Статья

Plant-based traditional remedies and their role in public health: ethnomedicinal perspectives for a growing population

Xueqin WangSchool of Sociology and Population Studies, Nanjing University of Posts and Telecommunications, Nanjing, ChinaTauseef AnwarDepartment of Botany, The Islamia University of Bahawalpur, Bahawalpur, 63100, Pakistan. [email protected]Huma QureshiHossam S. El‐BeltagiAgricultural Biotechnology Department, College of Agriculture and Food Sciences, King Faisal University, Al-Ahsa, 31982, Saudi Arabia. [email protected]Zobia SeharDepartment of Botany, The Islamia University of Bahawalpur, Bahawalpur, 63100, PakistanDilafruz SolievaDepartment of Botany and Genetics, National University of Uzbekistan, 4 University Str, Tashkent, 100174, UzbekistanBakhrom AzizovDepartment of Plant Science of Oilseed Crops, Tashkent State Agrarian University, University street, 2A, Kibray district, Tashkent region, Tashkent, UzbekistanNazih Y. RebouhDepartment of Environmental Management, Institute of Environmental Engineering, RUDN University, Miklukho-Maklaya St, Moscow, 117198, RussiaMehraj AbbasovInternational Center for Biodiversity and Genomics, Baku Eurasian University, Baku, AzerbaijanF. R. YakubovDepartment of Plant Protection and Quarantine, Tashkent State Agrarian University, 2A Universitet Str, Kibray district, Baku, 100140, Tashkent region, UzbekistanMaryam M. AlomranDepartment of Biology, College of Science, Princess Nourah bint Abdulrahman University, P.O. Box 84428, Riyadh 11671, Saudi Arabia

Journal of Health Population and Nutritionjournal2025en

ABI

Аннотация

BACKGROUND: Traditional plant-based remedies remain essential to public health, especially in regions where formal healthcare access is limited. This study documents ethnomedicinal practices in Tehsil Hasilpur, Punjab, Pakistan, highlighting how growing and diverse populations utilize local flora for therapeutic purposes. METHODS: A total of 421 informants (247 males, 174 females) across 39 villages contributed to the documentation of 39 medicinal plant species from 19 botanical families. Informants represented varied age groups and occupations, including herbalists (25), farmers (18), and Pansars (15). Education levels varied, with 23 illiterate and 18 educated beyond matriculation. Preparation methods included powders (21), juices (15), decoctions (15), and infusions (14), with leaves (35) and whole plants (29) being the most used parts. Quantitative ethnobotanical indices such as Frequency Index, Use Value, and Rank Order Priority were calculated to assess plant significance. Informant Consensus Factor (ICF) was also determined for various ailment categories. RESULTS: Physalis peruviana exhibited the highest Frequency Index (3.78), while Rorippa sylvestris showed notable Use Value (0.57) and Rank Order Priority (32.57) for kidney stones and skin disorders. Informant Consensus Factor values ranged from 0.67 to 1.00, with strong agreement on treatments for ulcers, asthma, and urinary infections. The study also identified novel uses, such as Emex spinosus for fever and pain relief. CONCLUSION: These findings emphasize the cultural and therapeutic relevance of ethnomedicine for growing populations. The preservation and pharmacological validation of such knowledge are vital, especially in areas with limited clinical infrastructure. Integrating scientifically supported traditional remedies into public health strategies could enhance healthcare accessibility while honoring indigenous knowledge systems. CLINICAL TRIAL NUMBER: Not applicable.

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Темы

Ethnobotanical and Medicinal Plants Studies Phytochemicals and Medicinal Plants Complementary and Alternative Medicine Studies

Идентификаторы

DOI: 10.1186/s41043-025-01036-5

Цитирования и источники

Цитирований: 0Использованных источников: 45

Показатели — AkademScholar