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Journal of Bioresource Management

Volume 7 Issue 3 Article 1

Ethno-medicinal Survey for Some Wild of , Azad & ,

Ramiz Raja Botany Division, Institute of Pure & Applied Biology Bahauddin Zakariya University , [email protected]

Tasveer Zahra Bokhari Botany Division, Institute of Pure & Applied Biology Bahauddin Zakariya University Multan

Shakil Ahmad Botany Division, Institute of Pure & Applied Biology Bahauddin Zakariya University Multan, Pakistan, [email protected]

Saeed Ahmad Malik Botany Division, Institute of Pure & Applied Biology Bahauddin Zakariya University Multan

Kausar Hussain Botany Division, Institute of Pure & Applied Biology Bahauddin Zakariya University Multan

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Recommended Citation Raja, R., Bokhari, T. Z., Ahmad, S., Malik, S. A., Hussain, K., & Nadeem, K. (2020). Ethno-medicinal Survey for Some Wild Plants of Muzaffarabad, Azad Jammu & Kashmir, Pakistan, Journal of Bioresource Management, 7 (3). DOI: https://doi.org/10.35691/JBM.0202.0136 ISSN: 2309-3854 online (Received: Jul 23, 2020; Accepted: Jul 29, 2020; Published: Sep 10, 2020)

This Article is brought to you for free and open access by CORE Scholar. It has been accepted for inclusion in Journal of Bioresource Management by an authorized editor of CORE Scholar. For more information, please contact [email protected]. Ethno-medicinal Survey for Some Wild Plants of Muzaffarabad, Azad Jammu & Kashmir, Pakistan

Authors Ramiz Raja, Tasveer Zahra Bokhari, Shakil Ahmad, Saeed Ahmad Malik, Kausar Hussain, and Kashif Nadeem

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This article is available in Journal of Bioresource Management: https://corescholar.libraries.wright.edu/jbm/vol7/ iss3/1 Raja et al. (2020). Ethno-medicinal Survey for Some Wild Plants of Muzaffarabad J Biores Manag. 7 (3): 1-15

ETHNO-MEDICINAL SURVEY FOR SOME WILD PLANTS OF MUZAFFARABAD, AZAD JAMMU & KASHMIR, PAKISTAN

RAMIZ RAJA, TASVEER ZAHRA BOKHARI, SHAKIL AHMAD, SAEED AHMAD MALIK, KAUSAR HUSSAIN AND KASHIF NADEEM

Botany Division, Institute of Pure & Applied Biology Bahauddin Zakariya University Multan, Pakistan

*Corresponding address: [email protected] ABSTRACT

Wild plants have always held economic, nutritional and medicinal value for human beings. Present work is the study of local information of some wild plants being used for remedial purposes in Muzaffarabad, Azad , Pakistan. The indigenous knowledge of local conventional uses was collected through survey and personal interviews during field trips. A total of 50 species were identified by taxonomic description using field guides and locally by medicinal knowledge of people living in the area. About 150 informers were interviewed randomly to record local names and ethno-medicinal uses of different plant species.

Keywords: Medicinal survey, traditional use, indigenous knowledge, Muzaffarabad

INTRODUCTION inflammatory and antimicrobial properties (Hussain et al., 2013). The consciousness of ethno-botany The application of plants by man increased use and achievement in dates back to the beginning of human life experimentation on plants that lead to on globe. Initially, the use of plants was advancements in production of food and limited to food, drugs and shelter but with medication (Campbell et al., 2002). the passing of time man discovered the However, the current generation value of plants for several other uses. A significantly lacks the valuable knowledge number of manuscripts on remedial plants of plants to the extent where the and their native uses have been published indigenous ethno-botanical information is from different parts of the country at a risk of extinction (Shinwari et al., (Shinwari and Malik, 1989; Bhatti et al., 2002). Hence, there is an urgent need to 2001; Qureshi and Bhatti, 2008; Qureshi et secure the traditional knowledge of al., 2002-2009; Ahmed et al., 2009). medicinal value of wild plants. et al. (2012) investigated the In addition, modern drugs are ethnoveterinary medicinal uses of plants of being used extensively but have a very valley, . They high cost. However, conventional drugs studied 19 belonging to are still a major part of healthcare regime. 14 families. Jan et al. (2011) carried an This is especially true for complicated ethnobotanical exploration in Dir Kohistan cases, like those involving surgical valley. They recorded 65 species out of operations. Particularly, in serious cases which 62 belonged to the angiosperm such as, in postpartum women, when the clade while 3 belonged to the gymnosperm mother’s physical condition quickly clade. These plants are used as medicine as weakens due to excessive loss of blood. In well as for other purposes. such conditions, therapeutic plants are Arshad et al. (2011) reported 48 used in postpartum baths and food plant species identified by their taxonomic supplements for their antioxidant, anti- description and medicinal importance in 1

