox (Me
(Na irpa ti), Didymopearpus pedicella
te (Pa thar long ), Onosma
hi-v ridh i), Eulophia
sp. (Ratanyot), Hebenaria intermeda (Rid
wallichi (Sa mev a),
campestris (Sa lam mis hri) , VelIeriana
ata (Thuer).
Ephedra gerardiana (Somlata), Taxus bacc
130
End ang ered Medicinal Plants
Tab le 7.6 : Med icina l Plan ts
in Sho rt Sup ply
Bota nica l Nam e Com mon Nam e Qua ntity Per iod of
requ ired shor tage of
(Ton nesl supp ly
ann um) (Years)
Ashtvarga 0.095
Aca cia cate chu 23
Kha irchh al 2.40
Acon itum heIerophyHum 5
ativisha 0.55
AIpinia ga/angB 15
Kosthakulinjan 0.22
Aquilaria agaIlocha 4
Krishnageru 0.17
Atte misi a maritima 12
Kinn anio va 0.33
ArtocatpUS heterophyllus 5
Pha nasa mbe 0.055
Baliospermum montanum 5
Dantlmool 0.32
Berberis arist ata 3
Daruhaldi 2.70
CednJs deod ara 6
Devdar 2.20
Com miph ora wighJii 10
Guggul 2.30
Convolvulus arvensis 5
HaremIeI 0.156
CUfCU/igo 0tChi0ides 6
Kalimusli 2.25
Curcuma zedoatia 4
Kapurkachri 0.225
Dioscorea bulbifera 5
Dukkarkand 0.175
Embelia ribe s 7
vaividang 3.40
Gentians kurroo 3
Triman 0.22
Hemidesmus indicus 4
Chav ak 1.20
/ndula RIC8II1OS8 3
Pokharmool 0.65
Ma//otus phi/Jippinisis 6
Kapila 0.155
Mesuafenea 12
Nag kesa r kala 0.65
Myrica escu /enta 6
Kaiphal 0.225
Myri stica fragrans 5
Jaiphal 0.33
Naid osta chys grandiflora 3
Jatamansi 0.66
Ne/umbo nuci fera 5
Kamalphool 0.31
PicrofThiza kurr oa 8
Kuta ki 1.55
Pipe r cube ba 5
Kank ol 0.335
Pipe r Iongum 5
Pippali 1.25
Piper Iongum 5
Pippalmool 0.85
Piper nigru m 5
Shve tmiri 0.09
Pista cia chin esis 13
Kakdashingi 0.45
Plumbago zeyl anic a 10
Chitrak lal 3.50
PteIocarpus santa/inum 5
Raktchandan 1.025
Rubia COId ifoIia 18
Manjishtha 1.15
Saraca indica 4
Ash okch hal 6.80
Saussurea lappa 4
Koshtha 0.43
Smilax chin a 5
Chopchini 0.55 5
con td...
Table 7.6 - contd..•
Botanical Name Common Name Quantity Period of
required shortage of
(Tonnesl supply
annum) (Years)
Solanum indicum Motiringani 1.15 5

Swertia chirata Kirata 2.50 7
Tecoma undu/ata Raktrida 0.30 6
Va/eriana wallichii Tagar 0.275 5
Vetiveria zinzanioides Vala 1.15 4
Wagatia spicata Vakeri bhate 0.12 4
Wrightia tinctoria Andrajava 0.418 5
The data refers to Sandu Brothers, Mumbai, Who are manufacturers
Source: Planning Commission 2000
Table 7.7: Estimation of Raw Material Demand of Threatened Species

Notified species Annual consumption (kg.)
Aconitum species 11,671
Acorus species 109,760
Aquilaria malaccensis 48,599
Artenesia species 795
Atropa species 1,629
Aristolochia species 6,459
Colchicum luteum 1,.637
Coscinum fenestratum 3,300
Costus speciosus 2,186
Commiphora wightii 68,383
Didymocarpus pedicellata 1,527
Ephedra species 84
Gloriosa superba 1,414
Hyoscyamus niger 1,055
Hydnocarpus species 72.645
Orchidaceae species 1,438
pterocarpus santalinus 15.873
Nardostachys grandiflora 14.228
Rheumemodi 235
Rauwolfia serpentina 11,083
Strychnos potatorum 23,425
Swertia chirata 23.185
Taxus baccata 23.636
China may Pip India in Race for US Drug Market
China is fast catching up and may soon overtake India in the
number of DMFs (drug master fillings) to the US Food and Drug
Administration. The number of DMF fillings being made by
Chinese players has started picking up, and is growing at a fast
pace.
DMFs refer to the submission of data that includes technical,
clinical and safety information about an API (Active
Pharmaceutical Ingredient) to US FDA, and are followed by the
abbreviated new drug application (ANDA) filling.
The data submitted by the companies is reviewed by US FDA
and only after the companies get an approval from the authority
can their active pharmaceutical ingradients be marketed in US. In
the first half of 2005, China's share in the total new filling to US
FDA was nearly 9% with 37 new filling druging the period, up
from a share of 8.1% for last year (49 filings).
The pace at which the filling have been growing over the past
two years is something to look out for, industry analysts stated. It
will soon be filing for ANDA or abbreviated new drug application
in US FDA, which is the next step after DMFs, they added.
Commenting on the pace of DMFs by China, Dr. Swati
Piramal, director ( strategic alliances & communications), Nicholas
piramal India said:"Yes it is fast and something to watch out for ".
There has also been a surge in the number of fillings by Indian
Companies, with India's share of new filling at around 33% in the
first half of this year. Last year, the share was 32.8% with 198 new
fillings. Over the last couple of years, serveral second/third tier
companies have aggressively scaled up their ANDA/DMF fillings
the US market.
While China may yet trail behind India on issues of quality,
chemistry skills and regulatory issues, analysts believe that the gap
is likely to narrow going forward, especially in basic products that
do not involve advanced chemistry jknowledge, experts pointed
out.
Meanwhile, there is a section within the industry which felt
otherwise. Ramesh Adige, executive director of Ranbaxy
Laboratories, said:"The Indian pharma industry is miles ahead in
its new fillings and China is just about getting there. I believe this
gap will sustain for another five years."
Nimish Mehta, assistant VP (research) Edelweiss Capital, felt
that though China has shown an increase in DMF fillings, it is not
very major. "This is because Indian companies are targeting
companies whose patents are expiring so these are relevant, which
may not be the case in the former country," he said.
Major Indian Plant entering Global Commerce
Scientific Name Scientific Name
Acorus calamus Panax sp.
Agave sisala'na Rheum sp.
Aloe vera Saussaria sp.
Aloe sp. Dicorhiza sp.
Ammi majas
A. visnaga The following have
Atropa acuminata pretty high demand
Atropa belladonna Tinospora cordifolia
Berberis vulgaris Pulchea macniosa
Catharanthus rose us Asparagus racemosus
Datura metel Centella asiatica
D. stramonium Cassia angustifolia
Digitalis sp. Terminalia chebu/a
Ephedra sp. Aloe vera
Derboisia sp. Withania sommifera
Glycyrriliza glabra Acontium balfourin
Hyoscyanus niger A. dienorrhizum
Papavar sommiferum A. falconeri
Rawalfia serpentina A. ferox
R. tetraphylla A. heterophyllum
Rheum emodi A. violaceum
R. officinalis Acorus calamus
Swertia chirata Aguilaria malacensis
Taxus baceata Angelica glauca
Wrginea maritima Atropa acuminata
Valeriana officinalis Berberis khahmiriana
V. wallichii Swertia chirata
Curcuma sp. Saussaria sp.
Gentiana sp. PoIygonatum sp.
Inula sp. Rauwalfia sp.
/lex khasianum Dioscorea sp.
Podophyllum sp.
Coptis teeta Vulnerable species
Angelica glance Berberis sp.
A. benthami Curculigo sp.
Hedycium sp.
Endangered species Paeani sp.
Beberis sp. Rheum sp.
Herecleum sp. Clerodendrum sp.
Chapter Eight
Status Assessment of Tree Flora
There is definitely some discrepancy about the number. But

herbs definitely surpass the number of trees and also in their
quality and efficacy; it has been mentioned that herbs have at
least four times the number of tree species in their occurrence.
Similar study on herb and shrub flora should be the first step to
assess their status.
In this chapter the author has picked up results of inventory
of trees of some states which have commercial values mostly (not
specifically having medicinal properties). The purpose is to
record the depth of work of the foresters on the status of tree
species. In this report the occurrence of trees per hectare only
has also been mentioned. One can assess the exact status of each
species having known the area of occurrence, type of forests and
the area coverage.
For example the occurrence and status of some trees having
medicinal values can be assessed from the data presented.
Quantitative Status (density per hectare) Assessment of Tree

Flora made by Forest Survey of India, (FSI):
While no statistical-base quantitative assessment of herb/
shrub / climber flora which form 90 per cent of medicinal of India,
has been done on a wide and acceptable scale, the FSI, has already
done extensive and intensive work on such assessment of tree
flora all over the country for the last 35 years.
On the basis of this survey it is possible to evaluate the status
of a species in a particular area. Such figures also show the
valverability / rarely / or the exact status of a species.
Only a few examples are presented as floras (figures relates
to 1970s and 1980s).
Status Assessment of Tree Flora 135
West Bengal:
a) Darjeeling Hills of West Bengal:

A token survey was carried out in Singalila area and following
species were listed:
Rhododendron sp. 67.40 stems per ha.
Lithocarpus pachyphylla 24.00 stems per ha.
Tsuga dumosa 20.50 stems per ha.
Castanopsis sp. 17.70 stems per ha.
Abies densa 14.50 stems per ha.
Lithocarpus lineata 12.50 stems per ha.
Acer campbellii 5.00 stems per ha.
Other species are - Alnus nepalensis, Simingtonia populnea,
Cinnamomum sp. etc.
b) Kalimpong Hills of West Bengal:
According to a token survey carried out over small area the
following species were listed.
Machilus gammieana 22stems per ha.
Lithocarpus lineata 15stems per ha.
Alchimondra cathcartii 15 stems per ha.
Lithocarpus pachyphylla 10 stems per ha.
Nyssa javonica 9 stems per ha.
Castanopsis sp. 8 stems per ha.
Acer campbellii 8 stems per ha.
Cinnamomum sp. 8 stems per ha.
Lithocarpus lamellosa 7 stems per ha.
Overall density per hectare is 275 trees.
c) Purulia District of West Bengal:
The forests of purulia district grow over barren red lateritic soil,
80% of the crop are of 5 cm. to 9 cm. diameter
Shorea robusta 232 stems per ha.
Terminalia tomentosa 23.750 stems per ha.
Semecarpus anacardium 17.000 stems per ha.
Mallotus philippinensis 15.750 stems per ha.
Diospyros sp. 36.5867.40 stems per ha.
Holarrhena sp.
Pterocarpus marsupium
Miscellaneous Stratum:
Holarrhena antidysentrica 41.059
Anogeissus latifolia 13.16
Bauhinia purpurea 9.73
Cochlospermum gossypium 10.00
Lannea coromendelica 17.89
Mallotus philippinensis 36.58
Terminalia tomentosa 51.06
Shorea robusta 43.32
Emblica officinalis 13.16
Pterocarplls marsupium 10.26
Gmelina arborea 8.94
Saccopetalum tomentosa 7.30
Croton oblongifolills 6.84
Buchanania lanzan 5.79
Sikkim State
Figures of south Western Sikkim are only available:
Prime species are: Symplocos theifolia, (Frequency occurrence
is 90, and stems per ha. is 69); has the maxim um density, this
species is of immen se medicinal value of import ance (Frequency
given in the brackets.).
Species are Castanopsis sp. (Fr. Oct.90, and 13 Stems /ha.)
Machilus odorattissima (F-66 and 8/pa). Eurya Japonica (F-80 8/
ha.) Macaranga sp. (F-28,7/ha.), Lithocarpus lamellosa (Quercus). Acer
campbellii (F-50, 8/ha.), Litsaea sp. (F-90,3/ha.), Machilus gammeana
(F-70).
Status Assessm ent of Tree Flora 137
Bihar State (Sal bearing tract):
Survey area 53,000 km. In Chhota nagpur hills.
Forest type4 : 5 BC, (C)-Northern Tropical Dry penins ular Sal
forests. Stems per hectare:
Sal (poor quality) 450 Stems/ ha. (In Sal Forests)
Boswellia serrata 22/ha. (In Sal Forests).
111 /ha. (In Boswellia forests).
Acacia catechu 132/ha . (In Acacia forests).
Miscellaneous species 63/ha.
SpJcie s are Termin alia tomen tosa, Anoge issus latifoli a,
Lannea corome ndelica , Buchan ania lanzan , Syzygi um cumini ,
ficus specie s, Diospy ros melano xylon, Ougen ia oojeine nsis,
Boxbax ceiba, Madhu ca latifolia, lagerstroemia parviflora, Adina
cordif olia, Butea ~pnosperma, Schlei ghera oleosa and
pteroc arpus marsupIUm.
Melgllat Forests of Maharashtra State:

These forests are close to the forests of Akola, Buldhana of
Nimar and Belul districts of Madhy a Pradesh.
The forests fall under southe rn tropical Dry Deciduous Teak
type (5A/C 1b) and southe rn tropica l Dry Mixed Decidu ous
forest type (5A/C3 ) as per Champ ion and Seth's forest Types of
India. Teak forests occur extens ively with Dendr ocalam us as
unders torey, where Dendr ocalam us is absent Lantan a and
Cymbo pogon martin i and other tall grasse s from the ground
vegeta tion.
Melgh at Tiger Reserv e:

Quantitative survey carried out by Forest Survey of India and
Tiger Project authorities, shows the occurrence of 277 trees per. ha.
domin ant sp. as follows:
High Freque ncy (%) species are:
Tectona 10
Anogeissus 70
Lagerstoemia 70
Wrightia 6
Emblica 60
Dalbergia 10
Flacourtia 60
Boswellia 60
Acacia catechu 70
Bamboo 50
Southern Tropical Dry Deciduous forests: (Average ht.20.27 m.).
Some species are:
Tectona grandis Lannea coromendelica
Terminalia tomentosa Qugenia oojeinensis
Wrightia tinctoria Cassia fistula
Bauhinia racemosa Terminalia belerica
Mitragyna parviflora Schleichera oleosa
Casaeria elliptica Zizyphus xylopyra
Garuga pinnata Boxbax ceiba
Flacourtia indica Lagerstroemia parviflora
Emblica officinalis Anogeissus latifolia
Boswellia serrata Acacia sundra
Miliusa tomentosa Terminalia Arjuna
Madhuca latifolia Adina cordifolia
Albizzia procera Chloroxylon swietenia
Grewia lilaefolia Diospyros melanoxylon
Bridelia retusa Sherbera swietenoides
Some Species of Woody climbers are:
Butea superba Millettia auriculata
Celastrus paniculatus Zizphus rugosa
Capparis zeylanica Cayratia auriculata
C. trifolia Dregea vollubilis
Hemidesmus indicus Mucuna prurita
Bauhinia vahlii Pueraria tuberosa
Combretum ovalifolium Acacia pinnata
Cissampelos pariera Ampelocissus latifolia
Cissia repanda Canavalia gladiata
Crytolepts buchanani Argyreia sericea
Status Assessm ent of Tree Flora 139
Some herbs are (of Melgh at):
Cleome viscosa Triumfetta pentr~dra
T. rhomboidea Bioshytum'sensetivum
Cardio permu m helicacabum Polygala elonga ta
Hyban thus aspasp ermus Bidens bitema ta
Spoubia delphinifolia Hemig raphis latebrosa
Rungia elegans Lavend ula burma nii
Galinsoga parviflora Crypto lepis buchan ani
Ipomoea quomoclii Argyreia sericea
1. pestigris J. obscura
Crinum sp. Eupho rbia prunifolia
Urena lobata Chloro phyum tuberos um
1. laxiflorum Desmodium gangeticum
Pogostemon bengalensis Orthos iphon rubicu ndus
S. alba Sida acuta
Leea edgwo rthii S. orientalis
P. monoica Pinpinela lateriflora
S. stricta Spermacoca hispida
Lepida gathis cristatia Diptera canthu s patulu s
Conyz a stricta L. trinervis
Hemid esmus indicus Tridex procumbens
Achyra nthes aspera Trichodesma indicu m
Phylla nthus debilis Celocia argentea
Haben aria platyph ylla P. virgatus
D. hispida Dioscorea belophylla
D. pentap hylla . D. bulbifera
Plectra nthus rugosu s Uraria refescens
Anisomeles indica.
Some herbs growin g in Agricu ltural lands (Melghat):
Argem one mexicana Sida acuta
Cassia fumila Spermacoce stricta
Ageratum conyzoides ~eaprocunlbens
Vernonia sp. Echinostenlna hyssopifolium

Solanum nligrurn Justicia sinlplex
Leucas cephalotes Celocia sp.
Phyllanthus sp. Merdania nudiflora
Hibiscus lobatus Psoralia corylifolia
Anlinania baccifera Oldenlandia cOrynlbosa
Caesulia axillaries Tridax sp.
Mollugo pentaphylla Merrenlia gangetica
Striga angustifolia lepidagathis cristata
Achyranthes sp. Euphorbia sp.
Some Shrubs ( Melghat) are:"
Lantana camara, sida-5 sp., Grewia-5 sp., Alysicarpus-B sp.,
Bhima-6 sp. Justicia-5 sp. Leucas-6 sp., Commelina-5 sp. Commelina-
5 sp., Flimbristylis-6 sp., eragrostis-9 sp. Desmadium-5 sp.,
Indigofera-8 sp., Bauhinia-5 sp. Cassia-7 sp., Ipomoea-IO sp.,
Euphorbia-6 sp., Ficus-7 sp., Cyperus-7 sp. Brachiaria-5 sp.
Echinochloa frumentacea Paspalidium flavidum
P.scrobiculatum Brachiaria encijormis
Coix aquatica Eleusine aegyptica
Eragrostis ciliaris E. tenalla
Setaria intermedia S. pallidaefusca
Apluda mutica Themeda quadrivalvis
Chloris dolichostachys Panicum miliare
Eleusine coracana Setaria italica
Chloris mirgata Cynodon dactylon
Echinochloa colona Iseilema laxum
Sporobolus diander Heteropogon contortus
Schmia nervosum Capillipidium assimele
SOnle Trees of Mewasi, Maharastra:

The forests of Mewasi fall under southern Dry Deciduous
forests, according to Chanlpion and Seth's Classification of forest
141
Status Assessm ent of Tree Flora
types; Where Tectona grandi s predom inates. But there are wide
areas, where miscel laneou s crop predom inates with a small
propor tion of Teak.
Stems per ha. Of different species, in the 3(three) categories of
forests are latulat ed below:
Table 8.1
Specie s No. of stems per hectare

Teak & Misc Misc. Teak
Forests Forests Forests
24.6 5.1 36.8

Tectona grandis
9.0 10.5 6.3
Tenninalia crenulata
Pterocarpus marsupium 2.3 0.5
4.3 1.4 3.6
Da'bergia latifolia
2.6 3.1 2.13
Qugenia oodienensis
3.3 0.5 3
Diospyros me/anoxylon
5.3 2.8 1.0
Bridelia refusa
11.6 3.1 8.5
Anogeissus latifolia
Lagerstroemia parviflora 5.9 2.5 3.6
5.3 3.7 4.2
Boswellia serrata
Lannea coromencJelica 12.6 4.2 6.3
Garuga pinnata 5.0 3.7 0.8
Schleichera o/eosa 4.3 0.5 0.4
Tenninalia be/erica 1.9 3.1 0.4
Adina cordifolia 2.6 0.5 1.0
Mitragyna panniflora 1.3 2.5 0.4
Albizzia procera 0.6 0.8
Butea monospenna 15.0 16.5 6.3
Other Invent ory Result s in Aruna chal Prades h

The forests have been thorou ghly survey ed in the eastern and
wester n districts. The survey shows a rich assemblage of species
of modfe rate density . The area, howev er, has been sufferi ng
deplet ion due to shiftin g cultiva tion and large scale Army
settlem ents.
(a) East Kameng District:

Broad- leaved stratum : 168 econim ically import ant species
have been indentified (229 trees per hectare ). Occurrence of spe,cies
per hectre are furnish ed below:
Nep al (Western)
Table 8.2 : Stem s/ha . of Imp orta
.....
01>-
nt Spe cies in diffe rent Fore st N
type s
Forest types
Species
Chir KIL Deodar Firspruce Conifers High level Low level
Tsuga mixed with broad broad
Chir (Pin us oxburghil) H.w. leaved leaved
109.136
Kail (Pin us a/lichiana)
0.021 214.228 15.015
Deodar (Cedrus deodara) 31.672 1.975
Fir (Abies pindrow) 2.532
Spruce (picea smithyana) 4.630 132.862 33.183 3.094
Tsuga (Tusga dumosa) 6.622 18.223 13.246 0.399
Thuner (Taxus baccata) 4.630 6.506 8.450 0.211
Cyprus (sura/)(Cupressus tora/ 19.165 5.325 1.824
osa) 5.6958
Allo oaks (Quercus sp.) 34.001
6.040 35.254 24.807
Bhojpatar (Betula sp.) 43.335 125.997 0.693 tr:I
9.461 30.381 ::l
Kanjal (Bischofia javanica) 22.808 8.970 0..
III
Sai (shorea robusta) 3.638 56.584 3.232 ::l
5.298 0C1
Sain (Termina/ia sp.) 23.644 0.080 178.580
ID
....
ID
Dha wra 2.060 21.631 0..
Up land hardwoods 0.501 25.638 ~
17.882 ID
Low land hardwoods
11.623
16.992 56.248 45.651 237.572 10.718 e:
O.
Tota l con ifers 4.786 3.130 166.784 ::l
Total broa d leav ed
109.157 238.300 225.772 114.429 8.988 8.862
e.
40.843 61.707 115.074 :g
Gra nd tota l 149.369 379.001 404.044 III
150.000 300.007 340.846 ::l
263.798 387.989 412.906 fil'
Status Assessm ent of Tree Flora
143
Castan opsis indica \ Castan opsis sp.-14.108, Altingi a excelsa-

7.233; Ficus dp.-6.566; Quercu s sp.-6.464; Sygyg ium sp.-6.361;
Alnus nepalensis-4.668; Canari um sp. 4.66; Macar anga indica-
4.412; Dysox ylum binect eriferi um 4.104; Amoo ra sp.-2.7 19;
Canar ium resinif erum-2 .616; Magno lia sp. 2,462; Trema
orientalis-2.360; Engelh ardtia spicata-2.155; Michelia, sp. -4.925.
Bambo o startum : 9 species are promin ent e.g.,- Castan opsis,
Altigia , Bischo fia, Macar ang, Stercu lia, Querc us Aoston ia,
Miche lia, Sehia (Per hectar e occurr ence of each specie s is
betwee n 2 to 3).
Altoge ther 168 species of trees have been record ed alongw ith
thier occurr ence per hectar e. Of these specie s most widely
occurr ing trees have been depicte d. The occurr ence of fieus,
Gmelin a, Glochidion, Artoca rpus, Antide sma, Cordia , Dillenia,
Dysoxy lum, Erythri na, Eugenia, Terminalia species and species
of several other trees indicate a bio-ecological bonanz a for bird
and animal fauna to survive .
(b) West Kemeng District:

The survey ed area represents many tree species. About 39.438
stems per hectre have been left unidentified. The area comma nds a
beautif ul landsc ape having about 3-5.756 stems of Rhodo dendro n
per hectare. Besides, the occurrence of Terminalias (3.779), Eurya
(5.394), Acer, Betula, Amoor a, Canari um, Aquillaria, Castan opsis,
Ehretia , Carya, Eriobo trya, Eugen ia, Feroni a, Ficus Gmeli na,
Juglan s, Machil us(5.94 3), Magno lia, Miche lia (3.325), Morus ,
Myristica, Spondi us etc. species make the area biologically very
interesting.
Boadcleaved stratum: (Number of stems per hectare is 223. 678).
Phoebe sp. 3.359 Quercu s griffithii 13.631
Acer sp. 2.972 Quercu s lineata 4.490
Schima wallichii 2.972 Quercu s sp. 16.892
Sygygium cumini 2.907 Castan opsis indica 7.623
Dysoxylum Abies pindro w 6.718
binecte riferum 2.132 Alnus nepale nsis 8.491
Eugeni a sp. 2.100 Eurya japonica 5.394
Terminalia sp. 3.773 Machilus odorat issima 3.585
Tripur a State
Most import ant families are:
Fabace ae 44 genera , 94 species
Poaice ae 49 genera , 91 species
Rubiac eae 38 genera , 78 species
Eupho rbiacea e 35 genera , 69 species
Princip al tree specie s ( accord ing to percen tage) are:
Albizz ia procer a 7.3
Vitex pedunc ularis 5.2
Bomba x ceiba 1.5
Schima wallich ii 4.4
Dilleni a pentag yna 0.4
Temin alia beleric a 1.4
Gmelin a arbore a 2.9
Lannea corome ndelica 4.4
Shorea robusta 4.5
Artoca rpus chapla sa 1.5
Toona ciliata 6.0
Assam State
a) Evergreen forests:
Ammo ra wallich ii 2.40
Dipter ocarpu s macroc arpus 29.50
Shorea assami ca 10.32
Mesua ferrea 13.24
Mango lio pteroc arpa 7.00
Cinnam omum glandu liferum 2.17
Vatica lancaef olia 4.70
Termin alia myrioc apra 1.60
T. chebul a 4.60
t. beleric a 1.08
145
Stat us Ass essm ent of Tree Flora
b) Evergreen forests:
Kayea assamica 68.08
Dys oxy lum sp. 6.35
Ech inoc arpu s assa mic us 3.70
Can ariu m sp. 4.31
Pte roca rpu s lancaefolium 6.25
Mesua ferrea 2.69
Terminalia che bula 2.57
Am oor a wallichii 1.50
c) Now goa ng area: Ste ms per

hectare are:-
bax ceib a-2. 1, Alb izza ia
Lag erst ore mia spe cios a-4. 6, Bom
Syz ygi um prae cox -1.6 , Vitex
pro cera -3.0 , Cas tano psis sp.-4.6,
rica-2.6, Lan nea coro men deli a-
ped unc ular is- 1.6,Terminalia bele
fist ula -6.0 , Lag ers troe inia
2.0, Sho rea rob usta -5.2 , Cas sia
bx ceiba-2.1, Alb izzi a pro cera -
speciosa-B.O,E. Parviflora-4.9, Bom
erm um acerifolium-1.9, Toona
2.2, Ma nso nia dipikae-1.6 Pte rosp
ciliata-2.2, Ulm us lancaefolia 4.0
Nag alan d Sta te
North Nagaland:
en and Sem i-ev erg reen
The fore sts are of trop ical Eve rgre
hav e patc hes of bam boo and
wit h man y sub -typ es, juli forests
reeds.
No. of stem s per ha.
Types of Forests
sts 205
Evergreen and Semi-evergreen fore
69
Pur e Bamboo shrubs:
85
Bamboo and Miscellaneous shru b
44
Reed stra ta
hectare:
Principal Species wit h Ste ms per
Lag erst roe mia spe cios a-
Dip tero carp us macrocarpus-lO.S4,
Dy sox ylu m pro cer um -4.4 4,
0.0 9, Gm elin a arb ore a-0 .53 ,
min alia bel eric a - 1.7 5,
Tet ram eles nud iflo ra-0 .69 , Ter
Can ariu m resi nifo lium - 6.24,
Pte rosp eru m lanc aefo lium - 6.14,
myr ioca rpa - 1.17, Syz ygi um
Cas tano psis indi ca - 6.58, Terminalia
146
End ang ered Medicinal Plan ts
cum ini- 2.00, Vatica lancaefolia -5.1
7, End osp erm um chin ens is-
2.29 , Ma gno lia/ Mic hel ia sp.-
2.29, Sch ima wal lich ii -2.44,
Pho ebe goa lpar ens is- 0.14, Shorea
assamica- 6.68, Me sua ferrea-
6.49 , Art oca rpu s cha pla sha 0.68
, Bis cho fia jav ani ca- 2.78,
Michelia cha mpa ca - 1.70.
Ass am Sta te
Nor th Cachar (Cachar hills):
Stem s per hectare: (Less com mon
trees):
Amo ora w&llichii 0.1 Schima wal/ichii
Lagerstoemia parviflora 6.2
3.6 Phoebe cooperiana
Phoebe goalparensis 0.0
0.5 Mesua 'errea
Aila nthu s grandis 0.1
0.3 Dillenia indica
Tetrameles nudiflora 5.9
1.1 Kydia calycina
Chukrassia velutina 2.9
0.5 Garuga pinnata
Morus lavaegata 2.1
0.3 Artocarpus sp.
Terminalia sp. 1.6
8.2 Boxbax ceiba
Michelia sp. 0.4
0.3 Artocarpus lakoocha
Gmelina arborea 0.8
2.1 Adina oligocephana
Cinnamomum sp. 1.9
0.1 Albizzia odor atiss ima
Terminalia myriocarpa 0.2
0.0 Bauhinia sp.
Cas tano psis indica 12.2
0.9 Carega arborea
Pler ospe rmu m 5.7
0.5 Ficus sp.
15
Me gha lay a Sta te
Thi s sur vey per tain s to a ver y sma
ll area in the foot hills of
Sou the rn slop es whe re sho rea rob
usta occurs. Me gha laya has
var ied spe cies occ urri ng in Sub
-tro pic al and Sub -tem per ate
climate. Mo st of the species of med
icinal value.
Tree s Per hect are
Tec:tona gran dis
1352 2 Terminalia tomentosa
Oug enla oojeinensis 5.12
13.67 Anog eiss us latifolia
Lagerstroemia parviflora 12.72
11.31 Boswellia serrata
Lananea coromendelica 3.52
5.36 Madhuca latifolia
Adin a cordifolia 1.41
2 Mitragyna parviflora
Wrig htia tinctoria 2.24
13.36 Grewia tiliaefolia
Othe r spec ies 7.98
62.68 Shorea robusta
Bauh inia sp. 33.90
122 8 Termlnalia sp.
Calli carp a sp. 8.22
7.08 Dillenia Indica
597
Schima wallichi 6.22 albizzia sp. 5.83
Careya arborea 5.75 Others 87.75
In addition following species have also been recorded:
Broad-leaved stratum-168 economically important species have
been identified - (229 trees per hectare ). Occurrence of species per
hectare are furnished below:
Castanopsis indica/Castanopsis sp. -14.10; altingia excelsa-
7.23; ficus sp.-6. 56; quercus sp.-6.46; sygygiurn sp.-6.361; alnus
nepalensis-4.66; Canarium sp. -4.66; Macaranga indica-4.41;
Dysoxylum binecteniferum-4.10; amoora sp. -3.33; Calicarpa
arborea-3.33; Terminalia myriocarpa- 3.28; Albizzia sp.-2.719;
Canarium resiniferum- 2.61; Magnolia sp.-2.46; Trema orientalis
-2.36; engelhardtia spicata-2.15; Mesua ferrea-2.15; Michelia sp.
-4.92
Bamboo Stratum- 9 species are prominent e.g.,- Castanopsis,
Altingia, Bischofia, Macaranga, Sterculia, Quercus Alstonia,
Michelia, Schima (per hectare
Altogether 168 species of trees have been recorded
alongwith their occurrence per hectare. Of these species most
widely occurring trees have been depicted. The occurrence of
Ficus, Gmelina, glochidion, Artocarpus, Antidesma, Cordia,
dillenia, dysoxylum ,Erythrina, Eugenia, Terminalia species and
species of several other tress indicate a bioecological bonanza for
bird and animal fauna to survive.
Arunachal State
Lohit and Tirap Forests of Arunachal Pradesh:

Principal species of economic importance are:
Mesua ferrea, Dipterocarpus macrocarpus, shorea assamica,
Michelia champaca, amoora wallichii, Mansonia dipikae,
Canariun resinifolium, Kydia calycina, Pterospermum
acerfolium, Bischofia javanica, Schima wallichii, ailanthus
garndis, Gmelina arborea, Treminalia citrina.
Stems per hectare:

Dipterocarpus sp. Shorea forests 226 stems/ha.
In mixed miscellaneous
Forests 150 stems/ha.
In Lohit forest
215 stems/ha.
In Changlang 185 stems/ha.
Khonsa 294 stems/ha.
So far volume per hectare are concerned, Terminalia
myriocarpa Castanopsi~ sp., dillenia indica, toona ciliata,
cinnamomum cecedodaphne and chukrasia tabularis show
prominence, besides that of most other principal economic
species.
West Bengal State

Kalimpong Hills of West Bengal:
According to a token survey carrid out over small area the
following species were listed:
Machilus gammieana 22 stems/ha.
Lithocarpus lineata 15 stems/ha.
Alchimundra cathcartii 15 stems/ha.
Lithocarpus pachyphylfa 10 stems/ha.
Nyssajavonica 9 stems/ha.
Castanopsis sp. 8 stems.ha.
Acer campbellii 8 stems/ha.
Cinnamomum sp. 8 stems/ha.
Meghalaya State
This survey pertains to a very small area in the foot hills of
Southern slopes where shorea robusta occurs. Meghalaya has
varied species occurring in sub-tropical and sub- temperate
climate. Most of the species of medicinal value:
Trees per hectare
Tectona grandis 135.2293
Terminalia tomentosa 5.1211
Ougenia oojeinensis 13.6774
Anogeissus latifolia 12.7263
Lagerstroemia parviflora 11.3199
Boswel/ia serrata 3.5248
Lannea coromendelica 5.3636
Madhuca latifolia 1.4197
Adina cordifolia 2.9277
Mitragyna parviflora 2.2456
Grewia tiliaefolia 7.9847
Wrightia tinctoria 13.3636
Other species 62.6827
In addition following species have also been recorded:
Shorea robusta 33:90
Bauhinia sp. 12.28
Terminalia sp. 8.22
Callicarpa sp. 7.08
Dillenia indica 5.97
Schima wal/ichi 0.22
Albizzia sp. 5.83
Careya arborea 5.75
Others 87.75
Trees presently not under threat:
Acacia arabica (Babul ) Aegle marme/os ( Boel )
Alstonia scholaris (Chatni ) Albizzia lebbek (Sirish)
Anona squamosa (Atal) Areca catechu (Supari )
Azadirachta indica (Neem ) Anthocephalus chinensis (Kadam)
Artocarpus heterophylla (Kanthal ) Anona reticulata (Nona )
Bauhinia racemosa (Seta kanchan ) Bauhinia variegata (Rakta kanchan)
Bauhinia purpurea (Deba Kanchan ) Bombax ceiba (Semul )
Butea monosperma (Palash ) Carica papaya (Papaya )
Cassia fistula (amaltus ) Dalbergia sissoo ( Sisam )
Dipterocarpus sp. (Garjan ) Delonix regia (Krishnachura )
Dillenia pentagyna (Tantari ) Eucalyptus tereticornis (Blue gum)
Erythrina indica (Madar) Emblica officinalis (Amloni)
Fixus bengalensis (Bat) Ficus religiosa (Aswathwa)
Ficus glomerata (Jagna dumur) Ficus hispida (Kak dumur)
Ficus cunea (Jaya dumur) Grewia sp. (Phalsa)
Holamena antidysenterica (Kurchi) Moringa olifera (Sajina)
Nyctanthes arbor-tistris (Siwli) Nerium odorum (Rakta Karabi)
Stereospermum personatum (Parari)
Sterblus asper (Seora) Vitex negundo (Nishinda)
Ziziphus sp. (Kul) Trema orientalis (Kuail)
Thespesia populnea (Pipli) Tamarix sp. (Barha)
Toona ciliata (Toon) Tectona grandis (Teak)
Tamarindus indica (Tentul) Termarindus indica (Arjuna)
Syzygium cuminii (Kalo jam) Prosopis spicigera
Prosopis cinararia Putranjiva roxbughii (Putranjiva)
Diospyros melanoxylon (Kend)
Trees occurr ing sporad ically which may be vulner able

unless felling restric ted:
Acacia Suma (Somi) Acacia catechu (Khair)
Ailanthus excelsa (Mahanimba) Anacardium occidentale (Kaju)
Anogeissus latifo/ia (Ohaw) Bassia latifolia (Mahua)
Boswellia serrata (Salai) Capparis deciduas
Citrus sp. Careya arborea (Kumbi)
Gme/ina arborea (Gamar) Feronia elephantum
Flacourtia sepiaria Hopea odorata
Hydnocarpus sp. (Chalmugra) Me/ia azadirach (Goraneem)
Miche/ia Montana (Champ) Michlia niligerica (Champ)
Mahonia rnepalensis Oroxylum indicum (Sona)
Ougenia oojeinensis (anjan) Premna sp. (Ginari)
Phoenix sp. (Khejur) Pongamia pinnata (Karanj)
Pterygota alata (Narikeli) Terminalia chebula (Haritaki)
Spondius mangifera Salix tetrasperma
Knema augustifo/ia Kige/ia pinnata
Mel/otus philippinensis (Rohini) Morus alba (Tu!)
Polylthia semiarum (Labsi) Bischofia javanica (Kanjal)
Aglaia roxburghii Adansonia digitata (Kalpa!aru)
Mangium salvaefolium Artocarpus lakoocha (Oewa)
Barringtonia acutaugula (Hizal) Crataeva nurvula (Barin)
Lannea coromemde/ica (Jeol) Symplolcos racemosa (Lodhra)
Trewia nudiflora (Pitali) Flacourtia catafracta (Baichi)
Ochrocarpus longifo/ius Garuga pinnata (Giga)
Disoxylum hamilitonii (Gab) Cordia dichotoma (Bahanari)
Evodia Lunnuankenda Evodia fraxinifolia
Diospyros embriopteris (Gab) Mesua farraa (Nageswar)
Michelia champaca (Champ) Antiaris toxicaria
Boswel/ia serrata (Salai) Aglaia roxburghii (Priangn)
Capparis deciduas Adarnsonia digitata (Kalpa!aru)
Citrus sp. Mang;um salvaefolium
Careya arborea (Kumbi) Artocarpus lakoocha (Oewa)
Cochlospermum gossypium (Galgali) Barringtonia acutaugula (Hizal)
Gmelina arborea (Gamar) Crataava nurvula (Barin)
Feronia e/ephantum Lannea coromemdelica (Jeol)
F/acourtia sepicaria Gardenia gummifera (Blurur,
Neriheriger)
Hopea odorata Sympo/cos racemosa (Lodhra)
Hydnocarpus sp. (Chalmugra) Trewia nudiflora (Pitali)
Melia azadirach (Goraneem) Gynocordia odorata (Bandre,
Chalmugra)
Michelia montana (Champ) Flacourtia catafracta (Baichi)
Michelia niligerica (Champ) Ochrocarpus longifolius
Mahonia nepa/ensis Garuga pinnata (Giga)
Ougenia oojeinensis (Panjan) Aphanamyxis polystachya (Tikiaraj)
Premna sp. (Ginari) Disoxylum hami/tonii (Gab)
Phoenix sp. (Khejur) Cordia dichotoma (Bahanari)
Pongamia pinnata (Karanj) Elaeocarphus tubercu/atus
(Rudraksha)
Pterospermum acerifolium Evodia lunuankenda
(Kanak champa) (Rudrakshya)
Pterygota a/ata (narikeli) Evodia fraxinifolia
Terminalia chebula (Haritaki) Diospyros embriopteris (Gab)
Spondius mangifera Mesua ferrea (Nageswar)
Salix te1asperma Michelia champaca (Champ)
Knema CWgustifolia Antiarix toxicaria
Keigelia pinnata E/aeocarpus ganitr
Mallotus philippinensis (Rohini) Juniperus sp.
Morus alba (Tut) Pterocarpus marsupium (Peasal)
Poly/thia semiarum (Labsi) Strichnos nux-vomica (Kuchila)
Bischofia javanica (Kanjal)
E/aeocarpus ganitrus (Rudrakshya) Juniperus sp.
Pterocarpus marsupium (Peasal) Strichnos nux-vomica (Kuchila)
Strichnos potatorum (Nirmala)
Coch/ospermum gossypium (Galgali)
Pterospermum acerifolium (Kanak champa)
Gardenia gummifera (Blurur, Neriherigar)
Gynocordia odorata (Bandre, Chakmugra)
Aphanamyxis polystachia (Tikiara)
Elaeocarphus tuberculatus (Rudraksha)
'Ii'ees (need immediate protection - a few selected specl~s):
Balasamoctendron mukul Bixa aril/ans
Camphors afficinarum Cal/aphyllum inaphyllum
Caryots urens Ceibs pentandra
Cerbers manghas Juglans regia
Cupressus sempervirens Betula utilis
Aquillana agallacha (Aguru) Commitera mukul (Guggal)
Taxus baccata Juniperus communis
Schrebera switeniodes (Ghanta "arul)
Some sporadically I occurring trees need protection:

