ArticlePDF Available

Investigation of Traditional Veterinary Phytomedicines Used in Deosai Plateau, Pakistan

Authors:
Global Veterinaria 15 (4): 381-388, 2015
ISSN 1992-6197
© IDOSI Publications, 2015
DOI: 10.5829/idosi.gv.2015.15.04.96104
Corresponding Author: Kifayat Ullah Khan, Department of Botany, Hazara University, Mansehra, Pakistan.
E-mail: hajithegr8@yahoo.com.
381
Investigation of Traditional Veterinary Phytomedicines Used in Deosai Plateau, Pakistan
Kifayat Ullah Khan, Maqarab Shah, Habib Ahmad, Muhammad Ashraf,
1 2 34
Inayat Ur Rahman, Zafar Iqbal, Shujaul Mulk Khan and Abdul Majid
1 1 1,5 1
Department of Botany, Hazara University, Mansehra-21300, KP, Pakistan
1
Department of Microbiology, Hazara University, Mansehra-21300, KP, Pakistan
2
Department of Genetics, Hazara University, Mansehra-21300, KP, Pakistan
3
Principal Scientific Officer, Crop Sciences Institute, National Agriculture Research Center, Islamabad
4
Department of Plant Sciences, Quaid-i-Azam University, Islamabad, Pakistan
5
Abstract: In the present investigation, the traditional ethno veterinary knowledge is totally in the custody of
elder members of the community. The young ones are unaware about such important practices. Previously no
ethno veterinary study has been carried out from this study area. Therefore, present study has been designed
to record the ethno botanical uses of indigenous plants Deosai Plateau, Pakistan. Total 59 people of different
ages (38 Males and 21 females) were interviewed and information was collected through semi-structured
questionnaires. The data obtained were quantitatively analyzed using Use Value (UVi) formula and Relative
Citations Frequency (RFC ). The collected specimens were pressed, dried, preserved, mounted on Herbarium
s
sheets and after confirmed identification were submitted in the Herbarium, Department of Botany, Hazara
University, Mansehra, Pakistan. The present findings revealed that thirteen medicinal plant species were
recorded for their ethno veterinary uses. Belonging to nine families out of which 92% are herbs and 8% shrubs.
Polygonaceae is the dominant family used in the treatment of different disease (23.07%) followed by lamiaceae
and apiaceae. Majority of species were used in treatment of digestive disorder (9.4%), followed by diarrhea
(7.5%), abdominal and dysentery (5.6%). Leaves and roots are the most frequently used parts in the treatment
of various diseases (29%) each, followed by flower (18%). Medicinal plants most with used values were
Aconitum heterophyllum Wall. ex Royle (0.84), Rheum webbianum Royle (0.80) and Berberis orthobotrys Bien.
ex Aitch. (0.76) while most relative citations frequency was of Rheum spiciforme Royle (0.35), Aconitum
heterophyllum Wall. ex Royle (0.27), Berberis orthobotrys Bien. ex Aitch. (0.27).
Key words: Ethno veterinary Phytomedicine Quantitative Analysis Deosai Pakistan
INTRODUCTION Karakorum, the plains of Deosai are located. No doubt the
Study Area (Deosai): Deosai is the beautiful plateau south of skardu, a jeep able road passes across the
surrounded by peaks covered with snow and small plateau from Ali Malik Mar pass (4,000m) to chakor pass
valleys. The vast Deosai plateau up to the eye sight is full (4,200m) near sheosar lake and down to chillum village.
of lush green grass and variety of flowering plants. The sky kissing mountains with the height of (5,000m) and
The scenery of Deosai depicts picture of heaven on the mountain ranges with altitude of 3400m-4300m also
earth with its natural lakes, streams, rivers and glaciers enhances its beauty [1]. The climate of Deosai also
which are infect most suitable and appropriate for the contributes to its diversity, during winters the area
growth of flora and fauna moreover, along with its unique receives heavy rainfall while, during summer it receives
and attractive diversification in flowing plants, its immense snowfall. This is further added by the coarse soil
geography is also worth mentioning. It is situated at the and abundances in water which is supporting and
junction of Himalaya, Laddakh and Zanskar mountain auxiliary for the flora. A wide diversity of fauna
ranges, these mountain ranges join together to form a vast corresponds to the natural vegetation of the area. This
alpine plateau. In between the two major world famous includes hundreds of vertebrate and invertebrate species.
mountain ranges of the world i.e. Himalaya and The Flora of the region is very diverse, with a number of
plateau is center of unique biodiversity located 20 km from
Global Veterinaria, 15 (4): 381-388, 2015
382
economically important species of wild plants, including community-based approach that serves to improve
Wild Cumin, Thyme, Pine, Angelica,Artemisia,Arnebia, animal health and provide basic veterinary services in
Colchicum, Saussurea,Aconitum, Ferula, Codonopsis, rural areas. In addition to its focus on botanicals, ethno
Valariana,Berberis and hundreds of medicinal plants veterinary medicine covers people’s knowledge, skills,
which are being used for the treatment of various diseases methods, practices and beliefs about the care of their
and for health care [2]. animals. During recent years, there has been wide
Livestock Diversity: The livestock is most important information [11]. Some better work have been made to
earning source of the ruler and mountainous region. document the ethno medicinal knowledge regarding cure
The ruler population of the area is only depending on the of animal diseases in India and other countries by
livestock and their products e.g. milk, meat, wool, egg and McCorkle [12], Pande and Kumar [13], Catley and
fiber. The livestock’s of the area is consisting of goats, Mohammad [14], Goud and Pullaiah [15] and Kohler-
yolk, cattle’s, sheep and horses. Yolk is the well suited Rollefson and Rathore [16] but in Pakistan very less
animal for the higher altitude, which is very common in the attention has been given on documentation of plants
area [3]. Since the kettles are free for grazing in high used as ethno veterinary medicines and there is much
pasture so the cross breeding between yolk and cattle need to document this knowledge. EVM traditional
commonly occurs. The cross breed animal is called zomo knowledge is present mostly in oral form, thus mainly
[4]. World’s major livestock population is found in rural undocumented which might be at risk of disappearing.