Raja et al. (2020). Ethno-medicinal Survey for Some Wild Plants of Muzaffarabad J Biores Manag. 7 (3): 1-15

District , Pakistan. Yadave and These plants were showed to local Agarwala (2011) reported seven medicinal elders, hakims and herbalists for the plants from North-eastern . Through collection of information about medicinal their phytochemical analysis they uses by using different self-made concluded that extracts of these plants questionnaires subsequently in which contain medicinally important bioactive different question were asked about the compounds that are used for treatment of uses of local wild plants. Around 150 local different diseases. people including 7 hakims were interviewed, who provided information on MATERIALS AND METHODS the actual medicinal uses of these plants. As per methodology of herbarium, Study area the collected specimens of plants were Muzaffarabad is the capital of the appropriately pressed and then identified Azad Jammu & Kashmir. It is situated (Nasir et al., 1970-2004). The collection between 34.24° latitude and 73.22° was then deposited in the herbarium of longitude in North-East of Pakistan. It Botany Division, Institute of Pure & extends over an area of 2496 square Km. Applied Biology Bahauddin Zakariya The weather of this region falls under sub- University Multan. tropical highland type. The temperature ranges between 42°C to -3°C, with RESULTS average annual rainfall varying between The present study is based on local 1000 to 1300 mm (GOP, 2004). The information of those medicinal plants that topography of Muzaffarabad is hilly and are commonly used in Muzaffarabad, mountainous. The forest types of Azad Kashmir. From the study area a total Muzaffarabad include Sub Tropical Pine of 50 plant species belonging to 31 Forests and Dry Sub Tropical Scrub families were reported. The main focus of Forests (Termizi, 2001). Muzaffarabad this research work was on the traditional District is on the banks of the and remedial uses of plants of the study area. Neelum rivers. Many citizens lead an During field survey 150 local informers uncomplicated and simple life knowing were interviewed using questionnaires for nothing about botany, chemistry and gathering information about medicinal pharmacy. However, they possess uses of plants. The results obtained are traditional medicinal knowledge that they given below. use in day to day life. The general information about the (1) Abutilon indicum L. Sweet study area for the collection of medicinal plants was collected from the local people • Family: Malvaceae of that area before starting of the field • Common name: Jhumka, Karandi, work. Different field trips were arranged Indian Mallow and plants were collected from study area • Part used: whole plant during session (2013). About 7 different • Flower color: bright yellow, sites of Muzaffarabad including Sarran, orange-yellow. Peer Chinnassi, University of Azad Jammu • Flowering period: August to & Kashmir, Domail, Suberi, Chella bandi, September Pani Gran were visited and local plants • Habit and habitat: perennial that were being used in those areas for the shrub and found in sub-Himalayan treatment of different diseases were region. collected.

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Raja et al. (2020). Ethno-medicinal Survey for Some Wild Plants of Muzaffarabad J Biores Manag. 7 (3): 1-15

Medicinal Uses The flower is used as laxative, diuretic, stimulant and tonic for the brain It is astringent, analgesic, anti- as well as female reproductive parts. The inflammatory, anthelmintic, demulcent, plant is mostly used to treat colds, fever sweet, digestive, laxative, expectorant, and purification of blood. Fresh diuretic, and cooling. It is functional in decoction is traditionally used as a cure for gout, tuberculosis, ulcers, bleeding colds and other ailments, common in disorders, and worms. It is also used in childhood. toothache and tender gums. are locally useful for boils and ulcers. Roots (4) Adiantum capillus-veneris Linn. are used in fever, chest infection and urethritis. • Family: Adiantaceae • Common name: Hansraj, Sraj, (2) Achyranthes aspera L. • Part used: leaves • Flower color: no flower • Family: Amaranthaceae • Flowering period: May to August • Common name: Puthknda. • Habit and habitat: a wild herb, • Part used: whole plant. found in cold, moist, and shady • Flower color: papery places along wate r courses in moist • Flowering period: May to clay. December. • Habit and habitat: wild herb and Medicinal Uses terrestrial. It is used for cough, jaundice, Medicinal Uses cold, chest pain, asthma, fever, and measles. Plant is purgative, diuretic, and astringent. It is applied for dropsy, piles, (5) Aerua sanguinilenta L. skin eruptions and colic. Seeds are used for emetic purposes while the root is used • Family: Amaranthaceae as an astringent. Dried powder of this plant • Common name: Kannada is applied for toothache and leaves are • Part used: especially leaves but utilized against snakebites. also roots and flowers.

