Journal of Medicinal Plants Studies 2020; 8(4): 198-205

ISSN (E): 2320-3862

ISSN (P): 2394-0530 A field study on Indian medicinal plants
NAAS Rating: 3.53
www.plantsjournal.com
JMPS 2020; 8(4): 198-205
© 2020 JMPS Santhan P
Received: 13-05-2020
Accepted: 15-06-2020
Abstract
This article deals with the current status of 1000 species of Indian medicinal plants. Out these only 180
Santhan P
R&D Centre, Natural Remedies,
species are used at commercial scale. They are restricted in distribution, and often seasonal. Due to
Electronic city, Bengaluru, climate change, over exploitation and the domination of invaded species population of Indian medicinal
Karnataka, India plants are diminishing. More than 100 field days are spent for the current study. Some of the regular
cereals, pulses, vegetables and fruits are considered as medicinal plants. 540 species are herbs (mostly
annuals), 100 species are shrubs, 200 species are trees, 160 species are climbers, the names are provided
in the table. Ferns and conifers are 20 species, Orchids are 15 species. Availability of biomass is often
less than the demand. Medicinal herbs used in Aurvedic, Siddha, Unani and Homeopathy systems of
medicine. Herbs like Withania somnifera, Centella asiatica, Ocimum tenuiflorum, Gloriosa superba etc.
are cultivated in the plains. In high altitude areas Pycrorrhiza kurroa, Sussurea costus, Inula recemosa,
Anacylus pyrethrum Crocus sativus etc. are cultivated in commercial scale. Vegetable spice crops such as
Moringa oleifera, Piper nigrum, Phyllanthus emblica, Zingiber officinale, Curcuma longa etc. are
cultivated larger scale. Colour images of 8 medicinal plants are provided.

Keywords: Raw drugs, ayurveda, siddha, unani, bioresources, botanicals

Introduction
The Indian subcontinent consists of about 17,000 species of flowering plants. Out of them
about 1000 species of useful and medicinal plants are reported. Out of these only 1000 species
are considered as medicinal herbs, some of them are our regular food plants. They are trees,
shrubs, climbers, herbs and grasses. They are spreading in different habitat such as plains,
coastal areas and hills. Some are confined some regions of our country; some plants will be
found only particular altitude of Himalayan mountain. . In reality the medicinal plants term is
very broad one, it is very difficult bring with in an outline. As per old say food is medicine and
medicine is food. If we take our food in a proper manner our system will not require any
medicine. Proper food will be a balanced diet which will consist of food items that will give 6
type of taste. Our cereals, pulses, fruits, tuber crops, vegetables, greens, oil seeds, aromatic
crops all are coming in medicinal plant category.

Materials methods
The current study involves 5 years field visits to western Ghats, Eastern Ghats, North west
Himalayas, Eastern Himalayas, north eastern region and Central Indian plains of the country at
different intervals, various types of medicinal herbs are observed in the field, herbarium
specimens are stored in the Herbarium, R&D centre, locted in Bangalore. Field observations
are made at East and Western Ghats of Peninsular India, plains and Hill areas of the
Tamilnadu, Andhra Pradesh, Karnataka and Kerala States. Deciduous forest areas of Madhya
Pradesh, Orissa, Jharkhand and Bihar are studied. In some areas 10 x 10 m quadrant study also
carried out. Jammu & Kashmir, Himachala Pradesh, Uttrakhand, Darjeeling, Leh Ladakh and
Arunachala Pradesh of Himalayan mountain areas are studied. About 90 field days are spent
for the present study. More than 1000 species are observed, identified. The images are
uploaded in the public forum such as Indiabiodiversity.org, indiatreepix - googleforum (site
google – efloraofindia).