Acacia suma (Somi)
Acacia catechu (Khair)
Ailanthus exce/sa (Mahanimba)
Anacardium occidentale (Kaju)
Anogeissus latifolia (Dhaw)
Bassia latifolia (Mahu8)
Chapter Nine
Status Assessment of Shrub Flora
The author has drawn a broad survey assessment of the shrub

vegetation of the country having medicinal properities.
The legend drawn shows the Status of each species. It may be
seen that maximum number of species has been marked as'S' i.e.,
of Sporadic occurrence. Sporadic occurrence may be in 'Single' or
in 'groups' of several individuals. The second group i.e., groups of
several individuals have been marked with asterisk as S.... But it is
to realize that this assessment is made on a broad basis as
authentic figure will emerge only after a statistically sound plant
analysis design and field study.
The list is comprehensive and gives a view of the common and
important shrubly medicinal plants of India. So it may be easy to
draw a conservation strategy.
Results of Study Over the Country
The distribution of few shrubs as a result of analysis shows the
follwing:
I. Few shrubs have wide distribution.
H. Several shrubs are conspicuous all over the country.
Ill. Few shrubs are gregarious in their occurrence.
IV. Most of the shrubs are confined to forested regions.
V. Moist localities have more of shrubs than other habitats.
VI. Ground cover of shrub layer has many tree species as
regeneration.
The degree and duration of the shade have a positive bearing
on the composition and density of shrub crop. Heavy shade results
in a very limited number of shrub flora. The intensity of crop is
concerned with photosynthesis and food production, it also effects
flower and fruit production. Specific insect and avaifaunal species

are concerned with shrubs for food and pollination. At least eight
shrub genera form an imperative source of larvae food of the
moths and butterflies. Over-exploitation of tree crops in all the
three storeys in the forests cause considerable physical damage to
the shrubs; these shrubs are essential for soil binding and create a
micro climate for the survival of young plant regeneration;
besides, they help litter formation and conservation of water.
Shrubs and young regeneration of other plant species suffer
irreparable losses due to repaeated grazing and fire. These two
factors are directly responsible for eradication of plant species
where only those with underground stem survive. The author's
research reveal that only about 40 to 50 per cent of the species
survive such depredation; also the density of occurrence of species
is affected. Vast tracts of forest where grazing and fire occurs have
now very coarse grass and a few are hardy shrub species.
About ninety species of shrubs are conspicuous in the
temperate hills of India some of which have colourful flowers;
some also grow in profusion. Special mention may be made of
rhododendron and roses. In the plains, however, more than one
hundred conspicuous shrub species occur but they do not bean
conspicuous flowers. In eastern india there are at least a hundred
species of fodder shrubs; it is about two thirds in other parts of the
country. There are at least forty genera of shrubs yielding edible
fruits which attract avifauna, animals and men alike.
A survey made by the author all over the country has revealed
that only fifty species of shrubs are commonly found. Lantana,
Eupatorium, Clerodendrum, Calotropis, Cassia, Carissa,
Capparis, etc, are found conspicuous and are occurring in
profusion all over the country. It should be considered as an
ominous indication of systematic disappearance of species
primarily due to anthropogenic factors. The number of shrub
species in the country is about 4500 (tree species about 1200); but
wide occurrence of only 50 species is hardly to be believed which
is too meagre.
Status of Medicinal Shrubs

Vast shrub resources of this country have not been studied
from medicinal, aesthetic and environmental points of view. This
country has shrub flora occurring on wide range of alkaline, saline,
155
esturin e sandy soils in varied climatic conditions. The time is ripe

to select typical shrubs that have conspicuous flowers wide range
of foliage pattern s and shapes and plant them in arboret a, parks
and garden s. Some shrubs are indispe nsibte ingredi ents of parks,
garden s, reside ntial quarte rs premis es and in enviro nment al
plantin g to arrest air polluti on.
An attemp t has been made to list some common and conspicuous
shrubs occurring all over the countr y (Statewise) and to mark some
comm on medici nal plants. Althou gh some of these shrubs are
obnoxious weeds (Eupat orium, Cleistanthus, Lantana, Calotropis,
Euphorbia, Jatroph a etc. Quite a good numbe r of these shrabs occur
on dry rocky and sandy areas (Eupho rbia, Opunti a, Agave, etc.)
which provide shade, protect soil, shelter birds and bear fruits for man
and animal beside s, provid ing plants of medici nal values . Vast
avifaunal species in the country side also derive a lot of food and seek
shelter in such shrub flora.
India has about 265 species of woody (Uanas ) and herbac eous
climbers; of these about 125 are woody climbe rs and the rest are
herbac eous.
Of these, a hundr ed specie s are used as medici nal plants.
Climb ers which are trailor s and the herbac eous ones which
depend fully on the host plants for suppor t have no bright future
as their existence depend norma lly on host plants.
Some woody climbe rs such as Tinosp ora, Pureria , Entada ,
Vitis, Mucun a etc. require strong host plants for their suppor t and
surviv al and therefo re, remov al of associa te trees bring their
obviou s depleti on.
Quite a large numbe r of herbac eous climbe rs grow in forest
margin s, waste places and on margin al lands; they very frequently
face biotic hazard s and therefo re, their existen ce as a result
become increasingly threatened; the biotic pressu re is in the form of
heavy grazing by animal s growth of human popula tion and their
depend ence on forests and deman d of land for settlements.
A list of commo nly availab le climbe rs are presen ted with
comme nts on their status:
Over-e xploite d-may face deplet ion:
• Paeder ia foetida (Gandh al) -Very sporad ic:
• Tmospora cordifolia (Gulancha): Over-exploited by forest
dwelle rs, it being a good fodder species (enhan ce milk
format ion in cow and also for collect ion for medici nal
purpos es. It is typically a forest species. Other plants are: .
• Cuculus vil/osa Oaligamni) (These plants grow in forest
margin, as such they are directly
• Stephania hamandifolia (Nimutha)
or indirectly destroyed due to
• Cissampelos pareira lopping and pilferag e of host
trees.).
• Cyclea burmani • Asparagus Sp.
• Va/laris solane (Haparmati)
• Tylophora indica (Antomal) • Dioscorea sp.
• Gymnema sy/vestre (Chlagalbeti) • Tribulus terrestris
• Jasminum multifloram (Kanda) • Gnetumsp.
• Aganosma dichotoma (Madhabilata)
• Tinospora malabarica • Aristolochia indica
• Calamus viminalis (Bet) • Smilax macrophy/la
Shrub Flora (With associ ation of herbs) of Waste Places

(Spora dic):
Table 9.1
Species Status Species Status
Sida vemicoefolia Ooka) S Sida rohmboidea (Pila Barela) S
Sida cordifolia (Barlela) S Urena lobata (Ban Okra) S
Urena sinuala S Clitoria tumatea C
Acalypha indica (Muktajhuri) S Centella as~atica S
Evo/ovulus asinoides S Me"emi a emerginata S
Solanum nigram S Solanum ferox S
Solanum indicum S Solanum xanthocarpum S
Solanum torvum S Solanum surattense S
Physalis peruviana S Withania somnife ra 00
Scoparia dulcis S Picro"h iza kuroa 00
Chenopodium album S Abutilon indicum (Paleri) S
Heliotropium indicum (Srihaslini) S Flemingia sp. S
Zomia diphylla S Trianthema portulac astrum S
Musaenda frondosa (Nagballi) C Gangrea maderaspetana, S
(Namuti)
Lorathus sp. S Argemone mexicana (Sealkanta) S
contd.....
157
Table 9.1 contd.••
. Status Specie s Status
Specie s <
S Cleome gynandra S
Capsella bursapasteris
C/emoe isosandra S Polygala chinenSis (Muradu ) S
Polycarpea corymbosa S
Polygala crotalarioides (Nilkanti)S
S Portulaca quadrifida S
Portulace oleraccea
(Barnunia) (Chota nunia)
S Torenia asiatica . S
Malvastrum sp.
S Justicia gandurussa S
Vanda/lia sp.
(Jagat madan)
Rungia parviflora (Piri) S Achyranthus aspe~a (Apang) S

Boerhaevia diffusa (Punarn ava) S
Pogostemon parviflorus, , S
Amaranthus spinosus S Amaranthus gange1icus (note) S
(Kanta note)
S Xanthium strumerium S
Amaranthus viridis
(Ban Okra)
C Rumex dentatu~ S
Canabis sativa
S Cyanotis sp. S
Rumex maritimus
S Phyllanthus simplex S
Phyllanthus reticulatus
(Panjuli)
Ipomoea fistilosa Calotropis giggantia (Akanda ) S
S Datura stramonium S
Datura stamonium
(Sadadhanara) (Sadadh anara)
S Glycosmis arborea S
C/erodendrum serratum
S Grewia sp. (Phalsa) S
Martinia diandra (Baghnakhi)
Moringa olifera (Sajina) C Nyctanthes arbortistris (Siwli) C
Streblus asper (Seora) S
Nerium odorum (Rakta karabi) C
S Ziziphus sp. (Kul) S
Vitex negundo (Nishinda)
Trema orientalis (Kuail) S Thespesia populnea (Pipli) C
Tamarix sp. (Barjha) S Toana ciliata (Toon) C
Tectona grandis (Teak) CJPS Tamarindus indica (Tentul) C

Termarindus indica (Arjuna) ClPS Syzygium cuminii (Kalo jam) C
Prosopis spicigera PS Prosopis cinararia SIPS
Putranjiva roxburghii ClPS Diospyros melanoxylon (Kend) S

(Putranjiva) (Parari)
Holarrhena antidysenterica PS Stereospermum personatum PS

(Kurchi) (Parari)
Phyllanthus urinaria S Phyllanthus niruri S
(Hazarmani)
contd.....
Table 9.1 contd..•
Specie s Status Species Status
C8~rumambrommd6s S Wedelia calendula (Bhimraj) S
Euphorbia hirta (Swadaparui) S Ma/achra capitata S
Atyloma scarabiodes S Sophorasp. S
Mallugo hirta S Oldenlendia herbacea S
Elephantopus scaber S Celosia argentea S
(Shayda lan)
Polygonum orientale S Oxalis corniculata (Amrul) S
Oxalis acetosella S Martynia diandra (Bagh nakhi) S
Pandanu s tectorius (Keya) V Pandanus roxbufrJiana (Keya) O.
Breynia rlIamnoides S Breynia patens S
Datura stramonium C Ervatamia coronania (Tagar)
(Sadadh atura)
Japropha gossypifolia S Thevetia nerifolia (Halde karabi)
(Bag veranda )
Caesalpinia pulcherrima C Hibiscus mutabilis (Sthalpadma)
(Krishnachura)
Barleria cristata C Lawsonia inennis (Mehendi)
(Swata jhanti. Kalajhanti) Ricinus communis (Aronda)
Sporadic (not threatened)

Mimosa pudica (Lajjabati) S Cassytha filiformis (silinga) S
C8pparis spinosa S Croton tiglium S
Mimosa rubicaulis (Ohuna) S Ipomoea reptans (Kalmi Sag) S
Ageratu m conyzoides S Blumea lacera (Kukhim) S
Eclipta alba S Taraxacum officinate S
Biophytum sensetivum S Helectris isora (Avikush. S
(Ban naranga) Athmum )
Sphaeranthus indica S Justicia adhatoda (Vasak) C
(Maharashrabani)
Chrosophora cincera S Morinda tinctoria (Abecheek) S
(Tut kukusim a)
UndenbefrJia urticaefolia S Coffea bengalensis S
(Haldeb asanta) (Bancoffee)
And~mspankumm 0 Murraya exotica (Kamini) C/S
(Kalmeg h)
Oldenlendia corymbosa S Ixora coccinia (Rangan) C
(Khetka pra)
C8pparis decidua PIS Butea crispa (Banchalida) C
contd.....
Status Assessment of Shrub Flora 159
Table 9.1 contd..•
Abrus pracatorius (Kunch) S Murrya koengii (Curry leaf) C/PS

Hiptage bengalensis S Justicia adhatoda(Vasak) C/PS
(Madhabilata)
Jasminum grandiflorum C Morinda citrifolia (Anch) S
(Chameli)
Argyraia speciosa S Coffeasp. S
(Rishya gandhri)
Marsdenia volbilis S Ixora passiflora C
(Nach chikni) (Gandhale. Rangan)
Hemidesmus indicus 0 Laportia creoo/ata (Chutra) S
(Anatamul)
Temperate areas (Threatened):

Delphinium denudatum 0 Cimicifuga foetida(Jimti) D
(Nilbishi)
Paeania emodi(udsalap) 0 Illicium griffithii 0
Digitalis purpuraa C Swenia chlrata 0
Geranium nepalense 0 Solanum da/camara 0
Viscum sp. 0 Fritillaria sp. 0
Lilium gigatium 0 Vivumum foetidum S
Hypericum patulum 0 Cinchona succirubra C
Lonicera glauca 0 Osbeckia nepalensis 0
Cinchona ledgerina C
Shrubs of Temperate Hills (under no threat)

Melastoma matabathricum S Woofodia fruticosa (Dhaiphal) S
Berberis aristata C Memecy/on edu/e S
(Daru haridra)
Pogostemon plectranthoides S Pogostemon parviflorus S
Colebrookia oppositifolia S Anisomeles indica S
Hypericum patulum S Hypericum sp. 0
Vivenum foetidum S Lonicera glauca S
Cinchona succirubra C Cinchonaledgerina C
Osbeckia nepalensis S Osbeckia crinita S
Stray shrubs in tropics under no threat:

cassia tora (Chakmudl) SIPS Cassia sophera S
Cassia occidentalis SIPS Euphorbia nerifolia (Snowii) S
(Kal kasundi)
contd.....
Table 9.1 contd...
Specie s Status Specie s Status
Gossipium herbaceum C Eupatorium odoratum S
Lantana camara PS Leonuru s sibiricus S
Hiptis suaveo/ens SIPS Boerhoevia diffusa S
Boerhaavia repens 5 Artemisia vulgaris D
Curcuma /onga C /ndigofera pu/chel/a S
/ndigofera linifo/ia 5 /ndigofera trifo/ia S
/ndigofera sp. S Demodium gangeticum 5
Desmodium po/ycarpum S Desmodium pu/chel/um S
Desmodium sp. 5 Crata/aria verrucosum 5
Crata/aria juncea C Crota/aria a/bida S
Crata/aria sp. C A/ysicarpus /ongifolius S
Uraria picta (Sankajota) S Urariaogopoides (ChakuUa) S
Psoralia corylifolia (Buchki) S Costus speciosus D
A/pinia g/a/anga S A/pinia al/ughus S
Curculigo orchiuoides S Tacca pinnatifida D
Tragia invo/ucrate S Pouzolzia indica 5
Sanseveria raxburghiana C Curcuma amgustifo/ia S
Presen tly safe specie s, not threate ned (Tropics)
Mimosa Pudica (Lajjabati) S Ervatamia coronaria (Tagar) C
Cassytha filiform is (Silinga) S Thevetia nerifolia (Halde karabi) C
Capparis spinosa S Hibiscus mutabilis (5thal padma) C
Croton tiglium 5 Hibiscus albomoschus C
(Latkasturi)
Mimosa rubicaulis (Dhuna) S Ricinus communis (Aronda) C
Jasminum gradiflorum (Chameli) C Calotropis gigantia (Akanda) S
Argyreia speciosa S Datura fastuosa (Dhatura) 5
(Rishya gandhri)
Ipomoea reptans (Kalmi 5ag) C Nerium odorum (Rakta karabi) C
Capparis decidua 5 Hibiscus cosa-sinnensis(Jaba) C
Arbus precatorius (Kunch) 5 Lawsonia inermis (Mehendi) 5
Hiptage bengalensis 5 Punica grnatum (Darimba) C
(Madhabilata)
Datura metal (Dhatura) 5
contd.....
161
Table 9. 1 contd...
Status Specie s Status
Specie s
Cucurb etaceo us Climb ing Shrubs :

Beniscasa,
e.g., Cucumis, Momordica, Luffa, Lageneria, Trichosanthes and
others are:
Marsdenia volubilis (Nach chikni)
Hemidesmus indicus (Anantamul)
Croton caudatus
Stray Shrub s under no Threat :

Cassia tora (Chakmundi) S Woodfordia fruticosa (Dhaiphal) S
S Memecylon edule S
Cassia occidentalis
(Kal kasundi)
S Pogostemon parviflorus S
Gossipium herbaceum
PS Anisomeles indica S
Lantana camara
Hiptis suaveoens S Neraim odorum (Rakta Karabi)
Hibiscus rosa-sinensis (Jaba) C
S Hibiscus albomoschus C
Cassia sophera
(Latkastu ri)
C Punica granatum (Darimba) C
Euphorbia nerifolia (Snowii)
PS Datura metal (Dhatura) S
Eupatorium odoratum
Leonurus sibiricus PS Calotropis procera (Akanda)
S Datura fastuosa (Dhatura) S
Boerhaavia diffusa.
S Jatropha gossypifolia S
Boerhaaria repens
(Bag venda)
S Barferia cristata (Swata jhanti, C
C/erodendrum serratum
Martinia diandra (Baghnakhi) S Kalajhanti)
Artemisia vulgaris o Pandanus roxburghiana (Keyal) S
S Breynia patens S
Glycosmis arborea.
Specia l Group s of Plants :

- Aroma tic plants:
Mimusops elengii (Bakul) Common
Vetiveria zizanioides (Vetiver) Common
Jasminum grandiflorum (Jasmine) Sporadic
Pandanus odoratissima (Screw-pine) Sporadic

Myristica fragrans (Nulmig) Rare
contd.....
Table 9.1 contd...
Syzygium aromaticum (Clove) Rare

Cinnamomum camphora (Camphor) Rare
Aquilaria agallocha (Aloewood) Rare
Santalum album (Sandle wood) Very localized (Protected)
- Cosme tic plants (Mostl y cultiva ted)

Lawsonia inermis (Henna) C
Sesamum indicum (Sesame) C
Hibicus ros8-sinensis (Hibiscus) C
Acacia catechu (Areca nut) C
Sapindus trifo/iatus (Soap-nut) C
Curcuma longa (Turmetic) C
Mallotus philippinensis (Indian Kamella) PS
Citrus indica (Lime) C
Crocus sativus' (Saffron) C
Piper betel (Supari) C
Indigofera tinctoria (True indigo) S
Hemidesmus indicus (Sarsaparila) D
- Sacred Plants (common)

Ficus bengalensis (Banyon) PS Ocimum sanctum (Holibasil) CIPs
Butea monosperma (Pal ash) PS Cocos nucifera (Coconut) CPS
Aegle marmelos (Boel) PS Cannabis sativa (Indian hemp) C
Ficus religiosa (Sacred fig) PS Syzygum cuminii (jamun) PS
Azadirachta indica (Margosa) PS *Nelumbium speciosum (Lotus) D
Elaeocarpus ganltrus D
(Rudrakshya)
Catheranthus rose us C
(Nayantara)
Culina ry Plants (mostl y cultiva ted)

Moringa olifera (Drum stick) C Tamarindus indica (Tamarind) C;;
Allium sativum (Garlic) C Zingiber officinale (Ginger) C
Mangifera indica (Mango) C- Cinnamomum tamala (Tejpata) C
contd.....
Tab/e 9.1 contd••.
Borassus f/abel/ifer (Palmyra) C Bassia /atifo/ia (Mahua) PS

Nigel/a sativa (Kalijira) C Cuminum cyminun (Cumin) C
Solanum melonginum C Carum acpticum (Joan) C
(Egg plant)
Carum roxburgiana (Randhuni) C Foenicu/um capillaceum (Mouri) C
Ferula asafetida (Hing ) C Piper nigrum (Black piper) C
Cinnamomum zeylanicum C
(Chinamon)
Coriandrum sativum C
(Corriander)
Elettaria cardamomum C
(Cardamom)
- Other Plants of Tropics Temperate Ar~~s :

Zingiber officina/e C Zingiber cassumaner S
Commelina obiqua 5 Pathos scandens C
Scindapsus officinalis C *Amomum subu/atum C
(Rajpipal)
·EI/eterla cardamom C *Rauwolfia serpentina 0
Tephrosia purpurea 5 Tephrosia villoss S
·Curcuma Zedoraria (Kkangi) C *Curcuma amada C
·Curcuma aromatica (Halud) C *Can,Jabis sativa C
Po/ygonum plebejum 5 Po/ygonum g/abrum S
Polygonum barbatum 5 Po/ygonum hydropiper S
Polygonum orienta/e 5
Distribution zones of Conspicuous shrub Flora in India:

Madhya Pradesh:
Ho/arrhena antidysenerica Acacia catechu
Butea monosperma Lantana monosperma
Phoenix sylvestris Osbeckia aspericau/is
Helicteres isora Bar/eria prionitis
Dichrostachys cinerea Zizyphus sp.
Vitex negundo
contd.....
Table 9.1 contd•..
Maharashtra:
Ca/otropis procera Cassia auriculata
Indigofera gera«Jiana Zizyphus mauritiana
Lantana camara Carissa carandas
Zizyphus sp. Cassiasp.
Plectranthus rugosus Cleistanthus co/linus
Gymnosporia spinosa.
Manipur:
Desmodium cephalotes Pueraria hirsute
Priotropis cytisoides Buddleia sp.
Cycas siamensis Phoenix humilis.
Orissa:
Barferia prionitis Zizyphus sp.
CaJotropis procera Adhaoda vasica
Anona squamosa Cassiasp.
Combretum decandrum Zizyphus mauritiana
Jatropha glandulifera Vitex negundo
Punjab:
Capparis decidua Tamarix dioica
Zizyphus nummularia Prosopis juliflora
Sa/vadora oIeoides Calotropis proceram
Butea monospera Adhatoda vasica
Murraya koenigii Lantana camara
Acacia arabica Carissa opaca
Capparis sepiaria Dodonaea viscose
Rajasthan:
Acacia arabica Prospis juliflora
Zizyphus nummuJaria Cassia mimosoides
Calotropis procera Capparis deciduas
Mimosa rubicaulis Butea monospera
Acacia catechu Euphorbia nivu/la
contd.....
Table 9.1 contd...
Lantana camara Prosopis spicigera

Acacia leucophloea Phoenix sylvestris
Solanum seaforthianum
Tamil Nadu:
Ixora parviflora Suaeda sp.
Zizyphus nummularia Cassia auriculata
Carissa carandas Dodonaea viscosa
Gardenia gummifera Cassia siamea
Acacia leucophloea Calotropis procera
Zizyphus sp. Opunita sp.
Randia dumetorum Hyupericum mysoremsis
Lantana camara Phoenix sylvestris
Rubus sp.
Uttar Prades1z:
Adhatoda vasica Zizyphus sp.
Moghania sp. Carissa sp.
Butea monsperma Zizyphus nummularia
Lantana camara Phoenix decidua
Scindapsus officinalis (Gajapepul)
Dodonaea viscosa
Jatropha gossypifolia
Mormda tinctoria
Randia dometorum
Assam:
Eupatorium sp. Lantana camara
Phoenix humilis Litsaea umbrosa
Rubus el/ipticus Osbeckia sp.
Randia dumetorum
Bihar:
Phoenix sylvestris Butea monosperma
Carissa carandas Carissa opaca
contd.....
Table 9.1 contd...
Delhi:
Calotropis procera Capparis deciduos
Cassia mimosoides Zizyphus mauritiana
Z. nummularia Prosopis species
Gujarat:
Calotropis procera Zizyphus mauritiana
Capparis deciduas Cassia auriculata
Butea monosperma Cassia mimosoidessopis
Mimosa rubicaulis Acacia arabica
A. leucophloea Euphorbia royleana
Zizyphus nummularia Prosopis juliflora
Acacia catechu Helicteres isora
Suaeda fruticosa Premna coriacea
Himachal Pradesh:
Acacia caesia Berberis sp.
Carissa spinarum Flacourtia indica
Berberis aristata Desmodium gangeticum
Prinsepia utilis Colebrookea oppositifolia
Indigofera geradiana Woodfordia fruticosa
Cotoneaster microphylla Plectranthus rugosus
Adhatoda vasica Berberis chitria
Dodonaea viscose Agave Americana
Rhus continues Zanthoxylum alatum.
Jammu & Kashmir:

Ca/otropis procera Adhatoda vasica
Acacia modesta Clerodendrum viscosum
Lantana camara Vibumum foetens
Arisaema hel/eborifolium Desmodium tiliaefolium
Deutzia corymbosa Jasminum humile
Rubus lasiocarpus Berberis Iycium
Robinia pseudo-acacia Pistacia integerrima
contd.....
Table 9.1 contd...
Rosa moschata Rubus ellipticus

Plectranthus rugosus Artemisia vulgaris
Indigofera pulchella Daphnesp.
Parrotia sp.
Kerala:
Cassia mimosoides Euphorbia tirucal/i
Randia dumetorum Cocos nucifera
Pandanus sp. Phoenizx sylvestris
Lantana camara
Kamataka:
Acacia leucophloea Butea monospef1T/8
Azadirachta indica Dichrostachys cinerea
Lantana camara Rhus wallichii
CaJotropis procera Zizyphus sp.
Chapter Ten
Status Assessment of Herb Flora
The author has drawn a broad survey assessment of the herb

vegetation of the country having medicinal properties.
The legend drawn shows the status of each species. If may be
seen that maximum number of species has been marked as '5' i.e.,
of Sporadic occurrence. Sporadic occurrence may be in 'Single' or
in 'groups' of several individuals. The second group i.e., groups of
several individuals have been marked with astarisk as 5*. But it is
to realize that this assessment is made on a broad basis as
authentic figure will emerge only after a statistically sound plant
analysis design and field study.
The list is comprehensive and gives a view of the common are
important shrubly medicinal plants of India. So it may be easy to
draw a conservation strategy.
Status of Herbs
The word "Weed" (meaning troublesome, undesirable and
agggressive plants) is a misnomer to an ecologist or a
conservationist. Human knowledge and ingenity may not reach
perfection to unearth various properties and utility properties in
them, yet they remain resourceful. A quantitative assessment of
the flora in the region presents a distressing feature of the herb
Flora of the region. Relentless biotic pressure from men for
extension of cultivation, fire, grazing and other natural factors as
flood, erosion etc. have, (i) eradicated many species from their
original home, (ii) affected the diversity of genera and species, (iii)
ousted soft species in favour of coase and resistant species
particularly of few selected species of herbs and mainly shrubs,
(iv) diluted the species both in number of species can be found
wide spread and regenerating, while innumerable species
recorded in old flora are hardly found growing in profusion.
Status Assessment of Herb Flora 169
Quantitative assessment of herb flora has revealed reduction of at
least 50 per cent of the species from their natural home and the
existing ones have been very much diluted and some receded. Over
exploitation of all species of Orchids, nymplulea, nelumbium, Primula,
Androsace, Areneria, Meconopsis, Rheum, Coptis, Aconitum, Nardostachys,
Anaphalis, Swertia, SelagineUa etc. and other medicinal and
decorative species are also responsible for ruthless eradication of
such species.
Shifting cultivation for centuaries have reduced vast forested
tracts into grassland or Shrub land and reduction in number of
genera and species. Even the plants recorded by Sri Hooker in mid
ninetieth century (130 years ago) are not to be seen in those areas
where biotic interference has been a regular feature.
The feature of landscape is fast changing. Shifting cultivation
continues all over eastern India from foot hills to an altitude of
2000 m. As such flora is sub-tropical, lower temperate hills has
been getting persistant blow; besides, the cultivation of Rubber,
Coffee, Cocoa, Tea, Teak and Eucalyptus and other species as pure
crop (Monoculture) over assessment would only reveal correct
picture. Several orchids, ferns, fern allies medicinal and flowering
plants of this region have already been recorded as rare and
endangered and a bleak future is indicated.
Moist situation in the foot hills and temperate hills, account
for richness of species. The ecotone regions in the foot hills and
middle hills are obviously the richest zone of various flora and faunal
crop and deserve immediate preservation. Diversity of plants will
mean diversity of insects birds and animals.
Many shrub and herbs have been exploited heavily for fodder,
besides grazing animals (Wild Life and domesticated animals)
take a heavy toll of such vegetation. Most of the plant of
Urticaceae form good fodder and are heavily exploited. Besides,
many species of ferns, Monocots, Flemengin, Desmodium, Saxifraga,
POllzolzin, Pilea, Elatostemma, Polygonum, Fagopyrum, Rumex,
Limnophylln, Lippia, Phyla are also grazed. Several monocot herbs
(Floscopn, Grasses, Sedges, Commelina, Cyanotis, Costos, Alpinia,
Hypoxis, Calltl"ya etc.) are heavily grazed for fodder.
Ecological studies on herbs cannot be done in isolation. Herbs
shrubs and trees that regenerate along with grasses and sedges
form an inseparable plant community. Each influences the other
single or the groups. Tree species regeneration are mixed with herbs
and shrubs at different stages of their growth and such regeneration
forms about 50 per cent of the total species at any site either in shrub
or herb layer. As such here-shrub associations shrubs-tree association
or herb-tree associations are often conspicuous. More conspicuous
of course are obnoxious shrub layers of viz., Clerodendrum, many
climbers forming tangle Capparis, Cassia, many species of Labiatae,
Phlogacanthus, Woodfordia and very many other species. Such
tough and resistant herb layers are hardly found among the shrubs.
Some sembalance may be observed in thick mat forming borreria
hispida (Rubiaceae) which cover extensive plantation areas in Terai
and Duars of North Bengal and various eastern Indian states.
Study of insect and animal association, action may interaction
in grassland or herb land is a separate subject and should be
undertaken in full detail.
In the heavy shades of tropical and sub-tropical forests there
is meager occurrence of dicot herbs. Comparatively however,
there are abundance of grasses, sedges and some monocot herbs
(Zingiber, Curcuma, Alpinia, Dioscorea, Commelina, Globba,
Smilax etc.) On the whole, species of shrub-flora is richer in such
tropical region that the herbs, while in temperate hills herbs-flora
is richer, monocot, however, maintains same proportion.
Herbs are light demander. Alpine grass lands have vast
number of herbaceous flora which display a vast array of colours.
Herbs render shelter to snakes lizards, frogs and many other
ground dwelling animals. They afford protection to soil; in fact,
they form the last line of defence against direct hit from sunrays
and rains and protect soil from erosion and retention of moisture.
Status of Medicinal Herbs

Of all life forms of plants in India, the number of herb speCies
outnumber others. Roughly, the number of shrub species is about
double the number of tree species, while the number of herbs is
about four times the shrubs.
Herb has been defined as "Plants with no woddy stems above
the ground." Others define it as "A plant the stem of which dies
every year" or as, "A plant with no persistent parts above the
ground, as distinct from shrubs and trees". It has been defined in
many other books ranking it with weeds which are not valued for
beauty, that grow wild and hinder the growth of superior species,
it has been found to grow where it is not desired and where it
grows luxuriantly and plentifully. But little about their values as
medicinal plant have been discussed.
No plants are weeds. Each species, has a part to play, either
singly or as a member of the community. Each maintains a mutual
harmony in it's niche and each niche plays a positive role in
moulding theenvironment. Some berbs may be troublesome, most
aggressive, harmful or annoying to man or to his agriculture and
are termed as weeds. The herbaceous weeds grow luxuriantly; they
are resistant, have a high reproductive capucity, gregarious, have
a high level of seed dormancy, are quick growing often poisonous,
deep rooted, annual or perennial and abundantly seed bearing.
Several herbs are parasitic, some are hosts of fungal and baterial
diseases, some are hosts of nematodes and some are associated
with insects. Many are delicious food for animals and man alike;
many are useful as medicinal plants. Some weeds are guardians of
soil. They provide protective cover against erosive action of rain
drops and run off. They are also used as mulch in cultivated land.
The herbs come in profusion in swamps, marshes and On other
sites which accumulate water in rains. In permanent ponds, weeds
also predominate. Aquatic life burst into activities and complete
their life cycle within a short span. Succession of plants and anin:tals
goes On simultaneously On vertical and horizontal strata. Herbs
(submerged, floating, emergent) growing in profusion have
diversified animal periphyton of insects, amphipods, mites, snails,
etc. The floral and faunal complex attract aquatic birds. The
ponds, marshes and swamps become roosting sites and feeding
ground for many species of birds. Heron feed On shallow water,
grebe, cormorants and terns feed On fish in open water, the egrets,
bitterns eat fish in shallow water, cranes and coots are
omnivorous, rails, ibises, stilts and snipes probe around in mud,
but various ducks eat seeds, roots and soft parts of weeds. In India
the aquatic flora consist of 171 to 200 species of plants belonging
to 90 genera and 39 families.
But of late the areas of water bodies have been found
dwindling rapidly. Marshes and lowlying lands are being brought
under human settlements.
Besides the aquatic sites, herbs also grow on road sides, rice
field, dry cultivated land and m various types of forests. In spite of
their wide range of occurrence relentless biotic pressure, flood and
erosion have reduced the number of species and many have been
threatened to the verge of extinction. Over exploitation of medicinal,
decorative and other commercial species has been responsible for
shrinkage of many species. Shifting cultivation has also led to the
complete eradication of many species. Many herbs have also been
over-exploited for fodder purpose.
The environmental role of trees, shrubs and herbs should be
studied in conjunction with grasses, sedges, palms, epiphytes,
parasites etc. as all these life forms constitute in separable
components of the plant communities to mould the environment
and enrich the medicinal plant resources.
Herbs form eighty per cent of the medicinal plant species. They
need meticulous protection. There are many diffused and
inconspicuous herbs which have showy flowers. Many herbs grow
in grasslands, many in tall reeds and many in alpine grasslands.
Innumerable herbs growing in temperate hills have also showy
flowers. Many species of canes, yams, lily, asparagus, etc. which
form a number of medicinal plants are being over-exploited. There
are many species of aroids besides wild banana, ginger, turmeric,
cardamom which grow over extensive areas and form conspicuous
physiognomy of the forest floor. Such resources are being damaged
by fire and grazing also.
The enumeration of the essential qualities of herb layer remains
incomplete unless some mention are made of climbers, ferns and
epiphytes.
Large woody climbers, another lifeform and a biotic
association are remarkable because of their fantastic forms. They
add complexities to the vertical structure of forests. There are,
however, delicate climbers, shrubby climbers, woody climbers and
stranglers apart from root climbers like some climbing palms. There
are about six hundred climbers the half of which are shrubby
climbers.
Epiphytes, however, are another lifeform that derive support
from host plant. Some have remarkable adaptation to hold water.
They consume water in a restricted way and many conserve water
in their tubers. Base of overlapping leaves of some ferns forms a
special niche where soil, water and humus a>:e held and nitrogen
accumulates. Arboreal ants colonise, lay their eggs and drag seeds
that grow in the niche. Insectivorous birds gather to eat ants and
eggs; birds also gather and gradually a faunal association grows.
Epiphytes are chief components of the vertical structure of our
forests.
The trees, shrubs and herbs, the Trinity of environment yield
substantial quality of medicinal drugs besides protecting the
environment. No amount of administrative and legislative and
protective measures to save the country from environmental disaster
would be effective and lasting without creation of a dense cover of
vegetation all over the country.
Medicinal Herbs and Their Conservation

Lists of medicinal (herbs, shrubs, climbers and trees) have been
prepared from the view point of their conservation status. The lists
must not be taken as checklists of plants of India for only a few and
common species have been selected.The readers are requested to
refer to Chaudhuri's work on herbs, shrubs, trees and climbers of
India mentioned under referrence which gives a present day view
of the plants of India in general and Eastern India in particular.
Conservation related status are given category wise (Numbers
indicate status as detailed below):
- Widespread and presently not threatened (Spordic) (S)
- Occur at selected spots and cultivated (C)
- Occur sporadically and require protection (pr~sently safe)
(PS).
- Depleted (D).
The study of vegetation reveals that more herbs occur in waste
places and in marginal lands and along the edges of various forest
types. Evergreen, semi-evergreen wet type of forests have
comparatively few dicot species than monocot in terms of
numbers of individuals.
Situation of Herb in India

A study undertaken by the author reveals the following:
(i) Few herbs have a wide range of distribution.
(ii) Most of the herbs are confined to forested areas and/ or
are sporadic indistribution.
(ill) Gregariously occurring herbs are few.

