Abstract:
The Indian subcontinent is a vast repository of medicinal plants that are used in traditional
medical treatments. As many of the medicinal plants are highly endangered and urgently
need to be maintained in their native habitats. A national policy on medicinal plants with a
view to preserve endangered species and promoting cultivation of plants which are being
extensively used by industry will help in solving the major problem of the. Rauvolfia
serpentine, Glory lilly (Gloriosa superba) Long pepper {Piper longum) Safed Musli
(Chlorophytum borivilianum) are threatened in India due to indiscriminate collection and
over exploitation of natural resources for commercial purposes to meet the requirements of
pharmaceutical industry. In this paper some important medicinal plants like Rauvolfia
serpentine, Gloriosa superba, Piper longum and Safed Museli were illustrated.
