The genus Hypericum is known worldwide for its traditional and modern uses. Therefore, an attempt has been made to assess the diversity, distribution and indigenous uses of the species of this genus in the Indian Himalayan Region (IHR). A total of 27 species of Hypericum were recorded from the IHR, of these 17 were economically important. Hypericum perforatum was the most valued species used for fuel, fodder, dying and medicine, and for the extraction of hypericin.  Due to over exploitation of this species for the pharmaceutical industries, the natural populations of this species are depleting fast and this species have been placed under vulnerable category of the IUCN. Similarly, due to multiple utility of the H. choisanum, H. oblongifolium and H. sampsonii, these species are also facing high pressures. It is expected that like H. perforatum, other species of Hypericum may have high concentration of hypericin. Therefore, chemical extraction of these species has been suggested for the identification of potential of these species. The population assessment using standard ecological methods and development of propagation protocol have been suggested.

 Key words: Hypericum, medicinal plant, diversity, distribution, indigenous uses, Indian Himalayan Region.

Introduction

            The Indian Himalayan Region (IHR) is very well known for its representative, natural, unique and socio-economically important Biodiversity. The occurrence of 21 forest types (Schweinfurth, 1957; Champion and Seth, 1968; Singh and Singh, 1992), 18,440 species of plants (Singh and Hajra, 1997); 816 tree species; 1748 species of medicinal plants (Samant et al., 1998); 675 species of wild edibles (Samant and Dhar, 1997); 279 species of fodder (Samant, 1998); 155 species of sacred plants (Samant and Pant, 2003) and 118 species of essential oil yielding medicinal plants (Samant and Palni, 2000) throughout the IHR is in itself prove the above fact. This rich diversity of the plant resources is used by the inhabitants of the IHR for medicine, wild edible, fuel, fodder, timber, making agricultural tools, religious and various other purposes. Among the various uses of the plant resources, medicinal use is prominent throughout the IHR. The wild medicinal plants are one of the sources of income generation due to their various traditional and modern therapeutic uses (Samant et al., 1998). It has been realized that medicinal plants of this region offer an advantage in having much greater possibilities of providing novel biomolecules in view of the environmental stress they are subjected (Dhawan, 1997). The unique diversity of medicinal plants in the region is manifested by the presence of a number of native (31 %), endemic (15.5 %) and threatened elements (Samant et al., 1998).

            Like other families of the Angiosperms, the family Hypericaceae is very well known for its economic value. The genus Hypericum is known worldwide for its traditional and modern uses. Of the total 400 species of this genus, distributed chiefly in the temperate regions of the world, about 25 species occur in India (Gaur, 1999). Most of the species are used by the inhabitants in one way or the other. Amongst the species, Hypericum perforatum is a potential plant for curing many diseases like cancer, tumour, AIDS, etc. and is very popular today in different countries of the world especially as an antidepressant (Ernst, 1995). The review of literature indicates that besides H. perforatum, other species of the genus are also economically important, used as edible, medicinal, fodder, fuel, dye, etc.  In spite of such high economic value, there is hardly any document available, which contains comprehensive information on the diversity, distribution, habitat preference, nativity, endemism, status and indigenous uses of the species of genus Hypericum in the IHR. In view of the economic importance of the genus for the inhabitants of the region, the study was undertaken to: (i) study the diversity, distribution pattern and indigenous uses of the species of Hypericum in the IHR; (ii) assess and analyse species for their habitat preference, nativity, endemism and status.

Material and Methods

Survey, sampling and identification of the species

            An extensive survey of literature was carried out for the compilation of a list of economically important species of Hypericum genus in IHR. Also, surveys for exploration of the species of Hypericum were conducted in the Trans, Northwest and west Himalaya. Information on distribution, altitude range, life forms, habitat (s), nativity, status and indigenous uses was gathered from primary and secondary sources (Samant et al., 1998; Gaur, 1999; Anonymous, 1997, Srivastava, 1998; Naithani, 1990; Xi-wen and Robson, 2005).

Identification of nativity and endemism of the species

            Nativity of the species has been identified following Samant et al. (1998) and Anonymous (1883-1970) and endemism based on the distribution range of the species (Dhar and Samant, 1993; Samant et al., 1998). The species restricted to IHR have been considered as endemic whereas those with extended distribution to neighboring countries/states have been considered as near endemic.