communities which have major dependencies on it for Therefore the effort has been made to work on livestock
livelihood [5]. health care management by documenting such important
Ethno Veterinary Medicine (EVM):About 5,700 species
of flowering plants have been reported from Pakistan and MATERIALS AND METHODS
almost 400 of these are endemic species [6] and around
1,000 species of vascular plants are known to occur in Frequent field trips were under taken during 2008 to
northern mountain regions of Pakistan [2]. Most of the 2011 in the early, mid and last summer season of each year
endemic plants are found in the northern and western and collected plant specimens during their specific
mountains of Pakistan [7]. In Pakistan, the field of ethno blooming season. Work plan was prepared and general
botany is virgin and has been introduced recently but in information about the area, vegetation and cultural
recent years a lot of work has been done in this field by practices were collected before starting the field work.
many researchers [8]. Peoples traditional knowledge (TK) The project area was Dass Khirum, Chilim, Chota
pertaining to animal health care and production is known Deosai, Deosai plateau, sardar Kothiof District Astore,
as ethno-veterinary medicine [9]. Ethno veterinary (Gilgit-Baltistan). During the whole period of the Research
medicine (EVM) is the scientific term for traditional animal work ethno botanical information and traditional uses of
health care, provides low-cost alternatives to allopathic plants were documented. The whole information were
drugs. It is as old as the domestication of various collected through interviewing and filling of
livestock animal species. EVM covers people’s questionnaires from local experts both men and women.
knowledge, skills, methods, practices and beliefs about Largely the information was given by local elders who
the care of their animals [10]. Research into ethno were the real custodians and has a lot of information
veterinary medicine is often undertaken as part of a about the plants and their uses.
concern for collecting more ethno botanical
practices.
Fig. 1: Conducting interviews from the local inhabitants of study area.
Global Veterinaria, 15 (4): 381-388, 2015
383
Fig. 2: Some important medicinal plants of Deosai Plateau.
(A) Aconitum hetrophylum, (B) Aconite roots being sold in market at Gilgit, (C) Berberis orthobotrys, (D) Dried
bark of B. orthobotrys, (E) Bergenia stracheyi (F) Rhizome and roots of B. stracheyi, (G) Bistorta affinis,
(H) Dried flowers of B. affinis, (I) Ferula narthex, (J) Dried root of F. narthex, (K) Hyocyamus niger, (L) Seeds
of H. niger, (M) Primula rosea, (N) Pleurospermum candollei, (O) Phlomis bracteosa, (P) Lichens used as
substitute of P. bracteosa (Q) Rheum webbiana, (R) Root of R. webbiana, (S) Rheum speciforma, (T) Dried
roots of R. speciforma, (U) Thymus linearis, (V) Dried leaves of T. linearis, (W) Medicinal plants sold in local
market, (X) Traditional healer (Hakim) treating patient by using medicinal plants.
Necessary Equipments: The equipments used during the qualitative data was obtained through
research work were, note book, map, pencils, plants Questionnaires regarding the plant resources and
pressers, blotting papers, polythene bags, knife, GPS and their utilization. The information about the utility of
digital Camera. different plants, quantity of plants used, ratio of
Interviews: The inhabitants of the area were sources, consumption, demand and priority of species
interviewed during the field work (Fig. 1). The were obtained.
consumption, rate of availability, fuel wood and fodder
Ui
UVi = N
FCs
RFCs = N
Global Veterinaria, 15 (4): 381-388, 2015
384
Fig. 3: Collection of plant specimens from the study area.
Fig. 4: Recording related data in field note book.
Collection of Plant Specimens: The plants specimens
along their photographs have been captured (Fig. 2).
The specimens were properly tagged and field number
was allotted to each specimen. Relevant data was
recorded in field note book. The specimens were put in
field press using blotting papers and newspapers. At
herbarium, specimens were shifted to stationary
herbarium. The blotting papers were changed regularly
tilling specimen drying. The dried specimens were
poisoned using Mercuric Chloride and Copper Sulphate
solution. The specimens then mounted on standard size
herbarium sheets.
Local names and uses of plants were given in the
fields by local experts and the data were also collected
from Hakeems, shepherds, farmers, local herbal
practitioners and forest guards. Photographs of
plants, habitat and other aspects were taken during study
period.
Identification of Plants: The plants specimens were
brought and properly identified with the help of available
literature (Flora of Pakistan, Stewart [2], Ali and Nasir
[17] and Ali and Qaisar [18] at AMHRWO Herbarium.
The identified and unknown plant specimens have been
submitted at Hazara University Herbarium (HUP) for
further identification.
Statistical Analysis: Data were tabulated in Microsoft
Excel spreadsheets and analyzed using 2 quantitative
ethno botanical methods: Relative Frequency Citations
(RFCs and Use Value (Uv ).
i
Use Value (Uv ): The UV was calculated using the formula
ii
proposed by Phillips et al. [19]. UV the use value of a
i
species for an informant, where U = No. of use reports
i
cited by each informant for a given plant species. N =
i
Total No. of informants interviewed for a given plant
species.
To calculate the use value of a species for an informant;
Relative Frequency of Citations (RFC ): Relative
s
Frequency of Citations was used to calculate the
traditional value of each species by using the formula [20].
Fc = No. of informants who mentioned the use of the
s
species.
N = Total no. of informants of the study. (In this study,
N = 59)
RESULTS AND DISCUSSIONS
Ethno-veterinary of Deosai Plateau: Total of 59
informants were interviewed, out of which 38 were males
and 21 females. Three of them were above 80 (2 males, 1
female). However 14 informants were of 61 to 80 ages (9
males, 5 females), 24 informants ranged with the age of 41
to 60 out of which 16 were males and 8 females. Rest of
the informants were of 21 to 40 (8 males, 3 females) and
below 21 age (3 males, 4 females) (Table 1). All the
informants were chosen from different fields of life like
farmers, local practitioners / hakims, veterinary doctors,
school teachers and pansaries.
