ethnobotanical survey and traditional knowledge of some medicinal
TRANSCRIPT
General Impact Factor (GIF): 0.875
Scientific Journal Impact Factor: 1.205
International Journal of Applied And Pure Science and
Ethnobotanical survey and
aromatic plants of Himachal Pradesh
Savita Rani1*, Rakesh Kumar Chahota
1Department of Agricultural Biotechnology, CSK HPKV Palampur (HP)
The present study was focused on the analysis, documentation and interpretation of trad
knowledge and ethno-medicinal phyto
Mandi) of Himachal Pradesh. Himachal Prades
repository of aromatic and medicinal plants.
locally for various purposes. All of th
reported as rare locally. Four new ethnobotanical uses are reported in
hamiltonii, Pinus wallichiana and Polygonum persicaria
Pradesh for the first time. Our findings suggest that
of the recipes. Majority of the recipes are prepared in the form of decoction from freshly collected
plant parts. Mostly a single species is used and are mainly taken orally. Unsustainable collection
methods, poor post harvest methods, soil erosion and intense deforestation are the main causes of
the depletion of local flora. Local
ailments, so loss of these plant resources will be certain extent to a
healthcare system in the studied area.
Key Words: Himachal Pradesh; Indigenous knowledge;
Indian Himalayan region, with its unique location, geography, glaciations and continued up
liftment (Mani 1974) is one amongst the biodiversity hotspots (
more than 9000 plant species, of which nearly 33 % are endemic (Dhar
number of studies on medicinal and aromatic plants have been carried out in the Indian H
Region (Jain 1991; Samant et al.,
Pradesh, such studies are incomplete and mainly focused on inventory (Chauhan 1996, 1999;
Samant et al., 2001; Badola 2001; Sood
1982; Samant and Pant 2006; Kala 2006
1984; Chauhan 1999; Aswal and Mehrotra 1994; Sharma and Singh
1999; Sharma and Dhaliwal 1997a, 1997b; Sing
mentioned medicinal uses of plants in ethnobotanical notes, floristic and biodiversity studies.
Medicinal plants are used in the Ayurvedic, Unani,
in plant-based pharmaceutical industries.
alternative for primary health care system (
allopathic medicine and inaccessibility of medicinal health care facilities especi
the locals are compelled to rely on medicinal plants.
identified as the main causes of decline in the population
the Himalayan region (Samant et al.
traditional ethnopharmacy, coupled with the increasing preference for natural substances in the
healthcare system, the natural stock of medicinal plants of Himachal Pradesh is under tremendou
pressure (Samant et al., 1998).
The field surveys were carried out
importance of medicinal plants in
information is gathered through several
General Impact Factor (GIF): 0.875
Scientific Journal Impact Factor: 1.205
International Journal of Applied And Pure Science and
Agriculture
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p- ISSN: 2394
Ethnobotanical survey and traditional knowledge of some medicinal and
Himachal Pradesh, North - West Himalaya
*, Rakesh Kumar Chahota1 and Tilak Raj Sharma
Department of Agricultural Biotechnology, CSK HPKV Palampur (HP) - 176 062 India.
Abstract
The present study was focused on the analysis, documentation and interpretation of trad
phyto-wisdom in four districts (Chamba, Kangra
Himachal Pradesh, a hilly state of North-West Himalayas is a
medicinal plants. A total of 47 plant species are reported as being used
locally for various purposes. All of these plant species are collected from the wild, 7 of which are
Four new ethnobotanical uses are reported in Clematis grata, Indigofera
and Polygonum persicaria from different parts of the Himachal
Our findings suggest that leaves are the major plant part used in most
of the recipes. Majority of the recipes are prepared in the form of decoction from freshly collected
plant parts. Mostly a single species is used and are mainly taken orally. Unsustainable collection
ds, soil erosion and intense deforestation are the main causes of
people still depends on medicinal plants for majority of their
plant resources will be certain extent to a hamper the existing
area.
Himachal Pradesh; Indigenous knowledge; Medicinal Plants; Aromatic Plants.
I. Introduction
, with its unique location, geography, glaciations and continued up
is one amongst the biodiversity hotspots (Myers et al., 2000). It harbours
more than 9000 plant species, of which nearly 33 % are endemic (Dhar et al.,
number of studies on medicinal and aromatic plants have been carried out in the Indian H
1998; Rai et al., 2000). However, in particular
Pradesh, such studies are incomplete and mainly focused on inventory (Chauhan 1996, 1999;
2001; Badola 2001; Sood et al., 2001; Badola and Pal 2003; Bhattacharya and Uniyal
Samant and Pant 2006; Kala 2006). Some workers (Collett 1902; Chowdhery and Wadhwa
1999; Aswal and Mehrotra 1994; Sharma and Singh 1996; Dhaliwal and Sharma
1999; Sharma and Dhaliwal 1997a, 1997b; Singh and Rawat 2000; Kaur and Sharma 2004) have
mentioned medicinal uses of plants in ethnobotanical notes, floristic and biodiversity studies.
re used in the Ayurvedic, Unani, other traditional systems of medicine and
ceutical industries. In developing countries, medicinal plants provide a real
alternative for primary health care system (Buitron 1999). Due to the high cost of conventional
allopathic medicine and inaccessibility of medicinal health care facilities especially in rural areas,
the locals are compelled to rely on medicinal plants. Excessive anthropogenic pressures have been
identified as the main causes of decline in the populations and availability of the medicinal plants in
l., 1998). With increasing demand and renewed global interest in
traditional ethnopharmacy, coupled with the increasing preference for natural substances in the
healthcare system, the natural stock of medicinal plants of Himachal Pradesh is under tremendou
The field surveys were carried out to assess the consumption patterns and
in different areas of Himachal Pradesh. Present
gathered through several visits, questionnaires and group discussions with local
International Journal of Applied And Pure Science and
ISSN: 2394-5532
ISSN: 2394-823X
medicinal and
West Himalayas.
and Tilak Raj Sharma1
176 062 India.
The present study was focused on the analysis, documentation and interpretation of traditional
Kangra, Hamirpur and
West Himalayas is a
plant species are reported as being used
are collected from the wild, 7 of which are
Clematis grata, Indigofera
of the Himachal
plant part used in most
of the recipes. Majority of the recipes are prepared in the form of decoction from freshly collected
plant parts. Mostly a single species is used and are mainly taken orally. Unsustainable collection
ds, soil erosion and intense deforestation are the main causes of
on medicinal plants for majority of their
hamper the existing
; Aromatic Plants.
