Rauwolfia Serpentina (Sarpagandha)

Nepal is a beautiful country with plenty of natural resources. The livelihood, growth, and progress of the Nepali people as a whole are significantly impacted by the responsible management and sustainable use of the local natural resources. The area's natural resources are trees, unusual and magical flora, and non-timber forest products. As a special gift from nature, the 700 species of classified medicinal plants discovered in the nation benefit Nepal and the people who live there and the entire fauna, all of humanity, and the entire planet.

Each year, numerous non-timber forest products worth billions are sold abroad. The gathering and sale of non-timber forest products, which generates billions of dollars annually, is the primary source of cash income and a living for many Nepalis living in rural and remote regions of the nation. Yarsagumba and other valuable herbs are sold in areas like Darchula, Jumla, and Dolpa, bringing in millions of rupees each year. Likewise, many Madhyapahar districts have exported herbs and non-timber forest products worth billions of dollars to foreign countries. A discussion of the nectar-like plant and non-timber forest productivity of sarpagandha has been provided in this article.

Both Sarpagandha and Chandamaruwa are the names of this plant used locally. Its scientific name is Rauwolfia Serpentina, and its English names include Rauwolfia, Serpent Wood, and Serpentine Root. This plant, a member of the Apocynaceae genus, grows to 60 to 90 cm. It is an evergreen perennial. The plants continue to blossom through the month of Poush after they begin to bloom in the month of Chaitra. From east to west, at elevations ranging from 100 to 1200 meters, this plant can be found in Nepal.

Additionally, it can be found in Nepal, India, Burma, Bangladesh, Sri Lanka, Malaysia, and Indonesia. Since a few decades ago, it has grown. It is thought that areas with no frost, high heat, and high humidity are appropriate for its cultivation. Additionally, it adapts well to hot regional conditions and open and semi-shaded regions. Terai and Inner Madhesh in Nepal are good locations for its cultivation. It is grown in the districts of Sarlahi, Mahottari, Rautahat, Bara, etc.

A plant called sarpagandha may flourish in practically any kind of soil. However, a location that can absorb precipitation lacks hard stones, does not flood, and lacks wetlands is suitable for its production.

Preparing the seeds and transplanting the plants is recommended because direct seeding of sarpagandha does not produce the desired results. Depending on the state of the soil, irrigation should be performed at least twice a month throughout the winter and dry season. Following planting, the plant requires attention and any necessary watering.

Commercially, sarpagandha is utilized as a root with bark. It is used to treat a variety of conditions, including leprosy, epilepsy, high blood pressure, fever, discomfort during childbirth, snake and scorpion stings, skin conditions, excessive perspiration, itching, and more. Eye medication also uses the Sarpagandha leaf juice that is extracted. From the sarpagandha herb, several ayurvedic pharmacies in Nepal produce and sell the drugs Sarpagandha Vati, Tensarin, and Reserpine.

The roots of sarpagandha are collected along with the crop. It takes two to three years to manage it. Irrigating a few days before gathering the roots in the winter is simpler. While picking the roots, ensure no wounds or scars on the roots. The roots should be dug up, then carefully cleaned and air dried. After drying, it needs to be stored in the necessary quantity.

Because sarpagandha is a valuable herb, the Nepalese government forbids exporting it unprocessed by the current Forest Act 2049 and Forest Regulations 2051 to safeguard it. It has been classified as an endangered species by the World Conservation Union.

When it comes to the forest and vegetation, Terai and Churekshetra are crucial. This sector generates a large portion of the country's revenue from the forest industry. However, selling wood, firewood, and Senegalia Catechu (Khayar) accounts for nearly all of the income and revenue generated by this industry. The almost 650 species of non-timber forest produce species that are present in this area have not been of any use to the country. Therefore, there is much potential for the production of sarpagandha in our nation based on Nepal's climate, natural features, and geographic structure. The economic prosperity of the country would be perpetuated by providing jobs for the youth if the local government could professionally promote the possibility of sarpagandha cultivation systematically and meet its demand in various ayurvedic medicine enterprises in Nepal.