Abstract

STATUS AND FUTURE PROSPECTS OF MEDICINAL AND AROMATIC PLANTS (MAPs) IN CHHATTISGARH STATE OF INDIA: A REVIEW

*Dhawale, R. N., Zhote, R. K., Bharose A. A., and Dethe A. M.

ABSTRACT

Therapeutic uses of Medicinal and Aromatic Plants (MAPs) were recorded as early as 7000 years ago and since then has continued to be part of our society. Chhattisgarh state as wide geographical and climate diversity provides a repository of valuable medicinal and aromatic plant wealth of the region. Chhattisgarh "The Herbal State" is endowed with vast resources having rich and diverse flora of medicinal and aromatic plants especially in Bastar Plateau and Northern Hills. The variable physiographic and climatic conditions of state support this ecological diversity. MAPs continue to play a significant role in the peoples welfare as they have been for several millennia. Collecting the herbal plants in the forest will cease due to over- exploitation, unless the campaign to conserve biodiversity is successful. This valuable germplasm may be lost or may become extinct due to deforestation, shifting cultivation, over exploitation and scarcity of power and irrigation facilities of the area. The information and use of these medicinal and aromatic plants was passed from generation to generation as a 'guarded secret’. Many of the plants contain important ingredients such as Alkoloids, Glycolysis, Phenols, Saponins, Tannins etc. In Chhattisgarh, some herbal plants become extinct and contributing to unsustainability. However, many of the plants still remain unevaluated for their medicinal and aromatic properties. If the efforts are made in this direction, it is possible that scientists may discover plants which may cure hazardous diseaseslike AIDS, Cancer and many heart disorders. At present, cultivation of particular herbal plants viz., safed moosali, Kalmegh, Stevia, Muskdana etc. is characterized by subsistence cropping system, scattered farming areas, poor quality, back of integration and knowledge. Therefore commercial cultivation with advanced technology viz, biotechnology -R&D unit has certainly helpful for gaining public trust.

Keywords: Herbal plants, Review, Chhattisgarh, MAPs, Herbal State.