Corresponding Author: Literature review

Santhan P There are several publications on Indian medicinal plant [1, 2, 3] regional floras published by the
R&D Centre, Natural Remedies, British Botanists [4], Indian Botanists [5], Botanical Survey of India [6]. Indian council of
Electronic city, Bengaluru, Medicinal research is also publishing series of publication on medicinal plants [7, 8]. Ministry of
Karnataka, India
Ayush publications [9, 10, 11] such as Ayurvedic, siddha, Homeopathy and Unani Pharmacopoeia
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also provided details about various aspects of medicinal whenever there is failure of rainfall, the annual crops are
plants. Medicinal plants show more antiviral activity [13]. drying, not setting seeds, invaded species dominating the
Local people using medicinal plant for their primary health native species, consequently there is the shortage of medicinal
needs [14]. A detailed review of Himalayan medicinal has been herbs. Ministry of Environment, forest identified 107
carried out [15, 16]. Medicinal plants of North east India is listed normally traded medicinal plants
[17]
. Review on Medicnal plants of Madya Pradesh and (http://nbaindia.org/uploaded/pdf/Notification_of_Normally_
Chattishgarh is available [18, 19] Tripathi YC listed the Tradeded_Commidities_dt_7_April_2016.pdf.) The list
Rajasthan medicinal plant [20]. Medicnal plants of Jammu and classified, vegetables, fruits, cereals and pulses separately.
Kashmir and their trade status is discussed by Sonam dawa et 178 species medicinal plants are used in commercial
al. [20]. quantities by the Indian medicine based and nutraceutical
industries. Wild, cultivated trees, shrubs, climbers, herbs their
Results common name, part used and their medicinal properties are
Out of 1000 Indian medicinal plants [12] 540 species are herbs given in the table. The demand and supply of crude drugs
(mostly annuals), 100 species are shrubs, 200 species are their prices are unpredictable. Mostly the medicinal herbs are
trees, 160 species are climbers. Ferns and conifers are 20 growing in unused lands for agriculture and in the boundaries
species, Orchids are 15 species. Most of the medicinal herbs of agricultural fields and in the wild forests. The wild forests
are confined to specific regions, because the availability of are destructed for timber fire wood and cattle browsing. It is
biomass is often less than the demand. Nowadays the habitats very difficult get some wild herbs. One can see some herbs in
are highly disturbed due to cultivated crops, Industrial some protected medicinal Gardens. Maintaining medicinal
development and over grazing. Due to climate variations garden is an art which involves interest and other resources.

