Paris polyphylla Smith: a medicinally important plant species is in high risk in Himalayan region

Paris polyphylla, locally called Satuwa is one of the high demand medicinal plant of the Himalayan region is facing serious threats because of its uncontrolled and unscientific exploitation from natural pockets, because of this the plant comes under the rare category of plants of IUCN. During the last few years the local peoples of the naturally growing areas of the P. polyphylla know about its economic importance due to the huge demands from across the borders, especially from China. At present the plant is extensively using in Traditional Chinese Medicine System (TCMS) and they have been using this herb as traditional medicine for the treatment of cancer. Unhealthy competition between the collectors has led to the overharvesting of P. polyphylla without the consideration of its sustainable regeneration. Seeds and rhizomes are the medium of the propagation of this plant and if the plant is collected before the maturation of seeds, the regeneration and survival of this valuable plant will be definitely in risk in near future. Therefore, this article is highlighted and suggested the immediate need of conservation of Paris polyphylla for future generation.