Diversity, Distribution Pattern and Traditional Uses of Medicinal Plants in Inderkila National Park of Himachal Pradesh, North Western Himalaya, India

Author: Sunil Dutt, Sher Singh Samant, Lalit Mohan Tewari, Om Prakash and Vijay Kumar

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Abstract

The Indian Himalayan Region (IHR) harbors a vast range of medicinal plants, yet several protected areas in Himachal Pradesh remain insufficiently investigated. One such unexplored region is Inderkila National Park, situated in the Kullu district of Hinachal Pradesh, India. To address the existing research gap, an extensive survey was carried out from 2016 to 2023 to assess the medicinal plant diversity of Inderkila National Park. The study documented 563 species of medicinal plants, spanning 282 genera and 80 families. Among these, 386 species were found to be native, 130 were near-endemic, and 17 were endemic. Local communities traditionally utilize various plant parts to treat ailments such as, cough, cold, fever, wounds, cuts, blood disorders, liver and kidney issues, and as remedies for snake and insect bites. However, many of these species are facing a sharp decline due to unsustainable harvesting, habitat loss, and environmental changes. This requires regular ecological monitoring including quadrat-based assessments and awareness-building initiatives among both local residents and forest officials, to ensure sustainable usage and conservation of these valuable plant resources

Keywords

Diversity, Distribution, Medicinal Plants, Traditional Uses, Ailments, Native, Endemic, Conservation

Conclusion

The present investigation reveals that Inderkila National Park is a repository of considerable medicinal plant diversity, with 598 species identified, including several native, near-endemic, and endemic taxa. The continued dependence of local communities on forest-based medicinal resources for primary healthcare underscores the Park’s role not only in biodiversity conservation, but also in supporting rural health and livelihoods. However, the lack of structured cultivation and conservation mechanisms within the park boundary poses a serious risk to the long-term viability of these resources. To address these challenges, it is crucial to develop comprehensive programs that promote the sustainable use, conservation, and propagation of medicinal plants within and around the park. This includes involving local communities in participatory conservation and cultivation efforts, integrating their traditional knowledge into management practices, and raising awareness about sustainable harvesting. Providing capacity-building programs and training in plant propagation, herbal formulation, and value addition can further strengthen the livelihoods of local residents while simultaneously reducing pressure on wild populations. Encouraging the cultivation of high-demand species such as Picrorhiza kurroa, Valeriana jatamansi, Dactylorhiza hatagirea, and Angelica glauca on private lands and community-managed landscapes can help divert extraction away from core forest areas. Furthermore, in-situ and ex-situ conservation strategies should be developed (Lal et al., 2019 and 2020), including the establishment of herbal gardens, seed banks, and conservation nurseries. The alignment of these initiatives with national programs such as the National AYUSH Mission and State Medicinal Plant Boards can facilitate access to technical expertise, financial resources, and policy support. Ecological monitoring of key species and their habitats should be carried out regularly using robust scientific methods to detect trends, assess threats, and adapt management strategies accordingly. In conclusion, by combining biodiversity conservation with community engagement, sustainable livelihoods, and scientific innovation, Inderkila National Park has the potential to become a leading example of medicinal plant conservation in the Indian Himalayan Region. Such an integrated approach will not only safeguard a valuable ecological resource, but also contribute meaningfully to the health security and economic resilience of the region’s mountain communities

References

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How to cite this article

Sunil Dutt, Sher Singh Samant, Lalit Mohan Tewari, Om Prakash and Vijay Kumar (2023). Diversity, Distribution Pattern and Traditional Uses of Medicinal Plants in Inderkila National Park of Himachal Pradesh, North Western Himalaya, India. Biological Forum – An International Journal, 15(6): 1053-1085