High Altitude Medicinal Plants

This volume explores the unique botanical wealth of high altitude medicinal plants, examining their ecological significance, traditional uses, and the urgent need for conservation. For millennia, humans have turned to plants not only for sustenance and shelter but also for healing. Nowhere is this relationship more profound—and more at risk—than in the alpine regions of the world’s great mountain ranges. These high-altitude ecosystems, though rich in medicinal biodiversity, are fragile and increasingly threatened by both natural forces and human exploitation. This comprehensive volume opens with an exploration of the physiological adaptations that enable these plants to survive in extreme altitudinal and climatic conditions. Subsequent chapters are dedicated to their ethnobotanical and traditional uses, as well as their phytochemistry and bioactive compounds with potential for phytopharmaceutical applications. The book also examines the challenges of uncontrolled wild harvesting and trade and addresses short- and long-term conservation strategies, including micropropagation and cryopreservation. The socio-economic importance of these plants in supporting mountain livelihoods is also evaluated. Finally, the book outlines future strategies for ensuring the sustainable use and preservation of this invaluable botanical heritage. From ancient wisdom to cutting-edge propagation techniques, High Altitude Medicinal Plants is a vital resource for botanists, pharmacologists, and conservationists in both academia and industry. With a focus on sustainable practices, this book also serves as a guide to safeguarding these invaluable natural treasures for future generations.