(iv) Moist localities have more number of species than drier and
arid localities.
(v) Temperate locations have more of gregarious herbs.
Table 10.1 : Wide distribution of some herbaceous species all over India
Sida veronicoefolia (Joka) S Euphorbia hirta (Swadaparui) S·
Sida cordifolia (8arlela) Atylosia scarabioides S
Urena sinucata S Mal/ugo hirta S
Acalypha indica (Muktajhuri) S· Elephantopus scaber
Evolvulus asinoides S· (Shaydalan) S
Solanum nigram S Polygonum orientale S
Solanum indicum S Oxalis acetosel/a S
Solanum TONum S Ageratum conyzoides S·
Physalis peruviana S Eclipta alba S·
Scoparia dulcis Capparis decidua S
S
Cenopodium album S Abrus precatorius (Kunch) T
Heliatropium indicum Hiptage bengelensis
(Srihaslini) S (Madhabi/ata) S
Zomia diphyl/a S Jasminum grandiflorum
(Chameli) S
Musaenda frondosa (Nagbal/i) S
Argyreia speciosa
Loranthus sp. S (Rishya gandhri) S
Capsel/a bursapasteris S Marsdenia volubilis
Cleome isosandra S (Nach chikni) S
PoIygala crotaiarioidos Hemidesmus indicus
(Nilkanti) S (Anantamul) T
Portulaca oIeracea (Barmunia) S Cucurbeiaceous climbing
Malvastrum sp. S shrubs S
Vandel/ia sp. S Oxalis comiculata (Amrul) S
Rungia patviflora (Piri) S Martynia diandra (8agh nakhi) S
Pogostemon patvifTorus S Blumea lacera (Kuksim) S
Amaranthus spinosus Taraxacum officinale S
(Kanta note) S· Sida rohmboidea (Pi/a Barela) S
Amaranthus viridis S· Urena lobata (Ban Okra) S
Cannabis saliva C Clitoria tumatea S
Rumex maritimus S Centel/a asiatica S
Phyllanthus reticulatus Merremia emerginata S
(Panjuli) S Solanum ferox S
Phyllanthus urinaria Solanum xanthocarpum S
(Hazarmani) S Solanum surattense S
Cenopodium ambrosioides S Withania somnifera T
contd...
Table 10.1 - contd••.
Picrorrhiza kurtoa T Chrosophora cinem
Abutilon indicum (Paleri) S (Tut kukusima) s
Flemesgia sp. S UndenbeTfJia urticaefo/ia
Trianthema portulacastrum S (Haldebasanta) S
Gangrea maderaspetane Oldenlendia corymbo;sa
(NamuttJ S (Khetkapm) 5
AlTJfJmone mexicana Wedelia calendula (Bhimmj) 5
(Sealkanta) S· Malachm capitatd 5
Cleme~nandra S Saphorasp. 5
PoIygala chinensis (Muradu) S Oldenlendia herbacea S
PoIycarpea cotymbosa S Ce/osia argentea S
Portulaca quadriftda Oxalis comiculata S·
(chota numia) S Rubussp. 5
Torenia asiatica S Embelia ribes T
Justicia gandurussa Calamintha sp. S
(Jagat madan) PS Achyrathes bidentata S
Achyranthus aspera (Apang) S· Clematis nepalensis
Boemaevia diffusa (Punamava) S· (ChUIBhar) T
Amaranthus gangeticus (note) S· Clematis smilacifo/ia T
Xanthium strumerium Thalictrum foliolosum
(Ban Okra) S· (Mamira) T
Rumex dentatus S Nasturtium palustre 5
Cyanotis sp. S Viola sp. 5
Phyllanthus simplex S Plantago ovata (Isabgul) 5
Phyllanthus niruri S Verbascumthapsus 5
Aerva lanata (Chaya) S Polygonum mol/e 5
Chenopodium album (Bestak) S Coptis teeta (Mismitita) T
Alocasia indica (Mankachu) S Impatiens sp. S
Amorphophallus campanulatus Potentilla sp. 5
(01) S Maesa indica 5
Commlina bengalensis Brunel/a vulgaris 5
(Kanachira) S Blepharis edulis (Ulangan) S
Acanthus ilicifolius Clematis triloba 5
(Harakuchkata) S
Clematis gouriana 5
Andrographis paniculata
(Kalmegh) T Cotydalis govaniana (Bhutkishi) 5
Asterocantha longifolia (Khirok) S Viola serpens S
Biophytum sensetivum Gemnium sp. S
(Ban naranga) S Plantago major 5
Sphaeranthus indica Rubia cordifo/ia (Monjista) 5
(Mahashrabani) S Polygonum chinense S
Legend: 5 = 5poradic; S· = Sporadic, but has concentrated patches;
PS = Presently same; - = Not known; T = Threatened; C= Cultivated
Statewise Common and Conspicuous Herb Flora of India
(* Sign preceding botanical name by species indicates very
useful medicinal plants)
Andhra Pradesh
Alysicarpus sp. Atylosia sp.
Crotalaria willdenowiana Tephrosia purpurea
Vernonia cinera Alysicarpus monilifer
Ipomoea pes-caprae Indigofera aspalathoides
Indigofera anneaphylla * Boerhavia sp.
* Crotalaria hirta * Achyranthes aspera
Xanthium indicum Cassia occidentalis
Tephrosia tenuis Crotalaria prostata
Indigofera cordifolia *Boerhavia diffusa
Acanthospermum hispidium Celosia argentea
Assam
Ageratum conyzoides * Centella asiatica
Inula cappa Melastoma malabathricum
Mikania micrantha Ipomoea sp.
Alpinia nutans
Andamans
Acanthus ilicifolius Cucurbita sp.
Blumea virens Cassia tora
Desmodium triflorum Centella asiatica
Jatropha curcas
Bihar
* Cassia occidentalis Vernonia cinerea
* Calotropis procera * Leucas aspara
* Cassia tora * Alysicarpus sp.
* Abutilon indicum * Tephrosia purpurea
Triadax procumbens Berleria cristata
* Desmodium trif/orum * Atylosia sp.
Croton bonplandianum Argemone maxicana
* Amaranthus spinosus Borreria articulata
* Abrus precatorius Corchorus trilocularis
Euphorbia hirta * Alysicarpus monilifer
Asclepias pseudosansa Indigofera linifolia
* Atylosia scaraboeoides Mucuna sp.
Delhi
* Achyranthes aspera Ageratum conyzoides
* Casia occidentalis * C. tora
* Crotalaria medicaginea Degera muricata
* Indigogera cordifolia * Tephrosia purpurea
contd...
Rhynchosia capitata Eclipta prostata
Ipomoea hispida Borreria articulata
• Tephrosia tenuis • Justica diffusa
Gujarat
* Alysicarpus longifolius Enicostema verticillatum
Hey/andia /atebrosa • A/ysicarpus sp.
Clemome viscosa Digera muricata
Indigofera cordifolia Rhynchosia capitata
Vicoa indica • Eclipta procumbens
• Tridax procumbens • Borreria articulata
Crotalaria medicaginea • Barleria cristata
Trichodesma indicus Ipomoea sp.
Andaman
Ipomea pes-caprae Cardiospermum halicacabum
Euphorbia thymifolia Tephrosia purpurea
• Zornia diphylla Cressa cretica
• Crotalaria burhia Phynchosia halicacabum
Euphorbia hypericifolia • Phaseolus aconitifolius
Rhynchosia sp. Evo/vu/us a/sionoides
Commelina benghalensis ·Clitoria ternatea
Vernonia cinerea Aerva sp.
Boerhavia diffusa
Himachal Pradesh
• Aty/osia scarabaeoides • Crota/aria sp.
• Cassia tora Euphorbia hirta
Jammu & Kashmir
• Cassia tora • Tephrosia purpurea
Euphorbia jorta
Kerala
• Mimosa pudica • Desmodium triflorum
Sphaeranthes sp. • Achyranthes aspera
• Crotalaria alata • Atylosia scarabaeoides
• Desmodium f10ribundum • Moghonia chappar
• Cassia tora • Crota/aria sp.
• Phaseo/us sp. Sesbania acu/eata
Karnataka
• Alysicarpus vaginalis • Desmodium diffusum
• Indigorera linifolia • Tephrosia purpurea
Euphorbia hirta • Plectranthus sp.
• Indigofera enneaphylla • Tephrosia tinctoria
• Clitoria ternatea • Pueraria phaseoloides
contd...
Madhya Pradesh
Trimufetta bartramia • Urena lobata
• Alysicarpus vaginalis • Desmodium triflorum
• Xanthium indicum • Centella siatica
Caesulia axillaris ·Phaseolus radiatus
• Sesbania bispinosa • Alysicarpus tetragonolobus
• Moghania sp. • Cassia tora
• Zornia diphylla • Aty/osia sp.
Euphorbia hirta • Indigofera cordifolia
• Alyslcarpus rugosus • Borreria articulata
• Corchorus trilocularis • Indigofera linifolia
Maharashtra
• Crotalaria retusa • Aerva lanata
• Alysicarpus vaginalis • Cassia tora
• Indigofera cordifolia • Llinifolia
Phaseolus trilobus Polygala erioptera
• Tephrosia purpurea Tephrosia tenuis
• Amaranthus sp. • Desmodium diffusum
Xanthium indicum • Crotalaria prostata
• Desmodium triflorum Heylandia latebrosa
• Crotalana prostata • Desmodium triflorum
Heylandia latebrosa • rotalaria sericea
• Indigofera glandilosa * Achyranthea aspera
• Aty/osia sp. • Crata/aria a/ata
·C. burhia • Alysicarpus rugosua
• Alysicarpus longifolius • Sesbania bispinosa
• Crotalaria juncea Atylosia scarobaeoides
Argemone mexicana • Crotlaria vestita
• Indigofera hebepetata • Alysicrpus tetragonolobus
Manipur
• Crata/aris sp. • C. medicaginea
• Desmodium sp. • Indigofera enneaphylla
Orissa
• Cassia occidentalis Croton bonplandianum
• Indigofera enneaphylla • Desmodium triflorUIlI'
• Cassia tora • Tridax procumbens
• Crata/aria sp. Triumfetta bartramia
Ageratum conyzoides Eranthemum Purpurascens
• Acyranthes aspera • Alysicarpus vaginalis
contd...
Status Assessm ent of Herb Flora
179
Punjab
• Achyranthes aspera • A/ysicarpus sp.
Rhynchosia capitata • Indigofera linifolia
• Vicoa indica • Casia tora
• Boerhavia repens • Crotalaria medicaginea
Xanthium indicum • Tephrosia purpurea
• Atylosia scarabaeQides Vernonia cinerea
Chenopodium album Euphorbia hirta
Trigonella po/ycerata • Artemisia sp.
• Indigofera cordifolia ·l.linifol ia
Rajasth an
• Achyranthes aspera • Alysicarpus longifolia
• Cassia tora • Crotalaria medicaginea
• Indigofera enneaphylJa ·I.linifoli a
• I. cordifolia • Tephrosia purpurea
• T. tenuis • Xanthium indicum
• Amaranthus blitum • Crotalaria burhia
·C. alblda • Eclipta alba
Alysicarpus vaginalis Argemone mexicana
• Boerhavia repens • Crotalaria filipes
• Tridax procumbens Justicia diffusa
• Aerva tomentosa • Crotalaria umbellata
Heylandia latebrosa • Phaseolus radiatus
• Boerhavia diffusa Dicoma tomentosa
• Mimosa pudica • ZOhna diphylJa
Tribulus terrestris • Desmodium rotundifolium
• Alternanthera echinata
Tamil Nadu
Rhynochosia Psuedo-cajan • Tephrosia sp.
Xanthium indicum • Indigofera enneaphylla
• I./inifolia Stylosanthes sp.
• Atylosia scarbeoides • Desmodium f10ribundum
• Tephrosia purpurea Stylosanthus fruticosa
• Alysicarpus vaginalis Croton banpladianum
Euphornbia thymifolia • Leucas hyssopifolia
• Indigofera trifoliata • Achyranthes aspera
• Atylosia sp. • Crota/aria prostrata
• Indigofera viscosa • Pogstemon mollis
• Mimosa pudica Polygala crotalarioides
Euphorbia trigona • Alysicarpus monilifer
• Indigofera trigonelloides Mollugo sp.
contd•..
Table 10.1 - contd.••
Stachytrapheta indica * Jatropha curcas

Ageratum conzyzoides * Sida acutangula
Rhynchosia rufescens
Tripura
Carex condensata • Hyptis brevipes
* Desmodium trifolium • Ocimum sanctum
* Atylosia scarabaeoides * Tridax procumbens
Ultar Pradesh
* Alysicarpus sp. • Cannabis sativa
* Euphorbia hirta * leuGas aspera
* Phyllanthus maderaspatensis * Atylosia sp.
* Vicoa indica * Atylosia sp.
Heylandia latebrosa * Indigofera Iinifolia
* Tephrosia villosa * Cassia tora
* Crotalaria medicaginea * Desmodium triflorum
Vernonia cinerea * Tridax procumbens
* Zornia diphylla * Xanthium indicum
* Aerva lanata * Alysicarpus monilifer
Boerhavia repens Justicia diffusa
Cassia occidentalis * Chenopodium sp.
Spiraea canescens Stellaria sp.
Stellaria decumbens * Indigofera heterantha
* Polygonum cirrhifolium
West Bengal
* Centella asiatica * Moghania sp.
* leucas aspera Vernonia cinerea
Argemone mexicana * Atylosia scarabaeoides
* Cassia tora * Clitoria ternatea
Croton bonplandianum • Datura metel
Digera muricata Euphorbia hirta
* lpucas aspenr Mikania micrantha
* Desmodium triflorum * Alysicarpus monilifer
Borreria acticulata • Vicoa indica
* Tephrosia purpurea * Tridax procumbens
* Acanthus ilicifolius • Sesuvium Portulacastrum
• Cassia occidentalis Phyla nodiflora
* Tephrosia villosa Ipomoea pes-caprae
• Achryanthes aspera TrifJorum repens
• Polygonum sp. Inula cappa
• Canabis sativa * Pueraria sp.
Chapter Eleven
Uses of Some Medicinal Plants of
Selected Areas and Their Status
The aim and objective of this treatise is not enumerate the

qualities of medicinal plants of the country. At the same time it is
an imperative necessity to aware the people about the efficacy of
some of the innumerable drug plants of the country.
As such the author has pickup some common plants of
multifacet qualities and of some selected areas of the country and
enumerated various uses.
The areas are:
• Medicinal plants of Arid and Desert areas.
• Plants of Sundarbans mangrove.
• Bankura district of West Bengal.
• Plants of Satpura plateau.
The status of each species of the areas has been mentioned.
Medicinal Properties of Some Selected Plant Species

This subject has been dealt with very elaborately by all the
frontline authorities on the subject. As such the information
presented in their work is not being repeated. Sibakali
Bhattacharyya has dealt with various aspects of each sp. In his
work (in 10 volumes) entitled "Chiranjib Vanusodhi", the author
seems to cover this subject elaborately. Works of other authorities
also give similar information.
In order to have a broad idea about the subject the present
author has enumerated some informac.on in diagrams for easy
access to the subject by ordinary readers. These are some
diagrammatic and some non-diagramatic presentations of several
very important and common plants.
There is perhaps a lacuna in the work of the frontline
workers which is the omission in their work about mentioning
the "remedy of a disease by a specific plant" (mention has been
made of several plants as medicinal agents for- particular
disease). So a patient does not know what plant would be best
to remedy the disease he are suffering from. The present authors
are not sure if a plant or plants can be pinpointed to remedy a
particular diseases.
Table 11.1
SCientific name Common name Medicinal Uses
Bombax ceiba Semul Dried stem and bark used in
impotency, Gastro-intestinal
disorder, Cough and female
diseases.
Butea monosperma Palash Seeds and gum used in eradication
of Intestinal worm, Sexual
impotency, Restoration of menstrual
cycle, Prevent pregnancy.
Mimosa pudica lajwati Seed used in sexual impotency
checking flow of seman through
urine, Strong anthelmentic.
AI/um satiuum Rasun Dyspepsia, hiecough, Infantile
corvulsions, Nervous affections.
Basella rubra PuiSag Genitournary tract, Headache,
Insomnia.
Rauwolfia serpentina - In bites of poisonous reptiles and
insects, comeal opacity, Cholders
in painful bowel affection, High
blood pressure, Insomnia.
Piper nigram Golmorich Anthelmentic, Asthma, Throat
disease, Piles, Night blindness,
Carminative, Aphrodisiac,
Purgative, Toothache.
Euphorbia hirta D!'sentery, Colic pain, Bowel
complaint, Increase flow of mith in
women, Diarrhoea.
Emblica offlCinalis Amloki Carminative, laxative, Tonic,
Antipyretic, Biliousness, Urinary
Discharge, Leprosy, Anaema,
Opthalmia, Aphrodasiac Asthma.
Bronchitis.
Jatropha cureas Bharenda Anthelmentic, Chronic dysentery
Urinary discharge. Anaema, Fistula,
contd....
Uses of Some Medicinal Plants of Selected Areas 183
Table 11.1 contd••.•
Scientific name Common name Medicinal Uses
Bad gum, Eczema, Wing worm.
Cynodon dacty/on Durba graze Dysentery, Wound, Pyrrhoea, Piles.
Phoenix sy/vostris Khejur Bronchitis, Haemoptysis, Worm,
Cough.
Piper cubeca Kababchini Dysentery, Asthma, Gout.
Aege/ marme/os Bel Cough, Cold, Dysentery, Scurvy,
Typhoid, constipation.
Santa/um a/bum Chandan Fever, Cough, Gonorrhoea,
Epilepsy, Pox, Whooping Cough.
Stomachic, tonic anthelminitic,
Kalazar.
Andrographis Kalmegh Bronchitis, Leprosy, Blood Purifier,
panicu/ata Heart trouble, Asthma, Vomitting,
Loss of memory, Leucoderma,
Diuretic Bronchitis, Asthma,
Gonorrhoea.
Vites negunda Nisindha Astingent, stomachic, Anthelmintic,
for growth of hair. Eve disease.
Leucoderma. Bronchitis, Asthma.
Ocimum basilicum Bhutulsi Stoma chic, Anthelmentic, Cough,
Gonorrhoea, Diarrhoea, Scorpoon
sting, Snake bite.
Ocimum sanctum Tulsi Stomachic, Antipyretic, Heart
disease, Leucoderma, Bronchitis
expectorant.
Curcu/igo orchiodes Shyam mushli Sexual impotency, Veneral and
Urinary diseases, Asthma,
Jaundice, (Dried tuberous roots).
Some Common Diseases and Their Remedy from Plants

Many plants and their parts are source for remedy of a single
disease and also many more diseases. It could not be ascertained
from the works of the researchers as to which species or what parts
are most effective in the remedy.
Some More Diseases and Plants Used as Remedy
Anti-coagulant:
Justica adhatoda, Allium sativum, Azadiachta indica, Camellia
sinensis.
Cardiovascular ( Hypertensive and Cardio tonics):
Aegle marmelos (root, bark), Allium pepa, Allium sativum, Arachis
hypogea,Asclepias curassavica, Cururbita maxima, Piper aurantiacum,
Rauwolfia serpentina (root), Terminalia arjuna (bark).
Aphrodisiac:
Allium sepa, Allium sativum, Aasparagus racemosus, Glycyrrhiza
sp., Hibiscus-rosa-sinensis Myristiea fragans, Mucuna puriens, Strychonos
nux-vomica, Tinospora cordifolia.
Antiarthritis, Antiinflammatory :
Acorus calamus, Allium sativum, Boswellia sarrata, Calophyllum
innophyllum, Capsicum sp. Curcuma longa, Eclipta abla, Solanum
nigrum, Withania somnifera, Xanthium strumerium, Zingiber offici11flle.
Antiasthmatic :
Aealyha indica, Acarus calamus, ]usticia adhatoda, Albizzia lebbek,
Ephedra sp., Ocimum sanctum, Vitex negundo, Terminalia belerica, Piper
longum, Saussurea lappa, Picrorhiza Kurroa, Lobelia sp., Hedycium sp.
Antidiabetic :
Aegle marmelos, Allium sativum, Anona squamosa, Asteracantha
longifalia, Azadirachta indica, Blumea sativum, Cinnamomum tamala,
Crurcuma longa, Emblica officinalis, Gymnema sylvestre., Momordica
charantia, Zingiber officinale, Swertia chirata, Syzygium cumini (seed),
Musa paradisiaca.
Bronchitis (Respiratory disorder) :
Picrohiza kurroa ( Kutki)-dried rihizome; Zingiber officinale (Adark)-
dried rhizome, Myrica nagi (Kaifal)-Dried root & bark; piper longum
(bari papal)-Fruits; Glycyrrhiza glabra-(Muleltee)-dried roots; Pistacia
integerrima (Kakrusungi)-Galls; Desmondium gangeticum (Salparni)-
Leaf, stem; Mesua ferrea (naG-Kashar)-Fruit, Seed; Withania somnifera
(Anwagandha)-Dried roots.
Liver disease:
Acacia catechu, Azadirachta indica, Andropogon paniculata,
Asteracantha longifolia, Andrographis paniculata, Allium sativum.
Boerhaavia diffusa, Cynodon dactylon, Capparis spinosa (Climbing
shrub); Emblica officinalis.
Memory stimulant:
Acorus calmus, Bacopa monnrieri, Centrella asiatica, Celastrus
paniculata (Climber), Glycyrrhiza glabra.
Hyper acidity :
Acorus calamus, Asparagus racemosa, Emblica officinalis, Glycrrhiza
glabra, Zingiber officinale.
Viral Diseases:
Among the virses that infect human being, most common are
HIV (Human Immunodeficiency Virus), HBV (Hepatitis-B Virus),
IV (Influenza Virus), PV (Polio Virus), MY (Measles Vll'US) and some
other viruses. Of these HIV cause AIDS (Acquired Immuno
Deficiency Syndrome), appears lethal. An HIV attacts four
lymphocytes of the human immune system. Plants Kill HfV directly
are papaver (Opium), Wild snake, Periwinkle, Croton, Anemone,
Gourd, Licorice ( Jastimadhu, Castor (Aranila), Pine cone ,King
Bitter (Kalmesh)etc. Plants having components to interfere
replications.
Galactagogue:
Plants containing several compounds which indue milk
production in greater volume and secretio of the same in the human
beings are termed galactagogues.
Number of plants species recognized as experimentally proven
species are Alstonia Schloaris (Chattni),Oat, Fig. (Dummor),
Fenugreek ( Methi), Lettace (Jeera), Barley, Onion.
Various Qualities of Medicinal Plants

No elaborate information has been presented. The issue is very
elaborate but the subject under discussion has a limited field.
However some information are presented in the following
paragraphs some of which are plants used in poliomyelites,
Massage oil, specific diseases of women, beauty and care and also
on ayurvedic uses.
It is just a broad view of the subject.
• Creative value of some widely known plants.
Adhatoda vasica - Expectorant and antiasthmatic.
Aegle marmelos }
Plantago ovata - Chronic diarrhoea & dysentery.
Ailanthes malabarica
Bacopa monnieri - Formemory
Centella asiatica - For intelligence
Melia azadirachta - Antiperiodic and many other
diseases.
(Source: Ind. For. April 2004 : A.K. Bhattacharjee)
• Suggested for poliomyclites-Oral drug.
Asparagas racemosus Dried roots
A. dscendens
Bombax ceiba Dried bark
Mucuna pariens Seeds
Pueraria tuberosa Dried tuber
Withania somnifera Dried roots
Butea monospermat Gums
Orchis latifolia Dried rhizome
Curculigo orchioides Dried roots
Salaginella bryopteris Leaves
Cassia fistula Fruits and seeds
Parmelia tinctorium (Lichen)-Thallus
Tinospora cordifolia Dried stem
Tribulus terrestris Dried fruits
Bambusa bamboos Secretions
Cotula anthelmoides Stem
Gardenia gummifera Gum
• Herbal massage oil-Curative to Children.
Tribulus terrestris Dried fruits
Pedalium sp. Dried fruits
Co~la anthemoides Dried stem and leaves
Gardenia gummifera Gum
Colchicum tuteum Dried corn
Myrica nagi Dried root bark
Embelia ribes Dried fruits
Mesua ferrea Flower, bud and fruits
Onsoma echoides Dried flower
Myristica fragrans Dried fruit
Carum coptieum Seeds
Odina woodier Gums.
• Species recommended for Women's Menorrhagia

Symplocos racemosa Dried stem bark
Cocculus villosus Leaves
Bombax ceiba Stem bark
Rhus coriaria Galls
Mesua ferrea Fruits and seeds
Myrica nagi Root bark
Picrorhiza kurroa Dried rhizome
• Species recommended for women's Leucorrhoea
Symplocos racemosa Dried stem bark
Paeraria tuberosa Tuber
Butea monosperme Gum
Sidaacuta Seeds
Withania somnifera Roots
• Plants used in Beauty and Care
Argemone maxicana Aloe-vera
Musasp. Bixa orellana
Medicago sp. Terminalia arjuna
Prnnussp. Asparagus racemosus
Rubes sp. Terminalia bellirica
Ribes sp. Allium Sepa.
Rumexsp. Vitis sp.
Viola sp. Melilotus sp.
Plantago sp.
Glycine sp.
Zyziphus sp.
• Some Ayurvedic medicinal plants.
Acacia cubeba Aristolochia Sp. Bauhinia Sp.
A. farniciana Artocarpus Sp. Berberis Sp.
Acoras calamus Aspoaragus racemosa Saxifraga Sp.
Aloe vera Azadirachata illdica Bombax ceiba
Alpinia galallga Bacopa Sp. Calotropis Sp.
Altingia excelsa Balanites Sp. CalophyIIum
mophyllum
Areca catechu Balliospermum Sp. Bachanania lanzan
Argimone Atropa acuminata Butea monosperma
maxicana
Carum Sp. Coptis teeta Tribullus terrestris
Carica occidenlalis Cordia myxa Taxus baccata
Cassia occidenlalis Costus specious Terminalia arjuna
C tora Corton oblongifolius Rauwolfia
serpentina
Cfistula C tiglium Sida cordifolia
C absus Curculigo orchioides
Chenopodium Sp. Curcuma longa
Cinnamomum
zeylanicum Czeodaria
Cynodon dactylon
Cissus Cyperus rotundus
vuadrangularis
Calotropis Sp. DiIlenia indica
CIitorea ternate Digitalis purpurea
Coccinia indica Dioscorea bulbifera
Eclypta alba Vernonia cinera
Zizyphus jijuba
Zanthophyllum
alatum
• Species having High valued domestic need.
Emblica officinalis (Amla), Withiana so nifera, Allicum sativum
(Lahsun), Curcuma longa ( Haridra), Picrorhiza carroa (Kutki),
Tinospora cordifolia (Gulduchi), Ocimum sp. (Tulsi), Zingiber officinalis
(Adark), Azadirachta indica ( Neem), Convolvulus pluricalllis/
Evolvulus alsinoides (Sankhapushpi), Asparagas racemOSllS
(Shatav~ri), Commiphora mulad (Guggul), Aconitum ferox (Valsanbh),
Garcinia cambagia (Kokum), Plantago ovata ( Isabgul), Holarrhena
pubescens (Kutaya), Androagraphis paniculata (KaImegh), Saussura
lappa (Kushth), Saraca asoca (Asoka), /llsticia adhatoda (Vasak).
Hydrophobia
Asthma
Renal dropsy
Piles
Purgative
Insect bite
Dieuretic
Opthalmic
........_--~ Gonorrhoea
Heart trouble Adhatoda vasica Jaundice
Antianasmodic
Loss of memory
Leucoderma
Astringent
Piles
Anthelminitic
Abutilon
indicum
Diuretic
Laxative Toothache
Gonorrhoea
Eczema
Dimulant
Aphrodi$iac
Emetic
Argemone
Expectorant maxycana Blood purifier
Laxative
Hooping cough Jaundice
Asthma Deuretic
A1exileric
Fever Calarrhal affects Bronchites
Cough
, Blood
Boil
complai nts
Dropsy
Leucoderma
Lacerstion
Dropsy
Carminative
Appeliser
Aphrodisiac
Rheumatism Lumbego
Capparis
decidua Hiccuf
Laxative
Piles
Asthma
Anthelmintic
Laxative
Ulcers
Asthma
Cough
Commiphon
Urinary wlghtl
Trouble
Fistula
Piles
Pyorrhoea
Chronic Tumour
Nasal calarrh tonsillitis
Lowering blood colestreol
Diseases of Eye/Ear/Nose Catheric

Liver
Laxative Piles
Solanum
nlgram Dysentery
Diarrhoea
Bronchitis Fever
Loss of Qualities of Some Medicinal Plants of India

(Diagrammatic Presentation)
General
Respiratory disorder Debility Sexual Impotency
Blood Purification Leucoderma

Withania somnlfera Promotion of Urine
(Aswagandha)
Alcoholism Dried Root Leucolrtloea
Constipation Skin dfsease
Male Sterility Urino-genital order
Ulcer Blood purifier
Siphili Anthelmintic
L-_--... Astringent
Piles
Skin
Diseases
Malarial Fever Foul ulcer
Chronic Skin
Piles disease
Thread worm
Jaundice Insecticide
Asthma
Hepatic disorder
Anaema
Rheumatic/Glouty
Complaints
Kala-azar
Heart Kidney
disease ailments
Syphilitic affection
Fever with
enlarged liver
' - - ' " Cough

Leprosy
Skin dise.ise
Promotes menstruation
Diptharia
Ring worm Enlarged Spleen

and Liver
Roundworm
Chronic diarrhoea
Dysentery
Anaemia Stomachic Appetises
Tonic Expectorant
Jaundice
Giddiness
Vomiting
Enlarged Piles
spleen Intestinal worm
Neuralgia
Juice soothe
irritation
Stimulant Coriandrum satlvum

(Dhania) _--r Aphrodisaic
Bleeding Piles
Diuretic
Rheumatism Carminative
Diuretic
Laxative Aphrodisaic
Asparagus
racemosus
(Satamull Dried Roots)
Astringent
Cooling effect Stomachic

Jaundice
Piles Inflammation
L..._ _ _....".,""""_ _ _...J--.... Bruises
, Skin disease
Sore eyes Insect bite Gastric disorder
Asthma
Bronchitis
Spasmodio lung
complaints
Hydrophobia
Maniacal
,' affection
Lambago
Glandular Rheumatic pain

inflammation
Chronic Cough
Skin affection
Syphilitic cachexia
Chronic
Leucorrhoea
rheumatism
Nutritional disorder
Impurity in
blood
Debility Genital-urinary disease

Dyspepsia Bronchites Diabetes
Chronic
constipation Head poisonous
Snake bites
Phthosis
Worms
Emphysema
Hydrophobia
Impotency
Ever-fatigue
Skin disease Fever Cough

Asthma
Enlarged
spleen Urinary disease
Flatulence
Eye affections
Worm
Dysentery Diarrhoea Rheumatism

In Leporous. Scrofulous. Syphilitic
and other skin affections
Tetanus
Nervic tonic
Insani
Epileps y Dysente ry
Chronic Elephan tiasis

rheuma tism
In Asciles
Bites of Rabid
In Gont. rheumatism
Animals
Moring a e/eosa I _ _ _• Enlarged spleen

(Sajina )
Dropsy
Toothache
Headache Hysteric al Intermit tent fever

Fits
Cough/Catarrah
Pires
! Inflammation of nose
Bronchitis
Constipation
~v-.
Toothac he Diarrhoea Dyspepsia
Some Common Diseases and Their Remedy from Plants

Many plants and their parts are source for remedy of a single
disease and also many more diseases. It could not be ascertained
from the works of the researchers as to which species or what parts
are most effective in the remedy.
*CurcuDgo orchiodes
(Dried root)
*Asperagus racemosus Cassia fistula
(Dried root) (Fruits, Seeds)
Bombax ceiba *Tinospora cordifolia

(Dried bark) (Dried stem)
Tribulus terrestris
"Mucuna pruriens ___- - . ,
\ . . - - - (Dried fruits)
(Seed)
Bambusa bamboos
Pueraria laberosa (Rhizome)
(Dried tuber)
Cotala anthomo;des
(Stem)
Gardenia gummifeta
(Gum)
Z;ngugiber officinalis
(Dried Rhizome)
Myrica nag;
(Dried root & bark)
Piper dorgum
(Fruit)
Mesua ferrea
(Fruit, Seed)
*Ghycyrrh;za glabra
(Dried root)
Onsoma ech;oides
*Pistacoa integerrima (Dried flower)
(Galls)
• Not common, rare

Onisma echioides
(Flower) Lannea coromendelic
Gardenia gummifera
(Gum)
(Gum)
Embelia ribes
(Dried fruit)
Carum copticum
(Seed) 4 - - - - " 1
Mesua (errea
(Dried flower)
*Withania somnifera
(Dried root)
'Symplocos racemosa
*Myristica fragrans
(Dried bark)
(Dried fruits)
Putranjiva
Asan
Tiktut Amada
Bimli +--------\
Nadiai Madhabilata
Nayantara
Desmodium gangeticum
*Withania somnifera +--_-/ *Cocculus viflosus
*Tribulus terrestris Argemone maxicana
Boerhoevia diffusa
Mesua ferrea
*Asparagas recemosus
• Not common. rare

Cocculus villosa
(Dried leaves) Tinospora cordifolia
*Glycyrrhiza glabra (Dried stem)
(Dried rhizome)
'Curculigo orchioides
(Dried roots)
Hygrophylla spinosa
(Seeds)
Picrorhiza kurroa
(Dried rhizome)
Sida acuta *Solanum dulcamara
(Seeds) (Dried flower, fruit, Seeds)
Lawsonia alba - Fresh Leaves - Common in

(Mehandi) villages
Tectona grandis - Fruits, tender - Common

(Segun) leaves all over India
Butea monosperma - Fresh seeds - Common in all

Palash) dry forests
Carica papaya - Fresh seeds - Common

(Papaya) all over India
*Myrica nagi
(Kaifal)
*Withania somnifera Lepidium sativam

