Ethnomedicinal use of some plant species by Gujjar and Bakerwal community in

Mountainous Region of Himalaya Muatasim Jan, Tawseef Ahmad Mir, Aijaz Hassan Ganie and Rakesh Kumar Khare

Research Viola odorata with a FL of 100% and Achillea millefolium, Chenopodium album, Phytollaca acinosa, Ajuga bracteosa, Cannabis sativa, Senecio Abstract chrysanthemoides were reported to be the most Background: Plants are being used since the time important medicinal plants according to their use immemorial to alleviate sufferings and ailments. value. Herbal medicine forms an essential part of the traditional primary medical system of Kashmir Correspondence Himalaya. Present study attempts to report the essential ethnomedicinal plant species used against 1* 1 various ailments by Gujjar and Bakerwal community Muatasim Jan , Tawseef Ahmad Mir , Aijaz 2 1 of Gulmarg Mountainous region of district , Hassan Ganie and Rakesh Kumar Khare and Kashmir. 1 Centre of Research for Ethnobotany, Goverment Methods: Extensive surveys were conducted in the Model Science College, Jiwaji University, Gwalior, study area in different seasons during March 2019 to -474009 2 July 2020 for the collection of medicinally important Department of Botany, , Kargil plants and the traditional knowledge associated with Campus-194105 them. Ethnomedicinal data was obtained through * group discussions, semi-structured interviews, Corresponding Author: [email protected] questionnaires and field observations. During the study a total of 54 informants (36 males and 18 Ethnobotany Research & Applications females) were interviewed aged between 29-78 21:38 (2021) years. The interviews were carried out in local dialect and all the documented data was then translated into English. Conclusions: It was observed that herbal medicine plays a significant role in meeting primary health care Results: A total of 60 plant species belonging to 56 needs of tribal communities living at high altitudes. genera and 35 different families were reported to be Traditional knowledge of plants is passing on from used by Gujjar and Bakerwal community in order to one generation to another through the word of mouth treat various ailments. Asteraceae was recorded to only and this knowledge is on the verge of extinction. be the dominant plant family in the area and leaves Hence there is a dire need to document these were the most commonly utilized plant part with valuable medicinal plants and the traditional treasure decoction as the major mode of herbal recipe associated with them. The species reported with high preparation. The highest ICF value of 0.83 was use value (UV) and fidelity level value (FL) should be reported for dermatological disorders. Present study employed for further phytochemical and reported two plant species Taraxacum officinale and

Manuscript received: 13/04/2021 - Revised manuscript received: 28/05/2021 - Published: 03/06/2021 http://dx.doi.org/10.32859/era.21.38.1-23 2 pharmacological investigation to authenticate this cold, skin disorders etc. But this valuable traditional indigenous knowledge. information is being passed on from one generation to another on oral basis Keywords: Ethno-medicinal uses, Gulmarg mountainous region, Traditional knowledge, Keeping the dependency of local populations on Documentation. medicinal plants in view, we hypothesized that, (i) Due to its remoteness the traditional knowledge of Background the local population would differ considerably from Since prehistoric times, medicinal plants have played other regions in J&K, as well as the wider , a vital role for the treatment of various diseases (ii) Participants will have a high consensus, fidelity (Sullivan & Sheally 1997). Medicinal plants constitute level and use value for the use of ethnomedicinal the base of health-care system in many rural and plants, (iii) New ethnomedicinal claims will be tribal societies. People all over the world depend on reported from the area. With these hypotheses, our plants and plant derived products for their primary research focused on (i) documentation of healthcare needs either directly or indirectly (Kala ethnomedicinal plants used by the local population 2005). Traditional herbal medicine has sustained its (ii) assessment of informant consensus, fidelity level popularity in developing countries of the world, and and use value of ethnomedicinal plants. By the use its usage is rapidly spreading in the developed and of various ethnobotanical indices the more useful industrialized countries as well (Singh & Kachroo plants of the area can be determined which can be 1994). More than 75,000 plant species have been subjected to further pharmacological and estimated to be used by about 4,635 ethnic phytochemical analysis. communities for the treatment of various aliments across India (Baba et al. 2012, Mir et al. 2018b). Materials and Methods Besides treating human ailments, a number of Study area medicinal plant species are used in veterinary Current study was carried out in Gulmarg healthcare (Dar et al. 2018, Khuroo et al. 2007). The Mountainous region of district Baramulla Jammu and o traditional knowledge related to usage of plants and Kashmir (Fig. 1). Gulmarg is located across 74 .13' o o o plant derived products for human survival is old age to 74 .42' N latitude and 34 .03' to 34 .10' E practices in Indian Himalayan region, where people longitude at an altitude of 2100-2800 m. It is located by experience have learnt to identify, collect, about 52 km from capital city and some 39 formulate and utilize these medicines for the km from district headquarter Baramulla. The total treatment of day to day diseases (Rajadurai et al. area of Gulmarg is 180 sq. km, which covers the 2009). The inhabitants of the tribal areas are the forests surrounding Gulmarg. The area is reservoir of accumulated traditional knowledge surrounded in North by Jhelum valley forest division, related to medicinal plants, but due to the invasion of Forest division of and Pir-Panchal in South modernization, knowledge about the use of herbal and Special forest division- in West. medicinal wealth is vanishing at an alarming rate Gulmarg is home to various ethnic tribes mostly (Rajadurai et al. 2009). Medicinal information related Gujjars and Bakerwals. During the winters the study to plants and their uses by ethnic communities is area faces severe cold and a pleasant weather beneficial not only in the preservation of traditional during summers. The temperature ranges between - o o cultures and biodiversity but also for primary 9 C minimum in winter and up to 28 C maximum in healthcare and development of novel drugs (Farooq summers (Ahmad and Qayoom 2019). et al. 2014). Being a part of Indian Himalayan region, A total of 40 visits with each visit of 2 days was made is recognized for its economically to the study area to collect the plants and information important plant species and their products including, from total 17 sites/villages (Wahipora, Solinda, food, fodder, medicine, fiber etc. Because of the Gogal dara, Rajpora, Kulhama, Tetran, Kralwat, plant richness and its unique floral biodiversity, a , Wanigam, Hardu, Gulnar, Fajapora, large number of plant species are used as medicine Gonipora, Hajibal, Khaipora, and Gulrez) in this region in one or another form (Lone et al. richly populated with ethnic communities, where 2014, Malik et al. 2015). A number of ethnobotanical these people are solely dependent on medicinal studies have been conducted across the Kashmir plants to cure a variety of diseases. Plants were Himalaya (Ara & Naqshi 1992, Kaul 2010, Khan et collected with the help of local guides who were al. 2004, Lone 2003, Navchoo & Bhat 1994, Singh aware about the region. Plants with mature leaves, 1995). This is the first elaborated ethnomedicinal stem, roots and flowers were selected for collection. study in Gulmarg Mountainous region of Baramulla. Agriculture (animal husbandry and crop production) Despite good development in the rural health care is the main source of livelihood for these people in facilities, the tribal people of the study area still the region. In addition, collection of non-timber forest depend on indigenous medicines to a greater extent products including medicinal plants is the other for the treatment of various ailments such as cough, source of income in this region.

