Ethnomedicinal Plants of Lahaul Valley, Himachal Pradesh: Integrating Preliminary Field Observations with Recent Research Evidence

Abstract

Lahaul Valley, Himachal Pradesh, is a high-altitude Himalayan region rich in medicinal plant diversity and traditional healthcare knowledge. The present preliminary ethnomedicinal survey aimed to document medicinal plants used by local communities and review their reported phytochemical constituents and pharmacological activities reported in recent researches. The survey was conducted in the month of May in selected villages of Lahaul Valley by four postgraduate scholars of the Department of Dravyaguna, R.G.G.P.G Ayurvedic College and Hospital, Paprola, Himachal Pradesh. Information was collected through interviews and consultations with local elders, shepherds and other knowledgeable individuals. Plant identification was undertaken through literature review and consultation with subject experts. A total of 25 medicinal plant species of 16 families were documented, including their botanical and local names, families, parts used, traditional medicinal uses. A detailed literature search was conducted using online databases, including PubMed, Scopus and other databases to compile information on the major phytochemical constituents and reported pharmacological activities of the selected plants. Sanskrit name of the plant and their classification as Ukta, Anukta and Ishdaukta, according to the fact if they are mentioned in ayurvedic classic text or not, were also compiled after reviewing ayurvedic literature. Geotagged photographs of each plant were taken as proof of survey and also, it gives an idea about location and habitat of the plant species. This preliminary study provides an initial record of medicinal plant resources and associated traditional knowledge in Lahaul Valley, highlighting the need for further systematic documentation, botanical authentication and phytochemical and pharmacological investigations to support knowledge preservation and scientific evaluation.