Diversity and conservation status of herbal formulations used to treat different diseases in a semi-arid to sub-humid subtropical region

• Published in: Journal of herbal medicine 2024-06, Vol.45, p.100864, Article 100864
• Main Authors: Saman, Shazma, Ullah, Irfan, Khan, Abbas, Begum, Shaheen, Ullah, Riaz, Aziz, Muhammad A., Adnan, Muhammad
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Subjects: Conservation status; Diversity; Herbal formulations; Medicinal plants; Traditional knowledge
• ISSN: 2210-8033
• DOI: 10.1016/j.hermed.2024.100864

The current research aimed to discover the diversity and conservation status of medicinal plants used in herbal formulations to treat different diseases in Shakardara and adjacent areas, of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Pakistan. Data were collected using semi-structured questionnaires about the preparation of monoherbal and polyherbal recipes that were used locally. Fidelity level, use value index, preference ranking method, and rapid vulnerability assessment were used for data interpretation. Relevant statistical tools (ANOVA and SPSS software) were used for data analysis. A total of 74 medicinal plants from 39 families were recorded that were used in the preparation of monoherbal and polyherbal formulation. In the study area, 146 recipes were used, of which 101 were monoherbal and 45 were polyherbal. Seeds were the most usable part of plants (28%), followed by fruits (23%) and leaves (21%). The highest informant consensus factor (1.00) was recorded for nail protection and growth, while the lowest (0.83) for wound healing. Withania coagulans Dunal was reported with the highest fidelity level and Peganum harmala L. was the most vulnerable species in the study area, with the highest threat score. Conserving the knowledge and resources associated with the herbal remedies is essential for both human health and ecological balance. Monoherbal and polyherbal formulations of medicinal plants highlight the potential of traditional herbal remedies as valuable sources of alternative medicine. Further research in this field is crucial to explore the therapeutic potential and ensure the safe utilization of these natural remedies in modern healthcare. [Display omitted]