Chiraito (Swertia) is a medicinal herb found in broadleaf forests and on open slopes all along the Himalayan Mountains, from 1,600 to 2,500 meters. It reaches a height of one meter. 

The plant contains "Chiratin," a bitter-tasting chemical used to treat stomachaches, constipation, and excess urination; to eliminate parasites; and to prevent or treat malaria.

Chiraito falls under the IUCN threat category "vulnerable plant". Over-harvesting and improper and unscientific collection of S. chirayita has been taking place in Nepal for commercialization. It has contributed to rapid depletion of S. chirayita from natural habitats. Forest Rule 1995 forbids both collection and trade of chiraito from May to September.

Practices for cultivation of Chiraito are recently initiated within community forest and marginal land of eastern hilly districts of Nepal. A total of nine species of Swertia are being traded in Nepal. These are:

1. Swertia chirayita (Roxb. ex Fleming) H. Karst.

2. Swertia angustifolia Buch.-Ham. ex D. Don

3. Swertia tetragona Edgew

4. Swertia racemosa (Griseb.) C.B. Clarke

5. Swertia ciliata (D.Don ex G. Don) B.L. Burtt

6. Swertia dilatata C.B. Clarke

7. Swertia multicaulis D.Don

8. Swertia alata (Royale ex D. Don) C.B. Clarke

9. Swertia nervosa (G.Don) C.B. Clarke

Among these S. chirayita covers the 80% of  total traded volume of Chiretta (Swertia spp.), and is superior in quality to other species. Most of the Chiretta (80-90%) are exported as a crude drug to India, occasionally to China, Malaysia, Singapore, Germany, Italy, France, Switzerland, Sri Lanka, Bangladesh, Pakistan, or USA. Nepal trades about 50 percent of the world’s total volume of Chiretta.

External Links 

• Swertia in Nepalese Himalaya