medicinal plants used in Koh-e-Safaid Range, northern Pakistani- Afghan borders

What is it about?

Most familiar medicinal plants were Withania coagulans, Caralluma tuberculata, and Artemisia absinthium with relative frequency (0.96), (0.90), and (0.86), respectively. The relative importance of Withania coagulans was highest (1.63) followed by Artemisia absinthium (1.34), Caralluma tuberculata (1.20), Cassia fistula (1.10), Thymus linearis (1.06), etc. This study allows identification of novel uses of plants. Abies pindrow, Artemisia scoparia, Nannorrhops ritchiana, Salvia reflexa, and Vincetoxicum cardiostephanum have not been reported previously for their medicinal importance. The study also highlights many medicinal plants used to treat chronic metabolic conditions in patients with diabetes.

Featured Image

Why is it important?

The analyzed data may provide opportunities for extraction of new bioactive constituents and to develop herbal remedies. The study also confirmed that the communities residing in the area have not struggled for conservation of this traditional treasure of indigenous knowledge and medicinal plants. Medicinal plant diversity in the remote and backward area of Koh-e-Safaid Range has great role in maintaining better health conditions of local communities. Therefore, conservation strategies should be adopted for the protection of medicinal plants and traditional knowledge in the study area to sustain them in the future