Traditional Ecological knowledge Related to himalayan Medicinal Plants ; Polyphylla Smith and Neopicrorhiza Scrophulariiflora ( Pennell) D. Y. Hong in Annapurna Conservation Area, central nepal

Abstract

Indigenous mountain communities are rich in traditional ecological knowledge (TEK) as they are highly dependent on the plant sources to meet their basic needs as well as for primary healthcare. Paris polyphylla and Neopicrorhiza scrophulariiflora are two important medicinal plants that hold significant cultural and medicinal value in the Himalayan region. These plants have been used for generation to treat various ailments. Investigating about the traditional uses and the associated ecological knowledge provides invaluable insights into the traditional heritage of these communities. Thus, this study focuses on documenting traditional knowledge on most commonly used medicinal plant species, assess the variation in traditional uses in terms of specific ailments treated and preparation methods and to investigate TEK related to life-history, habitat diversity, localities growing and identify the major issues and conservation recommendations based on local perception. Altogether, 47 informants were interviewed using semi-structured questionnaire during May, June and September month of 2022. The study was conducted in two Gurung villages Bhujung and Chhomrong situated in Annapurna Conservation Area (ACA). The result showed 23 medicinal plants are most preferred by local people to cure some of the common diseases like digestive system disorder and fever. P. polyphylla followed by Aconitum heterophyllum and N. scrophulariiflora were frequently cited medicinal plants in the study area. Both the communities were aware about the usepractice of the study species. However, self-use of P. polyphylla was reported more along with the trade only in Bhujung. Both the species are obtained through self-harvest and occasionally gifted by herders and porters. Additionally, the habitats and localities of growth of P. polyphylla were widely recognized compared to N. scrophulariiflora. The main habitat of N. scrophulariiflora was found to be lekh (high-altitude) whereas for P. polyphylla was reported to be shady places and forest as per the result of the study. Despite the extensive traditional ecological knowledge, the study also found the significant conservation issues causing in decline in the population of the study species, overharvesting and unsustainable practices being one of main serious causes. The study concludes with the set of recommendations provided by the local informants themselves that aims at promoting sustainable harvesting practices and aware local communities about the status of these important medicinal plants. Keywords: Traditional Ecological knowledge, indigenous people, medicinal plants