2020, Vol. 8, Issue 4, Part C

author(s)
Santhan P

abstract
This article deals with the current status of 1000 species of Indian medicinal plants. Out these only 180 species are used at commercial scale. They are restricted in distribution, and often seasonal. Due to climate change, over exploitation and the domination of invaded species population of Indian medicinal 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.