Potential of medicinal plants in Kashmir Himalayas: A review

Abstract

The Himalayas are recognized as one of the important global biodiversity hotspots where ecological, phyto-geographical and evolutionary factors favors high species diversity. It has a large altitudinal range (300- 800m amsl) and supports a unique flora and fauna. About 18,440 species of plants (25.3% species endemic), 1748 species of medicinal plants and 675 species of wild edibles. Medicinal plants are traded as both as raw material and as processed final products. The collection and more recently marketing of medicinal plants has provided an important source of income for communities living in the Himalayan region, particularly in Kashmir valley. Medicinal plants have been used for centuries in traditional health care systems and numerous cultures around the world still rely on plants for their basic health care. With the recent advancements in plant sciences, there has been a tremendous increase in the use of plant based health products in developing as well as developed countries. About 70-80% people around the world depend on medicinal plants for basic health care. Medicinal plants are also a source of income for thousands of families in kashmir valley.