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Genetic, species, and ecological diversity are the three distinct but hierarchically linked aspects of biodiversity. Genetic diversity represents the total intra- and inter-species variations in genetic material (DNA). It is the basis of species and ecosystem diversity, and they have bidirectional relationships. A comprehensive understanding and maintenance of the structure and distribution of genetic diversity within and among medicinal plants, as well as interconnected relationships, is essential for the continued access and long-term sustainable use of their phytochemical diversity (qualitative and quantitative) for existing and emerging remedies in traditional medicine and modern pharmacology. Continuous availability of this genotypic plasticity on hand ensures their ecological resilience, adaptability, and the development of effective conservation strategies and breeding programs. However, the existing genetic variation in medicinal plants is severely threatened by the combined impacts of anthropogenic and environmental factors. The erosion of genetic diversity compromises both the long-term survival of medicinal plant populations and their potential to provide future medicinal solutions. By differentiating genetic diversity from species and ecological diversity, this chapter offers the concept of genetic diversity, its significance, sources, and assessment methods. It also discusses multifaceted threats they face and presents current and emerging conservation strategies in the context of genetic diversity protection. This information is intended for researchers, students, conservation practitioners, and policymakers working in the fields of genetic diversity, ethnobotany, phytochemistry, and conservation biology. The chapter emphasizes the urgent need for integrative comprehensive approaches that combine molecular genetics research with socio-economic sustainability, traditional ecological knowledge, sustainable harvesting, and community engagement to protect these precious biological assets for current and future generations.

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General Perspective of Genetic Diversity, Threats, and Conservation of Medicinal Plants

  • 章节

  • 发表日期：

    2026年

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  • Mihir Halder,
  • Sumita Jha,
  • Liliana Essi

摘要

Genetic, species, and ecological diversity are the three distinct but hierarchically linked aspects of biodiversity. Genetic diversity represents the total intra- and inter-species variations in genetic material (DNA). It is the basis of species and ecosystem diversity, and they have bidirectional relationships. A comprehensive understanding and maintenance of the structure and distribution of genetic diversity within and among medicinal plants, as well as interconnected relationships, is essential for the continued access and long-term sustainable use of their phytochemical diversity (qualitative and quantitative) for existing and emerging remedies in traditional medicine and modern pharmacology. Continuous availability of this genotypic plasticity on hand ensures their ecological resilience, adaptability, and the development of effective conservation strategies and breeding programs. However, the existing genetic variation in medicinal plants is severely threatened by the combined impacts of anthropogenic and environmental factors. The erosion of genetic diversity compromises both the long-term survival of medicinal plant populations and their potential to provide future medicinal solutions. By differentiating genetic diversity from species and ecological diversity, this chapter offers the concept of genetic diversity, its significance, sources, and assessment methods. It also discusses multifaceted threats they face and presents current and emerging conservation strategies in the context of genetic diversity protection. This information is intended for researchers, students, conservation practitioners, and policymakers working in the fields of genetic diversity, ethnobotany, phytochemistry, and conservation biology. The chapter emphasizes the urgent need for integrative comprehensive approaches that combine molecular genetics research with socio-economic sustainability, traditional ecological knowledge, sustainable harvesting, and community engagement to protect these precious biological assets for current and future generations.