Phytochemical Profiling and Ethnobotanical Study of Podophyllum hexandrum Royle.: Insights from Langate Forest Division, Jammu and Kashmir

Abstract

May Apple (Podophyllum hexandrum Royle.), a critically endangered Himalayan medicinal herb, possesses enormous medicinal potential. This study was conducted in the Langate Forest Division (LFD) of the Kashmir Valley. Information was gathered about the use of medicinal plants, methods of administration, and the specific plant parts used for treating various ailments by a field survey. Gas Chromatography-Mass Spectrometry (GC-MS) analysis was used to examine the phytochemical profile of the specimens to combine ethnobotanical knowledge with scientific reliability. This study revealed that the herb has a variety of ethno-veterinary and therapeutic applications. Medicinal uses of plants include the treatment of wounds, warts, gastrointestinal issues, and joint discomfort with rhizomes, resin pastes, decoctions, and powders. Its resin contains a significant amount of podophyllotoxin, a potent anticancer drug.  GC-MS analysis of the methanolic rhizome extract identified ten different bioactive compounds with anti-inflammatory, anticancer, and antioxidant properties. These included beta-sitosterol (13.72%) and podophyllotoxin (18.24%). Key threats to (Podophyllum hexandrum Royle.) include overharvesting, habitat loss, climate change, and lack of awareness. Therefore, there is a need for sustainable cultivation, habitat protection, and policy enforcement.