• Flowering color: white to pale (3) L. pink or pale brown

• Flowering period: September to • Family: October. • Common name: Sultani booti • Habit and habitat: plant is a • Part used: whole plant perennial herb • Flower color: white to pink. • Flowering period: July to Medicinal Uses September. • Habit and habitat: It is a Leaves and small twigs are used as herbaceous perennial plant found a tea against many ailments. Especially in the at an altitude of used for the diseases of the lungs, colds, 1,000 - 3,600 m from Kashmir to catarrh, angina, chest discomfort and Kumaun. pneumonia. Moreover, it is also used for the treatment of kidney disease, infections, Medicinal Uses bladder infections, headaches, liver 3

Raja et al. (2020). Ethno-medicinal Survey for Some Wild Plants of Muzaffarabad J Biores Manag. 7 (3): 1-15 disorders and depression. An extract of • Flower color: red-orange, this plant is effectively used in Pakistan for occasionally white or blue healing of wounds. This plant also has • Flowering period: June to diuretic properties. September • Habit and habitat: an herbaceous (6) Ajuga bracteosa Wall. ex Benth. annual plant on roadsides and waste places, usually in sandy soil. • Family: Labiatae • Common name: Boti Medicinal Uses • Part used: leaves The scarlet pimpernel was • Flowering color: blue, purple, considered as a remedial herb, especially pink, or white flowers, depending for treatment of epilepsy and mental on variety problems. The entire plant is used as • Flowering period: blooms appear antitussive, cholagogue, diaphoretic, in spring to early summer diuretic, expectorant, nervine, purgative, • Habit and habitat: perennial herb stimulant and vulnerary. It can be taken in moist ground and grassy slopes internally or applied externally as a poultice. A mixture is applied for the Medicinal Uses treatment of dropsy, skin infections and Leaves are bitter and used for the disorders of the liver and gall bladder. treatment of fever. The dried young leaves are powdered and eaten three times a day (9) Artemisia maritima L. for throat infection and fever. • Family: Asteraceae (7) Amaranthus viridis Linn. • Common name: Bespuk • Part used: Leaves and Stems • Flower color: yellowish or • Family: Amaranthaceae brownish • Common name: Chalwerae • Flowering period: August and • Part used: whole plant September • Flower color: green to brown, • Habit and habitat: It is a white deciduous shrubby plant; it cannot • Flowering period: April to May grow in shaded places. It prefers • Habit and Habitat: herb and dry or wet soil and can also tolerate terrestrial drought.

Medicinal Uses Medicinal Uses The soft roots of this plant are Plant is used for its antiseptic, anti- boiled and used as laxative. The upper inflammatory and antimalarial properties. areas of the leaves are mixed with mustard Leaves are used for cooling purposes. oil then warmed lightly and are applied to Plant powder is believed to be effective swollen areas and boils. against intestinal worms. The plant is also utilized for brooms. (8) Anagallis arvensis L. (10) Berberis lycium Royle • Family: Primulaceae • Common name: Billi boti • Family: Berberidaceae • Part used: all parts are used 4

Raja et al. (2020). Ethno-medicinal Survey for Some Wild Plants of Muzaffarabad J Biores Manag. 7 (3): 1-15

• Local name: Sumblu • Flowering period: March to May • Flower color: yellow • Habit and habitat: a perennial • Flowering period: April to June rhizomatous herb, found on rocky • Habit & Habitat: It is a shrubby slope crevices in black loamy soil. plant, found at open hill side usually on hot dry slopes to 3000m Medicinal Uses in Kashmir. It is used for ulcers, back pain,

piles, dysentery, and external or internal Medicinal Uses wounds. Root is sour with unlikable taste, used for the treatment of spleen problems, (13) Botanical Name: Convolvulus as a tonic. Intestinal astringent, good for arvensis Linn. cough, chest and throat problems and useful application to boils. • Family: Convolvulaceae • Common name: Khurry (11) Bergenia stracheyi (H. & T.) Eng • Part used: whole plant • Flower color: light pink • Family: Saxifragaceae • Flowering period: February to • Common name: Pashanbheda November • Part used: whole plant • Habit and habitat: a climbing, • Flower color: pink twining herb, found as weed in • Flowering period: June-August fields and wet places in clay • Habit and habitat: It is a semi- loam. deciduous perennial plant that commonly grows on moist rocky Medicinal Uses slopes in Kashmir on much higher The fresh leaves of this plant are and colder altitudes. used as fodder for cattle and also applied for removal of dandruff. Medicinal Uses

