Comparative assessment of morphological, physiological and phytochemical attributes of cultivated Valeriana jatamansi Jones in Uttarakhand, West Himalaya.

Medicinal plants are global sources of herbal products, drugs, and cosmetics. They are disappearing rapidly due to anthropogenic pressure, overexploitation, unsustainable harvesting, lack of knowledge on cultivation, and the availability of quality plating materials. In this context, standardized in-vitro propagation protocol was followed to produce Valeriana jatamansi Jones, and transferred in two locations at Kosi-Katarmal (GBP) Almora (1200 masl) and Sri Narayan Ashram (SNA) Pithoragarh (Altitude 2750 masl), Uttarakhand. Over the three years of growth, plants were gathered from both locations for determining biochemical and physiological parameters, and growth performance. The plants growing at Sri Narayan Ashram (SNA) showed considerably (p < 0.05) higher amounts of polyphenolics, antioxidant activities, and phenolic compounds. Similarly, physiological parameters (transpiration 0.004 mol m-2 s-1; photosynthesis 8.20 µmol m-2 s-1; stomatal conductance 0.24 mol m-2 s-1), plant growth performance (leaves number 40, roots number 30, root length 14 cm) and soil attributes (total nitrogen 9.30; potassium 0.025; phosphorus 0.34 mg/g, respectively) were found best in the SNA as compared to GBP. In addition, moderate polar solvent (i.e., acetonitrile and methanol) was found suitable for extracting higher bioactive constituents from plants. The findings from this study revealed that large-scale cultivation of V. jatamansi should promote at higher elevation areas such as Sri Narayan Ashram to harness the maximum potential of the species. Such a protective approach with the right interventions will be helpful to provide livelihood security to the local populace along with quality material for commercial cultivation. This can fulfill the demand through regular supply of raw material to the industries and simultaneously promote their conservation.

Biología de Valeriana pilosa R. &. P. (Valerianaceae): una especie en peligro de extinción de las altas montañas de Perú / Valeriana pilosa R. &. P. (Valerianaceae) biology: an endangered species in the high mountains of Peru

El estudio se realizó en un área de vegetación natural en Campo Alegre (3708 msnm), centro poblado de Huanico, distrito de Namora, Cajamarca (Perú), donde Valeriana pilosa R. & P. crece espontáneamente. Se describió la planta, la semilla, la regeneración natural, la fenología de las poblaciones, el área foliar y la asignación de la materia seca a los órganos de las matas adultas. Se realizaron pruebas de germinación y se evaluó el crecimiento de las plántulas. La planta vive en el pajonal, asociada, principalmente, a especies de Calamagrostis y Stipa. Se regenera mediante semilla, bajo la protección de las plantas acompañantes. La fenología de las poblaciones estuvo relacionada con la temperatura y la precipitación pluvial. El área foliar por mata fue de 925 cm2 y el índice de cosecha promedio de 35.8 por ciento. Mil semillas pesaron 0.2 g y tuvieron 43 por ciento de germinación. Las plántulas crecieron 5.6 mm mes-1.

The study was conducted in an area of natural vegetation in Campo Alegre (3708 m), Huanico, Namora district, Cajamarca (Perú), where Valeriana pilosa R. & P. (“valeriana”) grows spontaneously. Plant, seed, natural regeneration, phenology of populations, leaf area and dry matter allocation of the organs of adult bush were described. Germination tests were performed and the growth of seedlings was evaluated. The plant lives in the scrubland, mainly associated with species of Calamagrostis and Stipa. It is regenerated by seed, under the protection of companion plants. The phenology of populations was related to temperature and rainfall. The leaf area per plant was 925 cm2 and the average harvest index of 35.8 percent. Thousand seeds weighed 0.2 g and had 43 percent germination. Seedlings were grown 5.6 mm month-1.

[Study on quality specification of Rhizoma et Radix Valeriana Jatamansi].

OBJECTIVE: To provide scientific basis for the utilization and development of Valeriana jatamansi by setting up the quality control specification of V. jatamansi. METHOD: The pharmacognostical methods were applied. The extract of V. jatamansi was examined. Moisture and ash were determined. And the bioactive constituents were analyzed by TLC and HPLC. RESULT: The morphological and histological characters of V. jatamansi were observed. Content of total ash, acid-insoluble ash, and moisture of 15 samples from different habitats and times were determined. The qualitative and quantitative analysis of valtrate and acevaltrate by TLC and HPLC were preformed respectively. CONCLUSION: The established method can be used for the quality control of V. jatamans.

[Investigation on resource of genus Valeriana in China].

The investigation on the resources of genus Valeriana in China have shown out. About 30 species distributed in Southwest and Northeast China. Four of them were most used as medicine.