Production, Distribution, Use and Trade of Valeriana Jatamansi Jones in Nepal

Relevance: Sugandhawal (Valeriana jatamansi Jones) is a sub-tropical and temperate traditional medicinal plant, folkloric in Nepal for epilepsy, cholera and neurosis and is used as analgesic, antispasmodic, antiseptic, carminative, diuretic, expectorant and sedative. It serves as a promising source for household economy, primary healthcare and herbal market and remedies, but it is being harvested and traded without considering its sustainability. Thus, the study of its distribution, production, use, trade and conservation is prerequisite to understand its socio-ecological interactions as well as to guide its sustainable production in the future. Methods: We used both primary and secondary data collection methods, and qualitative and quantitative analyses for assessment of production, distribution and use of V. jatamansi. This included laying out 453 quadrats (2 m * 2 m) for inventory plots and 51 group discussions. The occurrence points of V. jatamansi were mapped. We compiled the use records of V. jatamansi at district level by reviewing available ethnobotanical studies carried out so far in Nepal and trade records from Hamro Ban publication (1998-2017). Finally, we modeled the potential distribution of V. jatamansi using a maximum entropy model (MaxEnt) with the help of 201 presence locations collected from the field surveys and secondary references and 20 predictive variables. Results: From the field data, a total of 51 hilly and mountainous districts from east to west were found growing V. jatamansi however, the production and distribution of species were greatly varied and found in 55 districts including those 51. The potential distribution of this species is likely to be expanded northward in mountainous areas with the highest scope in western Nepal. There is a significant convergence between potential distribution and current distribution (production, collection points of species and forest cover) of species. The number of districts with records of production, use and trade of Valeriana were 55, 47 and 39 respectively. A total of 16 use types and 121 use reports were recorded under ethnobotanical uses. The use of V. jatamansi rhizomes in household economy had the highest relative importance value (RIL) (0.18) followed by use for subsistence (0.17), primary health care (0.09), and culture (0.09). Despite the decade -long credentials of growing and traditional uses, V. jatamansi has been traded in markets and exported only after 1995. Now V. jatamansi is found as a major ingredient of local livelihood in remote and rural areas of Nepal. Management of current and potential distribution areas, application of sustainable harvesting practices and promotion of cultivation in off-forest and highlands lead the sustainability of species and local livelihood.