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Article

Medicinal Plants and Related Ethnomedicinal Knowledge in the Communities of Khadukhel Tehsil, Buner District, Pakistan

by
Hammad Ahmad Jan
1,2,*,
Sheikh Zain Ul Abidin
3,
Muhammad Zeeshan Bhatti
4,
Latif Ahmad
5,
Abdulaziz Khalaf Alghamdi
6 and
Huda Mohammed Alkreathy
7,*
1
Department of Botany, Islamia College, Peshawar 19002, Pakistan
2
Department of Botany, University of Buner, Swari 19281, Pakistan
3
Institute of Biological Sciences (Botany Program), Gomal University, D. I. Khan 29220, Pakistan
4
Department of Biological Sciences, National University of Medical Sciences, Rawalpindi 46000, Pakistan
5
Department of Botany, Women University Swabi, Baja 23430, Pakistan
6
Faculty of Medicine, King Abdulaziz University, Jeddah 23218, Saudi Arabia
7
Department of Pharmacology, Faculty of Medicine, King Abdulaziz University, Jeddah 23218, Saudi Arabia
*
Authors to whom correspondence should be addressed.
Sustainability 2022, 14(20), 13077; https://doi.org/10.3390/su142013077
Submission received: 31 July 2022 / Revised: 4 October 2022 / Accepted: 5 October 2022 / Published: 12 October 2022
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Agrobiodiversity and Sustainable Food Systems)

Abstract

:
The local communities of Pakistan have vast traditional knowledge about local medicinal plants that is centuries old and transferred from generation to generation, but now, the survival of this precious ethnic knowledge is threatened. This study aimed to document the ethnomedicinal information residing within the communities of the Khadukhel Tehsil, Buner District, Pakistan. To conserve this valuable traditional knowledge, data were collected through a semi-structured questionnaire, one-on-one interviews, and group discussions. From 2018 to 2021, 853 people were interviewed regarding 317 plant species. Most of the ethnomedicinal data were obtained from members of the 60–69 age group. The most dominant plant family was Asteraceae (27 sp.). Leaves (124 sp.) were the most dominant plant part used in medicines, and paste (80 sp.) was the most common herbal formulation method. Most (88) medicinal plants were used to cure digestive system diseases. The collected medicinal plants and related indigenous medicinal knowledge were compared with previously published work on the surrounding areas. We suggest a phytochemical and pharmacological evaluation of the collected medicinal plants for the discovery of new drugs.

1. Introduction

Most (60.78%) of the population of Pakistan lives in rural parts of the country. Poverty, illiteracy, the poor quality of drinking water, the low status of women, and poor sanitation have a profound effect on their health [1]. Furthermore, the main health limitations across Pakistan, although especially in the rural areas, are inadequate awareness about health and illnesses, health service perceptions, and barriers within society. The healthcare system of Pakistan is divided into two main sectors: the public sector and the private sector. The allopathic healthcare system is the main pillar of the public-sector healthcare system, which is well-organized and regulated. However, it is underutilized due to shortcomings such as the poor attention paid to the upgrading of healthcare facilities [1], political interference, below-par human resources, and poor management and policy development [2]. The private sector of the healthcare system comprises a few recognized hospitals and health centers and several unrecognized hospitals, medical practitioners, homeopathists, hakims (physicians using traditional remedies), Unani (Grecoarab) herbalists, and local herbalists and spiritual therapists [3]. The local population consults these institutions and practitioners due to easy availability and access, affordability, family pressure, and the community’s strong opinions [1]. They are the primary choice for the treatment of illnesses such as depression, epilepsy, infertility, and psychosomatic troubles [3].
Medicinal plant research in Pakistan primarily comprises the documentation of their ethnic values. The local communities of Pakistan have vast traditional knowledge about local medicinal plants that is centuries old and transferred from generation to generation, but now, this knowledge is threatened [1] because of a lack of interest among the younger generations. Therefore, it needs proper documentation and conservation. Up till now, several studies have been carried out in different parts of the Buner District [1,4,5,6,7,8,9], but no single ethnomedicinal study has been conducted in the Khadukhel Tehsil. Therefore, the present survey was carried out to assess and conserve the ethnomedicinal knowledge of the Khadukhel Tehsil. This study will help to familiarize the local and surrounding communities with the novel medicinal uses of already known medicinal plants as well as newly reported medicinal plants.

2. Materials and Methods

2.1. Literature Review

Before starting the fieldwork, the online databases Google Scholar, ISI Web of Science, MEDLINE, Science Direct, and Scopus were searched using the terms “alternative medicines”, “therapeutic plants”, “medicinal plants”, “Tehsil Khadukhel”, and “District Buner, Pakistan”. The term “Tehsil Khadukhel and Buner Pakistan” was used to constrain the topographical extent of the search. The criteria for the selection of published articles were climate condition, forest type, closeness to the study area, and cultural similarity. The correctness of the botanical name(s) of various species mentioned in the current study depends upon that of the original sources.

2.2. Study Area

The study area is located in the south part of Buner District [9]. The geographical position of the Khadukhel Tehsil is 34.193301 N and 72.4924707 E (Figure 1). The dominant shrubs and tree species of the local flora are Acacia modesta, Butea monosperma, Dodonea viscosa, Grewia optiva, Gymnosporia royleana, Justicia adhatoda, Mallotus actinoneurus, Myrsine africana, Otostegia limbata, Olea ferruginea, Pinus roxburghii, Ziziphus jujube, Ziziphus nummularia, and Ziziphus oxyphylla [7]. The tehsil contains two hospitals; one is located in Totalai, with MBBS 1 or 2 doctors, and the other is located in Bagh, although it is nonfunctional. The population of the study area is 118,185, according to the 2017 Census. The covered area is 343 km2. Most of the population is Sunni Muslim, but Sikh families also live in this area as the minority population, especially in Ghurghostu and Chinglai [10]. Most of the inhabitants live in rural areas, and their primary source of income is agriculture and farming.

2.3. Collection of Medicinal Plants

The plant specimens were collected during different seasons of the year. Eighteen different locations were selected randomly to collect medicinal plants and document ethnomedicinal data (Figure 1). Furthermore, randomly, four to five field trips were arranged during each season for the collection of maximum plants. During each field trip, we had a local guide show us essential medicinal plants for collection, and after collecting the plants, we met with local informants to document the medical uses of the collected plants. During the interviews with people, we observed that several species were not endemic to the study region yet were utilised to cure a variety of ailments. These non-native plants were either cultivated by residents or imported from other parts of the country. Their medicinal uses were also documented. The collected plant specimens were preserved according to the technique of Forman and Birdson [11]. During field work photographs of the vegetative parts, fruits and flowers were captured with the help of a Fuji digital camera for identification purposes. Furthermore, self and informants’ photographs were also captured during interviews. The collected specimens were identified by Dr. Zahid Ullah (Assist. Prof. in UoS) and with the help of the available literature and the Flora of Pakistan Tropicos [12]. The botanical names were further confirmed from the databases International Plant Names Index [13], The Plants list [14], and medicinal plants name service [15]. All the collected specimens were acquiesced to the Herbarium of the Department of Botany, Islamia College Peshawar, Pakistan for future reference.

2.4. Ethnomedicinal Data Documentation of Medicinal Plants

The present work was conducted from 2018 to 2021. A semi-structured questionnaire was used as a tool for ethnomedicinal data collection (Appendix A). The informants were interrogated through one-on-one interviews and group discussions. The snowball method was used for selecting the informants [16]. Detailed interviews were mostly followed by free listing. We encouraged the local population to enlarge the free listing. The collected ethnomedicinal data was cross-checked among the informants to confirm the genuineness of the data. Prior verbal consent was always taken from each informant [17]. We interviewed 853 local people, comprising 639 males, including 19 herbalists (Hakims), and 214 females, of which 26 were dayiahs (women famous for treating female-specific diseases). The native language (Pashto) was used during the interview to collect complete and correct data. Male informants were interviewed in the field, Hujra, or Baithaks, while female informants were interviewed at home. Local herbalists (hakims) were also interviewed at their herbal stores to document the current status of traditional knowledge. The questionnaire was mainly comprised of questions about the local name, part used as medicine, use for disease(s), complete method of preparation of recipes/medicine, and amount/dosage of medicine. Unceremonious talks and field walks were undertaken with key informants (185), which included herders, farmers, teachers, housewives, shepherds, and students (from school to university), to improve comprehension of the documented ethnomedicinal data. The ages of the informants varied from 20 to 113. The information they provided us was carefully documented using the technique of Mengistu and Hager [18]. To confirm the validity of the ethnomedicinal data collected about medicinal plants, it was cross-checked in different communities by presenting the plant’s fresh or dried specimen, telling the local name/s of the plant, or showing the plant’s photograph/s to the informants.

2.5. Ethical Considerations

The current work has been permitted by the ethical committee of the Department of Botany, Islamia College Peshawar, and Biodiversity Action Plan (BAP-2010–2020) for Pakistan. Prior consent was obtained from all participants before conducting interviews. This study has been conducted under the provisions of the Nagoya Protocol on Access to Genetic Resources and the Fair and Equitable Sharing of Benefits Arising from their Utilization of the Convention on Biological Diversity.

2.6. Software Used for Documentation and Analysis of Data

MS-Excel-2010 and PAST 4.10 version (Microsoft, Redmond, Washington DC, USA) were used for sorting the collected ethnomedicinal data and basic quantitative analysis and figure making. For the index used, the questionnaire was analyzed in two ways: firstly, responses of the informants were documented, and in the second step, binary values for the questions were considered: the 0 value was allotted to answer “NO” and the value 1 allotted to the answer “YES” [19].

2.7. Informant Consensus Factor (ICF)

This index is used to find out the agreement or similarity among the informants of the study area about the uses of plants for a particular group of diseases. The ICF is determined with the help of the succeeding formula [20]:
I C F = N u r N t N u r 1
In the above formula, Nur is representing the use-reports number for a specific group of diseases and Nt is representing the taxa number used as medicine for that specific group of diseases by all the local respondents.
All the diseases were grouped according to the local people’s preferences in 14 different categories to determine the informant consensus factor (ICF). The ICF identifies the informants’ agreement about each category of disease. The ICF is used to determine the effectiveness of medicinal plants in treating a certain group of diseases. Furthermore, the ICF pointed out the most effective medicinal plants against the common group of diseases. The value of ICF varies between 0 and 1. If the value of ICF is near one, it shows the homogeneity of uses of plants for multiple purposes, well-defined selection criteria are present in the community, and the informants regularly exchanged ethnomedicinal knowledge. A value of ICF closer to zero indicates that the medicinal plants are selected randomly or there is a limited exchange of ethnomedicinal knowledge among informants of the community.

