The Ethnobotanical Significance of Allium stracheyi in Uttarakhand: From Tradition to Conservation

• Published in: Journal of Mountain Research Vol. 18; no. 2
• Main Authors: Bisht, Shivani, Jangwan, Nitish Singh, Bisht, Shradha, Bajaj, Himani, Farswan, Arvind Singh, Singh, Mamta F
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: 2023
• DOI: 10.51220/jmr.v18i2.13
• ISSN: 0974-3030

High-altitude ecosystems are considered to be hotspots of medicinal plant diversity. The government has declared Uttarakhand as herbal state due to the highest diversity of medicinal plant species. Allium stracheyi belonging to the family Alliaceae and locally known as Jamboo or Faran has been practiced by the Bhotiya communities of Niti and Milam valleys since the past several years. It was originally brought from Tibet decades ago. Traditionally, the plant has been known for its uses as spices, pickles and medicines for jaundice, cold, cough, wound healing and other stomach problems. Besides, it is used as a traditional vegetable. The plant is in endangered status and has been included in the Red Data Book of Indian plants due to its indiscriminate collection and resulting threat to its existence. The present study aimed to provide a general review of the Allium stracheyi on its ethnopharmacological uses, climatic distribution and Habitat, chemical constituents, pharmacological activities, threat and conservation status, cultivation practices, future perspectives and its commercialization.