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Figure 1. Map showing the study area surveyed

Demographic features of informants structured interviews, questionnaires and field To explore the traditional knowledge regarding the observations. The interviews were carried out in local ethnomedicinal uses of plant species in the area, a dialect and all the documented data was then total of 54 informants (36 males, 18 females) were translated into English. Guided field walk to the forest interviewed aged between 29-78 years (Table 1). area allowed us to collect best possible information Among these, male informants (36 informants) were about the identification and utilization of important found to have more experience in terms of medicinal plant species. The information collected knowledge sharing than female informants (18 included local name of the plant, habit, part(s) used, informants). Most of the selected informants were ethnomedicinal use, method of administration illiterate, and a small number were having education preparation. up to higher secondary level and few were job holders. All the selected informants were of one Preservation and taxonomic verification of religion (Muslims), as it is the most practiced religion collected plants of the area. Gujri and Pahari are the two main The medicinal plant species reported by informants languages of communication. The informants were were collected during field trips guided by local selected on the basis of their traditional knowledge people. The specimens were dried, pressed and about the use of plants for treating various diseases. mounted on herbarium sheets and good quality To ensure the validity of traditional knowledge, voucher specimens were made according to continuous relationship was maintained with the standard techniques (Jain & Rao 1997). Voucher local population throughout the survey. specimens were identified with the help of Flora of Jammu and Kashmir (Singh et al. 2002), Flora of Data collection British India (Hooker 1879), various other available The practice of herbal medicine to cure various literatures (Nawchoo & Kachroo 1995, Singh & ailments is a widely accepted system by the Gujjar Kachroo 1994) and help was sort from taxonomists and Bakerwal community of Gulmarg upper reaches. and experts of J&K. All the identified plant specimens Extensive surveys were conducted in the study area were then verified at KASH herbarium of Department in different seasons during March 2019 to July 2020 of Botany, University of Kashmir, Srinagar, Jammu for the collection of medicinally important plants and and Kashmir. The preserved specimens were then the traditional knowledge associated with them. Prior deposited at the aforementioned herbarium for future to interview, brief group discussions were held with reference. the key informants to explain the objective of the present research and a formal written consent was taken from all the informants. Ethnomedicinal data was obtained through group discussions, semi-

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Table 1. Demographic status of informants. Fidelity level Variable Total Percentage Since a particular ailment may be treated with more Gender than one plant species, it is interesting to figure out Male 36 67 the most preferred plant species used for the Female 18 33 treatment of that particular ailment (Musa et al. Age groups 2011), which can be determined with the help of 29-40 6 11 fidelity level (FL%). Fidelity level shows the 41-50 9 17 percentage of informants claiming the use of a 51-60 13 24 particular plant species for the same major ailment. It is aimed to enumerate the importance of the 61-70 15 28 medicinal plant species for a given ailment 71-78 11 20 (Friedmen et al. 1986). Educational qualification

Illiterate 29 54 (! Primary 11 20 !" (%) = × 100 ( Secondary 8 15 "

Above secondary 6 11 Where, Ip is the number of informants who cite the Occupation use of a plant species for a particular ailment and Iu Males is the total number of informants who cite the use of Shopkeepers 6 11 plant species for any ailment. The plant species that Farmers 24 44 are frequently used by the people have higher FL Job holders 6 11 values and plants that are less used have lower FL Females values (Trotter et al. 1986). Housewives 15 28 Job holders 3 6 Informant consensus factor Religion Informant consensus factor (ICF) was used to test Muslim 54 100 the uniformity of knowledge about medicinal plant species (Heinrich et al. 1998). To develop the Data Analysis informant consensus factor, diseases were The data collected through interviews with the categorized into different ailment categories based informants was analyzed using three different on the information provided by the informants (Table quantitative indices viz. fidelity level (FL%), informant 2). consensus factor (ICF) and use value (UV).

Table 2. Disease categories based on ailments recorded.

Disease Category Ailments Gastrointestinal Abdominal pain, Worms, Diarrhoea, Stomach disorders , Constipation, Vomiting, Stimulate bowel movement, Stomach cramps, Indigestion, Purgative, Dysentery, Vermifuge, Expel poisonous substances from stomach, Anthelminthic Dermatological Burns, Bruises, Hair fall, Rashes, Swellings, Cleansing agent, Killing lice, Allergy, Itching, Chilblain, Hair growth, Skin allergies, Insect sting, Sunburn, Cracked heals, Boils, Snake bite, Skin irritation, Fungal infections, Anti-inflammatory, Measles, Scabies Wounds Wounds Nervous disorder Headache, Depression Respiratory Chest congestion, Common cold, Cough, Asthma , Bronchitis, Throat infections Gynaecological Fertility, Post-partum haemorrhage, Lactation, Menorrhagia, Oligomenorrhea, Swelling of nipples, Dysmenorrhea, Morning sickness Skeltomuscular Rheumatism ,Fractured bones, Strengthening bones, Muscular pain, Arthritic pain, Swelling of joints, Poliomyelitis ,Back pain Cardiovascular Blood pressure, Blood purifier Antipyretic Fever, Malaria Ear, Mouth, Eye (EME) Inflamated gums, Toothache, Eye diseases, Ear-ache, Bad smell, Mumps, Ulcers, Tonsillitis Liver and Kidney Excessive urination, Urine infection, Jaundice, Diuretic Body weakness General weakness, Body tonic

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Informant consensus factor was calculated as: Among 32 families representing 1-11 plant species, Asteraceae was the dominant family with 18% ,"% − ,& contribution of the total reported taxa followed by !#$ = ,"% − 1 Lamiaceae (8%), Pinaceae, Solanaceae Fabaceae and Polygonaceae (5%). All other families Where, Nur denotes the number of use reports for a contributed less than 5% varying from 2-3% (Table particular disease category and Nt denotes the 4). Our results regarding the abundant utilization of number of taxa used for that particular disease family Asteraceae are in line with other studies category by all informants. carried out in different parts of Jammu & Kashmir (Tali et al. 2019, Lone et al. 2014, Mir et al. 2021) ICF values range from 0-1, an ICF value of 0 means and other parts of the world (Abbas et al. 2016, Kadir that there is no exchange of information regarding et al. 2014, Hu et al. 2020). The dominance of this the usage of plant species among informants and family can be attributed to its widespread distribution, ICF values approaches 1, when the information is herbaceous life form and its abundance in the area exchanged between the informants (Gazzaneo et al. (Gazzanaeo et al. 2005, Mehraj et al. 2018). 2005). Informant’s consensus within a population Moreover, Asteraceae has been reported to contain and between ethnic groups shows which plant a large number of bioactive compounds used against species are rigorously used and hence helps in the different ailments (Leonti et al. 2003, Hamill et al. selection of plant species for pharmacological and 2000). phytochemical analysis (Giday et al. 2007). Plant part(s) used Use value Data presented in Fig. 3, shows that the native The use value (UV) demonstrates the importance of people of the study area use 17 different plant parts a medicinal plant species by taking into account the in order to cure various ailments. Among these, number of use reports mentioned by the informants. leaves were found to be the most preferred plant In the present study, use value was calculated by the part, with a percentage contribution of 34% followed following formula (Phillip and Gentry 1993). by whole plant (21%) fruit and seed (8% each), root (6%), flower, rhizome, aerial part (4% each) .1 whereas, the use of bark, stem, resin, twig, latex, ./ = 0 , tuber, bulb, wood and thorn was less than 4%.