(Aswagandha) (Todri)
*Mucana pruita Sida acuta

(Kiwanch) 4 - - - - - - i ~----I. (kala Beejband)
Cassia augustifo/ia
Zanthoxylum a/atum (Sena) Picrorhiza kurroa (Kutki)
(Teibal) (Dried Leaves) (Dries rhizome)
(Stem, bark)
He/ecteres isora (Morarphali)
(Dried fruits & Seeds)
Curcuma longa (Holdu)

/ - - - . (Dried rhizomes)
Feru/a asafoetida (Hing)

(Resins)
Cassia fistula (Amaltas) Piper longum (Borapipal)
(Fruits, Seeds) Mucana pruriens (Inflorescence)
(Seeds)
*Desmodium gangeticum
(Dried leaves, Stem) *Cacculus vil/osa *Tribulus terrestris
(Leaves, Stem) (Dried fruits)
*Withania somnifera
Mesua ferrea (Dried roots)
(Dried Fruits)
Asparagus recemosus
Argemone mexicana (Tuberous roots)
(Whole Plant)
Cucumis melo
(Seeds)
*Curculigo orchioides
(Dried roots)
'Symplocos racemosa
(Dried Stem, Bark)
Sida acuta'......._ - - - - - , ' Pueraria tuberosa

(Seeds) (Tuber)
Butea monosperma
(Gum)
Bombax ceiba
(Gum)
Medicinal Plants from Arid and Desert Areas
Thar desert of India is the seventh largest desert of the world
and one of the most inhospitable eco-geographical region of India.
It is spread over the states of Punjab, Haryana, Rajasthan and
Gujarat. It covers 12 per cent of India's geographical area; besides
26 per cent area is semi arid. The hot desert area of Rajasthan has
17.44 million human and 23.33 million livestock population (2001
census). The average annual rainfall is only 100 mm to 500 mm,
occurring eratically between July and September. Maximum area
is covered by sand dunes; the rest by gravel plains. The vegetation
is very scanty. The forest cover is less than 3 per cent which is
depleting fast due to increase human and livestock population. Of
the total number of plant species 45 species are considered to be
rare and/or either endangered. The area has a large number of
plants of economic importance and medicinal use.
KK Chaudhuri (Ind. For. March,2005) records 157 medicinal
plants belonging to 124 genera and 62 families. 27 species are
monotypic which shows the vulnerability of these species.
Important cultivated species are-Bacopa monnieri, Boerhaavia
diffusa, Plantago ova ta, Plumbago zeylanica.
Of the total 157 medicinal plant species, 42 are cultivated, 115
are wild. 110 species face ruthless collection depleting the very
sustainable existence.
Of 157 plant species, 85 are herbs, 51 shrub, 21 trees. There is
only one pereninal Sedge and a climber and annual grass.
Though most C?f these listed plants have been included in the
list of midicinal plants of India, recorded so far, the list prepared
by Chaudhuri is presented with some modification as some of the
properties of plants used by local people differ from recorded used.
( Source: KK Chaudhari, Ind. For. March, 2005).
Table 11.2 : Medicinal Plants of Arid and Desert Areas c:::
~
fI>
Scientific Name Local Name Parts Used Medicinal Uses Status
.....
0
Abrus precatorius Ratti, Chirmi Seed Sore throat, cough, chronic inflammation of mucus
membrance of eyeball & eyelid. S ~
Elro
Abutilon indicum Kanghi, Whole plant Astringent, anthelminitic, diuretic alexiteric,
Tara-kanchi toothache, demulcent tonic, rheumatism, ~
piles, laxative, gonorrhoea. S ~
Tonic, gonorrhoea, bladder sto~e.
0:
::s
Abutilon indicum
Acacia ni/otica
Kanghi
Babool
Seed
Leaves,
Bark gum
Eye sores in children, sexual impotency, diseases
of urino-genital system. Astringent, demulcent, asthma, PS
S
-~
~
diarrhoea. ::s
!i!'
Acacia genegal Kumatia Gum Emollient, demuleent, burns, sore nipples, .....
0
haemorrhage, intestinal mucous, food for diabeties PS
Achyranthes aspera Andhl-jaro,
Apamarg
Whole plant Asthma, Cough,cholera renal dropsy, gonorrhoea,
eye dis. Piles, laxative, purgative anthelminitic,
anti-periodic in maleria, insect bite, pneumonia
f
0-
hydrophobia. PS ~
ro
~
Adhatoda zeylanica Adusa Whole plants' Diuretic bronchitis gonorrhoea, jaundice, anti- fI>
spasmodic, ophtalmic, heart trouble,
loss of memory, leucoderma. S
Aegle marme/os Bel Root, Leaves, Abdominal pain, heart palpitation urinary troubles,
Fruit laxatives, febrifuge, ophthalmic, deafness, dysentery. PS
Aerva persica Bui Flower Information. Swelling demulcent, diuretic PS
Ageratum conyzoides Doachuntry Leaves, root StyptiC, sor~s cuts; Root: antilitithic PS
N
contd... @
Table 11.2 - contd... IV
~
Alianthus exce/sa Ardu Bark Appetizer, arthelmintic, dysentery chronic bronchitis PS
A/hagi pseuda/haqgi Jawasa Whole plant Laxative, diuretic, expectorant, piles, rheumatism
A/ternanthera sessilis Bhaji Whole plant Lactagogue, febrifuge, eye wash galactagogue. PS
Amaranthus viridis Jangli chauli Leaves Emollient, Laxative. PS
Argemona mexicana Satyanashi Whole plant Eczema, skin disorbers, blood purifier, laxative, emetic,
expectorant, demulcent, jaundice, asthma diuretic,
leucoderma, liniment of head, aphrodisiac,
whooping cough. PS
Arist%chia bractero/sts Kiramar, Hukka-bel Whole plant Anthelmintic, emmenagogue purgative, fever,
joint pain, uncer, eczema. S
Asparagus racemosus Satawari Root Aphrodisiac, laxative, expectorant, galactagogue,
tuberculosis, leprosy, epilepsy, night blindness,
diseases of kidney, liver blood, eye and throat. T m
::s
Azadirachata indica tJeem Whole plant Anthelmintic, Diuretic, blood and skin diseases, leprosy, 0.
III
insectididal, opthalmia, biliousness,. PS ::s
~
...
Bacopa monnieri Brahmi Whole plant Nerve tonic, memory promoter, epilepsy, insanity. SIT ID
0.
Ba/anites aegyptiaca Hingotio, Hingota Whole plant Purgative, anthelmintic, alexipharmic anti-dysentric,
analgesic, leucoderma, ulcers, skin diseases,
s:::
ID
whooping cough, boils, leucoderma, skin. 0.
T rr
Bar/eria cristata Raktajhinti Whole plant Inflammation, fever bronchitis biliousness, tympanitis S Er
a.
Bar/eria prionitis Bajra-danti, Whole plant Alexiteric, Bronchitis, blood complanists, leucoderma, ::g
Kala bans, Chapri laceration, cracking of feet, fever, catarrhal affection, III
cough, diarrhoea, toothache, boils glandular ~

swellings, dropsy. S
contd...
Table 11.2 - contd... C
l!l
Scientific Name Local Name Parts Used Medicinal Uses Status '".....0
Bergia suffruticosa Kankaio, Karbuji Leaves Sores, broken bones. S g"l
Blepharis Iinaraefolia Bhangari, Bili-Khoja Seed Earache, tonic, increase milk production. S
~
Boerhavea diffusa Purarnava Whole plant Astringent, biliousness, anaemia, night blindness, ~
leucoderma, inflammation blood purifier, diuretic, tI)
~
laxative, expectorant, intestinal inflammation, fever. PS n·
Boswel/ia serrata Salar, Salaran Bark, fruit, gum Biliousness, dysentery, skin diseases, ulcer,
S·
~
blood purifier, leucoderma, piles, antipyretic,
astringent, emmenagogue, rhematism, ::s!
PI
vaginal discharge, diabetes, bronchitis. PS ....
~
Butea monsperma Palas, Dhak Root, bark, Night blindness, elephantiasis aphrodisiac, laxative, '".....
0
leaves, flower, dysentery, stomach worms, piles astringent, tonic,
gum eye diseases, diuretic, chronic diarrhoea,
round worm. PS
~
....
n
tI)
~
Cadaba fruticosa Dabi, Kodhab Root, Leaves Anthelmintic, emmenagogue, antiseptic, purgative,
urinary obstruction. S ...>
tI)
PI
Callogonium polygonoides Phog, Phogda Root Leaves Washing eyes, sore gum. PS
Ca/otropis procera Madar W~oleplant Toothache, stomachache, appetizer, piles,
'"
asthma, tonic. PS
Copparis deciduas Ker Whole plant Carminative, aphrodisiac, appetizer emmenagogue,
alexipharmic, lumbago, rheumatism, hiccup analgesic,
diaphoretic, laxative, anthelmintic, ulcer, cough,
asthma, piles, cardiac troubles, inflammation. PS
N
contd... 0
I.TI
Table 11.2 - contd... N
0
Scientif ic Name Local Name Parts Used 0\
Medicin al Uses Status
Cara/uma edu/is Pimpa whole plant Anthelmintic, leprosy, blood diseases. S
Cardiospermum Chirphuta
halicacabum
Root, Leaves Diaphoretic, diuretic, gonorrhoea, rheumatism,
lumbago, emmenagogue.
•
S
Caropegia bu/bosa Khapparkada Tubers Digestive tonic. S
Cassia auricu/ata Anwal, Tarawar Whole plant Skin diseases, astringent, anthelmintic diabetes,
urinary disorders, conjunctivitis. S
Cassia occidentalis Anwal Whole plant Skin diseases, astringent, anthelmintic. PS
Cassytha filiformis Amebel Whole plant Diuretic, dysentery, ulcer, tonic, gonorrhoea,
rickets, leucorrhoea. PS
Ce/osia argentea Surh Garke Leaves, Seed Antipyretic, aphrodisiac, liver tonic, gonorrhoea.
PS
Chenopodium a/bum Bathua Whole plant Appetizer, anthelmintic, diuretic, laxative, aphrodisiac,
abdominal pain, eye disease, piles, tonic,
diseases of blood, heart and spleen. PS tr1
Chenopodium Whole plant Carminative, emmenagogue, pectoral complaints, 5-
ambrosioides
amenorrhoea, nervous affection. ~
PS
Chrozophora rott/eri Shadevi Whole plant ~
...
Emetic, corrosive. PS
Citrullus c%cynt his Tumba, Indrayan Root, Fruit ~
Purgative, jaundice, rheumatism, urinary disease
C/eome gynandra Safed bagro, Karalia Seed. Leaves
C ::::
t!l
Anthelmintic cough sores, rubefacient intermittent
fever, muscular pain, rheumatism, headache, e:
O.
intestinal. :::s
PS e!..
::g
contd... III
a
tJ>
Table 11.2 - contd... c::
en
/1)
Scientific Name Local Name Parts Used Medicinal Uses Status en
, 0
......
Cleome vahliana Madhi , Khiramar, Seed, Leaves Carminative, anthelmintic, rubefacient, vesicant, CJl
Noli, Nodi piles, round worms, leucoderma, skin diseases, 0
earache, fever, dysentery, paratyphoid,
:3
/1)
bronchitis, gonorrhoea. S 3::

/1)
C/eome viscose Handi-bagro, Whole plant Laxative, anthelmintic, diuretic, ulcer leprosy, Q..
;:;.
pilihulhul malaria, piles, lumbago. S
::-i"
Clerodendrum phlomidis Arni Root, leaves Laxative, alexipharmic, anaemia diabetics, chyluria, e!.
bronchitis, dyspepsia, Inflammation, piles. S '"0
ii>
Chloria ternalea Gokari Root, Seed Laxative, diuretic, alexiteric, anthelmintic, brain tonic, ....
!:l
en
corneal ulcer elephantiasis, leucoderma. S 0
......
Cocculus hisutus Chhireta Root, Leaves Alexipharmic, antipyretic, laxative, soporific,
venereal pain. S ~
Cocculus pendulus Poilawan Leaves Skin diseases. S ...
/1)
n
/1)
Q..
Commelina benghalensis Bukana Whole plant Emollient, leprosy. PS
Commelina obiqua Kanjuna Root Vertigo, laxative. biliousness, fever. PS
...>
/1)
I»
en
Commiphora wightii Guggal Gum Laxative, aphordisiac, alternative, anthelmintic,
billiousness, ulcers, fistula, piles, pyorrhea, chronic,
tonsillitis, pharyngitis, chronic bronchitis, chronic
nasal catarrh, laryngitis, phthisis, urinary troubles,
asthma, cough & cold, tumours, leucoderma,
lowering blood cholestrol. . T
Convolvulus microphyllus Santri Whole plant Laxative, brain tonic. S
contd...
!:5
'-l
N
Table 11.2 - contd.•.
~
Corchorus depress us Chamkas, bahuphali Whole plant Sexual impotency, weakness, fever, demulcent,
dysentery, laxative, appetizer, anthelmintic,
antiperiodic carminative, dyseopsia, catarrh,
liver, disorder. C
Corchorus olitorius Champghas Seed, leaves Alternative, alexiteric, diuretic, tumours, gonorrhoea,
cystitis, dysuria. C
Corchorus tridens Kag-nasha Whole plant Gonorrhoea, tonic.
Cordia gharaf Godela Bark. Fruit Astringent, headache, constipation, stomach worms S
piles toothache.
Cressa cretica Lana Whole plant Aphrodisiac, stomachic, asthma diurtic, leprosy,
billiousness, appetizer, tonic. S
Crota/aria burhia Shinyo Whole plant Hydrophobia, swelling. S
Curumus prophetarum Khat-Kachirio Root, Fruit Indigestion fever, purgative emetic. S tI1
::s
Cuscuta hyaline Amar bel, akash bel Whole plant Purgative, itch, protracted fevers, sores, chest pain. 0..
PS I»
::s
Cuscuta ref/exa Akash-bel Whole plant Aphrodisiac, diuretic, paralysis, heart & spleen OQ
disease, lumbago, emmenagogue, sedative, ...
m
m
biliousness. PS 0..
Cynodon dacty/on Dub Whole plant Astringent, diuretic, dropst, cut, wound, genital
s::
m
0..
urinary disorder. PS n'
Cyperus rotundus Motha, Mothee Root-tuber Diuretic, emmenagogue, anthelmintic, diaphoretic, S·
~
astringent, stimulant, stomach disorder, bowel irritation PS '\l
Dacty/octemum Sp. Malra, Manchi. Kuri Seed Bellyache after chilbirth, kidney pain. PS
;-
....::s
fJJ
contd.•.
Table 11.2 - contd... c:::
'"tt>
Scientific Name Local Name Parts Used Medicinal Uses Status '"0.....
Datura innoxia Dhatura Root, leaves, Toothache, insanity, catarrhal, cerebral complaints, {Jl
0
seed skin diseases, lumbago, fever, asthma,
S
3
hydrophobia malarial fever. tt>
Datura stramonium Dhatura Leaves, Seed, Antispasmodic, narcotic, anodyne, sedative, intoxicant, ~
tt>
Fruit carbuncles. S 0-
r;.
Dicoma tomentosa Vajradanti, Whole plant Pyorrhoea, febnfuge, febnle attacks. S 5·
Choloharnacharo e.
'"Cl
Digera muricata Khanjuru Whole plant Astringent, laxative, biliousness, urinary discharge S iii
Echinops echinatus Unt-Kanta, Whole plant Alterative, diuretic, nervetonic hysteria, dyspepsia,
a
Unt-Katalo opthalmi, cough, scrofula, seminal debility. S '"0......
(Jl
Eclipta alba Bhangro Whole plant Emetic, purgative antiseptic, tonic, hepatic and spleen tt>
enlargement, jaundice, catarrh, skindiseases, hair dye. PS ~
....tt>
f)
Ehretia aspera Tombolan Fruit Venerealdiseases. 0-

Enicostema hyssopifolium Chota-chirayata Whole plant Blood purifier, dropsy, rheumatism, abdominalucler, >
...tt>
hernia, sewllings, itches, malaria. S S>I
Eruca sativa Taramira Leave, seed Stimulant stomachic. diuretic, antiscarbtuic, '"
aphrodisiac. S
Euphorbia caducifolia Thor whole plant Carminative, purgative, laxative, appetizer,
alexipharmic, rubefacient, expectorant, curneous
eruptions, cough, earache, bronchitis, tum ur, deliriem,
leucoderma, piles, spleen enlargement, anaemia, ulcers,
fever. S
contd..• ~
.....
0
Euphorbia hirta Dudhali Leaves Dysentery, worms. colic, bowel complaints, cough,
asthma, virmifuge, diseases of urino-genital tract,
diarrhoea, leucorrhoea, menorrhagia. PS
Evolvulus a/sinoides Shankhpushpi, Leaves Bronchitis, asthma, fever, diarrhoea, tonic, vermifuge,
Phooli dysentery. S
Fagonia/ retica Jawasiao, Dhamso Whole plant Astringent febrifuge, tonic, small pox, dropsy,
delirium, asthma, cough, fever, dysentery,
skin diseases, abortion. S
Fersetia hami/tonii Hlran-chanbba Whole plant Rheumatism, Cooling. S
Feronia limonia Kaitha Leaves, seed, Cough, dysentery, alexiteric, heart diseases,
Fruit aphrodisiac, leaucorrhoea, opthalmia, billiousness. S
Ficus bengha/ensis Bargad Whole plant Biliousness, ulcer, erysipelas, vaginal complaints,
fevers, liver troubles, diabetes, cooling tonic. PS tr.I
Ficus religiosa Peepal Whole plant Leucorrhoea, biliousness, ulcer, diseases of vagina ='0..
III
and uterus, alexipharmic PS ='
(Iq
Furmaria indica Pithpaparo Whole plant Diuretic, diaphoretic, aperients, antispasmodic ..,
tI)
tI)
CNS depressant. S 0..
Glinus /otoides Hata, Badka, Matter Whole plant Diuretic, purgative, boils. wounds, indigestion, ~
tI)
Gandhi-butti bilious attacks. S ~
Grewia tenax
O.
Gangeran, Wood. Root Cough, pain, diarrhoea. S ='
Gangir, Gahgi ~
'i:1
Ha/oxylon recurvum Khar Whole plant Ulcer. S 1»
='
contd... ur
Table 11.2 - contd•.. c::
~
rJ>
Heliotropium ellipticum S
....0
Arkali Whole plant Laxative, diuretic. g>
Hoppea dichotoma Ramjetta Root Piles, Snake bite. S :3It>
Indigofera Iinifolia Sidio bakario Flower Febrile eruptions, amenorrhoea. S ~
Indigofera oblongifolia Khuara Whole plant Root: Appetizer, rheumatism; Whole plant: spleen It>
p.
and liver problems. S n'
S·
Indigofera tinctoria Neel Whole plant Laxative, expectorant, alexipharmic, anthelmintic,
leucoderma, abdominal complaints, heart disease. S
e..
Ipomea headeracea Kirpan-beli Seed Laxative, carminative, fever, abdominal & liver '"....
i»
::l
troubles, leucoderma. S rJ>
Justica procumbens Kagner Whole plant Biliousness, intoxication, fever, diuretic, enriches ....0
blood, leprosy, mental and blood diseases S W
Lepidagathis trinervis Unt-Katalio Seed Cooling drink, tonic. S
ro
n
~
Leucas aspera Chota-halkusar Leaves Chronic rheumatism, psoriasis, skin diseases, swellings.S p.
Leucas capha/otes Vdapata Whole plant Diaphoretic, stimulant, laxative, bronchitis, jaundice, ~
It>
dyspepsia, paralysis, leucoderma, urinary discharge, ~
rJ>
fever, scorpion sting. S
Malva parvif/ora Khumbasi Leaves, Seed Nerve tonic, profuse menstruation, wounds &
swellings; Seed: demulcent in cough, bladder uncler. PS
Merremia trldentatea Parasarini Whole plant Laxative tonic, rheumatism, piles urinary disorders.
Mimosa himata Shiah-Kannta, Seed Stimulant, Weakness. S
Jinjanio
N
contd•.. .....
.....
.....
N
Moringa oleifera Sanjna Whole plant Aphrodisiac, alexiteric, ilnalgesic, anthelmintic,
ulcers, heart troubles, ophthalmia, muscular and
spleen diseases. PSIC
Ocimum americanum Ban-tulsi Whole plant Fever, parasitical skin diseases cold, cough. PS
Ocimum canum Bapchi Leaves, Seed Fever, parasitic diseases, expectorant, anti-
catarrhal, nasal haemorrhage, anti-rheumatism. PS
Oxilis corniculata Khatari, Khatii-buti Whole plant Appetizer, dysentery, diarrhoea, refrigerant,
stomachic, anti-scorbutic, piles, skin diseases. S
Oxystelma esculentum Dudhialak Whole plant Diuretic, laxative, aphrodisiac, leucoderma, bronchitis,
expectorant, anthelmintic, gonorrhoea. S
Pacicum antidotale Gramma, Garmano Whole plant Small pox, wound, S
Pedalium murex Baragokhru Root, Leaves, Anti-Biliousness, gonorrhoea, dysuria, anti-spasmodic,
Fruit aphrodisiac, diuretic, demulcent, emmenagogue. S tr.I
::s
Peganum harmal Harmal, Isband Whole plant Emmenagogue, galactagogue, aphrodisiac, 0-
Il>
Gandhio abortifacient, toothache; Seed: expectorant, ::s
OQ
anthelminitic, lumbago, Colic, kurinary troubles, /I)
....
/I)
opthalmia, rheumatism, bronchitis. S 0-
Pentratropis spiralis Kauathodi Whole plant Whole plant: leucoderma, biliousness, piles, cough, ~
/I)
inflammation; Root: astringent, gonorrhoea. S 0-
n'
Pergularia demia Ganderio-ki-bel, Whole plant Anthelminitic, expectorant, catarrhal affections, :j"
Utran, Manda-singi infantile diarrhoea, asthma, rheumatism, carbuncle, 2!..
purgative, blood pressure. S ~
Il>
::s.....
contd... fIl
Table 11.2 - contd.• , C
l€
Ii>
0
Periploca aphylla Barri Whole plant Tumkours, swellings, purgative. S '""
~
Phaseolus trio lobus Jangli-Moth, Leaves Sedative, intermittent fever. S 3
III
Arak-Munhani
~
Phyllanthus fratemus Kanocha, Gugaria Whole plant Diuretic, Dropsical affections, gonorrhoea, genito- III
I:l..
urinary diseases, sores, stomachic, dysentery. S ;;.
Phyllanthus Hazarmani Leaves, Seed Expectorant, diaphoretic, carminative, laxative, 5'
maderaspatensis diuretic, bronchitis, earache, ophthalmia, liver tonic. S
e..
Phyllanthus niruri Bhonyaabali Whole plant Stomachic, dysentery, dropsy, ulcer, wounds, S¥
::I
ringworm. S c;r
0
Physalis peruviana Baripopatan Whole plant Diuretic. S
'""
Plantago ovata Isabgol Seed Astringent, tonic, biliousness, cough, dysentery, W
ii)
leprosy. S n
@"
Polycarpea corymbosa Dholphuli Whole plant Strangury, urinary calculi, ulcer. S I:l..
~
Plumbago zeylanica Chitrak Root, Bark Dysentery, leucoderma, piles, inflammation, ...
III
rheumatism, bronchitis, anaemia, liver and intestinal
complaints. S '"
<Il
Portulaca oleracea Lunkha Leaves, Stem Alexipharmic, laxative, diarrhoea, asthma, ulcer,
blisters, boils, dysentery, leprosy, piles, kidney
and spleen diseases, burning sensation. S
Portulaca quadrifida lunki Whole plant Alternative, laxative, asthma, cough, urinary,
discharge, ulcers. eye & skin diseases. S
Prosopis. cinerarla Khejri Bark, Pods Rheumatism, astringent. PS
.....
N
w
contd•••
Table 11.2 - contd•.. ....
N
Scientific Name Local Name Parts Used Medicinal Uses Status ""
Pulicaria crispa Buhrna, Dhola-lizru Whole plant Headache, bruises. 5
Salvadora oleoides Mitho-jal Whole tree Vesicant, purgative, cough, aphrodisiac, laxative,
carminative, bronchitis, spleen enlargement, piles. PS
Salvadora persiea Kharo-jal Leaves, fruits Rheumatism, scurvy, astringent, anthelmintic, diuretic,
analgesic, liver tonic, carminative, deobstruent,
aphorodisiac. PS
Salvia aegyptiaea Tukham malanga Whole plant Diseases of. eye, diarrhoea, gonorrhoea, haemorrhage. S
Sarcostemma acidium Khir-Khimp, Samlata Stem, root Emetic, Dog-bite, snake-bite. S
Sehweinfurthia Sanipat Leaves, fruits Typhoid, bleeding nose. S
papilionacea
Seoparia dulcis Whole plant Emollient, astringent, emetic, mennorrhagia,
excessive menstruation. S
Sesamum indieum TiI Root, Seed, Aphrodisiac, spleen troubles, plies bleeding,
m
::s
seed oil menorrhoea, diuretic, diaphoretic, coolling, hair growth, 0-
Il>
diarrhoea, lungs diseases, small-pox syphilis. S ::s
~
....
Sida acuta Bal Root, leaves Aphrodisiac, demulcent in gonorrhoea, astringent, III
nervoues and urinary trouble. S 0-
Sida cordifolia Bariar Whole plant Astringent, coolling, tonic emollient aphrodisiac, urinary
3::
III
0-
troubles, blood disease, bleeding piles. S
Sida ovata Bal, Dhabi Seed, root Lumbago, tnic, COOling effect. S ::rn'e!.
Sida rhombifolia Bariara Root, leaves Aphrodisiac, tonic febrifugs, nervous and urinary '"C
troubles, strangury, heart diseases, piles, rheumatism. S iii
::s....
11>
coptd...
Table 11.2 - contd... c:
fIl
ro
fIl
0
.....
Sisymbrium irio Asalio, Khub Khala Leaf, Seed Cooling and refreshing drink. S
~
Solanum indicum Nar-kanta Root, Fruits Astringent, anthelmintic, digestive cardiac troubles, 3ro
bronchitis, leucoderms, fever. S
3::
ro
Solanum nigram Makoi, Chirpoti Whole plant Diseases of eye, ear, nose, ulcer on the neck, laxative, 0-
boils, headache, aphrodisiac, alternative, diuretic, ri'
inflammation, asthma, bronchitis, fever, diarrhoea, S'
hydrophobia, leucoderma, cathartic, liver e!..
enlargement, piles, dysentery. S ::g
I»
Solanum surattense Ringni, Kateli Whole plant Expectoranta cough, asthma, chest pain, catarrhal
::s
(il'
Bhoringi fever, vomiting, rheumatism, cough, toothache,
burning feet. S
.....
0
Sporobolus helvolus Kharia Whole plant Malaria. S ~

Tamarix aphylla Lal-jhau, Farash Bark Astringent, aphrOdisiac, eczeme, PS ~
0-
Tecomella undulata Rohiro, Rugtrora Bark, Seed, Eczema, abdominal & liver complaints, laxative,
Tephorsia purpurea Sarphoka, Biyanl,

young branches.
Whole plant
anthelmintic, abscess, ulcer, blood & eye diseases.
Dyspepsia, chronic diarrhoea, enlarged liver, colic,
PS
~
fIl
Dhamasia stomach, troubles., alexipharmic, uncers, wounds,

spleen complaints, anthelmintic, antipyretic, leprosy,
asthma, bronchitis gonorrhoes, lung troubles. PS
Tinospora cordifolia Amrita gulbel Root: Fruit Emetic, visceral obstruction, rheumatism,jaundice T
Tribulus terrestris Gokhru, Kanti Whole plant Aphrodisiac, alternative, diuretiC, emmenagogue,
purgative, bronchitis, asthma, dropsy, rheumatism,
N
skin diseases, leprosy. T .....
Ut
contd...
~
Table 11.2 - contd..• ....

N
a-
Scientific-Name --- Local Name Parts Used Medicinal Uses Status
Vallisneria spiralis Sawala, Syala Whole plant Diuretic, anthelmintic, neohritic troubles, haemorrhage
in kidney & uterus, jaundice. S
Vernonis cine,s Sandri, Sahadevi Whole plant Diaphoretic, strangury, promotes perspiration, spasm
of bladder, conjunctivitis, anthelmintic, alexipharmic. S
Viola cinerea Boiss Banafsha Whole plant Fever. S
Withanla coagulsns Paneer-bandh Fruit, seed Asthma, biliousness, strangury, emmenagogue,
diuretic, ophthalmia, lumbago, liver troubles, piles. T
Withania somnifera· Asgandha, Root, tubes, Alternative, aphrodisiac, abortifaCient, toniC, narcotic,
Chirpotan seed leaves bronchitis, psoriasis, ulcers, senile debility,
rheumatism. T
Wrightie tinctoris Kerni Whole plant Aphrodisiac, biliousness, piles, skin, diseases, dropsy,
aphrodisiac, anthelmintic, amoebic, dysentery. S
Ziziphus mauritiana Bor,Bordi Root, Bark, fruit Ulcer, wounds fever, diarrhoea, digestive, tTl
blood purifier. S 6-III
Ziziphus nummularia Jari-bar Leaves, fruit Cough, coid, skin diseases, astringent cooling, ::s
biliousness, sores, ulcerated gums. S ~
Zygophylium simplex Lumvo, Alathi Leaves Opthalmia, leucoderma, anthelmintic. S i
Arisaema griffithii
Arisaema nepenthoides
L. Tangchit; N. Larua Rhizome
L. Panyal R"izome
Extract of rhizome used to relieve pain during urination
Flour of rhizome used to make rotis.
T
T
e:O.~
::s
Rapidophora decursiva L. Tafu Stem, Leaf Boiled stem, cut into pieces and dried used in ~
preparing chi. Leaves used as fodder. S
---- ii¥
::s
contd... ur
Scientif ic Name Local Name Parts Used Medicin al Uses Status
Schizostachyum L. Payonh; Culums long culums used for flutes, for making rope as phip
munrol N. Gopae ( hollow straw for drinking chi) and to make poalong
baskets. Considered sacred. S
Thysanolaena maxima l Paashyuam; Used locally for making brooms and also collected
N.Kucho, Umlisho for market sale. S
Yushania maling L. Phyun; Malingo Clums Slender bamboo clilms used to lay roofs and for
basketry. S
Cyathea spinulosa L. Pula Used to make planter-pots for culturing orchids and
other green house- plants. T
Angiopteris evecta L. Pakjig, Rhizome, Stem Dried rhizome and stem made into flour that is then
N. Gaaykhure used to make rotis and in preparing chi. T
Table 11.3 : Medicinal plants of Sundarbans Mangrove ....N00
Sundarbans Part's used Medicinal uses Status
Acanthus sp. Fruit, Seed The crushed fruit make a good blood purifier and dressing for
boils and snake bite. The seeds have anthelmintic properties.
Useful in asthma and dysopepsia. PS
Amman/a bacc/fera Entire plant Used as purgative. PS
Avicennia sp. Seeds, Resin Seeds made into paste to relieve small pox ulceration.
Resinous exude used ~or birth control purpose. PS
Bruguiera eriopelata Fruit Lotion from fruits used for eye. Fruit is chewed as betel nut.
Young radical used as vegetable. S
Caesalpinla nuga Roots Roots diuretic, used in the treatment of stone. R
Cerbera odollum Bark, Nut Bark and nuts as purgative and narcotic. S
Cerbera sp. Fruit Fruit when rubbed give relief from pain of rheuma~ism. The sap
has purgative property. Sap when extremely applied always
the poisonous effect of fish stings. S tT1
Ceriops. sp. Bark, Seed Obstetric and haemorrhage cases are treated with an infusion 5-
of Ceriops bark. Seeds Yield, edible oil and fat, but not ~
commercially used. PS ~...
tI)
~
Cer/ops tagal Root Roots used as substitute of quinine. PS
~
Derris indica Seed Seed powder used for bronchitis and whooping cough. PS tI)
~
Dems sp. Stem, Root Stems IHtl Fact contlan poisonous chemical to kill fish. PS 6:
D. triplicata Entire plant Entire plli;,f used aj antispasmodic and stimulant. PS ~
~
contd••. El.
fIl
Table 11.3 - contd.•.
Sundarbans Part's used Medicinal uses Status
W
tI>
...,
0
Excoecaria sp. Heart wood Heart wood and pneumatophores give scent, but not commercially used. PS
~
Hibiscus tili8ceous Leaf, Root Decoction from leaves useful as hair restorers, expectorant and for
treatment of obstinate cases of urine. Roots used in preparation of
~
embrocations. S ~
ID
Ipomoea pes-carpae Leaf Leaves used for rheumatism and as astringent. S ~

O.
::J
Kandeli8 sp. Bark Bark forms an ingredient in a mixture given for diabetes. e..
Lumnitzera sp. Bark, Root An infusion of the bark of R. mucronata is given for haematuria. Stilt roots
some times used as anchor. Root decoction used in blood pressure. S E¥
Sonneratia sp. Fruit Fruit made into poultices for sprain and the fermented juice is used to
~
check haemorrhage. Fruits are edible. S ...,
0
Gall & TWig Galls and tNigs used as astringent and ~

ID
n
T. gallica for dysentery. S nr0-
Tam8rix dioica Bark Used as tonic and skin diseases. S
Thespesia lampus Root, Fruit Roots and fruits used for gonorrhoea and syphilis. S
>
...
ID
I»
tI>
Thespesia sp. Seed, Leaf An oinment made from seeds kill lice. The leaves furnish a specific
active principle for relieving headache. S
Trianthema portulac8strum Entire plant For heart disease and anaemia. S
Xylocarpus mekongensis Bark Used for dysentery diarrhoea as febrifuge. S
contd... ....
t-l
\0
Table 11.3 - contd.•• N
N
0
Sundarbans Local Name Part's Medicinal uses Status
Used
Sikklm
Aconitum bisma N.Bikhma Root Extracted root taken against malaria R
Mahonia nepaulenswis L. Termokung, Wood Yellow wood used as Dhoop during rituals S
Kherum
Drymaia cordata N.Abhijal Leaf Mixed leaves with Fragaria indica taken against jaundice,
2-3 doses claimed to be sufficient cure . PS
Hibiscus-rosa sinensis N. Javakusum Flower Paste of red flowers taken orally to counteract excessive
menstrual bleeding. PS
Prunus cerasoides K.Kamki, Fruit, Ripe fruits edible. Leaves used as fodder PS
N.Payung Leaf
Rubus el/ipticus L. Kisimpat, Root, Root paste taken orally against dry cough. Diluted paste of tr1
N.Aniselo Fruits tender stems taken against stomach ache. Fruits edible. PS ::s
0.
III
Rubus folliosus L. Chhelum Fruits Fruits edible S ::s
Rubus nepa/ensis L. Salum Fruits Fruits edible PS ..
~
ID
0.
Astilbe rivularis N. Burokhati Leaf Paste of leaves taken orally against menstrual dysfunction
(backaches & excessive bleeding) S 3::
ID
Bergenia ciliata L. Tasjiprok, Root Extracted root taken orally against food-poisoning & to relieve e:
O.
N. Pakhanbed labour pains S ::s
~
Dichroa febrifuga L. Gebokhanak; Root Extracted root taken orally against dysentery PS '"'Cl
Tnchosanthes tricuspidata L. Khampthoro; i»
Fruits Fruits edible and used in pickles PS ::s
N.lndrani &r
contd•..
(Il
ttI
(Il
0
Used .....
Nardostachys grandiflora L. Panpu, Root Powdered root taken with water against epilepsy. Roots burnt
W
!3
N.Jatamasi in ghee as Ohoop T ttI
Saussurea gossypiphora L. Yackhhephabo Inflore- Paste of dried inflorescence applied on burns T ~

ttI
scence e..
r;.
Lyonia ova/ifolia L. Taksolnak; Leaf Juice of leaves applied externally on skin-diseases of the S·
N. Angen rainy season. Poisonous to cattle. PS e!..
Diploknema butyracee L. Nyol; N. Chiuri Fruit Fruits edible S '"
Si
!:l
.....
Budleja paniculata L. Pandamkung; Leaf Tablets of leaves mixed with riceflouract as fermentine agent (Il
N. Bhimsenpati giving chia bitter taste PS .....

