Ethnomedicinal utilization and conservation status of highland flora from Western Himalayas of Azad Jammu and Kashmir, Pakistan

Abstract

Background: Ethnobotany is an interdisciplinary field that investigates the intricate relationship between plants and humans. The study was aimed to investigate the ethnomedicinal utilization and assessment of the conservation status of highland flora in the western Himalayan region of Azad Jammu & Kashmir, Pakistan. 

Methods: The study was conducted from May to September during the years 2018 to 2020 in the blooming season of subalpine and alpine lacustrine wetlands-associated flora. Information was collected from local farmers, herb vendor and herbalist/ hakims for various usage and remedies. During the fieldwork, 80 respondents (50 male and 30 female) of different age groups were selected and personal observations were also recorded. Plants that have been recorded are given together with their indication, portion used, preparation method, and use value (UV). The informant consensus factor (ICF) and fidelity level (FL) of the plants based on their utilization in relation to different disease categories were also determined through analysis of the results.

Results: The current study has documented 47 medicinal plant species from 25 families used for the treatment of 25 different major and minor illnesses and conditions. The rhizome (22%), roots (18%) followed by leaves and whole plants (17%) were the most favored plants parts amongst the species. The highest RFC was recorded for Aconitum chasmanthum (0.61%) while Iris hookeriana and Persicaria alpina has the lowest (0.03%). The maximum used value was reported for Thymus linearis (0.63) and minimum for Iris hookeriana that is (0.01). The highest FL value was found in Thymus linearis (73.75%) and lowest was observed for Lindelofia longiflora (1.25%). The highest IAR value (1.00) against gout, tuberculosis and tonic while lowest value is 0.20 for kidney diseases. The most frequently used plant component was rhizome, and powder was found to be the primary method of preparation. Preparations are often either ingested or used topically. The conservation status showed that 57% species are vulnerable, 19% endangered, 13% critically endangered and 11% are threatened.  

Conclusion: This study contributes to the understanding of plant resource utilization patterns and the conservation status of high land flora in the western Himalaya region. The findings underscore the importance of implanting effective conservation measures to ensure the sustainable use of plant resources and the preservation of biodiversity in Azad Jammu & Kashmir, Pakistan.

Keywords: Medicinal plants, Highland flora, Western Himalayas, Conservation status