Where Ui is the total uses reported by each informant In other studies (Hussain et al. 2019, Savikin et al. for a given pant species and N is defines the total 2013, Bussmann & Glenn 2010) as well, leaves were number of informants participating in the study. found to be the most abundantly utilized plant part as medicine. Easy collection, effortless storage and Results and Discussion easy preparation as medicinal product mark the Diversity of ethnomedicinal flora dominance of leaves in traditional healthcare system During the present study a total of 60 medicinally (Dutt et al. 2015). In contrast, some other important plant species belonging to 32 families and ethnomedicinal studies (Tali et al. 2019, Hu et al. 56 genera were reported (Table 3). Each plant 2020) reported whole plant as the most exploited species is provided with botanical name, vernacular plant part to treat various diseases. The utilization of name, voucher number, family, habit, Part(s) used, specific plant part gives an indication that such parts mode of preparation, disease(s) treated, mode of have a strong therapeutic potential and therefore administration, fidelity level (FL %) and use value phytochemical investigation should be done to (UV). Most of the documented medicinal plant validate this indigenous knowledge. It was reported species were herbs (72%) followed by shrubs (13%) that different parts of a same plant are used for the and trees (15%) (Fig. 2). These findings are in treatment of different disorders because of the consistent with other studies carried out in Jammu varying healing property of these plant parts against and Kashmir (Malik et al. 2011, Bhatia et al. 2014) a particular disorder. These plant parts are a rich and other parts of the world (Bolson et al. 2015, Hu source of compounds that can be used to develop et al. 2020; Kadir et al. 2014). As per Simbo (2010), drug synthesis. The active compounds in most parts occurrence of pharmacologically active substance in of the medicinal plants have direct or indirect greater concentration in herbs makes them valuable therapeutic effects and are used as medicinal for treating various ailments. Herbs have the ability agents. But these compounds are not the same in all to grow in diverse habitats including kitchen gardens, the parts of the plant. This may be the reason why pavements, lawns, croplands etc. and therefore are different parts of a same plant are used for different easily accessible to the local population for use in purposes (Bassam 2012). traditional medicine.

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Table 3. Medicinal plants used by the Gujjar and Bakerwal community of Gulmarg mountainous region of Baramulla, Jammu and Kashmir

Botanical name Family Habit Part(s) used / Application Disease(s) treated Mode of administration FL (%) UV (Vernacular Preparation name)/Voucher number Abies pindrow (Royle ex Pinaceae Tree LF: Paste, BR: External Rashes (3), Leaf paste is applied as an indigenous 37.5 0.148 D. Don) Royle. Decoction, RS: Rheumatism (2), remedy on skin rashes. (Budul) Resin, LF: Infusion Wounds (2), 3464-KASH Swellings (1) Decoction of bark is used against rheumatism.

Resin is directly applied to cuts and wounds for quick healing.

Leaf extract is used as water bath for swellings. Achillea millefolium L. Asteraceae Herb LF and FL: Paste, External Inflamated gums Leaves and flowers are crushed and used to 61 0.33 (Pahal-gassh) LF: Paste (11), Toothache (3), cure inflammated gums and toothache. 3024-KASH Burns (2), Bruises (2) Leaves are made into paste and corn flour is added to and is directly applied on burns and bruises in children. Adiantum capillus- Pteridaceae Herb LF: Paste, WP: External Chest congestion (6), Leaves made into paste are applied directly 60 0.19 veneris L. Infusion Headache (2), Hair to treat chest congestion and headache. (Guetheer) fall (2) 3467-KASH Extract of whole plant is used to wash hair to treat hair fall. Ajuga bracteosa Wall ex Lamiaceae Herb LF: Decoction, LF: Internal Abdominal pain (12), Decoction obtained from leaves is taken 75 0.30 Benth. Decoction Worms (2), Diarrhoea orally for the treatment of abdominal pain (Janiadam) (2) and in case of worms. 3469-KASH Decoction is also taken to treat diarrhoea. Allium sativum L. Liliaceae Herb BL: Roasted, BL: Internal Blood pressure (7), Bulb is roasted and eaten empty stomach 63.63 0.20 (Rohun) Paste Fertility (4) early morning for blood pressure. 3472-KASH Paste of bulb is applied into uterus to enhance fertility.

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Anagallis arvensis L. Primulaceae Herb WP: Rubbed, WP: External and Cleansing agent (4), Fresh herb is rubbed between hands, a large 44.44 0.19 (Chari-saben) Decoction Internal Killing lice (3), Allergy quantity of leather is formed which removes 3477-KASH (3) dirt.

Extract of plant is applied for killing lice and allergy.

Anthemis cotula L. Asteraceae Herb AP: Decoction, LF: External Body muscular pain Extract of aerial portion is used to wash body 46.15 0.24 (Fakh-gash) Rubbed, WP: (6), Skin infection (3), for muscular pain and skin infections. 3025-KASH Poultice, WP: Paste Insect sting (2), Sunburn (2) Leaves are rubbed on insect sting as pain reliever.

Plant is crushed and applied as poultice to treat piles.

Paste of plant is used to treat sun burn. Artemisia absinthium L. Asteraceae Herb LF: Powder Internal Worms (13), Stomach Powdered dried leaves taken with water is 93 0.26 (Tethwan) disorders (1) used to expel worms and for the treatment of 3027-KASH stomach disorders. Artemisia vulgaris L. Asteraceae Herb WP: Powder, WP: Internal Malaria (6), Fever (2), Whole herb is dried, powdered and taken 50 0.22 (Nagdowna) Infusion, WP: Oligomenorrhea (2), with water to treat malaria, fever. 3029-KASH Powder Headache (2) Extract of whole plant is taken by women to treat irregular menstruation.

Root is dried, powdered and taken with milk or water to get relief from headache. Berberis lycium Royle Berberidaceae Shrub FR: Paste, RT: External Wound healing (8), Paste obtained from fruits is applied 61.53 0.24 (Kawdach) Decoction Eye diseases (5) externally on wounds for enhanced healing 3479-KASH Water extract of root is used externally to treat eye diseases. Cannabis sativa L. Cannabinaceae Herb LF: Smoked, LF: Internal and Depression (7), Leaves dried are smoked through pipe and 46.66 0.28 (Bhang) Paste, LF: Paste External Excessive urination called Hukkah to relieve depression. 3482-KASH (5), Ear-ache (3) Powdered leaf mixed with egg yolk is given to children to treat excessive urination.