0
Datura metel L. Kujuphimyun-

gman N. Ohatura
Fruits,
Seed
Fruits & Seeds taken against dog-bite S
~
Plcrorrhiza scrophularif/ora L. Humle; Root Powdered root taken against headaches & fevers T ~
e..
N. Kutki
>
...ttI
Phylo/acca acinosa N. Jaringo Leaf Green leaves used as vegetable. Boiled extract taken orally III
(Il
against food-poisoning. S
Aconogonum mulla L. Kandemdong, Stem Juicy stem edible. Also used in chutneys. S
N. Thotnay
Rheum austra/e L. Chhucha Root Roots infused as tea T
Houttuynla cordata N. Gandhejhar Leaf Juice of leaves with curd taken against dysentery T
Daphne bho/ua L. Nambongkantuh; Root Juice of root taken orally against food pOisoning. S
N. Kagajejhar N
N
.....
contd••.
Table 11.3 - contd••• ~
N
Used
Edgeworlhis gsn1ensri L. Kuntkung; Bark Bark used in making rope and for making paper. S
A. Argali
Litses cubebs N.Siltimur Leaf Oil extracted from macerated leaf relieves skin itch. PS
Viscum srliculstum L. Singthut; Plant Thick paste of plant used as cast for bone-setting. Powdered
N. Kabra plant mixed with rice flour and taken orally during delivery
lessons pain & bleeding. S
Elstostems plstphylum L. Kanchelbhi Leaf Extract of boiled leaves taken for deworming. Leaves also
used as vegetable. PS
Girsrdinis diversifolis L. Kujusrung; Leaf, Boiled leaves used as vegetable. Fibra from stem used to
N. Bhangre stem make gunny like cloth for traditional garments. PS
sinsu
Ficus glsberrims L. Ringjikung Leaf Tender leaves used as vegetable and in pickle. S trl
::s
Ficus lacor L. Sikungkung; Leaf Tender leavels wet-grount to chutney. Leaves used as fodder. S P-
1>1
N.Kanakpa ::s
Juglans regis L. Kalkung; Bark Paste of bark used as leech-repellent. S
~
i;!
N.Okhar P-
Dsctylorhiza hatagirea L. Ambulkapa; Root Paste of root applied to heal fractures. Root brunt as dhoop. T &::
t1)
N. Panchamle e:
O.
Paphiopedi/um venustum L. Barif Leaf Juice of crushed green leaves applied on snakebite. T ::s
!!.
Amomum subulatum N. Ainlaichi Seed, Ripe seeds taken against gastriC problems. Flowers used as '"0
Flower vegetable. Outer sheath of flower used in making iii
deep red dye. PS
::s
fiT
contd...
Sundarbans Local Name Part's Medicinal uses Status m
Used
o.....
Costus speciosus L. Kafer Leaf Burnt leaves mixed with water and made into pellets, which
are then taken orally with tea or chi to increase fertility and ~
Dioscorea glabra L. Kiew; Root
for conception.
Rootstock used as vegetabie.
S
T f
a:
N. Bantarul
Campylandra aurantiaca L. Barfi; Inflore- Inflorescence used as vegetable. T ~
'"0
N.Nakima scence ;-
Calamus erectus N. Bent-ko-tuso Stem Inner pith of stem used as vegetable. T ~
o
.....
I
~
III
M
Table 11.4 : Medicin al Plants of Bankura District (Alluvia l
and Lateritic Area) N
Scienti fic Name Local Name Part's Used Medicin al Uses ~
Status
Abuti/on indicum Potari Leaves Inflammation and wounds.
S
Acacia ni/otica Babla Bark,Gum Diarrohea, Dysentery and Diabetes. PS
Acalypha indica Mutkajhuri Entire plant Bronchites, Asthma and Piles.
PS
Achyranthus aspers Apang Entire plant Purgative, Piles, Boils, Colic pain. PS
Adhatoda vasica Basak Leaves Cough, Bronchites, asthma, tonic. S
Aerva lanata Chaldhoa Entire plant Anthelmentic, Diuretic. PS
Aganosma Caryophllata Malati Leaves & Leaves in biliousness, glowers in eye. S
flowers
Ageratum conyzides Uchunti Leaves Cuts and sores. PS
Altemanthers sessi/es Sinche Young shoot Nutritious, febrifuge. PS
Amaranthus spinousus Kata-notey Leaves & root Boils and abcess. PS
Ambroma augusta Ulatkambal Root-bark trJ
Female diseases. S
Andrographis paniculata Kalmegh Leaves & roots Tonic, dysentery and dyspepsia. &.
I»
T ::s
Anei/ema nufiflorum Kenduli Entire plant (Iq
Leprosy. S re
Anisome/es ovata Gobura Entire plant ~
Tonic. S Q.
Anona squamosa Ata Leaves Insecticide & Lice remover. C ~
Agrsmone maxicana re
Shialkan ta Seeds & roots Skin disease, seeds-laxative. Q.
Aristolochia indica Ishwarmul Root & leaves Tonic, Leucoderma, skin disease.
S 5:
Aspa~gus racemosus Satamuli Root . Refrigerant, dysentery, diuretic.
T l
T
~
contd... ~
Table 11.4 - contd•.• C
l£
11>
Scientific Name Local Name Part's Used Medicinal Uses Status
0
.....
Barleris prionitis Kantajanti Toot & leaves Tooth-ache, Boils, glanular S
swellings ~
Bidens bitemata Root Amoebic dysentery S ~
S
~
Biophytum sensitivum Naranga Leaves, Seeds Laxative t1)
Boerhaavia diffuss Punarnaba Entire plant Anaemia, Jaundice S

e:
O.
::I
Buttneris herbscea Kamraj Seeds Laxative S e.
Csess/pinia bonduc Nata Seeds Malaria S "'C
;-
C ::I
Csjsnus csjsn Arhar Leaves, Seeds Jaundice !iT
Ca/otropis gigantea Akanda Leaves Tonsilites S 0
.....
~
Cappsris zeylanica Kelekara Leaves, Fruits Eczema, boils, piles S
Cassia occidentalis Kalkasunde Leaves Tonic, rat-bite PS n
iir
Cathsranthus roseus Nayantara Leaves Diabetes CIT Cl.
Centrstherum snthe/minticum Somraj Seeds Anthelmintic" digestive C >

~
III
Chenopodium album Behtosak Shoots, Leaves Laxative, anthelmintic S 11>
Cinnsmomum tama/a Tajpat Leaves Stimulant, carminative, throat S

C/erodendrum viscosum Ghetu Leaves & root Skin disease, tumour S
Clitoria temalea Aparajita Seeds & root Purgative, diuretic C
Commelina bengha/ensis Kansira Plant & latex Laxative, leprosy, ear-ache S
Com"!elins ps/udosa Jata Kansira Plant Skin disease S
N
contd... ~
N
0\
Sci&ntlfic Name Local Name Part's Used Medicinal Uses Status
Corchorus olitorius Mithapat Plant Tonic, diuretic C
Coriandrum sativum Dhane Leaves & Frutis Stimulant, carminative, Tonic C
Crota/aria juncea Atashi Seeds Blood purifier C
Croton bonp/andianum Bantulsi Leaves Blood coagulation, antiseptic S
Curculigo orchioides Talmuli Roots Diabetes, jaundice T
Cynodon docty/on Durba Entire plant Cuts & wounds, hysteria & Epilepsy PS
Daemia extensa Dudhilata Leaves Expectorant, rheumatism carbuncle S
Desmodium po/ycarpum Bancharal Entire plant Tonic, cold and cough S
Dioscor8a bu/bifera Banalu Rhizome Dysentery, piles & ulcers T
EClipta alba Ke$ute Leaves Tonic, jaundice, hair dye S
E/ephantopus scaber Hastipada Roots Diabetes S
tr.I
Emilia sonchifolia Sudhimudi Plant Febrifuge S ::s
I:l.
I»
Enhydra f/uctuans Hingche leaves Laxative, antibiolous, skin & nerve PS ::s
~
Eugenia jambo/ana Kala-jam Leaves & Fruits Dysentery, carminative C 0;
tI)
I:l.
Euphorbia hirta Barakarni Latex Dysentery, cough, asthma, childrens worm S
~
Euphorbia tiruca1/a Sijlanka Milky juice Rheumatism & burn C tI)
Ficus benga/ensis Bat Aerial root Purgative, leprosy, piles. PS

e:
O.
scorpion bite
::s
!!!..
G/ycosmis pentaphylla Ashshora Wood Snake-bite S
~
contd... -
::s
t Il
'"
/I)
....'"0
Gnaphalium luteo-album Leaves Astringent S

~
Helicteres isora Atmora Fruit Flatulence of Children S 3
/I)
Heliotropium indicum Hatisur Leaves Boils & wounds S

~
/I)
Hemidesmus indicus Anantamul Root Tonic, Scorpion-bite T
~
n
Holarrhena antidysentrica Kurchi Bark & seed Dysentery, fever, intestinal worms PS S·
Hydrophila spinosa Kulekhara Entire plant Jaundice, rheumatism, Urine-genital diseases PS
PS
-
I»
'"d
!ii
Ipomoea aquatica
Ipomoea pes-tigridis
Ipomoea quamoclit
Kalmisak
Langulidlata
Tarulata
Entire plant
Root
Leaves
Nervous & general debility
Pargative, Boils & curbuncles
Carbuncle & bleeding piles
PS
PS
-....
::s
I II
0
Jatropha gossypifolia Lal-bheranda Shoot & Leaves Boils, carbuncles, Dental disease PS ~
/I)
Justicia gendarusa Jagat-madan Leaves & "hoot Rheumatism, ear-ache PS [

Lawsonia fnermfs Mehindi Leaves & bark Skin disease, leprosy S
Leo,!otfs nepetaefolia Hejurchei Leaves & flowers Tonic, ring warm & skin disease S ~
I»
Leonurus sibiricus Raktadrone Entire plant Febrifuge S '"
Leucas aspera Shetadrone Leaves Scabies, insecticide S
Llndenbergfa fndfca Besanti Shoot Bronchites S
Martynia diandra Bag-noch Leaves & Fruits Tuberculosis glands, epilepsy S
Mirabilis ialapa Sandhyamoni Leaves & root Boils, inflammation ,purgative S
Murr8ya Koenlgli Curry leaf Leaves Tonic, Stomachic dysentery S to.)
Nerium odorum Karabi (White) Root Skin-disease C ~

contd..•
N
Scienti fic Name Local Name Part's Used 00
Medicin al Uses Status
Nymphoides cristata ~~nseuli Leaves Boils, fever
PS
OCimum canum Bantulsi Leaves Parastical skin-dieseae
S
Oldenlandia corymbosa Khetapara Entirpla nt Jaundice & diseases of liver S
Oxalis corniculata Amrul Entire plant Cooling, stomachic, scurvy
S
Passiflora foetida Jhumkalata Leaves Asthma, Headache
S
Phaseolus radiatus Maskalai Seeds Paralysis, rheumatism, cough, fever
C
Physalis minima Banterpari Leaves Ear-ache
S
Plumb ego zeylanica Chitamul Root Apetizer, skin-disease
S
Polycarpon loeflingeae Gimasa k Leaves Expectorant
S
Portulaca oleracea B~ua-nonoya Plant Scruvy & Liver disease . S
Pterocarpus marsurpium Pitsal Gums & leaves Diarrhoea, boils, sores
PS
Ricinus communis Rehri Leaves & root t'r1
Leaves in ear-ache, root in gonorrhoea ::l
PS Q..
Santalum album Chandan Heart wood Inflammation, headache 11>
T ::l
Scopar;a dulcis Ban-dhoney Plant Emetic
S
~
...
Sesbania sesban Jayanti Leaves 10
Pain of bones & joints, athelmintic Q..
C
Sida cordifolia Berela Leaves ~
Cut and bruises
S 10
Sida rhombifo/ia Lal-berela Leaves & root
Q..
Swelling, rheumatism
Smilax zeylanica Kumarika
S 5:
::l
Roots Veneral diseases, rheumatism
Solanum surattense
T a
Kantikari Roots & fruits
Solanum sisymbriifo/ium Shet-Kantikari Leaves
Expectorant, Asthma, sorethroat
S ~
::l
Pain, abnormal menstrual cycle
S it
contd...
Table 11.4 - contd.•• ~
It>
tIl
0
-.
Solanum nigrum Kakmachi Entire plant Liver disease, piles, dysentery & skin disease S
~
Solanum ferox Rambegum Roots & fruit Cough, asthma, fever expectorant S :3It>
Spermacoce hispida Plant Stimulant, tooth-ache T
~
It>
Strychnos nux-vomica Kuchila Seeds Poisonous, used in homeopathy T Q..
1')'
Symplocos recemosa lodh Bark Cooling, astringent, menorrhagea. Ulcer, eye disease C S·
Tagetes erecta Genda leaves Piles, boils, carbunles. C e.
Tamarindus indica Tentul Fruit Refrigerant, digestive, carminative C ~
Tephrosia purpurea
Terminalia chebula
Bannil
Haritaki
Plant
Fruit
Tonic, anthelmintic
Astringent, laxative carious teeth, bleeding of gums.
S
C
-.....
::I
t Il
0
Ul
It>
Thevetia nerifolia Kalkephul Seeds Highly poisonous C
Tinospora cordifolia Gulancha
Trachelospermum fragrans Bansful
Seeds & root
Plant
Chronic diarrhoea & dysentery
Fever & Dysentery
T
S
-
is"
n
It>
Q..
Tragia involucrata Bichati Root & Fruits Pains, external application in leprosy & boldness S
>
....
It>
J»
tIl
Trainthema monogyna Set-punne Plant Diuretic, oedoma & dropsy S
Tribulus terrestris Gokhru Fruits Tonic & kidney diseases T
Tridax procumbens Tridaksha Leaves Haemostatic S
Vitex negundo Buan leaves Tonic, acute rhumatism & swelling PS
Waltheria indica Khardudhi Plant Cold & cough C
Ziziphus mouritiana Kul leav~s, Fruit &. Dysentery PS N
root ~
contd...
VJ
0
Medicinal and Ethnobotanical plants to mark the value of Tripura forests:

Abelmoschus esculentus Bhindi Capsule Urinary and skin diseases S
Abrus precatorius Kunch Seed Purgative and Lonnie T
Abutilon indicum Patter Whole plant Expel worm S
Acalypha indica Muklajhu Leaf Nasal and wounds S
Achyranthes aspera Apang Plant, leaf, Wounds, cough S
root, seed
Aegle marmelos Bel Root and leaf Rabies, heart, diarrhoea, dysentery C
Agave americana Stem and leaf Toothache C
Ageratum conyzoides Pichas Leaf Eye, wounds, fever eczema S
Albizzia lebbek Leaf and bark Blood, skin, piles PS
I:Tl
A. procera Whole plant Skin PS ::sDo
1\1
Ammania baccifera Whole plant Fever and child diseases S ::s
Andrographis paniculata Kalmegh Stem and leaf Stomachache, fever ulcer, skin desease T ~
...
/I)
Annona squamosa Sitaphal Bark, root, leaf Diarrhoea, Dysentery, Hysteria C Do

and fruit ~
/I)
Argemone maxicana Satavnasi Juice, root and

seed
Skin eye, and expel worm S
o.e:
Asclepias curassavica Dhudi Latex and root, Leucoerma and asthma, stomach ache, piles kidney,
!'"t:I
tuber, root, leaf liver, urinary, fever. S i»
Azadirachta indica Neem All plant parts Toothache, skin, eye, diabetes, fever, insecticide. PS ~
contd•..
Table 11.4 - contd••• c::
Scientific Name Local Name Part's Used Medicinal Uses Status Kl
III
0
.....
Baliospermum montanum Danti Root and seed Pain, piles, wounds, jaundice, purgative T
g>
~
Bauhinia purpurea Root, leaf bark, Fever, headache, diarrhoea, rheumatism, curative PS
flower
~
Bauhinia racemosa Leaf Diarrhoea, dysentery PS III
~
Bauhinia variegata Root, bark, flower Skin, diarrhoea, worms, tuberculosis PS r'i"
S·
Biophytum sensitivum Lajbanti Plant& seed Stomachache S e.
Boerhaavia diffusa Punarnava Root and leaf Female disorders, lever, blood and heart S "'0
iii'
Bombax ceiba Semul Resin, gum and Diarrhoea, female disorders PS ....
::l
'Il
flower 0
.....
Butea monosperma Palas Root, bark, leaf, Eye, blood, diarrhoea, dysentery, piles, worm PS
flower and seed ~
n
Caesalpinia bonduc Bark, leaf, seed, Fever, toothache, diarrhoea, ear and bleeding S [
seed oil
Calotropis gigantea Root, juice, root Toothache; antidote, asthma, cough S ~
I»
and leaf 'Il
Cardiospermum
halicacabum Whole plant Rheumatism S
Careya arborea Kumbhi Bark, dried Stomachache, diarrhoea, eye PS
calyx, leaf
Cassia fistula Amaltas Leaf, fruit, seed Wormicide, skin, toothache, fever PS
Cassia tora Root bark Antidote, skin, wormicide, cough PS N
W
contd••. .....
Table 11.4 - contd..• ~
N
Centella asiatica Whole plant, leaf Leprosy, cholera, bOil, cough S

Cissampe/os pareire Root and leaf Skin, wounds, diarrhoea, sore S
Cissus quadrangularia Harjori Whote plant stem Scurvy, asthma, bone fracture, syomachache. C
C/eome gynandra Root, bark root Wounds, headache, cough, cholera S
Clltoria ternatea Root Swelling, leprosy C
Cordia dichotoma Bark, fruit, leaf, Pain, chronic ulcer, headache T
kernel
Curculigo orchioides Rhizome and roots Asthma, jaundice, piles, cuts, female disorders T
Cucumis sativum Khlrra Fruit and seed Skin, piles, indigestion C
Curcuma longa Haldi Rhizome Indigestion rheumatism C
Cuscuta reflexa Plant Purgative, fever, bodyache, stomach S
trl
Dature metal Kaladhatura Leaf, fruit Antiodote, skin, headache S
D. stramonium Datura Leaf, seed Asthma, teeth, mouth, skin S
5-
Cl
Dioscorea bulblfera Tuber Ulcer, piles, dysentery, constipation T ~...

Diospyros montana Bislendu Leaf and Fruit Fish poison, swelling S a
Eclipta prostrata Leaf Jaundice, headache, fever S a::t"Il
~
Elephantopus scaber Plant a;id root Antidote, headache, urinary S
~:
Embllca officinalis
Euphorbia hirla Dodhi
L~af. fruit, seed
Plant, latex, leaf
Purgative, hair growth, eyes, dysentery
Asthma, disorders of womem, eye, burns, pain
~
S -::g
Cl
Ficus benga/ensis Root, bark, fruit Gonorrhoea, liver, dysentery, diabetes piles,
toothache, nasal PS
~
contd...
~
(/l
...,
0
F. hispida Fruit Asthma, constipation PS
g>
F. religiosa Bark juice Bone fracture, asthma -ps 3
It)
F/acourtia indica Leaf, fruit Toothaches, disorder of women S
~
F/emingia microphy/a Root Ulcer, swelling, leprosy S [t
Gardenia latifo/ia Leaf Wounds of cattle S n'
Garuga pinnata Stem, leaf Eye, asthma PS
[
Gmelina arborea Leaf, root bark Worm, gonorrhoea C ~
Helicteres isora Leaf, fruit Stomachache, diabetes, dysentery S ~
Hemidesmus indicus Anantamul Whole plant Asthma, tonsil, stomachache T g,
Ho/arrhena pubescens Bark Diarrhoea, syomachache, dysentery, indigestion PS ~
H%pte/ea integrifolia
Hyptis suaveo/ens Bantulsi
Leaf
Whole plant, leaf
Bolld
Skin, Stomachache, cold
S
S
1
>
Ichnocarpus frutescens Whole plant Urinary, fever, skin, fractures S ....
It)
I»
{/l
Ipomoea aquatica Kalmi Plant, flower Women's disorder, eye PS
JusticitJ adhatoda Bhasake Whole plant, leaf Toothache, diarrhoea, dysentery, cough, asthma S
Lagerstroemia parviflora Bark, Leaf and Purgative, astringent PS
seed
Lowsonia inermis Mendhi Root and leaf Jaundice, hairgrowth C
Limonia acidsima Kaith Stem bark Skin and antidote S
N
~
contd••. ~
Table 11.4 - contd.•• N
(,»
Scientific Name Local Name Part's Used Medicinal Uses Status ""
Linum usitatissimum Alsi Seed, mucilage Urinary, rheumatism, cough and cold S
Mal/otus phlippinensis Rohini Fruit, seed Pain, skin, cuts, wouds PS
Mangifera indica Am Karnal, fruit, seed Urinary, purgative, diarrhoea, nasal C
Me/ochia corchorifolia Bilpal Leaf Dysentery S
Mimosa pudica Root, leaf Dysentery, piles S
Mimusops e/engi Flowers Fever, headache, pain C
Mtragyna parviflora Bark Fever, pain, diarrhoea S
Momordica charantia Kerala Leaf, flower Skin and diabetes C
M. dioica Sangli, kerala Root Skin, piles, liver C
Moringia olifera Leaf, flower, seed Skin, pyorrhea and pain C
Mucuna pruriens Root, pod Dysentery, wormicide S
Murraya koenigii Sed and leaf Cuts, diarrhoea C
~
Q..
III
Ne/umbo nucifera Rooft, flower, Diarrhoea, dysentey, cholera T !:'
seed ~
....
/I)
Q..
Ocinum sanctum Tulsi Root, leaf Antidote, fever, cough, cold, earache, skin C
Parthenium hysterophorus Plant, root Tonic, dysentery, skin S ~
Q..
Pongamia pinnata Karank Seed and oil Skin PS 6:
!:'
Portulaca o/eraC9a Skin Burns S e.
Pterospermum aC9rifo/ium Leaf Wounds S ::g
III
---
contd•••
!:'
f1
Table 11.4 - contd... c::
~
fIJ
Raphanus sativus Root Stomachache, skin, heart, cholera C
....
0
~
Sida cordifolia Root, Stem, leaf Cuts, boil, gonorrhoea S
~
S. rhombifolia Root, leaf Fever, heart, burns, piles S
~
Semecarpus anacardium Bark, seed, fruit Liver, skin, pain, antidote C ~
Solanum migran Leaf, fruit Dysentery, skin, eye, kidney, heart, liver, cold, cough, O.
eye, asthma, skin, pyrrhoea S ~
Syzygium cuminii Jamun Bark, fruit, seed Diarrhoea, urinary, diabetes C ::g
11>
::l
Tamarindus indica Imli Leaf and seed Eye,boil C fir
Tectona grandis Wood, flower, Pain, headache, eye PS ....
0
seed
~
a-
Tephrosia purpurea Sorphonka Whole plant, root Asthma, piles, warts, weakness S ro
n
Terminalia arjuna A~un Bark, leaf Aulidote, pain, monk, earache PS
Terminalia bel/erica Bohera Fruit Stomachache, rheumatism, piles PS >
...
ID
T. chebula Horra Fruit Purgalue, asthma, cough C 11>
fIJ
Tinospora cordifolia Gurbel Whole plant Tonic, eye, fever T

Tridax produmbens Whole plant, leaf Bleeding, cold, diarrhoea, dysentery S
Tricumfetta rotundifolia Seed, oil Skin S
Vernonia cinera Root, seed Fever, skin, insecticide S
Vitex negundo Branches, leaf Fever, headache, ear wounds, swelling, asthma PS
Woodfordia fruticosa Leaf, flower Dysentery, cough, skin eye. PS N
W
V1
Table 11.5 : Medicinal Plants of Buxa Tiger Reserve IV
w
0"-
Species Part's Used Medicinal Uses Status
Abrus precatorius Seed As a purgative and tonic S
Abutilon indicum Whole plant Expel worms S
Acacia catechu Bark Stomachache PS
Acalypha indica Leaf Nasal and wounds S
Achyranthes aspara Plant, Root, Leaf and seed Wounds, Ear, Cough Asthma, Stomachache,
Disorders of women and Piles C
Agave americana Stem and Leaf Toothache S
Ageratum conyzoides Leaf Eye, Wounds, Eczema and Fever PS
Albizzia lebbeck Leaf and Bark Blood, skin, piles, Antidole PS
A. procera Whole plant Fodder skin C
Allium cepa Bulb Malaria, Asthma, Ear, Eye, Menses, Child diseases
and Skin. C t'11
::s
ll-
A. sativum Blue and Clove Eye, Heart, Asthma, Ear, Paralysis, Pain and Rheumatism S l»
::s
oq
Ammannia baccifera Whole plant Fever and Child diseases T
...
It>
It>
Andrographis paniculata Stem and Leaf Stomachache, Fever, Skin diseases and Ulcer S Il-
Argemone maxicana Juice, Root & Seed Skin, Eye and Expel worms S ~
It>
Asclepias curassavica Latex and Root Leucoderma and astha S Il-
6:
Asparagus recemosus Tuber, Root, Leaf and Pulp Stomachache, Piles, Kidney, Liver, Urinary, Fever and
Disorder of women T E.
::g
I»
contd...
I ~
l&!I>
Azadirachta indica All parts of plant Toothche, Skin, Antidote, Eye, Diabetes, Urinary, Fever
....0
g'
and insecticides C
S
ro
Baliospermum montanum Root and seed Pain, Skin, Piles, Wounds, Splen, Jaundice and Purgative T
~
Bauhinia purpurea Root, Leaf, Bark and Flower Fever, headache, Diarrhoea Rheumatism and Purgative PS ro
B. racemosa
&.
Leaf Diarrhoea and Dysentery PS O.
:::s
B. variegata Root, Bud, Bark and Flower Skin, Diarrhoea, Worms, Tuberculosis and Wounds PS e.
Bergia ammannioides Whole plant T "0
Bone fracture and Menstrual disorders i»
Biophytum sensitivum Plant and seed Stomach ache S a
Boerhavia diffusa Root and Leaf Disorder of womem liver, Antidote, Blood and Heart. S
'"....
0
Bombax ceiba Resin, Gum & Flower Diarrhoea whole plant disorders women PS ~
ro
Butea monosperma Root, Bark, Leaf Flower Eye, Blood, Diarrhoea, Dysentery, Piles, Worms and n
and Seed skin diseases PS [
Caesalpinia bonduc Bark, Leaf, Seed and Seed oil Fever, Toothache, Diarrhoea, Ear and Bleeding. S >
..,ro
C. pulcherrima Leaf and Flower Wounds Febrifuge C I»
!I>
Calotropis gigantean Root, Latex, Leaf and Flower Wormicide, Fever, Cholera, antidote, Cough and Cold. S
C. procera Root, Juice, Rhizome and Leaf Toothache, Antidote, Asthma and Cough S
Cardiospermum Whole plant Rheumatism S
Helicsacabum
Careya arborea Bark, Dried calyz and Leaf Stomach ache, Diarrhoea Eye and Swelings PS
Cassia fistula Leaf, Fruit & Seed Wormsicide, Skin, Toothache PS N
W
-..;J
contd...
Table 11.5'- contd••• N
YJ
00
C. tora Root, Leaf& Seed Fever Antidote, Cuts, Skin, Wormicide and'Cough S
Centella asistica Whole plant and leaf Leprosy, Brain tonic, Cl\olera, Boils,and Cough S
Cissampe/os pareira Root and Leaf Skin, Wounds, Urinary, Diarrhoea-, Sore and Sinuses S
Cissus quadrangularis Whole Plant and Stem Scurvy, Disorder of Womem, Asthma, Wormicide and
Swellings C
C/eorrie gynandra Root bark, Root Wounds, Headache, cough, cholera and Fish poison S
C/erodendrum infJicum Root and Leaf Asthma, Wormicide and Swelling S
Clitoria ten atea Root Welling and Leprosy C
Cordia dichotoma Bark, Fruit, Leaf Kemal Pain, As a tonic, Ulcers, Headache and Wormicide S
Curculigo orchioides Rhizome and Root Asthma, Jaundice, Piles, Cuts and Wounds, Disorder of
women and child diseases T
Curcuma longa Rhozome Indigestion, Rheumatism, Fever and Disorder of Women S tr:1
::s
0-
Cuscuta ref/exa Plant As a purgative, Fever, Body-ache and Stomach-ache S I»
::s
Dalbergia sisoo Leaf Eye PS ~
...
It)
Datura metal Leaf, Fruit Antidote, skin and Headache S 0-
D, stramonium Leaf and Seed Asthma, Women disorder, Teeth. Mouth and Skin s::
It)
Delonix regia Seed gum Phorrhoea C e:O.

Dioscorea bulbifera Tubers Ulcer, Piles, Dysentery & constipation T
~
Eclipta prostrata Leaf Jaundice, Hair growth, Headache & Fever S "tI
iii
Ehretia laevis Root, Leaf, Seed Sex disorders and Fodder S ::s
&r
Elephantopus scab er Plant and Root Antidote, Heart and Urinary S
contd•••
Table 11.5 - contd••. c:
1€fIl
Species
Emblica officinais
Part's Used
Leaf, Fruit & Seed
Medicinal Uses
Purgative, Hair growth, Eye, Scurvy, Diarrhoea,
Dysentery, Antidote and as a Cool.
Status
CiPS
-
0
~
:3
C'l)
Eulphorbia hirta Plant, White juice, latex & leaf Asthma, Disorder of women, Eye, Antidote, Burns and Pain S
~
Ficus bengalensis Root, Bark, Juice and Fruit Gonorrhoea, Liver, Dysentery, Diabetes, Pain, Skin, Piles,
toothache and Nasal. PS
§:
O.
F. hispida Fruit Asthma and Constipation PS ~
F. racemosa Plant, Bark, Leaf, and fruit juice Anicancer, Wounds, Piles, Diarrhoea and Dysentery S
F. religiose Bark, Juice, Leaf and Fruit Bone fracture, Antidote, Asthma, Disorder of women,
'"ii>='
Flacourtja indica
Gmelina arborea
Bark Root, Fruit and seed
Leaf, Root & Bark
Toothache
Skin, Dysentery, Rheumatism and speen
Worrn(expel), Gonorrhoea and antidote
PS
S
C
-
liT
0
~
ii)
Gymnema sylvestre Root and Leaf Stomach ache, Urinary T ~
P-
Helicteres isora Whole plant, Root and Leaf Asthma, Urinary, Tonsils, Stomach ache and Blood S
Hemidesmus indicus Wole plant, Root and Leaf Asthma, Urinary, Tonsils, Stomach ache and Blood T ~
I»
fIl
Ho/arrhena pubescens Bark and Seed Diarrhoea, Stomach ache, Dysentery and in1igestion PS
Ho/optelea integrifolia Leaf Boils S
Hyptis suaveo/ens Whole plant & leaf Skin, stomach ache and cold S
Ichnocarpus frutescens Whole plan & Root Urinary, Fever, Skin and Fractures S
Ipomoea aquatica Plant, Bud & Flower Women disorder and Eye PS
Justicia adhotoda Whole plant, Leaf Toothache, Tuberculosis, Diarrhoea, Dysentery, Cough, ~
VJ
Asthma and Skin diseases S \0
contd•••
Table 11.5 - contd.•. S:!
0
Kydia ea/yeina Bark and Leaf Mouth S

Lagerstroemia parvif/ora Bark, Leaf & Seed Purgative, Astringen & to induce sleep PS
Lannea eoromandelica Stem bark & Fruit Cuts, Mouth, Toothache and Wounds PS
Luffa aeutangu/a Leaf Eye diseases in children C
Mallotus philippensis Fruit and Seed Pain, Skin, Expel worm, Cuts, Wounds and as a Purgative PS
Minosa pudica Roota and Leaf Dysentery and piles S
Mitragyna parvif/ora Bark Fever, Pain and Diarrhoea S
Moringa o/eifera Leaf, Flower and Seed Skin, Urinary, Pyorrhoea and Pain C
Mucuna pruriens Root, Pod & Seed Dysentery, Urinary, Wormicide S
Murraya koenigii Leaf Cuts, Diarrhoea and Dysentery C
Ne/umbo nueifera Root, Flower & Seed Diarrhoea, Dysentery, Cholera and Eye T tT1
::l
Nychanthes abhorlristis Bark, Leaf, Inflorescence, Eye, Fracture, Fever, Hair growth, skin and cough C Cl.
~
Flower, Fruit and Seed ::l
OQ
Oeimum sanctum Root and Leaf Antidote, Fever, Cough, Cold, Earache, Headache and Skin C ...roro
Ougeinia oOjeinensis Bark and Wood Fish-poison, Diarrhoea, Dysentery and Stomachache S Cl.
Parlhenium hysterophorus Plant and Root As a toniC, Dysentery and Skin S