Results and Discussion

Diversity, distribution and habitat preference

            A total of 27 species of Hypericum representing herbs (11 spp.) and shrubs (16 spp.) were recorded from the IHR. These species were distributed between 100-4400m and within 13 habitats i.e., forest, riverine, shady moist, open grass land, exposed areas, rocks, shrubberies, roadside/way side, agricultural fields, fallow lands, swampy places, grassy slopes and thickets (Table 1). The maximum species (18 spp.) were distributed in the forests followed by open grass land (13 spp.) and riverine (11 spp.) habitats. Nine species were restricted to one or two habitats only.

Native and endemic species

            Of the total species, 13 species were native to the Himalayan region and remaining 14 species were non-natives (Table 1). Three species namely Hypericum assamicum, H. gaitti and H. gracilipes were endemic and 6 species, viz., H. cordifolium, H. dyeri, H. oblongifolium, H. podocarpoides, H. tenuicaule and H. williamsii extended their distribution to the Himalayan region of Pakistan, Afghanistan, Bhutan and Nepal, hence have been identified as near endemic. The information on occurrence, altitudinal range, life forms, habitats, nativity and endemism helps in identifying the distribution pattern of diversity, habitat preference and conservation values of the species. However, the high species diversity in the forest habitat indicates high preference by the species of Hypericum. Similarly, the high species diversity in between 1000-3000m identifies this zone as a potential zone. The high diversity of the species may be due to diversity in soil, climate and geography giving rise to many micro and macro habitats (Samant, 1999).

Indigenous uses

            The species of Hypericum are well known worldwide for their economic values (Table 1). Among the various parts, viz., leaves, stem, flowers, seeds, aerial parts, roots, etc. are used for curing diseases, leaf part is most usable. Four species, viz., H. choisanum, H. oblongifolium, H. perforatum and H. sampsonii were recorded as multipurpose species, used as medicine, edible, fodder, fuel and dye. Amongst species, H. perforatum has high potential and its whole plant is used for curing various diseases. Such as anti-depressant (Ernst, 1995), anti-cancer (Lavie et al., 1995), anti-tumor (Diwu, 1995) and anti-viral (Lavie et al., 1989). Due to its anti-viral property, this species have a potential for the treatment of Acquired Immuno Deficiency Syndrome (AIDS) as a hepatoprotectant (Schinazi et al., 1990). It is also the main source of hypericin (0.05-0.3 % w/w on dry weight basis) (Anonymous, 1997). There is a need to investigate the chemical composition of other species of the Hypericum, so that more sources of the hypericin could be explored.

Status

            Of the total species, 6 species namely Hypericum chinense, H. choisianum, H. cordifolium, H. monanthemum, H. podocarpoides and H. trigonum were identified as rare and three species, viz., H. humifusum, H. japonicum and H. perforatum were identified as vulnerable species due to heavy pressure on these species. Therefore, population assessment using standard ecological methods is suggested.

Conclusions

1. The present study provides comprehensive information on the diversity, distribution, indigenous uses, nativity, endemism and status of the Hypericum species of the Indian Himalayan Region.

2. Though, economic importance of some of the species is known but there is need to investigate these species for their chemical properties, so that the sources of the hypericin could be increased.

3. Among the species, H. perforatum is most valued species uses for fuel, fodder, dying and medicine. Considering high industrial demand of its raw material and vulnerability, it should be prioritized for conservation throughout the IHR. Further, the study also revealed that H. choisanum, H. oblongifolium and H. sampsonii are other multipurpose species of this genus and therefore, these species may also require priority attention for conservation.

4. Population assessment of the rare and threatened species using standard ecological methods have been suggested for the identification of the existing stock of these species in the natural habitats.

5. Mass multiplication through conventional and in-vitro methods of rare, threatened and multipurpose species is suggested.

Acknowledgements

            Authors are thankful to Dr. U. Dhar, Director, G.B. Pant Institute of Himalayan Environment and Development, Kosi-Katarmal, Almora, Uttaranchal for providing necessary facilities and consistent support. 

References

Anonymous. 1883-1970. Index Kewensis Plantarum Phanerogamarum Vol. 1-2 (1883- 1885) and 15 Suppl. (1886-1970). Clarendron Press, Oxford.

Anonymous. 1997. The wealth of India: a dictionary of Indian raw materials and industrial products. Vol. V: H-K. NISC, CSIR, New Delhi, pp. 155-156.

