A glimpse of medicinal plant diversity in the medicinal plant garden of CCRAS-Central Ayurveda Research Institute, Jhansi

Introduction: Medicinal plants constitute a vital component of traditional healthcare systems and biodiversity conservation. Institutional medicinal plant gardens play an important role in ex situ conservation, research, education, and promotion of cultivation practices. The Central Ayurveda Research Institute (CARI), Jhansi, maintains a medicinal plant garden aimed at conserving and promoting important therapeutic plant species. Aim: This study aimed to explore, document, and analyze the medicinal plant diversity of the CARI, Jhansi, and to assess its role in conservation and cultivation of medicinal plants. Materials and Methods: A systematic floristic survey of the medicinal plant garden at CARI, Jhansi was conducted to record vascular plant species. Species were identified and classified into families, genera, and growth forms (herbs, shrubs, and trees). Conservation status of recorded species was assessed using the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) Red List database. Results: A total of 290 vascular plant species belonging to 231 genera and 83 families were documented. Among dicots, the dominant families were Fabaceae (34 species), Malvaceae (20 species), Apocynaceae (16 species), Lamiaceae (13 species), Asteraceae (8 species), and Euphorbiaceae (7 species). Among monocots, Poaceae (13 species) and Zingiberaceae (8 species) were predominant. Growth-form analysis showed 91 herbs, 98 trees, and 101 shrubs. IUCN Red List assessment indicated that 57% of species were Not Available, 35% Least Concern, 4% Data Deficient, 1% Endangered, 1% Near Threatened, 1% Vulnerable, and 1% Critically Endangered. The documented medicinal flora is utilized in the treatment of various ailments, including cardiovascular diseases, skin disorders, gastrointestinal disorders, fever, diabetes, respiratory disorders, and other health conditions. Conclusion: The medicinal plant garden of the CARI, Jhansi, represents rich vascular plant diversity and serves as an important center for conservation, research, and promotion of medicinal plants. This study provides the first comprehensive documentation of medicinal plant diversity within the institute’s garden, highlighting its significant role in ex situ conservation and traditional healthcare support.