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human health. Developed countries, in recent times, are turning to the use of traditional

medicinal systems like acupuncture and ayurved which are in practice in China and India and
involve the use of herbal drugs and remedies.

According to WHO (WORLD HEALTH ORGANISATION) report (2002), over 80% of
world population relies on traditional medicines, largely plant based, for their primary health

care needs. Such popularity of healthcare plant-derived products has been traced to their
increasing acceptance and use in the cosmetic industry as well as to increasing public costs in

the daily maintenance of personal health and well being.21000 spp. of flowering plants are

used in 21 countries with a Global market of US $ 62billion with an average annual growth
rate of export of medicinal plants between 96-97 to 2000-01 was 8.9% and it is still

increasing. China with exports of over 1, 20,000 tonnes p.a., and India with some 32,000

tonnes p.a. dominate the trade. It is estimated that Europe, annually imports about 400,000t of
medicinal plants with an average market value of US$1billion from Africa and Asia (Hoareau

and DaSilva, 1999).The practice of traditional medicine is widespread in China, India, Japan,
Pakistan, Sri Lanka and Thailand. In China about 40% of the total medicinal consumption is

attributed to traditional tribal medicines. In the mid-90s, it is estimated that receipts of more
than US$2.5 billion have resulted from the sales of herbal medicines.Treatment with these

medicinal plants is considered safe as they are in sync with nature and being free of side

effects or reactions.In last two decades there has been a tremendous increase in the use of
herbal plants as medicines.

India, one among 17 mega Bio-diverse countries of the world, having 15 agroclimatic zones
harbouring 7% of world biodiversity and is abode of 17000-18000 floral species, out of

which more than 7000 are known for their medicinal properties found growing in Himalayas
to marine and desert to rain forest ecosystems. Approx. 85% to 90% of these come from the

wild. Department of Indian System of Medicine & Homeopathy (ISM&H), Ministry of

Health & Family Welfare, Govt. of India, has identified 1178 medicinal plants are estimated
to be in trade out of which 242 species have consumption of more than 100 metric tons per

year.These are commonly used in the preparation of herbal drugs. 150 species have been

categorized as endangered. 90% drugs used in ISM&H are plant based.
However, the genetic diversity of traditional medicinal plants is continuously under erosion

because of extensive collections, poor harvesting techniques, and progressive loss of growth
habitats and unmonitored trade of medicinal plants. Stocks of several medicinal plants are

fast diminishing and are in danger of extinction as a result of growing trade demands for

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