Table 1: Commercially important Medicinal plants

Wild trees Common name Part used Properties
Acacia catechu Wild. Kath Stem wood Antioxidant,
Acacia nilotica (L.) Delile Babool Stem bark, gum Antioxidant
Adansonia digitata L. Gorakimili Gum Laxative
Aegle marmelos (L.) Corrêa Bael Fruit Antidiabetic
Aesculus indica (Wall. ex Cambess.) Hook. Indian Horse chestnut Seed Antiinflammatory
Azadirachta indica A.Juss. Neem seed, leaf bark Bitter, antidiabetic
Commiphora wightii (Arn.) Bhandari (=Balsamodendron Anticholesterol, perfume
Guggul gum resin
mukul) stick
Boswellia serrata Roxb. ex Colebr. Indian olibanum Gum resin Antiinflammatory
Dysoxylum malabaricum Bedd. ex C.DC. Vellagil stem wood Aromatic, Antiinflammatory
Eucalyptus globulus Labill. Eucalyptus leaf oil Aromatic
Ficus benghalensis L. Banyan stem bark Nalpamardhi choornam
Ficus racemosa L. Fig Stem bark Antidiabetic
Ficus religiosa L. Peepul stem bark Nalpamaradhi
Firmiana simplex (L.) W.Wight (=Sterculia urens Roxb.) Parasol tree Gum Filler, binding
Garcinia gummi-gutta (L.) Roxb. Kodampuli Fruit Cholesterol reducing
Gardenia resinifera Roth Dikamali gum resin Aromatic
Gmelina arborea Roxb. Gambhar stem/root wood Dasamoola tonic
Holarrhena pubescens Wall. ex G.Don Kuda stem bark Anti amoebic
Lagerstroemia speciosa (L.) Pers. Banaba leaf Anti diabetic
Mesua ferrea L. Nagakesar stamen Antioxidant
Mimusops elengi L. Bakul Flower Aaromatic
Morinda citrifolia L. Noni Fruit Tonic
Morus alba L. Mulberry Leaf Antidiabetic
Nothapodytes nimmoniana (J.Graham) Mabb.(=Mappia
Ghanera, Kalgur, Narkya Stem wood Anticarcinogenic
foetida)
Oroxylum indicum (L.) Kurz Valbadri Stem/root wood Dasamoola tonic
Phyllanthus emblica L. Amla Fruit Laxative, antioxidant
Pterocarpus marsupium Roxb. Vijayasar Stem wood Antidiabetic
Quercus infectoria G.Olivier Oak Fruit gall Anti oxidant
Rhus succedanea L. Kharkatshringi Fruit gall Anti oxidant
Salvadora persica L. Pelu Stem Tooth pick
Santalum album L. Sandal Heart wood Aromatic, cooling
Sapindus emarginatus Vahl. Soap berry Fruit rind Natural soap
Sapindus mukorossi Gaertn. Soap berry Fruit rind Natural soap
Semicarpus anacardium L. f Marking nut Fruit Antimicrobial
Shorea robusta Gaertn. Sal Gum resin Antiinflammatory
Stereospermum chelonoides (L.f.) DC. padri Stem/ root wood Dasamoola tonic
Strychnos nux vomica L. Nux vomica seed Anti toxic
Strychnos potatorum L. f Clearing nut seed Water purifier
Symplocos racemosa Roxb. Lodh stem bark Uterine tonic
Syzygium cumini (L.) Skeels jamun seed Antidiabetic
Taxus wallichiana Zucc. Thalisapatri Leaf Anticancer
Terminalia arjuna (Roxb. ex DC.) Wight & Arn. Arjun stem bark Cardiac tonic
Terminalia bellirica (Gaertn.) Roxb. Bibhitaki Fruit Laxative, trifala
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Terminalia chebula Retz. Haritaki Fruit Laxative

Wrightia tinctoria R.Br. Pala indigo leaf, seed Psoriasis

Cultivated trees
Anacardium occidentale L. Cashew Seed Tonic
Areca catechu L. Arecanut Seed antioxidant
Borassus flabelliber L Palm tree Jaggery Tonic
Cocos nucifera L. Coconut tree Fruit Tonic
Garcinia gummi-gutta (L.) Roxb. Kodampuli Fruit Cholesterol reducing
Garcinia indica (Thouars) Choisy Kokam Fruit Cholesterol reducing
Madhuca longifolia (J.Koenig ex L.) J.F.Macbr. Mahua Fruit Antiinflammatory
Mangifera indica L. Mango Bark, fruit Tonic
Moringa oleifera Lam. Drumstick Drumstick Tonic
Morus alba L. Mulberry Leaf Antidiabetic
Murraya koenigii (L.) Spreng. Curry leaf Leaf Hair tonic
Myristica fragrans L. Joy phal Fruit Aromatic
Phoenix dactylifera L. Date Fruit Tonic
Phyllanthus emblica L.(= Emblica officinalis Gaertn.) amla Fruit Laxative, antioxidant
Pongamia pinnata (L.) Pierre Pongam Fruit/leaf/ bark Nervine
Prunus cerasoides Buch.-Ham. ex D.Don wild Himalayan cherry Seed Tonic
Prunus dulcis (Mill.) D.A.Webb Badam Seed Tonic
Pterocarpus santalinus L.f Red Sander Wood Antidiabetic
Punica granatum L. Pomgrante Fruit Anti oxidant
Sesbania grandiflora (L.) Pers. Agase Leaf Antiinflammatory
Syzygium aromaticum (L.) Merr. & L.M.Perry Clove flower bud Carminative
Tamarindus indica L. Tamarind Fruit/seed/leaf Antioxidant
Ziziphus jujuba Mill. Ber Fruit Antioxidant

