Medicinal Plant Diversity and Traditional Healthcare Knowledge in the Trans-Himalayan Cold Desert of Ladakh, India

Vaneet Jishtu; Gurinderjit Singh Goraya

doi:10.56093/aaz.v65i2.177934

Authors

Vaneet Jishtu ICFRE-Himalayan Forest Research Institute, Conifer Campus, Panthaghati, Shimla 171 013, India
Dr. G.S. Goraya PCCF and HoFF Himachal Pradesh Forest Department, Talland, Shimla 171 001, India

https://doi.org/10.56093/aaz.v65i2.177934

Keywords:

cold desert, conservation, ethnobotany, Ladakh, Trans-Himalaya, medicinal plants, Sowa Rigpa, traditional knowledge

Abstract

The Trans-Himalayan cold desert of Ladakh, situated in the western Indian Himalaya, represents one of the most ecologically extreme yet biologically significant high-altitude landscapes. Characterized by high elevations, low precipitation, intense solar radiation, prolonged winters, and short growing seasons, the region supports a fragile ecosystem where vegetation is sparse but highly specialized. Despite these harsh environmental conditions, Ladakh harbours considerable floristic diversity, with nearly 500 plant taxa reported to be used in traditional healthcare systems, highlighting its importance as a reservoir of ethnomedicinal knowledge and plant genetic resources. Traditional medicinal knowledge, preserved and practiced for centuries by indigenous communities, continues to play a central role in primary healthcare, particularly in remote settlements where modern medical services remain limited. The traditional Sowa Rigpa (Amchi) system of medicine relies extensively on locally available plant resources to treat respiratory ailments, digestive disorders, musculoskeletal problems, altitude-related illnesses, and chronic diseases. Ethnobotanical studies indicate that families such as Asteraceae, Lamiaceae, Ranunculaceae, Fabaceae, and Apiaceae dominate the medicinal flora, with herbaceous species and leaf-based preparations being most common. Several high-value species, including Aconitum heterophyllum, Dactylorhiza hatagirea, Podophyllum hexandrum, Rheum spp., Rhodiola spp., and Saussurea costus, exhibit significant pharmacological potential. However, medicinal plant resources face growing threats from climate change, habitat degradation, overharvesting, and rapid socio-economic transitions. Conservation initiatives led by regional institutions and community participation are promoting documentation, cultivation, and sustainable management of these valuable resources. This review synthesizes historical, ethnobotanical, pharmacological, and conservation studies to provide an integrated understanding of medicinal plant diversity in Ladakh, emphasizing its significance for local healthcare, biodiversity conservation, and future pharmacological research in the Trans-Himalayan region

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Author Biographies

Vaneet Jishtu, ICFRE-Himalayan Forest Research Institute, Conifer Campus, Panthaghati, Shimla 171 013, India

Vaneet Jishtu - Retired Forestry Scientist (Field Botanist) from ICFRE-Himalayan Forest Research Institute
(Shimla) with over three decades of experience in Himalayan ecology and biodiversity conservation, particularly in Ladakh. Has led and contributed to over 30 research projects and consultancies, including ecological surveys in Ladakh, long-term climate change monitoring in high-altitude Himalayan transition zones, and the environmental impact assessment of the Doklam road in Sikkim. He also played a key role in establishing the Western Himalayan Temperate Arboretum at Shimla. An FAO Fellow for the Cold Desert Afforestation Programme with USDA, he also represented ICFRE at forums such as UNCCD COP14, the Carbon Neutral Ladakh Summit 2020, and the International Conference on Junipers. He was also part of the team that presented the flora of Great Himalayan National Park for its UNESCO World Heritage recognition. He has guided doctoral scholars, authored over 150 publications, and received honours including the Brandis Award (2016), Rotary Shreyas Award (2022-23), and State-Level Recognition for Biodiversity Conservation (2024-25) from the Government of Himachal Pradesh. Featured among “50 People to Know Across the Himalaya” by Condé Nast Traveller, he is also associated with several professional societies and serves on the Editorial Board of the Journal of Traditional and Folk Practices.
Dr. G.S. Goraya, PCCF and HoFF Himachal Pradesh Forest Department, Talland, Shimla 171 001, India

G.S. Goraya, Ph.D. is a Forestry Professional, retired from Indian Forest Service, Himachal Pradesh Cadre as Principal Chief Conservator of Forests & Head of Forest Force (HoFF). He carries credible experience in forest and wildlife management, documentation and research on floristic diversity, and in conservation education. He contributed immensely to medicinal plants sector by institutionalising a new model for in situ conservation - entitled as Medicinal Plants Conservation Areas (MPCAs). He also led two important Government of India (GoI) sponsored research studies on demand-supply of medicinal plants in India. He established ‘Van Sampada’, an interpretation center for non-timber forest produce in Himachal Pradesh, which has since become a model for promoting public awareness on the theme.

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