Author(s):

Dr. Anuradha KN

Abstract: <strong>Introduction:</strong> Plants are important natural resources of India. Utility of plant and its various parts are being used by mankind since time immemorial. Awareness of safety and merits in using herbal drug source in medicine, cosmetic and nutrient, has led to increased demand in trade resulting in over exploitation of plants. Crude method of plant collection is followed to meet the huge demand. As these methods destroys or disturbs propagation of plant, a thorough review of literature is essential to apply scientific methods in plant collection. Charaka samhita and Sushruta samhita are medical literatures that have not only explained plant utility in maintenance of health and curation of disease but have also mentioned the methodology of plant collection. Few important points mentioned are proper collection method in general to all plants and with specificity to plant part and season. Adopting appropriate collection methods with rational usage of medicinal plants bring out a considerable change in the plant threat status. <strong>Materials and methods:</strong> A thorough review will be done in Charaka samhita, Sushrutha samhita for references on collection. Pharmacognosy text book for recent techniques adopted for drug collection. Research articles on prevalent collection methods and their rationale. <strong>Result: </strong>Literature review in Ayurveda texts reveal the emphasis on part of the herb, season, place of collection. In addition lucid explanation on collection methods are available. These corroborates with the results of recent research works. Researches also reveal area of research work which may help for better commercial herbs and conservation of medicinal plants. <strong>Conclusion: </strong>Scientific method of plant collection developed by methods mentioned in ancient texts and new techniques is a significant step towards plant conservation. Plant propogation is also sustained by standardized protocol of plant collection method.

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