By Udumula Sudhakar Reddy
The Nannari plant, from which the famous Rayalaseema sharbat is made, has been listed among endangered species by the International Union for Conservation of Nature.
Apart from the Nannari plant, 46 other species from the State have also been put in the red list by the IUCN.
“Most are medicinal plants collected from forests,” said Dr K.P. Srivasuki, CEO of the AP Medical and Aromatic Plants Board. “There is no accounting how much is collected.” Nannari, for instance, is facing threat because of over-exploitation and habitat destruction.
Scientifically known as Decalepis hamiltonii, Nan nari is seen in the deciduous forests of Kurnool, Chittoor, Nellore, Anantapur and Kadapa district in AP, Karnataka and Tamil Nadu.
“Sharbat is extracted from the roots,” said Dr R. Hampaiah, chairman of the AP Biodiversity Board. “The roots are boiled in water and the extract is used to prepare the juice by mixing sugar, lemon and ginger. It has a cooling medicinal property and protects the body from heat and summer ailments.” He added that Nannari has to be cultivated by farmers to bring it back to sustain able levels.
“It is sometimes mixed with alcoholic beverages and a soft drink giant is now using to prepare a herbal drink,” said Dr Hampaiah.
“The Anantapur Biodiversity Management Committee has issued notice to the company seeking royalty.” Nannari provides relief from intestinal ailments such as acidity and constipation and is a natural coolant.
Dr Srivasuki said the AP Medical and Aromatic Plants Board was offering subsidy schemes to the farmers to grow medicinal plants.
The Nannari plant, from which the famous Rayalaseema sharbat is made, has been listed among endangered species by the International Union for Conservation of Nature.
Apart from the Nannari plant, 46 other species from the State have also been put in the red list by the IUCN.
“Most are medicinal plants collected from forests,” said Dr K.P. Srivasuki, CEO of the AP Medical and Aromatic Plants Board. “There is no accounting how much is collected.” Nannari, for instance, is facing threat because of over-exploitation and habitat destruction.
Scientifically known as Decalepis hamiltonii, Nan nari is seen in the deciduous forests of Kurnool, Chittoor, Nellore, Anantapur and Kadapa district in AP, Karnataka and Tamil Nadu.
“Sharbat is extracted from the roots,” said Dr R. Hampaiah, chairman of the AP Biodiversity Board. “The roots are boiled in water and the extract is used to prepare the juice by mixing sugar, lemon and ginger. It has a cooling medicinal property and protects the body from heat and summer ailments.” He added that Nannari has to be cultivated by farmers to bring it back to sustain able levels.
“It is sometimes mixed with alcoholic beverages and a soft drink giant is now using to prepare a herbal drink,” said Dr Hampaiah.
“The Anantapur Biodiversity Management Committee has issued notice to the company seeking royalty.” Nannari provides relief from intestinal ailments such as acidity and constipation and is a natural coolant.
Dr Srivasuki said the AP Medical and Aromatic Plants Board was offering subsidy schemes to the farmers to grow medicinal plants.
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