Ethnomedicinal uses of orchids and the conservation concerns of their threatened species: A review

Introduction

Orchids are one of the most fascinating and diverse groups of flowering plants in the world. Belonging to the family Orchidaceae, they represent one of the largest families in the plant kingdom, comprising approximately 29,000 accepted species across more than 800 genera. This family accounts for about 8-10% of all flowering plants. Orchids are distributed globally, with major diversity in tropical Asia, South America, and parts of Africa, thriving in ecosystems ranging from humid rainforests to alpine regions. The name "orchid" is derived from the Greek word "orchis", meaning testicle, due to the shape of the root tubers in some species. This resemblance led ancient Greek herbalists to believe orchids possessed aphrodisiac properties. This belief became one of the earliest recorded instances of orchids being used in traditional medicine.

Ethnomedicinal Uses of Orchids

Across the world, orchids have been used in traditional medicine systems such as Ayurveda, Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), and various tribal healing practices. In TCM, Dendrobium species are used to treat dry mouth, fever, and stomach ailments. In Ayurveda, species like Vanda tessellata are applied in treating inflammation, fever, and nervous disorders [1,2] . India is rich in orchid diversity, particularly in the Eastern Himalayas, Western Ghats, and the Northeastern states. Indigenous tribes such as the Khasi, Garo, and Apatani use orchids in ethnomedicine [9] . For example:  Dendrobium nobile: Used for boosting immunity, treating respiratory issues, and as a general tonic [1] .  Vanda roxburghii: Applied externally for rheumatism and nervous system disorders [15] .  Habenaria edgeworthii: Used to improve sexual health and vitality [12] .

 Reproductive health: Aphrodisiac use, menstrual problems, and fertility enhancement.  Skin and wound care: Burns, cuts, and skin infections.  General health tonics: Immunity boosters and rejuvenators Conservation concerns  Habitat Loss and Degradation: Deforestation, urbanization, and agricultural expansion have led to significant habitat loss for orchids. Many species are epiphytes, relying on forest canopies for survival, which makes them highly susceptible to environmental changes [3,4] .  Overharvesting for Trade: The demand for orchids in the medicinal and ornamental markets has led to overharvesting. In the absence of sustainable harvesting practices, wild populations have sharply declined.

Threatened orchid species with ethnomedicinal value

Many orchid species valued for their ethnomedicinal properties are currently facing significant threats due to habitat destruction, overharvesting, and environmental changes. Species such as Dendrobium nobile, widely used in traditional Chinese and Ayurvedic medicine for its immuneboosting and neuroprotective effects, are categorized as vulnerable due to excessive collection from the wild. Similarly, Vanda coerulea, known for treating skin and nervous disorders, is endangered because of habitat loss and overexploitation for both medicinal use and ornamental trade. The critically endangered Paphiopedilum druryi, native to India's Western Ghats, is prized for its rarity and medicinal potential but is at risk due to illegal collection and deforestation. Cypripedium cordigerum also faces threats from habitat degradation and overharvesting, despite its use in traditional remedies for pain and inflammation. The decline of these orchids not only threatens biodiver sity but also endangers the traditional knowledge systems that rely on them, emphasizing the urgent need for conservation efforts to protect both the species and the cultural heritage they represent. Approximately 250 species of orchids in India are under various threat categories. The loss of these species would also mean the loss of invaluable medicinal resources and genetic diversity. Several orchid species used in traditional medicine are currently facing serious threats to their survival due to overharvesting, habitat loss, and environmental changes. These include:

Conclusion

Orchids hold immense ethnomedicinal significance, playing a vital role in traditional health systems across many cultures, particularly in Asia. Their therapeutic uses for ailments ranging from respiratory disorders to skin infections and reproductive health underscore the importance of conserving these plants. However, the increasing threats of habitat loss, overexploitation, and climate change have put many orchid species at risk. Conservation of these species is not only essential for maintaining biodiversity but also for preserving invaluable traditional knowledge that benefits local communities. Urgent measures, including habitat protection, sustainable harvesting practices, and community-based conservation programs, are needed to ensure the long-term survival of these remarkable plants and the traditional wisdom associated with them [2,4,6,13] .

References

1. Biswas SS, Kalaivanan NS, Pal R, Alam BK, Ngangom NM, Natta S. Traditional knowledge of medicinal orchids in different parts of India. Indian Journal of Traditional Knowledge. 2024;23(5).
2. Bhattacharjee SK. Handbook of Medicinal Plants. Jaipur: Pointer Publishers; 2000.
3. Chen S, Cribb PJ. Orchids: The world's elite plants in danger? Orchid Conservation. 2005;1:77-92.
4. Deb CR, Temjensangba. Orchid diversity and conservation in India. Journal of Orchid Society of India. 2006;20(1-2):35-46.
5. Fan Y, Zhao J, Wang M, Kennelly EJ, Long C. Ethnopharmacology of Bletilla orchid species: a comprehensive review on ethnobotany, phytochemistry and pharmacology. Medicinal Plant Biology. 2023;2:21-32.
6. Hossain MM. Therapeutic orchids: Traditional uses and recent advances-An overview. Fitoterapia. 2011;82(2):102-112.
7. Jalal JS, Kumar P, Pangtey YPS. Ethnomedicinal orchids of Uttarakhand, Western Himalaya. Ethnobotanical Leaflets. 2008;2008(1):Article 164.
8. Kala CP. Status and conservation of rare and endangered medicinal plants in the Indian transHimalaya. Biological Conservation. 2000;93(3):371379.
9. Kaur S. Conservation of orchids: A review. Open Access Journal of Medicinal and Aromatic Plants. 2019;9(2):54-61.
10. Keerthiga M, Anand SP. A review on ethnomedicinal, phytochemical and pharmacological studies of Geodorum densiflorum (Lam.) Schltr.-An endangered orchid. Journal of Research in Biology. 2014;4(8):1543-1548.
11. Lawler LJ. Ethnobotany of the Orchidaceae: A manual of orchid folk medicine. Economic Botany. 1984;38(4):371-391.
12. Medhi RP, Chakraborti M, Rampal. Orchid biodiversity in India: Conservation and utilization. Indian Journal of Genetics and Plant Breeding. 2012;72(2):148-156.
13. Pant B. Medicinal orchids and their conservation: A review. Phytotherapy Research. 2013;27(5):635-644.
14. Parra Sanchez E, Pérez Escobar OA, Edwards ML. Rediscovery of the Neotropical orchid Porroglossum parsonsii and recommendations for its conservation. Oryx. 2024;58(5):603-606.
15. Sahu JK, Jatav R, Joshi NH, Marndi S, Kumar S. Ecologically and medicinally important orchids and their conservation strategies. In: Medico-Biowealth of India. Vol X. 2023. p. 17-26.
16. Singh DK, Hajra PK. Floristic diversity. In: Biodiversity Status of the Indian Himalaya. Almora: G.B. Pant Institute of Himalayan Environment and Development; 1996. p. 23-38.
17. Seaton PT, Pritchard HW, Cribb PJ, Amrit MK. Orchid conservation: a global perspective. In: Proceedings of the 20th World Orchid Conference. 2010. p. 10-18.
18. Sushma R, Diksha R. Orchids as valuable folklore medicine: A review. Journal of Pharmaceutical Research International. 2021;33(53B):93-96.
19. Ticktin T. The ecological implications of harvesting non-timber forest products. Journal of Applied Ecology. 2004;41(1):11-21.
20. Tiwari P, Sharma A, Bose SK, Park KI. Advances in Orchid Biology: Biotechnological achievements, translational success, and commercial outcomes. Horticulturae. 2024;10(2):152-164.