s::
ro
Cl.
Pongamia pinnata Seed and Oil Skin PS ;:;"
S"
P. o/eraeea Stem Burns (Skin) S e.
Pterospermum acerifolium Leaf Wounds S
::g
~
contd•.. a
tIl
~
11>
0
Ricinus communis Root, Leaf and Seedoil Women disorders, Pain, Jaundice PS '""
W
Semecapus anacardium Bark, Fruit and Seed oil Wormicide and as a purgative, Liver, Skin, Paiss
and Antidote C
~
~
Sida cordifolia Root, Stem & Leaf Cuts, Urinary, Boils and Gonorrhoea S (1)
0..
S. rhombifolia Root & Leaf Fever, Heart, Burns and Piles S n'
5'
Solanum nigrum Leaf and Berry Dysentery, Skin, Eye, Kidney, Heart and Lever S e.
S. surattense Root, Stem, Leaf, Fruit and Seed Cough, Cold, Eye, Asthma, Skin and Pyorrhoea S ~
Ste/laria media Bark, Fruit & Seed Diarrhoea, Urinary and Diabetes S ....
::I
11>
Syzygium cumini Wood, Flower oil & seed Pain, Headache, Eye, SKin, and Expel the worms CJPS 0
'""
Tephrosia purpurea Whole plant & Root Asthma, Piles, Warts and Weakness S ~
Terminalia arjuna Bark, Twigs & Leaf Antidote, Hear, Pain, Mouth and Earache, Stomachache,
ro
n
Rheumatism CJPS it
0..
T. bellirica Fruit Diarrhoea, Astringen, Piles, Kidney and Eye CJPS ?:
(1)
T. chebula Fruit Purgative Brain tonic, Asthma, Cough and Mouth CJPS I»
11>
Thespesia populnea Wood Plant & Leaf Heart, Skin and Syphilis s
Tinospora cordifolia Whole plant & Stone Tonic, Eye and Fever T
Tridax procumbens Whole plant & Leaf Bleeding, Cold, Diarrhoea, Dysentery, Insecticide
and Wound S
Ventilego caliculata Bark Skin, Urinary and as coolant S
Vernonia cinerea Root, Plant& Seed Fever, Urinary, Skin and Insecticide S
contd..• ....~
Vitex negundo Branches & Leaf Fever, Headache, Ear, Wounds Swelling and Asthma PS
Woodfordia fruticosa Leaf & Flower Dysentery, Cough, Skin and Eye S
Wrightia tinctoria Bark, Leaf, & Seed Stomachache, Fever, Piles, Skin, Fishpoison and Toothache
Xanthium indicum Root and Fruit Eye, Headache and Smallpox S
Zingiber officinalis Root or Rhizome Cough, Stomachache, Eye Expel worms and High
blood pressure C
Ziziphus mauritiana Root, Bark Lead, Fruit and Seed Typhoid, Stomachache,Cuts and Wounds C
Z. oenoplia Root Wounds C
Medicinal Plants in Satpura Plateau of Madhya Pradesh
Madhya Pradesh is veritable treasure house of healing herbs
which are being used in Indian System of Medicine like Ayurveda,
Siddha and Unani. The plants, shrubs, roots of immense medicinal
value are abundantly found in Satpura, Vmdhyachal, Amarkantak,
Pachmarhi and Patakot areas. Madhya Pradesh has 1,35,164 km2
of forests which account for 30.48% of total geographical area of
the state. These forests have been source of invaluable medicinal
plants since the time man realized the preventive and curative
properties of plants and started using them for human health care.
Our old traditional Indian Systems of Medicine (ISM), one of the
most ancient medicine practices known to the world, derive
maximum formulations from plants and plant extracts that exist
in the forests. About 400 plants are used in re&ular production of
. --Ayw'Vodic, I mani, Siddha and tribal merucme. About 75% are from
tropical and 25% from temperate forests. 30% of preparations are
roots, 14% bark, 16% whole plants, 5% flowers, 10% fruits, 6%
leaves, 7% seeds, 3% wood, 4% rhizomes, 6% stems, only less than
20% (induding species) are cultivated (Anon., 1997).
General forest degradation processes adversely affect the
resource base of medicinal plants. The rural poor, whose
dependence on these products is very heavy, are the worst sufferers.
The problem is compounded by market demand driven harvesting
without any concern for regeneration and conservation. In the
process, essential regenerative components of a plant like roots,
tubers, fruits, seeds, flowers and bark are indiscriminately collected,
leading to degradation and depletion and even demise of
particular species. Many important medicinal plants like
Rauvolphia serpentina, Curcuma caesia, Chlorophytum spp.,
Dioscorea spp., Gloriosa superba, Gymnema sylvestre etc. are
becoming rare and some of them are critically endangered. It is
estimated that 10% of all plant species are currently endangered
in India.
The Satpura Plateau is a remarkable place, not only because of
the large trible population and dense forests, but also because it
has a lot of rare and useful natural resources induding some rare
species of medicinal plants, which are used for curing different
kinds of diseases. Tribals and forests are symbiotically related. The
tribal communities in Satpura plateau occupy forested region. They
have lived in isolation but in harmony with nature. They draw their
sustenance largely from the forests. Even in areas where forests do
not exist, they visit distant forests periodically and try to get their
traditional requirement. They have very close linkage with the
forest, which they regard as their mother deity. A perusal of
literature reveals that some work has been done on ethnomedicinal
plants of Madhya Pradesh (Rai and Pandey,1997; Pandey and
Bisaria, 1998; Pandey, 2000; Rai et. al., 2000).
Herbal Garden
Some critical, endangered, vulnerable and low risk threatened
species of medicinal plants of the region are Curcuma cae'sia,
Dioscorea deltoidea, Gloriosa superba, Rauvolfia serpentina,
Curculigo orchoides, Celastrus paniculatus, Baliospermum
montanurn, Uraginea indica, Tylophora indica, Hedychium
spica turn, Gymnema sylvestre, Curcuma angustifolia and
Clerodendrum serratum. A few of the medicinal plants of Satpura
Plateau, which are becoming extinct, need immediate attention for
conservation.
Table 11.6 : Medicinal Plants conserved in Herbal Garden in CFRHRD, Chhindwara c::
~
U>
Scientific Name Local Name Part's Used Uses and active chemical constituents Status
0
......
Abelmoschus Muskdana Seeds, roots Seed used as cardiac tonic and aphrodisiac; source
Moschatus of ambrette fragrance (musk odour). It contains ~
ambratolide. C
ElID
Abroma augusta UltaKambal Seeds, roots and Root is abortifacient and uterine tonic. Leaf paste is ;s::
ID
leaves used in ringworms. Roots contain choline betaine 0-
r;.
and stigmasterol. S
Abrus precatorius Ratti Seeds, roots and The roots and leaves are astringent, sweet and emetic.
[
leaves Seeds are abortifacient and aphrodisiac, it contains
glycyrrhizin and abrin. T
S¥
....
::l
U>
Abutilon indicum Kanghi Roots, leaves The plants possess diuretic, demulcent and laxaative. 0
and seed Paste of leaves useful in boils. It contains flavours & ......
gossypetin. S W
ni
I"l
Acacia catechu Khair Bark and wood The bark is used in conjuctivitis, stomachache and
It
dirrhoea. It contains catechin and guym resin. S* 0-
Acacia concinna Shikakai Pods Pods are used as hair tonic. It contains Kinmonnosides ~
ID
saponins. S I»
U>
Acacia ni/otica Babul Bark, tender Bark is useful in diarrhoea, dysentery, bronchitis and
shoots, gum cough. Tender shoots are used as tooth brush. Bum
constitutes galactose, arabinose, rhamnose. S*
Achyanthes aspera Apamarg Roots, leaves Expectorant, diuretic, bronchial troubles and
and seeds abortifacient. Also useful in painful delivery. It contains
achyranthine, betaine acdysterone and glycosides. S
contd•.. ~
U1
~
Acorus calamus Bach Rhizome The paste of rhizome is given for stammering in children.
It contains beta-asarone, calamol, chalamene
and acotamine. T
Adhatoda vasica Vasaka Leaves and Cough and bronchial troubles. Leaf decoction is used in
young twigs inflammation. It contains vasicine, Vasicinol, adhatodine. C
Aegle marmelos Bel Fruit and leaves The fruit is taken in dysentery and constipation. It con-
tains abscisic acid, marmelosin, marmin and vitamins. ClPS
Ageratum conyzoides Osari Leaves Leaves are used in wounds are sores.lt contains
conyzorigum, chromone and essential oil. S
Albizzia lebbek Kala siris Bark, flowers Bark is astrigent, expectorant; flowers are useful in cough;
and seed seeds are used in inflammations. It contains saponin
labbekanin and tannins. S
Albizia procera Safed siris Bark, Seeds Bark is astringent, expectorant; flowers are useful in ttl
cough; seeds are used in inflammation, it contains ::s
saponinprocerogenin. S
~
Aloe vera Gwar Patha Leaves Used in burn, eruptions, stomach troubles and acidity.
It contains aloin and aloe-emodin. TIC
~
~
Alpinia ga/anga Kulanjan Rhizome Used as tonic deodorant and disinfectant. It yield an
essential oil rich in camphor. It contains essential oil
rich in cineol. T
~
n'
5'
Amorphopha/lus
campanulattJs
Surankand Taber The corn is irritant, astringent, carminative in liver tonic.
Tubers contain protease inhibitors, trypsin chymotrypsin. C -~
I»
Andrographis paniculata Kaimegh Whoiepiant The herb is useful in malaria and liver discords. ::s
It contains andrographolide. T fil'
contd...
Table 11.6 • contd.•. C
~
'Il
...,
0
Annona squamosa Sitaphal Fruits and seeds The paste of leves is used to kill lice. Fruits is as tonic. It
contains anonaine, higenamine, reticuline and squamosin. C ~
:3ro
Argemone mexicana Piliktari Roots, leaves Used in skin diseases & leprosy. Latex is useful in
and latex dropsy, jaundice, and conjunctivitis. It contains ~
ro
allocryptopine, berberine and maxicanic acid. S· Q.
n'
Argyreia nervosa Samudra Leaves Used in gonorrhoea and chronic ulcers. It S·
sokh contains ergoline, isoergine and ergine alkaloids. S e.
ArtemiSia maritime BhimKapoor Leaves and Flower tops are used as anthelmintic; decoction of ::s!
I)'
flowers plant is useful in fev~r. It yields essential oil rich in cinol. T ::s
....
'Il
Asparagus officinalis SiUavar Roots Roots are used as tonic. It contains satavarin, 0...,
saraspogenin disog~nin and glucosides. PS ;r
Azadirachta indica Neem All parts Leaf paste is useful iin skin diseases, twigs are used in ro
toothache, seeds as insecticide. It contains azadirachtin, ....ro
()
Q.
nimbin, mimbicidin and fatty acids. PS
eacopa monnieri Brahmi The whole The whole pl9nt is used as intellect promoting, cooling, >
....
ro
plant carminative and cardiotonic. It contains baccoside, I»
'Il
brahmine. T
Barieria cristat. Katsaraya Leaves and Leaves and roots are used for cough and infiammations.
roots It contains epigenin & neringenin. T
Bauhinia purpurea Lal Kanchnar Leaves and It is used in rheumatism, swelling, leprosy, glandular
roots diseases and animal bites. Flowers contain
astragalin, isoquefcitin and quercetin. S
N
contd•.• ,j::o.
'-J
Table 11.6 • contd... N
&
Bauhinia vahili Mah~Tpatta Roots, leaves Roots decoction is taken in fever. Seeds aphrodisiac.
and seeds Glycosides of quercitol and kaempferol and proteins S
Bauhinia varigata Kachnar Leaves, bark The bark decoction is taken in tU:)drculosis. Useful in
and pods diarrhoea and worms. It contains quercetin. S
Bixa orel/ana Sinduri Seeds Seeds are used as astringent, gonorrhoea; leaves in
snakebite. It is cultivated to obtain annotto dye (Bixin) C*
Boerhavia diffusa Punarnava Root and Roots decoction is taken in jaundice, bronchitis and in
leaves kidney stone. It contains punarnavine-1 &2. S*
Bryonia lanciniosa Shivlingi Seeds Seeds are taken in sterility and to get male child.
Seed oil is a source punicic acid. T
Buchnaia lanzan Chironji Seeds Seeds are used as cardiac tonic. It contains protein, fat,
fibre, Carbohydrates, minerals etc. Seeds yields fatty oil. PS
Bursera panicillata Lavender Bark and Wood oil is highly valued perfumes. It contains various tT.I
::;
tree wood terpenes with linalool as major constituents. PS Q..
III
Butea monosperma Palas Seeds, bark Seeds are used in skindisease. Bark is aphrodisiac and ::;
Qq
t1>
anthelmintic It contains butin, monospermoside and ....
t1>
palasonin. PS Q..
Caesalpinia crista Gataran Seeds Seed power is taken in stomach disorders. ~

t1>
It contains caesalpin-F and bonduceline. S Q..
n'
Callistemon Bottle brush Leaves Used for skin ailments. Leaves yield essential S'
lanceo/atus oil rich in cineol. S e.
"tl
Si"
::;
contd.. , ....
'"
Table 11.6 - contd... c:::
'"
(1)
Scientific Name Local Name Part's Used Uses and active chemical constituents Status '"0
..,.,
Calotropis procera Aak Flower, leaf The flower are used in cough and asthma, latex is
latex used in toothache. It contains cardinolides named W
gigantin, uscharidin, calotropin etc. S
3
fl)
Cannat:is sativa Bhang Leaves and It is used to treat depression, bladder inflammation and ~
fl)
seeds nervous disorders. It contains canabin. C eo:
O.
Cardiospirmum Kalphuti Leaves and Used against rheumatism, arthritis and obesity. Leaves ::I
seeds and roots are diuretic. It contains saponins. S a.
::g
Carissa carandus Karonda Fruits and Unripe fruit-astringent, ripe; coiling; root-bitter and III
roots antheminitic. Roots yield carissone, fruits ascorbic acid. S ::I
.....
Carum bulbocastamum Kala zira Seeds Seeds are laxative and anthelmintic. It yields a '"0..,.,
volatile oil rich in cuminaldehyde. S
Cassia angustifolia Seena Leaves Leaves are used as laxative and for intestinal
~
fl)
troubles. It contains sennosides. S .....

fl
fl)
0-
Cassia tora Chakoda Seeds and The seed paste is applied on skin diseases. It contains
leaves glucoside, amino acid, fatty, acids, emodin and >
....
(1)
sitosterol etc. S· 11>
Catharanthus rose us Sadabahar Roots and Leaf decoction in antidiabetic. Root of the plant are
'"
leaves used to treat cancer. It contains vincristine, vinblastine,
ajmalcine, vinceine and reserpine group of alkaloids. C
Celastrus paniculatus Mankangni Seeds, bark Seeds are useful in abdominal disorders 9nd for
and leaves sharpening memory and intellect. It contains
malkanguniol, celapanine and paniculatdol. T
contd... ~
\0
Table 11.6 - contd•.• ~
0
Centel/a asiatica Manddok Leaves The plant is used as nervine tonic, carminative,
parni cooling and diureic. It contains cenotic, centellic
acids, Asiatic acid, brahminoside, asiaticoside. S
Chlorophytum Safed mulsi Roots Roots are used as toinic and aphrodisiac. It contains
borivillianum glycosides, polysaccharides and saponins. T
Cissus quadrangularis Hadjori Fleshy stem Used to join bone fractures in animals and in
human being also. It contains beta-sitosterol.
amyrin, amyrone and terpernoids. S
Citrullua colocynths Indrayan Leaves and Fruits are cooling, carminative, antipyretic and
fruits useful in tumours and leucoderma. It contains
colocynthin, citrullol. C
Cleome gynandra Hur hur Leaves and Popultice of fresh leaves are used on swellings.
fruits Flowers are used In anemia. It contains cleomin. S
tT1
Clerodendrum seraum Bharangi Leaves Leaves are useful in cough, bronchitis, intermittent fever ~
Q.
and skin diseases. Saponin from roots, bark-catechin S III
~
and luteolinc. OQ
(1)
....
Clerodendrum Bharangi Leaves It is used in fever, cough, bronchitis,and cholera. Also (1)
Q.
phomidis used as antifertility drug. Leaves contain sctellarein. S
~
Clitoria tematea Aparajita Roots, flowers Root is used as diuretic, also used in snake poison. (1)
Q.
and seeds Seed and root contain tennin, seeds contain a fixed oil. C 5:
~
Commiphora mukul Guggul Oleo-gum resin The olio-gum resin is used in treatment of arthritis and e.
obesity. 'It contains guggulusterols-I, 11, III and sterones. T '"C
i»
Costus speciosus Keokand Rhizome It is used to treat cough, dyspepsia, skin diseases, ....~
worms and snake bite. It contains diosgenin. T
'"
contd...
Table 11.6 - contd•.. C
illIII
0
.....
Curculigo orchiodes KaliMusli Roots Roots are used as tonic and aphrodisiac. Roots contains
glycosides, polysacchride, starch, yuccagenin and ~
sapogenin. ~
Curcuma amada Amahaldi Tuber Useful in sprain and brusies. Rhizome is taken in stomach ~
t!l
Q.
pain. It yields essential oil rich in ocimene and terpene. C
n'
Curcuma angustifolia Tikhur Tuber Rhizome is fragrant used as tonic, aphorodisiac. Useful S·
in bronchitis, fever ans asthma. It yields cineole rich !!!..
essential oil. e ::g
I»
Curcuma caesia Kalihaldi Tuber Rhizome is useful in sprain, asthma bronchitis
leucoderma. It yields camphor rich essential oil. e
i
.....
0
Cuscuta reflexa Amar bel Leaflets Plants is purgative used in sores and fall of
hairs. Plants contain cuscutalin and cuscutin. S ~
t!l
Cymbopogon
flexuosus
Lemon grass Leaves The oil is used in perfumery and synthesis of
Vitamin A. Vitral is major constituents. CfIS
[
Cymbopogon martini Palamarosa Leaves, The oil is used for pain in jOints. It is rich source of ~
I»
grass inflorescence geranio/. e III
Cymbopogon eitronela Leaves The oil is used is insect repllent preparations.

winterianus grass It is rich source of citronella/. C
Cynodon dactylon Dobghass Whole plant Useful in skin, gastro-urinary diseases. It checks
bleeding from cuts and wounds. It contains tricin
and flavone gltcosides. PS
-
Cyperus scariosus Gon.dla Tubers The tubers are used in di~rrhoea, cough and renal
troubles. It contains cyperine, aromadendrene ~
and rotundine. S
contd•••
Table 11.6 • contd... N
U1
N
Datura metal Dhatura Leaves and Leaves are used in swelling and rheumatism;
fruits flowers in asthma. It is rich source of hyoscine,
scopolamine alkaloid. T
Datura stramonium Kala Dhatura Leaves and Smoke of seeds inhaled in asthma. It is narcotic
fruits and antispasmodic. It contains byoscin and
hyocyamine alkaloids. T
Dioscorea daemia Baichandi Tubers Tubers are used in stomach disorders, diarrhoea
and piles. Fruits are used as germicidal.
It contains betulin, lupeol and tannin. T
Dioscorea daemia Tendu Barks, fruit It is used in stomach disorders, diarrhoea and
piles, fruits are used as germicidal. It contains
betulin, lupeol and tannin. T
EClipta alba Bhringaj Leaves Plant is used in chronic skin diseases. It is
tr.I
used to blacken hairs. It has stigmasterol, ::sQ...
Egyptian and amyrin. S 1>1
::s
Embelia ribes Bihdidang Seeds Seeds are useful in worms and abdominal 0tI
(1)
disorders. It contains embelin, embolic acid. T ti1
Q...
Emblica officinalis Amla Fruits Fruits are useful in diabetes, anemia jaundice,
tridosha flatulence ar.d grayness of hairs.
~
(1)
Q...
It is rich source of Vitamin C PS
5:
::s
Eucalyptus globulus Nilgirl Leaves and oil Useful in cold and cough. Its oil is rich
source of cineole. CPS
e.
::g
1>1
contd... ::s
Gr
III
t\)
III
....,
0
Eucalyptus citriodora Niigiri Leaves and oil Oil is used as insect repellent and rich
source of citronellal. CIPS
g>
El
t\)
Eucalyptus hybrid Nilgiri Leaves and oil The oil is used in cough and cold and contains
coneole, terpineiol and pheliandrene. ClPS ~
t\)
0..
Evolvulus alsinoides Shankpuspi Whole plant Useful in bronchitis, asthma, epilepsy, n'
improving memory and general debility. S·
It contains evolvine and tricontane. S a
G/oriosa superba Kalihari Tubers and
seeds
The rhizome are useful in inflammations, labour pain
and delivery of baby. It is rich source of colchicines. CIPS
'"::s
iii
fir
Gmelina arborea Khamer Bark and roots It is astringent, bitter, digestive, cardiotonic, diuretic ....,
0
and laxative. It contains gmelinol and luteolin acid. T
Gymnema sylvestre Gudmar Leaves Leaves are useful in diabetes, liver disorders and
~
t\)
n
jaundice. It contains gym ne mic acid. T it
0..
Hedychium spicatum Kapoorkachri Rhizome Rhizome is used in bronchitis. indigestion, eye
diseases and as blood purifier. Rhizome yield volatile oil. T >
...
t\)
I»
Helicteris isora Marodphalli Root, bark The root and bark is used in diarrhoea and III
and fruits dysentery. Seeds contain diosgenin. S

Hemidesmus indicus Anantmool Roots Roots are used as tonic and in skin dh.eases. It contains
hyperoside, isoquercetin, rutin, hemidesmin 1 and 2. T
Hibicus rosasinesis Gurhal Flowers, leaves Flowers are hypoglycaemic, aphrodisiac and used in
diabetes, and menstrual disorder. It contains
beta-sitosterol. C
N
contd... (J'J
w
Table 11.6 - contd••• ~
Scientific Name Local Name Part's Used Uses and active chemical constituents Status "'"
Holarrhena Kutaja Bark and seeds Useful in amoebic dysentery, diarrhoea and asthma.
antidysentrica It contains, conessimine, conescine,
concuressine and curchisine. PS
Hyptis suaveolens Vantulsi Leaves and Leaf decoction is used as eye lotion and in
seeds fever. It is used in headahe and malaria.
It yields a menthol rich essential oil S*
lopomea digitata Bidrikand Roots Roots are used as tonic aphrodisiac and purgative.
Rhizomes yield taraxerol and sitosterol. S
Ipomea nil Kaladana Seeds and The seeds are used as anthelmintic are
roots purgative. It contains Iysergol, panniclavine. S
Jasminum Mongra All parts Flowers are usedful in skin diseases,
grandiflorum headache, eye troubles and in scorpion strings.
It yields fragrant oil used in perfumery. C
trj
Jasminimum sambac Mongra All parts Whole plant imparts cooling sensation, used in
insanity and weakness; useful in headache and eye
8.
I»
::s
troubles. It yields fragrant oil used in perfumery. C ~
Jatropha curcas Ratanjot Seeds, oil The latex is purgative and good for wounds. The oils
...
/I)
0-
and latex used in rheumatism. It contains curin, apigenin ;s::
S·
Jatropha gossypifolia Chandrjot Seeds and oil
and vitaxin.
The latex is purgative and good for wounds.
e:O.
The oils used in rheumatism. It contains fatty
oil. It contains jatrophone. S· i::g
I»
contd... a
fIl
(J)
(1)
(J)
0
.....
Lantana camara Laltern Leaves and The leaves are used in ecozema. The decoction of root
roots is used in dysentery. It contains essential oil rich ~
in camerene. S· 3
(1)
Lavandula officinalis Lavander Leaves and oil It is stimulant. It provides a fragrant oil used ~
(1)
in cosmetics. It contains linalool, linaly acetate. C 0-
n'
Lawsonia inermi3 Mehandi Leaves The paste of leaves applied on hairs to get rid S·
of dandruff. It contains laxathones & lowsone. C e.
'i:I
Lepidium sativum Chandrasur Seeds, roots and Seeds are used in sprains and leprosy, lumbago, scurvy, ~
~
leaves asthma and cough. Plants contain glucotropoeolin. S .....
(J)
Leucas aspera Gumma Leaves and It is used to treat cough and cold. Leaf juice is used in .....
0
flowers psoriasis, skin eruptions and swellings. It contains
oleanolic acid, solic acid and fatty acids. S ~
n
.....
Limonia aCidissima Kaitha Fruits Fruits used as astringent, stomachic and stimulant. (1)
Used as remedy of insect bites. It has bergapten, 0-

marmesin, marmin. S >
'"1
(1)
I»
Madhuca longifolia Mahua Leaves, flower The bark is used for ulcers and bleeding gums. (J)
and seeds Flowers are taken as tonic. Seeds contain fatty

oils and mowrin saponins. S
Melia azedarach 8achin All parts Used as insect repellent. Leaf juice anthelmintic and
diuretic. Seeds yield a fatty oil. It contains
bakayanin, margosine. PS
Mentha aruensis Japanese Whole herb The oil is antiseptic, carminative and stimulant.
.mint and oil Find useful in headache. It contains menhol N
VI
as major constituent. C VI
contd...
Table 11.6 • contd••• ~
a..
Mimusops e/engi Moulsri Bark and fruit Bark is useful in diarrhoea and dysentery and
fruits is as tonic. Seeds contain sapogenins. e
Moringa o/eifera Sahjan Leaves and Leaves are used in scurvy, flowers are as tonic,
fruits seeds are antipyretic, oil in rheumatism. It
contains moringine, moringinine and fatty oils. e
Mucuna pruriens Kewanch Seeds Seeds are aphrodisiac and nervi ne tonic.
It contains L-DOPA, glutathione, gallic acid,
prurienidine and glycosides. S
Murraya koenigii Mithineem Leaves Leaves are aromatic and used in preparation
of curries. The bark is used in erupations.
It contains koenigin and volatiles. e
Neritum indicum Kaner Roots and Roots used in ulcera and decoction of leaves
leaves used to reduce swellings. It contains neriodorin,
and nerioderin. C trl
=s
0..
Nyctanthes arbortristis Prijata Leaves and Leaves useful in fever, rheumtism and sciatica. I»
flowers It contains nyctanthin. C
=s
OQ
Ocimum basilicum Raamtulsi Leaves and Carminative, diuretic, stimulant and used in
...
t!)
t!)
0..
seeds gonorrhoea. It is source of eugenol and inalool. S
~
t!)
Ocimum sanctum Tulsi Leaves and Leaves are useful in cold, cough headache 0..
seeds and bronchial troubles and in snake bite. r;'
It contains eugenol, carvacrol etc. C s·
a
Sida acuta Bala Whole herb Herb is used to cure nervous, fever and "'C
urinary disorders. It contains ephedrine, p;
vasicinone, vasicine and choline alkaloids. S· ....=s
<Il
contd...
V>
ro
V>
0
.....
Sida cordifolia Atibala Whole herb Used for rheumatism, diabetes, and C/l
0
neurological disorders. It is used as tonic
S
ro
and aphrodisiac. It contains ephedrine,
betaine and choline alkaloids. S· ~
ro
Sida rhombifolia Mahabala Whole herb The plant is cardiotonic and useful in ulcers, 0-
skin diseases, rheumatism, sciatica and diabetes. n'
Er
It contains ephedrine, vasicinol and choline e.
alkaloids. S 'ij
6>
Smi/ax perfoliata Ramdaton Roots It is used in seminal emissions spermatorrhoea ::!.
V>
and weakness. Dioseginin is the major active
0
constituents. T .....
C/l
Solanum nigrum Makoy Fruits, leaves It is useful in jaundice, cough, bronchitis, ro
Solanum khasianum Akarkara

and seeds
Roots and
asthma, diarrhoea, fever ulcers and skin
diseases. It contains solanine & saponins.
The plant is used as anti inflammatory, antiarthritic and a
S -
ro
n
ro
0-
)-
flowers source of steroidal hormones. It contains solalsodine. TIC
...ro
SI>
V>
Sphaeranthus indicus Gorakhmundi Fruits, leaves The plant possesses anthelmintic, aphrodisiac and
stomachic properties. It contains sphaeranthine. S
Spi/anthus ca/va Bhatkatai Roots and Useful in'tooth pain and ulcers in mouth.
flowers It contains spilanthol. S
Sterculia urens Kullu Seeds and Gum is used as laxative and in dental fixture.
gum It contains strcurensis & polysaccharides. S
N
contd..• Ut
~
~
Syzygium cumini Jamun Fruits and Usedful in diabetes, diarrhoea and dysentery.
leaves It contains quercetin and jamboline PS
Tagetes erecta Genda Leaves and Leaf juice is used in earache. It yields an
flowers essen!ial oil rich intagatone and other terpenes. e •
Tagetes patula Genda Leaves and Leaf juice is used in earache. It yields an
flowers essential oilrich in pipertenone, tag atone etc. e
Tephrosia purpurea Sarponkha Whole plant The plant is useful in constipation, worms,
diarrhoea. it contains rutin and purpurin. S
Terminalia arjuna Arjuna Bark The bark is taken in cardiac disorders. Bark
contains arjuline, arjunosides and tannin. PS
Terminalis bel/erics Baahera Fruits It it one important ingredient of tirphala and
useful in piles and fever. It contains beta-
sitosterol, gallic acid & menitol. PS m
Tetminalia chebula
::s
Harra Fruits The fruits powder is taken in constipation. 0..
The roasted fruits is useful in cough. It contains '"::s
()Q
chebulin, terpenes and saponins. PS III
....
III
Thuja occidentale Thuja Leaves and Useful in cough, fever, rheumatism and gout. 0..
cones It is astringent, digestive, laxative, diuretic and ~
carminative. It yields thujone rich essential oil. T III
0..
Thuja orientalis Morpanki Leaves and It is useful is hreumatism, amenorrhoea and
r;'
S·
fruits carcinoma. It yields an essential oil rich in ~
terpenes and 3 carene. T "'C
i»
::s.....
contd... t/l
Table 11.6 • contd... C
'"
t1)
Scientific Name Local Name Part's Used Uses and active chemical constituents Status '"0
.....
Tinosp()ra cordifolia Gurbel Stem and It is used as tonic, antiperiodic and aphrodisiac. It
leaves contains tinosporin, tinsoporol and tinosporic acid. T
~
Tribulus terrestris Chota Fruit Fruits are aphrodisiac, tonic, diuretic and inflammatory.
~
Gokhru It contains diosgenin and steroidal saponin. T ~
t1)
Tridax procumbens Akdandi Leaves The juice of leaves applied in cuts and wounds e:O.
including ulcers. S
Tylophora indica Anantmool Leaves and Leaves are taken in asthma and bronchial diseases
~
'i:I
roots It contains tylophorone and tylophorinine. T !»
Urginea indica Jangali pyag Bulb It is used in heart trouble, cough, bronchitis. ~
It contains scillarenes and glucosides. S ....0
Ventilago caliculta Keoti Seeds Oil is used in rheumatism. Oil is eaten by
tribal population. It contains fatty acids. S ~
n
Vetiveria zizanioides Khus Roots It is stimulant, diaphoretic and refrigerant. it
Cl.
Useful in sprain and rheumatism. It contains
essential oil rich in vetivone. PS ~
t1)
I»
Vitex negundo Nirgundi Leaves The leaves are used in body pain and '"
rheumatism. It contains artematin and casticin. PS
Withania Ashwa- Roots and Roots are taken to improve vigour and stamina.
somnifera gandha leaves Useful in general weakness and rheumatism.
It contains withanolides and withaferin. PS
N
CJ1
\0
Table 11.7 : List of Medicinal plant becoming extinct and vulnerable in this region N
g
SI.No Botanical Name Vernacular Name Parts used in various diseases
1 Acorus calamus Bach Rhizome are used as tonic and stammering.
2 Argyreia spaciosa Samudra Sokh Leaves are applied for boils and tumour.
3 Aristo/ochia indica Ishwarmool Roots are used for sanke bite.
4 Boerhavi diffusa Punannava Lal Roots cure corneal ulcer and cough.
5 Celastrus paniculatus Malkangni Seeds are used to improve memory and skin diseases.
6 Chlorophytum borivillianum Safed Musli Roots are used as tonic.
7 Citrul/us colocynthus Indryan Badi Leaves smoke for asthma and for blackening hair.
8 Curcuma angustifolia Tikhur Rhizomes are good source of starch, nutritive
9 Curcuma caesia KaliHaldi Rhizomes are used for sprains and brusies.
10 Dioscorea deltoidea Katalu Tuber is used as tonic.
11 Eclipta alba Bhring Raj Roots are used with ajwain for enlargement of liver.
12 Embelia ribes Baividang Seeds are used to kill pare worms and round worms.
13 Gloriosa superba Kalihari Roots are used for white patches (Leucoderma) trl
::s
14 Glymnema sylvestris Gurmar Leaves are used for diabetes with other drugs. Q.
~
15 Hedychium spicatum Kapoor kachri Root is given for stomach ache. ::s
~
...
16 Litsea sebiferapers Maidalakdi Bark for joining broken bones. tI)
Q.
17 Plumbago zeylanica Chitrak Roots are used for rheumatism.
18 Rauvolfia tetraphylla Chota Chand The root is given for epilepsy. :s::
tI)
Q.
19 Rauvolfia serpentina Sarpagandha Roots of the plant are given in hypertension.
20
5:
~
Smi/ax zeylanica Ram Datoon Roots is taken for spermatorrhoea, weaknees.
21 Tephrosia purpurea Sarpunkha Roots are used as laxative and to treat worms. ::g
22 Tylophora indica Antamool Leaves are used for asthma. ~
23 Urginea indica Jangli Pyaj Rhizomes are used in bronchitis.

a
c:/l
Conservation Strategies
Due to manifold human interferences, the valuable medicinal
and aromatic plants are becoming extinct. Commercial exploitation
has resulted in the eradication of several important MAPs from their
natural habital. The state of Madhya Pradesh is one of the major
mega diversity centers in the country, which gives us greater
responsibility to make efforts towards conservation of our richest
biodiversity for future generations. In recent years, the conservation
of medicinal plant has gained proper attention as their medicinal
values are becoming more and more popular. At the initiative of
the Chief Minister, the state Government has constituted the
'Madhya Pradesh State Bio-diversity Board' to protect its rich
biological wealth and make it a substantial source of income for
the rural and tribal communities. Some of the useful suggestions
for the conservation of our biodiversity may be as follows:
1. Development of area specific agro-techniques for
cultivation of MAPs as crop to take off pressure from
natural wild stock.
2. Documentation of the location and ecological status of
bioresources.
3. Development of awareness programme for sustainable use
and conservation of valuable MAPs among rural people.
4. Domestication of MAPs.
5. Documentation of indigenous knowledge of utilization of
medicinal plants.
6. Conservation in herbal/botanical gardens (ex-situ
conservation).
7. In-situ conservation of MAPs by protecting their natural
habitats by people participation.
8. Periodical workshop, training programmes for farmers and
entrepreneurs to appraise recent development and
advantage of cultivation of MAPs.
Satpura Plateau of Madhya Pradf'sh with diverse agro-climatir:
conditions, large biodiversity and strategic geographical location
is likely to emerge as a leading producer and supplier of medicinal
plants. The paper gives a resume of activities undertaken in recent
years by Centre for Forestry Research and Human Resource
Development, Chhindwara as a part of endeavour towards
conserving the medicinal plant wealth and promoting the
cultivation of medicinal plant. Training programmes on
conservation and cultivation of medicinal plants have also been
carried out as a part of Human Resource Development activity.
Agrotechniques have been developed for the cultivation of
Abelmoschus moschatus, Acorus calamus, Andrographis
paniculata, Rauvolfia serpentina, Withania somnifera,
Cymbopogon flexuos\1.s, Cymbopogon moartinii and Mentha
arvensis.
Source: A.K. Pandey et al., in the Indian Forester, Vol 131
No. 7, July 2005-Modified from.
Chapter Twelve
Potential Drug Plants of Laterite and
Arid Zones
In two separate lists important medicinal plant species have

been listed. The list of Arid zone in particular may be considered
as of ethnological importance.
The lists show that most of the plants are sporadic which
shows absence of regeneration and lack of gregariousness of
species. The species represent the large arid zone or drought prone
zone of India.
Ethno Medicinal Plants in the Indian Arid Zone

Whatever be the assessment of the authors of the list it is a fact
that most of the species occur sporadically and the inflated list
must not give an impression that the area is rich in medicinal
plants. Very few are presently safe. Only a few sporadic species
occur in gregarious patches. Of the few species listed by Kumar
et. al., Aloe, Asparagus, Glycyrrhiza, Nardostachys are very much
depleted, besides Vanda, Strichnos, Nelumbium, Gloriosa,
Gymnema, Dioscorea, Costus, Bryonia are threatened in the areCl.
Droughts, over-exploitation and grazing are derogatory
factors to their survival.
In the arid zone ofJaisalmer, Barmer, Bikaner and Jodhpur 682
species have been reported of which 131 sp. have been found to be
of ethno-medicmal value. Of these, 41 species are collected and sold
in the arid zone.
Some of the species are (There are other 60 sp.);
Acacia nilotica, Justicia adhatoda, Aloe vera, Asparagus
racemosus, Azadirachta indica, Butea monosperma, Capparis
decidua, Cassia angustifolia, Cassia fistula, Cassia tora, Citrallus
lanatus, Clerodendrum indicum, Commiphora wightii, Cuscuta
reflexa, Emblica officinalis, Evolvulus alsjnoides, Glycyrrhiza
glabra, Indigofera cordifolia, Ipomoea digitata, Jatropa curcus,

Lawsonia enermis, Mucuna pruriens, Moringa oleifera.
NaTdostachya jatamansi.
(Source: Modified from S. Kumar et al., Ind. For. Jany. 2005)
Table 12.1 : Ethno-medical Plants of Arid Zone

Scientific Name Local Name Status
Anthemis pyrethrum Akor kora S·
Argomone .naxicana Atkuti C
Amorphophathus campanu/atus Atopinda PS
Acacia ni/otica Babla S
A/angium lamarckii Dhela S
Adiantum lunu/atum Dodhar S
Asclepias rosea Dudhiani S
Acacia famesiana Gabur PS
Amaranthus gangeticus Gandhari PS
Altemanthera sessiles Garundi T
Aristolochina indica God C
Areaca catechu Gua C
Anogeissus latifo/ia Hesel PS
Amaranthus spinosus Janum arak PS
Acacia intsia Kondro S
Agave americana Konga C
Aurea lanata Lopon arak S
Anona squamosa Mandargon C
Antidesma diandrum Matha arak T
Agle marmetos Sinjo C
Andropogon muricatus Siram S·
Alstonia scholaris Chatnichal S
Abrus precatorius Kawet S
Adina cordifolia Karam S
Artocarpus integrifolia Kanthar C
Asparagus racemosus Kadar nari T
Anthocephalus chinense Kadam PS
Borassus flabelliformis Andiatale S
Bursera serrata Amru S
Butea monosperma Daremurap PS
Bombax ceiba Edel PS
Barringtonia acutiangula Hinjor PS
Bassia /atifo/ia Koera PS
contd...
Potential Drug Plants of Laterite and Arid Zones 265
Brassica campestris Lutnifuri C
Bryonia (acinosa Pond Kahubloke T
Basel/aa/ba Purgi C
B/umea wightii Bondoc S
Bowsel/ia serrata Salga PS
Bride/ia slipu(aris Saudisaba S
Buchanania /atifolia Tarop PS
Boerhaavia repens Ohokarak S·
Buttneria herbacea Ramraj S
Bauhinia retusa Jhinjit S
Bonnaya veronicaefo/ia Kadar S
Akaona
Ca/otropis procera S
C. gigantean S
Cuscuta chinensis Alagiri S
Capparis horrida Asaria S
Combretum decandrum Aten S
Cepha/andria indica Atokundri S
Clerodendrum siphonanthus Bam S
Calamus rotang Bet T
Cassia tora Bhedaderen S·
Caesu/ia axillaries Bhelaonja S
Coriandrum sativum Dhania C
Cynodon dacty/on Dhubighas PS
Crataeva nurvu/a Ekasira S
Cannabis saliva Ganja C
Coix /achryma jobi Gargodi S
Croton ob/ongifolius Gote S·
Cissus quadrangu/aris Hadjora C
C/eome viscosa Hurhura S
Citrus medica Jambir C
Caram ajowan Jawar C
Cucurbita mosche/a Kehnda C
Ce/astrus panicu/atas Kujri S
Careya arborea Kumbir S
Commelina benga/ensis Orak siranre S
Capsicum frutescens Maric C
Cajanus indicus Raher C
Caseana tomer.tosa Ride S
Clerodendrum serratum Soramluter A
contd••.

