Nature's Remedies and Conservation: Ethnomedicinal Plants in the Tungnath Region, West Himalaya

Abstract

Among the 150 species of medicinal plants found in the Tungnath region of the Western Himalaya, herbs make up the majority (76.8%), followed by shrubs, trees, climbers, and pteridophytes. Of these species, 20.2% are native to other parts of the world, while 67.5% are native to the Himalayan region. From sub-tropical to alpine climates, these plants are found in a range of elevation gradients, with plant species suited to each zone. Most medicinal plants are members of the Rosaceae, Polygonaceae and Ranunculaceae families. The most often utilized plant parts are complete plants (22.5%), leaves (24.4%), and roots (28.7%). Although these plants treat a variety of illnesses, the most prevalent ones are gastrointestinal disorders (23.8%), dermatological concerns (30.5%), and general health difficulties like fever (34.6%). Additionally, the study sheds light on the location and density of these plants throughout the May-September growing season. The cool, temperate, and subalpine regions have the highest degree of plant species similarity (82.7%) among climatic zones, followed by other nearby zones. The research highlights the significance of protecting these plants for both their therapeutic benefits and the region's ecological equilibrium.