Climbers
Aristolochia indica L. Eswara muli Root/leaf Anti toxic
Asparagus cochinchinensis (Lour.) Merr. Yellow shatavari Root Tonic
Asparagus racemosus Willd Shatavari Root Lactogogue
Bauhinia vahlii Wight & Arn. Visthri aachu Leaf Leaf plate
Corallocarpus epigaeus (Rottler) Hook.f. Aakasa garudan Root tuber Anti toxic
Decalepis hamiltonii Wight & Arn. Mahakali Root tuber Aromatic, cooling
Dioscorea bulbifera L. Baniatakari Root tuber Tonic
Embelia ribes Burm.f. Baibidand Fruit Antifertility
Entada rheedii Spreng. Sea Bean Seed Liver tonic
Gloriosa superba L. Galihari Root tuber, seed Antiinflammatory
Gymnema sylvestre (Retz.) R.Br. ex Sm. Gudmar Leaf Antidiabetic
Hemedesmus indicus L. Anantamul Root Antiinflamatory
Ichnocarpus frutiscens Br Kali dhoodi Stem Antiinflammatory
Lagenaria ciceraria L. Bottle guard Fruit Antioxidant
Leptadenia reticulata Wight &Arn. Jeevanthi dhoodabel Stem Lactocogue
Momordicha charantia L. Karela Fruit Antidiabetic
Mucuna pruriens (L.) DC. Kounch Seed Parkinson
Passiflora edulis Sims Passion fruit Aerila part Anti oxidant
Piper longum L. (pippali) Long pepper, Fruit Pungent
Piper nigrum L. Black pepper Fruit Pungent
Rubia cordifolia L. Manjistha Root Colouring
Salacia chinensis L. Ekanayakam Root Antidiabetic
Smilax china L. China root Root Immunostimulant
Tinospora sinensis (Lour.) Merr. Giloe, Amrutha valli Stem Immunostimulant
Ventilago maderaspatana Gaertn. Pitti. Root Colouring
Vitis vinifera L. Grape Fruit Antioxidant

Medicinal Herbs Common name Part used Properties

Achyranthes aspera L. Apamarga Whole plant Diuretic, antifertility
Acorus calamus L. Bach Rhizome Nervine, digestive
Aloe vera (L.) Burm.f. Aloe Leaf Anti diabetic, tonic
Andrographis paniculata (Burm.f.) Nees Kalmeg Aerial part Bitter, immunostimulant
Arnebia nobilis Rech.f. Ratan jot Root Colouring agent
Bacopa monnieri (L.) Wettst. Nir brahmi Whole plant Nervine tonic
Boerhavia diffusa L. Punarnava Whole plant/root Diuretic
Centella asiatica (L.) Urb. Brahmi Whole plant/leaf Nervine tonic, anti ulcerative
Chlorophytum tuberosum (Roxb.) Baker Safed musale Root Tonic
Chrysopogon zizanioides (L.) Roberty Vetiver Root Aromatic, cooling.
Curculigo orchiioides Gaertn. Kali musle Root uber Tonic, Aphrodisiac
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Curcuma longa L. Haldi Rhizome Anti oxidant, colouring