Leaf essence is used to relieve earache.

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Capsella bursa-pastoris Brassicaceae Herb AP: Cooked Internal Postpartum Above ground part is cooked and given to 75 0.22 (L.) Medik. haemorrhage (9), ladies after delivery to cure prolonged (Kralmund) Constipation (1), bleeding. 3483-KASH Abdominal pain (1), Vomiting (1) It is also taken against constipation, abdominal pain and vomiting. Cedrus deodara (Roxb. Pinaceae Tree WD: Oil External Wound healing (8), Wood chipped into pieces and the oil 67 0.22 Ex D. Don) G.D. Don. Itching (2), Rheumatic obtained is applied directly on wounds and (Deodar) pain (2) cracked heals as antiseptic. 3484-KASH Oil extracted from wood is applied on hands against itching.

Oil is also massaged to treat rheumatic pain. Centauria iberica Trevir Asteraceae Shrub TH: Paste, FL: External Skin rashes (10), Thorns are burnt and the ash is made into 77 0.24 & Spreng. Powder Wound healing (3) paste with added ghee and applied to treat (Kreach) skin rashes. 3035-KASH Dried flowers are powdered and sprinkled on wounds for quick healing and as antiseptic. Powder Chenopodium album L. Chenopodiacea Herb LF: Cooked, AP: Internal Stimulate bowel Leaves are cooked as vegetable and used to 79 0.31 (Liss) e Decoction movement (12), stimulate bowel movement. 3486-KASH Intestinal worms (3), Diarrhoea (2) Water extract f aerial portion is taken to expel intestinal worms and against diarrhoea. Cichorium intybus L. Asteraceae Herb WP: Decoction, WP: Internal and Fever (6), Diarrhoea Whole plant is boiled in water and the extract 54.54 0.20 (Kaw-Handh) Poultice External (3), Fractured bones is taken against fever and diarrhoea. 3036-KASH (1), Wound healing (1) Whole plant is crushed, made into paste and used as poultice on fractured bones and also for wound healing. Conyza bonariensis (L.) Asteraceae Herb WP: Infusion, WP: Internal Dysmenorrhea (3), Extract of whole plant is taken to treat painful 33.33 0.20 Cronquist Infusion Diarrhoea (2), menstruation. (Shashedra) Abdominal pain(2), 3041-KASH Anthelminthic (2), Extract is taken against diarrhoea, Urinary infections (2) abdominal pain, as anthelminthic and urinary infections.

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Cotula anthemoides L. Assteraceae Herb WP: Decoction, WP: External and Chilblain (7), Whole herb is boiled in water and the extract 50 0.26 (Thol-Babul) Infusion, WP: Internal Headache (3), Fever is used to wash feet in order to get relief 3040-KASH Poultice (1), Blood purifier (1), from chilblain Fractured bones (2) Water extract of whole plant is used to treat headache and fever and as blood purifier.

Plant crushed is made into paste and used directly as poultice on fractured joints. Cynodon dactylon L. Poaceae Herb WP: Decoction, WP: Internal and Common cold (4), Decoction of whole plant is taken in case of 40 0.19 (Dramun) Paste, WP: Poultice, External Anti-inflammatory common cold. 3040-KASH WP: Juice (3), Skin rashes (2), Wound (1) Whole plant is made into paste and used as anti-inflammatory.

Poultice of whole herb is applied to treat skin rashes.

Juice of plant is extracted on wounds to stop bleeding Datura stramonium L. Solanaceae Shrub SD: Oil, SD: Powder External and Hair growth (6), Oil obtained by crushing seeds is applied 46.15 0.24 (Datur) Internal Wounds (3), Cough directly on head to enhance hair growth and 3498-KASH (4) to treat wounds.

Seeds are dried, powdered and taken with water to treat cough Equisetum arvense L. Equisetaceae Herb AP: Paste, AP External and Skin allergies (3), Plant is crushed, made into paste and used 23.07 0.24 (Bandakey) Infusion Internal Strengthening for skin allergies and strengthening of bones. 3505-KASH bones(2), Hair fall (2), Urine infection(2), Paste of the aerial portion is applied on scalp Stomach cramps(2), for hair growth. Wound (2) Whole herb is dried, powdered and taken with water to cure urine infection and stomach troubles.

Infusion of whole herb is used to stop bleeding from an injury.

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Ficus carica L. Moraceae Tree FR: Raw, FR: Internal Lactation (8), Cough Dried fruit is taken by women to increase 57.14 0.26 (Anjeer) Decoction (2), Cold (2), Stomach breast milk. 3597-KASH disorders (2) Decoction obtained from fruits is used to cure cough, cold and stomach disorders. Geranium wallichianum Geraniaceae Herb RT: Paste Internal Fever (5), Muscular Halwa made by mixing root powder of plant, 62.25 0.15 D. Don. ex Sweet pain (2), General with corn flour and ghee is taken to treat (Ratanjog) weakness (1) fever, muscular pain and general body 3511-KASH weakness. Hypericum porforatum L. Hypericaceae Herb WP: Powder, WP: Internal Rheumatism (5), Whole plant is dried, powdered and taken 38.46 0.24 (Ring-Chai) Decoction Cough and chest with water to treat rheumatism. 3514-KASH infection (3), Menorrhagia (2) Tea is made of whole plant and used against Abdominal pain(3) cough and chest infections and to check excessive menstrual bleeding and abdominal pain Indigofera heterantha L. Fabaceae Shrub RH: Powder, ST: Internal and Abdominal pain (4), Powdered rhizome added with water is taken 50 0.15 (Zand) Rubbed, RT: External Toothache (2), Cough orally to treat abdominal pain. 3516-KASH Powder (2) Young branches are used as brush to treat toothache.

Powder of root bark is used to treat cough. Juglans regia L. Juglandaceae Tree BR: Rubbed, LF: External and Toothache (10), Bark of the plant is rubbed on teeth to get 83.33 0.22 (Doon) Decoction Internal Intestinal worms (2) relief from toothache. 3519-KASH Decoction of leaves is taken to cure intestinal worms. Lavetera cashmeriana L. Malvaceae Herb FL: Decoction, FL: Internal Skin irritation (12), Decoction of flowers is given to pregnant 92.30 0.24 (Saz-posh) Powder Mumps (1) women to treat skin infection. 3520-KASH Flowers are dried, crushed and given with milk to children to treat mumps. Malva neglecta Wall. Malvaceae Herb LF: Cooked Internal Body tonic (6), Leaves are cooked as vegetable and taken 75 0.15 (Sochal) Constipation (1), with meals as body tonic, to treat 3524-KASH Abdominal pain (1) constipation, and abdominal pain Mentha arvensis L. Lamiaceae Herb LF: Powder Internal Diarrhoea (9), Low Dried leaves are powdered and mixed with 90 0.19 (Pudneh) blood pressure (1) curd and taken against diarrhoea and low 3529-KASH blood pressure.

