Jatamansi: Free Report - Julyby Bidhata Pathak | 08-07-2022 03:26 |
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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¢â 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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