Ethnobotany of amaranthaceae family in Nara desert, Pakistan

This paper is based on the results of an ethnobotanical project on the Nara Desert carried out during 1998-2001. During the survey six plant species belonging to four genera of Amaranthaceae family have been identified from Nara Desert which are extensively used from ethnobotanical point of view. Local inhabitants utilize different parts of these plants to accomplish their primary needs, such as food, forage and fuel. The present study includes common uses of these plants like medicine and veterinary medicine. In addition, for the first time these plants have been explored as source of potential herbal drugs in the study area

Wild gourd. A green medicine

Citrullus colocynthis [Linn.] Schrad. commonly known as Wild Gourd is a well known medicinal herb used in traditional systems of medicine i.e. Unani, Ayurvedic and Homoeopathic systems. Its toxic and medicinal effects are apparent of its drastic purgative action due to the presence of alkaloids. Hence, it is well recognized as a medicinal herb and its main action is on the alimentary tract. This xerophytic herb is not only used as a medicine but its fruit is also used in Jams [Murabba, a preserve made from whole fruit pulp boiled with sugar] and pickles. This plant is commonly found in Nara Desert and is frequently used for digestive complaints in human beings and livestock. An attempt has been made in this paper to explore its potential use in the area under study

Indigenous uses of caesalpinia bonduc [L.] roxb. with particular reference to the people of nara desert, Sindh, Pakistan

Caesalpinia bonduc [Linn.] Roxb., is utilized in alternative systems of medicine i.e. in Ayurvedic and Unani systems of medicine for fever. Local people/Hakims get benefits from the use of this plant as a crude drug particularly in pain and fever. An ethnobotanical survey was conducted to get information about local uses of this plant. This information will be useful to recognize its efficacy in different ailments. The plant specimens are described, identified, illustrated and deposited in the Herbarium of Shah Abdul Latif University, Khairpur for record. In this paper, indigenous uses of the medicinal plant Caesalpinia bonduc [Linn.] Roxb., have been discussed with particular reference to the people of Nara Desert, Sindh, Pakistan

Ethnobotanical observations of achyranthes aspera linn, and aerva spp. with special reference to the people of Nara desert

Achyranthes aspera Linn, and Aerva spp. belonging to Amaranthaceae family, collected from different sites of Nara Desert are regarded as medicinal plants. The local inhabitants are using these plants to cure various diseases of human beings and livestock. In addition to the ethnobotanical data available in this study, the use of Achyranthes aspera Linn, and Aerva spp. as veterinary medicines have been explored as potential herbal drugs in the area. This study aims to further explore and document the potential medicinal values of these plants

Taxonomy and ethnobotany of date palm in district khairpur

Khairpur is the largest city for date fruit production in the province of Sindh. The local inhabitants of this area are very skilled for its curing and processing. They not only supply the fruit to other cities of our country but also export this nutritious item. Taxonomic description along with Ethnobotanical survey was conducted to record indigenous knowledge for its curing and processing and other native uses in various ways

Floristic list of monocots of nara desert, Sindh, Pakistan

Twenty five plant species belonging to 3 monocot families were recorded during the floristic survey of Nara Desert. Thoroughly identified specimens are deposited in the Herbarium of Shah Abdul Latif University Khairpur for record. A checklist is provided in this paper from the floristic point of view

Obnoxious weeds mankind's need

Survey of weeds of sugarcane crop in the District Sukkur was carried out during 1998-1999. Fifty weed species belonging to 21 angiosperm families are reported from sugarcane field. Irrespective of their potential negative effects on crop, due to competition for light, nutrients and space, there are many beneficial aspects of these plants. Poor inhabitants depend on these naturally distributed sources. People use these plant species for fodder, vegetable, fruits and medicine. This study has been carried out to explore the potential beneficial aspects of weeds

Medicinal uses of date fruit [phoenix dactylifera linn.] in district Khairpur, Sindh, Pakistan.

Date is a very delicious fruit. It contains high nutritional and medicinal value and is also a cheaper source of energy and nutrients. The local inhabitants/herbalists [Hakeems] of this area employ this fruit as a natural medicine in different disorders particularly in general debility. Interviews with known elderly people and herbal practitioners were carried out to determine medicinal value of this fruit. This paper reports literature survey and its local uses in order to check its efficacy in various complaints