Dactylorhiza hatagirea (D. Doon) Soo, an important medicinal herb of the Himalaya and urgent need for its conservation- A review

Abstract

Dactylorhiza hatagirea (D. Doon) Soo (Family Orchidaceae) is a terrestrial orchid, native to alpine and sub-alpine zones of Himalaya, well known for medicinal uses because of its immense pharmacological properties and therapeutic potential. Leaves and tubers of the herb finds enormous uses in traditional Indian medicinal system like Ayurveda, Siddha, Unani and Sowa-rigpa for treatment of different ailments like dysentery, diarrhoea, chronic fever, cough, wounds, burns, fractures, stomach-ache, etc. The present review analyses the distribution, medicinal uses, phytochemistry, pharmacology, and conservation status of D. hatagirea. The review is based on literature available on this orchid with an objective to compile and understand diverse medicinal uses among the indigenous Himalayan communities and phytochemical potential in pharmacology. This review also highlights the potential threats faced by this orchid and suggests future conservation prospects and strategies.