Champion, H.G. & S.K. Seth. 1968. A revised survey of forest types of India. Government of India Publication Division, New Delhi.

Dhar, U. & S.S. Samant. 1993. Endemic plant diversity in the Indian Himalaya I. Ranunculaceae and Paeoniaceae. J. Biogeography 20: 659-665.

Dhawan, B.N. 1997. Biodiversity- A valuable resource for new biomolecules. In: Himalayan Biodiversity: Action Plan. Edited by U. Dhar. HIMAVIKAS Publ. No. 3, Gyan. Prakash., Nainital, pp. 111-114.

Diwu, Z. 1995. Novel therapeutic and diagnostic applications of hypoccrellins and hypericins. Photochem. & Photobiol., 61: 529-532.

Ernst, E. 1995. St. John’s wort, an anti-depressant? A systematic, criteria-based review. Phytomedicine 2: 67-71.

Gaur, R.D. 1999. Flora of the district Garhwal, nort- west Himalaya (with ethnobotanical notes). Trans Media, Srinagar (Garhwal), India.

Lavie, G., Y. Mazur, D. Lavie, B. Levin, Y. Ittah and D. Meruelo. 1995. Hypercin as an antiretroviral agent. Reprinted from: Aids: Anit-HIV agents. Therapies and Vaccines of the Annals of the New York Academy of Sciences 616: 556-562.

Lavie, G., F. Valentine, B. Levin, Y. Mazur, G. Gsllo, G. Levie, D. Weiner, D. Macchia, N. Benvenuti, and A. Angelini. 1989. Germination characteristics of some seeds of medicinal plants. Notiziario-di-Ortoflorofrutticoltura 9: 241-247.

Naithani, H.B. 1990. Flowering plants of India, Nepal and Bhutan. Surya Publishers, Dehradun, pp.711.

Samant, S.S. & U. Dhar. 1997. Diversity, endemism and economic potential of wild edible plants of Indian Himalaya. Int. J. Sustain. Dev. & World Ecology 4: 179-191.

Samant, S.S., U. Dhar & L.M.S. Palni. 1998. Medicinal Plants of Indian Himalaya: Diversity, Distribution Potential Values.  HIMAVIKAS Publ. No. 13, Gyan. Prakash., Nainital.

Samant, S.S. 1998. Diversity, distribution and conservation of fodder resource of west Himalaya, India. In: Proceedings of the Third Temperate Pasture and Fodder Network (TAPAFON). Edited by B. Misri. Pokhra, Nepal, sponsored by F.A.O. Rome, pp. 109-128.

Samant, S.S. 1999. Diversity, nativity and endemism of vascular plants in a part of Nanda Devi Biospere Reserve in west Himalaya I. Himalayan Biosphere Reserve 1(1&2): 1-28.

Samant, S.S. & L.M.S. Palni. 2000. Diversity, distribution and indigenous uses of essential oil yielding medicinal plants of Indian Himalayan region. J. Med. Arom. Plant Sci., 22: 671-684.

Samant, S.S. & S. Pant. 2003. Diversity, distribution pattern and traditional knowledge of Sacred Plants in Indian Himalayan Region. Indian Journal of Forestry 26 (3): 201-213.

Schinazi, R.F., C.K. Chu, J.R. Babu, B. Oswald, V. Saalman, D.L. Cannon & B.F. Erickson. 1990. Anthraquinones as a new class of antiviral agents against AIDS. Antiviral Research 13:  265-272.

Schweinfurth, U. 1957. Die Horizontale and Vertikale Verbreitung der Vegetation in Himalaya. Bonn.

Singh, J.S. & S.P. Singh. 1992. Forests of the Himalaya: Structure, Functioning and Impact of Man. Gyan. Prakash., Nainital.

Singh, D.K. & P.K. Hajra. 1997. Floristic diversity. In: Biodiversity status in the Himalaya. Edited by Gujral. British Council, New Delhi, pp. 23-38.

Srivastava, R.C. 1998. Flora of Sikkim. Oriental Enterprises, Dehradun, pp, 287.

Xi-wen & N.K.B. Robson. 2005. CLUSIACEAE (GUTTIFERAE)-HYPERICOIDEAE [Draft]. Accessed on April 15, 2005 at flora.huh.harvard.edu/china/mss/ volume13/Clusiaceae AGH_Hypericoideae_finishing.htm - 332k.