Table 1: Showing knowledge of medicinal plants of different age group
Age group Male Female Total
1 to 20 3 4 7
21 to 40 8 3 11
41 to 60 16 8 24
61 to 80 9 5 14
Above 80 2 1 3
Total 38 21 59
Global Veterinaria, 15 (4): 381-388, 2015
385
Fig. 5: Graphical representation of plants growth form of curing various diseases (3spp, 23.07%). However
Deosai. polygonaceae was followed by lamiaceae and apiaceae
Fig. 6: Taxonomic diversity of medicinal plant species of fever, ophthalmic diseases, respiratory problems, skin
Deosai Plateau. diseases and mouth infections were treated by two
A total of 13 medicinal plant species are recorded for treated by single species each (Fig. 7). Leaves and roots
their ethno veterinary uses with folk recipes. Belonging to are the most frequently used parts in the treatment of
nine families out of which 92% are herbs and 8% shrubs various diseases (29%) each, followed by flower (18%),
while not even a single tree is recorded for ethno stem and seed (7%) each, whole plant (4%). While fruit
veterinary use in this study (Fig. 5), it might be due to and rhizome were medicinal plant parts treating less
dominance of herbs and their easy availability resulting number of disease animals and human diseases (Fig. 8).
from ubiquitous growth (Roadsides, gardens, farmland Ijaz et al. [22] also mentioned leaves as the most widely
and in wild habitats) as it is geographic character of used plant part as an ailment for different diseases.
Alpine and Sub-alpines. At the time of surveys, same Detailed description of medicinal plants used in veterinary
reason was also reported by the local inhabitants of these practices in alphabetical manner with vernacular, English
geographic regions about widespread use of herbs. and family names, its occurrence, part used in recipe and
Herbaceous plants can be easily handled in herbal altitudinal is given in Table 2.
preparation methods and extraction of bioactive In this study, the used value of 13 medicinal plants
compounds [21]. Ijaz et al. [22] in Abbotabad and Khan et ranges from 0.37 to 0.84 (Table 3). The medicinal plant
al. [23] in Swat also found herbaceous life form the species with greater use values given in Table 5 were
dominant. Due to high rate of wind velocity and other Aconitum heterophyllum Wall. ex Royle (0.84) ranked 1 ,
edaphic, physiographic and geographic factors in high Rheum webbianum Royle (0.80) 2 and Berberis
altitudinal regions hindered tree growth so less orthobotrys Bien. ex Aitch. (0.76) 3 , while Primula rosea
percentage of tress are there. As for as field concerning Royle was less used (0.37) by the local inhabitants among
Aconitum heterophyllum Wall. ex Royle, Bistorta affinis the collected medicinal. Greater used values of these
(D.Don) Greene and Bergenia stracheyi (Hook.f. & mentioned medicinal plants might be due to their
Thomson) Engl. are the most common species of the extensive distribution and local practitioners /
study area. Due to much importance in healthcare these traditional healers awareness which makes those
medicinal plant species are decreasing day by day. Local plants as the first choice for treatment [25]. Khattak et al.
inhabitants are totally unaware about proper collection
method which spontaneously affected the biodiversity.
According to our observations there are no health
services available for the local inhabitants due to which a
big pressure is exerted on the biodiversity which results
in declining of various plant species and they are leading
towards threat. All these recipes are mostly prepared by
local practitioners/ traditional healers and most of them
are illiterate and with no experience as they are leading
their forefathers footsteps.
Polygonaceae is the most dominant family used in
(2 spp, 15.38% each), whereas all the remaining families
are comprised of single species each (Fig. 6). Majority of
species were used in treatment of digestive disorders
(9.4%). In the study of Khattak et al. [24] 46 medicinal
plant species are mentioned out of which 30.43%
medicinal plant species were used to cure the stomach
problems of domestic animals and birds. However
digestive disorder is followed by diarrhea (7.5%),
abdominal and dysentery (5.6%) each, while arthritis,
backache, blood pressure, delivery wounds, diabetes,
species each. The remaining various other diseases were
st
nd
rd
Global Veterinaria, 15 (4): 381-388, 2015
386
Fig. 7: No. of medicinal plant species used for treatment of various diseases.
Fig. 8: Plant species parts used for preparation of herbal medicines.
