Ethnobotanical Investigation of Medicinal Phyto-Diversity in Muzaffargarh District, Punjab
Paper Details
Ethnobotanical Investigation of Medicinal Phyto-Diversity in Muzaffargarh District, Punjab
Abstract
The study explores the ethnobotanical knowledge and medicinal uses of 51 plant species across 33 families in the arid sand dune deserts of Muzaffargarh District, Punjab, Pakistan, focusing on Tehsil Alipur and nearby areas. Field surveys with 506 informants revealed that Moraceae, Cucurbitaceae, and Solanaceae were the most dominant families, with leaves, fruits, and seeds being the most commonly used plant parts due to their accessibility and sustainability. Key medicinal applications included treatments for gastrointestinal, respiratory, and skin disorders, as well as diabetes. Quantitative metrics such as Informant Consensus Factor (ICF), Use Value (UV), and Fidelity Level (FL) highlighted species like Azadirachta indica (FL: 100%), Syzygium cumini (FL: 98%), and Nigella sativa (FL: 94%) as highly valued for their therapeutic properties. The highest ICF values were observed for diabetes management (0.44) and respiratory ailments (0.6). The findings emphasize the critical role of traditional knowledge in disease treatment and bioactive compound discovery, while underscoring the need for conservation to mitigate overexploitation of local flora. Collaborative efforts between researchers and local healers are essential for preserving indigenous knowledge and ensuring the sustainable use of medicinal plants.
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Bushra Azhar, Chandni Zafar, Sara Aiman, Shehzadi saima (2025), Ethnobotanical Investigation of Medicinal Phyto-Diversity in Muzaffargarh District, Punjab; IJB, V26, N1, January, P37-52
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