Angelica glauca: A comprehensive review of ethnobotanical significance and conservation strategies

Abstract

Angelica glauca Edgew., an important medicinal and aromatic herb found in the Himalayan region, is now critically endangered due to overharvesting, habitat destruction and climate change. The plant has immense ethnobotanical, nutritional and pharmacological importance, yet it has sadly remained under-researched and poorly protected. This review presents a comprehensive synthesis of the consolidated knowledge on A. glauca, including its phytochemical composition, essential oil contents, bioactivity and traditional uses among the Indigenous communities. Particular attention is drawn to its current conservation status as per the IUCN and national level assessments of biodiversity, revealing vital gaps in preservation strategies. Major threats that are assessed in the review include unsustainable harvesting practices and the precariousness of ecosystems in the light of climatic variability. In response, urgent conservation recommendations such as habitat restoration, ex situ propagation, community-based resource management and strict policy realization are suggested. This work is aimed at contributing to research, conservation and policy for safeguarding the future of the A. glauca species and its contributions to Himalayan biodiversity and traditional medicine.