Table 2: List of Medicinal Plants used in Veterinary diseases
Vernacular Altitudinal
Botanical Name name (Shina) English name Family name Habit Occurrence Parts used Range Diseases cured
Aconitum heterophyllum Patris Aconite Ranunculaceae Herb Deosai, Burzil R, Fl 2500-4200m Periodic fever, digestion disorders,
Wall. ex Royle dysentery,abdominal diseases, diabetes,
anti-dandruff
Berberis orthobotrys Bien. ex Aitch. Ishkeen, Churkee Barberry Berberidaceae Shrub Deosai, Burzil, L, Fr, R 1500-3000m Anti-inflammatory, anti-diabetics,
Chellum Anti-tumor, Injuries, bone fracture,
delivery wounds, ophthalmic disease,
dysentery
Bergenia stracheyi (Hook.f. & Heart-Leaved Deosai plains, Headache, blood pressure, vomiting,
Thomson) Engl. Sanspar Bergenia Saxifragaceae Herb Burzill. R, L 4000- 4500 arthritis, backache, delivery wounds,
diarrhea and dysentery
Deosai plain, Diarrhea, backache, skin diseases,
Bistorta affinis (D.Don) Greene Chomoi Masloon Polygonaceae Herb Burzill. L, Rh 2000-3000m ulcer, rheumatic pains and arthritis
Ferula narthex Boiss. Sup Ferula Apiaceae Herb Chillium R, St 1800-3000 m Respiratory disease, abdominal disease,
scorpion sting, mouth infection, nerve
tonic, digestion disorders and blood
pressure
Hyoscyamus niger L. Bazarbung Henbane Solanaceae Herb Deosai, Chillim L, S 3000-4000m Urinary diseases, abdominal disease,
mouth infections, sedative, narcotic
and anti-spasmodic, respiratory
disorders
Primula rosea Royle Meo Prime Rose Primulaceae Herb Deosai Wp 2500-3800m Ophthalmic disease
Phlomis bracteosa Royle ex Benth. C ropo Pholmis Lamiaceae Herb Deosai. L, R, Fl 2700- 3000m Fever and cough, skin diseases
Pleurospermum candollei Benth. Shoogroon Apiaceae Her b Deosai L, R 2500-3000m Diarrhea
ex C.B.Clarke
Rheum webbianum Royle Chontal Rhubarb Polygonaceae Herb Deosai R, St, Fl 2800- 3400m Digestive problem, diarrhea, laxative
Rheum spiciforme Royle Jarochuntal Rhubarb Polygonaceae Herb Deosai R 2500-3000m Digestive disorder, blood purifier and
tonic for live stock
Silybum marianum (L.) Gaertn. Shachoor-e-kono Asteraceae Herb Deosai S, L, Fl 500-5000m Milk production
Thymus linearis Benth. Tumuro Wild thyme Lamiaceae Herb Deosai L, Fl 2800-3500m Digestive disorder
Abbreviations for part used: Flower (Fl), Fruit (Fr), Leaves (L), Rhizome (Rh), Root (R), Seed (S), Stem (St) and Whole plant (Wp).
Global Veterinaria, 15 (4): 381-388, 2015
387
Fig. 9: Use Value and Relative Frequency Citations of medicinal plants for various diseases cited by the informants of
Deosai.
Table 3: Quantitative analysis of the medicinal plants of Deousai Plateau
Indices Basic values Ranking
------------------------------------ ------------------------ ----------------------
S.No Species Name U N FC UV RFC UV RFC
i s i si s
1Aconitum heterophyllum Wall. ex Royle 16 19 16 0.84 0.27 1 2
2Berberis orthobotrys Bien. ex Aitch. 16 21 16 0.76 0.27 3 2
3Bergenia stracheyi (Hook.f. & Thomson) Engl.
13 18 13 0.72 0.22 5 4
4Bistorta affinis (D.Don) Greene 14 25 14 0.56 0.23 7 3
5Ferula narthex Boiss. 11 22 11 0.50 0.18 10 6
6Hyoscyamus niger L. 12 16 12 0.75 0.20 4 5
7Primula rosea Royle 10 27 10 0.37 0.16 13 7
8Phlomis bracteosa Royle ex Benth. 16 30 16 0.53 0.27 8 2
9Pleurospermum candollei Benth. ex C. B. Clarke 9 17 9 0.52 0.15 9 8
10 Rheum webbianum Royle 16 20 16 0.80 0.27 2 2
11 Rheum spiciforme Royle 21 31 21 0.67 0.35 6 1
12 Silybum marianum (L.) Gaertn. 12 28 12 0.42 0.20 12 5
13 Thymus linearis Benth. 14 33 14 0.42 0.23 11 3
Key: Ui= No. of use reports cited by each informant for a given plant species. N = Total No. of informants interviewed for a given plant species. FC = No.
is
of informants who suggested the use of a plant species for a particular disea se I = Total No. of informants who mentioned the same plant for any disease. UV =
ui
Used Value index, RFC = Relative Citations frequency.
s
[24] reported Olea ferruginea Royle as the most widely frequency (0.15) among the collected medicinal. Signorini
used plant species in traditional veterinary medicines with et al. [26] reported that Asparagus acutifolius was the
a use value 0.81. most used species (RFC = 0.71).
In this study, the relative citations frequency of 13
medicinal plants ranges from 0.15 to 0.35 (Table 3). REFERENCES
The medicinal plant species with most relative citations
frequency are Rheum spiciforme Royle (0.35) ranked 1 1. Woods, C.A., C.W. Kilpatrick, M. Rafique, M. Shah
st
while Aconitum heterophyllum Wall. exRoyle, Berberis and W. Khan, 1997. Biodiversity and Conservation
orthobotrys Bien. ex Aitch. And Rheum webbianum of Deosai plateau, Morthern Areas, Pakistan. In:
Royle ranked 2 with similar relative citations frequency Mufti A M. et al., Biodiversity of Paksitan: 33-61,
nd
value (0.27). Whereas Pleurospermum candollei Benth. Pakistan Museum of Natural History Islamabad and
ex C.B. Clarke is ranked last with lowest relative citations Florida Museum of Natural History, Gainesville, USA.
Global Veterinaria, 15 (4): 381-388, 2015
388
2. Stewart, R.R., 1972. Flora of West Pakistan: An 15. Goud, P.S. and T. Pullaiah, 1996. Folk veterinary
annotated Catalogue of the Vascular Plants of West medicines of Kurnool district andra Pradesh.
Pakistan and Kashmir. Rawalpindi xx, pp: 1028. Map Ethnobotany 8:71-74, New Delhi Deep Publishers.
Geog, 6. 16. Kohler-Rollefson, I. and H.S. Rathore, 1997. “Raikas
3. Seim, V., 1999. Grazing behaviour, habitat use and of Rajasthan”. LEISA:LEISA Newsletter,13(1): 36.
diet selection of domestic animals on the high 17. Ali, S.I. and Y.J. Nasir. (Eds.), 1989-1992. Flora of
pastures in Basho Valley, Baltistan (Doctoral Pakistan, Nos. 191-193. Islamabad, Karachi.
dissertation, MS Thesis, Department of Animal 18. Ali, S.I. and M. Qaiser (Eds.), 1993-2009. Flora of
Science, Agriculture University of Norway: pp: 84). Pakistan, No. 194-215. Karachi
4. Virk, A., K. Sheikh and A. Marwat, 2003. Northern 19. Phillips, O.L., P. Hall, A.H. Gentry, S.A. Sawyer and
areas strategy for sustainable development. IUCN R. Va´squez, 1994. Dynamics and species richness of
Pakistan. tropical forests. Proceedings of the National
5. Ciamarra, P., U.D. Baker, N. Morgan and A. Zezza, Academy of Sciences USA, pp: 91.
2011. Measuring the contribution of Livestock to 20. Tardio, J. and M. Pardo-de-Santayana, 2008. Cultural
Household, livelihoods. importance indices: A comparative analysis based on
6. Nasir, E. and S. I. Ali, 1970. 1987. Flora of Pakistan, the useful wild plants of Southern Cantabria
(1-187). (Northern Spain), Economic Botany, 62: 24-39.
