Marketing of medicinal and aromatic plants in Uttarakhand

Abstract

Medicinal plants encompass bioactive compounds that can be used to make pharmacopeial, non-pharmacopeial and synthetic medications. Indian ayurveda medicine uses a variety of aromatic and medicinal plants. One of the world's twelve most varied nations is India. Over 21,000 plants are registered by the World Health Organization (WHO) as being used for medical purposes globally; 2500 of these species are indigenous to India and 150 of them are widely and economically used in the manufacturing process of pharmaceuticals. Uttarakhand's traditional medical system enhances its reputation as a storehouse of aromatic and therapeutic plants. The Bibiwala, Ramnagar and Tanakpur mandis in Uttarakhand were used for the research and identification of aromatic and medicinal plants used in the production of herbal medicines, as well as the establishment of recognized markets for their trading. Local farmers, merchants, middlemen and pharmaceutical corporations provided information about MAPs used in the creation of herbal remedies. The survey identified 52 plants, 18% of which were believed to treat indigestion and constipation, 15% cough and cold, 13% fever, 10% skin difficulties, 7% diarrhoea, 5% anxiety and 1% menstruation abnormalities and sexual impairment. Plant parts commonly employed in herbal medicinal compositions were leaves (18%), roots (11%), fruit (10%), rhizomes 6%, stem 3%, total plant part 3%, seed 3% and bark 1%. MAPs comprised twigs, entire plants, tubers, roots, rhizomes, leaves, fruits, bark, flowers and seeds.