The whole plant is used to treat (14) arvensis L. urinary troubles in the form of juice or powder. The leaf juice is also used as • Family: Asteraceae drops to reduce earaches. Root is applied • Common name: field marigold as a tonic in the curing of fever, diarrhea • Part used: leaves, flower and pulmonary affections. It is also used • Flower color: bright yellow to for the treatment of coughs, colds, yellow-orange hemorrhoids, asthma and urinary • Flowering period: June to problems. November • Habit and habitat: an annual herb; it cannot grow in shade. It prefers moist soil (12) Bergenia ciliata (Haw.) Sternb. Medicinal Uses • Family: Saxifragaceae It is used for its astringent, • Common name: Zakham-e-Hayat expectorant and antispasmodic properties. • Part used: rhizome A tea of the petals tones up the circulation • Flower color: pink

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Raja et al. (2020). Ethno-medicinal Survey for Some Wild Plants of Muzaffarabad J Biores Manag. 7 (3): 1-15 and, when taken regularly, can ease • Part used: fruit, seed varicose veins. • Flower color: white (occasionally reddish–red) (15) sativa Linn. • Flowering period: June to August • Habit and habitat: plant is • Family: Cannabinaceae biennial or once-flowering • Common name: Bhang perennial herb and mostly found on • Part used: leaves meadows, banks, river banks, • Flower color: green roadsides and yards. • Flowering period: July to September Medicinal Uses • Habit and habitat: It is a wild herb that typically grows in wet It is a well-known plant that is used and waste places near houses and as household medicine especially for alongside roads. digestive problems. Since it has antispasmodic properties it is used to Medicinal Uses soothe the digestive tract and due to carminative properties to relieve bloating. It is used for body inflammation, It is also applied as a laxative to stop intoxication, loss of appetite in humans griping. The seed of this plant is used for and abdominal swelling due to indigestion its antiseptic, antispasmodic, aromatic, in cattle. carminative, digestive, emmenagogue, expectorant, galactogogue and stimulant (16) Carthamus lanatus L. properties.

• Family: Asteraceae (18) Chenopodium ambrosioides L. • Common name: distaff thistle • Part used: full plant • Family: Amaranthaceae • Flower color: yellow • Common name: Epazote • Flowering period: July through • Part used: leaf, whole plant, seed August • Flower color: yellow • Habit and habitat: Herb; mostly • Flowering time: July to October found amongst rocks, in dry hills • Habit and habitat: forb/herb and also uncultivated ground found at moist places.

Medicinal Uses Medicinal Uses

This plant is used to eliminate the It is mostly used for removal of diseases like anthelmintic, diaphoretic and intestinal worms and parasites, skin febrifuge. parasites, lice, and ringworm. It is also used to treat different diseases like coughs, asthma, bronchitis, and other upper respiratory problems. It strengthens the stomach, liver and bowel for acid reflux, intestinal gas, cramping, chronic constipation, hemorrhoids, etc. (17) Carum carvi L. (19) Chenopodium botrys L. • Family: Apiaceae • Common name: • Family: Chenopodiaceae 6

Raja et al. (2020). Ethno-medicinal Survey for Some Wild Plants of Muzaffarabad J Biores Manag. 7 (3): 1-15

• Common name: Jerusalem Oak • Habit and habitat: fern, Goosefoot woodland, garden, dappled • Part used: whole plant shade, shady edge. • Flower color: yellow-green • Flowering period: July to October Medicinal uses • Habit and habitat: This is a shrubby and is This plant contains an active usually found at waste places, ingredient that paralyses tapeworms and roadsides and disturbed soil. other internal parasites and is also used as Valleys, river terraces, around a worm expellant. It is mostly used as non- houses and roadsides. oily purgative which used to expel the worms from the body. The root of this Medicinal uses plant has toxic effect and its dosage is very critical. The plant is mostly used in the treatment of diseases like catarrh. It is used (22) Equisetum arvense for its anti-asthmatic and anthelmintic • Family: Equisetaceae properties and as a substitute for C. • Common name: Horsetail ambrosioides. • Part used: stem • Flower color: produces green (20) Cynodon dactylon (L.) Pers. spores, no flowers. • Flowering period: April to May • Family: Poaceae. • Habit and habitat: An herbaceous • Common Name: Khabal ghas. perennial plant mostly found in • Part used: whole plant. open fields, arable land, waste • Flowering period: throughout the places, hedgerows and roadsides. year except December to February. • Habit and habitat: wild herb and Medicinal uses terrestrial. The plant is used in the treatment Medicinal Uses of different kinds of diseases such as diuretic, used for kidney and bladder Root is diuretic and laxative. Floral problems, cystitis, urethritis, prostate parts are used as blood purifiers and also disease and internal bleeding. Externally used against dysentery. Powder of grass is application of its decoction will prevent also used as stomachic medicine or tonic the bleeding of injury and encourage that promotes appetite or assists digestion. healing. It is also very effective for nose bleeds. This plant is also used in the treatment of cystitis and other problems of the urinary system.

