• Lalit Nagar

Abstract: Due to excessive deforestation and extreme weather conditions adulteration of Himalaya herbs is rampant. There are about 50 medicinal plants from the Himalaya which are extensively used in Ayurvedic formulations out of which 32 plants are scarce and found adulterated in the market study. Moreover, to our misfortune, medical practitioners started depending upon the traders for obtaining the raw materials. Hence, the need for identification of these herbs through botanical surveys, pharmacognostic studies and the assessment of the quality of the material available in a particular area or market is essential. Materials and Methods: The genuine root samples of Kustha i.e. roots of Saussurea lappa C.B. Clarke was collected from Shatargala Tehsil- Bhadarwa Dist. Doda State- Jammu and Kashmir along with its mentioned adulterants are collected from its native habitat. Market samples of Kustha from six major markets from all over India were collected and compared with the genuine samples. Results: Samples from three markets of India matches with Kustha i.e. roots of Saussurea lappa C.B Clarke. Samples from two markets were identified as roots of Nagauri Ashwagandha i.e. Withania ashwagandha and one market sample were identified as roots of Pushkarmool i.e. Inula racemosa. Quality of the market samples along with the price of the drug varies from market to market. Discussion: This exclusive dependence on traders has created serious malpractice of adulteration and selling of substandard medicinal plant raw materials in the market.

Kustha, Saussurea lappa, Market Study, Adulteration.

"Market Study of Kustha (Saussurea lappa C.B. Clarke.) an Important Himalayan Herb.", International Journal of Emerging Technologies and Innovative Research (www.jetir.org), ISSN:2349-5162, Vol.5, Issue 7, page no. 633-636, July-2018, Available :http://www.jetir.org/papers/JETIR1806780.pdf

"Market Study of Kustha (Saussurea lappa C.B. Clarke.) an Important Himalayan Herb.", International Journal of Emerging Technologies and Innovative Research (www.jetir.org | UGC and issn Approved), ISSN:2349-5162, Vol.5, Issue 7, page no. pp 633-636, July-2018, Available at : http://www.jetir.org/papers/JETIR1806780.pdf