Ethnobotanical inventory and folk uses of indigenous plants from Pir Nasoora National Park, Azad Jammu and Kashmir

Objective: To document the medicinal and other folk uses of native plants of the area with a view to preserve the ethnobotanical knowledge associated with this area. Methods: The fieldwork was conducted during a period of one year. Data were collected through a semi-structured questionnaire and interviews with indigenous tribal people and traditional health practitioners residing in the study area. Results: The present study documented ethnobotanical uses of 104 plant species belonged to 93 genera and 51 families. Results revealed that most of the documented species were used medicinally (78 spp., 44.07%). Leaves were found to be the most frequently used part (69 spp., 42.86%) for the preparation of indigenous recipes and for fodder. Conclusions: The current research contributes significantly to the ethnobotanical knowledge, and depicts a strong human-plant interaction. There is an urgent need to further document indigenous uses of plants for future domestication.

Role of secondary metabolites of wild marigold in suppression of Johnson grass and Sun spurge

OBJECTIVE: To analyze the wild marigold [(Tagetes minuta L.) (T. minuta)] leaf extract with respect to phytochemicals and allelopathic activity. METHODS: The aqueous extracts of T. minuta leaves at concentrations of 50%, 75% and 100% were prepared. Preliminary phytochemical analysis was carried out and then allelopathic effect of T. minuta on root length, shoot length, germination, fresh and dry weight of Johnson grass and Sun spurge was tested on filter paper and in soil. RESULTS: Qualitative phytochemical analysis showed the presence of alkaloids, tannins, saponins, flavonoides and terpenoids. The higher concentrations proved to be significantly effective in reducing almost all the parameters of Sun spurge and Johnson grass in filter paper bioassay. Supplemented with the soil, all concentrations of leaf extract showed reduction in germination, root and shoot growth, fresh and dry weight of Sun spurge; however, 100% concentration significantly reduced the germination of Johnson grass. CONCLUSIONS: This study suggests that marigold allelochemicals can be used as an integrated weed management for the production of better crop yield.

Role of secondary metabolites of wild marigold in suppression of Johnson grass and Sun spurge

To analyze the wild marigold [(Tagetes minuta L.) (T. minuta)] leaf extract with respect to phytochemicals and allelopathic activity. Methods: The aqueous extracts of T. minuta leaves at concentrations of 50%, 75% and 100%were prepared. Preliminary phytochemical analysis was carried out and then allelopathic effect of T. minuta on root length, shoot length, germination, fresh and dry weight of Johnson grass and Sun spurge was tested on filter paper and in soil. Results: Qualitative phytochemical analysis showed the presence of alkaloids, tannins, saponins, flavonoides and terpenoids. The higher concentrations proved to be significantly effective in reducing almost all the parameters of Sun spurge and Johnson grass in filter paper bioassay. Supplemented with the soil, all concentrations of leaf extract showed reduction in germination, root and shoot growth, fresh and dry weight of Sun spurge; however, 100%concentration significantly reduced the germination of Johnson grass. Conclusions: This study suggests that marigold allelochemicals can be used as an integrated weed management for the production of better crop yield.

In vitro antioxidant activity of methanolic extracts of various parts of Leptadenia pyrotechnica [Forssk.] Decne

Leptadenia pyrotechnica is a desert plant and its unripe fruits are cooked as a vegetable. Besides, this plant is also used for treating various ailments by the dwellers, yet very little is known about its free radical scavenging activity. Methanolic extracts of aerial parts and roots of this plant were evaluated for their free radical scavenging activity through 2,2' diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl [DPPH] scavenging, hydrogen peroxide scavenging and reducing power assays. Results revealed that there is strong free-radical scavenging activity lying in both parts comparable with synthetic antioxidant i.e. Butylated Hydroxy Anisole [BHA]. The activity was found increased in a concentration-dependent manner. Root extracts showed significant DPPH and hydrogen peroxide scavenging activity, whereas highest electron donating capacity was observed in aerial parts extracts [O.D. of 2.38] at a concentration of 100micro g/mL. This research work will be helpful in the discovery of novel antioxidants from L. pyrotechnica that may replace synthetic antioxidants

A review of therapeutic potential of Saussurea lappa-An endangered plant from Himalaya

There are 300 known Saussurea species. Among them, Saussurea lappa (S. lappa) is a representative perennial herb, globally distributed across Himalaya region. S. lappa has been traditionally used in medicines without obvious adverse effects. Despite significant progress in phytochemical and biological analyses of S. lappa over the past few years, inclusive and critical reviews of this plant are anachronistic or quite limited in scope. The present review aims to summarize up-to-date information on the active constituents, pharmacology, traditional uses, trade and challenges in conservation and sustainable use of S. lappa from the literature. In addition to botanical studies and records of the traditional use of S. lappa in over 43 diseases, scientific studies investigating the latent medicinal uses of this species and its constituent phytochemicals for a range of disorders are presented and discussed. The structure, bioactivity, and likely mechanisms of action of S. lappa and its phytochemicals are highlighted. Although some progress has been made, further scrupulous efforts are required to investigate the individual compounds isolated from S. lappa to validate and understand its traditional uses and develop clinical applications. The present review offers preliminary information and gives direction for further basic and clinical research into this plant.

A review of therapeutic potential of Saussurea lappa-An endangered plant from Himalaya

There are 300 known Saussurea species. Among them, Saussurea lappa (S. lappa) is a representative perennial herb, globally distributed across Himalaya region. S. lappa has been traditionally used in medicines without obvious adverse effects. Despite significant progress in phytochemical and biological analyses of S. lappa over the past few years, inclusive and critical reviews of this plant are anachronistic or quite limited in scope. The present review aims to summarize up-to-date information on the active constituents, pharmacology, traditional uses, trade and challenges in conservation and sustainable use of S. lappa from the literature. In addition to botanical studies and records of the traditional use of S. lappa in over 43 diseases, scientific studies investigating the latent medicinal uses of this species and its constituent phytochemicals for a range of disorders are presented and discussed. The structure, bioactivity, and likely mechanisms of action of S. lappa and its phytochemicals are highlighted. Although some progress has been made, further scrupulous efforts are required to investigate the individual compounds isolated from S. lappa to validate and understand its traditional uses and develop clinical applications. The present review offers preliminary information and gives direction for further basic and clinical research into this plant.

Weeds of bitter gourd [Momordica charantia-Linn.] crop in district Sukkur, Sindh, Pakistan

Survey of weeds of bitter gourd Momordica charantia Linn.] crop was carried out during 2000-2001 with the view to check their competition with vegetable crop of bitter gourd from District Sukkur. Five different growing localities viz. Abad, Bagarji, Kando Wahan, Salehpat and Rohri were selected for this study. Twenty six weed species belonging to 15 angiospermic families have been recorded from the study areas. The most dominant species recorded from all selected sites was Convolvulus arvensis with a density% of 33.02. It was followed by Cyperus rotundus, Trianthema portulacastrum, Amaranthus viridis, Corchorus aestuans and Echinochloa crus-galli with density of 3.23-16.18%. Whereas the most frequent species was Cyperus rotundus with frequency% of 96, followed by Cynodon dactylon, Amaranthus viridis, Euphorbia hirta, Echinochloa colona, Portulaca oleracea and Trianthema portulacastrum with a frequency% ranging from 64-72

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

Medicinal plants of cucurbitaceae family growing around Madinat al-Hikmah

Four medicinal plant species belonging to Cucurbitaceae family growing around Madinat al-Hikmah have been identified. These plants are used as folklore medicine in the area under study. Survey of literature exhibiting various uses along with the local uses is being presented in this paper

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