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Mentha longifolia L. Lamiaceae Herb LF: Powder, LF: Internal Bad smell (4), Crushed leaves with added salt are taken as 36.36 0.20 (Yen-pudneh) Decoction Abdominal pain (3), mouth freshener. 3530-KASH Stomach cramps (3), Indigestion (1) Tea made from leaves is taken to cure abdominal pain, stomach cramps and indigestion. Nepeta cataria L. Lamiaceae Shrub LF: Powder, LF: Internal Fever (7), Worms (2), Leaves are dried, powdered and used 50 0.26 (Brair-gass) Infusion Diarrhoea (4), against fever, worms and diarrhoea. 3535-KASH Vomiting (1) Extract of fresh leaves is taken to prevent vomiting. Phytollaca acinosa Roxb. Phytolaccaceae Herb LF: Cooked, RT: Oil Internal and Stomach disorders (7), Young leaves cooked and taken as 41.17 0.31 (Brand-hakh) External Swelling of nipples (5), vegetable against stomach disorders. 3540-KASH Arthritic pain (5) Oil obtained from roots is used to treat swelling of the nipple and arthritic pain. Pinus wallichiana A. B. Pinaceae Tree RS: Resin, ST: Oil External Cracked heals (4), Resin obtained from the tree is directly 40 0.19 Jack. Wounds (2), Skin applied on cracked heals and wounds for (Kayar) rashes (2), Boils (2) quick healing. 3541-KASH Stem oil is applied on skin rashes and boils. Plantago lanceolata L. Plantaginaceae Herb LF: Juice, LF: External and Skin infections (9), Juice of leaves is applied on skin infections. 69 0.24 (Gull) Decoction, SD: Internal Cough (2), Cold (1), 3542-KASH Powder Purgative (1) Tea obtained from leaves is taken in case of cough, cold.

Seeds are taken with sugar and water as purgative. Plantago major L. Plantaginaceae Herb LF: Poultice, SD: External and Rheumatic pain (6), Leaves crushed and made into paste are 50 0.22 (Bead-gull) Decoction Internal Fractured bones (2), used as poultice for rheumatic pain and on 3543-KASH Dysentery (4) fractured bones.

Seeds are boiled in water and the water extract is taken to treat dysentery. Podophyllum hexandrum Berberidaceae Herb RH: Decoction, RH: Internal and Body tonic (4), Decoction obtained from rhizome is taken 44.44 0.17 Royle Paste External Vermifuge (3), Snake orally as a good body tonic and as (Wanwangun) bite (2) vermifuge. 3544-KASH Paste of rhizome is applied on snakebite.

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Polygonum aviculare L. Polygonaceae Herb LF: Paste, LF: External and Boils (5), Joint pain Paste of leaves is applied on boil to get 45.45 0.20 (Dudijj) Poultice, WP: Internal (3), Menorrhagia (3) quick relief. 3545-KASH Cooked Dried leaves made into paste are used as poultice on joints to get relief from pain.

Whole plant is cooked and taken as vegetable for excessive menstrual bleeding. Potentilla indica Rosaceae Herb RH: Decoction LF: Internal and Headache (5), Fever Dried rhizome decoction mixed with milk is 35.71 0.24 (Andrews) Th. Wolf Poultice External (3), General body taken in case of headache, fever general (Ringrish) weakness (1), body weakness and diarrhoea . 3550-KASH Diarrhoea (2)Snake bite (3) Poultice of leaf is applied in case of snake bite. Prunella vulgaris L. Lamiaceae Herb WP: Infusion , LF: External Muscle pain (7), Extract of whole plant is used as water bath 78 0.17 (Kalweuth) Paste, LF: Poultice, Wounds (1), Tonic (1) to treat muscle pain. 3551-KASH LF: Decoction Leaves crushed and made into paste are applied to wounds for enhanced healing.

Leaf decoction is taken for energy. Punica granatum L. Punicaceae Shrub FR: Juice, FR: Juice Internal General body tonic Juice obtained from fruits is used as general 50 0.22 (Daen) (6), Diarrhoea (4), body tonic and to treat diarrhoea. 3553-KASH Jaundice (2) Juice of fruit is taken in jaundice. Ranunculus arvensis L. Ranunculaceae Herb WP: Poultice, WP: External and Fungal infections (10), Whole plant is crushed and used externally 91 0.20 (Dimm-gassh) Juice Internal Diarrhoea (1) as poultice for fungal infections. 3554-KASH Juice of whole plant is taken against diarrhoea. Rheum emodi Wall. ex Polygonaceae Herb RH: Powder External Burns (10), Ulcers (1), Rhizome is dried and made into powder; 83.33 0.22 Meisn Wounds (1) powder is sprinkled on burns, ulcers and (Pumbchalan) non-healing wounds for enhanced healing. 3558-KASH Robinia pseudoacacia L. Fabaceae Tree LF: Decoction, LF: External Chilblains (6), Swelling Hot water extract from plant leaves is 54.54 0.20 (Kikar) Decoction of joints (4), Fever (1) obtained and is used to wash feet in case of 3559-KASH chilblains.

Extract is also used for bathing to treat swelling of joints and fever.

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Rubus niveus Thunb. Rosaceae Shrub LF: Decoction, FR: Internal Menorrhagia (3), Tea made from leaves is taken by women 50 0.11 (Chaanch) Juice, LF: Decoction Fever (2), Tonsillitis against heavy menstrual bleeding. 3461-KASH (1) Juice of fruit is taken to treat fever.

Leave are boiled in water and used as gargle to treat tonsillitis. Rumex nepalensis L. Polygonaceae Herb RT: Decoction, WP: Internal and Stomach pain (8), Root decoction is taken to treat stomach 57 0.26 (Abijj) Paste External Abdominal pain (3), pain and abdominal pain. 3563-KASH weakness (1),Skin diseases (2) Whole plant is dried, powdered and made into paste to treat skin diseases. Salix alba L. Salicaceaeae Tree LF: Infusion, BR: External Joint pain (4), Skin Extract obtained from leaves is used to wash 44.44 0.17 (Veer) Decoction, LF: Infection (2), joints to get relief from joint pain. 3565-KASH Decoction Headache (3) Bark is kept in water for some time and this water is used to bath new born babies in order to prevent them from infection.

Extract of leaves is used to cure headache. Sambucus wightiana Caprifoliaceae Shrub FR: Juice, RT: Internal Expel poisonous Fruit juice is given orally to stimulate 42.85 0.26 Wall. Decoction, RT: substances from vomiting to expel poisonous substances (Gundula) Decoction stomach (6), from stomach. 3567-KASH Poliomyelitis (4), Diuretic (4) Extract of root is used to treat poliomyelitis in children.