Curcuma zedoaria (Christm.) Roscoe White turmeric Rhizome Anticarcingenic
Cymbopogon citratus (DC.) Stapf Lemongrass Leaf Aromatic, anti microbial
Cymbopogon martini (Roxb.) W.Watson Palmarosa Leaf Aromatic, antmicrobial
Rhizome/
Cynodon dactylon (L.) Pers. Durva Tonic, antidiabetic
whole plant
Cyperus rotundus L. Nut grass Rhizome Aromatic, anti pyretic
Datura metal L. Datura Fruit Hallucinogenic
Desmodium gangeticum (L.) DC. Orilai Root/ whole plant Dasamoola bowl tonic
Didymocarpus pedicellata R.Br. Shilapushpi Root/ whole plant Livertonic
Eclipta prostrata (L.) L. Bringaraj Leaf Hair growth promotor.
Enicostema axillare (Lam.) Raynal Whole plant Bitter tonic
Euphorbia hirta L. Asthma Weed. Whole plant Diuretic
Euryale ferox Salisb. Fox nut Seed Tonic
Evolvulus alsinoides L. Vishnugranthi Whole plant Anti pyretic, nervine
Foeniculum vulgare Mill Fennel Fruit Aromatic, digestive
Fumaria indica (Hausskn.) Pugsley Sahatara Whole plant Liver protective
Hybanthus enneaspermus (L) F. Muell Ratanpurush Whole plant Aphrodisiac
Indigofera tinctoria L. Nili Leaf Colouring, skin tonic.
Lallemantia royaleana Bentham Tukmalanga Seed Cooling
Lepidum sativum L. Alsi Seed Antioxidant
Linum usitatissimum L. Lin seed Seed Antioxidant
Medicago sativa L. Alfalfa Leaf Tonic
Mentha spicata L. Pudina Leaf Aromatic, cooling
Merremia emarginata (Burm. f.) Hallier f. whole plant Nervine tonic
Mollugo cerviana (L.) Ser. Parpatak Whole plant antipyretic
Nelumbo nucifera Gaertn. Kamal Flower/seed Uterine tonic
Nigella sativa L. Kalongi Seed Diuretic
Ocimum basilicum L. Sweet basil leaf/seed Aromatic
Ocimum tenuiflorum L. Holy basil Leaf Respiratory tonic,
Pedalium murex L. Bada gokru Fruit Aphrodisiac, diuretic
Peganum harmala L. Harmal Seed
Phyla nodiflora (L.) Greene Jal bhuti Fruit Hair growth promotor
Phyllanthus amarus Schumach. & Thonn. Bhuiamla Whole plant Bitter liver tonic
Phyllanthus maderaspatensis L. Melanelli aerial part Liver tonic
Picrorhiza kurroa Royle ex Benth Kutki Rhizome Liver tonic
Plantago major L. Isabgol Fruit shell Laxative
-Plectranthus barbatus Andrews Patanchur Root tuber Anti- inflammatory
Plumbago zeylanica L Chirakmul Root Liver tonic
Pogostemon cablin (Blanco) Benth. Patchouli Aerial part aromatic
Rauvolfia serpentina (L.) Benth. ex Kurz Sarbaganda Root Cardiac tonic
Rheum australe D. Don Revalchini Root tuber Antiinflammatory
Rosmarinus officinalis L. Rosemary Leaf Aromatic
Ruta graveolens L. Garden rue Leaf/fruit Homeopathic
Saussurea costus (Falc.) Lipsch. Kuth Root Anti microbial
Senna alexandrina Mill. Senna Leaf/fruitshell Laxative
Sida cordifolia L. Bala Root Tonic,
Sinopodophyllum hexandrum (Royle) T.S.Ying(=Podophyllum
Ban kakri Rhizome Anticancer
hexandrum)
Solanum americanum Mill. Makoy Leaf/fruit Antiulcerative, calcium
Solanum surattense Burm. f. Kateli Whole plant/root Dasmoola, bowl tonic
Sphaeranthus indicus L. Mundi Head digestive
Sphagneticola calendulacea (L.) Pruski (=Wedelia chinensis Liver tonic, hair growth
Yellow bringaraj Leaf
(Osbeck) Merr.) promotor
Swertia chirayita (Roxb.) Buch.-Ham. ex C.B.Clarke Chirayita tikta whole plant Bitter, imminostimulant
Sylibium marianum (L.) Gaertn Milk thistle Seed/leaf Liver protective
Tagetus erecta L. Marigold Flower Anti oxidant, coluring
Tephrosia purpurea (L.) Pers Sharpunka Aerial part Liver protective
Trachyspermum ammi (L.) Sprague Ajwain Fruit Digestive, antimicrobial
Tribulus terrestris L. Gokhru Fruit/root Aphrodisiac, diuretic
Trigonella foenum graceum Linn. Methi Seed/leaf Antidiabetic, tonic
Valeriana jatamansi Jones jatamansi Rhizome Aromatic
Viola odorata L. Banfasa Leaf/flower Antioxidant
Withania coagulans (Stocks) Dunal Panirdhoodi Fruit Antidiabetic
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Withania somnifera (L.) Dunal Ashwaganda Root Antidepressant, tonic

