Medicinal & Aromatic Plants
Open Access

Abstract

Threat Status of Rheum emodi - A Study in Selected Cis-Himalayan Regions of Kashmir Valley Jammu & Kashmir India

Kabir Dar A, Siddiqui MAA, Wahid-ul H, Lone AH, Manzoor N and Haji A

Rheum emodi being one of the most sought after species in the pharmaceutical industry, providing good dividends to the States from where it is procured, is rapidly declining in nature. The present study entitled as “Threat status of Rheum emodi Wall - A study in selected Cis-Himalayan regions of Jammu & Kashmir” was conducted at Sonamarg (Upper Sindh Forest Range) and Chatergul (Manasbal Forest Range) with the aim to assess the status of Rheum emodi and factors affecting its sustainability. A comprehensive protocol was framed. From this study it was concluded that this highly beneficial herb, is under immense pressure to survive in natural habitat. Illegal/Unsustainable extraction from the Forests is a major cause for dwindling species of Rheum emodi. Lack of understanding of sustainable harvesting/extraction has lead to disturbance of habitat, loss of diversity, reduced abundance and local declining of Rheum emodi.