Status of medicinal plants in Nepal

Subodh Dhakal

Medicinal plants

These are the plants that have recognized medicinal value.

Status of Medicinal plants in Nepal

• In Nepal, altitude variation is so great that it ranges from some 60 m above the sea level in Terai to 8848 m. This supports greater possibilities of rich diversities.
• Nepal has about 7000 plant species in its possession. Among them, 700 (10%) are supposed to be of medicinal value.
• Because of reasons including poor management and unscientific harvesting, several medicinal plants are in the edge of extinction.
• Nepal Government has prohibited collection and export of such several plants according to Forest act 1993 AD.

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• Medicinal herbs banned for collection, use, sale and distribution
• Panchaule (Dactylorhiza hatagirea)
• Kutki (Picrorhiza scrophulariaflora)
• Medicinal herbs banned to export outside the country
• Loth salla (Taxus spp)
• Sarpagandha (Rauwolfia serpentina)
• Sugandhawal (Valeriana jatamansi)
• Jatamasi (Nardostachys grandiflora)
• Sugandhakokila (Cinnamomum glaucescens)

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Panchaule

• Vernacular names

Nepali : Panchaunle

English: Salep, Marshorchid

Sherpa: Ongulakpa

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• Biological source

Botanical name: Dactylorhiza hatagirea

Part used: Root

Family: Orchidaceae

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• Distribution:

It is naturally distributed throughout Nepal at 2800 to 3800 m in moist places of Nepal, Bhutan, India and Pakistan.

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Morphology (whole plant)

• The plant is about 45 cm high.
• The roots are tuberous, slightly flattened and is divided into three to five finger like lobes.
• Leaves (6-12 cm long and 2-4 cm wide) are are lanceolate and consists of sheathing leaf base (base of leaf is broad and surrounds the stem)
• It consists of purple colored flowers

• Important chemical constituents
• Dactylorhin A,B,C,D,E; Dactyloses A,B

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• Uses
• It is used as analgesic in body pain.
• Powder of Panchaule roots can also be given in fever.
• It can also be used as an expectorant, astringent and demulcent.
• Powdered root is spread over the wounds to control bleeding.

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• Conservation status
• Nepal government has banned this species to collection, use, sale , distribution, export outside the country through Forest act 1993

Barro

• Vernacular names

Nepali : Barro

English: Belleric Myrobalan

Newari: Balah

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• Biological source

Botanical name: Terminalia bellirica

Part used: Fruit

Family: Combretaceae

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• Distribution and habitat:

It occurs up to an altitude of 1020 m throughout Nepal and fairly common with Sal forest. This plant prefers calcareous soil. It is susceptible to frost and draught.

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Morphology

• It is a large decidious tree (trees that seasonally shed leaves) upto 30 m tall.
• The bark is ashy grey with longitudinal cracks.
• Leaves are petiolate, ovate, entire and glabrous.
• Fruit is drupe type which is ovoid, obscurely angled with five edges, fleshy, covered by greyish silk pericarp

• Chemical constituents:

Phyllemblin, Beta sitosterol, tannin components- gallic acid, ellagic acid

• Uses
• This fruit is bitter, astringent, tonic and effective laxative.
• It is useful in piles, indigestion and leprosy.
• The half ripe fruit is purgative and fully ripe fruit is astringent.
• The fruit pulp mixed with salt, honey and pepper is an effective remedy for sore throat, cough and dyspepsia.
• Conservation status:

The plant species is not conserved as per Forest act 1993

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Harro

• Vernacular names

Nepali : Harro

English: Chebulic Myrobalan

Newari: Halah

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• Biological source

Botanical name: Terminalia chebula

Part used: Fruit

Family: Combretaceae

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• Distribution and habitat:

It occurs in an altitude upto 1500m throughout Nepal, Srilanka, Manmyar and India. It is fairly common in Sal forest. This species prefers dry soil. It is resistant to frost and drought.

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Morphology

• It is a large deciduous tree upto 30 m high.
• It has longitudinal fissured dark brown barks.
• The fruits are drupe type, oval shaped, irregularly and darkly grooved with five ribs

• Chemical constituents:

Chebulinic acid, ellagic acid, gallic acid (tannins), palmitic acid, oleic acid (fixed oils), resins

• Uses
• This fruit is an effective astringent, tonic and stomachic.
• It can locally be applied in chronic ulcers and wounds.
• It can be used in the inflammation of mucous membrane.
• The finely divided pulp is given as dentifrice (paste for cleaning the teeth) for dental caries and bleeding and ulceration of gums.
• Conservation status:

The plant species is not conserved as per Forest act 1993

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Satawari

• Vernacular names

Nepali : Kurilo, Satawari

English: Asparagus

Maithili: Sitawari

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• Biological source

Botanical name: Asparagus racemosus

Part used: root, aerial shoots

Family: Liliaceae

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• Distribution and habitat:

In Nepal it is found between 165 m and 2200 m altitude. It is indigenous to temperate Europe and Asia. This plant prefers moist , red sandy loamy soil (composed mostly of sand, silt and clay) with adequate drainage. It can be grown in shallow and rocky soil.

