Indian Swertia from Eastern Himalaya: Strategies of Conservation and Biotechnological Improvements

Abstract

The Eastern Indian area of the Himalaya is highly acclaimed for its rich bioresources and traditional repository of medicinal plants. This region is considered to be the natural habitat of many species and populations of Swertia, an important and diverse genus of the Gentianaceae. The genus Swertia, popularly known as chirata, is one of the most important indigenous medicinal plants of India. Habitat destruction, other human-caused stresses, and impacts of climate change have resulted in considerable loss of genetic diversity and necessitate reassessment, documentation, molecular and biochemical screening, and well-formulated biotechnological strategies for sustainable use and improvement of these high-value medicinal crops. Swertia chirata is considered the prized Indian species because of its well-characterized bioactive molecules known as iridoid and secoiridoid glycosides, xanthones and xanthone derivatives, which are effective against many conventional and unconventional ailments. The increasing demand of chirata in national and international markets, the paucity of agricultural practices, and correct exomorphological and molecular screening have resulted in intentional and unintentional adulteration. The prized species, Swertia chirata, has been labeled as being critically endangered and most of the other important species may face similar threats in the near future. The present review discusses the status of Swertia species in the Eastern Himalayas, together with biotechnological approaches for their conservation and future improvement.