Abstract

PRESERVING LOCAL MEDICINAL PLANT HERITAGE: INTEGRATING CLASSICAL AYURVEDIC PRINCIPLE AND CONTEMPORARY CONSERVATION FRAMEWORKS

*Dr. Mithraa M. K., Dr. Anuradha K. N., Dr. Chandana B. Hosamane

Abstract

Approximately 80% of the global population relies on traditional medicinal plants for primary healthcare, yet accelerating habitat loss, over-exploitation, and unsustainable harvesting practices pose severe threats to their survival. Preserving this vital bio-cultural heritage demands an integrated conservation paradigm encompassing systematic taxonomic identification, ethnobotanical documentation, geographic distribution mapping, and active community engagement. Furthermore, implementing sustainable utilisation strategies such as non-destructive harvesting of plant parts and commercial cultivation is essential to prevent wild population depletion. This study highlights the need to bridge classical Ayurvedic principles (Nama, Rupa, and Guna Jnana) with modern conservation mechanisms (in-situ, ex-situ, and tissue culture repositories) to safeguard botanical diversity, secure healthcare access, and ensure the long-term availability of medicinal natural resources.

Keywords: Bio-cultural Heritage, Conservation, Dravyaguna, Ethnomedicine, Medicinal Plants, Nardostachys jatamansi.