, with its unique location, geography, glaciations and continued up
2000). It harbours
2002). A large
number of studies on medicinal and aromatic plants have been carried out in the Indian Himalayan
2000). However, in particular of Himachal
Pradesh, such studies are incomplete and mainly focused on inventory (Chauhan 1996, 1999;
Bhattacharya and Uniyal
Chowdhery and Wadhwa
1996; Dhaliwal and Sharma
h and Rawat 2000; Kaur and Sharma 2004) have
mentioned medicinal uses of plants in ethnobotanical notes, floristic and biodiversity studies.
other traditional systems of medicine and
medicinal plants provide a real
1999). Due to the high cost of conventional
ally in rural areas,
Excessive anthropogenic pressures have been
and availability of the medicinal plants in
1998). With increasing demand and renewed global interest in
traditional ethnopharmacy, coupled with the increasing preference for natural substances in the
healthcare system, the natural stock of medicinal plants of Himachal Pradesh is under tremendous
and traditionally
Present ethnobotanical
discussions with local
International Journal of Applied and Pure Science and Agriculture (IJAPSA)
Volume 01, Issue 12, [December - 2015] e-ISSN: 2394-5532, p-ISSN: 2394-823X
@IJAPSA-2015, All rights Reserved 2
peoples. The study provided valuable information on medicinal plants used in the treatment of
various diseases and also discussed the household remedies practiced by the local people in the
studied area.
Study area Himachal Pradesh is situated in the North- West Himalayan region between 30°22′40″-
33°12′40″ N latitude and 75°45′55″- 79°04′20″ E longitude, covering an area of 55,673sq km. It has
large altitudinal range (200–7,109 m), with diverse habitats, species communities and ecosystems.
Physiographically, the state consists of three discrete regions, the outer Himalaya (also called
Shivalik hills), mid hills and greater Himalaya. The outer Himalaya includes an area of different
districts as Bilaspur, Hamirpur, Kangra, Una and lower part of Solan, Sirmaur, Chamba and Mandi.
It ranges from 350 to 1,500m amsl. The mid hills comprise the parts of Chamba, Kullu, Kangra,
Mandi, Sirmaur, Shimla and Solan districts and cover an area up to 3,500m. The greater Himalaya
also called as high altitude alpine zone generally starts from an elevation of 3,510m and above. It
includes higher altitude areas of Kinnaur, Kullu, Lahaul-Spiti districts and Pangi valley of Chamba
district. Because of varied altitudinal variations and climatic conditions, the state is enriched by
diverse plant species, which includes around 3,400 species of flowering plants (Kaur and Sharma
2004) ranging from tropical to alpine zone.
Topography and Vegetation Tropical flora is distributed in the Shiwalik hills of the Himachal
Pradesh. It includes broadleaf deciduous and evergreen forests of Dalbergia sissoo, Shorea robusta
and Tectona grandis. Sub-tropical vegetation ranges from 500 to1,800m and is dominated by
evergreen coniferous forests of Pinus roxburghii and -Quercus leucotrichophora. Temperate
vegetation ranges from 1,801 to 2,800m and comprises Aesculus indica (Wall. ex Jacquem.)
Hook.f., Alnus nitida Endl., Cedrus deodara (Roxb. ex D.Don) G.Don, Picea smithiana Boiss.,
Pinus wallichiana A.B.Jacks. and Quercus floribunda Wall. forests. Sub-alpine vegetation ranges
from 2,801 to 3,800m and is dominated by Abies pindrow Royle, Betula utilis D.Don, Picea
smithiana Boiss. and Quercus semecarpifolia Sm., forests. Alpine vegetation is usually found above
3,800m but goes down to 3,300m in the valleys. While, it mainly comprises herbaceous species,
scattered in patches of shrubs such as Rhododendron campanulatum D.Don, Juniperus indica
Bertol., Rosa macrophylla Lindl., Rosa sericea Lindl. and Salix lindleyana Wall. are widespread.
II. Materials and Methods The field work was carried out from March 2009 to December 2013, by gathering
ethnobotanical information regarding the use of wild plants and in addition of some cultivated
plants. Data were obtained mainly through open informal interviews. All informants were residents,
belonging to families living in the study area since generations and involved at least partially in
agriculture. People of this region can easily understand and speak Hindi, amongst themselves they
communicate in pahari dialect.
The surveys were spread across seasons so as to get maximum information and also to cross
check the information provided by the local informants during the earlier visits. The investigation
was carried out where the population was dense. During the trips, the village heads, herbal
practitioners as well as elderly men and women of the different villages were interviewed. Specific
question based Performa were designed and information was recorded in the ethnobotanical field
notebook along with important medicinal uses (Figure 1). Intensive ethnobotanical exploration were
undertaken in selected places of Chamba, Hamirpur, Kangra amd Mandi districts to find out various
medicinal plants used for different ailments either in flowering or fruiting stage (Figure 2).
III. Results The study reveals that in absence of modern day-to -day health facilities people in the area
depends on plants for medicinal and other domestic purposes. Based on the initial investigations, it
was found that, information on the medicinal uses of plants now seems to be restrained to elder
people (above 50 years of age) only. Younger generation is ignorant about the vast medicinal
International Journal of Applied and Pure Science and Agriculture (IJAPSA)
Volume 01, Issue 12, [December - 2015] e-ISSN: 2394-5532, p-ISSN: 2394-823X
@IJAPSA-2015, All rights Reserved 3
resources available in their surroundings and is more inclined towards market resources. The
knowledgeable persons were identified in the age group of 50-55 years and all of them familiar with
the medicinal plants growing in their vicinity. It was also found that men knew comparatively more
than females. The information on scientific name, local name of the plant species, family, locality,
altitude, habit, flowering & fruiting period, distribution and field photographs has been provided in
alphabetical order in Table 1. However, the data regarding part used, mode of utilization &
preparation, active compounds, and known reported uses of studied species has been mentioned in
Table 2.
Diversity, distribution and status During the present study, 47 plant species belonging to 43 genera and 32 families have been
studied from different districts of Himachal Pradesh. Out of 32 families, Fabaceae are represented
by 5 species followed by Laminaceae with 4 species and Rosaceae, Ranunculaceae by 3 species
each. However, families Balsaminaceae, Apiaceae, Pinaceae and Poaceae having 2 species and rest
of families represented by one species each (Table 1).
It is very important to underline that great majority of the plants grow wild. Only two wild
plant species; Asparagus officinalis L. and Berberis aristata DC. are domesticated and cultivated
for medicinal or commercial purpose. However, people also try to grow some medicinal plants such
as Medicago polymorpha L., Ocimum sanctum L., Rosa brunonii Lindl., Rosa macrophylla Lindl.
and Thymus linearis Benth. as kitchen garden plants. Out of 47 medicinal plant species, 26 herbs,
11 shrubs, 9 trees and 1 climber were reported (Figure 3).
Utilization pattern and indigenous uses
Among the plant parts, use of leaves (39.28%) is most common, followed by flowers
(19.64%), whole plant (16.07%), roots (8.92%) and bark (5.30%), branches, seeds and fruits are
rarely used (3.57%) (Figure 4). The plant uses can be divided into 5 main categories, medicinal use
(68.51%), fodder (11.11%), human food, fuel and fibers (7.40%) and religious purpose (5.55%)
(Figure 5).