3. Results and Discussion

3.1. The Socio-Demographic Distribution and Characteristics of the Local Informants

To document the ethnic knowledge about the medicinal plants used for the cure of various diseases, a total of 853 indigenous people were interviewed including dayiahs, drivers, farmers, housewives, labors, shepherds, teachers, students (school to university), shopkeepers, hakims, herbalists (person who sells herbal medicines), and pansaries, etc. Of these, 639 were male informants. In terms of male informants, 19 were hakims, herbalists, and pansaries while 26 female informants were Dayiahs. The informants that were interviewed ranged in age from 20 to 113. These respondents were subsequently divided into seven groups of varying ages and seven groups of different literacy levels. Most of the ethnomedicinal data were obtained from the age group 60–69, followed by the 70–79 age group and 50–59. A decline in the ethnic knowledge of medicinal plants was observed in the informant groups with ages under 50. The informants aged 20 to 29 had the least knowledge about herbal remedies (Table 1). This may be due to the modernity of lifestyle, which encourages younger generations to choose allopathic medicines over natural remedies. [21]. Furthermore, according to the literacy classification with a rising literacy rate, there was a decreasing tendency in informants’ ethnomedicinal knowledge observed. This may be because educated individuals prefer the more advanced healthcare system over the conventional healthcare system [7]. Furthermore, other studies observed similar findings [7,22]. Furthermore, it has been noticed that males and females have almost similar ethnomedicinal knowledge. This might be because males harvest medicinal plants while women prepare herbal medications and treat patients at home. As a result, both men and women are more or less aware of the medicinal properties of plants [7,23].