Shrubs Common name Part Used Properties

Camellia sinensis (L.) Kuntze Tea Leaf Anti oxidant
Clerodendrum phlomoides Hort. ex DC. Agnimanda Root /stem Antiinflammatory
Embelia tsjerium kottam (Roem. & Schult.) A. DC. Baibidang Fruit Antifertility
Glycyrrhiza glabra L. Liquorice Rhizome Anti ulcerative
Hibiscus rosa-sinensis L. Shoe flower Leaf/flower Colouring agent
Hippophae rhamnoides L. Sea buck thorn Fruit Anti oxidant
Justicia adhatoda L. Vasaka leaf/root Expectorent
Lawsonia inermis L. Henna Leaf Colouring agent
Premna serratifolia L. Agnimandha Root /stem Antiinflammatory
Randia dumetorum Lam. Madanphala Fruit
Ricinus communis L. Castor Leaf/seed Antimicrobial
Rotheca serrata (L.) Steane & Mabb. Bharangi Root Anti-inflammatory, antipyretic
Vitex negundo L. Nirgundi Leaf antiinflammatory
Woodfordia fruticosa Kurz. Dahi phool Flower Tonic
Zanthoxylum nitidum (Roxb.) DC. Kukumada Seed/leaf Spice, carminative
Zanthoxylum acanthopodium DC. Japanese pepper seed/leaf Spice
Zinziberaceae plant (Table 6)
Alpinia galanga (L.) Willd. Kolinjan Rhizome Cough cold
Curcuma longa L. Haldi Rhizome Anti -oxidant
Elettaria cardamomum (L.) Maton Cardamomum Fruit Aromatic
Hedychium spicatum Buch. & Ham. Kapur kachri Rhizome Respiratory tonic
Kaempferia galanga L. Kachhuram Rhizome Expectorent
Zingiber officinale Roscoe Ginger Rhizome Pungent, digestive, bitter

Herbs available in Plains Holarrhena pubescens, Mappia foetida, Premna serratifolia,

