Diversity, Distribution and Indigenous Uses of the \u3cem\u3eHypericum\u3c/em\u3e Species in Indian Himalayan Region

The genus Hypericum is known worldwide for its traditional and modern uses. Therefore, an attempt has been made to assess the diversity, distribution and indigenous uses of the species of this genus in the Indian Himalayan Region (IHR). A total of 27 species of Hypericum were recorded from the IHR, of these 17 were economically important. Thirteen species were native to the Himalayan region, 3 were endemic and 6 were near endemic species. Amongst the species, Hypericum perforatum was the most valued species used for fuel, fodder, dying and medicine, and for the extraction of hypericin. Due to over exploitation of this species for the pharmaceutical industries, the natural populations of this species are depleting fast and this species have been placed under vulnerable category of the IUCN. Similarly, due to multiple utility of the H. choisanum, H. oblongifolium and H. sampsonii, these species are also facing high pressures. It is expected that like H. perforatum, other species of Hypericum may have high concentration of hypericin. Therefore, chemical extraction of these species has been suggested for the identification of potential of these species. The population assessment using standard ecological methods and development of propagation protocol have been suggested

Saussurea species in Indian Himalayan Region: diversity, distribution and indigenous uses

In spite of the high economic value of the Saussurea species in the Indian Himalayan Region (IHR), the potential of most of the species is yet to be investigated. Therefore, an attempt has been made to study the diversity, distribution, habitat preference, nativity, endemism, status and indigenous uses of Saussurea species in the IHR. A total of 62 species were recorded from the IHR; of these, 37 species were native to the Himalayan region, 8 were endemic and 21 were near endemic to the IHR. Twenty-seven of the 28 species that were known to have indigenous uses also had medicinal value and are used for the treatment of various diseases/ailments. Many species, e.g., S. affinis (Ganga Mula*), S. auriculata (Pachak Kut), S. bracteata (Prerak Mul), S. costus (Kuth), S. gossypiphora (Kasturi Kamal) and S. obvallata (Brahm Kamal), have multiple uses. The genus showed high habitat specificity in that 16 species were recorded to be restricted to one or two habitats only. As many as 44 species were identified as rare in the study region. Considering the high industrial demand for raw materials and the endangered status of S. costus, S. gossypiphora, S. obvallata and S. simpsoniana (Fen Kamal), these species should be prioritized for conservation (in situ and ex situ) throughout the IHR. Population assessment of the rare-endangered, native, endemic and economically important species using standard ecological methods has been suggested for the quantification of the existing stock of these species in their natural habitats. Further, phyto-chemical investigations for the identification of active ingredients are suggested. Propagation and cultivation techniques are lacking for most of the species of Saussurea except for S. costus, S. obvallata and S. medusa (Snow Lotus). Furthermore, the native communities need to be sensitized to the sustainable use and conservation value of the species in this genus. *Local names given in parentheses throughout are in the Pahari language, spoken by native communities in the Himalayan region