Rare and Endangered Medicinal Plants

Society has used plants for existing medicinal qualities since before recorded history. A number of these species, however, are in danger of extinction due to human activities.

Picrorhiza kurroa

• Picrorhiza kurroa is an endangered plant native to the Himalaya mountains. It grows in alpine and temperate regions between 8,000 to 11,500 feet. The plant is a creeping perennial with flowers that reach average heights of 6.8 inches. This plant was cited by a University of New Delhi study as a medicinal plant used by residents of the Himalayas. Anecdotal evidence suggests picrorhiza kurroa has antibacterial properties and acts as an anti-inflammatory.

Arisaema heterophyllum

• Arisaema heterophyllum is a perennial herb that grows in humid floodplains across Eastern Asia including the Himalaya Mountains, Japan, and Korea. This plant is commonly found in deforested sites with plenty of sunlight. Researchers at the University of New Dehli documented harvesting and trading of this endangered plant by the residents of the Himalayas for its medicinal properties. Locals believe the herb acts as an anticonvulsive and analgesic.

Nardostachys jatamansi

• Nardostachys jatamansi thrives in the cold, rocky Himalaya mountains between 9,800 and 14,000 feet altitude. The plant has leaves 7.8 in long and .75 in wide that encircle a single flower stalk. The flowers range in color from pink to near white. Extracts from this botanical have been demonstrated by researchers at Wonkwang University to protect against cerulein-induced acute pancreatitis.