Exploration, Distribution and Screening of Quality Germplasm of Medicinal Tree <i>Oroxylum indicum</i> (L.) Benth. Ex Kurz. (SHYONAK) in Forest Divisions of Haryana

Abstract

Oroxylum indicum is an important medicinal plant, native to India and distributed throughout the country up to an altitude of 1200 m and found mainly in ravine and moist places in the forests. It is a high demand medicinal plant that has immense importance in many Ayurvedic formulations and preparations. The species, once found to be spread throughout the country, has now listed amongst endangered species in many parts of the country. Due to the indiscriminate collection, overexploitation and uprooting of whole plant bearing roots, gradual depletion of this valuable tree has been seen from its natural habitat. It is thus considered pertinent to conserve the germplasm of this commercially important medicinal species. The present study was, therefore, undertaken for mapping of the distribution, quantification and screening of the superior quality germplasms on the basis of principle active constituents of O. indicum in different forest divisions of Haryana. Four superior quality germplasms were screened out on the basis of active constituents having higher composition of Oroxylin-A, Baicalein and Chrysin, and these have been recommended for further multiplication, conservation and producing quality planting stock for Haryana Forest Department.