3.2. Diversity of Families and Life Forms

The collected medicinal plants belong to 91 families. The most dominant family in terms of species number was Asteraceae (27 species), followed by Poaceae (21 species), Fabaceae and Lamiaceae (19 species each), and Rosaceae (14 species) (Figure 2). The widespread distribution of these families in the study area may be a contributing factor to their dominance. Asteraceae is also the most prevalent family in Pakistan, according to the Flora of Pakistan. Additionally, the Asteraceae family is abundantly distributed across the study area [24]. In addition, the dominancy of the Asteraceae is reported from the surrounding areas in different studies [24,25,26,27]. Fabaceae as a dominant family was reported by other studies from surrounding areas [28]. The main reason for the therapeutic usage of Lamiaceae members in the study area is their vast distribution and the presence of monoterpenes in the form of volatile oils and other metabolically significant secondary metabolites [29]. The dominancy of the family Lamiaceae is also reported by other studies from the surrounding areas [7,30,31]. The dominance of the Rosaceae family may be attributed to suitable habitats, favorable environmental conditions for the growth of its species, and increased interactions of local communities with them. As a result, the traditional usage of these species is commonly known by the inhabitants [32].
The collected medicinal plants belong to different life forms. The most dominant life form was herbs (230 species), followed by trees (47 species), and shrubs (40 species) (Table 2). Herbs may have better adaptability to the climate and geography of the research area, which may be the cause of their domination. In addition, compared to shrubs or trees, herbs are more potent and grow rapidly [33]. Moreover, the availability of herbs is easy [34]. Additionally, herbs have different types of bioactive compounds which help them to adapt to any climatic condition easily [35]. Also, herbs have a higher concentration of various bioactive compounds than other life forms. Lastly, compared to shrubs and trees, herbs often have more medical efficacy [29]. High-altitude regions have a more herbaceous flora [34]. Furthermore, a similar result was reported in other studies from surrounding areas [7,25,29,32,34,35,36].
Table 2. Medicinal plants of Tehsil Khadukhel and their local medicinal uses along with quantitative data.
Table 2. Medicinal plants of Tehsil Khadukhel and their local medicinal uses along with quantitative data.
Family/Botanical Name/Voucher No.Local NameLife FormHabitPart UsedAdministration ModeMedicinal Uses/Informants No.NiNtURLiterature Review
Acanthaceae
Barleria cristata L. (HAJ-15)KuladayaHWLf, Rt, WpPt, EtWounds (6), stomachache (11)17312[4,37]
Dicliptera bupleuroides Nees (HAJ-16)KirachayHWLfRwWounds (11)11191[38,39]
Justicia adhatoda L. (HAJ-18)BekarSWLfPtRheumatism (23)23301[7,8,9,26,30,38,39,40,41,42,43,44,45,46,47,48,49]
Acoraceae
Acorus calamus L. (HAJ-19)SkhawajaHWReEt, DnDyspepsia (4), dysentery (7)11242[4,7,8,9,30,39,40,41,43,45,46,47,50,51]
Aizoaceae
Trianthema portulacastrum L. (HAJ-21)SathiHWRtPtWounds (22)22311[45]
Alliaceae
Allium cepa L. (HAJ-22)PiazHCBbDn, TaWounds (13), stop vomiting (22)35422[4,7,9,30,40,41,42,43,44,51,52,53,54]
Allium humile Kunth (HAJ-23)OrakayHWLfPrFever (14)14291[55,56]
Allium jacquemontii Kunth (HAJ-24)OgakayHWBbRw, PtHypertension (9), unequal mammary gland size (8)17232[7,8,23,57]
Allium sativum L. (HAJ-25)OwgaHCBbDn, Pt, RwStomach bloating (8), blood pressure (32)41502[4,7,9,30,40,42,43,43,44,45,47,51,52,53,54]
Amaranthaceae
Achyranthes aspera L. (HAJ-28)GeshkayHWLf, Rt, BkPt, Dn, RwPiles (4), boils (7), toothache (12), gum inflammation (4)27464[4,7,8,9,30,38,39,40,41,42,43,44,45,47,58,59,60]
Aerva javanica (Burm. f.) Juss. ex Schult. (HAJ-29)Sassa/ShorakayHWLf, WpPt, PrWounds (8), urinary tract stones (3)11232[42,49,59]
Alternanthera pungens Kunth (HAJ-30)Khaki bootayHWWpDnJaundice (8)8151[30,37,58]
Alternanthera sessilis (L.) R.Br. ex DC. (HAJ-31)SubaHWLfEtLeucorrhea (7)7191[42]
Alternanthera spinosa (Hornem.) Schult. (HAJ-32)ChlaverayHWLf, Ft, Fr, RtPe, Ah, Pt, InJaundice (5), scorpion bite (2), eczema (1), throat infection (2)10314[50]
Amaranthus caudatus L. (HAJ-33)ChalverayHWLf, RtPt, Cd, EtBoils (9), blood purification (5), fever (6)20373[4,39,43,45,58]
Amaranthus viridis L. (HAJ-34)JunharHWLfPtScorpion sting, snakebite (8)8212[4,7,8,30,38,39,40,41,42,43,44,45,49,50,52,53,58,59,60,61]
Chenopodium album L. (HAJ-36)SarmaiHWSd, LfIn, RwIntestinal worms (12), joint pain (5)17232[4,7,8,20,39,40,42,43,50,53,56,57,59,61]
Chenopodium murale L. (HAJ-27)ChalwerayHWLfInJaundice (40)40631[37,39,40,57,59]
Digera muricata (L.) Mart. (HAJ-35)Surguli SaagHWLfPt, CdBoils (3), constipation (6)9222[50]
Dysphania ambrosioides (L.) Mosyakin & Clemants (HAJ-26)KharawaHWLf, SmDnScabies (13)13291[30,38,40,41,42,43,47,48,53,60]
Dysphania botrys (L.) Mosyakin & Clemants (HAJ-37)Skha kharawaHWLfJeExpel leeches from cattle nose (7)7261[40]
Anacardiaceae
Pistacia integerrima J. L. Stewart ex Brandis (HAJ-38)ShnayTWLfAhCough (24)24311[7,8,9,30,39,40,43,44,45,58]
Apiacaea
Ammi visnaga (L.) Lam. (HAJ-39)SpirkayHCSdRwStomachache (21) 21301[26,30,40,45]
Bunium persicum (Boiss.) B.Fedtsch (HAJ-40)Tora zeeraHCFtPr, RwWhooping cough (8), foul breath (4)12182[30,40,47]
Coriandrum sativum L. (HAJ-41)DhanyaHCFt, LfDn, PtDysentery (35), asthma (11), carminative (39)85933[7,30,40,42,43,45,47,54,57,62,63]
Daucus carota L. (HAJ-42)GazaraHCRt, SdRw, DnUrinary problems (21), regulation of menstrual cycle (18)39452[41,42,54]
Eryngium coeruleum M-Bieb. (HAJ-333)Ghata karezaHWFr, RtPt, PrRingworm (19), increase appetite (8)27422
Foeniculum vulgare Mill. (HAJ-44)KaguHCSdPrIncrease eyesight (17), digestive system disorders (14)31452[4,7,9,30,39,40,41,42,43,47,49,51,54,57,58,59]
Pimpinella acuminate (Edgew.) C.B.Clarke (HAJ-45)TarpakayHWWpDnDysentery (7)7131
Torilis leptophylla (L.) Reichb. f. (HAJ-334)Danyal panraHWLfPrGastric problems (26)26441[50]
Trachyspermum ammi (L.) Sprague (HAJ-46)SperkayHCSdDnStomachache in children (17)17221[4,40,41,42,48,51,52]
Apocynaceae
Calotropis procera (Aiton) Dryand. (HAJ-47)SpalmayHWRtInObesity (17)17271[7,8,9,26,30,39,40,41,42,43,44,45,50,51,52,57,59,60,63]
Caralluma tuberculata N.E.Br. (HAJ-48)PamunkayHWSmPt, PrAntidiabetic (28), carminative (19)47632[23,30,30,39,40,42,61]
Carissa spinarum L. (HAJ-49)GarandaSWRtPrWounds (5), skin sores (11)16342[38,42,44,45,49]
Nerium oleander L. (HAJ-50)GanderaiSC/WBhDnStomachache (7), constipation (9)16272[8,23,39,40,42,43,49]
Oxystelma esculentum (L.f.) Sm. (HAJ-51)TendorayHWRtEtAsthma (15)15221
Periploca aphylla Decne. (HAJ-52)BarrhaHWFt, SmJeSwellings (8)8211[26,39,40,42,49,58]
Rhazya stricta Decne. (HAJ-53)GhandarayHWLf, RtDn, EtAntidiabetic (4), toothache (15)19322[42,57]
Telosma cordata (Burm. f.) Merr. (HAJ-54)GiloHWFrCdTonic (17)17411
Tylophora hirsuta Wight (HAJ-55)GogandaHWRtPrRheumatism (21)21341[40,51]
Araceae
Arisaema jacquemontii Blume. (HAJ-335)MarjaraiHWTrPtSnakebite (37)37491[20,37,39,40]
Araliaceae
Hedera nepalensis K.Koch (HAJ-57)PhalulHWFtPrRemove leeches from cattle body (9)9211[23,30,37,38,39,40,42,43,53]
Arecaceae
Phoenix dactylifera L. (HAJ-336)KajoraTC/WFtRwTonic (41), laxative (32)73802[40,57]
Asparagaceae
Asparagus filicinus Buch.-Ham. Ex D.Don (HAJ-58)Shin lakhtayHWSdDnEasy delivery (6)6131[37]
Asparagus officinalis L. (HAJ-59)Shal guttayHWRePrDysentery (9)9171[7,8,37,40,43,47,56,61]
Asparagus racemosus Willd. (HAJ-60)IndorayHWRt, LfEt, PtHeel cracks (6), increase fertility in women (8)14262[8,40,58]
Polygonatum verticillatum (L.) All. (HAJ-61)Noor-e-alamHWRtPrGastric complaint (11)11191[39,40,46,61]
Aspleniaceae
Ceterach officinarum Willd. (HAJ-62)Pasta botayHWLfPt, JeRingworm (9), antidiuretic (4)13212
Asteraceae
Argemone mexicana L. (HAJ-64)ZangalayHWLf, Lx, SdPt, Rw, OlSnakebite (5), leprosy (4), ringworm (9), gonorrhea (8)26344[58,59]
Artemisia annua L. (HAJ-65)TerkhaHWLfEtSore eyes (8)8111[23,45]
Artemisia scoparia Waldst. & Kitam. (HAJ-66)JaokaiHWRtPtVomiting (10)10181[26,30,37,39,40,42,44,45,47,52,57,58]
Artemisia vulgaris L. (HAJ-67)TarkhaHWLfPtBleeding from nostrils (13)13181[4,7,8,23,30,37,39,40,43,56,57]
Calendula arvensis M.Bieb. (HAJ-69)Gul-e-ashrafi/PrevataiHWApInCancer (26)26291[4,39,43,44]
Calendula officinalis L. (HAJ-70)Ziar GulayHWFr, LfPtSkin burns (14)14211 [4]
Carthamus oxyacantha M.Bieb. (HAJ-71)KarezaHWSdOlRemove skin white spots (6)6171[26,39,40,42,59,63]
Centaurea calcitrapa L. (HAJ-72)KarizaHWRt, WpPr, DnKidney stones (5), cold (6)11292
Cichorium intybus L. (HAJ-73)Han, Kansi, QasmiHWRtEtTyphoid (20)20251[8,23,26,30,39,40,42,43,45,47,48,49,50,54,57]
Cirsium falconeri (Hook.f.) Petr. (HAJ-74)BangiHWRtPrGastric problem (15)15271[37]
