Rajasthan being dry and semi-arid is extremely diverse in life besides having a biodiversity of over 1900 species of medicinal plants. The plants have formed part of the traditional healing methods such as Ayurveda and folk medicine. People in different communities in the state still use these natural remedies to cure several diseases. The ensuing commercial demand however has caused the overexploitation and the loss of their habitats, threatening most of the valuable species. He says that understanding and preservation of these resources is essential to the health, economy and heritage.

Key Points for RPSC RAS Mains

Characteristics of Medicinal Plant diversity of Rajasthan

• The number of flowering plant species is 2412 in Rajasthan out of which 1900 are medicinal.
• Plants grow in arid or semi arid areas, especially in Aravalli and Thar Desert.
• These are also widely applied in the Ayurveda, Siddha and Unani medical practice.
• A text dating to ancient times, called Charak Samhita records some 340 such herbs.
• Traditional knowledge accompanying medicinal usages is very deep among the local tribal persons.

Threatened Medicinal Plants in Rajasthan

Critically Endangered Species:

Endangered Species:

Includes species like:

• Neurada procumbens (Chapari)
• Ephedra foliata (Sua-phogaro)
• Gymnema sylvestre (Gudmar)
• Boswellia serrata (Salar)

 Vulnerable Species:

Examples:

• Gloriosa superba (Kalihari)
• Terminalia arjuna (Arjun)
• Barleria acanthoides (Vajradanti)
• Ocimum gratissimum (Ban-Tulsi)

Top 10 Medicinal Plants and Their Uses

Conventional Usage and Approach

• Gathered ethnomedicinal information was based on tribal elders and local healers.
• It is used for boiling, pounding, pastes, decoctions, etc.
• These cures are transferred by word and mouth traditions and folklore practices.

Conservation Challenges

• Over harvesting as demanded by the market.
• Urbanization and climate change deprived them of habitat.
• The absence of official documentation of a high number of species.
• Last minute requirements of in-situ and ex-situ conservation measures.

Conclusion for RPSC RAS

Medicinal Plant wealth of Rajasthan is not only a cultural but also a medicinal resource. Not only does it play a vital role in biodiversity but it is also vital in maintaining the traditional knowledge systems. Sensitizing and creating sustainable practices will safeguard these priceless natural resources to the next generations.

Also Read: Biodiversity in Rajasthan