Ecology, Phytochemistry, Threat and Conservation Status of Polygonatum cirrhifolium (Wall.) Royle

Medicinal plants play an important role in human life by way of not only functioning as traditional medicines, but also as trade commodities and meeting the pharmaceutical demands. The present review focuses on ecology, phytochemistry, threat and conservation status of Polygonatum cirrhifolium (Wall.) Royle (Asparagaceae) along with various conservation initiatives taken in the Himalayan region. P. cirrhifolium is one among 71 species and 4 varieties of genus of Polygonatum with medicinal and therapeutic properties used in ancient traditional medicine. The species has been reported as rich source of flavonoids and phenolic acids, anthraquinones, Caffeic acid, ellagic acid, 3-hydroxy cinnamic acid, and p-coumaric acid and possess antioxidant, antimicrobial, antifungal and antistress properties. The rhizomes are used as an ingredient of popular ayurvedic polyherbal formulations ‘Chyavanprash’. However, the availability of species in wild is decreasing continuously due to overexploitation for different commercial purpose, habitat degradation, heavy grazing and trampling by livestock. Therefore, there is an urgent need to develop strategy for its conservation and collaborative initiatives at regional, national, and international levels are required to pool resources, expertise, and knowledge to address the conservation challenges faced by Polygonatum cirrhifolium and other medicinal plants in the Himalayan region.