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Jatamasi: A Critically endangered Plant |
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by Bidhata Pathak | 08-07-2022 03:21
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Introduction: Nardostachys jatamansi (D.Don) DC. (family Caprifoliaceae) is prized in the Chinese, Tibetan, Nepalese, Bhutanese, Indian and Japanese systems of medicine. Its medicinal properties are well documented in ancient literature such as the Ayurvedic classics, the Old Testament, Ben-Cao- Shi-Yi, and Homer's Iliad. The plant is critically endangered and found in the alpine and sub-alpine regions of the Himalayas. This species is traditionally employed in the treatment of disorders, including those of the nervous, digestive, circulatory, respiratory, urinary and reproductive systems as well as skin problems. All parts of N. jatamansi are used and are effective antipyretics, antiseptics, anticonvulsants, antispasmodics, antibacterial, antipyretics, antifungals, antiemetic and analgesics. Essential oil (Spikenard oil) from the rhizome possesses useful biological activity and is used in 26 Ayurvedic preparations. Significance of Jatamansi in Nepal:- Wild-harvested medicinal and aromatic plants (MAPs) underpin Nepal’s traditional medicine systems and provide a critical source of income for low income rural communities. Over 300,000 Nepali households commercially harvest and trade MAPs. One of Nepal’s most commercially valuable and heavily exploited species is Jatamansi Nardostachys grandiflora. Between 100-500 tonnes of Jatamansi rhizomes are traded annually for medicinal and cosmetic use. The harvest of Jatamansi in nine Nepalese districts provides at least 15,000 people with an average of 25% of their annual income. Threats to Jatamansi in Nepal:- Jatamansi populations are declining. Habitat loss and overharvesting are the main drivers of this decline, threatening the survival of the species, the ecosystem's wider biodiversity, as well as the livelihoods of harvester communities. Concern regarding these declines led to Jatamansi’s inclusion in CITES Appendix II and the IUCN Red List™ to classify the species as Threatened. References: https://www.researchgate.net/figure/Naturally-growing-Nardostachys-jatamansi_fig1_235344893 https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S0378874119304106 https://www.traffic.org/what-we-do/projects-and-approaches/promoting-sustainable-trade/jatamansi-trade-from-nepal/
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2 Comments
Hello Bidhata, this is your mentor Chelwoon.
The figure that you mentioned in this article shows how important jatamansi is in Nepal. It is so sad to hear about the decline in population of this specie. This problem will take its toll on their income. Furthermore, if the population of any species decreases rapidly, there is a high chance it will make a big confuse in the ecosystem. Many people in Nepal depend on this specie as one of the major sources of income, this problem should be dealt at the government level.
Thank you for the article!
Regards,
Chelwoon
Posted 28-07-2022 22:29
Hello Bidhata, this is your mentor Joon.
It is my first time listening to stories about Jatamansi. Various plants have medicinal benefits, yet not many of them are discovered. As Oriental medicine is based on trial and error, while getting numerous threats discouraging the researches to find scientific evidences by modern medicine studies, studies regarding medicinal benefits of such plants are stopped. Learning from the case of sweet wormwood which provided solutions to malaria, we should promote the studies on medicinal benefits of plants, and should preserve as much plants as possible.
Well read your article, and let's keep up!
Best,
Joon
Posted 10-07-2022 16:28