Genetic Diversity in Medicinal & Aromatic Plants & their Conservation in India P. Pushpangadan National Botanical research Institute (Council of Scientific & Industrial Research) Lucknow 226 001

Biodiversity Biodiversity is taken in its holistic sense, to encompass all levels of biodiversity, ecological and evolutionary process, including: Natural ecosystems Wild species & varieties Agricultural ecosystems Domesticated species & varieties

Genetic Diversity (Intra-specific variability) Natural ecosystems maintain a vast “Genetic Library” which serves as the very basis of human civilization & promises very many untold future benefits. Inter-population genetic variation enhances chances of species survival. Different populations of the same species may produce different defensive chemicals, key medicinal resources for humanity (e.g.) chemical polymorphism in tropical medicinal and aromatic plants.

INDIA’S STRENGTH Almost all known types of agroclimatic & edaphic conditions are found in India – 526 Biomes From the coldest Nubra valley with –57 to 59oC, dry cold of Ladakh, temperate and alpine region of Kashmir Himalaya, highest rainfall in the world – Meghalaya, to the Desert habitats of Rajasthan

Habitat diversity in India 10 Vegetation Zones 25 biotic provenances 426 Biomes Ecological Units like: Alpine Temperate Sub-temperate Sub tropical Tropical evergreen Tropical deciduous Desert Arid, semi arid Coastal, swamps, Riverine Islands

FACTS ON BIODIVERSITY & MEDICINAL PLANTS Biodiversity of today is the product of 3500 million years of life on Earth with 30-100 Million species of life today It includes: 2,50,000 higher plants – out of which 1,86,000 are in TROPICS Over 75,000 higher plants are used by different cultures for medicinal purpose Over 15,000 higher plants species are used in Asia About 7,000 in China & About 8,000 India

Facts continued 1700 in classical Indian systems of medicine – Ayurveda 1200 Siddha 900 Unani 700 Amchi 600 Tibetan 450 Tribal medicine 8000 (including medicinal plants used in ASUAT – out of these only 3500 are known/scientifically investigated).

INDIAN MEDICINAL PLANTS USED IN DIFFERENT SYSTEM THE INDIAN FLORA (17,000-18,000 spp.) Medicinal Plants used by Tribal Communities (8,000 spp.) Siddha (600 spp.) Ayurveda (700 spp.) INDIAN SYSTEMS OF MEDICINE Unani (700 spp.) Amchi (600 spp.) INDIAN MEDICINAL PLANTS USED IN DIFFERENT SYSTEM

1. TOTAL 4. OTHERS 3. EDIBLE 5. FIBRE 6. PEST. 7. GUMS, RESINS, 2. MEDICINAL 3. EDIBLE 4. OTHERS 5. FIBRE 6. PEST. 7. GUMS, RESINS, DYES TOTAL - (10,000) MEDICINAL - (8,000) FIBRE - (550) PESTICIDES - (325) 8. AROMATICS EDIBLE USE - (3,500) GUM, RESIN & DYES - (425) OTHERS - (1,000) AROMATICS (500)

Bio-prospecting BIOPROSPECTING is the systematic search for genes, natural compounds, designs and whole organisms in wild life with a potential for product development by biological observation, and biophysical, biochemical and genetic methods without disruption to nature. Nicolas Mateo et al., 2001

Bio-prospecting Gene Drug Nutraceuticals

India India can therefore play a leading role in Gene hunting and drug hunting, which is going to be the most lucrative business in the world now. The untapped biowealth of India can be converted into economic wealth by S & T intervention

IPR issues / Benefit Sharing Strategies Appropriate Procedures for IPR Protection & Benefit Sharing Article 8(j) {BD} National Biological Diversity Bill (2002) Patent (II) Amendment Bill (1999) Plant Variety Protection and Plant Breeders & Farmers & Rights Act 2001

IPR issues / Benefit Sharing Strategies Documentation & Registration of TK-Medicinal plant Use & Conservation at local, state and national level. Contribution to TKDL & TKRC Value addition to TK & Indigenous Medicinal Plants – Scaling up IPRS Herbal drugs, Pharmaceuticals, Natural products & byproducts, Nutraceuticals, Functional foods, Medicinal foods, etc.

Characterization & Documentation of Important Endemic Plants Identification, authentication, characterization, evaluation & documentation of wild plants. Characterization include: Morphological, cytological, chemical & molecular levels DNA profiling of rare, endangered and endemics development of species/genotypes specific molecular markers. Identification, authentication, characterization, evaluation & documentation of wild plants

Characterization & Documentation contd. Identification of potential genotypes and chemotypes for gene & drug prospecting Isolation of genes and DNA sequences disease resistant genes or products of economic interest Cloning of potential genes Economic valuation of genes and species

Threatened species Country Threatened species India 16000 7.7 % 1236 * USA 16108 29 % 4669 Australia 15638 14.4% 2245 China 32200 1% 312 * This include over 1000 Medicinal & Aromatic plants

Conservation of Medicinal & Aromatic Plants: Strategies & Priorities Conservation strategy (IUCW, UNEP & WWF, 1980) defines conservation as “the management of human use of the biodiversity so that it may yield the greatest sustainable benefit to present generation while maintaining its potential to meet the needs and aspirations of future generations”. The above definition invokes two complementary components “conservation” and “sustainability”.