(21) Dryopteris odontoloma (Moore) C. (23) Erodium cicutarium (L.) L'Hérit. Chr. exAit

• Family: Dryopteridaceae • Family: Geraneaceae • Part used: root • Common name: Stork's Bill • Flower color: yellowish white • Part used: whole plant • Flower color: bright pink flowers 7

Raja et al. (2020). Ethno-medicinal Survey for Some Wild Plants of Muzaffarabad J Biores Manag. 7 (3): 1-15

• Flowering period: June to Medicinal uses September • Habit and habitat: It is an Plant is mostly used to treat herbaceous plant. It can be found in diseases like Vision disorders, skin bare, sandy and grassy places. infections, pimples, and lesions.

Medicinal uses (26) Fumaria indica Hausskn

This whole plant is used for its • Family: Fumariaceae astringent and haemostatic properties. It is • Common name: papra very effective in the treatment of uterine • Part used: whole Plant and other bleeding. Eating the roots and • Flower color: pale-pinkish to leaves of this plant can increase milk flow whitish in nursing mothers. Sores and rashes may • Flowering period: April to May be treated by applying its chewed root on • Habit and habitat: It is an annual effected areas. A tea of its leaves is used as herb, found at high elevation and diaphoretic and diuretic. It is also useful moist places. for the treatment of typhoid fever. Medicinal uses (24) hirta L. The plant is sold with the name of • Family: . pitpapra in markets. It is used to treat • Common name: Lmbi dhodhi. aches and pains, diarrhea, fever, influenza and liver complaints. The herb is mixed • Part used: Leaves and milky latex. with honey to prevent vomiting. The plant • Flowering period: May to August. as a dry form is also is mixed with black • Habit and habitat: It is a wild pepper and used as an anthelmintic, terrestrial herb. diuretic and diaphoretic and for jaundice; it. Medicinal uses

The extract of leaves is used for (27) Galium asperifolium Wall. treatment of asthma, cough, sores, dysentery and diarrhea. This plant is also • Family: Rubiaceae applied for wounds and lip cracks. Milk of • Common name: Rough-Leaved this plant is used to treat sexual disorders. Clivers • Part used: leaves (25) Ficus virgata Wall. ex Roxb. • Flower color: white • Flowering period: June- • Family: Moraceae September. • Common name: Phagwara • Habit and habitat: perennial • Part used: whole plant much branched herb, sloping • Flower color: Orange yellow meadow • Flowering period: April– November Medicinal uses • Habit and habitat: It is a deciduous tree found in waste The plant is used as a tonic for places along with cultivated fields improving good health. in clay soil. (28) Geranium rotundifolium L.

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Raja et al. (2020). Ethno-medicinal Survey for Some Wild Plants of Muzaffarabad J Biores Manag. 7 (3): 1-15

• Family: Geraniaceae on dry walls or as a weed of • Common name: Ratan-jot cultivated ground. • Part used: root • Flower color: pink Medicinal uses • Flowering period: April to June The plant is used as antiphlogistic, • Habit and habitat: herb, found at astringent, demulcent, diuretic, emollient, hedge banks and wall tops etc. expectorant and laxative, a tea can be made from the leaves, flowers or roots is Medicinal uses use as a diet. The leaves and flowers are This plant has astringent and also used for bruises, inflammations, insect diuretic properties. The powdered roots bites etc., or applied internally to treat mixed with sugar and milk are used for diseases linked to the respiratory system. relieving pain in joints and also as The plant also has excellent laxative antispasmodic. Powdered root mixed with properties especially for young children. brown sugar is used against blockage of (31) Mentha arvensis urine/ used to promote urination.