Various parts of the medicinal plants were used in treatments of ailments/diseases of different
body parts such as bones, eyes, gums, intestine, joints, skin, stomach, teeth, etc. Maximum species
were used for stomach problems (11species), followed by skin problems (6 species) and gum &
teeth problems (4 species). Aerial parts of the plants (78.72%) are most frequently used than
underground parts (21.27%).
Highest extent of use was reported in Calotropis procera W.T.Aiton (30%) which curing
stomach pain, cold & cough and used as blood purifier and also in religious purpose. It was
followed by Rosa macrophylla Lindl. and Medicago polymorpha L. (25%) used to cure dysentery,
indigestion and also used as human food. The lowest use extent value was recorded for Acorus
calamus L., Ajuga bracteosa Benth., Boenninghausenia albiflora Rchb., Clematis grata Wall.,
Cynodon dactylon (L.) Pers., Impatiens sulcata Wall. and Vicia tetrasperma (L.) Schreb. (Table 2).
IV. Discussion The Himalayas, one of the world’s biodiversity hot spots, have an about 9000 species of
plants (Murti 2001; Misra and Gokhale 2003). The herbal medicines are considered to be of great
importance among different rural or tribal communities in many developing countries (Gosh 2003).
During the last few years, the use of herbal supplements increased from 2.5% to 12% (Misra and
Gokhale 2003). Today approximately 80% of the world’s population uses traditional medicine for
healthcare and therapeutic purposes (WHO 2008). The cultural diversity in tribal regions of
Himachal Pradesh is closely linked to biodiversity, as there is a symbiotic relationship between
habitats and cultures and between ecosystems and cultural identity (Negi 2010).
The information collected on traditional use of the plants to cure various ailments/ diseases
revealed that people of inhabiting Himachal Pradesh have a great respect for vaidas and faith in
auyvedic system. The present study shows that 47 species belonging to 43 genera and 32 families
International Journal of Applied and Pure Science and Agriculture (IJAPSA)
Volume 01, Issue 12, [December - 2015] e-ISSN: 2394-5532, p-ISSN: 2394-823X
@IJAPSA-2015, All rights Reserved 4
are employed for curing a total of 20 aliments/ diseases. Many plants are used to cure most common
diseases such as cold and cough, fever, skin problems, stomach problems and gums problems.
Among these diseases, stomach disorders and fever are the main causes of death in tribal areas of
Himachal Pradesh (Jain 1996).
It was observed that most plants were used as single herbal preparations. Most of the
preparations were prescribed for oral consumption because most of the formulations were in
powder and decoction forms. Maximum use of leaves and flowers for medicinal purpose indicates
either easy availability of these plant parts or they may have strong medicinal properties. Powder
forms of the plant parts from leaves, flowers and roots were also used commonly to cure ailments
like stomach problems, skin problems, gum troubles, etc.
Among the stomach problems, indigestion and dysentery are more common in the tribal
communities of Himachal Pradesh. Out of 47 plant species, Acorus calamus L., Calotropis procera
W.T.Aiton, Catharanthus roseus G.Don, Cannabis sativa L., Cassia fistula L., Medicago
polymorpha L., Pimpinella diversifolia DC., Rhododendron campanulatum D. Don, Terminalia
bellerica Roxb. and Thymus linearis Benth. were found to cure maximum stomach problems. All
above plant species are already used against indigestion and dysentery in different parts of Western
Himalayas by Joy et al., (1998); Rani et al., (2013); Shukla et al., (2013).
Of the total plants, Cannabis sativa L., Impatiens balsamina L., Ranunculus sceleratus L.,
Rosa brunonii Lindl., Rosa macrophylla Lindl. and Vitex negundo L. were found to be to cure
more than on skin problems which indicates that these species are relatively more effective. Against
various skin diseases, Rosa macrophylla Lindl. was reported by maximum numbers of informants
to be used to cure many skin problems such as pimples, acne, boil, itching, etc. Flower decoction
and powder form of this plant was reported by several workers (Rani et al., 2013). In the present
discussion, significant secondary information on indigenous herbal therapy from Western
Himalayas was used for the validation of the tradition knowledge recorded in the present study.
V. Conclusion This ethnobotanical and traditional knowledge contributes to the conservation of biodiversity
and provides resource of economic and ecological interest. Further, many potential medicinal
benefits and number of locally developed systems are presently not well documented in the study
area. Such types of studies are also required in other parts of the North-Western Himalayas so that
complete database of the medicinal and aromatic plants could be developed and utilized in
identification and notification of medicinal plant conservation areas and develop location and region
specific management plan. Further, these explorations may lead to the discovery of novel bioactive
molecules and may provide leads in searching of new prospective drugs. It is greatly needed to
assess these plants for phytochemical analyses and ethnopharmacological screenings so as to
validate the efficacy of indigenous herbal medicines.
VI. Acknowledgement The authors are grateful to the Science & Engineering Research Board (SERB) of the
Department of Science and Technology, New Delhi, for providing financial assistance under Young
Scientist Fellowship Scheme [Registration No. SERB/LS-527/2013] to Dr. Savita Rani. Authors
greatly acknowledge the support and cooperation received from the local inhabitants during field
surveys. We are highly thankful to the Head, Department of Agricultural Biotechnology, CSK
HPKV Palampur, for providing the necessary facilities.
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Pharmaceutical Sciences, 1(8): 521-527.
[47] Singh, S.K., and G.S., Rawat, 2000. Flora of Great Himalayan National Park; Himachal Pradesh. Dehradun:
Bishen Singh Mahendra Pal Singh.
[48] Sood, S.K., R., Nath, and D.C., Kalia, 2001. Ethno botany of cold desert tribes of Lahaul–Spiti (N. W. Himalaya).
New Delhi: Deep Publications:161 pp.
[49] Suresh, K., P., Deepa, R., Harisaranraj, and V., Vaira Achudhan 2008. Antimicrobial and Phytochemical
Investigation of the Leaves of Carica papaya L., Cynodon dactylon (L.) Pers., Euphorbia hirta L., Melia
azedarach L. and Psidium guajava L. Ethnobotanical Leaflets, 12: 1184-91.
[50] Uniyal, S.K., K.N.,Singh, P., Jamwal, and B., Lal, 2006. Traditional use of medicinal plants among the tribal
communities of Chhota Bhangal, Western Himalaya. Journal of Ethnobiology and Ethnomedicine.2(14):1-8.
[51] Vashistha, B.D., and M., Kaur, 2013. floristic and ethno botanical survey of Ambala district, Haryana. Int J Pharm
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[52] World Health Organization, 2008. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. de Benoist B, McLean E, Egli I,
Cogswell M, eds. Worldwide prevalence of Organization.anaemia 1993–2005. Geneva, World Health
International Journal of Applied and Pure Science and Agriculture (IJAPSA)
Volume 01, Issue 12, [December - 2015] e-ISSN: 2394-5532, p-ISSN: 2394-823X
@IJAPSA-2015, All rights Reserved 7
Table: 1 Data showing botanical /local name/family, locality, altitude, habit, flowering & fruiting period, distribution and field photographs of 47 plants species from different parts of the
Himachal Pradesh use for medicinal purposes.
