A mini-review of conservation challenges and sustainable use of Lippia javanica (Zumbani): A case of developing countries

Abstract

The use of Lippia javanica is expanding in developing nations due to its value as a source of herbal products, including food, personal care items, and herbal medications. For example, the Covid-19 pandemic caused a spike in the utilization of this herbal plant. As a result, maintaining the L. javanica species through sustainable management and conservation is now vital to prevent the extinction of this useful plant. There are currently insufficient in-depth review articles that concentrate on L. javanica conservation and management. Consequently, to close this knowledge gap, the current research assumes that overexploitation of L. javanica is occurring as a result of unsustainable harvesting practices, habitat damage, and climate change. This review examines the use of Lippia javanica in developing nations using reputable academic sources like Google Scholar, Web of Science, Scopus, and ScienceDirect. Based on current information, L. javanica is used as a preservative, food source, insecticide, acaricide, remedy for food poisoning, healthcare medicine, security measure, and a host of other applications. Analysis of various harvesting methods and their effects are also included. Moreover, various approaches to Lippia javanica conservation and management are also proposed. Prospects for future research are addressed by emphasizing the significance of developing inventory and status monitoring methods and promoting the cultivation of L. javanica. This mini-review paper offers sustainable techniques for L. javanica management and conservation, to protect it for the benefit of the present generation as well as for future generations.