Medicinal Plants - 2 | Agriculture Optional Notes for UPSC PDF Download

Medicinal Plants in India

• Beddomes Cycad / Perita / Kondaitha:
  • Found in Eastern Peninsular India.
  • Local herbalists utilize the male cones of this plant to treat rheumatoid arthritis and muscle pain. It is also known for its fire-resistant properties.
• Blue Vanda / Autumn Ladies Tresses Orchid:
  • Distributed in states like Assam, Arunachal Pradesh, Manipur, Meghalaya, and Nagaland.
  • Blue Vanda, a rare botanical orchid with blue flowers, is highly valued for hybridization.
• Kuth Plant:
  • Mainly found in Kashmir and Himachal Pradesh.
  • Used as an anti-inflammatory remedy and in traditional Tibetan medicine.
  • The plant's roots are used in perfumery and insecticide production, containing the important alkaloid 'saussurine.'
• Ladies Slipper Orchid:
  • Primarily collected as collector's items.
  • Occasionally used in treatments for anxiety and insomnia, and topically applied for muscle pain relief.
• Red Vanda:
  • Distributed in Manipur, Assam, and Andhra Pradesh.
  • Collected in large quantities to meet the demand of orchid collectors worldwide.
• Sarpagandha:
  • Found in Sub-Himalayan regions from Punjab to Nepal, Sikkim, Assam, Eastern & Western Ghats, parts of Central India, and the Andamans.
  • Rauvolfia roots are valuable for medicinal purposes and are used in treating various central nervous system disorders.
• Ceropegia Species:
  • Various ornamental plants, such as the Lantern Flower, Parasol Flower, and Bushman's Pipe.
• Indian Podophyllum/Emodi:
  • Found in lower Himalayan regions.
  • Rhizomes and roots are used for medicinal resin. Podophyllin from the plant is toxic and irritating to the skin and mucous membranes.
• Tree Ferns:
  • Found in lower Himalayan areas.
  • The pith of the Soft Tree Fern can be consumed cooked or raw and is a good source of starch.
• Cycads:
  • Gymnosperm plants considered living fossils.
  • Distributed in Western Ghats, Eastern Ghats, North East India, and the Andaman and Nicobar Islands.
  • Historically used as a starch source and in socio-cultural rituals, but consumption has been associated with neurological diseases.
• Elephant’s Foot:
  • Widespread in the North Western Himalayas.
  • A commercial source of Diosgenin, which is used in the synthesis of various steroids, including cortisol and progesterone.

National Medicinal Plants Board

• The National Medicinal Plants Board (NMPB) is an organization founded by the Indian government with the objective of addressing issues related to medicinal plants, facilitating their growth, export, and trade.
• This board operates under the Ministry of Ayurveda, Yoga, Naturopathy, Unani, Siddha, and Homeopathy (AYUSH) in India.
• The Government of India established the National Medicinal Plants Board on November 24, 2000, with a focus on advancing the medicinal plant sector. Its primary mission is to create an effective framework for supporting policies and initiatives that promote the cultivation and export of medicinal plants.

e-CHARAK Platform for Medicinal Plants

• e-CHARAK Introduction:
  • The e-Channel for Herbs, Aromatic, Raw Material, and Knowledge (e-CHARAK) serves as a platform for sharing information and knowledge within the medicinal plants sector.
• Collaboration:
  • e-CHARAK is a collaborative effort between various stakeholders, including the National Medicinal Plants Board (NMPB) and the Ministry of Ayush, under the Government of India.
  • The Center for Development of Advanced Computing (C-DAC) is also a key contributor to the development of e-CHARAK.
• Purpose and Scope:
  • The platform is designed to facilitate the exchange of information, data, and knowledge related to medicinal plants among the involved parties.
• Key Collaborators:
  • The NMPB, as part of the Ministry of Ayush in India, plays a central role in this initiative.
  • The collaboration with C-DAC aims to enhance and streamline information sharing and knowledge dissemination in the medicinal plant sector.

Conclusion

Medicinal plants find application in both modern and traditional medicine for the dual purpose of maintaining overall health and addressing specific health conditions. In the realm of modern medicine, approximately 25% of prescribed drugs are derived from medicinal plants, undergoing rigorous testing for safety and efficacy.

The use of medicinal plants offers a trifecta of advantages. Firstly, they provide health benefits to individuals using them as remedies. Secondly, they generate economic benefits for those involved in their cultivation, processing, and sale. Thirdly, they offer broader societal advantages such as job creation, tax revenues, and a healthier workforce.

Nonetheless, the development of plant-based medicines or extracts with potential therapeutic uses faces several challenges. These include a shortage of robust scientific evidence, inadequate drug development practices, and insufficient financial support, all of which hinder progress in this field.