Sr.
No
Botanical Name/
Local Name / Family
Locality, Altitude(m) with
Longitude and Latitude
Habit Flowering and
Fruiting Period
Distribution Field Photograph
1. Acorus calamus L./ Barya /
Acoraceae
Sundernagar;
District Mandi (1100m)/
31º 32' N, 76º 54’ E.
Herb June - August Plant is a native of Europe. It is distributed throughout the
tropics and subtropics, especially in India and Sri Lanka. It
is found in marshes, wild or cultivated, ascending the
Himalayas up to 1800m.
2. Adhatoda vasica Nees /Basutti /
Acanthaceae
Sarkaghat;
District bandi (963m)/
31º 42' N, 76º 43' E.
Shrub December - May It is distributed all over India up to an altitude of 2000m.
This plant grows on
wasteland and sometimes it is cultivated also.
3. Ajuga bracteosa
Benth./Neelkanthi/ Lamiaceae
Sundernagar;
District Mandi (1100m)/ 31º 32'N,
76º 54' E.
Herb March -
December
It is found as a weed in field borders, along roadsides and in
open slopes up to 1500m.
4. Asparagus officinalis
L. / Sarphya / Asparagaceae
Rehlu;
District Kangra (900m) /
32°13′N, 76°10′E
Herb; May -November. The plant is found wild in tropical and subtropical India
including Andaman and
Nicobar Islands. It is distributed from sea level up to 1500m
in the Himalayas from Kashmir eastwards.
5. Azadirachta indica A.
Juss./ Neem / Miliaceae
Nurpur;
District Kangra (550m)/ 32º 17' N, 75º 52' E.
Tree March – August Neem is a native of the shivalik deccan parts of South India.
It grows wild in the dry forests of Andhra Pradesh, Tamil
Nadu and Karnataka.
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6. Bambusa bambos Backer ex K.
Heyne / Bans/ Poaceae
Jogindernagar;
District Mandi (1325m)/
31º59' N, 76º 47' E.
7. Berberis aristata DC. /Kashmal/
Berberidaceae
Dalhousie;
District Chamba (2000m)/
32º 32' N, 75º 58' E
8. Boenninghausenia albiflora
Rchb./
Pichumarbuti/
Rutaceae
Chotta-bhangal;
District Kanrgra (2,300m)/
32°02′ N, 76°50′ E
9. Bombax ceiba Linn. /Simbal/
Bombaceae
Shahpur;
District Kangra (700m)/
32º 13' N, 76º 10' E
10. Calotropis procera W.T.Aiton /
Aak / Asclepiadaceae
Gagret;
District Hamirpur (500m)/
31º 39' N, 76º ' E
11. Catharanthus roseus G.Don/
Sadabahar/
Apocynaceae
Prashar;
District Mandi (2750m)/
31º 45' N, 77º 06' E.
12. Cannabis sativa L. /Bhang/
Cannabaceae
Hatli;
District Chamba (745m)/
32º 13' N , 76º 10' E
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8
District Mandi (1325m)/
Shrub Flowers
gregariously once
in 30-45 days.
Throughout India, in areas up to 2,100m.
District Chamba (2000m)/
Shrub May-September. Temperate Himalayas: 2,000
Nilgiri hills.
District Kanrgra (2,300m)/
Herb August-
September
Commonly found in North-West Himalaya at 2300m and
growing in shady forest.
District Kangra (700m)/
Tree; February-May. Throughout India in forests u
plantations.
District Hamirpur (500m)/
Herb February-May. Throughout India, ascending to 1,350m.
District Mandi (2750m)/
Herb June – December The plant is a native of Madagascar and hence th
Madagascar Periwinkle. It is distributed in West Indies,
Mozambique, South Vietnam, Sri Lanka , Philippines
Australia. It is well adapted to diverse agro climatic
situations prevalent in India and is commercially cultivated
in the states of Tamil Nadu, Madhya Pradesh and Assam.
District Chamba (745m)/
Herb April-September A very adaptable species from plains to 10000 feet
abundantly on roadside especially in Northern regions.
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Throughout India, in areas up to 2,100m.
Temperate Himalayas: 2,000-3500m (Kullu-Kumaon),
West Himalaya at 2300m and
Throughout India in forests upto 1,500m; also rose in
Throughout India, ascending to 1,350m.
The plant is a native of Madagascar and hence the name
is distributed in West Indies,
Mozambique, South Vietnam, Sri Lanka , Philippines and
Australia. It is well adapted to diverse agro climatic
situations prevalent in India and is commercially cultivated
in the states of Tamil Nadu, Madhya Pradesh and Assam.
species from plains to 10000 feet grows
abundantly on roadside especially in Northern regions.
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13. Cassia fistula L. Palampur;
District Kangra (1530m)/
32º 06' N, 76º 32' E
Tree May – September Common in Himalayas up to 1,400m.
14. Cedrus deodara (Roxb.) Louden
/ Devdar /Pinaceae
Barmour;
District Chamba (3350m)/
32º 26' N,76º 31' E
Tree September-
December
It is commonly found in the altitude ranges from
2000‑3000 m.
15. Centella asiatica Urb.
/Handumalu/ Apiaceae
Rewalsar;
District Mandi (1320m)/
31º 37' N, 76º 49' E
Herb April - October. Wild in wet places.
16. Centratherum anthelminticum
(L.) Gamble /Brahmgiree/
Asteraceae
Barmana;
District Mandi (1300m)/
31º 24' N, 76º 51' E
Herb July-September It is distributed throughout India up to 1650 m altitude in
the Himalayas.
17. Clematis grata Wall./ Santai/
Ranunculaceae
Holi;
District Chamba (2600m)/
32º 19' N, 76º 33' E
Herb August- October The species is generally growing in the altitudinal range of
800-3000m in tropical, subtropical and temperate region of
Himalayas.
18. Colchicum autumnale L./ jagli
pyaz/ Colchicaceae
Sarkaghat;
District Mandi (963m)/
31º 42'N, 76º 43ꞌ E.
Herb August-June It grows in wild area and waste land of altitude between
700 and 1500m.
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19. Cuscuta reflexa Roxb./ Amar
beal/Convolvulaceae
Nurpur;
District Kangra (550m)/ 32º 17'N, 75º 52' E.
Climber October-January. Throughout India, ascending up to 2,600m.
20. Cynodon dactylon
(L.) Pers./Dhrub grass/ Poaceae
Sarkaghat;
District Mandi;(963m)/
31º 42' N, 76º 43ꞌE.
Herb All year round. Tropical and warm temperate regions throughout the world.
21. Equisetum arvense L./
Gggal/Equisetaceae
Bhanala;
District Kangra;(800m)/
32°12′N, 76°10′E
Herb ---- Found at high altitudes in the Himalaya.
22. Geranium wallichianum D. Don
/Ratan jot/ Geraniaceae
Tisa;
District Chamba;( 1,220m)/
32º 32' N, 76º 08' E
Herb July-September. Common as a forest undergrowth from 1600-3300 m.
