Major climate variables and the endangered high altitude Himalayan herb Picrorhiza kurroa Royle ex Benth.: An insight

Abstract

The Himalayas are a global biodiversity hotspot that faces threats due to climate change, over-exploitation, and invasive agriculture. Increasing temperatures have accelerated species extinctions and shifts in their high-altitude habitats. Climate change poses a significant threat to alpine and medicinal plants, impacting their growth, composition, and survival. The endangered status of these species has socio-economic implications due to their economic importance. Therefore, it is vital to study the potential impact of climate change on medicinal plants and their ecological status. This review enlisted the research work carried out on plants with respect to altitude, temperature, elevated CO₂, and drought. The present review focuses on the endangered perennial herb, i.e. Picrorhiza kurroa Royle ex Benth., an endangered medicinal plant that is useful in the treatment of many diseases in the Indian Himalayan region. Due to overharvesting from the wild, as well as climate change, its population is declining at an alarming rate. There are several studies that attempt to assess its availability and predict areas with high suitability for in situ conservation in the Himalayan region. The outcomes of the study will guide the herbal community, harvesters, drug manufacturers and government agencies on strategies to mitigate the rapid extinction of these plants.