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Morphology

• It is branched, spinous undershrub.
• It consists of numerous roots (5-13 cm long, 1-2 cm diameter) which is pointed at both ends.
• Leaves are spine type which is 12-25 cm long.
• Flowers are white and fragrant.
• Fruits are berry type which is globose.

• Chemical constituents:

Shatavarin I-IV (steroidal saponin), Asparagin

• Uses
• Asparagus root is demulcent, diuretic, aphrodisiac, galactogogue (that increases flow of mother’s milk) and antispasmodic.
• It contains good amount of mucilage and sooths the inner cavity of stomach.
• It is an excellent, safe herbal medicine for antenatal care.
• It contains asparagin which is useful against leukemia.
• Its powder mixed with water can be used to relieve burning sensation during urination.
• The vital tonic obtained from aerial shoot is useful in diarrhea, rheumatism, diabetes and high fever.
• Conservation status:

The plant species is not conserved as per Forest act 1993

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Pipla

• Vernacular names

Nepali : Pipala

English: Long pepper

Maithili:Pipee

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• Biological source

Botanical name: Piper longum

Part used: Fruits and roots

Family: Piperaceae

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• Distribution and habitat:

It is native to Philippines and also occur in Nepal, India, Bhutan, Srilanka and Malaysia. It occurs in range between 200 to 800 m. It nourishes in warm, humid climate which is well irrigated and rich loamy.

Morphology

• It is a small aromatic plant trailing on ground or climbing on a support.
• Lower leaves are petiolate, broadly ovate cordate, 7-nerved.
• Upper leaves are sessile oblong to acuminate.
• Fruit is dark grey, cylindrical which is 1-2.5 cm long and 3-4 mm wide. Outer surface of the fruit is beaded.

• Chemical constituents:

Piperine, Piplartine, Piperlonguine

• Uses
• Roots and fruits are used to treat insomnia, epilepsy, obstruction of bile ducts and gall bladder dysentery and leprosy.
• Dried fruits are used in cold, cough, bronchitis and diarrhea.
• It is also used in rheumatic pain.
• It is also anti helminthic and carminative.
• Conservation status:

The plant species is not conserved as per Forest act 1993

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Timur

• Vernacular names

Nepali : Timur

English: Toothache tree

Tamang: Prumo

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• Biological source

Botanical name: Zanthoxylum armatum

Part used: Fruits, seeds, stem, leaves

Family: Rutaceae

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• Distribution :

It is found in Nepal, India, Bhutan, China and Philippines. In Nepal, it occurs between 900 to 2500 m.

Morphology

• It is shrub or a small tree nearly 3 m tall.
• Stems and branches are armed with prickles.
• Leafs are pinnate, leaflets are 3 to 9 in number which as lanceolate and entire.
• Fruit is 4-5 mm, globose and pale red.
• Seeds are 2 mm in diameter, oval and is shining black.

• Chemical constituent:

Linalool, Linalyl acetate

• Uses
• Fruits are used as carminative, stomachic, appetizer and antihelminthic.
• The essential oil from dried fruits possess antiseptic properties.
• The oil also shows antifungal property.
• Stem is used as tooth brush and mouth purifier.
• Seeds are used in fever, cough, stomach disorder and cholera.
• A paste of seeds is kept between the teeth to relieve toothaches.
• Conservation status:

The plant species is not conserved as per Forest act 1993

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Taxus

• Vernacular names

Nepali : Loth salla, Talispatra

English: Common yew, Himalayan yew

Tamang: Sigi

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• Biological source

Botanical name: Taxus wallichiana

Part used: Bark, leaves and fruits

Family: Taxaceae

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• Distribution :

It is found in Nepal, India, Malaysia, China and Manmyar. In Nepal, it occurs between 2300 to 3400 m.

Morphology

• It is a evergreen coniferous tree about 12m in height.
• Its bark is reddish brown, rough and exfoliated irregularly.
• Leaves are short stalked, 2-4 cm long, acute and narrowed towards the base.
• Seed cones are red and seeds are olive green.

• Chemical constituent:

Taxol, Isotaxiresinol

• Uses
• Taxol extracted from the bark and leaf is used as anti tumor agent.
• Leaves are emenagogue (which stimulate blood flow in pelvic area and uterus), sedative and antispasmodic.
• Juice of leaves is given in cough, bronchitis and asthma.
• Conservation status:

The plant has been banned for export outside the country as per Forest act 1993

Gurjo

• Vernacular names

Nepali : Gurjo

English: Tinospora

Maithili: Gujarlati

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• Biological source

Botanical name: Tinospora cordifolia

Part used: stem and root

Family: Menispermaceae

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• Distribution and habitat :

It is found in Nepal, India, Srilanka, China, Malaysia and Thailand. This plant prefers to grow in wide range of soils. Medium black or red soil is the most suitable for the plant. It prefers neutral to acidic soil. It prefers warm and humid climate.

