Abstract

A REVIEW ARTICLE ON CHIRAYATA (GENUS SWERTIA)

*Dr. Desh Raj, Dr. Dinesh Kumar, Dr. Vikrant Sharma, Dr. Manoj Kumar Thakur, Dr. Rakesh Kumar

Abstract

In the current scenario the uses of herbal drugs has increased in many folds. For maintaining the optimum health, about 70-80% of the world’s population depends on herbal drugs. With the increase in popularity of the herbal drugs and Ayurveda there is exceptional rise in its demand and this leads to the over exploitation of the resources thus making certain species as endangered. Chirayata belongs to the genus Swertia and is known for its medicinal properties. Chirayata is used in fever, liver disorders, indigestion and in many medical conditions as a bitter tonic. According to the International Union of Conservation of Nature (IUCN) criteria, Chirayata conservation status has been categorized as “critically endangered” (Joshi and Dhawan, 2005). It is very important to ensure the cultivation and conservation of Chirayata species so that our future generation also gets the benefit of this wonderful herb.

Keywords: Swertia, chirayata, swertia chirayata.