23. Grewia glabra Mast.
Dhaman/Tiliaceae
Leg Valley;
District Chamba; (1,720m)/
31º 58' N, 77º 06' E
Tree July-October. North-Western Himalayas eastwards to Burma, Malaya
Islands and Indo-China.
24. Hibiscus rosa-sinensis L.
/Jasut/Malvaceae
Rewalsar;
District Mandi (1320m)/
31º 37' N, 76º 49' E
Shrub Throughout Year It is native of India and it grows in the tropical subtropical
and hilly regions of the country; particularly in the states of
Maharashta, Gujarat, Madhyapresh, Tamil
Nadu and Kerala.
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25. Indigofera gerardiana
Graham/Araal/
Fabaceae
Chamba;
District Chamba (1500m)/
32º 33' N, 76º 07'E
Shrub May-July. It is widely distributed in tropical and subtropical areas of
Western Himalayas.
26. I. hamiltonii Graham/Araal/
Fabaceae
Sarkaghat;
District Mandi (963m)/
31º 42' N, 76º 43ꞌ E.
Shrub March-April. It is widely distributed in tropical and subtropical areas of
Western Himalayas.
27. Impatiens balsamina L.
/Guldudhu/
Balsaminaceae
Hamirpur;
District Hamirpur (800m)/
31º 41' N, 76º 31'E
Herb August-
September
It is cultivated as an ornamental in tropical and sub-tropical
regions of India.
28. I. sulcata Wall /Guldudhi/
Balsaminaceae
Rewalsar;
District Mandi (1,360m)/
31º 38' N ,76º 50' E
Herb July-August. The temperate Himalayas from 2000-3900 m.
29. Medicago polymorpha
L./Babphunu Fabaceae
Neri;
District Hamirpur (800m)
31º 40' N, 76º 31'E
Herb March-May. It is distributed in tropical, subtropical and temperate parts
of India up to 2800m.
30. Ocimum sanctum L. /Tulsi/
Lamiaceae
Sundernagar;
District Mandi (1100m)/ 31º 32'N,
76º 54' E.
Herb July-February. Throughout India as well as cultivated.
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31. Pinus wallichiana A. B Jackson/
Kail/Pinaceae
Karsog;
District Mandi (2500m)/ 31º 22' N, 77º12'E
Tree July to March It is found in moist and dry temperate forest
with the altitudinal zonation of 1500 to 3700 m
32. Psidium guajava L./
Amrodhu/Myrtaceae
Kangra;
District Kangra (735m)/ 32º 06'N, 76º16'E
Tree July-September Cultivated & naturalized throughout India.
33. Polygonum persicaria
L./Kandhari/
Polygonaceae
Tal Mata;
District Kangra (1365m)/ 32°14′N, 76°12′E/
Herb June to
September
It is distributed in Tamil Nadu, Karnataka, Chattisgarh,
Kerala, Madhya Pradesh, Maharashtra and Andhra Pradesh.
34. Potentilla nubicola
Lindl. ex Lacaita/ Dhul-
akhre/Rosaceae
Banikhet;
District Chamba (1700m)/ 32º 32'N, 75º 56'E
Herb May-October It grows in wooded valleys, forest margins and meadows on
mountain slopes, 1500-3600 m.
35. Pimpinella diversifolia DC./Jungli
saunf
Apiaceae
Chotta-bhangal;
District Kangra (2,300m)/
32°02′N,76°50′E
Herb May – November A common and a very variable species found in the hills
from 1500-3000 m.
36. Ranunculus diffusus DC./ Jaldhar/
Ranunculaceae
Triund;
District Kangra (3000m)/
32°16′N, 76°22′E
Herb March-June It grows in moist shady and humus rich soil in the forests at
altitudes 2,300-2,600m.
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37. R. sceleratus
L./Jal Dhaniya
Ranunclaceae
Neri;
District Hamirpur (800m)
31º 40' N, 76º 31'E
Herb February-June It grows as a weed in cultivated fields and on wastelands
between altitudes of 700-2,000m.
38. Rhododendron campanulatum
D.Don /Palsh/ Ericaceae
Salooni;
District Chamba(1,900m)/
32º 43' N,76º 03' E
Tree July–September It is mainly distributed in the periphery of the north west
Himalayas in the range of 3000- 40000m.
39. Rosa brunonii Lindl./
Jangli Gulab/
Rosaceae
Karsog;
District Mandi (2500m)/ 31º 22' N, 77º12'E
Shrub July –November The species commonly grows on the periphery of forests at
an altitude of 2,800-3,000m.
40. R. macrophylla Lindl/
Gulabdhi/Rosaceae
Salooni;
District Chamba (1,900m)
32º 43' N,76º 03' E
Shrub June-July It grows wild in between the altitudes ranging from 850 to
2,800m.
41. Terminalia bellerica
Roxb./ Bahera/ Combretaceae
Rehlu;
District Kangra (900m)/
32°13′N, 76°10′E
Tree April-December. Throughout the plains, sub-Himalayan tracts.
42. Thymus linearis Benth./Ajwana/
Lamiaceae
Banikhet;
District Chamba (1700m)/ 32º 32'N, 75º 56'E
Herb May-July. It is a variable species widespread in the North – western
Himalayas.
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43. Trifolium alexandrium L./
Basrim/Fabaceae
Bhota;
District Hamirpur (730m)/ 31º 36'N,
76º 33'E
Herb April –June It is cultivated as a fodder crop in Haryana, Punjab Uttar
Pradesh.
44. Urtica dioica L./
Piterbchu/
Urticaceae
Mandi;
District Mandi (770m)/
31º 42'N, 76º 55' E
Shrub May-September. It is wildly distributed in the altitude of 2000m to 3500m
45. Vitex negundo L./Banna/
Lamiaceae
Bhota;
District Hamirpur (730m)/ 31º 36'N,
76º 33'E
Shrub June- November Scrub-jungles & roadsides in the warmer parts throughout.
46. V. tetrasperma (L.) Schreb/jagali
mater/Fabaceae
Palampur;
District Kangra (1900m)/
32°07′N, 76°31′E
Herb March-May It is mainly found in waste places and on grasslands and
hilly slopes between altitudes of 900-1,900m.
47. Zizyphus jujuba
Mill./Jangli Ber/
Rhamnaceae
Sarkaghat;
District Mandi (963m)/
31º 42' N, 76º 43ꞌ E.
Shrub April-October It is widely distributed in Rajasthan, Haryana, Punjab and
Madhya Pradesh.
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Table 2: Description of 47 medicinal & aromatic plant species used by people of Himachal Pradesh to cure different ailments/diseases.
Botanical Name Part
used
Aliments/
Other uses
Mode of
Utilization
Mode of Preparation Active Constituents Earlier reported
Ethnobotanical uses
Acorus calamus L. Roots,
Leaves
Indigestion Decoction,
Juice
Decoction is prepared by boiling nearly about 200
gram roots in water with one teaspoon of sugar.