Sida sp, Boerhavia diffusa, Tephrosia purpurea, Tribulus Sapindus emarginatus, Strychnos nux- vomica, Strychnos
terrestris are frequently available in the plains. Eclipta potatorum, Semicarpus anacardium are frequently growing in
prostrata, Sphaeranthus indicus, Solanum xanthocarpum, the dry deciduous forests Boswellia serata, Canarium
Bacopa monnieri Phyla nodiflora, Alternanthera sessilis are strictum, Commiphora mukul, Gardenia gummifera, Shorea
present in the paddy growing areas. Rainfed field areas one robusts, Vateria indica are resin yielding plants. Firmiana
can find Cassia auriculata, Plumbago zeylanica is available simplex, Acacia nilotica are gum yielding trees. Ichnocarpus
in the shade areas near Tamarind trees. The climbers such as frutiscens, Corallocarpus epigaeus, Asparagus racemosus,
Tinopspora cordifolia, Gymnema sylvestre, Aristolochia Hemedesmus indicus, Gloriosa superba etc. are wild
indica are growing in hedges of Agriculture fields. Near climbers. Lagerstroemia speciosa is often planted in the parks
coastal areas Tinospora cordifolia, Leptadenia reticulata, and avenues. Tamarindus indica is also a regular avenue tree
Solanum trilobatum, Aristolochia indica, Coccinea indica are and it also grows near foot hills and villages, boundaries of
growing more. Cynodon dactylon, Cyperus rotundus are agriculture lands. Aphanamixis polystachya tree is also
common monocot plants. , Enicostema axillare, Evolvulus planted in the park, roadsides in Bengaluru. Embelia ribes,
alsinoides, Hybanthus enneaspermu. In the floors of scrub Helictrus isora, Vitex negundo, Woodfordia fruticosa are
jungle Curculigo orchioides is growing Salacia chinensis, shrubs. Woodfordia(daye phool) is more common in the north
Solanum virginianum, Trapa natans, Tylophora indica, Indian forest. Piper betel, Piper longum, Piper nigrum,
Coccinea grandis and Datura metal are growing near coast. Plantago ovata are cultivated plants. Glycyrrhiza glabra is
Medicago sativa is cultivated in rainfed fields. Mollugo native of Mediterranian region cultivated in some places,
cerviana, Nelumbo nucifera, Nigella sativa, Hibiscus rosa sinensis, Justicia adhatoda are often cultivated
in the south. In the north Indian forests Justicia adhatoda is
Plants available in the Hill stations above 1000 feet distributed under wild condition. Rauvolfia serpentina, Uraria
altitude laopodioides are important wild herbs.
Centella asiatica, Solanum nigrum are growing from sea level
to 2000m, Symplocos racemosa, Berberis aristata, Mappia Plants available in The Himalayan region
foetida, Cyathula prostrata, Cinnamomum verum, Pinus tree is the vastly distributed tree in The Himlalayan
cinnamomum tamala, Eucalyptus globulus, Rosemarinus areas. between 750-1500m Prunus sp, Pyrus sp, Juglans regia
officinalis, Menta pepprita. Ferns also prefer higher altitudes. (Wal nut), Cedrus deodar(Devdar), Berberis aristata, Punica
Decalepis hamiltonii is an endemic climber, closely related to granatum, Polygonum alatum, Inula racemosa, Saussurea
Hemidesmus indicus, often cultivated in Andhra Pradesh and costus, Pycrorrhiza kurroa, Taxus wallichiana, Abies
Karnataka for its tubers which are used in pickle, cooldrink pindrow, A. spectabilis, Hypericum perforatum are frequently
and in medicine. used medicinal herbs. They are altitude specific. Plants like
Juniperus macropoda, Jurinea macrocephala, Skimmia
Plants found in the dry deciduous forests. lauriola are used as dhoop for aromatic fragrance. Aesculus
Tree like Albizia lebbeck, Azadirachta indica, Albizia amara, indica, Aquiaria agallocha, Betua utilis, Crocus sativus,
Syzygium cuminii, Adansonia digitata , Gmelina arborea . Lycopodium clavatum, Podophyllum hexandrum, Rubia
Pterocarpus marsupium , Santalum album, Sapindus cordiflia, Smilax china, Swertia chirayita, Aconitum
emarginatus , Phyllanthus emblica L., Terminalia arjuna,T. heterophyllum, Arnebia nobilis, Bergenia ciliata, Hedychium
bellirica , T. chebula, Wrightia tinctoria , Ficus benghalensis, spicatum, Iris germanica, Lallemantia royaleana,
Ficus racemosa, Ficus religiosa, Garcinia gummigutta, Nardostachys grandiflora, Onosma echioides, Polypodium
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vulgare, Rhododendron anthopogon, sysymbrium irio, Viola organic Turmeric, Ginger Moringa etc. There is no organized
canescens, Zanthoxylum armatum. These are the minor forest medicinal plant cultivation activity; consequently there is an
products, local residents processed it and supplying to the abrupt price variation in the market. The demand and supply
consumers. ratio is quiet inconsistent. Farmers not willing to cultivate the
herbs second time. Only some entrepreneurs take all risks and
Plants found in the cold Himalayan desert successfully doing the medicinal herb cultivation. One has to
Peganum harmala, Hippophae rhamnoides, Physochalina seek medicinal gardens to get some medicinal plants, but it is
praelta, Ephedra gerardiana, Hyoscyamus niger etc. are very difficult to maintain medicinal garden. Wild sources are
found in the Leh Ladakh area of Himchala Pradesh and frequently disappearing due to drought or human
Jammu &Kashmir. developmental expansion activities or grazing. When a
particular herb is not available for use, the medicine producers
Plants found in The Indian Desert. look for substitutes.
Prosopis spicigera, Withania somnifera, W. coagulens,
Convolvulus pluricaulis, Pluchea lanceolata, Tecomella
undulata, Salvadora persica, Clerodendrum phlomoides,
Commiphora mukul, Leptadenia reticulata, Lawsonia inermis,
Ziziphus mauritiana etc. are found in the desert areas of
Rajasthan. These are contributing largely to the economy of
the local people and also to the nation. Rajasthan henna is
considered superior. Methi seeds, senna leaves are produced
large scale here.