SCientific Name Local Name Status
CoIocasia antiquorum Saru C

Crinum Zeylanicum Sikiom S
Cyperus tegelum Suraghas S
Cisampelos pareira Tejomala S
Canavalia ensiformis Tihon S
Curcuma angustifo/ia Paroda S
Costus speciosa Drop T
Cordiamyxa Bucchal C
Cotylendon /aciniata Hemsagor C
Casearia tomentosa C
Cryptolepis buchanani Ufri C
Dil/enia scabrella Agaire S
Dragia volubile Andia kongal S
Dioscorea crispate Bayan T
Datura alba Datra S
Dioscorea pentaphylla Durason T
Diospyrus montana GadaTerel S
Desmodium triflorum Hudin catomaral S
Dioscorea daemanum Kolo T
Dillenia indica Kor Kot PS
Diospyros embryopteris Makarkenda S
Dolichos lab/ab Malhan C
Dioscorea oppositifolia Piska T
Do/ichos biflorus Pond horee S
Dillenia pentagyna Sahar S
Dalbergialatifolia Satsayar C
Delphinus gangetica Suhako S
Desmodium gangeticum Toyobal S
Dioscorea damonum Koloda T
Diospyrus montana Gadaterel S
Emblica officinalis Arakmeral C
Embelia robusta Bhabri S
Entada scandens Bidhanta S
Euphorbia antiquorum Etkec S
Elleteria cardamom Elachi C
Enhydra fluctuans Hemcaaral S
E/eusine coracana Kodo C
Eriosma chinensis Konden S
Emilia sonchifolia Kutai lutur S
contd...
Table 12.1 - contd..-.
Erythrina indica Mararbaha S

Erhetia laevis Pusipan S
Euphorbia hirta Pusitoa S
Euphorbia thymifolia Nanha pusitoa S
Elaeodendron roxburghii Niuri S
Ficus bangalensis Bare PS
Fimbristylis monostachya Bindinutha S·
Flemingia conjesta Binbui S
Ficus religiosa Hesak PS
Ferrula asafoetida Hin C
Feronia elephantum Katbel S
Ficus glomerata Loa S
Flacour/ia ramontchi Marlec S
Gymnema hirsutus Andiamoron 0
Grewia sapida Barkapaker S
Grislea tomentosa Ohai S
Gardenia turgida Dhunclukif S
Gmelina arborea Godakasmar C
Gardenia latifolia Popro C
Gloriosa superba Selepsomanom 0
Grewia polygama Setaandga S
Grewia villosa Tarsekolap S
Gynandropsis pentaphylla Seta kata S
Gossypium arboreum Kaskom S
Hippocratea arborea Bandlotanari S
Hymenodictyon excelsum BhorKoncl S
HoIarrhena pubescens Birhal PS
Hygrophila spinosa Gukia S·
Heliotropium indicum Hatesunda S
Helicteres isora Petcambra S
Heteropogon contortus Sauri PS
Hygrophila spinosa Sirauna S
Hibiscus canabinus Soupal S
Helianthus annus Surujmukhi C
Ichnocarpus frutescens Dudhilota S
Indjifofera pulchella Hutar S
jlfomoea quamoc/it Kidinibaha S
Ipomoea batatas Sakarkenda C
Ixora parviflora Merom C
Justicia adhatoda Basok S'
contd•..
Table 12.1 - contd•••
Jatropha curcas Bhemla S*
Jasminum aroorescens Hundbaha
Limnophila roxburgiana Akarbaha S
Leucas chephaloides Andiadhu S
Luffa acutangula Atojhinga C
Lygodium flexuosum Badgocak C
Loranthus vestitus Baru banda S
Leea macrophylla Dhalka hetkan S
Leucas cephalotes Dhurup arak S
Lannea coromendelina Doka S
Leea hirta Duria hatkan S
Lipidium sativum .!-IaIim S.
Leea aspera S
Luffa acutangula Porol jinglia C
Lagerstroemia parviflora Sekre PS
Linum usitatissimum Tisi C
Lowsonia alba Mendisakam CfIS
Mezoneurum cuculatum Baghin S
Martynia diandra Baglauca S
Mimosops e/engi Bar C
Mucuna pruriens EIka S
Mi/lettia auriculata Hehel S
Marshalia quadrifo/ia Marancatom S
Mentha sativa Pudinarak C
Mal/otus philippinensis Rora S
Mimosa rubicaulis Sega S
Monochoria plantaginea Setapan S
Morinda tinctoria Tampurcaili S
Mangifera indica U1 C
Maringa oleosa Munga chal C
Michelia champaca Champ C
Musa paradisiaca Kaera
Nelumbium speciosum Poraeni 0
Nerium odorum Rajbaha C
Nyctanthes arbor-tristis Saparom C
Nigel/a indica Kaliajira C
Nardostachys jatamansi Nagranter 0
Oroxylum indicum Banahalak S
Ocimum basi/icum Bharbhari C
contd••.
Ochna squarrosa Birchampa S
Ocimum basilicum var. thysiflorum DimbuBaha C
Ougenia dalbergioides Rot S
Opuntia dillenii Sapin S
Ocimum sanctum Tursi C
Oldenlandia biflora Khat pipra S
Panicum foetida Adagathia S
Psidium guava Amsopori C
Pollinia eriopoda Backom S
Pentapetes phoenicia Barebaha S
Phyllanthus lanceolarius Baria kandhum S
Polygonum plebejum Bhaya bhagua 'S
PoIygala chinensis Gaighurarak S
Plumeria acutifolia Gulanj baha C
Panicum miliare Gundli S
Physalis minima Handikundi S
Panicum crusgalli In S
Plantago ispaghala Isabgul C
Paspalum scrobiculatum Janhe S*
Polycarpaea corymbosa Janhenanjom S
Panicum flavidium Jerajanhe S*
Phoenix sylvestris Khajur ClPS
Pandanus odoratissimus Kiabaha S
Phoenix acualis Kita S
Plumbago zeylanica Kitauri S
Pongamia pinnata Koranj ClPS
Polygala crot alarioides Lilkathi S
Piper longum Pipuljo C
Phaseolus mungo Ramra C
Pueraria tuberosa Tirra S
Polygala chinense Gaighura S
Paspalum sp. S
Pterospermum acerifo/ium Mackunda C
Randia uliginosa Darependa S
Racinus communis Eradom C
Ruellia suffruicosa Caulia S
Randia dumetorum Loto S
Smilax ovalifofla Atkir S
Sorghum vu/gare BaJra C
SpatholobuS roxburghiJ Bandonari S
contd...

s.l.e.chera o/eosa Baru S
So/anum me/ongina Bengar C
So/anum stramonifolium Bengar betahel C
Scindapsus officinalis Darejapak C
Sapindus detergens Darka rista S
Shorea robusta Datauni S
Solanum xanthocarpum Edheranginijanum S
Stephegyne parvifolia Gore S
Syzygium cumini Kod S
Strichnos potatorum Kuela 0
Symplocos racemosa Lodam 0
Syzyzium caryophyl/ata Lorphul C
Spermacoce hispida Pitua arak S
Scirpus rotundus Putki S
Smilax ovalifolia Raepan S
Soymida febrifuga Ruhen S
Streb/us as.rer Sahra S
Sterculia c%rata Sesebaha S
Semecarpus anaC8rriium Soso S
Scirpus monstachyus Sukri mutha ghas S
Salix tetrasperma Surukue S
Sterculia urens Telhec S
Sygyzium operculatum Totnopal S
Spondius manglfera Ambra C
So/anum jacquini Rangim janum S
Sida humilis Jokasakam S
Terminalia tomentosa Atnak SIPS
Terminalia chebula Hortoki S
Themeda gigantea Kus S
Terminalia bel/erica Lopon S
Tetranthera monopeta/a Pojo S
Tragia invo/uerata Sondhaeni S
Trigonel/a foenum Milhi S
Thespesia lampas Bonkapasi S
Triumfetta rhomboidea Bhidijenetep S
Terminalia arjuna Kauhachal C/PS
Urena sinuata Bhidijanatep S
Urlica pentandra Khetpipra S
Vemonia cinera Bangaura S
contd...
Vitex alata Bar S
Vand~ roxburghii Dare banki D
Viscum attenuatum Dare katom janga S
Vitis latifoJia Icewer S
Zingiber zerumbet Mahabari C
Vernonia anthelmintica Saukha S
Vigna vex illata Soroan S
Vitex peduncularis Sim kata arak S
Vitex negundo Sinduari S
Ventilego calyculata Bonga sarjom S
Vitis tomentosa Ghora ladaure S
Wrightia tomentosa Atkura S
Woodfordia fruticosa Gadaical S
Wendlandia tinctorium Tilgai S
Zingiber officinaJis Adhe C
Zehneria umbel/ata Atda S
Zizyphus jujuba Janum S
Zizyphus oenopJia Kuriframa S
Zehneria umbel/ata Kundri S
Zizyphus rugosus Sekra S
Zingiber cassumunar Orsoren S
Zizyphus xylopyra Kaera S
NB, Legends: S = Sporadic; S· = gregarious patches; C = cultivated;

PS = Presently sage; T = Threatened
Table 12.2 : Laterite areas of West Bengal, Bihar and Jharkhand

Abelmoschus moschatus S Achyranthes pavonina S

Abrus precatorius S Adiantum lunulatum
Abrus pulchel/us S Aegle marmelos C/PS
Abutilon indicum S Aerva javanica S
Abutilon theopharasti S Aerva lanata S
Acacia farnesiana S Agave americana C
Acacia pennata S Agave cantala C
Acacia rugata S· Agave sisalana C
Acalypha indica S· Ageratum conyzoides S·
confd...
Ahlaia odoratissima S Bixa orel/ana C

Alangium salvifolium S Blumea lacera S'
Albizzia amara S Boerhavia diffusa S'
Alocasia indica C Breynia vitis S
Aloe barbadensis C Bryonopsis laciniosa S
Alstonia scho/aris PS Bryophyl/um pinnatum S'
Altemanthera sessilis S· Buchanania lanzan PS
Amaranthus viridis S· Buettneria herbacea S
Ambroma augusta S Butea superba S
Amorphopha//us campanulatusC Caesalpinia bonduc S
Amorphophal/us sylvaticus C Ca/otropis gigantean S
Ampelocissus /atifo/ia S Capparis zeylanica S
Andrographic paniculata T Cardiospermum halicacabum S
Anisochilus camposus S Carissa carandas C
Anisome/es indica S Carissa spinarum C
Annona reticu/ata C Cassia absus S
Annona squamosa C Cassia alata S·
Antidesma acidum T Cassia angustifolia C
Argemone mexicana S Cassia fistula PS
Arist%chia India T Cassia mimosoides S
Artabotrys odoratissimus C Cassia occidentalis S·
Artemisia vulgaris S Cassia tora S·
Asparagus adscendens T Casuarina equisetifolia C
Asparagus offlCinalis T Catharanthus roseus C
Asparagus racemosus T Cayratia trifolia S'
Ata/entia missionis S Ceiba pentandra C
Aty/osia scarabaeoides S Ce/astrus paniculatus S
Averrhoa carambula C Ce/osia agrentea S
Azadirachta indica GIPS Centel/a asiatica S
Azanza /ampas S Centra the rum anthelminticum S
Bacopa monnieri S Cereus pterogonus S
Barleria cristata S Ceriscoides turgida S
Barleria /upu/ina S Cheilanthes tenuifolia T
Barleria prionitis Cinnamomum camphora C
Bar/eria strigosa S Cinnamomum tamala C
Bauhinia acuminata PS Cinnamomum Zeylanicum C
Bauhinia racemosa PS Cissus adnata S
Bauhinia vahlii PS Cissus quadrangularis S
Belamcanda chinensis S Citrullus co/ocynthis C
contd•..
Cleistanthus collinus S Desmodium gangeticum S

Cleome icosandra S Desmodium motorium S
Clerodendrum indicum S Desmostachya bipinnata PS
Clerodendrum phlomoides S Dicliptera bupleuroides S
Clerodendrum serratum S Dillenia indica C
Clerodendrum viscosum S* Dillenia pentagyna PS
Clitoria tematea C Dioscorea alata T
Coccinia grandis C Dioscorea bulbifera T
Coccinia indica C Dioscorea esculenta
Cochlospermum religiosum PS Var. spinosa T
Coleus amboinicus C Dioscorea pentaphy/la T
Colocasia esculenta C Dioscorea triphy/la T
Colocasia nymphaeifolia C Diospyros melanoxylon S
Commelina benghalensis S Ecbolium viride C
Commiphora mukul T Eclipta prostrata S
Costus speciosus T Ehretia laevis S
Cotula anthemoides S Elaeocarpus ganitrus C
Crataeva nurvala S Elephantopus scaber S
Crinum asiaticum C Elettaria cardamomum C
Crotalaria burhia C Emblica officinalis GIPS
Crotalaria pallida C Enydra f/uctuans PS
Crotalaria prostrata S Erythrina variegata var.
Crotalaria retusa S Orientalis PS
Cryptolepis buchanani S Eulophia nitida S
Curculigo orchioides T Eupatorium triplinerve S
Curcuma amada C Euphorbia antiquorum S
Curcuma aromatica C Euphorbia hirta S
Curcuma caesia C Euphorbia nerifolia S
CurGuma longa C Euphorbia thymifolia S
Curuma zedoaria T Euphorbia thymifolia S
Cymbopogon citrates C Euphorbia tirucal/i S
Cymbopogon martini Euphoria longam S
C
Cyperus kyllinga PS Ficus glomerata SIPS
Cyperus rotundus PS Flacourtia indica SIPS
Cyperus triceps PS Flacourtia jangomas SIPS
Dalbergia sissoo PS Flemingia chappar S
Dalbergia volubilis S Flemingia strobi/ifera S
Datura inrloxia S Garcinia xanthocymus S
Datura metel S Gardenia gummifera S
Datura stramonium S pardenia latifolia S
contd...
Table 12.2 - contd.••
Gardenia resinifera S Leucas plukenetii S

Gendarussa vulgaris S Limnophila indica S
Gloriosa superba T Limonia acidissima S
Gossypium herbaceum S Lippia javanica S
Grangea maderaspatana S Litsea glutinosa S
Grewia helicterifolia S Ludwigia octovalvis PS
Grewia subinaequalis S Lygodium pinnatifidum S
Gymenema sylvestre T Mangifera indica PS
Gynandropsis gynandra S Maranta arundinacea S
Habenaria commelinifolia T Marsilea minuta S
Hedyotis corymbosa S Marlynia annua S
Helicteres isora S Melastoma malabathricum S
Heliotropium indicum S Melilotus alba S
Hemidesmus indicus S Mentha piperita C
Hibiscus vitifolius S Mentha spicata C
Holarrhena pubescens PS Mesua ferrea S
Hybanthus enneaspermus S Meyna /axiflora S
Hygrophila schulJi S Michelia champaca S
Hyptis suaveolens PS Mimosa pudica S
Ichnocarpus frutescens S Mimosa rubicaulis S
Indigofera tinctoria S Mimusops e/engi ClS
Ipomea sp S Mimusops hexandra S
Ipomoea aquatica PS Mollugo spergula S
Ipomoea paniculata S Momordica dioica C
Ipomoea pes-tigridis S Morinda citrifolia PS
Ipomoea quamoclit S Morus alba C
Jatropha gossy ifolia PS Mucuna pruriens S
Justicia adhatoda PS Murraya koenigii PS
Kaempferia galanga S Murraya paniculata PS
Kalanchoe pinnata S Myristica fragrans S
Kirganelia reticulata S Ne/umbo nucifera T
Lannea conHnandelica S Nerium odorum S
Lantana camara PS Nyctanthes arbortristis S
Lawsonia inermis S Nymphaea alba T
Leea asiatica S Nymphaea nouchali T
Leea macrophylJa S Nymphaea stellata T
Leonotis nepetaefo/ia S Ocimum basilicum C
Leonurus sibiricus S Ocimum canum S
Leucas cephalotes S Ocimum gratissimum S
contd•.•
dc/mum kilimandscharicum C Rauvolfia serpentina C

Ocimum sanctum C Rauvolfia tetraphylla CID
Ocimum tenuiflorum S Rhomboidea
Opuntia dillenii S Ricinus communis S
Oroxylum indicum S Rivea hypocrateriforrnis S
Oxalis comrniculata S Rungia pectinata S
Paederia scandens S Sansevieria cylindrical C
Pandanus amaryllifolius S Sansevieria roxburghiana C
Pandanus fascicularis S Santalum album CIT
Passiflora suberosa S Sapindus laurifolius S
Pedafium murex S Saraca asoca C
Pentapetes phoenicea S Schleichera oleosa S
Pergularia daemia S Scindapsus officinalis C
Phlogacanthus thyrsiforrnis S Scoparia dulcis S
Phyllanthus fratemus S Selaginella rupestris S
Phyllanthus acidus C Semecarpus anacardium S
Phyllanthus urinaria S Sesbania grandiflora C
Phyllanthus virgatus S Sesbania sesban C
Physalis minima S Sida acuta S
Pimenta dioica S Sida cordifolia S
Piper longum C Sida humillis S
Pi"er nigrum C Sida rhombifolia Linn. Var. S
Piper retrofractum . S Sida rhombifolia S
Plesmonium margaritiferum S Smiiax ovalifolia S
Plumbago indica S Solanum indicum S
Plumbago zeylanica S Solanum nigrum S
Plumeria acuminata C Solanum sisymbrifolium S
Polygala crotalarioides S Solanum surattense S'
Portulaca oleracea S Solanum torvum S
Premna herbacea S Solena amplexicaulis S
Premna latifolia S Sonchus oleraceus S
Pterocarpus marsupium C Sphaeranthus indicus S
Pterocarpus santalinus C Stachytrpheta jamaicensis S
Pterosperrnum acerifolium C Stephania japonica S
Pueraria tuberosa S Stereosperrnum suaveolens S
Punica granatum C Streblus asper S
Putranjiva roxburghii C Strychnos nux-vomica T
Quisqualis indica PS Sunedrella nodiflora S
Randia spinosa C Symplocos sp S
contd...
Syzgium 'operculatum S Uraria lagopodioides S

Syzygium aromaticum S Uraria picta S
Tamarindus indica C Urena lobata S
Tectona grandis C Urena sin uta
Tephrosia purpurea S Vallaris solanacea S
Teramnus labialis S Ventilago denticulate S
Terminalia arjuna C Vernonia cinerea S
Terminalia bellirica C Vetiveria zizanioides S
Terminalia chebula C Vigna trilobata S
Thevetia peruviana S Vitex negundo PS
Tinospora cordifolia T Wedelia chinensis S
Tinospora sinesis S Withania somnifera CID
Tragia involucrate S Woodfordia furticosa S
Trianthema portulacastrum S Xanthium strumarium S
Tribulus terrestris T Yucca gloriosa C
Trichosanthes tricuspidata S Zingiber cassumunar S
Tridax procumbens S Zingiber officinale C
Triumfetta rhomboidea S Zingiber zerumbet S
Tylophora indica S Zizyphus nummularia S
Typhonium Trilobatum S Zizyphus oenoplia S
(Source:' Modified from the publication of Govt. of West Bengai, Deptt. of For-
ests, Research Wing and other sources)
The work records 375 species in South Bengal; also covers late rite areas of
Orissa and Jharkhand.
Legends: P = Planted; C .. Cultivated; W = Wild; S = Sporadic; PS = Presently
sage; D =Depleted; T =Threatened
N.B. of 375 species listed 55 sp. are cultivated, 58 species are planted and the
rest 262 species are wild.
Comment
A list of 375 species have been prepared of which
approximately 262 species one sporadic. Only a few among the
sporadic species occur in large patches. As such about 78% of the
species face arduous biotic and abiotic pressure.
Chapter Thirteen
Potential Medicinal Plants of
North-East India
The primiary vegetation over bulk areas have been disturbed

and modified and in some places destroyed by seismic activities,
frequent landslides and resultant erosion. The activity of Man has
led to the irreversible transformation in the landscapes and has
resulted in colossal loss of biodiversity. Human influences have
pushed many species to the brink of extinction and have caused
havoc to natural fragile ecosystem. There has been decrease of forest
cover of about 1800 sq. km. between 1991 and 1999 (ES.1. 2000).
Quality of forests has deteriorated to scrub.
North East India-a bowl of plant diversity has been identified
as Hot Spots and Mega-diversity area due to its unique ecological
setting and the center of meeting point of temperate and tropical
flora. palaeo-arctic flora of Tibetan high land and wet-evergreen
and rain forests flora of South East Asia and Yunan.
A perusal of the book entitled "Biodiversity Characterization" at
Landscape Level in North-East India using "Satellite Remote
Sensing and Geographic Information System" by Indian Institute
of Remote Sensing, Deptt. of Space, Govt. of India 2002, may reveal
that-
• Most of the States have extensive area under Shifting
cultivation with short cycle.
• Heavily eroded area all over.
• Deforestation going on our large areas.
• Increase of human population and demand for space and
forest produce.
• Cultivation made on sleep slope.
• Going poorer in biodiversity.

• Heavy mining operation.
(Source: Wildlife Institute of India, 2003)
The aforesaid publication of Indian Institut(> of Remote
Sensing has recorded some information on the medicinal plants of
India.
Although all the States have their record of medicinal plants
the figure of R.S. Institute being the latest has been summarized
as, follows:
Arunachal Pradesh
About 419 species have been recorded to have medicinal use,.
some of which are, Abies webbiana, Aconitum ferox, Alstoni~
scholaris, Aristolochia platanifolia, Artemisia vulgaris, Coptis teeta,
Pongamia pinnata, Terminalia bellirical. The author has discussed
the status of some of the plants in lster in this Chapter.
Assam
228 specis have been listed of which importance of Alstonia
scholaris Zanthoxylum nitidum Andrographis paniculata,
Oroxylum indicum, Clerodendrum indicum, Jatwpha curcas,
Costus specious, Melastoma melabathricum nave been
mentioned specifically.
Manipur
85 species have been mentioned of which special mention
has been made of Clerodendrum serratum.
Meghalaya
74 species have been mentioned of which special mention
has been made of Clerodendurm serratum.
Mizoram
~3 species have been mentioned of which special mention
has been made of Alstonia scholaris and Lycopodium calvatum.
Nagaland
86 specis have been mentioned of which special mention
nave been made of Alpinia galanga.
Potential Medicinal Plants of North-East India 279
Tripura
73 species have been mentioned of which special mention has
been made of Azadirachta indica and Moringa oleifera.
Sikkim
70 species have been mentioned of which special has been
made of Gmelina arborea and Pieris ovalifolia.
Besides, the foresters have listed medicir,al plants occurring
in various divisions in the respective working plans. The
ethnobiologists have also listed plants used by the ethnic tribals
of various states. Obviously the list would be a elaborate one to
discuss on these plants. So a few important species have been
selected for the present reward.
The status is representsed by legend/ abbreviations.
P.S. = Presently safe C Cultivated
D = Depleted S = Sporadic
The legend sporadic (5) has to be properly evaluated. It means
at the species occur here and there, sometimes in patches, but not
abundantly. This legend also indicates that the sp~cies maYI be
eatened at undesireable ):1abits.
The legend 'Cultivated' C indicates that protection has given
to the species considering the medicinal importance and rarely
of the species.
In reality the herbs and shrubs in India find protection in
inaccessible areas only and to some extent in the protected areas.
At other places biotic factors play a derogatory role in their
depletion. These depleted plants at last find shelter on the
marginal lands, human habitation premises and sporadically
here and there only to survive as they have been eradicated from
the habitats where they once flourished.
Observation on potential drug plants of India, listed by
Chopra, Kirtikar and Bose and others has been made by the
present in their book entitled "Biodiversity Engangered" (2002).
Trees (Need protection- A few selected species)
Balsamodendron mukul
Bixa orillana
Camphora officinarum
Callophyllum inophyllym
Caryota urens
Ceiba pentandra
Juglans regia
Cupressus sempervirens
Betula utilis
Aquillaria malaccensis
Taxus bc..ccata
Juniperus communis
Screbera switeniodes (Ghanta parul).
Medicianal Plant Trees Quantitative Studies

An extract from voluminous field survey (quantitative data i.e.,
per ha.. sp. number) on a few areas is reproduced. From the data
any body can form a reliable figure on the status of a few tree
species having medicinal values. Similarly, type studies, on
statistical basis, have to be done on herbs, shrubs, climbers etc.
to determine the status of medicmal plants of India and N.E.
India. '
Sikkim
Figures of South-Western Sikkim are only available.
Prime species are- Symplocos theifolia (Frequency occurrency
is 90) and stems (per ha. are 69) has the maximum density; this
species is of immense medicinal value.
Potential Medicinal Plants of North-East.India 281
13.1 : Scores Recorded by Remote Sensing Institute
Botanical Name Status Botanical Name Status
Aoies webbiana PS Bacopa monniera/monnieria T

Abroma aug-usta S Balanites aegyptiaca T
Abrus precatorius T Baliospermum montamum T
Abutilon indicum S Baliospermum oxillare T
Acacia arabica PS Balsamo de~dron mukui T
Acacia catechu PS Bambusa arundinacea C/S*
Acacia farnesiana PS Bambusa balcooa C
Acacia leucophloea PS Bam~sa bamos C
Acacia sum a PS Bambusa spinosa
Achyranthes aspera PS Bambusa tulda C
Aclypha indica S Bambusa vulgal'i$ C
Acorus calamus T Barleria cristata S
Adenanthera pavonina S Barleria prionitis S
Adhatoda vasica PS Barleria strigosa S
Adiantum capilus T Barringtonia acutangula S
Adiantum caudatm T Barringtonia racemosa S
Adiantum lunulatum T Basella alba C,f)S
Adina cordifolia PS Basella rubra C,f)S
Aegle marmelos PS Bassia longifolia ClPS

Aeschynomene aspera S Bauhinia purpuea ClPS
Aeschynomene indica S Bauhinia racemosa PS
Aganosma caryophyllata S Bauhinia variegata PS
Aonitum ferox T Berberis aristata T
Areca triandra S* Berberis asiatica T
Argemone mexicana S Betula utilis S
Argyreia speciosa S Bixa.orellana C
Aristolochia indica T Blepharis edulis S
Artemisia maritima S Blumea lacera PS
Artemisia vulgaris S Boerhaavia diffusa PS
Artocarpus heterophyllus C Bombax eeiba PS
Artocarpus lokoocha S Borasus flabellifer PS
Arum trilobatum S Boswellia serrata PS
Arundo donax PS Botanical Name Status
Asparagus racemosus T Botanical Name Status
Asterocantha longifolia S Brassica campestris C
Astragalus candolleanus S Brassica juncea C
Astragalus lel'cocephalus S Brassica napus C
Averrhoa carambola C Bryonia laciniosa T
Azadirachta indica C Buchanania lanzan S
!It
contd...

Butea monosperma PS Celosia cristata C

Cadrella toona PS Centella asiatica PS
Caesalpinia bonducella S Cephalandra indica T
Caesalpinia pulcherrima C Chenopodium album S
Cajanus indicus C Chenopodium ambrosioides S
Calamus vininalis S Cicer arietinum C
Callicarpa marcrophylla PS Cimicifuga foetida S
Calophyllum inophyllum S Cinnamomum camphora C
Calotropis gigantia PS Cinnamomum zeylanicum C
Calotropis procera PS Cinnamonum tamala C/S
Camellia "drupifera S Cissus quadrangularis S
Camellia'japonica S Citrallus vulgaris C
Camellia kissi S Citrus aurangifolia C
Camellia sinensis C Citrus decumana C
Camelliathea C Citrus limetoides C
Camellia theifera C Citrus limon C
Canabis sativa PS Citrus maxima C
Canscora decussata S Citrus medica C
Capparis decidua S Citrus reticulata C
Capparis zeylanica S Citrus sinensis C
Capsicum annum C Cleome pentaphylla S
Capsicum frutescens C Clerodendrum indicum SIPS
Cardispermum halicacabum S Clerodendrum serratum PS
Careya arborea S Clerodendrum viscosum PS
Carica papaya C Clitoria ternatea C
Carissa caradas C Coccinia indica S
Carthamus tinctorius C Cocculus hirsutus PS
Carum carvi C Cochlospermum religiosum PS
Carum copticum C Cocos nucifera C
Cassi sophera S Coix aquatica PS
Cassia alata S Coix gigantea PS
Cassia fistula S Coix lachryma jobi PS
Cassia occidentalis S Commelina benghalensis S
Cassia tora S Commelina salicifolia S
Catharanthus roseus C Convolvulus arvensis
Cedrus deodara C Coptis teeta T
Ceiba pentandra C Corchous capsularis C
Celastrus paniculatus S Cordia dichotoma S
Celosia argentea C Coriandrum sativum C
contd...
Costus speciosus T Echinochloa frumentacea PS

Crocus sativus C Eclipta alba PSIS
Crotalaria juncea C Elaeocarpus ganitrus T
Croton tiglium S Elephantopus scaber S
Cucumis melo C Elettaria cardamomum C
Cucumis sativa C Embeliaribes S
Cucumis utilissimus C Emblica officinalis CPS
Cuminum cyminum C Enhydra fluctuans PS
Curculigo orchioides T Ephedra gerardiana T
Curcuma amada S Ephedra vulgaris T
Curcuma aromatica C Eriodendron anfractuosum C
Curcuma domestica C Ervatamia coronaria C
Curcuma longa C Erythrina variegata PS
Curcuma zedoraria C Eupatorium ayapana S
Cuscuta reflexa S Eupatorium triplinerve PS
Cymbopogon jwarancusa S Euphorbia hirta PS
Cymbopogon schoenanathus C Euphorbia neriifolia CtPS
Cynodon'dactylon PS Euphorbia prostrata
Cyperus· rotundus PS Evolvulus alsinoides PS
Dalbergia sissoo PS Evolvulus nummularius PS
Damemia extensa S Feronia elephantum PS
Datura metal PS Feronia limonia PS
Daucus carata var. sativa C Ferula foetida C
Delonix regia PS Ficus bengalensis PS
Dendrocalamum hamiltonii PS Ficus carica PS
Dendrocalamus falcata PS Ficus cunia PS
Dendrocalamus strictus PS Ficus heterophylla PS
Desmodium gangetcum S Ficus hispida PS
Desmodium triflorum S Ficus infectoria S
Desmostachya bipinnata PS Ficus racemosa S
Dillenia indica PS Ficus religiosa PS
Dioscorea bulbifera T Ficus rumkphii S
Dioscorea jacquemontii T Flacourtia cataphracta S
Dioscorea pentaphylla T Flacourtia indica S
Dioscorea triphylla T Flacourtia jangomas S
Diospyros peregrina T Fleurya interrupta S
Dolichos ·biflorus C Foeniculum vulgare C
Dolichos·lablab C Fritillaria cirrhosa T
Drynaria quercifolia PS Fritillaria roylei T
contd...

Fumaria indica S Ipomoea batatus C

Fumaria parviflora S Ipomoea quamoclit C
Garcinia indica S Ipomoea reptans C
Garcinia mangostana S Jasminum auriculatum C
Garcinia moreUa S Jasminum gandiflorum C
Garcinia pedunculata S Jasminum heyneana C
Garcinia,tintoria S Jasminum multiflora C
Gardenia gummifera S Jasminum pubescens C
Gardenia lucida T Jasminum sambac C
Glycosmis pentaphyUa PS Juglans regia T
Gmelina arborea PS Juniperus communis T
Gomphrena globosa PS Juniperus macropoda T
Gossypium herbaceum PS Jusslaea repens PS
Grangea maderaspatana S Justicia gendarussa ClPS.
Grewia asiatica PS Kalanchoe pinnata C
Grewia tillaefolia Laccifer lacca C
Gymnema sylvestre T Lagenaria vulgaris C
Gynandropsis gynandra PSIS Lannea grandis PS
Gynocardia odorata S Laportea crenulata PS
Habenaria edgeworthii T Lathyrus sativus C
Habenaria latilabria T Lawsonia inermis C
Heacteres isora PS Leucas cephalotes S
Heliotropium indicum S Lilium polyphyllum C
Hemidesmus indicus 0 Lilium tigrinum C
Hemigrap'his hirta 0 Limnanthemum cristatum PS
Hibiscus, abelmoschus PS Unum usitatissimum C
Hibiscus esculentus C Lippia nodiflora PS
Hibiscus mutabilis C Lobelia inflata C·
Hiptage benghalensis C Loranthus falcatus S
Hiptage madablata C Loranthus longiflorus S
Holarrhena antidysenterica PS Luffa acutangula C
Hordeum vulgare C Luffa amara C
Hydnocarpus kurzii S Luffa echinata C
Hydnocarpus wightiana S Madhuca indica C
Hygroyza aristata PS Mallotus philippinesis PS
Hyoscyamus niger T Mangifera indica C
Ichnocarpus freutescens S Marsilea minuta PS
Imperata cylindrical PS Marsilea quadrifolia PS
Indigofera tinctorea S Melia azedirachta PS
contd...
Melil.:ltus indica S Nyctanthes arbortristis C

Melothria heterophylla S Nymphaea nouchali T
Mentha spicata C Nymphaea rubra T
Merremia tridentata S Nymphaea sp. T
Mesua ferrea PS Nymphaea stellata T
Michelia champaca PS Ochrocarpus longifolius S
Mimosa pudica S Ocimum basilicum C
Mimusops elengi C Ocimum kikimandscharicum C
Mimusops hexandra Ocimum sanctum C
Mirabilis jalapa C Oldenlandia corymbosa S
Mollugo hirta S Oroxylum indicum S
Mollugo sperula S Oryza fatua C
Momordica charantia C Oryza sativa C
MomordiCa cochinchinensis C Ougeinia oojeinensis S
Momordi'ca muricata C Oxalis acetosella S
Morinda citrifolia S Oxalis corniculata S·
Morinda tinctoria S Paederia foetid a T
Moringa oleigera C Pandanus odoratissimus S
Morus alba C Pandanus tectorius S
Morus atropurpurea Panicum frumentacea S
Morus indica C Paris polyphylla
Morus laevigata C Paspalum scrobiculatum PS
Mucuna prurita Pergularia extensa S
Murraya koenigii C Peripioca aphylla
Murraya paniculata S Phalogacanthus thyriflorus S
Musa paradisiaca C Phaseolus radiatus var. attrea C
Musa sapientum C Phaseolus radiatus var. grandisC
Myrica nagi T Phaseolus radiatus C
Myristica fragrans T Phaseolus sublobatus C
Myristica malabarica S Phoenix aculis PS
Nardostachys jatamansi T Phoenix dactylifera PS
Nauclea cordifolia S Phoenix patudosa PS
Nelumbo' nucif~ra T Phoenix sylavestris PS
Nepheliu'm longana S Phragmites karka PS
Nerium indicum C Phylantus simplex S·
Nerium odorum C Phyllanthus niruri S
Nicotiana plumbaginifolia S Physalis minima S
Nicotiana tabacum C Pintacia integerrima T
Nigella sativa C Pinus longifolia C
contd...