Also used as diuretic. Senecio Asteraceae Herb FL: Poultice External Wounds (6), Asthma Flowers are crushed and applied directly on 40 0.28 chrysanthemoides DC. LF: Paste (4), Bronchitis (5) wounds to prevent infection and for rapid (Bagghu) healing. 3047-KASH Leaf paste is applied to chest to get relief from asthma and bronchitis. Sisymbrium irio L. Brassicaceae Herb SD: Paste, LF: External and Fever (4), Headache Seeds are crushed and made into paste and 36.36 0.20 (Tilgogul-gash) Cooked Internal (2), Measles (2), applied in case of fever, headache and 3568-KASH Throat and chest measles. infections (3) Leaves are cooked and taken to treat throat and chest infections.

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Solanum nigrum L. Solanaceae Herb LF: Paste, FR: External and Burns (5), Skin Leaves made into paste are directly applied 50 0.19 (Kambai) Paste, FR: Raw Internal disorders (2), Anti- on burns and skin disorders. 3571-KASH inflammatory (2), Weakness (1) Also used as anti-inflammatory.

Fruit is take as energiser for general body weakness Solanum tuberosum L. Solanaceae Herb TB: Paste External Burn (3), Bruises (2), Paste obtained from tuber is applied directly 42.85 0.13 (Alua) Wound healing (2), on burn and bruises and for wound healing. 3572-KASH Sonchus arvensis L. Asteraceae Herb LF: Poultice, LT: External Swelling (6), Boils (2), Leaves are crushed and used as poultice on 60 0.19 (Dudijj-kand) Paste Wounds (2) swelling. 3049-KASH Latex obtained from plant is applied externally on boils and wounds for quick healing. Stellaria media (L.) Vill. Caryophyllaceae Herb WP: Cooked, SD: Internal and Stomach pain (4), Whole plant is taken as a vegetable to treat 33 0.22 (Nikhakh) Powder, WP: Paste External Bone fracture (3), stomach pain. 3574-KASH Skin infections (3), Swelling (2) Seeds are crushed, made into powder and given with milk to children to treat skin infections.

Whole plant is made into paste and applied on affected part to treat bone fracture and swelling. Taraxacum officinale L. Asteraceae Herb LF: Cooked Internal Post-partum Dried leaves are cooked and taken by 100 0.17 (Handh) haemorrhage (9) women after delivery to prevent excessive 3051-KASH blood loss. Trigonella foenum Fabaceae Herb SD: Decoction, SD: Internal Oligomenorrhea (6), Decoction with added turmeric is taken to 60 0.185 graecum L. Decoction Fever (2), check menstrual irregularities in women. (Meth) Constipation (2) 3576-KASH Seed decoction is also taken to cure fever, constipation.

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Triticum aestivum L. Poaceae Herb SD: Decoction, SD: External and Wormicide (4), Decoction of seeds is given to children as 40 0.19 (Kaenak) Decoction, SD: Internal Abdominal pain(2) wormicide and for abdominal pain. 3577-KASH Infusion Fever (1), Back pain (2), Toothache (1) Grain husk is boiled in water for long time and this hot water extract is used by women for bathing to cure fever and back pain.

Seeds are soaked in water and placed on aching teeth to relieve toothache. Urtica dioica L. Urticaceae Herb LF: Poultice, RT: External and Joint pain (5), Wound Leaves are made into paste and applied as 45.45 0.20 (Soi) Paste, LF: Infusion Internal (3), Stomachic (3) poultice in case of joint pain. 3578-KASH Paste of root is used for wound healing.

Extract of leaves is stomachic. Viola odorata L. Violaceae Herb FL: Paste Internal Throat infection (11) Flowers crushed with some added sugar is 100 0.20 (Bunfsha) used to make a jaggery called Khambir and 3581-KASH is used to cure throat infection during winters. Vitis vinifera L. Vitaceae Tree FR: Juice, LF: Internal and Fever (6), Headache Fruit juice is taken orally against fever, 46 0.24 (Daech) Decoction, TW: External (2), Indigestion (2), headache and indigestion. 3582-KASH Juice Skin rashes (2), Blood purifier (1) Leaves are boiled in water and the extract is used as water bath to treat skin rashes.

Sap obtained from the twig is used as blood purifier. Zizyphus jujuba (L.) Rhamnaceae Tree FR: Decoction, LF: Internal and Lactation (6), Cough Dried fruit decoction given to nursing women 60 0.19 Gaertn. Juice, LF: Decoction External (1), Cold (1), Fever to increase the breast milk. (Brai) (1), Scabies (1) 3583-KASH Juice obtained from fruits is used to treat cough, cold and fever.

Leaf extract is used as water bath to treat scabies.

16

15%

13%

Herb

Shrub

Tree

72%

Figure 2. Distribution of species according to their life form

Table 4. Percentage contribution of different families other studies (Bussmann & Glenn 2010) carried out to ethnomedicinal flora in the study area. in different parts of the world.

Family Number of Percentage Informant consensus factor species contribution Different diseases reported from Gulmarg Asteraceae 11 18 Mountainous region were classified into 12 ailment Lamiaceae 5 8 categories (Table 2) in order to develop consensus Pinaceae 3 5 of the informants on medicinal plant species. The Fabaceae 3 5 informant consensus factor (ICF) values ranged from Solanaceae 3 5 0.67-0.83 (Table 5), with highest value of 0.83 for Berberidaceae 2 3 dermatological disorders. Ranunculus arvensis, Brassicaceae 2 3 Lavetera cashmeriana, Rheum emodi, Centaurea Malvaceae 2 3 iberica, Plantago lanceolata were most frequently used plants to treat dermatological problems. During Poaceae 2 3 the study it was found that around 29 plant species Plantaginaceae 2 3 with 162 use reports were used to treat different skin Rosaceae 2 3 diseases. These medicinal plant species also find Polygonaceae 3 5 mention in traditional medicine all over the world and Others 1-each 2 some have already been objectively validated using experimental pharmacological assays. Rananculus Herbal preparation and administration arvensis produces chemicals that belong to many During the present study, it was found that Decoction secondary metabolite classes, such as triterpenes, was the most frequently used mode for herbal recipe saponins, alkaloids, flavonoids, and others, and have preparation with a percentage contribution of 24% been proven to have antioxidant, antibacterial, followed by Paste (21%), Powder (11%), Poultice antiviral, anti-inflammatory, and nematocidal (10%), Infusion (9%), Cooked (7%), Juice (7%), Oil properties (Hachelaf et al. 2015). The phytochemical (3%), rubbed (3%), raw (2%), smoked (1%) and examination of Lavetera cashmeriana root and leaf roasted (1%) (Fig. 4). Our results are in line with extracts revealed a wide range of bioactive other studies (Ribeiro et al. 2010; Shah et al. 2015) compounds. Steroids, saponins, glycosides, showing decoction to be the most preferred herbal alkaloids, flavonoids, gums and mucilages. preparation to cure various diseases. Since Antibacterial activity of L. cashmeriana has been decoction is easy to handle and prepare, and hence documented in human pathogenic bacteria including is the most favored herbal remedy preparation of E. coli, B. cereus, S. aureus, P. aeruginosa, K. local communities in the study area. Some studies pneumoniae, and C. perfringens. It was also found (Barkaoui et al. 2017) reported that decoction that, if appropriately exploited, the roots and leaves enhances the effectiveness of plant extracts and of L. cashmeriana might be used as an antibacterial thereby increasing its bioactivity. People of the study source in the pharmaceutical, food, and cosmetic area use 53% of the herbal recipes internally, while industries (Mir et al. 2017). 46% were used externally which is in line with some

