Volume 188, 21 July 2016, Pages 57–69
- a Center for Plant Sciences and Biodiversity, University of Swat, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Pakistan
- b William L. Brown Center, Missouri Botanical Garden, St. Louis, USA
- c Department of Organismal Biology, Uppsala University, Sweden
- d Natural History Museum, University of Oslo, Norway
- Received 19 March 2016, Revised 28 April 2016, Accepted 30 April 2016, Available online 3 May 2016
Abstract
Ethnopharmacological relevance
The
traditional use of medicinal plants for the treatment of human and
livestock ailments is important to indigenous communities in the
northern parts of Pakistan, and considered to be a valuable local
biological and sociocultural heritage. The aim of this study was to
obtain a detailed inventory of medicinal plant use and preparation among
Kalasha, Ismaeli and Sunni groups.
Materials and methods
Semi-structured
group and individual interviews were carried out with men and women of
different age groups that identified themselves as being Kalasha,
Ismaeli or Sunni. Interviews were followed up by field visits to collect
herbarium vouchers and record in greater detail the exact methods of
harvesting, preparation and use on medicinal plants.
Results
A
total of 76 species were recorded for treatment of various diseases.
The Kalasha, Ismaili and Sunni ethnic groups have similar medicinal
floras, but show striking differences in plant use. Our comparative
survey shows that out of all species reported in this study, only 13
species have been reported previously from Chitral District.
Conclusions
Indigenous
knowledge of folk medicine is intricately linked to local culture,
religion and history. Any short study can only scratch the surface of
this intricate system, but provide an insight into the critical
importance of medicinal plants for local livelihoods and the important
role these play in health care systems. There is a great need to assess
and properly manage the production potential of medicinal plants to
ensure sustainable supply of these species for local use and subsistence
trade.
Graphical abstract
Keywords
- Ethnic groups;
- Indigenous knowledge;
- Ismaeli;
- Kalasha;
- Medicinal plants;
- Sunni;
- Traditional herbal practitioners
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