Quantitative ethnobotanical assessment of three medicinal plant species in the Hindu Kush–Himalayan region of Swat, Pakistan

Abstract

Background: Traditional plant knowledge remains an important component of healthcare and livelihood systems in the mountainous regions of Pakistan. Traditional plant knowledge remains an important component of healthcare and livelihood systems in the mountainous regions of Pakistan. This study documents the ethnobotanical uses, literature-based phytochemical evidence, and conservation implications of three selected medicinal plant species while providing the first comparative quantitative ethnobotanical and ethnoveterinary assessment of these underexplored taxa in District Swat, Pakistan.

Methods: Ethnobotanical data were collected between July 2025 and March 2026 from 45 key informants using purposive sampling through semi-structured interviews, guided field walks and participatory discussions. Data collection continued until information saturation was achieved. Quantitative indices including Frequency of Citation, Relative Frequency of Citation, Use Value, and Fidelity Level were used to assess cultural significance.

Results: A total of 167 use reports were recorded throughout the survey. Allium filidens showed the highest ethnobotanical importance with 82 use reports, FC (40), RFC (0.89), UV (1.82) and FL (85%). Astragalus kanjuensis accounted for 58 use reports with FC (32), RFC (0.71) and UV (1.29), while Delphinium suave recorded 49 use reports with FC (28), RFC (0.62) and UV (1.09). The recorded uses included food, medicine, ethnoveterinary care, fodder, and wound healing. Literature reports indicate that related species within these genera contain flavonoids, saponins, polysaccharides, organosulfur compounds and diterpenoid alkaloids associated with antioxidant, antimicrobial, and anti-inflammatory activities.

Conclusions: The studied species are important biocultural resources supporting local healthcare traditions. Field observations and informant perceptions suggest localized population pressures associated with overharvesting and habitat degradation, highlighting the need for precautionary conservation measures.

Keywords: Ethnopharmacology; Cultural heritage; Use value; Indigenous knowledge systems; Conservation; Sustainable utilization