Eclipta prostrata (L.) L. (HAJ-75)Naray panraHWLfEtAntidandruff (25)25431[41,42,45,60]
Erigeron canadensis L. (HAJ-76)MalochHWWpPtIndigestion in cattle (6), dysentery in cattle (4)10222[41]
Eryngium biehersteinianum L. (HAJ-77)AlikhandaHWRtPtBlood purification (5)5171[52]
Inula cappa (Ham. ex D. Don) DC. (HAJ-372)Shoda gulaiSWWp, RtPr, DnCough (23), epilepsy (6)29452
Lactuca serriola L. (HAJ-78)KahuHWWp, LfPr, RwMalaria (13), abdominal pain in cattle (7)20382[39,41,42,45,50]
Launaea procumbens (Roxb.) Ramayya & Rajagopal (HAJ-79)ShodapayHWAp, LfIn, EtAntidiabetic (8), eczema (6)14252[40,43,52,59]
Onopordum acanthium L. (HAJ-80)RijakayHWSmDnStomach ulcer (7)7161[49]
Senecio chrysanthemoides DC. (HAJ-82)Sra JabayHWLfOlRingworm (18)18251[7,8,20,39,42,45,61]
Silybum marianum (L.) Gaertn. (HAJ-83)DumHWLfEtJaundice (31)31461[2,39,40,46,48,59]
Sonchus arvensis L. (HAJ-84)ShodabotayHWWpPtWounds (41)41531[40,43,45,50]
Sonchus asper (L.) Hill (HAJ-85)ShodapaiHWLfPtBoils (29)29401[7,38,39,40,42,45,49,59,60,63]
Tagetes erecta L.(HAJ-86)NachagulayHWFrEtPiles (9)9131[41]
Tagetes minuta L. (HAJ-87)PesholakayHWLfPtBurns (14), wounds (17)31442[38,43,44,49]
Taraxacum officinale (L.) Weber ex F.H.Wigg. (HAJ-88)Zyar gulayHWLfCdTonic (16)16211[7,8,20,37,39,40,42,43,48,49,50,55,56,59]
Verbesina encelioides (Cav.) Benth. & Hook.f. ex A.Gray (HAJ-337)Zangali nwar parasHWWpInInflammation (39)39551
Xanthium strumarium L. (HAJ-90)GeshayHWLfEtCephalalgia (17)17211[7,8,38,39,40,43,46,48,59,63]
Youngia japonica (L.) DC. (HAJ-91)PerzakayHWLfPtWounds (21)21391
Berberidaceae
Berberis lycium Royle (HAJ-94)Ziar largay, KaroskaySWBk, RtTt, Dn, PrIncrease male potency (8), internal wounds (24), antidiabetic (16), eyes infection (9)57604[7,8,9,26,30,37,39,40,42,43,43,44,46,47,49,51,53,54,58]
Bitulaceae
Alnus nitida (Spach) Endl. (HAJ-96)GerayTWBkPtBoils (12)12211[26,30,39,50]
Bombacaceae
Bombax ceiba L. (HAJ-338)SumbalTCRtDnDysentery (11)11171[39,40,43,44,51]
Boraginaceae
Buglossoides arvensis (L.) I.M.Johnst. (HAJ-97)Speer sabaHWLfInDiuretic (6)6111[61]
Cordia dichotoma G.Forst. (HAJ-98)LashoraTWBkPrMenstrual cycle disorder (21)21391[43]
Heliotropium europaeum L. (HAJ-339)AkrriHWWp, FrPe, In, PrLeprosy (7), diabetes (13), constipation (9)29443
Heliotropium strigosum willd (HAJ-340)AkrriHWLf, WpPt, PrWounds (11), blood purification (5)16272[58]
Trichodesma indicum (L.) Lehm. (HAJ-101)RijakayHWLfPtSwelled mammary glands of cattle (23)23311[7,8,39,42,45,49]
Brassicaceae
Brassica rapa L. (HAJ-102)SharshamHCSdOlFoot and mouth disease of cattle (17)17391[7,30,40,43,46,51,52,60]
Capsella bursa-pastoris (L.) Medik. (HAJ-103)BambaisaHWLf, ApRw, DnAbdominal pain (10), gynecological disorders (12)22402[7,8,39,40,41,42,43,50,56]
Lepidium didymum L. (HAJ-104)Thandi botayHWLf, BhDnJaundice (33)33561
Lepidium virginicum L. (HAJ-105)HalunHWFr, LfInWounds (26)26411[38,61]
Nasturtium officinale R.Br. (HAJ-106)TarmeraHWLfJeStomach ulcer (43)43601[4,7,8,8,26,30,39,40,43,50,53,61,63]
Sisymbrium irio L. (HAJ-107)KhubkalaHWSdPrPimples (5), measles (9)14171[38,39,42,46,54,56,60,61]
Buxaceae
Buxus wallichiana Baill. (HAJ-108)ShamshadSWBkPeWounds (15)15231[8,26,37,40,43,51]
Cactaceae
Opuntia dillenii (Ker Gawl.) Haw. (HAJ-110)Gedar mewaHWFtJeThroat infection (31)31472[7,8,23,26,39,40,51]
Cannabaceae
Cannabis sativa L. (HAJ-111)BangHWLf, BhPr, DnTo stop bed urination at night in children (17), wounds (13)30413[7,8,26,30,38,39,40,42,43,44,45,46,48,49,51,52,53,54,57,59,60,63]
Celtis australis L. (HAJ-112)TaghazTWLfPtHerpes (18)18251[40,45,58]
Caryophyllaceae
Silene conoidea L.(HAJ-114)MangotayHWRtDnWashing wounds (28)28431[4,39,40,50,54,61]
Stellaria media (L.) Vill. (HAJ-115)Spin gulayHWSdPrSkin allergy (12)12251[7,8,20,39,40,50,60,61]
Celastraceae
Gymnosporia royleana Wall. ex M.A.Lawson (HAJ-116)Soor azghaySWBkDnColic pain (5), diarrhea (11), dysentery (4)20353[7,8,38,40,58]
Maytenus royleanus (Wall. ex Lawson) (HAJ-117)JiralSWRtEtAbortifacient (9)9231[23,39,46]
Cleomaceae
Cleome viscosa L. (HAJ-118)KusturiHWSdPtSwelling (7), wounds (10)17222
Colchicaceae
Colchicum luteum Baker (HAJ-341)PanporHWCmPt, PrAntidandruff (4), laxative (16)20282[39,44,45,46,47,56,58]
Commelinaceae
Commelina benghalensis L. (HAJ-119)QuarhmayHWLfJeRabies (9)9141[38,39,50,61]
Convolvulaceae
Convolvulus arvensis L. (HAJ-120)PrewatayHWWpPrTo cure sexual debility (30)30411[7,8,39,42,43,48,52,54,56,57,59,60,61]
Cuscuta reflexa Roxb. (HAJ-121)Maraz botayHWWpPtGalactogogue for cattle (8)8191[8,26,30,39,40,41,43,45,52,58,63]
Ipomoea carnea Jacq. (HAJ-388)Bekar gulaiSWLfPtBoils (18)18401
Ipomoea purpurea (L.) Rath (HAJ-342)JardhayHWLfDnBronchitis (15), diarrhea (10)25342[40,43]
Cucurbitaceae
Citrullus colocynthis (L.) Schrad. (HAJ-122)Tarkha endwanaHWFtDnToothache (28)28351[4,9,26,39,41,51,59,61]
Cucumis melo L. (HAJ-343)IndwanaHCFtRwJaundice (21), cooling agent (6)27462[40,57]
Cucumis melo var agrestis (HAJ-123)KarkundayHWFtCdLaxative (27)27441[57]
Cucumis prophetarum L. (HAJ-124)KarkundayHWLf, FtPt, CdWounds (6), antidiabetic (9)15342
Cucumis sativus L. (HAJ-344)BadrangHCFtRw, JeTreat black circles around eyes (13), urinary problems (8), sunburns (17)38513[44]
Cucurbita maxima Duchesne (HAJ-345)Peta KadoHCFt, SdCd, RwJaundice (13), general body tonic (10), brain tonic (6)29473[46,54,57,61]
Cucurbita pepo L. (HAJ-346)Speen KadoHCFtJe, CdJaundice (48), refrigerant (15)63792[40]
Luffa cylindrica (Linn.) Roem. (HAJ-125)TorayHCLfJeSnakebite (48)48581[59]
Momordica charantia L. (HAJ-126)KarelaHCFtJeAntidiabetic (91)911251[30,40,41,42,46,63]
Momordica dioica Robx. ex Willd. (HAJ-127)KakoraHWRtEtGangrene (19)19251
Mukia maderaspatana (L.) M.Roem. (HAJ-128)Spe kakoraHWRtRwToothache (19)19261[42]
Cyperaceae
Cyperus difformis L. (HAJ-129)MotkopraghaHWWpPtWounds (9), ringworm (11), other skin infections (6)26423
Cyperus niveus Retz. Observ. (HAJ-347)ChurlakaiHWLfDnDiarrhea (11)11211
Cyperus rotundus L. (HAJ-130)DeelaHWReEtTonic (23)23411[37,38,40,42,44,60,63]
Dennstaedtiaceae
Pteridium aquilinum (L.) Kuhn (HAJ-02)HatoyeHWReEtAphrodisiac (9)9171[37,44,61]
Dryopteridaceae
Dryopteris filix-mas (L.) Schott (HAJ-04)GunjayeHWLfCdTonic (11)11161[37]
Dryopteris juxtaposita Christ (HAJ-03)KwanigaiHWLfEtBone weakness (21)21381[8,40,47,56]
Elaeagnaceae
Elaeagnus umbellata Thunb. (HAJ-348)SilvaraySWFt, FrRw, DnCooling effect (14), cough (11)25532[7,43,47,53]
Equisetaceae
Equisetum arvense L. (HAJ-05)BandakayHWWpEt, InKidney stones (13), urinogenital problems (13)26322[4,7,8,26,30,40,41,43,51,56,58]
Euphorbiaceae
Chrozophora tinctoria (L.) A.Juss. (HAJ-133)KurondaHWLfDnStomach acidity (50)50761[58,59,60]
Euphorbia chamaesyce L. (HAJ-349)WarmagaHWWpPtDysentery (7)7131
Euphorbia helioscopia L. (HAJ-134)Piryanu dolagayHWRt, LfPr, DnSkin problems (11), constipation (5)16372[7,8,37,39,40,44,46,47,57,58,59,60]
Euphorbia hirta L. (HAJ-135)WarmagaHWWpJeGonorrhea (10)10281[7,8,26,39,40,42,45,58,59]
Euphorbia parviflora L. (HAJ-136)WarmagaHWLxDtBoils (18)18341[41]
Euphorbia prostrata Ait. (HAJ-350)Skha botayHWLf, BhDn, PtAsthma (12), ringworm (9)21302[4,7,26,40,42,43,49,59,60]
Mallotus actinoneurus Airy Shaw. (HAJ-138)KambelaTWFr, Lf, BkPtRheumatism (25), vertigo (10)35542[7,8,26,37,40,41,43,44,46,51]
Ricinus communis L. (HAJ-139)ArhandTWSd, LfRwEasy delivery (29), constipation (46) 65712[26,30,39,40,41,42,43,44,46,48,52,59,63]
Sapium sebiferum (L.) Roxb. (HAJ-351)UnkownTWLfPtBoils (26), ringworm (16)42522
Fabaceae
Acacia modesta Wall. (HAJ-140)PalosaTWGmCdTonic after delivery (27)27411[7,9,26,37,38,39,40,40,41,45,46,51,52,57,59,60]
Acacia nilotica (L.) Delile (HAJ-141)KikerTWFlrEtEarache (19)19241[8,9,26,39,40,42,43,45,46,57,59,60]
Albizia lebbeck (L.) Benth. (HAJ-142)SrikhTC/WBkDnDiarrhea (19)19321[20,38,39,40,43,45]
Alhagi maurorum Medic (HAJ-352)TaranjabinHWApDnJaundice (16)16291[42,60]
Astragalus grahamianus Benth. (HAJ-143)Azghai botayHWLfPtGum infection (22)22351[20]
Bauhinia variegata L. (HAJ-144)KachnarTWBk, RtDn, PtTuberculosis (9), dysentery (10), snakebite (4)23373[26,38,39,40,41,42,43,48,49,50]
Butea monosperma (Lam.) Taub. (HAJ-145)PalayTWBkEt, RwExpel intestinal worms (12), stop bleeding after child birth (19)31372[7,9,26,39,40,41,43,45,51]
Caesalpinia decapetala (Roth) Alston (HAJ-146)JaraiSWRt, Bh, Lf, SdRw, PtToothache (9), burned body parts (14)23312[4,50]
Cassia fistula L. (HAJ-147)LandesTWBk, FtPt, DnSnakebite (3), pneumonia (6), fever (16)25393[7,8,42,43,52,57,59,60,63]
Dalbergia sissoo DC. (HAJ-148)ShawaTC/WLfInJaundice (16)16271[9,38,39,42,43,44,57,59,60]
Indigofera heterantha Wall. ex Brandis (HAJ-150)KintaiSWRePrGastric diseases (16)16291[7,20,26,30,37,38,39,43,46,48,50,51,56]
Lathyrus aphaca L. (HAJ-151)KurkamanayHWSdPrDiarrhea (21)21371[38,39,40,61]
Medicago polymorpha L.(HAJ-154)SinjiHWLfCdMenopause (56)56721[38,39,48,50,61]