• Family: Lamiaceae (29) Indigofera cassioides Rottler ex DC. • Common name: Podina • Part used: whole plant • Family: Fabaceae • Flower color: white to light purple • Common name: Cassia Indigo or pink • Part used: root • Flowering period: July to August • Flower color: bright pink • Habit and habitat: A herb, that • Flowering period: March to May found at arable land, heaths, damp • Habit and habitat: Cassia Indigo edges of woods is an erect shrub, found in wet areas. Medicinal uses Medicinal uses This plant has antiseptic properties and it is a useful product for digestion. It is The extract of roots is used to treat not good for pregnant women because the coughs. The dried root is also use to high doses can cause an abortion. The applied externally to cure the pains in the whole plant contains anesthetic, chest. antiphlogistic, antispasmodic, antiseptic, (30) Malva neglecta Wallr. aromatic, carminative, diaphoretic, emmenagogue, galactofuge, refrigerant, • Family: Malvaceae stimulant and stomachic properties. • Common name: Panerak Traditionally the leaves are used to make • Part used: leaves and flowers tea which is helpful for the treatment of • Flower color: pale pink to nearly fevers, headaches, digestive disorders and white many other minor diseases. The leaves are • Flowering period: May to considered as a classical medicine for the September treatment of stomach cancer. • Habit and habitat: Forb/herb, (32) Medicago orbicularis L. mostly found at waste and cultivated ground, usually on dry • Family: Fabaceae soils, frequently in coastal habitats, • Common name: Button clover, 9

Raja et al. (2020). Ethno-medicinal Survey for Some Wild Plants of Muzaffarabad J Biores Manag. 7 (3): 1-15

• Part used: whole plant their toothache-relieving, astringent, • Flower color: yellow antiseptic, diuretic and antiperiodic • Flowering period: March to May properties. • Habit and habitat: herb, found on very high elevation (35) Otostegia limbata (Benth.) Boiss

Medicinal uses • Family: Lamiaceae • Common name: booi The plant is used for heart diseases • Part used: whole plant and shortness of breath. • Flower color: pale yellow with orange throat (33) Micromeria biflora Benth. • Flowering period: April-June • Habit and habitat: A shrub, • Family: Lamiaceae mostly found in waste and dry • Common name: Ban ajwain places in dry soil. • Part used: whole plant • Flower color: light pink Medicinal uses • Flowering period: almost throughout the year The whole plant is used for mouth • Habit and habitat: herb and a sores, throat pains, and wound healing. frequent plant found in different The plant is also used as firewood when kinds of habitats, from the plains dry. up to 2400 m. (36) Oxalis corniculata L. Medicinal uses • Family: Oxalidaceae. The flowers and leaves are utilized • Common name: Khati booti, for tea. A root paste is pressed among the • Part used: whole plant. jaws for the treatment of toothache. The • Flower color: yellow plant is also used to treat nose bleeds and • Flowering time: March wounds. The plant juice is also useful in • Habit and habitat: wild herb and the treatment of sinusitis. terrestrial.

(34) Olea ferruginea Royle Medicinal uses

• Family: Oleaceae To stimulate appetite and to aid digestion • Common name: Khona the fresh leaves of this plant are eaten as • Part used: Fruits, leaves and trunk vegetable. • Flower color: whitish

• Flowering period: April to May,

sometimes September

• Habit and habitat: A common

evergreen tree, found as self- (37) Plantago lanceolata L. growing plant in waste places in dry clay loam of lower elevations. • Family: Plantaginaceae • Common name: Ribwort Medicinal uses • Part used: leaves Fruit of this plant is eaten and used • Flower color: white as antidiabetic, and leaves are used for • Flowering period: April to August 10

Raja et al. (2020). Ethno-medicinal Survey for Some Wild Plants of Muzaffarabad J Biores Manag. 7 (3): 1-15

• Habit and habitat: It is an • Habit and habitat: A perennial herbaceous perennial plant. Very herb, usually found in wet places commonly found on pastures, along waterways. roadsides, banks, waste places, preferring dry sandy soil. Present Medicinal uses in all the temperate world. This plant use to cure skin infections Medicinal uses (chambal); and to eradicate germs in dog and cattle wounds. This plant is used for blood purification, to stimulate the liver and (40) Rosa webbiana Wall. exRoyle cleanse the blood. It is useful for all kinds of liver problems, like poor digestion and • Family: Rosaceae assimilation, hepatitis, jaundice, skin • Common name: Jungli gulab eruptions and eruptive personalities. It is a • Part used: flower very useful medicine for bites and stings of • Flower color: strong pink with insects, boils and additional eruptive skin white centre problems and any deep-seated infections. • Flowering period: once in a year • Habit and habitat: shrub, found at (38) Polygonum viviparum L. rocky slopes in arid areas, in grassy places, among forest, in scrub, in • Family: Polygonaceae valleys or near farmlands at • Common name: Alpine bistort elevations of 2000 - 4500 meters. • Part used: root and leaves • Flower color: white or pink Medicinal uses • Flowering period: June to September This plant has anthalmintic • Habit and habitat: An herbaceous properties. perennial found in grassy slopes and alpine steppes (1200-5100 m). (41) Rubus fruiticosus Hook.