Plants found in the coastal area.

Morinda citrifolia, Salacia chinensis, Salvadora persica,
Asparagus racemosus, Tribulus terrestris, Leptadenia
reticulata, Cassia auriculata, Azadirachta indica, Premna
corymbosa, Vitex negundo , Phyllanthus maderspatensis,
mangrove species are found in the coastal areas. Operculina
turpethum is often growing along canals.

Western Ghats (Kerala, Tamilnadu, Karnataka &

Maharashtra) Spice crops such as Myristica fragrans,
Sysygium aromaticum, Piper nigrum, Piper roxburghiana,
Cinnamomum tamala, C. verum, Elettaria cardamomum etc.
are cultivated. Nowadays the seeds of Swietenia mahagoni are
consumed by diabetic patients. It is coming from the Southern
states.

Discussion
Out of 1000 species of medicinal plants about 200 species are
used commercial scale. Often they are used by the local
people. Availability of the herbs is insufficient, which is the
reason for not using the plants for commercial use. Herbs like
Withania somnifera (Ashwaganda), Centella asiatica
(Brahmi), Gloriosa superba (Kalihari), Phyllanthus amarus
(Bhumiamla), Ocimum tenuiflorum (Tulasi), Aloe vera, Senna
alexandrina (Senna), Andrographis paniculata(Kalmeg)are
often cultivated. Most of these crops except Withania,
Ocimum remaining are grown under buy back schemes. Some
other potential crops are Tinospora cordifolia (Geloy),
Mucuna pruriens(Kounch), Gymnema sylvestre (Gudnmar),
Vetiveria zizanioides(vetiver), Alpinia galangal(Kolinjan),
Plumbago zeylanica (Chitrak), Chlorophytum borevilianum
(Safed musali). The aromatic crops like Cymbopogon martini
(Palmarosa), C. flexuosa(Lemeon grass), Rosemarinus
officinalis (Rosemary), Pogostemon cabli(patchouli) are often
cultivated. Vegetable crops like Moringa oleifera
(Drumstick), Zingiber officinalis (Adrak), Decalepis
hamiltoni (Anantamul) is also often cultivated, which is used
in mediine as well making pickle. In the high altitude
Himalayas Saussurea costus, (Kuth), Inula racemose
(Pushkarmul), Pycrorhiza kurruoa(Kutki) are cultivated.
Indigofera tinctoria (Nili) is cultivated some area near
Pondicherry, Tamilnadu. Curcuma longa is consumed as
spice, medicine in large scale. There is also demand for

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Tulasi, Cymbopogon flexuosus, C. martini, Pogostomon

patchouli, Chrysopogon zizanoides, Rosmarnus officinalis,
jasminum grandiflorum, J. sampac, Polyanthus tuberosus,
Rosa sp etc are produced in a large scale. Certified organic
cultivation is new initiative in India during this decade.
National biodiversity authority (NBA) is streamlining
commercial utilization of medicinal plants. National
medicinal plant board and State medicinal plant boards
encouraging the cultivation of medicinal plants and
establishing the medicinal gardens.

Acknowledgement
Author is thankful to the Director Dr. Amit Agarwal and Dr.
Deepak M, Head R&D for their support and encouragement.

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