Piper aurantiacum C Purnus cerasoides T

Piperbetre C Putranjiva roxburghii C
Piper cuoeba T Pyrus communis C
Piper longum T Quamoclit pinnata C
Piper nigrum TIC Quisqualis densiflora C
Pisum sativum C Quisqualis indica C
Plumbago zeylanica S Randia dumetorum S
Plumeria acutifolia C Ranuculus sceleratus S
Plumeria rubra C Raphanus sativus C
Podophyllum hexandrum 00 Rauwolfia canescens
Podophyllym emodi 00 Rauwolfia serpentina T
Poinciana pulcherrima C Rauwolfia tetraphylla
Poinciana regia C Rheumemodi 0
Polyalthia suberosa S Rhododendron arboreum T
Polyanthes tuberosa C Rhus succedanes S
Polyasthia longifolia C Richinus communis C
Polygonatum cirrhifolium 00 Rosa damascena C
Polygonatum oppositifolium 00 Roscoea purpurea S
Polygonatum verticillatum S Rubia cordifolia S
Polygonum hydropiper S Saccharum benaglense PS
Polygonu"m orientate S Saccharum officinarum C
PolypodilJm quercifolium S Saccolabium papillosurn S
Pongamia pinnata S Salvadora oleo ides
Portulaca oleracea S Salvadora persica
Portulaca quadrifida S Sansevieria roxburghiana C
Potamogeton indicus PS Santalum album C
Premna integrifolia S Sapindus trifoliatua S
Premna latifolia S Saraca indica C
Prunus amygdalus T Sarcosttemma acidum S
Prunus communis C Saussurea appa T
Prunus persica C Schleichera oleosa S
Prunus puddum C Schleichera trijuga S
Psoralia corylifolia C Scindapsus officina lis C
Psoralia corylifolia S Semecarpus anacardium C
Pterocarpus marsupium C Sesbania grandiflora C
Pterocarpus santalinus C Sesbania sesbams C
Pterospermum suberifolium S Setaria italica C
Pueraria tuberosa S Shcrebera swiettenioides S
Punica grantum C Shorea robusta
contd...
Sida cordifolia S Tamarixdioica S

Sida rhomboidea S Tamarix gallica S
Smilax glabra T Tamarix indica S
Smilax indica Tamarix troupii S
Solanum indicum S Taxus baccata T
Solanum khasianum C Tectona grandis C
Solanum melongena C Tephrosla purpurea S
Solanum nigrum S Terminalia arjuna C
Solanum torvum S Terminalia belerica PS
Solanum xanthocarpum S Terminalia chebula S
Sorghum vulgare C Terminalia citrina S
Soymida febrifuga Thalictrum foiolosum T
Sphaeranthus indicus S Thespesia populnea S
Spinacia oleracea C Thevetia nerifolia C
Spondias dulcis S Thevetia peruviana C
Spondias mangifera S Tinospora cordifolia T
Stehania glabra S Tinospora malabarica T
Stephania hernandifolia S Tinospora tomenstosa T
Stereospermum suaveolens PS Trachyspermum ammi T
Stereospermum tetragonum PS Tragia involucrata S
Streblus asper S Trapa bispinosa PS
Strychnos nuxcomica S Trewia nudiflora S
Strychnos potatorum Trianthema monogyna S
Swertia chi rata T Trianthema portulacastrum S
Sylvinia cucullata S Tribulus terrestris T
Symplocos laurina T Trichosanthes anguina C
Symplocos racemosa T Trichosanthes bracteata C
Syzygium aromaticum Trichosanthes dioica C
Syzygium cumini S Trichosanthes palmate C
Syzygium fruticosa S Trigonella corniculata c·
Syzygium operculatum S Trigonella foenum-graecum C
Tabernaemontana coronaria C Triticum aestivum C
Tacca aspera S Tylophora asthmatica T
Tacca integrifolia S Tylophora indica S
Tamarindus indica C Typha elaphantina PS
Tamarix aphylla S Typha latifolia PS
Tamarix arthiculata S Typhonium trilobatum S
Chapter Fourteen
Research and Cultivation
The chapter gives list of more than 50 Institutions engaged in

Research and Cultivation of medicinal plants in India.
Not a single publication of the institution or cultivation
authorities has made any assessment on the status of medicinal
plants in India pertaining to density, frequency and regeneration
status of various species.
It is suggested that these organizations set up research units
for field survey of herb, shrub, climbers and grasses on statistical
background. Research in this field is still very inadequate.
Table 14.1 : List of Some Institutions/Organisations Engaged
in Reseaf"ch/Cultivation of Medicinal Plants
SI. Name of Institution Agro-technique available
No.
1. Department of Agricultural Botany
and Crop Physiology. Jawaharlal
Nehru Krishi Vishwa Vidyalaya.
JABALPUR-482 004 (MP)
2. Regional Research Laboratory.
BHUBANEWSWAR-751 013 (Orissa)
3. Centre for Advanced Study in Botany. Gymnema sylvestre
University of Madras. (madhunashni)
CHENNAI-600 025 Andrographis
Peniculata (Kalmegh)
4. Kerala Agricultural University. Saraca asoca (Ashok)
Aromatic & Medicinal Plants
Research Station.
AsamannoorP.O. Odakkali.
KERALA-683549
5. National Botanical Research Institute
Rana Pratap Marg.
LUCKNOW-226 001
contd...
Research and Cultivation 289

No.
6. Division of Floriculture, Inula racemosa

Medicinal & Agricultural Science and (Pushkarmool),
Technology, Shalimar, Swertia chirata
SRINAGAR- 191 121 (Chirayata)
7. Nagarjun Medicinal Plants Garden, Embelia ribes
Dr. Punjabrao Deshmuk Krishi (Vidanga)
Vidyapeeth, P.O. Krishinagar,
AKOLA-4 (Maharashtra).
8. Tropical Botanical Garden and
Research Institute (TBGRI),
Karimancode, P.O. Palode,.
Thiruvanthapuram- 695 562 (KERALA)
9. Deptt. Horticulture & Project,
Narender Dev University of Agriculture
& Technology, Narander Nagar.
P.O. Kumarganj, FAIZABAD-224 229
10. Central Institute of Medicinal and
Aromatic Plants (CIMAP)
P.O. CIMAP, LUCKNOW-226 015
11. Division of Plant Science & Ecology Chlorophytum
Regional Research Laboratory arundinaceum
JORHAT-785 006 (Assam) (Musali Safaid)
12. Head, Departmerft of Agro-forest and
Environment, H.P. Krishi Viswa
Vidyalaya, PALAMPUR-176 062 (H.P.)
13. Department of Natural Products, Bacopa mannleri
Education & Research, Sector-67, (Brahmi), Asparagus
SAS. Nagar, MOHAU-160 062 (Punjab) adscendensh
14. Jamia Hamdard, Hamdard Nagar, Tinospora cordifolia
NEW DELHI-11 0 062 (Guduchi)
15. High Altitude Plant Physiology Picrorrhiza kurroa,
Research Centre, H.N. B. Garhwal Aconitum
University, Post Box -14, heterophyllum (Atees)
Srinagar, Nardostachys
GARHWAL-246174 Jatamansi (Jatamansi)
16. Herbal Garden, Herbarium & Research Bacopa monnieri
Institute in ISM, Manali-Pathankot (Brahmi)
Highway, Government of H.P.,
JOGINDER NAGAR District
Mandi- 176061 (HP)
17. NWFP, Division Tropical Forest
Research Institute, P.O. RFRC,
Mandla Road, JABALPUR-482 021 (MP)
contd...
No.
18. Deptt. of Botany, J.N. Vyas University, Commiphora wightii

JODHPUR- 342 001 (Guggal)
19. Director, State Forest Research
Institute, Polopather,
JABALPUR- 482 008 (MP)
20. Horticulture (M& AP), University
of Agricultural Sciences, G.K.V.K.,
Campus. BANGALORE-560 065
21. Head, NWFP, forest Research Institute
(ICFRE), P.O. New Forest,
DEHRADUN-248 006 (Uttaranchal)
22. Insttl of Himalayan Bioresource
Technology, Palampur Post Box No. 6,
HIMACHAL PRADESH-176 062
23. NBPGR, Pusa Campus, Asparagus racemosus
New Delhi-110 012 (Satavari)
24. NBPGR, Regional Station,
Distt. Nainital
BHOWALI-263 132 (UP)
25. NBPGR Regional Station, Aconitum palmatum
Phagli, (Partivisha),
SHIMLA- 171 004 Aconitum ferox (Vatsnab)
26. Regional Research Laboratory (Jorhat)
Branch, Ita Nagar, P.O. Naharlagun
NAHARLAGUN-791 110
(Arunachal Pradesh)
27. Director. Indian Inst. Of Horticultural
Research, BANGALORE-560 089
28. Department of Agronomy,
College of Agriculture, G.B. Pant
University of Agriculture &
Technology,
PANT NAGAR-263 145 (UP).
29. Director, Regional research Laboratory
(CSIR), Canal Road,
JAMMU-TAWI-180 001 (J&K)
30. Mahatma Phule Krishi Vidyapeeth,
Rahuri, Distt. Ahmednagar,
MAHARASHTRA
31. NBPGR, Regional Station
New Kench's Trace, Shillong,
SHILLONG-793 013. (Meghalaya).
contd...
No.
32. Deptt. of Horticulture,

S.K.N. College of Agriculture,
Rajasthan Agriculture University,
JOBNER- 303 329 (Rajasthan).
33. Pt. Jawaharlal Nehru College of
Agriculture & Research Institute
KARAIKAL-609 603 (Pondicherry)
34. J.L. Nehru Ayurvedic Medicinal Asparagus racemosus
Plants Garden, Kothrud, PUNE (Shatavari)
(Maharashtra)
35. Uttan, Centre for Sustainable Phyllanthus amarus
Development & Poverty Alleviation (Bhumi amlaki),
18-A, Auckland Road, Civil Lane Asparagus racemosus
ALLAHABAD (Shatavari), Bacopa
Monnieri (Brahmi),
Withania Somnifera
(Ashwagandha)
36. Survey of Medicinal Plants Unit
Regional Research Institute of Unani
MediCine. Post Box 70.
Aligarh-202 001.
37. Guggal herbal form Mangliawas
CCRAS, Ajmer (Rajasthan).
38. Department of Botany, J.N. Vyas
University, Jodhpur- 342 001
Rajasthan.
39. Department of Plants Breeding,
Vhaudhary Charan Singh Agriculture
University Haryana, Hissar- 125004.
40. CEDMAP, 60, Jail Road, Jahangirabad.
Bhopal (Madhya Pradesh).
(Source: National Medical Plants Board. Ministry of Health & Family Welfare,
Government of India).
Research and Development Centres:

Following are R & 0 centers in India:
1. Council of Scientific and Industrial Research:
• RRL. at Jorhat.
• R R L. at Bhubaneswar.
2. Central Institute of medicine and Aromatic plants at Lucknow.
• I.CA.R. Research:
• National Bureau of Plant Genetic Research.
• Indian Horticultural Research Institute.
• CentalArid Zone Research Institute, Jodhpur.
• Central plantation Crop Research Institute, Kasaragod.
3. Universities:
• G.B. Plant University of Agriculture and Technology.
• Punjab Agricultural University, Ludhiana.
• Tamilnadu Agricultural University, Coimbatore.
• Kerala Agricultural University, Oddakali.
• Gujarat Agricultural University, Anand.
4. Others:
• Indian Council Of Forestry Research and Education,
Dehradun.
• Cinchona Departmet
Medicinal plant directorates of West Bengal and Tamilnadu
carry out research. to a limited edient or several servies.
The research should pinpoint the following points:
• Which part or parts are used: Is froot or root bark leaf,
lower, fruit or any other part.
• Which time of the year such parts are to be collected to get
best efficacy.
Cultivation
Details of cultivation have not been brought under the
discussion. Only some important aspects have been discussed.
Some aspects are-
• National Medical Board gives priority in cultivation of the
following speices :
Emblica officinalis, Saraca asoca, Withania somnifera,
Aconitium heterofphyllum, Aegle marmelos, Phyllanthus
amarus, Bacopa momeri, Santalum album, Swertia cltirata,
Tinospora cordifolia, Gymllema sylvestre, Commifera wightii,
Plantago ova ta, Nardostachys jatamal1si, Glorosa superba,
A11drographis paniculata, Garcinia indica, Saussurea cost us,
Picorrhiza kurroa, Glycyrrhiza glapra, Solanum nigram,

Chlorophytum boviisllianum, Cotus barbatus, Piper longifera,
Belenis artolata, Crocus sativus, Rauwolfia superntina.
• Cultivation of Aromatic Plants:
Pandanus fasciculatus, Aquilaria malaccansis, Cardamum,
Clove, Eucalyptus, Fennel, Cinnamomum, Coriandum,
Jasmine, Rose, Pepper, Vetiver, Nutmeg, Citronella, Belladona,
Anoniluim, Acuminata, Gloriosa superba, Rauwolfia
serpentia, Cephalis, Amnimajus, Pyrethrum, Chry
santhemum, Cinerariae olium, Cinchona officinalis, C.
micrantha, C. robusta, C. ledgerira, Aloe vera, Dioscorea
floribunda, D. compos ita, Solanum khasianum, Cost us
speciosus, Datura innoxa, Datura metel, Datura stramonium,
Solanum khsianum, Cassia absus, Cassia fi9tula, Celastrus
zeylanious, Cissus quadrangularis, Coptis teeta, Cordya myxa,
Croton obongiflorus, Curculigo orchioides, Cyperus rolundus,
Digitalis parpurea, Elettaria cardomum, Tribullus terrestris,
Taxus baccara, Solanum surattensis.
• Medicinal Plants Cultivated in Nilgiri (T. Sekar Ind. For
2004 J~nuary) :
Plants Cultivated at Dodabela
Resemarinus officinalis-Iabiatae - Skui, Uses eczema, dandruff, bronchitis
rhenralsin.
Thymus vulgaris
Pelagonium graveolens Geraniaceae Perfume
Oreganum vulgare Lamiaceae Food flavour
Petroselinum crispum Umbellifera Sedative
Salvia officinalis Lamiaceae Tonsilitis
Tanacetum parthenum As8Iraceae Migrane
• Cultivation of other Species.all over the Country.
Piper Iongum, Cardamon, Clove, Natmeg, Cinnamom, Ginger,
Termuric, Mentha arvensis, Mentha piperata, Cymbopogon, C.
martini, Vetiveria zizamioides, Eucalyptus cotriodora,
Santalum albunly Oseimum gratissimum, Jasminum sp.,
Geraneum sp., Saussuretl sp., Cyperus rotundus, Skimmia
laurala, Artopha belladonna, A. acuminata, Cloriosa superba,
Colchicum autumnate, Caltha ranthus, Rauwolfia senpentiva,
Cephaelis ipececauhna, Ammi majus, Pyrethrum,
Crysanthmum cenariaefolium, Cinchona officinalis, C.
muramilka, C. robusta, C. calisya, C. ledgerina, Digitalis sp.,
Carthmus sp., Datura metal, Solanum bhasianum, Costas
speciosus, Dioscorea prazeri, D. deltoidea.
• Eastern Himalayan sp. which have immense prospects
for large scale cultivation (R.c. Sundruyal, lnd. For. Jan,
2005)
Aconitum ferox, A. hetrophyllum, Acorus catamus, Amonum
subulatum, Androgrophis culata, Aquilaria malaccensis,
Cinnamomum zeylanicum, Coptis teeta, Dioscorea
flroribunda, Gymnaderia orclidis, Illicicum griffithii.
Oroxylum indicum, Panax pseudo ginseng, Picororniza
kurroa, Piper lomgum, Rubia cordifolia, Taxus baccata,
Swertia cirata, Tinospora cordifolia, Whitharia somnifera.
• The contribution of Dr. Wallich, Dr. Wight, Dr. Birdwood,
Dr. Baden Powel, Dr. Kanailal Dey, Sir George King, Dr.
Kirtikar, Major Basu, Dr. Chopra, Dr. Nadkarni, Kaviraj
Braja Chandra Gupta are praise worthy.
• Dr. Chopra mentioned indiscriminate exploitation of
plants like Rauwolfia, Belledona and many other
medicinal plants.
• Dr. Chopra feels that cultivation of Digitalis, Belladona,
Hyoseyamus, Pyrethrum, Seena, Wattle, Derris,
Geranium, Pepperment, Datura and several other species
has been very positive and encouraging step.
• Since 1947 India has made tremendous progress in
agrotechnology, process-technology, standardization
quality control, research and development.
• Leading Indian research centers have started to seek
patentable genes using the latest genetic engineering
techniques. More than 400 useful plants have been
identified.
It is an undisputed fact that Ind;a is one of the richest in
medicinal plants possessing diverse medicinal properties. Various
qualities of medicinal plants for remedy of various diseases. The
history on researches on medicinal plants and various information
related to the subject has not been discussed in this work as such
information are available in various literatures.
The most acceptable work of the authorities on the subject

namely Kirtikar and Bose, Ashima Chatterjee, R.N. Chopra, K.P.
Biswas, Sibakali Bhattacharya and a few others who have done
indepth research on the qualities of medicinal plants their
chemistry and applications are available in various literatures.
Nevertheless these literatures hafdly mention about the present
status of medicinal plants of this country. They do not even
mention about the threats the medicinal plants are facing
depletion these days.
Wide Scale Cultivation is the Remedy for Rapid Depletion

of Species
The supply base of ninety percent herbal raw drugs used in the
manufacture of Ayurveda, Siddha, Unani and Homoeopathy
systems of medicine is mainly from the forests. Besides this, plants
are also used in various industries producing herbal items other
than medicines. This wild source is speedily sinking day by day.
Therefore, there is need for conservation and su~tainable use
of medicinal plants. Cultivation is clearly a sustainable
alternative to the present collection of medicinal plants from the
wild. This can be a potential provider of returns to the farmers/
cultivators.
Keeping the aforesaid view of R.B.S. Rawat of National
Medicinal Plants Board, the author thinks there is need for a very
wide scale projects for cultivation of at least 300 species of medicinal
plants in India.
Chapter Fifteen
Conservation Strategy
Conservation Strategy
The Indian Forest Act, 1972 took care of increasing demand
for wild medicinal plants in the organized manufacturing sector.
Under this Act the export 'of RlluwolJia serpentina has been banned.
The following plants have been over exploited:
Clausena excavata, Atylosia scarabaeoides, Andrographis
painculata, Helecteres isora, Centrella asiaticia, /atropa
curCJlS, Anisomeles ovata, Scoparia duIcis, Plumeria acutifolia,
Vitis repanda, Nyctanthes arbortristis, Phyllanthus niruri,
Echinocloa colona, Feronia elephantum, Abrus precatorius,
Erycibe panieulata, Recellia suffruticosa, Vernonia
anthelmintica, Acorus calamus, Orchis laxiflora, Asparagus
racemosus, Polygala crota lariodis.
Dhan Singh et al. (Ind. For. March 2005) v/rites that
commercial enterprises and local dwellers are regularly exploiting
natural heritage of medicinal plants in Uttaranchal. So, there is an
urgent need of conservation of these valuable plants through
cultivation. Poor marketing structure in the country is the
primary challenge towards its promotion and cultivation.
Utlaranchal Strategy
There is no prohibition in th~ collection of the following
species:
Azadirachta indica (N~em), Boerhaavia diffusa
(Punamava), Calotropis sp. (Aak), Cymbopogon martini
(Agyadhas), Eclipta alba (Mrigraj), Fumaria vallantii
(Shahtaria), Hibiscusrosa sinensis Oaba), Mentha viridis
(Pudina), Mimosa pudica (Lajjavati), Nymphaea sp.
(Padma), Ocimum sanctum (Tulsi), Phaseollls triloblls
Conservation Strategy 297
(Moongpami), Phyllanthus nirun (Bhuinaonla), Ricinus
communis (Arand), Rosa sp. (Golab), Sida cordifolill (8ala),
Abutilon indicum (Alivala), Solanum nigran (Makay),
Tephrosia purpurea (Sarpunkha), Tribulus terrestris (Chota
gokhra). These are all growing wild but there is no
inventory.
(Anil Kumaret., al. Ind. For. 2004 Jan.)
Summary of the Responsibilities of the Various Ministries and Departments

of Government of India Regarding Medicinal Plants
Ministry/Department SubjecUArea of Work
Department of Indian PreparatioQ of list of medicinal plants in ISM.
System~ of Medicine Documentation of local health traditions and
Indian System of medicine and homeophthy.
Encouragement to ex-situ cultivation.
Development of agro technologies.
Department of Bio- Tissue culture and preservation of medicinal

technology. plants.
Department of Science Bio-technologies, agro-technologies, CSIR

and Technology germplasm preservations, ete.
Minisrty of Agriculture Ex-situ propagation of medicinal plants.

Development of agro-technologies. Tissue culture
and preservation of medicinal plants.
Ministry of Environment Conservation of medicinal plants. Identification and

and Forests notification of threatened species and advice to
the Ministry of Commerce to regulate their export.
Documentation of ethno-botanical use of medicinal

plants.
Studies on ethno-biology, survey and identification

of plants including medicinal plants by Botanical
Survey of India.
Ministry of Commerce Regulation of export of medicinal plants, plant

produds or their derivatives as per the advice of
MoEF.
State Govemments Colladion of medicinal plants from the wild. Ex-

situ cultivation of priority species.
5.
Summary of Responsibilities Handled by Different Wings of the Ministry of
Environment and Forests Regarding Medicinal Plants
Division of MoEF Areas of responsibility
Conservation Strategy Convention of Biological Diversity (CBD). Medicinal
Division plant conservation and protection of traditional
knowledge.
Intellectual Property Rights and community

benefitsharing as required under the CBD and the
proposed national legislation on biological diversity.
Coordinating the activities ofTBGRI, FRLGT, Govind

Ballabh Plant Institure fo Himalayan Environment
and Development and the Botanical Survey of India
in the area of medicinal plants.
Forest Wing The regulations under the Indian Forest Act 1927
and National Forest Policy 1988. ICFRE is engaged
in research relating to medicinal plants.
National Afforestation A scheme of NAEB on non-timber forest produce

and Eco Development (NTFR) to promote in situ regeneration of forest
Board (NAEB) produce, which includes conservation of medicinal
plants to increase their production and replenish
the stock.
Local community involvement and value addition.
Towards Sustainable Management of Medicinal Plants

It is clear that in order to move towards a system of sustainable
management of medicinal plants, a number of aspects need to be
addressed. Some of these are summarized below.
• Better information on the current status and potential
production of medicinal plants, both those that are
cultivated and those that are collected from the wild, is
required as a baseline from which to estimate trends in
production. This is necessary before strategies for
sustainable production can be developed. Current
information on production potential, means for, and
limits of sustainable extraction, number of units
manufacturing products and their raw material
requirement, use by local vaidyas, etc. needs to be brought
together.
• Supply chain information is currently poor, ~nd
notoriously difficult to obtain given the non-transparent
,
nature of the trade. Collectors are generally not aware of

the market prices of plants beyond the price paid by the
local agent, and have no bargaining power. In fact, it
appears that at each stage of the chain, the various actors
involved have little knowledge of prices paid further along
the chain. Improving the information, may help the
collectors to get a better share of the final price of the
plants, thereby increasing their stake in sustainable
management.
• There is potential for organization of collectors at the local
level. Promising models for local organizatio~ of
medicinal plant collectors are already being developed
and may serve to reduce the risk in business and degree of
dependency upon traders to which collectors are
currently vulnerable. Such organization might also
provide possibilities for mutually enforced codes of
collection and for associated marketing benefits.
Development of local institutions, with external
facilitation and micro-credit assistance provided to
primary collectors will support the development of micro-
enterprises. This may enhance the bargaining power of
primary collectors and shorten the supply chain-
although it is likely that local agents will still have a role
to play. The Small Industrial Development Bank of India
(SIDBI) has several such schemes of extending micro -
credit facilities for enterprise develpment. Small -scale
value addition options, which can be carried out at
primary collector's level and community level, will yield
better results and ensure sustainable management and
development of resources.
• The legal and administrative structure pertaining to
medicinal plants can also play an important role in
sustainable management. Regulatory mechanisms that
control the extent and nature of extraction can ensure
that plants are sustainably harvested, while government
support prices (or other incentives) can help ensure a fair
share for the primary collector / cultivator.
• Means for ensuring quality are of concern to the industry
and to consumers. There is a need for some system of:'
quality control to be developed. Apart from ensuring the
300 Endangered Medicinal Pla~ts
quality of raw material of correct botanical specifications,
it is also necessary that the ingredients listed on ayurvedic
products is actually used in the specified proportions.
• Another quality related aspect pertains to the preservation
of the harvested raw material. Many species are harvested
during the monsoon period and the moisture in the
atmosphere makes the harvested raw material susceptible
to fungal attacks. Currently there are practically no facilities
or methods available at the collector level that prevent the
raw drug from getting a fungal attack. The raw material
either gets thrown away or, as is often the case, infected
raw material is used in the final formulation. Any research
undertaken on the preservation of the raw drug will hence
go a long way in quality- and waste-control.
• The increasing involvement of casual untrained labour in
the collection of medicinal plants from the wild is
resulting in the use of unscientific harvest practices that
are damaging to the plant as well as the environment.
There is a need to not only impart scientific training to
harvesters but also to educate them about the short-term
and long-term advantages of following harvest practices
that do not damage the plants in the long run.
• Support to small and marginal farmers to undertake
cultivation of low-risk medicinal plants cannot only help
bring marginal lands under cultivation but also increase
production as well as improve returns to these farmers.
This will, at least in some cases, reduce pressure on forest
areas to meet income needs of the dependent communities.
Medicinal Plants: Needs More of Conservation and

Preservation:
There should be a number of herbaria where most of the
species of medicinal plants will be preserved in sheets and listed.
Various herbaria viz. sibpur Botanical Garden at Howrah under
B.S.I., Indian council of Forest Research and Education, Dehra
Dun; Central Drug Research Institute, Lucknow; Drug Research
Laboratory in Jammu and Kashmir have a good collection of
medicinal plants of India. Fruits and seeds of all species are to be
properly preserved in formalin and in other chemicals. This needs
proper planning. The regional herbaria of B.S.I. can be a good

resource base, as correct identification of species is of prime
importance.
It is worthwhile in this connect~on to mention about vast
literature and preserved materials and manuscripts written on
palm leaves in the past which were mutilated by the invaders. The
conquerors have introduced their own system of medicines as they
were hostile towards the systems by the alien rulers. For about a
thousand years Indian research, as a result, suffered a set back.
Appendix
List of some important publications.

SI.No.
1. A report of medicianl plants of Kachchh (Gujarat) - CCRAS, 61-
65, Institutional Area, Janakpuri, New Delhi-58, 1998.
2. Contribution of medico-botany of east Godavari and west
Godavari district of Andhra Pradesh -CCRAS, 61-65, Institutional
Area, Janakpuri, New Delhi-58, 1989.
3. Glimps of medico-botany of Bastar district <Madhya Pradesh) -
CCRAS, 61-65, Institutional Area, Janakpuri, New Delhi-58, 1990.
4. Medico-Botanical exploration of Puri district (Orissa)- - CCRAS,
61-65, Institutional Area, Janakpuri, New Delhi-58, 1989.
5. Medico-Ethno-Botany of Sonel>hadra district- CCRAS, 61-65,
Institutional Area, Janakpuri, New Delhi-58, 1993.
6. Medico-Ethno-Botanical exploration of Sikkim Himalayas-
CCRAS, 61-65, Institutional Area, Janakpuri, New Delhi-58, 1991.
7. Medical Plants of Nagpur and Wardha forest division
(Maharashtra)- CCRAS,61-65, Institutional Area, Janakpuri, New
Delhi- 58,1999.
8. Observation of Medico-Botany of Andaman- Nicobar Islands-
CCRAS, 61-65, Institutional Area, Janakpuri, New Delhi -58,1980.
9. Preliminary techno Economical Survey of natural resources and
herbal wealth of Laddakh-CCRAS, 61-65, Institutional Area,
Janakpuri, New Delhi-58, 1978.
10. Tribal pocket of Nilgiris recording of the field study on
medicinal flora and health practices-CCRAS, 61-65, Institutional
11. UUarkhand vanoushadhi Darshika- CCRAS,61-65, Institutional
12. Cultivation of Guggulu-CCRAS, 61-65, Institutional Area,
janakpuri, New Delhi-58, 1999.
13. Experimental Cultivation of Saffron (Kumkum)-CCRAS, 61-65,
Institutional Area, Janakpuri, New Delhi-58, 1995.
14. Pharmacognosy of Indigenous drugs-CCRAS, 61-65, Institutional
15. Phytochemical investigation of certain medical plants used in
Ayurveda-CCRAS, 61-65, Institutional Area, Janakpuri, New
Delhi-58, 1990.
16. Database on medicinal plants used in Ayurveda Volume-I,ll&:
III- CCRAS, 61-65, Institutional Area, Janakpuri, New Delhi-58,
2000.
17. Album ISM medicinal plants -PLIM, l11-A.C.G.O. Complex-I,
Kamla Nehru Nagar Ghaziabad, 1997.
18. Album of crude drugs- PUM, 11l-A.C G.O. Complex-I, Kamla
Nehru Nagar, Ghaziabad, 1999.
19. Plants drugs of Ayurvedic pharmacopoeia of India
Volume-l-PLIM,111-A.C.G.O. Complex-I, Kamla Nehru Nagar
Ghaziabad, 2001.
20. A contribution of medicinal plants of Aligarh (Uttar Pradesh)
-1 CCRUM, 61-65, Institutional Area, Janakpuri, New Delhi - 58.
21. Medicinal plants of Gwalior forests division-CCRUM, 61-65,
Institutional Area, Janakpuri, New Delhi -58.
22. Medicinal Plants of Andhra Pradesh Part-l-CCRUM, 61-65,
Institutional Area, Janakpuri, New Delhi-58.
23. Medicinal Plants of North Arcot district, TamiI Nadu-CCRUM,
61-65, Institutional Area, Janakpuri, New Delhi-58.
24. Potential antimalarial herbal drugs from south eastern Indian
-CCRUM, 61-65, Institutional Area, Janakpuri, New Delhi-58.
25. A guide to important medicinal plants used in Homoeopathy
Volume-l-HPL,1l1-A CG.O. Complex-I, Kamla Nehru Nagar
Ghaziabad,1996.
26. A guide to important medicinal plants used in Homoeopathy
Volume-II-HPL, Ill-A c.G.O. Complex -1 Kamla Nehru Nagar
Ghaziabad,1997.
27. A photographic album on medicinal plants used in
Homoeopathy, Volume-I- HPL, Ill-A CG.O. Complex -I, Kamla
Nehru Nagar Ghaziabad. 1998.
28. A photographic album on medicinal plants used in
Homoeopathy, Volume-II-HPL, Ill-A c.G.O. Complex -I, Ka'rnla
Nehru Nagar Ghaziabad, 1999.
Appendix 305
29. A compendium of active principles/phytochemicals of medicinal
plants used in Homoeopathy, Volume-I- HPL, Ill-A c.G.O.
Complex-1, Kamla Nehru Nagar Ghaziabad, 2001.
30. A check list of Homoeopathic medicinal plants of India-
CCRH,61-65, Institutional Area, Janakpuri, New Delhi- 58,1996.
31. Common Indian plants used in Homoeopathy - CCRH, 61-65,
Instifutional Area, Janakpuri, New Delhi-58, 1998.
32. A series of 2S medicinal plants by D.N. Tiwari, et.al. -Uttan
Centre for Sustainable Development & Poverty Alleviation 1B-A,
Auckland Road, Allahabad-2ool.
( Source: National Medical Plants Board)
Bibliography
1. Anonymous (1999)- State of Forest Report, F.S'!. India.

2. Aryal, M. (1993)- The Trade in Himalayan herb.
3. Basu, B.D. (1997)- Indian Medicinal Plant.
4. Biswas, K.P. & Ghosh A. (1977) - Bharatiya Vanausadh
5. Bodding P'O.(1988) -Studies in Santhal Medicine.
6. Botanical Survey of India (1983) - Flora and vegetable of India.
7. Chopra RN. et. al. (1956) - Glossary of Indian medicinal plants
CSIR, New Delhi.
8. Chaudhuri RD. (1932) - Herbal drug Industry.
9. Chaudhuri, A.B (1991) - Environment and Ecology of Herb-Shrub
Flora.
Chaudhuri, A.B. et. al. (2002) - Biodiversity endangered.
Chaudhuri, A.B. et. al. (2003) - Megadiversity conservation.
10. Chopra, RN. et. al. (1958) - Indigenous drug of India.
11. Handa, S.S. (1992) - Medicinal plants based drug.
12. Kamboj, V.P. ( 2000 ) - Herbal medicine, current science.
13. Kirtikar & Bose (1918) - Indian Medicinal Plant.
14. Mudgal, V., Hazra, P.K. (1997) - Floristic diversity and
Conserva tion.
15. Mukherjee, G.N. (1974)- History of Indian Medicine.
16. Mulliken T.n.d. - New Support for medicinal plants.
17. National Medical Plant Board (2000) - Cultivation Practices of some
commercially important medicinal plants.
18. Niraj Subrat et. al. (2002) - The ayurvedic medicine industry:
.19. Oliver - Bever B. (1986) - Medicinal Plants of Tropical Africa.
20. Planning Commission ( 2000 ) - Report of the Task Force on
Conservation and Sustainable use of medicinal plants.
21. Surna, T.S. ( 1998 ) - The medicinal plants are melting.
22. Srivastava J. et. al. (1996) - Medicinal plants.
23. Turtha ( 1988 ) - The ayurveda encyclopedia.
Index
A. General Trade and Commerce

Actiona Plan 41 Banned species 129
Conservation 39, 40 Export production 126
Conservation Strategy 261 Export/Import 30, 115
Conservation Value 31 Global market 133
Drung Industry 28 Licenced Pharma 125
Essential Oil 29 B. Botanical Names
Forest Cover 3 (Some important genera)
High demand genera 133 Abies 101
Medicinal Plants Abrus 72
- Crisis 20 Abroma 63
- Check list by Abutilon 68
K. Bose 61 Acer 79
S. Bhattacharayya 101 Acacia 74
R.N. Chopra 108 Acorus 95
- Herb flora 168-180 Aconitum 62
- Shrub flora 153-167 Adonis 61
- Tree flora 135-152 Aegle 68
- Area wise list Ailanthus 68
Laterite 24 Alpina 91
Arid 202 Altingia 68
North East 277 Alysicarpus 72
Sundarbans 218 Anemone 61
- Status 26 Antidesma 90
- Qualities 181-185 Argemone 63
Research and Cultivation 288 Areca 94
Threatened Sp. 131 Astragalas
Thteat to biodiversity 37 Asteraceae 85
Trade 33 Averhoaa 67
Asparagus 93 Drosera 76
Dysoxylum 69
Balaniles 69
Baliospermum 103 Elaeocarpus 68
Bauhinia 74 Elaeodendron 70
Betula 91 Eriolaena 67
Biophylum 67 Erythroxylon 68
Bixa 64 Evodea 67
Boerhaa~a 87
Bombax 67 Garcinia 66
Bonnaya 83 Garuga 69
Bruaa 69 Geranium 66
Glycosmis 67
Calotropis 65 Glycena 72
Caltha 62 Glycyrrhiza 72
Canarium 69 Gossypium 65
Capparis 64 Grewia 68
Carica 68 Guazuma 68
Cassia 74
Ceiba 67 Hibiscus 65
Celastrus 70 Helecteres 67
Chlorophylum 73 Hidnocarpus 65
Chukrassia 69 Holigarna 71
Cimicifuga 62 Hypericum 66
Cleome 63
Clitoria 73 Iris 91
Cochlospermum 64
Cocos 99 Kydia 65
Connarus 71
Coptus 62 Mahonia -63
Corydalis 63 Malachra 64
Crataeva 64 Malva 61
Melilotus 71
Daedalacanthus 85 Melochia 67
Dalbergia 73 Mimosa 74
Desmodium 72 Mollugo 77
Dillenia 62 Moghonia 68
Dodonoea 71 Myricaria 66
Mucuna 63
Index 311
Nephalium 70 Sophora 73
Nelumbo 63 Solanum 82
Nymphaea 63 Sterculia 67
Strichnos 80
Ochna 69 Strobilanthes 85
Ochrocarpus 68 Syzygium 77
Olax 69 Swertia 81
Onosma 81
Operculina 82 Tecoma 84
Orobancha 84 Terminalia 77
Osbeckia 77 Torenia 83
Oxalis 66 Trapa 78
Oxyria 84 Trianthema 77
Ougenia 72
Uncaria 79
Phoenix 99 Urtica 92
Polyanthes 93 Vanda 25
Populus 91 Valeriana 80
Pterigota 67 Varbena 85
Putranjiva 90 Viburnum 79
Vitex 85
Raphanas 63 Vitis 70
Rhamnas 70
Rosa 75 Woodfordia 78
Walsura 69
Salix 91
Salicornia 88 Xylia 74
Sambucus 79
Saponaria 65 Zanonia 77
Seseli 78 Zanthoxylum 63
Sida 64 Zeuxene 96
Smithia 79 Zingiber 96
Sonnerelia 78 Zizyphus 70
Soymida 69 Zornia 73

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Endangered Medicinal

DAYA PUBLISHING HOUSE

- Sundarban's Mangrove - WIldlife and EcolQgy (1985)

- fish and the Scien:tist (2000)

All rights reserved. Including the right to translate or to reproduce this

Published by Daya Publishing House

Showroom 4760-61/23, Ansari Road,

Laser Composed by Vaishnav Graphics & Systems

Printed at Chawla Offset Printers

Dedicated to Dr. Rakesh Chopra, M.D. and Associate Doctor,

The author duly acknowledges the magnanimity of various

I am a forester by profession and a botanist by University

131, N.S.C. Bose Road, A.B. Chaudhuri

Acknowledgements .................................................................... (vii)

8. Status Assessment of Tree Flora ................................... 134-152

12. Potential Drug Plants of Laterite and

Appendix .................................................................................. 303

Bibliography ............................................................................. 307

Index ......................................................................................... 309

.,- ----.I:--:.~- ~ ~-,

Map 1 : Forest Map of India

BAY Of' BENGAL

Map 2 : Distribution of Forest Cover in India

to draw a correct picture of existing forests in India. The problem

Chang e in Forest Cover

8,659 8,398 21 17,078 13.13 2,836 0-

0 5,745 54.79 38 11>

Andaman & Nicobar Islands 6,515 125 966 7,606 92.21 0 5-

159 43 0 202 41.14 10 e:-

COAL FIELD AREAS OF'I"OfA

eo.! fields unct.

Map 3 : Coal field areas of India

Nov. 98-Jan. 99 44,229 +939 r'

Bihar Nov.-Dec. 94 26.524 Oct. 96-Jan. 97 26,474 -50 ...0-ro

Daman&Diu Oct.-Dec. 94 3 Nov. 96 & Oct. 97 3 0 [

~ AREAS OF HIGH SELENIUM

Map 4 : Map showing selenium polluted areas

mainta in consis tency in compa rison. For doing so, digital

Map 5 : Map of India showing the drough t prone areas.

Map 4 may be super impos ed on other maps on mine,

remedi al method s adopte d. Foresters have a great role to play

Map 7 : Mining areas of India

India Facing a Perilous Landu se and Environmental Crisis

Coastal 500 sp. Central & Eastern Himalayas

Chart 1 : Biogeographical distribution of medicinal plants.

Drought Absence of Regeneration

Chart 3 : Root Causes

Sibakali Kirtikar & Bose's

Arunachal Pradesh Sundargarh

Failure to monitor species

Lack of proper research on

Medicinal Plants (A dwindling resource)

A Resource that is Fragmenting Rapidly

Severe DPA 42% There are 12 Drought

Wetland in mdia may be 320 districts out of 524 districts

Alkali soil 2.5 m ha

Areas affected by 1---+ Diara land 2.4 m. ha

Water logged area -6m. ha.

Flood takes away

Waste land 165 m ha

Chambal river basin

Char. 7 : Perilous land use (Vohra's Assessment)

Accelerated erosion: Various Hazards :