Melilotus indicus (L.) All. (HAJ-155)Zyar gulayHWWpRwTonic for cattle (42)42611[50]
Mimosa himalayana Gamble (HAJ-156)Gulabi gulaySWRtDnVomiting (8)8211[40]
Robinia pseudoacacia L. (HAJ-158)KikerTWBkPrToothache (28)28421[8,9,26,39,40]
Senna occidentalis (L.) Link (HAJ-159)Gul rangSWFtPrStomach problems (17)17241[59]
Trigonella foenum-graecum L. (HAJ-160)MalkhozaHCSdPrHigh blood pressure (28)28351[51,52]
Vigna vexillata (L.) A.Rich. (HAJ-161)BangiHWLfPtPoisonous spider bite (6)6211
Fagaceae
Quercus incana Bartram (HAJ-163)Toor BanjTWFtPrMetritis (55)55621[7,8,9,37,39,40,42,43]
Fumariaceae
Fumaria indica (Hausskn.) Pugsley (HAJ-164)PapraHWWpPrJaundice (28), diarrhea (9)37532[4,7,8,23,26,30,39,40,42,43,44,46,47,53,54,59,63]
Geraniaceae
Geranium collinum Stephan ex Willd. (HAJ-165)Sra zeelaHWReCdTonic (14)14361[4]
Hypericaceae
Hypericum oblongifolium Choisy (HAJ-168)Shin panraSWFrPrJaundice (13)13271[7,39]
Iridaceae
Iris ensata Thunb. (HAJ-170)OogakayHWSdPrBurning sensation in stomach (6)6371
Lamiaceae
Ajuga integrifolia Buch.-Ham. (HAJ-172)Khwaga BotiHWWpDnCure breathing shortness in infants (9)9161[7,9,26,30,37,38,39,40,41,42,43,47,48,49,52,53,58]
Ajuga parviflora Benth. (HAJ-173)Tarkha BotiHWWpDnStomachache (11)11201[4,26,37,40,43,53,58]
Colebrookea oppositifolia Sm. (HAJ-174)BanasaSWLf, RtPt, PrWounds (6), epilepsy (4)10212[37,39]
Isodon rugosus (Wall. ex Benth.) Codd (HAJ-175)SperkayHWLfRwToothache (13)13191[9,30,39,40,43,43,49,53]
Lamium album L. (HAJ-176)Speen gulayHWFrEtCough (49)49671[7,37]
Lamium amplexicaule L. (HAJ-177)Soor gulakaHWWpPrAntidiabetic (54)54711[38,50]
Leucas cephalotes (Roth) Spreng. (HAJ-178)GommaHWLfRwSore gums (18), sore Mouth (18)18342[49]
Litsea cubeba (Lour.) Pers. (HAJ-190)KhadangTWBkPrFoot and mouth disease of cattle (28)28451[51]
Marrubium vulgare L. (HAJ-390)DarshulHWLfDnCough (13), diabetes (17)30472[42]
Mentha longifolia (L.) L. (HAJ-179)VelanayHWLfPrHeadache (63)63711[4,7,8,23,26,30,37,39,40,41,42,43,47,48,49,51,53,54,56,57,59,61]
Mentha royleana Wall. Ex Benth. (HAJ-180)PodinaHWLfPrStomachache (59)59711[9,61]
Mentha spicata L. (HAJ-181)PodinaHWBhJeDiarrhea (63)63721[4,7,8,39,40,41,42,43,52,53,61]
Micromeria biflora (Buch.-Ham. ex D.Don) Benth. (HAJ-182)Nari shamakiHWLfEtGastroenteritis (22)22301[9,38,40,42]
Ocimum basilicum L. (HAJ-183)KashmaluHCSd, LfDn, RwEnhance digestion (5), vomiting (12)17212[23,30,40,42,49,57,59]
Origanum vulgare L. (HAJ-184)ShamakayHWLfRwToothache (13)13201[4,9,20,23,26,30,37,38,40,43,50,51,52,56,63]
Otostegia limbata Benth Boiss. (HAJ-185)PishkandHWLfDnMouth ulcer (70)70951[7,8,9,23,26,39,44]
Salvia canariensis L. (HAJ-186)KianerHWWpRwVomiting (36)36541
Salvia moorcroftiana Wall. ex Benth. (HAJ-187)Khar dugHWSmRwIncrease sexual desire (21)21271[4,30,39,40,44,45,48,52,56]
Vitex negundo L. (HAJ-189)MarvandaiSWFtPrJaundice (16)16381[7,8,9,26,30,38,39,40,41,44,46,48,53,59]
Liguminosae
Prosopis juliflora (Sw.) DC. (HAJ-353)KikarSWFt, LfPr, DnMale sexual strength (18), toothache (11), increase milk in lactating women (19)48623[60]
Liliaceae
Asphodelus tenuifolius Cav. (HAJ-191)Piaze gulayHWLfPtScorpion sting (8)8191[4,8,26,40,42]
Notholirion thomsonianum (Royle) Stapf (HAJ-192)Pyazi gulayHWBbInMuscular pain (4)4291
Tulipa clusiana DC. (HAJ-193)Shundi gulHWBbPrTonic for heart (31)31461[39,50,61]
Reinwardtia trigyna (Roxb.) Plan (HAJ-194)BasntHWLfPtWounds of cattle (40)40591
Lythraceae
Woodfordia fruticosa (L.) Kurz (HAJ-195)Gil-e-Makhtom, Gul-i-dhawaiSWBkDnCold (16), cough (22)38492[7,9,39,41,44,46]
Malvaceae
Abutilon indicum (L.) Sweet (HAJ-196)TuthiSWLfEtEasy delivery (12)12351[42]
Malva neglecta Wallr. (HAJ-198)PanirakHWLfPtWounds (14), constipation (24)38442[4,20,30,39,40,42,43,46,47,49,52,56,59,61,63]
Malvastrum coromandelianum (L.) Garcke (HAJ-199)Tar panraSWLfPtRingworm (28)28391
Sida cordifolia L. (HAJ-200)KharentiHWRtDnAsthma (9)9151[41]
Martyniaceae
Martynia annua L. (HAJ-201)KhkaroHWLfPtNails pain (11)11281
Meliaceae
Melia azedarach L. (HAJ-202)BekyanaTC/WBkPrFever (27)27311[7,8,9,26,30,38,39,40,41,42,43,44,47,51,52,57,59,60,63]
Toona sinensis (Juss.) M.Roem. (HAJ-203)MeemTCLfRwPurgative for cattle (21)21491
Menispermaceae
Cissampelos pareira L. (HAJ-204)TangapanraHWLfJeWounds (15)15211[38,44,51]
Tinospora sinensis (Lour.) Merr. (HAJ-205)GiloHWSmPrJaundice (21)21271[7,8,39,41,59]
Moraceae
Ficus benghalensis L. (HAJ-206)BarrTWBkDnAntidiabetic (30)30411[9,39,40,41,42,43,45]
Ficus carica L. (HAJ-207)InzarTWFtRwConstipation (45)45601[7,8,26,30,38,39,40,43,46,47,50,51,53,54,59,63]
Ficus grossularioides Burm. f. (HAJ-208)InzarTWFtRwIncrease haemoglobin in blood (34)34471[43]
Ficus racemosa L. (HAJ-209)OormalTWRtPrDysentery (28)28431[8,26,37,39,40,41,43,45,50,60]
Ficus religiosa L. (HAJ-210)PepalTWBhEtDigestive problems (12)12191[7,9,41,43,45,60]
Ficus sarmentosa Buch.-Ham. ex. Sm. (HAJ-211)BarTWFtRwBlood tonic (26)26391[7,37,38]
Morus alba L. (HAJ-212) Speen toothTC/WFtJeJaundice (42)42551[7,8,26,39,40,42,43,49,53,54,58,59,60,63]
Morus laevigata Wall.Ex Brandis. (HAJ-391)Shah tootTC/WFtJeBlood cooling (36)36551[26,40,43]
Morus nigra L. (HAJ-213)Thoor toothTC/WFtRwConstipation (40)40551[7,8,39,40,49,57,58,59,63]
Morchellaceae
Morchella esculenta (L.) Pers. (HAJ-01)GojaiHWFtDnCold, cough (31)31472[8,40,47,57,61]
Myrsinaceae
Myrsine africana L. (HAJ-214)MarorangSWFtRwExpel intestinal worms (17)17221[7,8,30,38,39,40,43,44,47,58]
Myrtaceae
Psidium guajava L. (HAJ-2015)AmrudTCLfPtDiarrhea (5), constipation (12)17262[9,40,41,45,60]
Nitrariaceae
Peganum harmala L. (HAJ-216)SpelanayHWSdPrAntidiabetic (57)57801[4,26,40,42,47,52,54,63]
Nyctaginaceae
Boerhavia diffusa L. (HAH-217)EnsattHWWpEtAntidiabetic (18)18301[4,8,26,40,42,60]
Boerhavia procumbens Banks ex Roxb. (HAJ-218)Bash khiraHWWpDnJaundice (22)22371[58,63]
Oleaceae
Jasminum humile (L.) Banfi (HAJ-219)Rambil chambilSC/WFr, LfDn, TaJaundice (15), intestinal ringworms (24)39612[7,37,38,39,42,45]
Jasminum officinale L. (HAJ-220)Rambil chambilSC/WLfDnMouth freshness (23), germicide (7)30582[26,60]
Olea ferruginea Royle. (HAJ-221)KhonuTWLfTaCough (19), sore mouth (15), sore throat (17)51653[7,8,9,23,30,39,40,42,43,44,47,52]
Onagraceae
Oenothera rosea LHer. Ex Aiton (HAJ-222)Zar gulHWWpInCough (6)6341[42,43,49]
Oxalidaceae
Oxalis corniculata L. (HAJ-223)ThrukayHWApEtEarache (16)16211[4,7,8,20,26,30,38,39,40,41,42,43,44,48,49,50,53,59,60,63]
Oxalis stricta L. (HAJ-224)ThrukayHWWpPeBody swellings (18)18431
Papavaraceae
Papaver nudicaule L. (HAJ-227)Zangale dodaHWFtTaCough (19)19531
Papaver rhoeas L. (HAJ-228)Zangale dodaHWLfEtDiarrhea (12)12231[7,8,46]
Papaver somniferum L. (HAJ-229)Apim, Khaskhas, DodaHCFtDnCold (29), cough (40)69741[7,8,30,40,41,42,43,52,53,54,63]
Phyllanthaceae
Phyllanthus emblica L. (HAJ-231)LashoraTWFtCdChest pain (22)22301[41,45,46]
Pinaceae
Pinus roxburghii Sarg. (HAJ-11)NakhtarTWCeDnAntidiabetic (28)28331[7,8,26,37,38,39,40,43,44,51,52]
Plantaginaceae
Plantago lanceolata L.(HAJ-232)Wara JabayHWLfRwHeadache (19)19281[4,20,26,30,39,40,42,43,45,47,50,53,56,57,61]
Plantago major L. (HAJ-233)BartangHWSdCdBaby food (32)32411[4,20,26,37,39,40,43,48,53,56,61]
Plantago ovata Forssk. (HAJ-234)EpsabgulHC/WSdRwConstipation (71)71801[40,41,42,45]
Veronica persica Poir (HAJ-355)Wadi gulaiHWWpPr, EtDermatitis (26), dyspepsia (15)41552
Plumbaginaceae
Plumbago zeylanica L. (HAJ-236)Ghesha gulayHWRtPrStomachache (12)12151
Poaceae
Apluda mutica L. (HAJ-237)WakhuHWWpPtSore mouth of cattle (5)5151[37]
Avena sativa L. (HAJ-238)JamdarHWSdPtTonic (10)10331[40,42,60,63]
Cenchrus ciliaris L. (HAJ-239)PesholakayHWRtDnWormicide (25)25291
Cymbopogon citratus (DC.) Stapf (HAJ-240)Lemon grassHWReRwGiddiness (7)7201[40,49]
Cymbopogon jwarancusa (Jones) Schult. (HAJ-392)DrabHWApDnSeasonal fever (12)12171
Cynodon dactylon (L.) Pers. (HAJ-241)KabalHWLf, Wp, Ap, RtEt, Pt, JeWounds (2), leucorrhea (3), bleeding nose (1), rheumatic swellings (1)7164[4,8,9,26,39,40,42,43,44,53,57,59,60,63]
Dactyloctenium aegyptium (L.) Willd. (HAJ-356)KabalHWWpEtFever (12)12231[60]
Dichanthium annulatum (Forssk.) Stapf (HAJ-242)WakhaHWLfPrGonorrhea (5)5131[39,43]
Heteropogon contortus (L.) P. Beauv. ex Roem. & Schult. (HAJ-357)SurmalHWRtDnDiuretic (8)8201
Hordeum murinum L. (HAJ-358)WarbashayHWFtDnUrinary tract infection (36)36521
Hordeum vulgare L. (HAJ-243)WarbushaHCSdPrJaundice (49)49531[40,51,52,59,63]
Imperata cylindrica (L.) P. Beauv (HAJ-359)Speen wakhuHWRtEtFever (19), body pain (14)33442[37]
Pennisetum orientale Rich. (HAJ-360)Spin drabHWWpPrPainful urination (14)14211[43]
Pennisetum setaceum (Forssk.) Chiov. (HAJ-361)Sur gulay drabHWLfPtWound healing (17)17251
Phalaris minor Retz (HAJ-362)WakhuHWWpEtGonorrhea (11), fever (11)22352[39]
Saccharum bengalense Retz. (HAJ-244)ShurghashyHWLfDnMenstrual problems (13)13201