Morphology

• It is a climber with corky grooved stem and branches containing white glands.
• Leaves (5-10 cm diameter) are petiolate, cordate to round and is 7-9 nerved.
• It consist of yellow flowers.
• Fruit is red colored and is in the size of pea.

• Chemical constituent:

Tinosporin, Tinosporine, Tinosporic acid, Tinosporol, Beta sitosterol

• Uses
• The stem is bitter, stomachic and stimulates bile secretions.
• Its juice is useful in diabetes, vaginal and urethral discharges.
• It also possess aphrodisiac (that stimulates sexual desire) and diuretic property.
• The root can be used to treat leprosy.
• Conservation status:

The plant is not included for conservation as per Forest act 1993

Amala

• Vernacular names

Nepali : Amala

English: Emblic myrobalan

Newari: Ambah

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• Biological source

Botanical name: Emblica officinalis

Part used: fruit

Family: Euphorbiaceae

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• Distribution and habitat :

It is indigenous to tropical southeast asia. It grows in Nepal, srilanka, Malaysia and China.

It flourishes in well drained, fertile, loamy soil.

It also grows in calcareous soil with rocky substratum.

Morphology

• It is a small or medium sized decidious tree.
• Leaves are 10-13 mm long and 2-3 mm broad closely set in pinnate fashion.
• Flowers are greenish yellow in color.
• Fruits are roundish fleshy, 1.5 to 2.5 in diameter, indistinctly marked into 6 lobes which are pale green or yellowish.

• Chemical constituent:

Vitamin C, Tannins- mixture of gallic acid, ellegic acid (5%), glucose, pectin, minerals like iron calcium and phosphorus

• Uses
• This fruit is a good liver tonic. The raw fruit also possess diuretic and laxative property.
• It is useful in indigestion, anemia, jaundice and certain heart problems.
• It is said to have property of promoting hair growth.
• It is valuable in deficiency of vitamin C (scurvy)
• It is used as ingredient in number of Ayurvedic formulations including Triphala churna, Chyawanparash etc.
• Conservation status:

The plant has not been banned as per Forest act 1993

Sugandhakokil

• Vernacular names

Nepali : Sugandhakokil

English: Nepali sassafras

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• Biological source

Botanical name: Cinnammoum glaucescens

Part used: fruits and wood

Family: Lauraceae

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• Distribution and habitat :

It is found in Nepal, Bhutan, and India. It is mainly distributed in Western and central Nepal at 1000-2500 meter altitude.

Morphology

• It is evergreen plant about 15 m high with spreading branches.
• Leaves are stalked, elliptic to ovate which are 4-17 cm long and 1.5 to 9 cm wide.
• It forms yellowish flowers.
• Fruit is green black when ripe, globose and has 25 mm diameter

• Chemical constituent:

d-camphor, alpha terpineol

• Uses
• The pericarp of fruit yields essential oil which is used in perfumery, soaps and toiletries.
• Paste of its seeds is used to treat muscular swellings.
• Paste of wood is used to treat various skin diseases.
• Conservation status:

The plant has been banned for export outside the country as per Forest act 1993

Yarshagumba

• Vernacular names

Nepali : Yarshagumba, Jibanbuti

English: Cordyceps, Catterpillar fungus

Tibetan: Yar-tsa-dgun-bu

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• Biological source

Botanical name: Cordyceps sinensis

Part used: whole part

Family: Hypocreaceae

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• Distribution and habitat :

It is found in Nepal, China, India, Bhutan and Indonesia. It naturally occurs in alpine meadows at an altitude of over 4000 m and is fairly collected from districts like Dolpa, Mugu, Jumla, Rukum, Rasuwa etc

Description

• The lepidopteran (order of insects that include butterflies and moths) larvae gets infected by the fungus at the autumn and remains buried under the ground during whole winter.
• On the arrival of monsoon, stalk appears above the ground which requires sharp eyes to locate amongst grasses.
• One may see small spike with dark brown fruification and yellowish white stalk.

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Morphology

• Yellowish lepidopteran larvae which is 3-4 cm in length is attached with the cordyceps fungus

• Chemical constituent:

Cordysepsin, and Cordysepic acid

• Uses
• It is reported to have excellent tonic (agent used to restore health), astringent (agent that causes contraction of skin cells), expectorent (agent that promotes expulsion or discharge of mucus), aphrodisiac and antispasmodic properties.
• It is also useful in jaundice, nephritis and tuberculosis.
• It is effective in increasing stamina making it useful in competitive sports
• Conservation status:

This fungs is not included for conservation as per Forest act modification 2001