7. Ali, S.I. and M. Qaiser, 1986. A phytogeographical 21. Shrestha, P.M. and S.S. Dhillion, 2003. Medicinal
analysis of the phanerogams of Pakistan and plant diversity and use in the highlands of
Kashmir. In Proc. Royal Soc. Edinburgh B (Vol. 89, Dolakha district, Nepal. Journal of
pp: 89-101). Ethnopharmacology, 86(1): 81-96.
8. Shah, G.M., 2007. Plants and Plant Resources of Siran 22. Ijaz, F., Z. Iqbal, J. Alam, S.M. Khan, A. Afzal, I.U.
Valley, Mansehra, N.W.F.P., Pakistan. Ph. D Thesis, Rahman, M. Afzal, M. Islam and Sohail, 2015. Ethno
Department of Plant Sciences, Quaid-i-Azam Medicinal Study upon Folk recipes against various
University, Islamabad, Pakistan. human diseases in Sarban Hills, Abbottabad,
9. McCorkle, 1992. Constance and Mathias-Mundy, Pakistan. World J. Zoology, 10: 41-46.
Evelyn “Ethnoveterinary medicine in Africa”. Africa, 23. Khan, S.M., N. Ud. Din, M. Ilyas, Sohail, I.U. Rahman,
62(1): 59-93. F. Ijaz, Z. Iqbal and Z. Ali, 2015. Ethnobotanical
10. McCorkle, 1986. An introduction to ethnoveterinary Study of Some Medicinal Plants of Tehsil Kabal,
research and development. J. Ethnobiol, 6: 129-149. District Swat, KP, Pakistan. Med Aromat Plants, 4:
11. Alemu, L., 1993. Studies on the traditional medicinal 189.
plants of veterinary importance around Bahir Dar. 24. Khattak, N.S., F. Nouroz, I.U. Rahman and S. Noreen,
DVM, thesis, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Addis 2015. Ethno veterinary uses of medicinal plants of
Ababa University, Ethiopia. district Karak, Pakistan. Journal of
12. McCorkle, 1994. Constance “Ethno-veterinary Ethnopharmacology, 171: 273-279.
medicine R and D and gender in the ITDG/Kenya 25. Ullah, S., M.R. Khan, N.A. Shah, S.A. Shah, M.
RAPP; Unpublished Consultancy Report; IT Kenya, Majida and M.A. Farooq, 2014. Ethnomedicinal plant
Nairobi, Kenya. use value in the Lakki Marwat District of Pakistan. J.
13. Pande, C.B. and V. Kumar, 1994. A study of immuno- Ethnopharmacol., 158: 412-422.
modulating action of Zeetress. Proceeding of 26. Signorini, M.A., M. Piredda and P. Bruschi, 2009.
Scientific symposium on recent advances in Plants and traditional knowledge: An ethnobotanical
veterinary microbiology. B. C. K. V. V; Nadia, W. B, investigation on Monte Ortobene (Nuoro, Sardinia).
India, pp: 53-55. Journal of Ethnobiology and Ethnomedicine, 5: 6.
14. Catley and A.A. Mohammad, 1996. Ethno-veterinary
knowledge in Sanag region, Somali land (Part II):
Notes on local methods of treating and preventing
livestock diseases. Nomadic People, 39: 135-146.
... For a long time, medicinal plants have been used in preventative and therapeutic capacities for both human and animal disorders (Adeniran et al. 2020). Investigations on ethno-veterinary medicine (EVM) are normally considered as a part of the community-based method that aids in improving animal well-being and offers essential animal healthcare facilities in remote areas (Khan et al. 2015). Still today, remote areas lack modern healthcare facilities for livestock, and people in mountainous areas rely on livestock to fulfill the maximum of their needs, particularly for agriculture production. ...
... In this study, we recorded the plant-based ethnoveterinary remedies being practiced from ancient times.(Abbas et al. 2013) reported 27 species from Naltar Valley for ethnoveterinary uses,(Khan et al. 2015) reported 13 species from the Deosai plateau for their veterinary uses. Similarly, the findings of this research revealed that 24 plant species belonging to 20 families were being used for treating animal ailments in Dasso and Barchi villages of Upper Haramosh. ...
... Polygonaceae family was dominant for ethno-veterinary uses similar to that in (K. U.Khan et al. 2015, Muhammad et al. 2021. The reason why Polygonaceae contributed the most no. of species might be due to the high medicinal potential that exists in the plants of this family. ...