One glass of this decoction is taken empty
stomach daily early in the morning for one week
to cure indigestion. Juice of fresh leaves to cure
skin infection.
The rhizomes contains
coradin with 2, 4, 5 trimeth oxy-
benzaldehyde, 2, 5-
dimethoxybenzoquinone, galangin and
sitosterol.
It is reportedly useful in
improving digestion, clearing
speech and curing
diarrhoea, dysentery (Joy et al.,
1998; Khare, 2007).
Adhatoda vasica
Nees
Leaves Whopping
cough
Decoction Fresh/dried leaves are boiled in water and filtered.
The extract is taken in small doses in 2-3 times in
a day. The leaves of this plant are also utilised as
green manure.
Chief constituents are ascicine, vasinone,
vaciconetritriacontane, vasicinine,
vascicinol, quinazoline vasciolinone and
anistone.
Leaves and roots are useful in
rheumatism (Kumar and Choya
2012) and also cure pyorrhoea
and bleeding gums (Khare,
2007).
Ajuga bracteosa
Benth.
Leaves Fever Decoction The leaves are bitter in taste. Firstly leave washed
with water and made the decoction by boiling
250g leaves in 2 litter water. Near about 1 small
cup of decoction is taken once a day. Leaves are
also used to kill lice, regarded as depurative.
It contains glycoside and tannin and also
yields ceryl alcohol Y- sitosterol, cerotic
and palmitic acids.
Mouth ulcer (Uniyal et al.,
2006; Kaur et al., 2011); blood
purifier (Khare, 2007).
Asparagus
officinalis L.
Roots,
Whole
plant
Lactation,
Religious
purpose
Powder Dried roots are powdered and taken orally with
milk at night time to increase lactation in female.
Whole plant is also used in Hindu Marriages and
Hawan ceremonies.
Root contains asparagines, saponin and
fruits contain sitosterol, sarsasapogenin
and diosgenin.
Diuretic, laxative, cardio-
tonic, sedative, galacta-
gogue; used for neuritis and
rheumatism (Khare, 2007).
Azadirachta indica
A. Juss.
Young
branches
Gum
troubles
Raw Young branches are used for scouring teeth. The bark contains penta-nortriterpene,
nimbin and leaves have quercetin.
Antiviral, anthelmintic,
insectcide, antiseptic (Joshi et
al., 2011).
Bambusa bambos
Backer ex K.
Heyne
Leaves Human
Food,
Fodder and
Fuel &
Fibre.
Raw Young shoot mixed with mustered oil and added
salt, turmeric powder to make local recipe called
“Achar”. Leaves and wood are also used as
fodder, making baskets and roof of houses.
In Stem 2,6-Dimetho-
xybenzoquinone,p hydroxybenzaldehyde
,1,8-dihydroxy-3-methoxy-6 methyl
anthraquinone, allantoin,
cinnamic acid and fucosterol are found.
Anthelmintic, astringent,
stimulant (Joy et al., 1998)
dysmenorrhoea (Khare, 2007);
cuts, boils, wound and fever
(Sharma & Devi 2013); fodder
(Gautam et al., 2011).
Berberis aristata
DC.
Roots Eye diseases Infusion
and
Decoction
Roots are boiled in water, strained and evaporated
till a semi-solid mass is obtained; this is called
‘Rasault’, Rasault mixed with butter and alum, or
with opium and lime juice is applied externally on
eye lids to cure ophthalmia.
Berberine is the principal alkaloid and
also contains oxycanthine and fat, resin
and tannin. The fruits contain malic acid,
citric acid and tannins.
Acidity (Kaur et al., 2011);
Antiprolific, anti-psoriatic
(Sharma et al., 2012); and also
used against bites of rates,
sankes, boils, eye complients
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(Samant et al., 2007); Piles
(Rani et al., 2013).
Boenninghausenia
albiflora Rchb.
Leaves -- Fresh and
Dried
Leaves
Fresh and dried leaves used as fungicides and
pesticides
Myrcene, Guaiene, Ocimene β-
caryophyllene, β-copaene
bicyclogermacrene, α-terpinyl acetate,
geijerene.
The leaves are used to kill the
bed beg (Singh 2008);
Antiseptic (Gaur 1999); Flea
repellent (Sood et al., 1966).
Bombax ceiba L. Bark Wound Paste Paste of the fresh bark is used to cure any wound
infection.
Roots possess glycoside-3′, 4′,5,7-
tetrahydroxy-6-methxy-flavan-3-O-β-
D glycol-pyranosyl-α-D-xylopyranoside
along with triacontanol and β-sitosterol.
Astringent, demulcent,
diuretic, aphrodisiac, emetic
(Joy et al., 1998); Wood is
used in roofing (Gautam et al.,
2011).
Calotropis procera
(Aiton) W.T.Aiton
Roots,
Leaves,
Flowers
Blood
Purifier,
Stomach
Pain, Cold
and cough,
fever,
Religious
purpose
Paste,
Decoction
Paste prepared by grinding the roots with water
and taken orally once a day acts as blood purifier.
Decoction of leaves is used against stomach
problem. Powdered form flowers taken with milk
once a day to cure cold and fever. Besides these
uses flowers are offered to the Hindu god ‘Shiva
& Hanuman’ and wood are used in a Hindu’s
religious ceremony called ‘Hawan’.
Cyanidin-3-rhamnoglucoside are isolated
from flowers.
Stomachic, bechic,
antiasthmatic (Khare, 2007).
Catharanthus
roseus G. Don
Leaves,
Flowers
Asthama
and stomach
cramps
Decoction,
Juice
Decoction is prepared by boiling of near about
500g leaves in one litter of water. One glass of
decoction is taken once a day help to cure stomach
cramps. Decoction of flowers used for asthama.
Besides the juice of fresh leaves is used for bee
stings.
Voncapusine isolated from leaves. Diabetes (Joy et al., 1998);
leukaemia (Khare, 2007).
Cannabis sativa L. Leaves,
Flower
Dysentery
and Skin
problems.
Powder,
Juice
Dry leaves are powdered and taken orally once a
day to cure dysentery and dry leaves paste is
applied on skin to reduced dryness and any type of
fungal infection.
Plant contains resin, volatile
oil, cannabinol, pseudo-cannabinol,
cannabinin, canin, cannabine,
cannabinon, gum, sugar and potassium
nitrate.
Paralysis and joint pain (Uniyal
et al., 2006); Arthiritis (Kaur et
al., 2011). Hallucinogenic,
hypnotic, sedative,
analgesic, anti-inflammatory
(Khare, 2007).
Cassia fistula L. Flower,
Leaves
Dysentery Paste Dried leaves and flowers are powdered and taken
orally at morning with warm water to cure
dysentery.
Various constituents are rhein, glucose,
sucrose & fructose in fruit pulp,
galactomannan in seeds, vernolic,
sterculic & malvalic acids in seed oil.
Anti-viral, anti-cancer,
Hypoglycaemic (Joy et al.,
1998); chlorosis and urinary
disorders (Khare); Jaundice
(Rani et al., 2013); stomach
problems, fever, ring worm
(Gautam et al., 2011).