Strategies & Priorities The primary goals of biodiversity conservation as envisaged in the World Conservation Strategy can be summarized as follows: Maintenance of essential ecological processes and life support systems on which human survival and economic activities depends. Preservation of species and genetic diversity and Sustainable use of species and ecosystems which support millions of rural communities as well as major industries.

Strategies & Priorities Medicinal & Aromatic plants are potential renewable natural resources. Therefore, the conservation and sustainable utilization of these plans must necessarily involve a long term, integrated, scientifically oriented action programme. This should involve the pertinent aspects of protection, preservation, maintenance exploitation, conservation and sustainable utilization. A holistic or systematic approach envisaging interaction between social, economic and ecological systems will be a more desirable one.

Conservation of medicinal plants: Strategies In-situ Enhance “in-situ” Gene bank / Gene sanction, Biosphere reserves, national parks, Sacred sites, Sacred grooves etc. Scientific management & monitoring of protected & important habitats rich in medicinal plants Special recovery & rehabilitation programs for RET medicinal plants

Ex-situ conservation Conservation of RET plants outside their natural habitat e.g. in Botanical gardens; Seed Banks; Tissue, Pollen, Embryo, Ovary cultures; DNA Banks, Field Gene banks, Cry Banks etc.

Standardization of herbal drugs (formulations)

STANDARADIZATION OF RAW DRUGS Passport data of Raw Plant Drugs (Crude Drugs) a) Correct taxonomic identification & authentication b) Study on the medicinal part: root, stem, bark, leaves, flowers, fruits, nuts, gum, resins etc. c) Collection details: Location, stage & development / growth of the plants, time, pre-processing, storage etc. d) Organoleptic examination of raw drug: - Evaluation by means of sensory organs: touch, odour, taste e) Microscopic & molecular examination f) Chemical composition (TLC, GLC, HPLC, DNA fingerprinting) g) Biological activity of the Whole plant h) Shelf life of raw drugs

PREPARATION OF FORMULATIONS Follow defined Good Manufacturing Practices (GMP) Scientific Verification Toxicity evaluation Chemical profiling Pharmacodynamics – effect of drug in the body Pharmacokinetics – absorption, distribution, metabolism, mechanism of action and execution. Dosage Stability and shelf life Presentation and Packing Therapeutic merits – Compared with other drugs

STANDARDIZATION OF PLANT DRUGS Authentication, Taxonomic Identification Foreign matter Solvent residues Organoleptic evaluation STANDARDIZATION OF PLANT DRUGS Microbial count Physicochemical Values Ash Tannin, Starch etc. Heavy metal residues Macroscopy & Histology (Quantitative Microscopy) Pesticide residues Radioactive contaminants Volatile matter determination Mycotoxin residues Chromatographic profiles TLC, HPTLC, HPLC & GLC Absence of phytotoxins Assay of Bioactive and marker compounds Successive Extractive Values

R & D WORK ON MEDICINAL PLANTS AT NBRI Expertise in resource survey on distribution and availability of medicinal plant species in natural habitat. Genetic enhancement of high yielding and quality medicinal plants by conventional and Modern methods including biotechnological intervention. Packages of practice for pre and post harvest cultivation and agrotechniques including organic cultivation and utilization of marginal/wasteland. Standardization and authentication of crude/raw drugs and compound herbal formulations.

NBRI contd. Development of standard chemical and biological profiles of herbal formulations for ready reference to the pharmaceutical industries and to provide complete package to industries as per WHO guidelines. Assessment of microbiological contamination, determination of pesticide residue and heavy metals in the finished products/crude samples.

Development of products based on ethnic and indigenous knowledge. Nutraceuticals Herbal drinks Herbal beer Natural dyes Herbal lipstick

HERBAL LIPSTICKS Novel approach to Aroma therapy. Purely natural, functional lipstick to fashion your moods and sensual feelings. Exclusively natural colours developed from various medicinal Indian herbs, fortified with selected essential oil ingredients. Functional attributes-mood enhancing, antidepressant, meditative and sensual stimulant - can be achieved by the users. Would induce serious thoughts and also enhance the creativity and appearance of the person who wears it. Plant used for ‘Lipstick colours’ has anti-microbial activity. No allergy or side effects reported so far.

HERBAL DRY COLOURS (ECO-GULAL) * Eco friendly herbal dry colours developed from plants. * Non - toxic and non - polluting. * Available as dust and pellets for wet colours. * The fillers used are safe cosmetic grade skin care products. * Dry colours dust are with natural fragrance.

HERBAL SOFT DRINKS An unique blend of modern Nutraceutical concept and the wisdom & knowledge of Ayurveda. Are purely natural and non-toxic. Plants used in these drinks provide increased vigour and vitality. Are Immunomodulating, Antioxidant, Hepato- protective, Anti-convalescent and Diuretic. Useful for strengthening muscles & bones and increase stamina.

CUSTOM MADE NUTRACEUTICAL AND FUNCTIONAL FOOD Development with specific attention for optimal development of brain, growth and general health. For pregnant and lactating mothers. For infants and growing children. For diabetics and old person.