Article
Full-text available
Background: Ethnoveterinary practices are declining, depleting valuable knowledge over time in the Haramosh region. Therefore, the current study aimed to explore and document indigenous knowledge regarding ethno-veterinary plants in Upper Haramosh and simultaneously assess their conservation status. Methods: Direct interviews were conducted with shepherds, farmers, and senior citizens possessing traditional knowledge. Semi-structured questionnaires were also developed for collecting knowledge from inhabitants. The conservation status of the species was checked referring to IUCN red list data. Results: The current study revealed ethno-veterinary uses for 25 plant species spanning 24 genera and 22 families. The Polygonaceae and Asteraceae families dominate, with three and two species, respectively. Seven common ailments were reported, with injuries having the highest plant frequency. The most common administration method was decoction, followed by powder, paste, and direct consumption. RFC values ranged from 0.3 - 0.9, with Berberis orthobotrys, Geranium pratense, Punica granatum, and Zea mays depicting the highest values. Use values ranged from 0.3 to 1, with the highest reported for B. orthobotrys, G. pratense, and Z. mays. Fidelity levels (%) for disease categories varied, with B. orthobotrys, G. pratense, Juniperus excelsa, Juglans regia, Saussurea Simpsoniana, Delphinium brunonianum, and P. granatum all demonstrating 100% fidelity for their reported disease types. Conservation status is Least Concern for all species except D. brunonianum, S. simpsoniana, and Ephedra gerardiana, which are classified as vulnerable according to IUCN Red List data. Conclusions: The study underscores the area's potential for medicinal plants, emphasizing the need for phytochemical studies to further validate their efficacy. Keywords: Ethno-veterinary, Indigenous Knowledge, Conservation Status, Pets, Medicinal Plants
... One teaspoonful of dried plant powder is used with milk once a week to treat headaches and fever and can also be used by cooking with leafy vegetables for this purpose [53]. It is employed for treating respiratory disorders, and the evidence also shows its sound effects in pain, unconsciousness, and cerebral disorders [54]. ...
... It is also used to treat diarrhea in animals [55]. Ali et al. [54] separated some compounds to correlate the antiinflammatory properties of P. candollei. Total phenolic content and total flavonoid components were also studied for P. candollei, which is very positive and authenticates various plants' use in formulating new nutraceuticals, pharmaceuticals, and functional foods [56]. ...
Research
Full-text available
The Apiaceae botanical family and the Pleurospermum genus have been recognized as valuable reservoirs of natural antioxidants, finding extensive applications in medicinal, pharmaceutical, nutraceutical, cosmeceutical, and culinary realms. This is attributed to their rich array of bioactive phytochemicals and their diverse range of biological activities. Essential oils are complex mixtures of hydrocarbons, and their oxygenated derivatives arise from two different isoprenoid pathways. Glandular trichomes and other secretory structures, specialized secretory tissues primarily distributed on the surface of plant organs, notably flowers and leaves, generate essential oils. Essential oils play a crucial ecological role within the plant. In addition, since ancient times, essential oils have been used in many different traditional healing systems worldwide because of their biological activities. Moreover, this review will attract the attention of scientists from aroma industries, nutritionists, and pharmaceutical industries to improve the use of essential oils for nutraceutical purposes with commercialization to aid and promote healthy lifestyles, wellness, and well-being.
... The documented families had several characteristics with the flora found in the country's other regions, such as the dominance of the Asteraceae and Poaceae families (Shaheen et al., 2011;Abbasi et al., 2013;Abbas et al., 2016;Ijaz et al., 2016;Ali et al., 2022). Numerous studies on vegetation assessment on the native flora of the country from diverse regions have been published in the past (Ijaz et al., 2015;Kifayat et al., 2015;Saeed Khattak et al., 2015;Ahmad et al., 2016;Rahman et al., 2016;Ali et al., 2022). Furthermore, the overall recorded values are consistent with a recent study conducted in the catchment area of the river Chanab in Punjab, Pakistan (Ali et al., 2022). ...
Article
Full-text available
The tropical dry forests (TDF) have an enormously rich flora and fauna that offer various ecological services to the surrounding human societies. Biodiversity assessment is mandatory for implementing any sustainable forest management policy, which is why it is one of the important criteria and indicators currently used. Threats to TDF biodiversity are the primary challenges arising from environmental concerns caused by anthropogenic activity leading to global warming issues. The study aimed to investigate the vegetation assessment and several environmental and anthropogenic variables influencing forest biodiversity from 5 threatened forest sites of District Sialkot (Ghalotian, Kishan Garh, Daburgi Chanda Singh, Pir Kot, and Ghulab Garh), Pakistan. We collected 170 distinct plant species, including 135 dicots, 27 monocots, seven pteridophytes, and one bryophyte, categorized into 138 genera and 62 families, divided into 114 herbs, 32 trees, and 24 shrubs. The phytosociological analysis described the quantitative characteristics, including % frequency, % density, % cover, and importance Value Index (IVI) of all forest areas. Gulab Garh forest has the richest biodiversity forest area, and herbs are the dominant species that have been documented. Environmental factors such as temperature, precipitation, organic matter, soil pH, Ca+2, Mg+2, Na+, Cl−, and electric conductivity (EC) strongly affect forest vegetation investigated by principal coordinate analysis. Shannon and Simpson’s diversity indexes reveal that all sites contain loamy and sandy soil and display a significant relationship between alpha diversity and richness. Increasing trends in temperature and decreasing trends in rainfall suggested that climate significantly affects the Sialkot region’s plant biodiversity. SWOT analysis highlighted that population growth leads to increasing anthropogenic activities such as constructing housing societies and roads, inadequate farming, and excessive grazing, impacting the forest vegetation and altering TDF ecosystem properties/services and functioning. Our findings reinforce the vegetational assessment and importance of local forest biodiversity and significant environmental drivers that influence the plant species diversity in TDF areas. Future conservation strategies are suggested to reduce unlawful resource consumption, restore plant biodiversity in designated protected areas, and conserve rare species locally.
... Diabetes, eye disorder, dysentery, bone fracture, wound Khan et al. (2015) 22. ...
Chapter
The Berberis (Berberidaceae) genus consists large deciduous shrub that is found in Western Himalaya, which includes approximately 500 species worldwide. Berberis plants have been shown to have a wide spectrum of medicinally and nutritionally significant phytochemical components. Chemical profiling of plant tissues, including fruit, leaf, root, and stem showed the presence of various bioactive compounds, mainly including magnoflorine, berbamine, berberine, etc. in it. These compounds are alkaloids, tannins, phenolic, sterols, and triterpenes in nature and have medicinal properties as antimicrobial, antipyretic, anti-inflammatory, anti-arrhythmic, anti-cholinergic, anti-leishmaniasis, anti-malaria, and as sedative. Being a traditional medicine since many centuries, there is an increasing trend to enhance the production of bioactive compounds from it. Therefore, to tackle the problem of overexploitation, the present chapter mainly focuses on the identification of bioactive compounds and in vitro propagation for conservation and assessment of quality of micropropagated plants for the sustainable use of Berberis species plants.
