PJB-2023-267
EXPLORING INFORMED CONSENT AND THE UTILIZATION OF TRADITIONAL MEDICINAL PLANTS IN ROUNDU VALLEY, GILGIT BALTISTAN
SHAKEEL HUSSAIN
Abstract
Roundu valley is among the remote regions of Gilgit-Baltistan, and the folks still use natural remedies to meet their primary healthcare needs, but unfortunately, this folk wisdom is dwindling with time due to modern allopathic medicines. Therefore, it was necessary to record the indigenous knowledge for future generations. The present study aimed to explore the medicinal plants used against different ailments in the study area. The knowledge of inhabitants regarding uses of medicinal plants was collected through semi-structured questionnaires, interviews, and focused group discussions. The results were tabulated and analysed in MS excel 2013. FIC, FL, UR, and DMR values were calculated to reveal the importance of plant species for particular diseases. About 123 informants participated in the present survey, out of which (62.92%) were male, and (37.7%) were female, and (38.2%) of respondents were literate, and (61.79%) were illiterate. About 53 plant species from 34 families were practiced in the study area for different cultural practices. Rosaceae was the leading family with (9.43%) species, while maximum use formulation was observed as extract (36%), followed by powder (28%), decoction (26%) other forms (10%). A high FIC value (0.96%) was calculated for antiseptic and a high FL value of 100 was detected for Rosa webbianum, Rumex nepalensis, and Delphinium brunonianum. The most UR value recorded 39.41 for medicinal category which consist of 79% herbs, 9.4% shrubs and 20% trees respectively while DMR results showed highest rank (16) for both Ficus carica and Juglans regia. The current study documents and preserves folk knowledge, and identifies important plant species for further pharmacological endeavours. However, the medicinal flora is under threat, so, conservation efforts are highly recommended.
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