🌷 Introduction to Medicinal and Aromatic Plants (MAP)
Introduction to Medicinal and Aromatic Plants (MAP).
Medicinal and aromatic plants (MAP) connect India’s traditional health systems with modern herbal, nutraceutical, and essential-oil industries, making them strategically important crops.
Medicinal and Aromatic Plants (MAP) form a significant segment of Indian horticulture and have been an integral part of India's traditional healthcare systems — Ayurveda, Siddha, Unani, and folk medicine — for thousands of years. India is often called the "Botanical Garden of the World" due to its rich biodiversity of medicinal plants.
Definitions
- Medicinal plants — Plants whose parts (leaves, roots, bark, flowers, seeds) contain biologically active compounds used to treat, prevent, or cure diseases
- Aromatic plants — Plants that produce volatile essential oils in their tissues, used in flavouring, perfumery, cosmetics, and aromatherapy
Importance of MAP
Global Significance
| Aspect | Details |
|---|---|
| WHO estimate | 80% of the world population depends on traditional plant-based medicine |
| Global trade | MAP trade valued at over USD 120 billion annually |
| India's share | India exports MAP products worth approximately Rs. 3,000 crore/year |
| Species diversity | India has 7,500+ medicinal plant species; 1,200+ aromatic species |
| Herbal medicine market | India's domestic herbal market is worth Rs. 5,000 crore |
National Importance
- India is the largest producer of medicinal plants globally (called "Herbal Garden of the World")
- About 960 species are actively traded; 178 species have annual consumption exceeding 100 tonnes
- States leading in MAP cultivation: Madhya Pradesh, Rajasthan, Gujarat, Uttarakhand, J&K
- Key institutional support: NMPB (National Medicinal Plants Board), CIMAP, IHBT
Classification of Medicinal Plants
Based on Active Constituents
| Category | Active Compound | Example Plants |
|---|---|---|
| Alkaloid-bearing | Alkaloids | Cinchona (quinine), Rauvolfia (reserpine) |
| Glycoside-bearing | Glycosides | Digitalis (heart glycosides), Senna (sennosides) |
| Essential oil-bearing | Volatile oils | Mentha (menthol), Eucalyptus (cineole) |
| Tannin-bearing | Tannins | Myrobalan (gallic acid), Tea |
| Resin-bearing | Resins | Asafoetida (oleo-gum resin), Guggul |
| Mucilage-bearing | Mucilage | Isabgol (psyllium husk), Aloe Vera |
Based on Parts Used
- Roots — Ashwagandha, Sarpagandha, Shatavari
- Leaves — Tulsi, Stevia, Senna, Aloe Vera
- Bark — Cinchona, Arjuna, Cinnamon
- Flowers — Chamomile, Calendula, Saffron
- Seeds/Fruits — Isabgol, Fenugreek, Amla
- Whole plant — Brahmi, Kalmegh, Centella
Classification of Aromatic Plants
Based on Essential Oil Composition
- Hydrocarbon-rich oils — Turpentine (pinene), Lemongrass (limonene)
- Alcohol-rich oils — Palmarosa (geraniol), Mentha (menthol)
- Aldehyde-rich oils — Citronella (citronellal), Lemongrass (citral)
- Ester-rich oils — Lavender (linalyl acetate)
- Phenol-rich oils — Clove (eugenol), Thyme (thymol)
Government Initiatives for MAP
- National Medicinal Plants Board (NMPB) — Nodal agency for MAP development
- AYUSH Mission — Promotes cultivation and utilization of medicinal plants
- National Mission on Medicinal Plants — Subsidies for MAP cultivation
- CIMAP (Central Institute of Medicinal and Aromatic Plants), Lucknow — Leading research institute
Summary Cheat Sheet
| Theme | Key Point |
|---|---|
| Medicinal plants | Provide bioactive compounds for prevention and treatment |
| Aromatic plants | Produce volatile oils for fragrance, flavour, and therapeutics |
| India advantage | High biodiversity and established traditional use systems |
| Institutions | NMPB, CIMAP, AYUSH-linked missions support expansion |
References
2 sources • [1] [2]
References
Lesson Doubts
Ask questions, get expert answers