Saccharum spontaneum L. (HAJ-363)KaanHWWp, BhDn, RwStomachache (4), diabetes (12)16212[43]
Setaria pumila (Poir.) Roem. & Schult.(HAJ-245)WakhuHWRtPrAntiseptic for cattle wounds (8)8221
Sorghum halepense (L.) Pers. (HAJ-246)DadumHWWpJeFever (7)7131[8,39,40,43,60]
Triticum aestivum L. (HAJ-247)GhanumHCSdPrBackache (82)82931[41,51,52,60]
Zea mays L. (HAJ-248)JuwarHWFrAhAsthma (21)21351[40,51,63]
Polygonaceae
Bistorta amplexicaulis (D.Don) Greene (HAJ-249)Tarva panraHWLfPtWounds (9)9141[20,37,39,40,45,55,56,61]
Emex spinosus (L.) Campd. (HAJ-364)MarkondayH FtDnKidney problems (18)18341
Persicaria barbata (L.) H.Hara (HAJ-250)PalpulakHWWpPtJoint swelling (9)9251[40,53]
Persicaria decipiens (R.Br.) K.L.Wilson (HAJ-365)PalpulakHWLfPtWorm removal from cattle skin (7)7151
Persicaria hydropiper (L.) Delarber (HAJ-251)PalpulakHWLfPtFungal skin infections (16)16311[45]
Persicaria orientalis (L.) Spach (HAJ-252)PalpulakHWLfCdDiarrhea (7)7191
Rumex dentatus L. (HAJ-254)ShalkhayHWRtEtConstipation (47)47591[4,7,8,9,30,37,39,40,43,43,45,46,50,51,53,56,60,61]
Rumex hastatus D.Don (HAJ-255)TrookayHWRtPtBoils (17)17321[4,7,8,9,26,30,38,39,40,42,43,46,50,53,54]
Rumex nepalensis Spreng. (HAJ-256)LablaboHWLfRwSkin eruption (19)19281[4,56]
Polypodiaceae
Hypodematium crenatum (Forssk.) Kuhn & Decken (HAJ-06)Wazar panraHWLfPrConception in women (14)14261
Pontederiaceae
Eichornia crassipes (Mart.) Solms (HAJ-257)Azghay botaiHWLfPt, DnGoiter (9), fever (12), cough (12)33473
Portulaceae
Portulaca oleracea L. (HAJ-258)WarkharayHWWpPr, PtJaundice (15), toothache (11)26382[4,8,26,30,38,39,40,41,42,43,48,53,59,61]
Primulaceae
Anagallis arvensis L. (HAJ-259)UdegulaiHWLf, WpRw, Et, PrPain killer for cattle (6)6131[37,38,40,58,60]
Pteridaceae
Adiantum abscissum Schrad. (HAJ-07)SambalHWLfDnAsthma (7), chest congestion (6)13212
Adiantum caudatum L. (HAJ-08)SamdalHWRePrContraception in menstrual cycle (7)7151[43]
Adiantum incisum Forssk. (HAJ-09)MarghaywazarHWLfPtWounds (15)15251[4,39]
Adiantum venustum D. Don (HAJ-10)MandaroHWLfDnSore eyes (13)13191[4,8,26,40,43,45,49,53,54,56]
Punicaceae
Punica granatum L. (HAJ-260)AnarTC/WFtPrStomachache (37)37411[26,30,38,39,40,41,42,43,44,45,46,47,48,49,52,53,54,57,63]
Ranunculaceae
Actaea spicata L. (HAJ-265)KayaHWRtEtRheumatic pain (6)6111[20,37,40,50,56]
Delphinium denudatum Wall. ex Hook.f. & Thomson (HAJ-270)LajwarHWRePrConstipation (9), hypothermia (7)16292[58]
Ranunculus aquatilis L. (HAJ-271)JaghaghaHWWpEtAsthma (7)7131[4,26]
Rhamnaceae
Sageretia thea (Osbeck) M.C. Johnst. (HAJ-272)MomanaTWRtDnJaundice (82)821091[7,8,9]
Ziziphus jujuba Mill. (HAJ-273)BeraTC/WFtPrInsomnia (30)30411[7,30,37,38,39,40,42,52,59,63]
Ziziphus nummularia (Burm. f.) Wight & Arn. (HAJ-274)KarkandaSWBhRwBleeding gums (41)41561[7,8,26,37,38,39,40,41,42,43,44,49,59,60]
Ziziphus oxyphylla Edgew. (HAJ-275)ElanaiSWSd, Fr, LfPtPiles (26)26411[7,8,23,30,39,40,43,44,52]
Rosaceae
Duchesnea chrysantha (Zoll. & Moritzi) Miq. (HAJ-279)ZmakintoothHWFtJeRefrigerant (18)18311[4,7,8,26,37,38,39,40,43]
Fragaria indica Andrews (HAJ-277)ZamkintootHWWpDnUrinary tract stone removal (29)29441[43,43,47]
Geum elatum Wall. ex G.Don (HAJ-278)ShunkarHWLfEtJaundice (44)44591[20,37,49]
Potentilla reptans L. (HAJ-281)Zyar KunachiHWLfPtToothache (16)16331[55]
Prunus armeniaca L. (HAJ-282)KhurmanaiTCSdRwRheumatism (18)18251[39,40,43,52,53,54]
Prunus domestica L. (HAJ-283)Aluchay/AlubukharaTCFtEtJaundice (97)971151[40,42,57]
Pyrus pashia Buch.-Ham. ex D.Don (HAJ-284)TangoTCFtInAntidiabetic (24)24311[8,38,39,40,43,44,46,51]
Rosa alba P.Gaertn., B.Mey. & Scherb. (HAJ-285)GulabSCFrInAntidiabetic (23)23291[54]
Rosa brunonii Lindl. (HAJ-286)Zangali guladSWFrPt, EtWounds (8), pimples (8)16262[20,23,43,44]
Rosa macrophylla Lindl. (HAJ-366)QurachSWRt, FrDnSore eyes (5), cough (9), cold (7)21263[40]
Rosa moschata Herrm. (HAJ-287)KwarrchSWFrPt, EtSore eyes (18)18341[40,52,53]
Rosa webbiana Wall. ex Royle (HAJ-288)Zangale gulabSWFrPt, EtChest infection (5), jaundice (7)12272[7,8,20,26,40,42,54,56]
Rubus ellipticus Sm. (HAJ-289)GurajSWFtJeCough (34)34461[26,40,41,43]
Rubus fruticosus L. (HAJ-290)KarwaraSWLf, RtDnCough (16), diarrhea (19)35462[7,8,26,30,39,40,42,43,49,54]
Rubiaceae
Galium aparine L. (HAJ-292)GeshlayHWWpPtWounds (11)11231[37,38,40,50,56]
Rutaceae
Citrus aurantiifolia (christm.) swingle (HAJ-367)GalgalTCFtJeJaundice (31)31361[63]
Citrus limon (L.) Osbeck (HAJ-293)LimbuSCFtJeDehydration (17), diarrhea (16)33382[9,40,43,44,46,52,53]
Skimmia laureola Franch. (HAJ-294)Nazar panraSWLfEtUrinary tract infection (30)30471[4,9,20,30,37,39,40,43,44,55]
Zanthoxylum armatum DC. (HAJ-295)DambaraSWBk, FitDnSore throat (44)44521[7,8,9,30,39,40,43,44,47,48,49,51,52]
Saliaceae
Salix babylonica L. (HAJ-296)WalaTWBkPtDiarrhea (18)18331[40,52]
Sapindaceae
Aesculus indica (Wall. ex Cambess) Hook. (HAJ-297)JawazaTCLfEt, DnWhooping cough (7), stomachache (10)17282[37,43,51]
Dodonaea viscosa (L.) Jacq. (HAJ-298)GhoraskaySWLfPtRheumatism (10), body swellings (12), burns (18)40583[7,8,9,26,30,37,39,40,41,43,44,47,51,59,63]
Saxifragaceae
Bergenia ciliata (Haw.) Sternb. (HAJ-300)Kamar PanraHWReRw, PtToothache (13), wounds (17)28362[9,20,37,39,40,43,44,49,53,55,56]
Schrophulariaceae
Nanorrhinum ramosissimum (Wall) Betsche (HAJ-368)Spe gulaiHWWpEt, DnMilk induction (6), diabetes (20)26392
Verbascum Thapsus L. (HAJ-301)Gkhar ghwag/Gedar tambakuHWLfDnBronchitis in cattle (20)20381[4,7,8,9,26,30,38,39,40,43,44,47,48,49,51,56]
Simaroubaceae
Ailanthus altissima (Mill.) Swingle (HAJ-302)Ghata bakyanaTCBkDnDysentery (7)7221[8,26,39,40,43,50,52]
Brucea javanica (L.) Merr. (HAJ-303)TitrayTWFtDnDiarrhea (11)11291
Solanaceae
Capsicum annuum L. (HAJ-305)MarchakayHCSdRwExpel stomach worms (6)6151[9,30,40]
Datura innoxia Mill. (HAJ-306)DaltoraHWLfRwPimples (17)17221[4,7,7,8,9,26,40,45,46,60,63]
Datura stramonium L. (HAJ-307)DaltoraHWSdPeBreast inflammation (9)9211[39,40,41,43,44,45,59]
Nicotiana rustica L. (HAJ-308)Naswaro tamakuHCLfPtRemove leeches from cattle’s body (20)20271
Nicotiana tabacum L. (HAJ-309)TamakuHCFrAhAsthma (54)54691[9,52]
Physalis minima L. (HAJ-310)TaqtakayHWFtJePurgative (5)5161
Solanum americanum Mill. (HAJ-311)KachmachuHWLfEtEarache (17)17261[7,8,26,30,39,40,41,42,43,47,49,54,57,59,60,63]
Solanum surattense Burm. f. (HAJ-312)MaraghonayHWSdSeDecaying teeth (16)16221[4,7,8,9,26,40,42,43,49,51,57,59,60]
Solanum virginianum L. (HAJ-313)Ghata karezaHWFrPeGonorrhea (10)10191[9,45,49]
Withania somnifera (L.) Dunal. (HAJ-314)Kuti lalHWRtPrRheumatism (25)25321[7,8,9,23,26,40,41,42,46,47,52,59,60]
Tamaricaceae
Tamarix aphylla (L.) H.Karst. (HAJ-315)GhazTWLfSeMeasles (11)11231[8,9,26,40,59,60]
Thymelaeaceae
Daphne oleoides Schreb. (HAJ-318)LayghonaiSWBk, Lf, FrPt, PrWounds (10), worm expulsion from cattle (11)21322[26,43,51,52]
Tiliaceae
Grewia optiva Drum. Ex. Burret. (HAJ-319)PastonayTWLfPtJoint pain (19)19311[9,38,39,40,41,43,51,52]
Urticaceae
Debregeasia saeneb (Forssk.) Hepper & J.R.I.Wood (HAJ-320)AjalaySWApPeAntifungal (13), skin rashes (12)25322[8,37,38,39,40,43,58]
Urtica dioica L. (HAJ-321)SenzonkaiHWLf, BhDnAntidiabetic (13)13211[4,23,39,40,42,47,53,61]
Verbenaceae
Lantana camara L. (HAJ-322)BarepasSWLfDnMalaria (8)8241[38,59,60]
Phyla nodiflora (L.) Greene (HAJ-323)HapzapuraiHWLfRwStomachache (5)5171[42,44]
Verbena officinalis L. (HAJ-324)ShamakayHWLfEtStomachache (15), diarrhea (12)27412[23,26,40,41,43,49,59]
Violaceae
Viola canescens Wall. (HAJ-326)BanafshaHWLfPtCough (34)34421[7,8,23,37,39,40,42,43,45,46,49,55,56,61]
Vitaceae
Cayratia trifolia (L.) Domin (HAJ-329)Gedar angurHWLfPtSore neck of cattle (24)24411
Zingiberaceae
Zingiber officinale Roscoe (HAJ-330)AdrakHCRePrCold (37), cough (38)75892[9,40,41,44,52]
Zygophullaceae
Zygophyllum olivieri (DC.) Christenh. & Byng (HAJ-369)AzghakayHWWpInBlood purification (53), jaundice (33)861272
Tribulus terrestris L. (HAJ-332)MarkundaiHWFtPrUrinary tract infection (28)28341[7,8,23,26,30,40,41,42,43,46,52,60]
Life form: H = Herb, S = Shrub, T = Tree; Habit: C = Cultivated, W = Wild; Plant Part: Aerial parts = Ap, Bark = Bk, Branch = Bh, Bulb = Bb, Cone = Ce, Corm = Cm, Flower = Fr, Fruit = Ft, Gum = Gm, Latex = Lx, Leaf = Lf, Rhizome = Re, Root = Rt, Seed = Sd, Stem = Sm, Tuber = Tr, Whole plant = Wp; Administration Mode: Ash = Ah, Cooked = Cd, Decoction = Dn, Extract = Et, Infusion = In, Juice = Je, Oil = Ol, Paste = Pt, Poultice = Pe, Powder = Pr, Raw = Rw, Smoke = Se, Tablet = Tt, Tea = Ta; Ethnobotanical Indices Used: UR = Use Reports, IV = Importance Value, UV = Use Value, RFC = Relative Frequency of Citation, RII = Relative Importance Index, DCI = Disease Consensus Index; Ni = Number of informants who reported the medicinal uses, Nt = Total number of informants interviewed for the specific medicinal plant species, Ur = Medicinal uses reported by informant for the particular plant species.