Medicinal uses • Family: Rosaceae • Common name: Akhray Its medicinal use is reputedly • Part used: leaves, root and fruit interchangeable with the pink plumes. The • Flower color: white root is edible, high in starch with a flavor • Flowering period: April to June of almonds and used as much as the pink plumes. The leaves may be cooked in Medicinal uses soups or eaten raw in salads. A mixture of leaves is used for diarrhea and some bleedings. Extract of (39) Ranunculus laetus Wall. ex Hook. F roots is used as a medicine for dysentery & Thoms and to aid in bowel movement. This extract is also helpful against whooping • Family: Ranunculaceae cough in its spasmodic stage. Black berries • Common name: Chambel booti, extract and wine are used for painful • Part used: leaves throat. • Flower color: yellow • Flowering period: April to May (42) Rumex hastatus D. Don

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Raja et al. (2020). Ethno-medicinal Survey for Some Wild Plants of Muzaffarabad J Biores Manag. 7 (3): 1-15

The ripe fruits are straight positioned • Family: Polygonaceae among the aching teeth for few minutes to • Common name: Khatimmer relieve pain. The boiled seeds in milk are • Part used: roots and leaves. useful for stomach pain. • Flower color: white • Flowering period: July to (45) Solanum nigrum L. September • Habit and habitat: herb and found • Family: Solanaceae in moist soil. • Common name: Kanch-mach • Part used: leaves, berries and stem Medicinal uses • Flower color: white • Flowering period: February to The extract of roots by boiling in March water is very useful against jaundice. Fresh • Habit and habitat: wild herb and leaves are used by the native people as the terrestrial ethno-phytotherapic treatment against stinging nettle (Urtica dioca). Medicinal uses

(43) Rumex acetosa L. Leaves are energetic and used to treat backbone pain. The fruits of this plant • Family: Polygonaceae are eaten to cure abdominal pain and also • Common name: garden sorrel have laxative properties. Both leaves and • Part used: leaves and stem berries are used in the treatment of heart • Flower color: reddish-green diseases and fever, rheumatism, joint • Flowering period: summer pains, enlargement of spleen, liver and • Habit and habitat: herb hepatitis. Stem is considered very useful for mouth problems. Medicinal uses (46) Trifolium repens L. The leaves in most species have oxalic acid and tannin, and many have • Family: Fabaceae astringent and slightly purgative qualities. • Common name: White Clover • Part used: whole plant (44) Solanum surattense Burm. f. • Flower color: white or cream to pinkish-tinged • Family: Solanaceae • Flowering time: May to October • Common name: Mokri • Habit and habitat: a weedy • Part used: whole plant. herbaceous plant • Flower color: purple • Flowering period: April to Medicinal uses October. The plant is mostly used as • Habit and habitat: wild herb and antirheumatic, antiscrophulatic, terrestrial. depurative, detergent and tonic. A mixture has been used to treat coughs, colds, fevers Medicinal uses and leucorrhoea. The extract of the flowers has been used as eyewash. The plant extract is used to treat sore throat, body pains and fever, (47) Urtica dioica L. rheumatism, cough and chest complaints. 12

Raja et al. (2020). Ethno-medicinal Survey for Some Wild Plants of Muzaffarabad J Biores Manag. 7 (3): 1-15

• Family: Urticaceae Fruit of this plant is used as • Common name: Kayyari laxative and for the purification of blood • Part used: whole plant while leaves extract is useful for • Flower color: Green, yellow green menorrhagia. • Flowering period: August to September (50) Viola canescens Wall. exRoxb.

Medicinal uses • Family: Violaceae • Common name: Himalayan White The plant has diuretic, astringent, Violet tonic and anti-inflammatory properties. It • Part used: whole plant can cause an allergy which can be relieved • Flower color: white and violet by rubbing the leaves of Rumex • Flowering period: March to June. nepalensis. • Habit and habitat: It is a nearly prostrate herb found in the (48) Verbascum thapsus L. Himalayas