17

40 34 35 30 25 21 20 15 8 8 Percentage 10 6 4 4 4 5 2 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 0

Leaf Fruit Seed Root Bark Stem Resin Bulb Twig Latex Flower Tuber Wood Thorn Rhizome Aerial part Whole plant Plant part used

Figure 3. Percentage contribution of plant parts used

25 21 20

15 11 10 10 9 7 7 Percentage 5 3 3 2 1 1 0

Oil Paste Juice Raw Powder Poultice Infusion Cooked Rubbed Smoked Roasted Herbal recipes

Figure 4. Percentage contribution of herbal recipes

Table 5. Value of informant consensus factor (ICF) for each disease category. Disease Category Number of use reports Number of taxa (Nt) ICF (Nur) Gastrointestinal 158 29 0.82 Dermatological 162 29 0.83 Wounds 45 15 0.68 Nervous disorder 26 8 0.72 Respiratory 51 11 0.80 Gynaecological 60 12 0.81 Skeletomuscular 67 18 0.74 Cardiovascular 10 4 0.67 Antipyretic 40 12 0.72 Ear, Mouth, Eye (EME) 42 11 0.76 Liver and Kidney 15 5 0.71 Body weakness 20 7 0.68

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Rheum emodi is a valuable medicinal plant with a reporting the use of a particular plant species. In the wide range of pharmacological properties. More than present study the fidelity value of medicinal plants 56 compounds have been found in the roots and range from 23-100% (Table 2). Plant species rhizomes of this plant, including flavonoids, lignins, Taraxacum officinale and Viola odorata (for post- phenols, esters, and anthraquininones, which have partum hemorrhage and throat infection antimicrobial, hepatoprotective, antioxidant, and respectively) have the highest fidelity value (100%). antidiabetic properties (Rokaya et al. 2012). Rheum The second highest fidelity value i.e., 93% was emodi is used in the Unani system of medicine to reported for Artemisia absinthium used against treat constipation, cough, and cold (Uniyal et al. worms; followed by Lavetera cashmeriana used 2006). Plantago lanceolata have been shown to against skin irritation by pregnant women (92%); contain Steroids, alkaloids, flavonoids, tannins, Ranunculus arvensis used against fungal infections saponins, glycosides, phenols, and terpenoids and (91%); Mentha arvensis for diarrhea (90%); Juglans the presence of these key phytochemicals in the regia, Rheum emodi used against toothache and plant provides scientific support for its use as a burns respectively (83%); Chenopodium album used medical treatment for a variety of human ailments to stimulate bowl movement (79%); Prunella vulgaris (Fayera et al. 2018). The second highest value i.e., for muscle pain (78%); Centauria iberica for skin 0.82 was calculated for gastrointestinal disorders. rashes(77%); Ajuga bracteosa, Capsella bursa- Artemisia absinthium, Ajuga bracteosa, pastoris, Malva neglecta for Postpartum Chenopodium album and Rumex nepalensis are haemorrhage, body tonic and abdominal pain commonly utilized by the people of study area for the respectively (75%). Plant species having high fidelity treatment of gastrointestinal disorders. For treatment value are more commonly utilized by the native of gastrointestinal disorders 29 plant species with population of the study area to treat various ailments 158 use reports have been recorded in the present as compared to those plants with low fidelity value. study. The third highest value i.e., 0.81 was reported Farooq et al. (2019) reported the highest fidelity for gynecological disorders (12 plant species with 60 value for Taraxacum officinale which in in line with use reports). Capsella bursa-pastoris, Taraxacum our study. Taraxacum officinale is well-known for its officinale, Zizyphus jujube, Trigonella foenum therapeutic potential among the local population of graecum are abundantly utilized by the tribal people Kashmir valley for treating post-partum disorders for treating gynecological disorders. The next ICF (Yousuf et al. 2012, Mir et al. 2021).Viola odorata is value of 0.80 was calculated for respiratory disorders also considered an important medicinal plant in (11 plant species with 51 use reports) followed by Unani and Ayurvedic system of medicine for 0.76 for Ear, Mouth, Eye (EME) diseases (11 plant respiratory disorders (Vohora 1986). Various studies species with 42 use reports); 0.74 for in Kashmir as well have reported Viola odorata to be Skeletomuscular disorders (18 plant species with 67 used against respiratory disorders (Malik et al. use reports); 0.72 for Nervous disorder (8 plant 2011). It has also been reported to possess species with 26 use reports); 0.71 for Liver and antioxidant and diuretic properties (Vishal et al. Kidney disorders (5 plant species with 15 use 2009). reports) and 0.68 for both wound and body weakness. The lowest ICF value of 0.67 was Use value calculated for cardiovascular disorders. 4 species To estimate the relative importance of medicinal including, Allium sativum, Cotula anthemoides, plant species in the study area, use value (UV) was Mentha arvensis and Vitis vinifera were utilized to calculated on the basis of informant’s citations. In our treat such disorders with 10 use reports (Table 4). study use value ranged from 0.13-0.33 (Table 2). Some other ethnomedicinal studies carried out in Achillea millefolium had the highest use value of 0.33 India and other parts of the world also reported a high followed by Chenopodium album, Phytollaca value of ICF for dermatological disorders (Yabesh et acinosa, (0.31 each); Ajuga bracteosa (0.30); al. 2014, Umair et al. 2017, Tounekti et al. 2019). The Cannabis sativa and Senecio chrysanthemoides highest ICF for dermatological disorders suggests (0.28 each). Lowest use value of 0.01 was exhibited that there is a better communication among the by Solanum tuberosum. High use value of medicinal informants and that the knowledge regarding the use plant species indicates the richness of these plants of medicinal plants for treating various diseases of in the region and the dependence of local population skin is shared among them. It can also be attributed on such species for treating various ailments to the fact that such disorders are relatively high in (Hussain et al. 2019). the study area. Many of the plants used by native people in Fidelity value that were found to have high use Fidelity level value recognizes the most preferred value have been mentioned in previous medicinal medicinal plant species used to treat different literatures and are also used in Unani and Ayurvedic ailments and illustrates the fraction of informants medicine systems, and some of the plants

