(a) the number of Ayurvedic herbs and medicinal plants discovered from the Himalayas and other hilly areas during the last three years;
(b) the details thereof, area-wise;
(c) whether the herbs and medicinal plants are on the verge of extinction in our country;
(d) if so, the reasons therefor;
(e) whether exploitation of herbs is almost nil in our country; and
(f) if so, the steps taken or proposed to be taken by the Government for the development of herbs?
THE MINISTER OF STATE FOR HEALTH & FAMILY WELFARE (INDEPENDENT CHARGE (SHRI N.T. SHANMUGAM)
(a)to(f): A statement is laid on the table of the Lok Sabha.
STATEMENT REFERRED TO IN REPLY TO LOK SABHA STARRED QUESTION NO. 275 FOR ANSWER ON 14-03-2000
(a)to(d): According to the publication `Medicinal Plants of Indian Himalaya - Diversity Distribution Potential Values` in 1998, there are about 1748 species of medicinal Plants found in the Himalayas. According to the Council for Scientific & Industrial Research (CSIR), in the last 3 years, some plants of the Himalayan Region have received world wide attention viz. Hypericum perforatum for its activaity against HIV, as a hepatoprotectant and Bacopa monnierae (Brahmi) as a memory enhances.
The distribtion of the Himalayan species falls largely in Sikkim, North Bengal and Kumaon and Garwhal.
About 17 Medicinal Plants have been identified, which are rare/endangered. This is mainly due to expanding human population, environmental degradation and unsustained extraction of these plants.
(e)&(f): The Government has taken various steps for conservation, development and sustainable exploitation of herbs. This includes in-situ, ex-situ conservation, development of agro-techniques, preservation in Gene Banks, development of Vanaspati-vans in the States etc.