Eighty-five medicinal plant species spread over 42 families were commercially exploited in different forest areas of Nilgiri Biosphere Reserve. Fabaceae were the largest contributor contributing 8% of the species. Among the growth forms, trees were found to be the most exploited (37%) followed by climbers, herbs and shrubs. Of the 85 species, 49% of the plants were collected for underground parts (root, rhizome and tuber), and 14% for whole plant. The present study gives considerable evidence for the unsustainable harvesting of medicinal plants. Hence, adequate management measures needed for the sustainable extraction of medicinal plants have been discussed. attempt to propagate this species by air layering.