... Further, identification was carried out with the help of the available literature of flora of Pakistan (Ali & Nasir, 1980) Gradé et al., 2009;Ishtiaq Ch et al., 2006;M. A. Khan, Ullah, et al., 2015;K. U. Khan, Shah, et al., 2015;Upadhyay et al., 2011). ...
Article
Full-text available
Plant ethnoveterinary uses are evident in various studies around the world, but the ethnoveterinary practices of forage species are not widely reported. Traditional knowledge is rapidly disappearing because of urbanization and commercial activities. The purpose of this study was to document plant species used by the local communities in Malakand Agency, Pakistan for foraging and ethnoveterinary purposes. Twenty different localities in the study area were surveyed for documentation of forage species and related traditional ethnoveterinary knowledge used for livestock. Semistructured questionnaires and field walks were used to conduct 67 interviews with local farmers and herdsmen. A total of 91 forage species from 26 families were documented, as well as their ethnoveterinary applications. Poaceae and Fabaceae were dominant families with 45% and 15% of species respectively. Among the forage species documented, 62 were highly palatable, 26 were moderately palatable and 12 were less palatable. The region's major veterinary diseases are flu, ringworms, inflammations, low milk production, constipation, bloat, mastitis, pneumonia and wounds. The 62 forage species were reported for the first time for various veterinary uses. This study revealed that local communities commonly use a diverse range of forage species in conjunction with indigenous knowledge of ethnoveterinary uses. These forage species have the potential to overcome the recent fodder shortage. Such studies will be beneficial to the commercial production of such forage species.
... As a result, the usage of ethnoveterinary medicine-EVM, particularly indigenous medicinal herbs, and its associated expertise is dwindling. The introduction of contemporary technology and restricted knowledge transmission from one generation to the next are frequently identified as primary causes of this escalating problem [21]. Thus, it is critical to preserve and outline local knowledge. ...
... The high FC values highlight the cultural importance of the plant species (Namukobe et al. 2011). The high use values for these species are in line with the earlier studies conducted in Western Himalaya (Khan et al. 2015;Khan et al. 2021;Dutta et al. 2021). ...
Article
Background: Most people and livestock producers in rural India continue to rely on traditional medicine for health-care practices. The aim of the present study was to document important plant species employed by the people of Paddar to treat livestock ailments. Methods: Reconnaissance surveys were conducted in Paddar from April 2020 to September 2021. A total of 65 informants (37 men and 28 women) were interviewed during the period. Ethnoveterinary data was collected employing semi-structured interviews and participatory observations. The data were analyzed using frequency of citation (FC) and Informant consensus factor (FIC). Results: In total, 43 plant species were used to treat 11 livestock diseases. Herbs were the leading growth forms and leaves were the most used parts used for the treatment purposes. Powder form was the main herbal preparation, and the oral route was the main administration mode. Aucklandia costus, Skimmia laureola, Picrorhiza kurroa, Rumex nepalensis, and Betula utilis were the frequently cited plant species. The FIC value for disease categories ranged from 0.93 to 1. Fourteen plant species were used to treat gastrointestinal disorders. Conclusion: The present study is conducted for the first time in the region. Novel uses were reported for Achillea millefolium, Berberis lycium, Ototropis elegans, Desmostachya bipinnata, Lablab purpureus, Rheum webbianum, and Aucklandia costus. These species should be the focus of phytochemical and pharmacological investigation, which might lead to the creation of more effective veterinary drugs. Key words: Livestock disease, Traditional knowledge, Plant resources, Paddar, Jammu and Kashmir
Article
Full-text available
Background: In the Kutwal Valley Haramosh region, traditional ethnomedical knowledge and local flora are at risk due to the rise of modern medicine and rapid land conversion. Thus, the current study aims to document and explore the cultural significance of medicinal plants, emphasizing the urgent need for conservation efforts. Methods: We used semi-structured questionnaires to gather information from residents and interviewed farmers, shepherds, and elderly individuals who have traditional knowledge. Results: The study identified 91 plant species across 40 families in the local area, with Asteraceae being the predominant family, represented by 13 species. Herbs constituted 76% of the species, primarily utilizing aerial parts (29 species) and roots (20 species) in medicinal preparations, often consumed directly (35 species) or through decoction (22 species). The highest use values (1), relative frequency citation (0.9), and fidelity levels (100%) were observed for Saussurea simpsoniana, Tanacetum falconeri, Berberis lyceum, Pleurospermum brunonis, Euphorbia cornigera, and Punica granatum, indicating their paramount significance in traditional medicine. The highest Informant Consensus Factor values (1) were recorded for the community-based syndrome, immunity, stress, gastrointestinal issues, skin conditions, temperature regulation, headaches, blood disorders, infertility, and mental health. A strong positive correlation (r = 0.7699, p < 0.0001) between use values and relative frequency citation highlights the link between perceived medicinal value and local use. Conclusion: The study emphasizes the need for conservation efforts amidst threats such as overgrazing, deforestation, overexploitation, and habitat loss, and suggests further phytochemical research to validate medicinal properties.
Book
Full-text available
This is a reprint of articles from the Special Issue published online in the open access journal Molecules (ISSN 1420-3049) (available at: www.mdpi.com/journal/molecules/special issues/marine NP diseases).
