Ahead of World Wildlife Day on 3 March, experts are highlighting the importance of medicinal plants and their role in supporting both human health and biodiversity. Danna J. Leaman, outgoing co-chair of the Medicinal Plant Specialist Group of the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN), explained that plants are essential not only for ecosystems but also for economies and livelihoods around the world.
Over the past 15 years, conservation discussions have increasingly recognized that many organisms, especially plants, play a crucial role in sustaining human health and the wider biological system. According to Leaman, the growing focus on medicinal and aromatic plants reflects a broader understanding that plant species are fundamental to ecological balance as well as economic activity.
Medicinal plants have been used in traditional medicine for thousands of years across many cultures. Although there is no single definition of what constitutes a medicinal plant, these species are widely used in traditional remedies and continue to contribute to modern industries. Many pharmaceutical products, food ingredients, perfumes, cosmetics and household items are derived from plant compounds, making them valuable beyond traditional healthcare practices.
Historically, wildlife conservation efforts mainly focused on protecting animals, but this perspective has gradually expanded to include plants and other organisms. Experts note that many communities, including traditional users and the pharmaceutical industry, depend heavily on plants for medicinal resources. This shift is also reflected in global conservation efforts and international agreements regulating wildlife trade, which now place greater emphasis on protecting plant species.
Research by the Medicinal Plant Specialist Group and the Royal Botanic Gardens has identified approximately 30,000 plant species worldwide that are widely recognized as medicinal or aromatic. However, these plants face increasing threats similar to those affecting global biodiversity. Key pressures include agricultural expansion, changes in land use and the unsustainable harvesting of plants from the wild.
Climate change is also emerging as a major threat, particularly for plants growing in sensitive environments such as wetlands and mountain ecosystems. These environmental pressures raise concerns about the long-term survival of many valuable medicinal species and the ecosystems that support them.
One example illustrating both the value and vulnerability of medicinal plants is nardostachys jatamansi, commonly known as spikenard. This Himalayan herb has long been used in traditional medicine systems, including Ayurveda. It grows in high-altitude areas of Nepal, India and China, and its aromatic roots are harvested to produce medicinal products and essential oils. Because harvesting the root typically kills the plant, careful management is required to prevent the species from declining.
The plant is currently listed as critically endangered on the IUCN Red List, leading to conservation efforts aimed at ensuring sustainable harvesting practices. In Nepal, trade restrictions have been introduced to protect wild populations. While these measures are designed to conserve the species, they can also affect rural communities that rely on harvesting medicinal plants for income.
Experts suggest that sustainable harvesting and responsible trade can help balance conservation goals with economic needs. Demonstrating that plant harvesting is carried out responsibly can support local livelihoods while also encouraging the protection of natural habitats where these species grow.
At the same time, global demand for medicinal and aromatic plants continues to grow. Many consumers are increasingly interested in natural remedies, plant-based supplements and botanical cosmetics. As a result, experts encourage consumers and companies to pay closer attention to how these products are sourced to ensure that harvesting practices protect ecosystems and support the communities involved in the supply chain.
