Three medicinal plant species found in the Himalayas have made it to IUCN Red List of Threatened Species. These three species are; Meizotropis pellita (critically endangered), Fritilloria cirrhosa (vulnerable), and Dactylorhiza hatagirea (endangered).
- Meizotropis pellita: It is commonly known as Patwa. It is a perennial shrub with restricted distribution that is endemic to Uttarakhand. The essential oil extracted from the leaves possesses strong antioxidants and can be a promising natural substitute for synthetic antioxidants in pharmaceutical industries.
- Fritillaria cirrhosa or Himalayan fritillary: It is a perennial bulbous herb. In China, the species is used for the treatment of bronchial disorders and pneumonia. The plant is also a strong cough suppressant.
- Dactylorhiza hatagirea (Salampanja): It is threatened by habitat loss, livestock grazing, deforestation, and climate change. The species is extensively used in Ayurveda, Siddha, Unani and other alternative systems of medicine to cure dysentery, gastritis, chronic fever, cough and stomach aches.
(Source: The Hindu)