Article
Local knowledge systems have won growing attention and respect within conventional science and in the international development community. Such systems have usually resulted from centuries of local people's empirical observation and experience and typically are highly ecologically sensitive. The information they embody and their associated materials and techniques can be of immense practical value in mounting cost-effective, socio-culturally and politically workable, environmentally benign, and thus sustainable, initiatives to improve human livelihoods and well-being. The present article overviews one pioneering branch of research and development for the continent of Africa: ethnoveterinary medicine. Indigenous healers, ethno-aetiologies, ethnopharmacology and toxicology, vaccination and surgical skills, and selected health-related husbandry practices are described. These data are then analysed from both social scientific and biological-technical perspectives, to identify limitations and potentials in putting African veterinary expertise to work in truly appropriate agricultural development. The authors conclude with recommendations for both immediate and future directions in the study and utilisation of this corpus of valuable, but endangered, knowledge.
Flora of West Pakistan: An 15. Goud, P.S. and T. Pullaiah, 1996. Folk veterinary annotated Catalogue of the Vascular Plants of West medicines of Kurnool
  • R R Stewart
Stewart, R.R., 1972. Flora of West Pakistan: An 15. Goud, P.S. and T. Pullaiah, 1996. Folk veterinary annotated Catalogue of the Vascular Plants of West medicines of Kurnool district andra Pradesh.
Flora of pastures in Basho Valley, Baltistan (Doctoral Pakistan, Nos. 191-193. Islamabad, Karachi. dissertation, MS Thesis, Department of Animal 18
  • V Seim
  • Of Rajasthan
Seim, V., 1999. Grazing behaviour, habitat use and of Rajasthan". LEISA:LEISA Newsletter,13(1): 36. diet selection of domestic animals on the high 17. Ali, S.I. and Y.J. Nasir. (Eds.), 1989-1992. Flora of pastures in Basho Valley, Baltistan (Doctoral Pakistan, Nos. 191-193. Islamabad, Karachi. dissertation, MS Thesis, Department of Animal 18. Ali, S.I. and M. Qaiser (Eds.), 1993-2009. Flora of Science, Agriculture University of Norway: pp: 84). Pakistan, No. 194-215. Karachi
Sawyer and areas strategy for sustainable development. IUCN R. Va´squez, 1994. Dynamics and species richness of Pakistan. tropical forests
  • A Virk
  • K Sheikh
  • A Marwat
  • O L Phillips
  • P Hall
  • A H Gentry
Virk, A., K. Sheikh and A. Marwat, 2003. Northern 19. Phillips, O.L., P. Hall, A.H. Gentry, S.A. Sawyer and areas strategy for sustainable development. IUCN R. Va´squez, 1994. Dynamics and species richness of Pakistan. tropical forests. Proceedings of the National
Measuring the contribution of Livestock to 20. Tardio, J. and M. Pardo-de-Santayana Cultural Household, livelihoods. importance indices: A comparative analysis based on 6 Flora of Pakistan, the useful wild plants of Southern Cantabria (1-187)
  • P Ciamarra
  • U D Baker
  • N Morgan
  • A Zezza
Ciamarra, P., U.D. Baker, N. Morgan and A. Zezza, Academy of Sciences USA, pp: 91. 2011. Measuring the contribution of Livestock to 20. Tardio, J. and M. Pardo-de-Santayana, 2008. Cultural Household, livelihoods. importance indices: A comparative analysis based on 6. Nasir, E. and S. I. Ali, 1970. 1987. Flora of Pakistan, the useful wild plants of Southern Cantabria (1-187). (Northern Spain), Economic Botany, 62: 24-39.
A phytogeographical 21 Medicinal analysis of the phanerogams of Pakistan and plant diversity and use in the highlands of Kashmir
  • S I Ali
  • M Qaiser Shrestha
  • S S Dhillion
Ali, S.I. and M. Qaiser, 1986. A phytogeographical 21. Shrestha, P.M. and S.S. Dhillion, 2003. Medicinal analysis of the phanerogams of Pakistan and plant diversity and use in the highlands of Kashmir. In Proc. Royal Soc. Edinburgh B (Vol. 89, Dolakha district, Nepal. Journal of pp: 89-101).
Plants and Plant Resources of Siran 22
  • G M Shah
Shah, G.M., 2007. Plants and Plant Resources of Siran 22. Ijaz, F., Z. Iqbal, J. Alam, S.M. Khan, A. Afzal, I.U.
Ethno Department of Plant Sciences, Quaid-i-Azam Medicinal Study upon Folk recipes against various University
  • Valley
  • N W F P Mansehra
  • Pakistan
Valley, Mansehra, N.W.F.P., Pakistan. Ph. D Thesis, Rahman, M. Afzal, M. Islam and Sohail, 2015. Ethno Department of Plant Sciences, Quaid-i-Azam Medicinal Study upon Folk recipes against various University, Islamabad, Pakistan. human diseases in Sarban Hills, Abbottabad,
Ethnobotanical 10. McCorkle, 1986. An introduction to ethnoveterinary Study of Some Medicinal Plants of Tehsil Kabal, research and development
  • F Ijaz
  • Z Iqbal
  • Z Ali
F. Ijaz, Z. Iqbal and Z. Ali, 2015. Ethnobotanical 10. McCorkle, 1986. An introduction to ethnoveterinary Study of Some Medicinal Plants of Tehsil Kabal, research and development. J. Ethnobiol, 6: 129-149. District Swat, KP, Pakistan. Med Aromat Plants, 4:
A study of immunoEthnopharmacol modulating action of Zeetress Proceeding of 26 Scientific symposium on recent advances in Plants and traditional knowledge: An ethnobotanical veterinary microbiology
  • C B Pande
  • V Kumar
Pande, C.B. and V. Kumar, 1994. A study of immunoEthnopharmacol., 158: 412-422. modulating action of Zeetress. Proceeding of 26. Signorini, M.A., M. Piredda and P. Bruschi, 2009. Scientific symposium on recent advances in Plants and traditional knowledge: An ethnobotanical veterinary microbiology. B. C. K. V. V; Nadia, W. B, investigation on Monte Ortobene (Nuoro, Sardinia).