Cedrus deodara Bark Wounds, Paste Bark of plant is crushed with mustard oil to make Wood oil contains oleo-resin and Rheumatism, ulcers, boils,
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(Roxb.) Louden Fuel & Fibre a paste. The paste is applied at infected area of
foot of animals. The paste should not be kept for
more than 10 min and is applied only once a day
for 2 days. Dried needles are also used as fuel and
stifling of pillows
essential oil while the needles contain
ascorbic acid.
bone fracture (Samant et al.,
2007); astringent, anti
diarrhoeal and febrifuge (Khare
2007). Indigestion (Rani et al.,
2013).
Centella asiatica
Urb.
Leaves Nervine
tonic, Eye
disease
Decoction Leaves are grinding with amla to make decoction.
The decoction taken 2 times of the day to increase
mental powder
Triterpene acids, Thankunie acid,
brahmiz and isobrative are the active
constituents of the plant.
Nerve tonic, brain tonic (Joy et
al., 1998; Gautam et al., 2011).
Centratherum
anthelminticum
(L.) Gamble
Seeds Blood
purifier
Powder Seeds powder is used as blood purifier.
Active constituents as
stearic, palmitic, myristic, oleic, mono-
hydroxy-oleic acids, linoleic acid and
vernolic acid.
Leprosy (Kaur et al., 2011);
diuretic; used in skin Diseases
(Khare, 2007).
Clematis grata
Wall.
Leaves Wounds Paste Dried leaves powder is mixed with mustard oil
and applied on any wound for the relief of pain.
Clematoside-S, and triterpenoid saponin
obtain from the roots.
------
Colchicum
autumnale L.
Rhizome Poison in
Animals
Paste Paste is prepared by grading fresh corn with
turmeric powder, azwayan and salt. The Paste is
given in small doses once a day.
It contains demecolcine, 2-demethyl-
colchicine, lumicornigerine, and
autumnaline.
Antigout (Sharma et al., 2012).
Cuscuta reflexa
Roxb.
Whole
Plant
Joint pain Decoction Whole plant is boiled in water and filtered then
fomentation of this water for 1 hour at night.
Cerotic, linolenic, linolic, oleic, stearic
& palmitic acids, are found in seeds,
abscisic acid in leaves, dulcitol, luteolin,
glycoside, quercetin, cuscutin are found
in stem), amino acids, cusculatin,
cuscutin (plant).
Rheumatism (Kumar and
Choyal 2012); itching and
Swelling (Gautam et al., 2011).
Cynodon dactylon
(L.) Pers.
Leaves Religious
Purpose
Fresh Young leaves use in all the religious ceremonies
of Hindus. They also offered to Lord Gansha.
Sitosterol, beta-carotene, vitamin C,
palmitic acid and triterpenoids.
Antiseptic, aperient, astringent,
cyanogenetic, demulcent,
depurative (Suresh et al.,
2008).
Equisetum arvense
L.
Whole
Plant
Bone Pain Whole
plant
Nodes and internodes of the separate out and
taken orally with water once a day.
Isoquercitrin isolated from herb. Acidity, dyspepsia (Khare,
2007).
Geranium
wallichianum D.
Don
Flowers Pain, Fodder Whole
Plant,
Roots
Whole plant is used as fodder. The root is dried
and is crushed then it is mixed with milk and
sugar and is used in backache, gout and also used
in strengthening of the body muscles and bones.
Sitosterol, stigmasterol, b-
sitosterol galactoside, erniarin and 2,4,6-
trihydroxyethylbenzoate.
Backache (Qureshi et al.,
2009); Hepatitis (Mahmood et
al., 2011).
Grewia glabra
Mast.
Leaves
and
Branches
Fuel & Fibre
and Fodder
Bark The fresh leaves are used as fodder and bark is
used as to making ropes and baskets.
Pelargonidin, quercetin, 3,5-diglucoside,
naringenin-7-O-β-D-glucoside,
quercetin, 3-O-β-D-glucoside, catechins
Joint pains (Rani et al. 2013)
Hibiscus rosa-
sinensis L.
Flowers,
Bark
Aborifacient
, Fuel &
Powder Dried flowers are ground with henna and taken
with water once a day for 3 to 7 days. Bark is
Active properties due to quercetin-3-
diglucoside 3,7-diglucoside, cyanidin-
Diuretic, laxative, lowering
blood pressure and curing
International Journal of Applied and Pure Science and Agriculture (IJAPSA)
Volume 01, Issue 12, [December - 2015] e-ISSN: 2394-5532, p-ISSN: 2394-823X
@IJAPSA-2015, All rights Reserved 18
Fibre
used for making ropes and baskets. 3,5-diglucoside and cynidin-3-
sophoroside-5-glucoside (deep yellow
flower) and kaempferol-3-
xylosylglucoside (ivory white flowers).
cough (Joy et al., 1998; Khare,
2007); Ornamental Hedges
(Seth).
Indigofera
gerardiana
Graham
Flowers Gum
troubles
Powder Dry powder of seeds applied on gums once a day
reduces the gum troubles. Whole plant is also used
as fodder.
Indicine apigenin, kaempferol, luteolin
are present in different plant parts.
Chest pain (Mathur and Joshi
2013); Fodder and fuel (Kumar
and Singhal 2013).
I. hamiltonii
Graham
Leaves
and
Flowers
Fodder Powder Dried flowers are cursed make power to used as
dying agents. Fresh leaves are used as fodder.
Indicine and apigenin ----
Impatiens
balsamina L.
Leaves Boils Paste Paste of the fresh leaves is used to cures boils.
Leaves are also used as dye or colouring agent.
The naphthoquinones lawsone or
hennotannic acid, and lawsone methyl
ether and methylene-3, 3'-bilawsone are
some of the active compounds in I.
balsamina leaves.
Rheumatism (Khare, 2007).
I. sulcata Wall Leaves Fodder Fresh
Leaves
Paste made by mixing it with lichens and Rumex
sp. is used as nail polish. This plant species are
also used as fodder.
Lawsone or hennotannic acid, and
lawsone methyl ether.
Rana et al. 2013
Medicago
polymorpha L.
Whole
plant
Dysentery,
indigestion,
Human Food
Leaves Decoction of leaves taken orally twice a day for 3
days to cure dysentery, indigestion and other
stomach problems. They are eaten as vegetable.
The herb contains carotinoids, triterpene,
saponins, isoflavonoids coumarins.
Dysentery and indigestion
(Shukla et al., 2013).
Ocimum sanctum
L.
Whole
Plant
Fever Decoction Decoction of leaves is prepared, concentrated,
allowed to cool and taken twice a day to cure
fever. Local people grow tulsi as the religious
plant and worship it. Its leaves are used in temples
for the worship purposes and also on the several
occasions such as marriage, birth of a child etc.
β-carotene and ursolic acid isolated from
leaves.