3.3. Diversity of the Plants’ Parts and Formulation Methods

Different plant parts are used in herbal medicines to treat a variety of ailments. In this study, 17 vegetative and reproductive plant parts were documented to be used for therapeutic reasons. The most dominant plant part used was the leaf (124 sp.) followed by fruit and root (46 sp.), and the whole plant (44 sp.) (Figure 3). These results are in agreement with the studies from the surrounding areas [7,25,26,29,36,64,65]. Furthermore, as the plant’s leaves are its primary photosynthetic organ and contain a variety of metabolites in great numbers, they are often used in herbal medicines [7,29]. Moreover, leaves are the only part that is easy to collect and produced in large quantities [23]. Additionally, from a conservation point of view, the use of leaves is sustainable and with limited negative consequences for plants [7]. Root as a frequently used part in herbal recipes is also reported in other studies of the surrounding areas [34,66]. But from the conservation point of view, the use of roots in herbal recipes is not sustainable and safe for plants’ survival [33]. The use of whole plants more common in herbal medicine may be due to the ease of collection, availability, and presence of a large number of different chemical constituents [58]. The same results were also reported elsewhere [58,66]. The frequent use of fruit in herbal recipes is due to the presence of bioactive compounds in high proportion because in most plants, fruit serves as a storage organ [32]. A similar result to this study was also reported by others [67,68].
The preparation of medications involves a variety of formulation techniques. The documented formulation methods were classified into 14 groups. The most prominent herbal formulation method was paste (80 sp.) followed by decoction (72 sp.) and powder (64 sp.) (Figure 4). Paste was the dominant mode of administration of herbal medicine; a similar result was documented from the surrounding areas [58,62,68,69,70]. The study area is mountainous, and as a result, the locals experience more external wounds and injuries. Additionally, locals utilise pond water to wash their bodies and clothing since it contains germs that cause skin infections to treat these types of issues. Therefore, herbal paste medications were more popular among the local populace. For physical trauma and skin problems, the application of the paste is thought to be more effective [71]. Furthermore, the frequent use of paste may be due to its easy preparation [72]. The second most common method of administration was a powder; similar results were reported from the surrounding areas [33,73,74]. Decoction was the third most common medication preparation technique. A possible reason may be the simplicity of the preparation process [34]. Another reason is that boiling of the plant(s) in water leads to the extraction and availability of different compounds for the curing of diseases [75]. Also, similar findings were reported by others [7,8,23,38,72,76,77].

3.4. Informant Consensus Factor (ICF)

In this study, the highest value of ICF was obtained for fevers (0.96), and the lowest ICF was for digestive system diseases (0.76) (Table 3 and Figure 5). The low ICF value suggested that there is a lower degree of consensus about the usage of a certain medicinal plant to treat a particular illness category. Furthermore, the low value of ICF suggests that numerous plants have almost equally high potential for treating a variety of ailments. The low ICF value also means that alternative allopathic medications are easily accessible to the local populace. These alternative allopathic medicines may reduce the use of traditional medicines for that particular group of diseases [7,36,78]. Furthermore, an almost similar result was reported by others [7,8,20,74,79,80,81].

3.5. Comparison of Medicinal Flora and Their Uses

The collected medicinal plants and their indigenous knowledge were compared with previously published work from the surrounding areas. The highest similarity was documented in the study carried out by Rahman et al. [41] and the lowest was documented in that conducted by Sher et al. [55] as listed in Table 4 and Figure 6. The local communities of the two compared areas share their traditional knowledge because they are close and in a similar geological zone, which means they have similar flora and also have similar socioeconomic and cultural characteristics. Meanwhile, the lowest similarity of the medicinal flora indicates that there is less similarity in the flora because the areas are distant and located in different geological zones, as a result of which, sharing of ethnic knowledge about medicinal plants is also limited. [29].
Table 4. Floristic comparison of the present work with previously published work.
Table 4. Floristic comparison of the present work with previously published work.
Previous LiteratureCommon Medicinal Plants between the Two RegionsMedicinal Plants Present Only in the Other AreaMedicinal Plants Present Only in the Study Area
Rahman et al., [40]151131166
Shah et al., [39]114136203
Jan et al., [7]782239
Sulaiman et al., [8]8117236
Ahmad et al., [42]8535232
Hussain et al., [43]7862239
Barkatullah et al., [26]6824249
Shah et al., [30]5721260
Hassan et al., [58]5832259
Jan et al., [41]528265
Bahadur et al., [59]5120266
Aziz et al., [82]5440263
Jan et al., [9]487269
Ijaz et al., [38]4925268
Hamayun et al., [4]4822269
Abbasi et al., [44]4719270
Farooq et al., [37]5585262
Umair et al., [60]4639271
Ali et al., [37]4645271
Kayani et al., [45]4773270
Akhtar et al., [63]4015277
Khan et al., [51]3911278
Rashid et al., [49]4132276
Shinwari et al., [53]3526282
Sher et al., [47]3541282
Bibi et al., [46]3432283
Abbas et al., [61]3223285
Shuaib et al., [57]3128286
Ahmad et al., [23]2917288
Abbasi et al., [83]2718290
Wali et al., [54]2622291
Khan et al., [84]2873289
Rahman et al., [48]234294
Kayani et al., [20]20105297
Sher et al., [55]746310
Figure 6. Comparison of the present study with previously published work [4,7,8,9,20,23,26,30,37,38,39,40,41,42,43,44,45,46,47,48,49,50,51,52,53,54,55,56,57,58,59,60,61,63].
Figure 6. Comparison of the present study with previously published work [4,7,8,9,20,23,26,30,37,38,39,40,41,42,43,44,45,46,47,48,49,50,51,52,53,54,55,56,57,58,59,60,61,63].
Sustainability 14 13077 g006
The study by Rahman et al. [41] in the Buner District reported that Justicia adhatoda L. is used locally for wounds, pus release, general body pain, as a cooling agent, fever, and TB treatment, whereas we observed that it is used for rheumatism. The study carried out by Shah et al. [39] in the Torghar District reported that the Basikhel tribe uses Artemisia scoparia Waldst. & Kitam. as a purgative anthelmintic and to treat malaria, but we have reported that it is used to treat vomiting. Jan et al. [7] reported in their study conducted in the Chinglay Valley of the Buner District that Allium jacquemontii Kunth is locally used to treat stomachache and hypertension, while our study reported that the plant is used for the treatment of hypertension and unequal mammary gland size. Furthermore, Sulaiman et al. [9] reported that Berberis lycium Royle is used by the local community for diabetes, wound healing, fractured bones, body pain, and diarrhoea, whereas we documented it is used to increase male potency, treat internal wounds, and cure antidiabetes and eye infection.
Calotropis procera (Aiton) Dryand was utilised locally as an antimalarial medicine [42], and we have reported that the plant is used to treat obesity. The study conducted by Hussain et al. [43] reported that Melia azedarach L. is used for treating scrofula, pimples, and rheumatism, and Ziziphus nummularia (Burm. f.) Wight & Arn. is used for blood purification, digestion, healing wounds, and ulcers, while in our study, we reported that Melia azedarach L. is used for the treatment of fever and Ziziphus nummularia (Burm. f.) Wight & Arn. is used to manage bleeding gums. Similarly, Barkatullah et al. [26] documented that Senegalia modesta (Acacia modesta Wall.) is used as a tonic, aphrodisiac, pain killer for backache, and wound healer, while we documented that it is used as a tonic after delivery. Likewise, Shah et al. [30] reported Achyranthes aspera L. is locally used for treating jaundice, while our study reported that it is used to cure piles, boils, toothache, and gum inflammation; other studies reported that Caralluma tuberculata N.E.Br. is used in antidiabetic, carminative, and analgesic applications, while we reported antidiabetic and carminative medicinal uses for it. Furthermore, Hassan et al. [58] reported Acorus calamus L. and Actaea spicata L. are locally used as antiasthmatics and Anagallis arvensis L. as an antiseptic, while we reported that these plants are used to treat dyspepsia and dysentery, rheumatic pain, and body pain in cattle, respectively.
Moreover, Jan et al. [41] documented that Butea monosperma (Lam.) Taub. is locally used to cure leucorrhea, Equisetum arvense L. is for treating gonorrhea, Ficus racemosa L. for the treatment of menorrhagia, and Momordica charantia L. is used to induce abortion, while we reported that these plants are used locally for the treatment of intestinal worms, stopping bleeding after childbirth, kidney stones, urinogenital problems, and for dysentery and as an antidiabetic, respectively. Furthermore, Bahadur et al. [59] reported that Taraxacum officinale (L.) Weber ex F. H. Wigg is locally used as a diuretic and tonic, Cannabis sativa L. is used to cure respiratory disorders, and Sonchus asper (L.) Hill is used to cure fever and constipation, while we reported that Taraxacum officinale (L.) Weber ex F. H. Wigg is used as a tonic, Cannabis sativa L. is used to stop bed urination at night in children and for wound healing, and Sonchus asper (L.) Hill is used to cure boils.
Aziz et al. [82] reported in their study that Cassia fistula L. is locally used to treat gastric problems and fever, and Celtis austtalis L. is used to cure skin problems, while we reported that Cassia fistula L. is used for snakebites, pneumonia, and fever, and Celtis austtalis L. is used in the study area for the treatment of herpes. Jan et al. [9] reported in their study that Acorus calamus L. is used by the local people for gum ache and toothache and Dalbergia sisso DC. is used to kill worms of the teeth, while we reported that Acorus calamus L. is used to cure dyspepsia and dysentery and Dalbergia sisso DC. is used for treating jaundice. Furthermore, Ijaz et al. [38] documented that Cyperus rotundus L. is used to treat respiratory infections, while in our area, we reported that it is used as a tonic. Similarly, we reported that Ficus sarmentosa Buch.-Ham. ex. Sm. is used as a tonic for blood, the same use that was reported by Ijaz et al. [38] too.
Hamayun et al. [4] reported that Adiantum venustum D. Don is used as an expectorant, emetic, and diuretic, while we reported that it is used to treat sore eyes; furthermore, they reported that Adiantum incisum Forssk. is used to cure skin diseases, fever, cough, and diabetes, and in our study, we reported that it is used to cure wounds. Abbasi et al. [44] reported that Bergenia ciliata (Haw.) Sternb. is used for wound healing and in our study, we reported that it is used for wound healing as well as for toothache; moreover, they reported that Calendula arvensis M.Bieb. is also used for wound healing and we documented in our study that it is used to treat cancer. Farooq et al. [37] reported that Hedera nepalensis K.Koch is used for treating diabetes, indigestion, and ulcer and we documented that it is used for the removal of leeches from the body of cattle. Furthermore, they reported that Ipomoea purpurea (L.) Rath is used as a diuretic, to treat mental disorders, and constipation and we have documented that it is used to treat bronchitis and diarrhea.
Umair et al. [60] reported that Chrozophora tinctoria (L.) A. Juss. is used to cure stomachache, sore throat, emetic, and cataracts and we reported that it is used for treating stomach acidity. Furthermore, they documented that Euphorbia helioscopia L. is used as an anthelmintic and to treat athlete’s foot, sore eyes, asthma, constipation, and cholera, and in our work, we reported that it is used for the treatment of skin problems and constipation. Similarly, they reported that Euphorbia prostrata Ait. is used to treat diarrhea and dysentery; used as a liver tonic; used for the treatment of ringworm, diabetes, and kidney stones; and used as a blood purifier, and we reported in our study that it is used for the treatment of asthma and ringworm.
Ali et al. [37] reported that the fruit of the Elaeagnus umbellate Thunb. is used as a cardiac simulator and we reported that it is used as a cooling agent and to cure cough; furthermore, they reported that Lamium album L. is used to treat liver disorders and we documented that it is used for the treatment of cough. Kayani et al. [45] reported that Actaea spicata L. is used to treat asthma and we reported that it is used for rheumatic pain; similarly, Bistorta amplexicaulis (D. Don) Greene is used for treating sore throat while we reported that it is used for treating wounds. Akhtar et al. [63] reported in their study that the plant is used to treat eczema and for blood purification and we reported that it is used to treat cephalalgia; furthermore, they reported that Peganum harmala L. is used as a diuretic while we reported in our study that it is used as antidiabetic medicine.

