Rajendra Gyawali1, Bipesh Pyakurel2, Tirtha Maya Shrestha1, Jagendra Khadka, Prem Nayaran Paudel1, Rudra Upreti1, Nira Paudel1, Prerok Regmi1
Herbal resource-based traditional medication practices in the lower Mustang area have been found influenced by the impact of climate change on herbal drugs. Impact of climate change on medicinal plants is seen mainly in respect of accessibility, yield, efficacy and chemistry. To find an alternative source, some Amchis have started cultivating some medicinal plants in private lands. In the experimental greenhouse model, while they were cultivated at 5°C temperature difference, with average 5% relative humidity difference, the temperature stress on medicinal plants has been seen in the morphology and chemistry, i.e. secondary metabolites of the plants. Plants grown in warm conditions were taller with thicker stem, and those cultivated in lower temperature had large leaf size and root size and higher moisture content. Necrosis of leaf in warmer conditions was observed in some plants. Similarly, shoot number, root length, stem thickness, etc were also negatively influenced by high temperature. Chemical analysis showed that some of pharmacologically active compounds were inhibited in high temperature. Pharmacological activity also showed variations in the action of these plants in cytotoxic anti inflammatory and antimicrobial properties.
