An Insight into Antioxidant and Antimicrobial Activities of Ethnotherapeutically Important Trans Himalayan Medicinal Plants: A Review

The high altitude of the Himalayan cold desert represents a valuable habitat of natural resources. The extreme climatic condition manifested by intense mutagenic UV-radiation, physiological drought, desiccation and strong winds, makes the survival of plants really difficult. As a consequence of this atmospheric stressor, the plants produce unique metabolites which play a preventive role in intrinsic mechanism of sustenance. Many plant species of this region have been investigated in search of novel antioxidants and antimicrobials. Plants synthesize several antioxidants that aid in antioxidant defense system, thereby protecting plants against damage caused by active ROS. These compounds include chlorophyll derivatives, alkaloids, essential oils, phytosterols, phenolics and polyphenolics. Some of the antioxidants that have been isolated from plants include curcumin, quercetin, ascorbic acid, resveratrol amongst many other compounds. Additionally, the emergence of resistance to multiple antimicrobial agents has become a major threat to public health. Hence, fresh efforts towards new drug identification and development are greatly needed. Plants have long been used in traditional Indian medicine for numerous therapeutic benefits and low toxicity. Considering the growing interest in quest for search of plant based antimicrobials and antioxidants; an effort has been carried to systematically record the antioxidants and antimicrobial potential of plants of Himalayan region.

Climate Change, Traditional Life Styles and Livelihood Questions: Socio-cultural and Physical Constraints of Remotely Located Societies of Western Himalaya.

<p>Himalaya presents a great range of lifestyle and livelihood base to its native communities. The extreme climatic condition imposes a restriction on the living conditions, local ownership, alternative sources of income, women's empowerment, and long-term sustainable livelihoods are main elements of community work. But improvements in communication and transportation system have improved the lifestyle of the people living in those regions. The breadth of natural biodiversity in the Himalayas is complemented by a rich mosaic of cultures, traditions and people. But the ethnic groups living in remote valleys of the Himalayan region have generally conserved their traditional cultural identities. Ancient traditions and livelihoods of many communities remain woven into the balanced use of natural resources. They depend on these resources for their livelihoods, and value ecosystem services such as freshwater, erosion control, and agricultural and subsistence harvests.</p><p>Forests are strained as demand continues to grow for timber and food crops.<em> </em><em>Himalaya’s communities have suffered a disastrous slump in production due to erratic weather in recent years, but the government is helping out with various insurance and relief scheme.</em> For such remotely located communities of this part of Himalaya agriculture, nomadic herding, hunting and gathering are the main activities of the people who are unable to fulfil their basic requirements. The present paper investigates factors that have brought about physical and socio-economic changes in various parts of Indian region of Himalayas, interlinked with the fragile Himalayan environment by mapping, monitoring and change analysis with the help of remote sensing and GIS techniques.</p>