3.6. Novelty of the Study

The present study is the first ever of its kind conducted in the study area to conserve the ethnic knowledge of medicinal plants. In this study, a total of 317 medicinal plant species were documented for their medicinal uses. The result clearly shows that 50 plant species are new that were not previously reported from the study area or the surrounding areas. New medicinal uses for 272 medicinal plant species are also reported from the study area (Table 2).

4. Conclusions

The results of the current work clearly show that the study area has rich floristic and cultural diversity, due to which the local population has rich ethnomedicinal knowledge. Furthermore, most of the study area is mountainous and remote and lacks modern health facilities; therefore, local people rely on medicinal plants. The present study mainly highlights the important indigenous ethnomedicinal knowledge associated with the local medicinal flora. It was noted that the valuable indigenous ethnomedicinal knowledge of the study area is at risk of extinction because the younger generation does not take interest in it. Moreover, the local population transfers this valuable treasure of knowledge orally from generation to generation which is a major factor in the loss of this valuable knowledge. During the survey, a total of 317 medicinal plant species belonging to 91 families along with their indigenous ethnomedicinal knowledge were documented. Most of the knowledge was shared by the age group 50–59. Asteraceae was the leading family with 27 species. The conservation of traditional knowledge for future generations, its protection by placing the knowledge in the public domain, and its use as the starting point for further study and conservation initiatives are just a few of the many uses for which it was documented. We recommend that future research projects should be designed to develop awareness in the local community about the conservation of medicinal plants. Furthermore, phytochemical and pharmacological evaluation of these medicinal plants should be carried out for the exploration of new medicines.

Author Contributions

H.A.J. and H.M.A. designed the research work. H.A.J. collected the data. A.K.A., S.Z.U.A. and M.Z.B. contributed to the data analysis. A.K.A., H.A.J. and L.A. contributed to the write-up. Review and editing were done by H.A.J., H.M.A. and M.Z.B. All authors have read and agreed to the published version of the manuscript.

Funding

This research received no external funding.

Institutional Review Board Statement

Not applicable.

Informed Consent Statement

Informed consent was obtained from all subjects involved in the study.

Data Availability Statement

The original data are presented in the article.

Acknowledgments

All the authors are thankful to the local people for sharing their valuable ethnomedicinal data and facilitation during research work.

Conflicts of Interest

The authors declare no conflict of interest.

Appendix A. Data about Informant

Informant’s Name:            Age:             
Village Name:              Education:            
Occupation:              Date:            
Gender:              Marital Status:          
Data about medicinal plants
Local name:        Botanical name/Family:             
Part used:          Used for disease(s):              
Locality:        
Complete method of preparation of Recipes/Medicine:
                                                                                                                                
Amount/dosage of medicine:                     
Number of times per day of taking medicine:                 
Medicine taken before meal:        Medicine taken after meal:          
Side/poisonous effects of plant:                     
The uses of medicinal plants are increasing/deceasing/remains the same?
If deceasing then why?                      
What are the most recent diseases, your family members, suffered from?
What kind of treatment you get? Allopathic/ Herbal/ Religious/ Homeopathic
Have you got any herbal medicine, why?                  
What is the availability status of herbal medicine? Easily/Difficult
Affectivity of herbal medicine:                    
How many medicinal Plants you know?                   
How you got the knowledge about the use of medicinal plants?            
Who collect Men/Women/Children/Herbalist/Others?

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Figure 1. Map of the study area, (a) Position of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa in Pakistan, (b) Position of District Buner in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, (c) Map of the study area with sites of data collection.
Figure 1. Map of the study area, (a) Position of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa in Pakistan, (b) Position of District Buner in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, (c) Map of the study area with sites of data collection.
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Figure 2. Families and number of species in each family.
Figure 2. Families and number of species in each family.
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Figure 3. Plants’ parts used in herbal medicines.
Figure 3. Plants’ parts used in herbal medicines.
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Figure 4. Method of formulation of herbal medicines.
Figure 4. Method of formulation of herbal medicines.
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Figure 5. ICF values of various disease groups.
Figure 5. ICF values of various disease groups.
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Table 1. Demographic profile of the study area.
Table 1. Demographic profile of the study area.
S/No.Informants Interviewed
GenderNo. Informants
1Male639
2Female214
Traditional Knowledge of Medicinal Plants
Age GroupNo. of InformantsMedicinal Plants ReportedComplete Recipes
120–29672419
230–391076753
340–4913110497
450–59165126131
560–69215178189
670–7997151156
780–Above71137105
Total Informants853
Literacy Rate of Informants
Age GroupNo. of Informants% ageComplete Recipes
120–2958/6786.56%19
230–3946/10742.99%53
340–4935/13126.71%97
450–5929/16517.57%131
560–6923/21510.69%189
670–799/9709.27%156
780-Above2/7102.81%105
Total202/85323.68%
Table 3. Disease categories and medicinal plants used for their treatment.
Table 3. Disease categories and medicinal plants used for their treatment.
Disease CategoriesNo. of Medicinal Plants UsedNo. of InformantsICF
Antidote7830.92
Digestive system diseases883740.76
Eye and ear diseases8730.90
Fevers112510.96
Genitourinary and gynecological diseases412860.85
Heart and circulatory system diseases121490.92
Liver and endocrine system diseases453250.86
Mouth and dental diseases13920.86
Musculoskeletal diseases182370.92
Nervous system diseases91180.93
Other81650.95
Respiratory system diseases291890.85
Skin and subcutaneous diseases703150.78
Tonic and health drinks121580.92
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Jan, H.A.; Abidin, S.Z.U.; Bhatti, M.Z.; Ahmad, L.; Alghamdi, A.K.; Alkreathy, H.M. Medicinal Plants and Related Ethnomedicinal Knowledge in the Communities of Khadukhel Tehsil, Buner District, Pakistan. Sustainability 2022, 14, 13077. https://doi.org/10.3390/su142013077

AMA Style

Jan HA, Abidin SZU, Bhatti MZ, Ahmad L, Alghamdi AK, Alkreathy HM. Medicinal Plants and Related Ethnomedicinal Knowledge in the Communities of Khadukhel Tehsil, Buner District, Pakistan. Sustainability. 2022; 14(20):13077. https://doi.org/10.3390/su142013077

Chicago/Turabian Style

Jan, Hammad Ahmad, Sheikh Zain Ul Abidin, Muhammad Zeeshan Bhatti, Latif Ahmad, Abdulaziz Khalaf Alghamdi, and Huda Mohammed Alkreathy. 2022. "Medicinal Plants and Related Ethnomedicinal Knowledge in the Communities of Khadukhel Tehsil, Buner District, Pakistan" Sustainability 14, no. 20: 13077. https://doi.org/10.3390/su142013077

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