• Family: Scrophulariaceae Medicinal uses • Common name: Mullein • Part used: whole plant In vitro, the anti-plasmodial • Flower color: yellow sensitivity of plant extracts was observed. • Flowering period: June to August Flowers and leaves are used for the • Habit and habitat: an herb; it has treatment of cough, cold, fever and been found all over the temperate jaundice. world. DISCUSSION Medicinal uses Ethnobotany is crucial for conservation of plants with medicinal The plant is extensively used for value and risk of over-harvest (Bopana and treatment of diseases due to its emollient Saxena, 2007). This is in favor of the and astringent properties. It is very future generations, so that they may take effective for coughs and related problems advantage from this treasure of God, and is useful against a variety of skin which is a true reward and blessing of problems. nature for mankind. In this study, a total of 50 wild (49) Viburnum continifolium D.Don. plants belonging to 31 different families were collected from the study area. Most • Family: Caprifoliaceae of the plant species examined during the • Common name: Guch survey were dicotyledonous. The most • Part used: leaves, and fruits frequently observed plant species • Flower color: near white, white belonged to family Asteraceae, Lamiaceae • Flowering period: April to May and Amaranthaceae, having 4 species • Habit and habitat: Amongst oak each. While polygonaceae had 3 species. and deodar in forests and Malvaceae, Rosaceae and Geranaceae had shrubberies, affecting open spaces 2 species each. While the rest of the on the rather drier exposures families contributed only one species each. A total of 50 species were collected Medicinal uses and documented from research area, out of these 21 plants were used as diuretic, 29 13

Raja et al. (2020). Ethno-medicinal Survey for Some Wild Plants of Muzaffarabad J Biores Manag. 7 (3): 1-15 astringent, 9 expectorant, 18 tonic, 18 remedies used for the treatment of stimulant, 7 emollient, 16 laxative, 4 diabetes from district antispasmodic, 5 purgative, 1 anti- (Pakistan), Pak J Bot., 41 (6): dyspeptic, 7 anti-diarrhea, 11 anthalmintic 2777-2782. , 11 carminative, 7 anti-inflammatory and Ali H (2003). Trade of medicinal plants in also for some other diseases as well (Nasir Mingora City. M.Sc. Thesis. et al., 1970-2004; Said, 1996; Ahmad, Department of Botany, 2000; Bokhari et al., 2013). Government Postgraduate College, Abutilon indicum and . Achilleamille folium are plants that are Ali H, Ahmad H and Yousaf M (2003). used for the treatment of more than 7 Trade of Local Medicinal Herbs in diseases. Abutilon indicum is diuretic, Mingora City. In: Proceedings of astringent, tonic, expectorant, Workshop on Conservation and anthalminitic, laxative and anti- Sustainable Uses of Medicinal and inflammatory while Achilleamille folium Aromatic Plants of Pakistan. is used for its diuretic, astringent, tonic, Arshad M, Nisar FM, Majeed A, Ismail S expectorant stimulant, anti-spasmodic, and Ahmad M (2011). anti-diarrheal and anti-inflammatory Ethnomedicinal flora in district properties. Sialkot, , Pakistan. Middle In present period, it is alarming for East J Sci Res., 9 (2): 209-214. us that the knowledge of ethnobotany is Bhatti GR, Qureshi R and Shah M (2001). vanishing quickly. Westernization, fall Ethnobotany of Qadanwari of Nara down of conventional cultures and Desert. Pak J Bot., 33 (Special devastation of entire cultural groups is issue): 801-812. responsible (Bussmann and Sharon, 2006). Bokhari TZ, Raja R, Younis U, Bushra E A most important aim of this kind of study and Ummara U (2013). Medicinal is to make sure that native natural history importance of few plants from of turns out to be a living custom in Azad Jammu & Kashmir Pakistan. communities and is being passed on in F J Biol., 3(1): 93-99. word form from time to time. The results Bopana N and Saxena S (2007). Asparagus of this work can later on be utilized for racemosus ethnopharmacological conservation of biodiversity and for evaluation and conservation. J community development (Martin, 1995; Ethnopharmacol., 110: 1-15. Qureshi et al., 2009). Bussmann RW and Sharon D (2006). The main objective of the present Traditional medicinal plant use in study was to document the native Northern Peru: tracking 2000 years knowledge of wild plants of selected sites of healing culture. J Ethnobiol of Muzaffarabad and provide scientific Ethnomed., 2: 47. foundation for additional research Campbell MJ, Hamilton B, Shoemaker M, especially linked to identification of Tagliaferri M, Cohen I and medicinal value of each plant in the study. Tripathy D (2002). Anti- proliferative activity of Chinese REFERENCES medicinal herbs on breast cancer cells in vitro. Oikos, 89: 275-282. Ahmad H (2000). The medicinal plants of GOP (2004). Planning and Development Tharparker, WWF – Pakistan Department, Government of the . State of Azad Jammu & Kashmir: Ahmad H, Khan AA, Ahmed MR, Qureshi pp. 1-7. M, Arshad M, Khan MA and Zafar M (2009). Traditional herbal 14

Raja et al. (2020). Ethno-medicinal Survey for Some Wild Plants of Muzaffarabad J Biores Manag. 7 (3): 1-15

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