19 mentioned in this study have already been different medicinal plants were reported to have scientifically validated using pharmacological some of the novel medicinal uses (designated in bold assays. Savikin et al. (2013) in their study on letters in Table 3). Of the total 55 ailments treated by traditional use of medicinal plants in South-western using these 26 medicinal plants, 33 were recorded Serbia, Zlatibor district reported a high use value for as novel ailments reported for the first time. Our Achillea millefolium which in in agreement with our study adds some novel ethnomedicinal claims of study. The presence of many chemical constituents, different medicinal plants used in the study area, such as essential oils, sesquiterpenes, phenolic which may serve for pharmacological and compounds, and others, gives Achillea millefolium a phytochemical analysis for the discovery of new broad variety of pharmacological properties, drugs. including spasmolytic, anti-inflammatory, analgesic, haemostatic, anti-diabetic, cholagogue, antitumor, Conclusions antioxidant, antifungal, antiseptic, and liver Medicinal flora forms the pillar of our traditional protective effects (Ali et al. 2017). Local people of the healthcare structure with a huge part of population study area use Chenopodium album to stimulate still dependent on traditional medicines in most of the bowel movement, against Intestinal worms and developing countries. Present study was an attempt Diarrhoea. This plant has been found to have to underline the potential medicinal plants used by antiviral, antifungal, anti-inflammatory, the Gujjar and Bakerwal communities of Gulmarg antiallergenic, antiseptic, and immunomodulatory mountainous region of Baramulla for obtaining their properties (Amjad and Alizad 2012). Chenopodium primary healthcare. It can be concluded from present album has also been claimed to possess strongest research that people of the study area possess a rich anti-breast cancer efficacy (Khoobchandani et al. traditional knowledge inherited from their forefathers 2009). and documentation of this valuable knowledge has provided novel information from the area. Native Phytolacca acinosa is another multi utility medicinal populations still rely on medicinal plant for their plant species used against stomach disorder, primary health care, but at the same time are swelling of nipples and arthritic pain. Tannins, alarmed about the degradation of the flora in wild. It flavonoids, carbohydrates, proteins, polyphenol, was found that the elderly people possessed a great tannins, and phenolic compounds were found in wealth of indigenous knowledge in comparison to the preliminary phytochemical screening of Phytolacca younger ones, this difference in knowledge might be acinosa plant extract, which showed significant due to the changing lifestyle of younger folk, antibacterial and antifungal activity (Manzoor et al. changing views of ethnic communities and the 2017). Ajuga bracteosa is used by the locals to increasing influence of industrialization, due to which relieve abdominal pain. Malik et al. (2011) also traditional medicinal knowledge of plant species is reported Ajuga Bracteosa to cure abdominal pain frequently vanishing at an alarming rate. Therefore, whereas, Uniyal et al. (2006) reported it to cure there is a need to speedily document the important mouth ulcers and breathing problems and Gairola et plants and associated knowledge and to take al. (2014) reported its use against leucorrhea, necessary measures for the conservation of these diarrhea, malaria. Ajuga bracteosa has been used in resources so as to save this treasure; otherwise a medicine since ancient times, with anti-inflammatory, great number of medicinally important plants will antifungal, antibacterial, and anthelmintic properties become extinct in wild Thus, our research could (Israili and Lyoussi 2009). In the present study prove helpful in the direction of the local biodiversity Cannabis sativa is reported to treat depression, catalogues for the conservation of biodiversity. We excessive urination and ear-ache. This plant is well- recommend that species reported with high use known around the world for its stimulating and value (UV) and fidelity level value (FL) should be therapeutic effects, and its formulations have also employed for further phytochemical and been employed in antibacterial experiments (Kreji pharmacological investigation to authenticate this 1958). indigenous knowledge.

Herbal remedies comparative analysis and Declarations novelty of the study The ethnomedicinal data reported in the present List of abbrevations: LF-Leaf, BR-Bark, RS-Resin, study was compared with previously published WP-Whole plant, BL-Blub, AP-Aerial portion, FR- national and international articles (Malik et al. 2011, Fruit, RT-Root, WD, Wood, TH-Thorn, FL-Flower, Bhatia et al. 2014, Shah et al. 2015, Dutt et al. 2015, SD-Seed, RH-Rhizome, ST-Stem, TB-Tuber, TW- Kumar et al. 2015, Singh et al. 2016, Ishtiyak & Twig. Hussain 2017, Jeelani et al. 2018, Mir et al. 2021) Ethics approval and consent to participate: The similar to our study from Northwestern Himalaya. It study was conducted after approval from the local was observed during comparison that a total of 26 government organizations of the area. Prior consent

20 was also taken from the participants before their Jammu and Kashmir. Research Journal of participation in the study. Pharmaceutical, Biological and Chemical Sciences Consent for publication: Not applicable. 3:549-556. Availability of data and materials: The plant specimens were deposited in KASH herbarium of Barkaoui M, Katiria A, Boubaker H, Msanda F. 2017. Ethnobotanical survey of medicinal plants used in Department of Botany, University of Kashmir, Srinagar, India. the traditional treatment of diabetes in Chtouka Ait Baha and Tiznit (Western Anti-Atlas), Morocco. Competing interests: The authors declare no Journal of Ethnopharmacology 198:338–350. competing interests. Funding: No funding was received for this study. Bassam ARH. 2012. Medicinal plants (importance Authors contributions: Muatasim Jan, Tawseef and uses). Pharmaceutica Analytica Acta 3:10. Ahmad Mir, Aijaz Hassan Ganie and Rakesh Kumar Khare did the preliminary work, semi-structured Bhatia H, Sharma YP, Manhas RK, Kumar K. 2014. interviews, plant collection, data generation, drafted Ethnomedicinal plants used by the villagers of district the manuscript, verification and revision of the , J&K, India. Journal of manuscript reviewed and approved the final version Ethnopharmacology 151(2):1005-1018. of the manuscript. All authors have equal Bolson M, Hefler SA, Chaves EID, Junior AG, Junior contribution. ELC. 2015. Ethno-medicinal study of plants used for

treatment of human ailments, with residents of the Acknowledgments surrounding region of forest fragments of Paraná, The authors are thankful to management of Brazil. Journal of Ethnopharmacology 161:1-10. Government Model Science College, Jiwaji University, Gwalior, India for providing necessary Bussmann RW, Glenn A. 2010. Medicinal plants facilities and support to carry out this work. Authors used in Northern Peru for reproductive problems and are highly grateful to local population of Gulmarg female health. Journal of Ethnobiology and Mountainous Region of Baramulla, Jammu and Ethnomedicine 6:30. Kashmir for sharing their indigenous medicinal plant Dar MS, Khuroo AA, Malik AH, Dar GH. 2018. Ethno- knowledge. Authors are grateful to Mr. Akhtar H. veterinary uses of some plants Gujjar and Bakerwal Malik, Curator KASH Herbarium, University of community in Hirpora Wildlife Sanctuary, Kashmir Kashmir, for helping in the identification of plant Himalaya. SKUAST Journal of Research 20(2):181- species. 186.

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