Mosquito repellent malarial
fever, cold, cough & dysentery
(Gautam et al., 2011);
carminative,
hepatoprotective,
antipyretic and diaphoretic.
(Khare, 2007).
Pinus wallichiana
A. B. Jackson
Bark Pimples Paste Bark powder is used for healing of Pimples. The essential oil fromoleoresin contains
chiefly alpha-and beta-pinene; carene
and longifoline.
Psidium guajava L. Leaves Cold and
Cough
Decoction Fresh leaves are boiled in water and decoction is
prepared which is used
as tea to cure cough and cold.
Chief constituents are sesquiguavaene,
ellagic acid, ellagitannin-guavin b,
guavin A, C & D,
galacturonic acid,galactose, arabinose,rh
Haemostatic,
Antiemetic (Joy et al., 1998);
Diabetes (Khare, 2007).
International Journal of Applied and Pure Science and Agriculture (IJAPSA)
Volume 01, Issue 12, [December - 2015] e-ISSN: 2394-5532, p-ISSN: 2394-823X
@IJAPSA-2015, All rights Reserved 19
amnose.
Polygonum
persicaria L.
Leaves Joint Pain Paste Paste prepared by grinding the leaves with
mustard oil is applied on joints at night time.
The herb contains
polygonal, isodrimeninol,
isopolygodial and confertifolin in the
seeds.
---
Potentilla nubicola
Lindl. ex Lacaita
Whole
plant
Cold and
cough
Decoction Decoction is prepared by boiling nearly about 200
g whole plant in 1 litter glass of water with one
teaspoon of sugar.
The flowers and young shoots
contain flavonoids, quercetin, terniflorin,
tribuloside. The plant also contains
stigmasterol, beta-sitosterol and
campesterol;
Fever, cold and cough (Rani et
al., 2013).
Pimpinella
diversifolia DC.
Whole
Plant
Gas troubles Powder Dried leaves are grinded along with salt and
powder is taken orally once a day for 2-3 days.
Santene, myrcene, carvon, sesquiterpene,
geranyl acetate, pulegone, a-terpinol,
terpinolic acid, coumarins, ammirin, and
oxypeucedanin
Gas trouble and indigestion
(Abbasi et al. 2013).
Ranunculus
diffusus DC.
Leaves Joint pain Powder Powdered form of dried leaves is taken with milk
at bed time for 1-2 days.
Alkaloid, Phenol, Flavonoid,
Saponin.
Joint pain (Rani et al. 2013)
R. sceleratus
L.
Leaves Skin
Diseases
Powder Powder form of leaves is taken with water daily
for few days.
5-hydroxy tryptamine, apigenin,
apigenin 4′-O-α-rhamnopyranoside,
tricin,
Apigenin, isoscopoletin,.
Skin diseases (Rani et al. 2013)
Rhododendron
campanulatum D.
Don
Flowers Indigestion,
Human Food
Paste,
Powder
Fresh flowers are taken orally morning to cure
indigestion and also prepare a local dish called
‘Chatani’.
Alkaloid, Flavone
aglycones,Tannin, Saponin
and Terpenoid.
Skin diseases (Rani et al. 2013)
Rosa brunonii
Lindl.
Flowers Pimple Flowers Fresh flowers are crush with milk or curd and
apply daily on face.
Minerals, fatty acids, ascorbic acid,
phenols, flavonoids, tannins, and sugar.
---
R. macrophylla
Lindl.
Flowers Cold and
cough, fever,
Pimples and
skin
problems
Decoction Flowers are boil nearly 1-2 hours prepared
decoction which is used against cold & cough,
fever and various skin problems.
Minerals, fatty acids, ascorbic acid,
phenols, flavonoids, tannins, and sugar.
Cold and cough, skin problems
(Rani et al. 2013)
Terminalia
bellerica Roxb.
Fruits Indigestion Powder Dried fruit are powdered and taken orally to cure
Indigestion.
Fruits afford β-sitosterol, gallic acid,
ellagic acid, ethylgallate, galloyl glucose
and chebulegic acid.
Indigestion (Gautam et al.,
2011).
Thymus linearis
Benth.
Seeds Indigestion Powder Powder form of dried seed taken with hot water at
early morning for 3-4 days.
Cineole,pinene, geraniol nepetalactone,
thymol, carvacrol.
---
Trifolium Whole Fodder Whole It is used as a fodder. Quercetin, kaempferol, apigenin 7-O-β- Fodder (Kumar et al., 2013)
International Journal of Applied and Pure Science and Agriculture (IJAPSA)
Volume 01, Issue 12, [December - 2015] e-ISSN: 2394-5532, p-ISSN: 2394-823X
@IJAPSA-2015, All rights Reserved 20
alexandrinum L. Plant Plant D-glucoside and the nucleoside
xanthosine.
Urtica dioica L. Leaves Human Food Leaves Young leaves taken as vegetable. Neophytadiene, Phtaleic acid,
Dibutyl phtaleate, Bis(2‐ethyl hexyl)
maleate and 1,2‐ benzenocli carboxylic
acid.
Blood Purifier, Jaundice
(Sharma and Devi 2013); Joint
pain and swelling (Singh
2012).vegetable, Skin diseases
(Rani et al., 2013).
Vitex negundo L. Leaves Skin
infection
Decoction Fresh/dried leaves are boiled in water and filtered.
The extract is taken in small doses.
Iridoid glycosides, cucubin, agnuside
nishindaside and negundoside have been
reported to occur in leaves.
Spermatorrhoea (Khare
2007);Arthritis (Kumar and
Choyal 2012); Astringentand
anthelmintic (Joy et al., 1998;
Khare, 2007).
Vicia tetrasperma
(L.) Schreb
Whole
Plant
Fodder -- The whole plant used as fodder. --- Mental disorder (Acharya and
Pokhrel 2006); Fodder (Dangol
et al., 2012).
Ziziphus jujuba
Mill.
Fruits Cold and
Cough
Powder Dried fruits are powdered and taken orally to cure
cold and cough.
Leaves gave protopine and berberine and
exhibited anticholinergic activity.
Digestive disorders (Gupta and
Sharma 2013); Timber
resource (Kharwal and Rawat
2009); against Hair fall
(Vashistha and Kaur 2013).
International Journal of Applied and Pure Science and Agriculture (IJAPSA)
Volume 01, Issue 12, [December - 2015] e-ISSN: 2394-5532, p-ISSN: 2394-823X
@IJAPSA-2015, All rights Reserved 21
Figure Legends:
Figure 1: Performa used in survey of medicinal plants.
Figure 2: Map of the study area showing localities visited.
Figure 3: Medicinal and aromatic plant species by category of parts used in different districts
of Himachal Pradesh.
Figure 4: Diseases /ailments cured by the plants in the study area.
Figure 5: Five main categories of plants used in study.
International Journal of Applied and Pure Science and Agriculture (IJAPSA)
Volume 01, Issue 12, [December - 2015] e-ISSN: 2394-5532, p-ISSN: 2394-823X
@IJAPSA-2015, All rights Reserved 22