B. S. Adhikari , M. M. Babu , P. L. Saklani , G. S. Rawat

Abstract

This paper provides information on the distribution and use pattern of medicinal climbers in Uttaranchal State, India. A list of 88 medicinal climbers, found in Uttaranchal has been appended based on extensive literature survey. Their altitudinal distribution and parts used in various ailments has been analyzed. Fabaceae, Vitaceae and Cucurbitaceae are the largest families, and have more than 10 species of medicinal climbers. The medicinal climbers in different ecological regions found in sub-tropical, warm temperate, cool-temperate, sub-alpine and alpine are 83, 44,7,3 and 1, respectively. Including all the species the major parts used in various ailments are in the following order: Leaves and ischolar_mains (44 species each) > fruits (17 species) > seed (15 species). Maximum climbers are used in dysentery, diarrhoea, fever, wounds, digestive complaints, skin diseases, rheumatism, bronchitis and asthma. The first region i.e., sub-tropical region is the most important zone for in-situ and ex-situ conservation of medicinal climbers, as most of them grow in this region. The paper will help in the formulation of strategies for promotion and cultivation of medicinal climbers in Uttaranchal State.

Full Text

     

B. S. Adhlkari , M. M. Babu , P. L. Saklani , G. S. Rawat

Abstract

This paper deals with distribution and use pattern of medicinal trees in the State of Uttaranchal , India. Based on extensive literature survey , a list of 197 medicinal trees found in Uttaranchal has been appended. Their altitudinal distribution and parts used in various ailments have been given. Euphorbiaceae , Fabaceae , Moraceae and Rosaceae are the largest families having more than 10 species of medicinal trees. The medicinal trees in different ecological regions found in sub-tropical , warm temperate , cool-temperate , sub-alpine and alpine are 170 , 64 ,22 ,10 and 4 , respectively. The major parts used in various ailments are bark (118 species) , leaves (78 species) , fruits (65 species) , ischolar_main (42 species) and seed (30 species). The diseases such as dysentery , fever , diarrhoea , rheumatism , wounds , cholera , skin diseases , bronchitis , cough and asthma are the most frequent ailments. The prospects of in-situ and ex-situ conservation of medicinal trees in Uttaranchal State have been discussed.

Full Text