PJB-2019-414
IDENTIFICATION AND TRADITIONAL CONSUMPTION OF MEDICINAL PLANTS IN KALAM VALLEY SWAT DISTRICT, NORTHERN PAKISTAN.
Nazim Hassan
Abstract
The aim of this research was to collect significant data on traditional uses of medicinal plant species used by the people of Kalam district, Swat Pakistan. Ethnobotanical data were collected from 128 informants through group discussion and well organized questionnaire. Demographic features, part used methods of preparation, modes of application, life form, and ethno medicinal uses were noted. Data were analysed through quantitative indices i.e. Informant consensus factor (ICF), Fidelity level (FL), Use value (UV), Relative frequency citation (RFC) and data matrix ranking (DMR). A comparison with 6 published ethnobotanical studies at national and international level was carried out for authentication of ethnomedicinal relevance of data documented. A total of 94 medicinal plant species from 34 families were documented. Family Lamiacea and Asteraceae (13%) were the most leading families. Ailments were classified into 13 different disease categories. Leaves (34%) commonly used for the preparation of ethno medicines. major contribution (65%) obtained from herbaceous flora. The most frequently used method for the preparation of ethno medicine was decoction (41%). Highest number of use reports (107) and ICF (0.84) were observed for antispasmodic. High fidelity level 95.45% was observed for Berberis lyceum. Use value (UV) was high (0.67) for Urtica dioica while RFC (0.45) was observed high for Ajuga bracteosa. Plants with high FIC value should be screened for comprehensive pharmacological and phytochemical studies. Medicinal flora was found at risk due to unwise harvesting and over grazing. Further plant exploration, awareness, conservation, Joint collaboration and wise use of plant resources are recommended.
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